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IGP Kashmir calls for robust security presence, heightened surveillance for Independence Day celebrations

Srinagar, Aug 10: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V K Birdi today chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to assess the overall security scenario and review arrangements for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations and other events scheduled to be held across all districts of Kashmir Valley. The meeting was attended by IG BSF Ftr. Hqrs (K), IG CRPF KOS, Addl. Commissioner SB Srinagar, IG CRPF Srinagar, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG CID Kashmir, all range DIsG of Kashmir Zone, DIG Traffic Kashmir, DIG IR/ Armed Kashmir, DIsG of CRPF South/North Srinagar, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSsP of Kashmir Zone, Col GS (IS) 15 Corps, SSsP of Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, CID SB (K), APCR Srinagar, CID CI (K), Security Kashmir, CO. SDRF 1st Bn Srinagar, Traffic City Srinagar, Asstt. Director SIB Srinagar, SP East City Srinagar, SP Cargo, SP South City Srinagar, and other senior officers. At the outset, IGP Kashmir was briefed by senior officers on the security arrangements put in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other events. The District SSPs also briefed the chair about the preparations and security arrangements being made in their respective districts with regard to Independence Day celebrations. The IGP directed all participating officers to ensure that all necessary preparations are completed well in advance. During the meeting, IGP Kashmir reviewed the security arrangements for the various events planned across the valley including rallies and assigned specific responsibilities to concerned officers. The IGP also reviewed the security arrangements for the main function scheduled to be held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, and directed the officers concerned to further strengthen security measures and ensure comprehensive security arrangements for the event. The IGP directed the participating officers to further strengthen security checkpoints, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along the entry and exit routes of the city. He also directed officers to intensify area domination and patrolling, particularly in sensitive and vulnerable areas, to maintain a robust security presence and ensure effective surveillance. IGP Kashmir emphasized strict vigilance against elements inimical to peace and security and called for enhanced alertness across all jurisdictions. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment towards heightened vigilance, enhanced inter-agency coordination and effective implementation of security protocols to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other scheduled events across the Valley.

Kanihamas Kani weavers Honoured With National Award speak to GKTV

Srinagar police attach Rs 4 crore worth property of notorious drug trafficker in Budgam

Srinagar, Aug 10: In continuation of its sustained drive against drug trafficking and narcotic-related activities, Srinagar Police has attached an immovable property in District Budgam, worth approximately Rs 4 crores, belonging to a notorious drug peddler under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. A police spokesperson said that Police Station Khanyar attached the property of Fayaz Ahmad Dar S/o Ghulam Hussain Dar R/o Ichgam, Budgam, in connection with FIR No. 04/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act. The attached property comprises a two-storeyed residential house with an attic structure along with 05 Kanals and 17 Marlas of land, bearing Khasra nos. 415/416, situated at Ichgam, Budgam, with an estimated market value of approximately Rs 4 crores. The property, as per the spokesperson has been attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, 1985, after being identified as an illegally acquired asset, allegedly derived from the proceeds of narcotic drug trafficking. The attachment is part of the ongoing efforts of J&K Police to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and deprive them of assets generated through the illicit drug trade. Such action reflects the commitment of Srinagar Police to target not only the supply of narcotics but also the financial infrastructure that sustains drug trafficking. Srinagar Police reiterated its unwavering commitment to the making the city drug-free and will continue sustained and stringent action against drug traffickers, their associates and illicit assets.

Govt panel on demographic changes reaches Jammu, meets top UT officials

Jammu, Aug 10: A four-member government-constituted committee tasked with studying demographic changes in different parts of the country arrived here on Monday for a three-day visit, officials said. Soon after the team's arrival, which is scheduled to undertake a detailed assessment of various areas during its stay, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat visited the panel at a hotel for a meeting, the officials said. They said the meeting is part of the panels consultations with senior officials as it gathers inputs for its assessment. In May, the central government constituted a high-level committee headed by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar to study demographic changes arising from illegal immigration and other abnormal reasons, and to suggest measures to these changes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the High-powered Demography Mission on August 15 last year, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11. In addition to the Census Commissioner, three distinguished experts -- Durga Shankar Mishra (Retired IAS), Balaji Srivastava (Retired IPS), and Shamika Ravi -- are the members of the Committee. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I), Ministry of Home Affairs, is the Member Secretary of the Committee. The officials said the four-member panel reached Jammu and a presentation was given on demographic overview and changing trends before the arrival of the chief secretary and the DGP to meet the committee, which will continue its engagements till August 12. The officials said the committee is scheduled to visit several areas of Jammu, including settlements inhabited by Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants, as well as areas along the International Border considered sensitive from security and administrative perspectives. The Rohingyas are a Bengali-dialect-speaking Muslim minority in Myanmar. Following persecution in their country, many of them entered India illegally through Bangladesh and took shelter in Jammu and other parts of the country. According to government data, over 13,700 foreigners, including Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshi nationals, are settled in Jammu and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir, where their population has increased by over 6,000 between 2008 and 2016. In March 2021, police found over 270 Rohingyas, including women and children, living illegally in Jammu city during a verification drive and lodged them in a holding centre inside the Kathua Sub-Jail. In the past, several BJP leaders and various right-wing groups have raised concerns over the presence of illegal foreign immigrants in the region, particularly Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals. They have urged the government to identify and deport those found residing illegally in the region, citing concerns over national security, demographic changes and the possible misuse of local resources.

CM Omar says athletes need proper infrastructure, training and support to win national, intl medals

Welfare schemes for hill-based minority communities implemented across country: Rijiju

New Delhi, Aug 10: Ministry of Minority Affairs implemented the following schemes/programmes for socio-economic empowerment of the six (6) centrally notified minority communities namely Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Muslims, Parsis and Sikhs across the country including the state of West Bengal irrespective of any topographic conditions: 1. PRADHAN MANTRI VIRASAT KA SAMVARDHAN (PM VIKAS) The Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), an integrated Central Sector Scheme by combining the five erstwhile livelihood schemes, namely Seekho Aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil, to facilitate opportunities for minority communities in education, skilling and employment. The Scheme comprises four components, namely (i) Skilling and Training, (ii) Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship, (iii) Education, and (iv) Infrastructure Development through convergence with Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), wherever required. 2. PRADHAN MANTRI JAN VIKAS KARYAKRAM (PMJVK) PMJVK, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aims to create community infrastructure in Minority Concentration Areas across the country in sectors such as Health, Education, Skill Development, Women-centric Projects, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sports, Renewable Energy and other community infrastructure. 3. CONCESSIONAL CREDIT SCHEMES OF NATIONAL MINORITIES DEVELOPMENT & FINANCE CORPORATION (NMDFC) So far as NMDFC is concerned, it is functioning to promote the socio-economic development of the notified minority communities, namely Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains, across the country, including hill-based minority communities. Under Credit Line-1 (CL-1), persons having an annual family income of up to 3.00 lakh are eligible for financial assistance under NMDFC schemes. Under Credit Line-2 (CL-2), persons having an annual family income of up to 8.00 lakh are eligible for financial assistance. NMDFC implements its concessional credit schemes through State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the respective State Governments/UT Administrations. In the State of West Bengal, the West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) is the designated State Channelising Agency and implements NMDFC schemes for eligible minority beneficiaries, including those belonging to hill-based minority communities, in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. This information was given by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Ex-terrorist gets life imprisonment in 2020 Srinagar murder case: Srinagar Police

Srinagar, Aug 10: A court has sentenced Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Dar, an ex-terrorist, to life imprisonment for the murder of Abdul Gani Dar in a case registered at Police Station Maisuma in 2020, Srinagar Police said on Monday. According to police, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Gani Dar and a resident of Bichwara, Dalgate, Srinagar, was convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code in FIR No. 03/2020. The court awarded him rigorous imprisonment for life and imposed a fine of 50,000. Police said Dar was among the founding members of Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM), which, according to the police statement, emerged as a terrorist outfit associated with the Jamiat-e-Ahl-e-Hadith movement in Kashmir. Police further said that during his period of militancy, Dar was allegedly involved in various violent activities, including grenade attacks, attacks on security checkpoints, weapon-snatching incidents and targeted killings of civilians and security personnel. He was also allegedly involved in providing logistical support and facilitating networks with other militant outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), before his arrest. The conviction followed an investigation by Srinagar Police and prosecution proceedings before the court, police said. The case, police added, demonstrates that serious criminal offences are pursued through due process irrespective of the accused's background or past association with militancy.

Div Com Kashmir appeals to people to participate in Independence Day celebrations in large numbers

Omar says Cabinet expansion may not conclude before Aug 15; seeks strict action in Bandipora case

Explained: Ethanol in petrolWhat the science says, why the government backs it and why critics remain sceptical

Srinagar, Aug 10: The debate over ethanol-blended petrol has intensified in India after reports that the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) withdrew an industry submission warning about possible damage from contaminated E20 fuel, saying the underlying data required further verification. The Centre has strongly defended its ethanol-blending programme, maintaining that E20 petrol is safe for vehicles designed to use it and that there is no evidence of widespread engine damage. The scientific picture is more nuanced. A 2025 study published in Scientific Reports experimentally examined ethanol-petrol blends from E0 to E30 in a single-cylinder, four-stroke spark-ignition engine. It found that higher ethanol blends could improve some combustion-performance parameters, while also highlighting the effect of ethanol's lower energy content on fuel consumption. But the study does not examine long-term vehicle durability or damage to India's existing vehicle fleet. What is ethanol and why is it added to petrol? Ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from agricultural biomass such as sugarcane and corn. India has progressively increased the proportion of ethanol blended with petrol and has rolled out E20, containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. The policy is intended to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, create a market for agricultural feedstocks and reduce emissions associated with conventional fossil fuels. The study describes bioethanol as a renewable alternative to gasoline and notes its potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and harmful exhaust emissions. What does the science say about mileage? Ethanol has lower energy content than gasoline. The Scientific Reports study explicitly notes that ethanols lower heat of combustion compared to gasoline can result in higher specific fuel consumption and says this may affect engine power and torque. But the relationship between ethanol percentage and engine performance is not simply a matter of adding more ethanol and getting proportionately worse mileage. The researchers tested E0, E10, E20 and E30 under different engine speeds and measured parameters including brake-specific fuel consumption, combustion efficiency, cylinder pressure and exhaust-gas temperature. Interestingly, the study found that E30 improved combustion efficiency by 12.5% compared with E0 at 1,500 rpm. It also reported a 22% reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption in the 2,0002,500 rpm range. These findings should not, however, be interpreted as proof that motorists using E20 will necessarily get better mileage. The experiment was conducted on a single-cylinder laboratory engine, under specified operating conditions. It demonstrates that ethanol concentration can affect engine performance in different ways; it does not provide a direct estimate of real-world mileage across India's car and two-wheeler fleet. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told Parliament: The fuel efficiency of vehicles may be reduced by 2 to 6% depending on the vehicle category and vintage. The tests for engine durability on a dynamometer and vehicle tests on road have not shown any failures due to E20. The actual impact on an individual vehicle will depend on its engine design, calibration, operating conditions and other factors. Why ethanols higher octane matters? One reason ethanol can influence engine performance despite its lower energy content is its higher octane rating. The Scientific Reports paper says ethanol's higher octane rating and oxygen content can promote more complete combustion. It also notes that ethanol's physical and thermal properties make it a viable fuel for spark-ignition engines. The study found measurable changes in combustion efficiency and cylinder pressure as ethanol concentration increased. Maximum cylinder pressure increased with engine speed but remained slightly lower with higher ethanol blends, which the researchers attributed to ethanol's cooling effect. This is why the effect of ethanol cannot be assessed simply by comparing the energy content of ethanol with petrol. Engine operating conditions and calibration also matter. Does the study show lower emissions? The paper says ethanol's oxygen content can support more complete combustion and identifies potential reductions in pollutants including carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. It also discusses ethanol's potential contribution to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, the particular experiment reported in the paper was primarily designed to investigate engine-performance parameters and predictive modelling. It does not establish a percentage reduction in emissions from E20 across India's vehicle fleet. That distinction is important. The study provides evidence that ethanol blends alter combustion behaviour and can improve certain performance parameters under particular conditions. It should not be used to claim that E20 automatically produces a specific reduction in real-world emissions. Governments defence The Centre says E20 was introduced after laboratory testing, field trials and consultations involving organisations including ARAI, SIAM, Indian Oil Corporation, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and automobile manufacturers. The government says testing covered engine durability, drivability, startability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility and emissions, without demonstrating widespread engine failure attributable to E20. Gadkari told Parliament that more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been operating on ethanol blends without verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending. He said: Manufacturer service data confirm that there is no abnormal corrosion, wear or reduction in vehicle life due to E20 fuel. The government also points to countries such as Brazil, where high ethanol blends have been used for decades, and argues that ethanol has generated foreign-exchange savings while creating a market for agricultural feedstocks. These are government arguments; they are separate from the findings of the Scientific Reports study, which does not investigate long-term corrosion, component degradation or vehicle life. What about water contamination? Water contamination has been raised as a concern in the wider E20 debate, particularly because ethanol can interact with water and fuel-storage conditions can affect fuel quality. However, the Scientific Reports study does not investigate water contamination, phase separation or fuel-storage problems. Its experimental work focuses on engine performance, including combustion efficiency, brake-specific fuel consumption, cylinder pressure and exhaust-gas temperature. Therefore, the study cannot be cited as scientific evidence either for or against claims about water contamination in E20. What sceptics say? Critics do not necessarily oppose ethanol blending itself. Their main concern is the speed of the transition and its implications for older vehicles. Vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends may have fuel-system components that were not designed for sustained exposure to higher ethanol concentrations. Concerns have also been raised about mileage, maintenance and performance. But the distinction between engine performance and vehicle durability is important. The Scientific Reports study examines the former. It does not test long-term exposure of seals, hoses, gaskets, injectors or other components to E20, nor does it examine whether older vehicles are more vulnerable to damage. Its experiments covered ethanol concentrations from 0% to 30% and engine speeds from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. The researchers used the resulting data to model parameters such as brake-specific fuel consumption, combustion efficiency and maximum cylinder pressure. So the study provides useful evidence about what ethanol blends can do inside a spark-ignition engine, but it cannot settle the separate question of whether India's older vehicle fleet will experience long-term damage from E20. Rahul Gandhis charge: E20 is stealing from consumers The issue has also become political. On August 7, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi called E20 a very big issue and said the Congress would take it up in a big way. In a video message, Gandhi said: Dont worry, we are going to take up this issue in a massive way because this is destroying peoples cars, destroying peoples scooters, destroying peoples lives and literally stealing directly from them, Gandhi said. He also said: The issue of E-20 is a very big issue. Normally, we say Daal mein kuch kaala hai, but yahaan toh puri Daal hi kaali hai. His claims go beyond the narrower scientific question of engine performance and compatibility, raising questions about who bears the cost of lower mileage, maintenance and the transition to E20. So, is E20 damaging vehicles? The Scientific Reports study does not provide evidence that E20 damages vehicles. But equally, it was not designed to prove that E20 is safe for every vehicle. What it does show is that ethanol blends can significantly alter engine performance. In its laboratory experiment, E30 improved combustion efficiency under one set of conditions and reduced brake-specific fuel consumption in another operating range. At the same time, the researchers note ethanol's lower heat of combustion and its potential to increase specific fuel consumption. That makes the scientific evidence more complicated than either side of the political debate suggests. For vehicles designed and calibrated for E20, the government argues that testing has established safety and durability. For older vehicles, however, the question of long-term compatibility requires evidence that is not provided by this particular study. The larger policy question, therefore, is not simply whether ethanol is good or bad. It is how India balances energy security and agricultural interests with fuel economy, vehicle compatibility, emissions and consumer costsand whether motorists whose vehicles predate the E20 transition bear a disproportionate share of its costs.

DSP, two PSOs injured after tyre of bulletproof vehicle bursts near Awantipora shrine

Awantipora, Aug 10: A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and two Police Officers (PSOs) sustained minor injuries after a tyre of their bulletproof vehicle burst while they were travelling near Ziyarat Sharief Syed Hassan Mantaqi (RA) in Awantipora on Monday, officials said. According to police, the incident occurred when the tyre of the vehicle burst while it was on the move. Officials said the heavy weight of the bulletproof vehicle may have contributed to the incident. A senior police official confirmed the incident to Greater Kashmir , saying the tyre burst occurred while the bulletproof vehicle was being driven, leaving the DSP and two PSOs injured. The official clarified that the injuries sustained by all three personnel are minor and that none of them is in danger. The injured personnel were provided medical attention, officials said.

Ex-accountant who siphoned Rs 1.96 crore held in J-K after 3 years: Delhi Police

New Delhi: A 32-year-old man, who worked as an accountant at a private company in Delhi, has been apprehended in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly misappropriating about Rs 1.96 crore from his employer nearly three years ago, police said on Monday. The accused, Triloki Sharma, was arrested from a factory in J and Ks Samba []

Police use water cannons, tear gas, batons as exam protesters try to reach Jharkhand assembly

Ranchi, Aug 10: Police used water cannons, lobbed tear gas shells, and lathi-charged job aspirants as they breached barricades and closed in on Jharkhand Assembly premises, protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. The Assembly was adjourned for the day in the afternoon. Several protesters claimed they were injured in the police action, which took place when they reached the final barricade near Jagannathpur Temple on the road to the assembly. The baton charge was barbaric. We were protesting peacefully, but the government used batons against us. They can only inflict physical injuries, not harm our thoughts, Piyush Kumar Soni, a protester, told PTI. Many female students sustained injuries. Police hit us on our head, arms, face everywhere, he claimed. Vikram Kumar, who came from Hazaribag district, claimed to have sustained a head injury. Whatever the Hemant Soren government is doing to us is not good. We were protesting peacefully; then why is your police baton charging us, he asked. The march, which coincided with the 51st birthday of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, began from outside the old assembly building around 10.30 am as the protest over the recruitment exam irregularities entered the 17th day. The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha's state unit president Shashank Raj said: Today is a black day for democracy as police used batons on peaceful protesters. Many of the agitators have suffered injuries. He urged the chief minister not to be insensitive towards students' demands. JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a fast for nine days over the issue, joined the march in an ambulance. He was seen carrying a portrait of former chief minister Shibu Soren. Objecting to the installation of barbed-wire barricades along the route of the assembly march, Mahto said anger was brewing among students over the injustices done to them. The government is hell-bent on suppressing our voice. We will not hold any talks now, he said. Armed with tricolours and placards that read Cancel JSSC-CGL Exams or Conduct a CBI Probe, Why is CID escaping from conducting a raid on JSSC? and Conduct an impartial investigation, bring out the truth, thousands of young men and women breached one barricade after the other amid heavy security deployment. As police used water cannons when the march reached Jagannathpur Temple, the demonstrators broke into dance, waving tricolours. But the situation soon escalated when the protesters attempted to march forward, prompting the police to baton charge. Failing to restrain the gathering, the police fired several rounds of tear gas shells when the protesters were about 200 meters away from the assembly. If we cannot reach the assembly, our voices must reach them. We do not fear the government, which is treating us like traitors. We have been compelled to take to the streets, a protester said. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which is spearheading the agitation, said it has deployed around 500 volunteers to prevent anti-social elements from joining the march. JLKM MLA Jairam Mahto, who joined the march a day after holding a fast over the issue, said, The students are protesting peacefully; why is the police trying to restrain them? They are not carrying lathis in their hands. Meanwhile, state minister Sudivya Kumar claimed that the BJP had hijacked the protest for its political ambition. Talking to reporters outside the assembly, he said it was unfortunate that the job aspirants were agitating despite the government fulfilling 95 per cent of their demands. Earlier, replying to a query on the protests in the assembly, Kumar alleged the agitation has shifted from being a students' movement to one dominated by BJP's evil mentality and political designs. Besides imposing prohibitory orders, heavy security was deployed on the entire stretch, around 4 km long, with senior officers keeping a close watch, officials said. More than 1,500 personnel from the Rapid Action Force, Indian Reserve Battalion, district police and QRT have been deployed, they said. The government has held several rounds of talks with the demonstrators, but failed to break the deadlock. The protesters said the government had agreed to cancel only three of the 13 exams they wanted scrapped. The agitators are demanding comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They are also seeking cancellation of several recruitment tests, including the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities, either by the CBI or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.

'Will do it, but not before August 15': CM Omar Abdullah on cabinet expansion

Srinagar, Aug 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the long-awaited expansion of the J&K Council of Ministers will take place, but indicated that the exercise is unlikely to be completed before August 15. Speaking on the issue, Omar Abdullah said the government intends to go ahead with the cabinet expansion and expressed hope that the process would move forward after the Independence Day celebrations. The Chief Ministers remarks come amid growing speculation within political circles over the possible induction of new ministers into the Omar Abdullah-led government. The proposed expansion is expected to address the need for greater representation and strengthen the functioning of various departments as the administration continues to implement its governance agenda across Jammu and Kashmir. While Omar did not disclose the names of prospective ministers or provide a specific date for the expansion, his statement makes it clear that the exercise is on the governments agenda. Will do it, but not before August 15, Omar said, indicating that the cabinet expansion could be taken up after the Independence Day programme. The development is being closely watched by political circles in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly amid discussions within the ruling alliance regarding ministerial representation and allocation of portfolios. The Chief Minister is expected to take forward consultations on the matter before the final decision is announced. (KNC)

J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma vows world-class infrastructure, training and support for athletes

Sakina Itoo visits students injured in Jammu accident, says government will order a probe

CIK arrests two Kashmir residents over alleged radical propaganda on social media

Srinagar, Aug 10: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has arrested two suspects in connection with a case involving the alleged dissemination of radical and anti-national content through social media platforms, officials said today. The arrests followed searches conducted by the CIK on August 8 at multiple locations across the Kashmir Valley in connection with FIR No. 03/2023 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under Sections 505 and 153-A of the IPC and Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During the searches, investigators seized six digital devices and seven SIM cards, which have been taken up for detailed examination, officials said. The two suspects arrested on Sunday, August 9, have been identified as Mehran Qazi, son of Atta Mohammad Qazi, a resident of Hiller Shahbad, Dooru, Anantnag, and Babar Hamid Dar, son of Abdul Hamid Dar, a resident of Chankan, Sopore. According to the CIK, the case pertains to the alleged dissemination of radical and anti-national content through social media platforms. During the course of the investigation, the two arrested suspects were allegedly found to have shared content containing what investigators described as radical and anti-national overtones. The material allegedly included radical narratives, glorification and projection of individuals associated with terrorism, propagation of extremist viewpoints and narratives that investigators believe had the potential to influence or radicalise impressionable minds. The CIK said the investigation is currently underway and the seized digital material is being subjected to further examination in accordance with law. Further action will follow based on the findings of the ongoing investigation, officials said.

Countdown begins for BSmart National Ad Film Contest in Bengaluru

The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of 2 lakh, the first runner-up will win 1 lakh and the second-runner up will take home 60,000

CM Omar congratulates two Kashmiri artisans on receiving National Handloom Award from President Murmu

Srinagar, Aug 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday congratulated the two artisan weavers of Kashmir, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, after they received the prestigious National Handloom Award from President of India Droupadi Murmu. Recognised for their exceptional craftsmanship in weaving the exquisite Chanddar Kani Shawl, their achievement celebrates the timeless legacy and artistic excellence of Jammu and Kashmirs handloom tradition, the Chief Minister said. Omar said the government remains committed to empowering local artisans, preserving traditional heritage, and promoting indigenous crafts on national and global platforms.

Security beefed up in Srinagar ahead of Independence Day celebrations

Govt introduces bill in LS to change Kerala's name to Keralam

New Delhi, Aug 10: The government introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday to rename 'Kerala' as 'Keralam' after the state assembly adopted a resolution two years ago. The Kerala government had forwarded to the Centre a resolution passed by the state's legislative assembly regarding the name change in June 2024. Subsequently, the President of India referred a bill to the state legislature for expressing its views and later, the state assembly adopted a unanimous resolution agreeing with the bill. On Monday, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai introduced the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 amid Opposition din over various issues. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 provides for such alteration of name of the State of Kerala and contains necessary amendments to the provisions of the Constitution and also consequential provisions, according to the bill's Statement of Objects and Reasons. Amendments will be made in the First Schedule to the Constitution by modifying the name of state of 'Kerala' as 'Keralam' in accordance with article 3 of the Constitution.

Two arrested after 12-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted in Bandipora

Bandipora, Aug 10: Two persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, police said on Monday. Police received information about the alleged incident around noon on Sunday, following which an investigation was immediately initiated to ascertain the circumstances of the case and identify those involved. During the course of the investigation, police identified two suspects who, according to officials, were not previously known to the minor. A senior police officer said the two accused were apprehended during overnight raids conducted at different locations as part of the investigation. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of law, including sections applicable to offences against children, and further investigation is underway. Police said efforts are continuing to establish all facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. [KNT]

Earthquake of magnitude 4.2 felt in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi, Aug 10: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 was felt in various parts of Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district early Monday morning, officials said. The officials stated that there have been no reports of any casualty so far. According to a report issued by the District Emergency Operation Centre in Uttarkashi, the earthquake was felt at 1:21 am. According to the report, the earthquake's epicentre was located at a depth of 10 km near the Rajgarhi area of Barkot tehsil. Tremors were felt across several areas of the Yamuna valley, including Uttarkashi, Barkot, Purola, Mori, Chinyalisaur and Dunda, with people rushing out of their buildings Officials said that information has been gathered from tehsildars, police station and outpost in-charges, revenue sub-inspectors and village heads. There have been no reports of casualties or any major damage so far, they added.

Exam protesters set to march to Jharkhand Assembly even as govt says '98 pc demands fulfilled'

Ranchi, Aug 10: Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations refused to call off their stir and are set to march towards the Assembly on Monday, the 17th day of the agitation, even though the government said it has accepted 98 per cent of the demands. Even though the talks failed to make any headway, the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), which is at the centre of the turmoil, saw a major shake-up on Sunday. All three JPSC members -- Ajeeta Bhattacharya, the wife of prominent JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharyya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad resigned on Sunday. The development came after the Jharkhand CID summoned the three for questioning over allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks. Bhattacharya is scheduled to be questioned on Monday, Ahmad on August 12 and Hansda on August 14. JPSC chairperson L Khiangte resigned on July 22. Various political and non-political outfits have extended support to the students' movement, which is among the biggest such agitations in Jharkhand in recent years. The support came after the sixth round of talks between the government and student representatives failed to break the deadlock on Sunday, with protesters insisting on a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, including the JSSC-CGL exam. Sensing that the agitators' proposed march to the Assembly may spark law-and-order issues and even violence, massive security arrangements have been put in place. Most of the schools in Ranchi remained closed on Monday. Security personnel have been deployed in strength on the way leading to the Assembly, where prohibitory orders have been clamped within a 750-meter radius till August 12. The situation remains fraught as talks failed even though the government said that it has accepted 98 per cent of students' demands. However, the protesters said the government had agreed to cancel only three of the 13 exams they wanted scrapped. We will not compromise till our demand for a CBI probe is fulfilled, JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said after the talks and appealed to students to join Monday's Assembly march. The student leaders have appealed to political parties and the public to extend moral support to the agitation without giving it a political colour. They maintain that the march will be peaceful and democratic and warned against attempts by anti-social elements to disrupt it. The government has urged students to withdraw the agitation and return to dialogue, maintaining that it has accepted most of their demands. Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar, a member of the government panel entrusted with talking to the students, said it was unfortunate that students were continuing their agitation despite the government agreeing to 98 per cent of their demands. The state has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC examination, proposed an ED probe into financial irregularities in the JPSC examination and announced a fast-track court that would file charge sheets within 90 days. It has also proposed an expert panel involving representatives from IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIM Ranchi and XLRI Jamshedpur to suggest examination reforms and a separate panel headed by a retired High Court judge to examine the JSSC-CGL issue. The government has also launched a portal seeking students' suggestions on examination reforms and said it would frame a standard operating procedure to ensure transparency in future recruitment examinations. However, it refused to accept the demand for a CBI probe into the JSSC-CGL examination, stating that the conduct of the exam was monitored by the high court and the Supreme Court. Six protesters are still on their indefinite hunger strike. As the health of Devendra Nath Mahto deteriorated early on Sunday after his blood glucose level dropped, ministers spoke to him through a video call and urged him to end his fast. The talks on Sunday followed several rounds of meetings between the government and different student organisations, including the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, NSUI, Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha and Adivasi Chhatra Sangh, since Friday. The governments outreach has failed to convince the principal student group, which has described the fresh negotiations as political manoeuvring and continued to insist on an independent probe. Nineteen people have so far been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations. Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured protesting youths that those responsible for examination irregularities would face strict action and that justice would be delivered transparently. He urged students not to allow the agitation to be politicised and favoured dialogue over confrontation. Governor Gangwar also appealed to the students to resolve the issue through dialogue, saying the governments doors remained open and that the authorities did not want to compromise the future of students.

Indian student arrested in Germany for girlfriends murder in Arizona

Through close coordination between TPD, the FBI Tucson Office and the FBI Legal Attache Office in Berlin, Batchigari was taken into custody upon his arrival in Germany, preventing him from continuing his travel, Tucson Police said in a statement

Israel rejects Trump's Gaza plan, more details emerge on Strait of Hormuz and other Mideast news

Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels struck a government-held port on the country's Red Sea coast, deepening fears over threats to strategic shipping routes and a potential return to civil war

Op Sindoor sent global message India will go to any extent to protect citizens: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of the Indian armed forces and sent a global message that India would go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens. Addressing the Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra blood donation camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Rajnath Singh said, Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women. He commended the armed forces for eliminating terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensuring that those who dared to cast an evil eye on India faced dire consequences. Drawing a parallel between Operation Sindoor and the blood donation campaign, Rajnath Singh said while the military operation showcased courage, the mega blood donation camp represented compassion. Around 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra participated in the campaign, demonstrating the spirit of selfless service and solidarity with the Defence Forces. Expressing gratitude to the donors, Rajnath Singh said the blood donated during the camp would serve as a reserve for soldiers and their families in times of need. He described blood donation as Jivandan and Mahadan, stressing that despite advances in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has yet been developed. Since blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, Rajnath Singh said, blood donation remained one of the noblest forms of charity. The Defence Minister said every blood donor and recipient was, in their own way, serving the nation. He urged people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture. When we celebrate 100 years of our independence in 2047, our aim should not be limited to a developed economy; we must also envision a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe, and precious resources like blood are readily available in times of need, he said. Rajnath Singh also called upon the youth to prioritise fitness, saying a healthy and fit individual becomes a greater asset to society and is better equipped to undertake noble causes such as blood donation. He said initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were encouraging citizens, particularly the youth, to make fitness a way of life. Highlighting Maharashtras tradition of valour and compassion, Rajnath Singh said the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continued to inspire generations. The true purpose of physical strength lies in protecting others and safeguarding the nation, he said, adding that the contribution of athletes and wrestlers from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would be remembered as a noble service to the nation. The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Ayush Pratap Rao Jadhav, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Ravindra Samant, MP Dr Srikant Lata Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, DG Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Adjutant General Lt Gen VPS Kaushik and Commandant, Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Maj Gen Vishal Chaudhary, besides senior military and civil officials. For the Armed Forces Medical Services, maintaining adequate blood reserves is particularly important as military hospitals cater not only to routine healthcare needs but also to operational, trauma and emergency contingencies.

Amit Shah presents Presidents Colours to Puducherry Police

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday presented the Presidents Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the forces bravery, dedication and service. Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy were among those present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said Puducherry was a living symbol of the spiritual and cultural consciousness of South India and described the conferment of the Presidents Colours as a recognition of the forces bravery, hard work and dedication. Today, the Puducherry Police has joined the ranks of police forces in the country that have been awarded the Presidents Colours, he said. Amit Shah said receiving the Presidents Colours was one of the most prestigious moments for any police force. The Puducherry Police is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting Puducherry, ensuring its internal security and safeguarding its honour, he said, adding that the force had received the prestigious honour in recognition of its hard work, valour, service and dedication. Referring to Puducherrys history, Amit Shah said that despite having remained under French rule for a long period, the Union Territory has preserved its Indian identity and spiritual vitality. He noted that the post of Director General of Police was created in Puducherry on October 1, 1963, and said that since then, the Puducherry Police had strengthened the internal security of this border region. On criminal justice reforms, Amit Shah said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had replaced the penal codes enacted by the British with three new criminal laws. These new laws are not merely punitive in nature; rather, their objective is to ensure justice for citizens in a technology-enabled and time-bound manner, he said. Amit Shah said the new criminal laws were built on three pillars: Technology, Timeline and Trust. The Home Minister also highlighted steps taken by the Centre to strengthen the Union Territories, saying Prime Minister Modi had taken several steps over the past 12 years to strengthen the Union Territories. He said the Central Government had undertaken several development projects for Puducherry, including the four-laning of National Highway 332-A at a cost of 2,200 crore. The Modi Government has constructed an extended runway here, approximately 3,400 metres long and 45 metres wide, Amit Shah said. He also compared the development assistance provided to Puducherry before and after 2014. From 1950 to 2014, the Government of India had provided only 3,500 crore to Puducherry for developmental works. From 2014 to 2026, the Modi Government has provided 13,762 crore for the development of Puducherry, which is nearly four times the amount provided earlier, he said. Amit Shah said that over the past nine years, the Centre had also facilitated industrial investments worth 39,000 crore in Puducherry. He said people of the Union Territory had benefited from several Central schemes, including Lakhpati Didi, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, construction of toilets, the free foodgrain scheme, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Direct Benefit Transfer.

Thousands gather at Sopores Tujar Sharief for Urs of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib(RA)

Thousands of devotees from different parts of Kashmir gathered at Peth Astaan, Tujar Sharief, in Sopore for the 548th Urs-e-Pak of Mehboob-ul-Aalam Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib (RA). The Urs began on 13 Safar-ul-Muzaffar and will continue till 25 Safar-ul-Muzaffar. Devotees have been visiting the revered Ziyarat Sharief during the 13-day observance to offer prayers, pay obeisance and seek blessings. Several sacred Tabarukaat were displayed before the devotees, including the Holy Quran, Kamar Band Sharief, Qulah-e-Mubarak (Topi), Tasbeeh Dana and Kanga Sharief. The display drew large numbers of devotees who observed the occasion with reverence and devotion. Moulvi Peer Gh. Nabi Shuloora of Kupwara participated in the religious proceedings and appreciated the arrangements made by the authorities and the Awqaaf Committee for devotees. SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib-JKPS, along with other police officials, visited the Ziyarat Sharief and reviewed arrangements for the congregation. Traffic management, crowd regulation and security arrangements around the shrine were also assessed. Police and civil administration personnel were deployed at key points to regulate traffic and manage the gathering. Volunteers associated with the Awqaaf Committee assisted in facilitating the movement of devotees and maintaining orderly arrangements. Speaking to the media, Peerzada Mohammad Sultan Makhdoomi, chairman of the Awqaaf Committee, Peth Astaan Tujar Sharief, thanked the Sopore Police, civil administration, volunteers and local community for their efforts. He appreciated the coordinated arrangements, saying they helped devotees participate in the religious observances without inconvenience. The congregation concluded peacefully, with coordinated efforts by the police, civil administration, Awqaaf Committee and local volunteers ensuring smooth traffic movement, crowd management and security throughout the event.

Chontiwari Doban village in Kupwaras Machil lacks basic amenities

Residents of Chontiwari Doban village in Kupwaras Machil sector have urged authorities to improve basic amenities, particularly health care facilities, alleging that the remote village has long been neglected. The residents said a health centre was sanctioned in the village following repeated pleas, but it continues to function with inadequate staff and infrastructure, forcing a population of more than 3,000 to depend on health facilities several kilometres away. After repeated pleas to successive dispensations, a health centre was sanctioned here, but it has always remained understaffed, due to which a population of over 3,000 is suffering, a local resident said. The residents said the health centre needs to be properly staffed and its infrastructure upgraded, particularly given the difficult winter conditions in the area. They said heavy snowfall often cuts off parts of Machil, with snow accumulation reaching 5 to 6 feet, making it extremely difficult for patients from Chontiwari Doban to reach the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Duddi. During winters, when the entire Machil witnesses 5 to 6 feet of snow, it becomes impossible for us to move out of our homes and reach Machil, another resident said. The locals claimed that several patients have died in the past while being taken to PHC Duddi, citing the difficult terrain, long distance and harsh winter conditions. They also sought the availability of a gynaecologist at the Chontiwari Doban health centre, saying women in the area face considerable difficulties in accessing timely medical care. As our village is several kilometres from PHC Duddi, the need of the hour is to develop the infrastructure at the Chontiwari Doban health centre to lessen the miseries of the people, a resident said. The residents have sought the intervention of Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address their grievances and ensure better health care and other basic facilities in the remote village. Responding to the concerns, Lone told Greater Kashmir that he is working to upgrade PHC Duddi Machil into a Sub-District Hospital. Once that is materialised, the people in Machil will get better health care services, he said.

Baramulla-Uri highway closure triggers hours-long traffic jam on Khadniyar road

The ongoing widening of the Baramulla-Uri highway on Sunday triggered fresh traffic woes as a temporary closure of the highway at Danakha Mode left hundreds of commuters stranded for hours on the alternate road from Khadniyar area. The Baramulla-Uri highway was closed near Danakha Mode from 7am to 5pm on Sunday to facilitate hill-cutting work at the site. The district administration Baramulla issued an order to temporary close the Baramulla-Uri highway at Danakha Mode in view of hill-cutting saying that there were apprehension of landslides during the execution of the work and the need to prevent any loss of life or property. An official said the restriction was necessary in view of previous incidents of minor landslides in the area, which had also prompted temporary restrictions on vehicular movement. However, the diversion of traffic through the Khadniyar road created chaos as the road remained heavily congested for several hours. Commuters said the alternate road, carrying traffic from both directions, has developed potholes and has not received adequate repairs. The commuters said the diversion made it difficult for motorists to reach their destinations on time. According to eyewitnesses, the traffic snarl stretched for hours as the vehicles were stuck from both sides of the road. They also complained of alleged inadequate traffic management, adding to the chaos. It was really chaotic as the traffic remained blocked on the road. There was no proper traffic management on the road, a passenger from Srinagar, who had come to attend a condolence meeting in Uri, told Greater Kashmir. The widening of the Baramulla-Uri highway is currently being executed at a brisk pace, with men and machinery deployed from dawn to dusk. While the project is aimed at improving connectivity along the strategic route, the ongoing construction has periodically resulted in traffic bottlenecks, particularly at stretches where heavy machinery occupies road space. Commuters said that whenever traffic is diverted from the main highway, the alternate routes should be kept motorable and adequate traffic regulation should be put in place to prevent prolonged congestion and inconvenience to the public. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) traffic (rural) Mujahid Nazir said traffic police were deployed at several spots to regulate movement. Our men were there at designated spots. We cannot deploy them at each spot. People must develop proper driving sense rather than blaming others, DySP traffic rural told Greater Kashmir. He said that drivers do not follow proper lane driving but are always in a hurry to reach their destination. This was the basic reason for today's traffic congestion, he added.

As Kashmir chokes on its own waste, Baramulla youth refuse to look away

A group of young volunteers in north Kashmir has decided to stop waiting for someone else to clean up the mess as plastic chokes waterways, waste piles up at tourist destinations and open dumping scars neighbourhood. The initiative has been taken by a group of youth as Kashmirs environmental crisis are no longer confined to polluted water bodies or overflowing garbage dumps but has become a crisis of public responsibility. Over 50 youth volunteers of the Youth Welfare Committee (YWC) of Nowpora village in Baramulla district have taken the charge for cleaning garbage from drains, public pathways and vacant plots that had turned into dumping grounds. The waste was segregated and handed over to municipal sanitation workers for disposal. But the exercise was intended to be more than another cleanliness drive. The government has its limitations. We cannot keep blaming authorities while we continue to litter our own surroundings. Every individual must own this responsibility for their own well-being, said Imtiyaz Khanday, a senior functionary of the committee. The intervention comes as J&K is facing a mounting solid-waste challenge. Urban areas generate more than 1,500 metric tonnes of waste every day, putting enormous pressure on collection, segregation and disposal systems. Drains remain clogged with plastic and household waste, vacant spaces have become informal dumping grounds and water bodies continue to bear the brunt of indiscriminate disposal. Destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg repeatedly face waste-management challenges during periods of heavy tourist footfall. Over the years the issue did not move ahead of the blame game as the residents blame authorities while the officials cite lack of public cooperation and departments point to inadequate infrastructure. In view of this volunteers of Nowpora village have made an attempt to break the pattern. The cleanup received support from local residents as several people have joined the volunteers in removing debris and segregating waste. This is what we need. People must take a lead instead of waiting for the municipality to act. If every locality does it, half our problems will be solved, said Ghulam Nabi, a local shopkeeper. The YWC has decided to make the initiative a regular exercise a sit has announced plans to conduct cleanliness drives every Sunday. The group is also preparing an awareness campaign in local schools with a hope to make waste management and environmental responsibility part of childrens everyday habits. Cleanliness is not a one-day event. It is a continuous process. Our goal is to make Nowpora a model for other localities to follow, said Lone Mehraj, another senior member of the group. Earlier this year, a community-led initiative in south Kashmirs Kulgam district helped restore the polluted Sandran rivulet. The move showed how sustained local participation can revive water bodies that were damaged by years of neglect and waste dumping.

Baramulla commuters hit by train delays, service suspension

Hundreds of commuters, including government employees, healthcare workers and students, are facing inconvenience as the morning train to Baramulla frequently runs late, while an afternoon service to Banihal remains suspended. Commuters said Train No. 74625, scheduled to reach Baramulla at 10:10 am, has been arriving 30 minutes to an hour late in recent weeks, affecting office attendance and daily schedules. The train is primarily used by employees working in government offices, colleges, hospitals and GMC Baramulla. The repeated delays have become a serious concern as many of us struggle to reach our offices on time, said Bilal Ahmad, a college employee from Budgam. Passengers said the delays had become frequent, causing inconvenience to those dependent on the railway for affordable and timely transport. Adding to their concerns is the suspension of Train No. 74632, which used to leave Baramulla for Banihal at 3:45 pm. The suspension of the 3:45 pm train is the biggest issue, especially for employees. Due to its suspension, employees and other commuters face enormous problems, said another commuter from south Kashmir. Commuters said the withdrawal of the service had left them with limited afternoon travel options, forcing many to rely on costly road transport or wait for the next available train. The suspension has created significant inconvenience, especially for office-goers and students returning home after work and classes, another commuter said, appealing to the authorities to restore the service. Public Relations Officer (PRO), Railways, Baramulla, Raghvinder Singh, said the 3:45 pm Baramulla-Banihal train had been temporarily suspended for maintenance work. The service will be resumed soon, Singh said. On complaints regarding the delayed morning train, Singh said the department would look into the matter and take appropriate steps.

In Shopian, a farmer turns his rooftop into a diverse organic garden

In a district better known for its sprawling apple orchards, 55-year-old farmer Haroon Rashid has turned the terrace of his home into a small but unusually diverse farm, growing around 100 varieties of herbs, vegetables and fruit. A resident of Vehil village in south Kashmirs Shopian district, Rashid cultivates both traditional and exotic varieties on the terrace of the second floor of his house. He relies on organic manure rather than chemical fertilisers for his crops. I cultivate both horticulture and agriculture crops, Rashid said. Spread over an area measuring about 40 feet by 42 feet, the terrace garden includes a variety of vegetables and herbs. Rashid also grows oranges, adding another crop to the diverse mix cultivated on his rooftop. He said he earns between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000 annually from the terrace garden, despite the limited space. The input cost is less because I use organic manure and grow the crops myself, Rashid said. Rashid said his decision to avoid chemical fertilisers was partly driven by concerns over their increasing use in conventional farming. Shopian is known for apples, but there has been a lot of use of chemical fertilisers. I believe this affects soil and health, he said. His rooftop garden is a small-scale experiment, but it also demonstrates how unused spaces can be converted into productive areas for food cultivation. Instead of relying on a single commercial crop, Rashid has diversified his terrace with vegetables, herbs and fruit. He said he grows around 100 varieties of herbs, along with vegetables and fruit, experimenting with crops that are both familiar to local consumers and less commonly cultivated in the area. Rashids approach reflects the diversity of farming traditionally practised in Kashmir, while adapting it to a space where conventional farming would otherwise be difficult. His terrace allows him to cultivate several crops simultaneously without requiring a large tract of agricultural land. For Rashid, the garden is not merely a source of additional income but also a way of demonstrating that food can be produced with fewer chemical inputs. The earnings, Rashid said, are an added incentive. With relatively low input costs, the terrace garden provides him with an additional annual income. For the 55-year-old farmer, the experiment is proof that farming need not always depend on large orchards or fields. Even a small space can be productive if it is properly utilised, Rashid said.

Parliamentary panel flags J&Ks growing drug menace; seeks tougher crackdown on trafficking

Drug abuse has emerged as a major social, public health and law-and-order challenge in Jammu and Kashmir, with the administration attributing its spread to cross-border trafficking, organised narcotics networks, psychological stress and socio-economic vulnerabilities, according to inputs provided to a Parliamentary panel. The issue came up during the field visit of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs to Jammu and Kashmir, where the panel sought to ascertain whether drug abuse had emerged as a major challenge in the Union Territory and the factors driving its spread. The scale of the problem is reflected in official data placed before Parliament. The Ministry of Home Affairs has said that 2,232 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in J&K in 2023. Of these, 1,640 cases related to possession for trafficking, while 592 involved possession for personal use or consumption. The administration told the committee that the Union Territorys geographical location and vulnerability to cross-border trafficking had contributed significantly to the availability of narcotics. Drugs entering through international borders and infiltration routes, coupled with organised trafficking networks and local peddlers, have increased the supply of narcotic and synthetic substances. Authorities also highlighted the security dimension of the problem, saying narcotics trafficking was being used as a source of illegal financing by organised criminal and anti-national elements. The nexus between drug trafficking and illicit financing has consequently made the drug menace not only a public health concern but also an internal security challenge. The administration identified stress, trauma, prolonged exposure to conflict, social uncertainty and emotional disturbances among the factors contributing to addiction tendencies, particularly among vulnerable sections of society. Other factors cited included unemployment and economic distress among youth, peer influence, changing social behaviour, exposure to social media, inadequate awareness, weakening family supervision and reluctance within society to identify and address substance abuse at an early stage. The authorities said the increased availability of narcotics had also produced wider social consequences, including deterioration in physical and mental health, criminal activity, family disintegration, social instability and economic distress. The scale of enforcement has also increased sharply this year. During the first month of the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, launched in April 2026, J&K Police registered 724 NDPS cases and arrested 806 persons. Police also seized 667.5 kg of narcotic substances, including 5.22 kg of heroin, and recovered more than 19,000 units of psychotropic drugs during the period from April 11 to May 12. Twenty-four habitual offenders were also booked under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act. The crackdown was subsequently expanded under the 100-day anti-drug campaign. By its completion in July, authorities had reported 2,581 arrests, seizure of nearly 1,431 kg of narcotics, including 23.29 kg of heroin, and confiscation of assets worth more than Rs 188.89 crore, aimed at disrupting the financial networks supporting the illicit trade. The administration told the Parliamentary committee that tackling the menace required a multi-dimensional strategy combining stringent law enforcement with intelligence-led operations, public awareness, rehabilitation, educational interventions and community participation. The committee expressed concern over the increasing incidence of drug abuse, particularly among youth, and recommended stronger intelligence-led action against cross-border narcotics trafficking and improved coordination among law-enforcement agencies, educational institutions, health departments and community organisations. It also recommended expanding de-addiction and counselling facilities at the district level and intensifying awareness programmes targeting students, parents and vulnerable communities. The panel stressed that equal emphasis should be placed on prevention, early intervention, de-addiction, rehabilitation and the social reintegration of affected persons, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. It further recommended periodic reviews of the anti-drug campaign to assess its effectiveness and ensure a sustained reduction in drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir.

J&Ks Drug Fight Widens: 1.03 lakh addicts treated, 7,730 traffickers arrested in 3 years

Jammu and Kashmir has intensified its fight against substance abuse, with 1,03,716 drug users treated and rehabilitated over the past three years, while law enforcement agencies arrested 7,730 drug traffickers during 2023-25, according to data furnished by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the Lok Sabha. The government data, based on interventions under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), shows that the Union Territory has also undertaken an extensive awareness campaign, with more than 1.20 crore people sensitised about the dangers of substance abuse. The figures were provided in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1411 regarding drug de-addiction awareness camps in Jammu and Kashmir. The reply was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma on July 28, 2026. According to the government, 1,03,716 drug users were treated and rehabilitated during 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26. The year-wise figures show that 35,639 drug users were treated and rehabilitated during 2023-24. The number increased to 39,711 in 2024-25 before standing at 28,366 during 2025-26. Over the same three-year period, 31,136 awareness programmes were conducted across Jammu and Kashmir, through which 1,01,27,675 people were sensitised. The year-wise data shows that 18,939 awareness programmes were conducted during 2023-24, reaching 10,02,860 people. In 2024-25, 5,851 programmes were held and 84,99,948 people were sensitised. During 2025-26, another 6,346 programmes were conducted, reaching 6,24,867 people. The broader NMBA outreach figures are even higher. The government said more than 1.20 crore people have been sensitised in Jammu and Kashmir under the campaign, including more than 69.14 lakh youth and 51.20 lakh women. As many as 8,565 Nasha Mukt Mitras have also joined the campaign in J&K, adding a community-based component to the governments anti-drug efforts. Alongside awareness and treatment, the government has reported a substantial enforcement response against drug trafficking. A total of 3,072 drug traffickers were arrested in 2023, followed by 2,158 arrests in 2024 and 2,500 arrests in 2025. Together, the three-year figure stands at 7,730 arrests. The governments response indicates that the anti-drug strategy in J&K is being pursued on multiple fronts, combining enforcement against trafficking with demand-reduction measures, awareness generation, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. Under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for preventive education and awareness generation, capacity building and programmes aimed at reducing drug demand. Financial assistance is also provided to NGOs and voluntary organisations for running Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Community based Peer Led Intervention (CPLI) programmes, Outreach and Drop In Centres (ODICs) and District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs). Government hospitals are supported through Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). In Jammu and Kashmir, the government has supported one IRCA, three ODICs, two CPLIs, six DDACs and 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities in government hospitals. The 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities have been established through the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi. The government has provided a district-wise list of these 21 treatment facilities. They include Government Medical College, Anantnag; Government District Hospital, Bandipora; Government Medical College, Baramulla; District Hospital Budgam; Government Medical College and Hospital Doda; District Hospital Ganderbal; Government Medical College Jammu; Government Medical College Kathua; District Hospital Kishtwar; District Hospital Kulgam; District Hospital Kupwara; District Hospital Poonch; District Hospital Pulwama; District Hospital Ramban; Government Medical College and Hospital Rajouri; District Hospital Samba; District Hospital Shopian; the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Government Medical College Srinagar; SKIMS Srinagar; GMC&H Udhampur; and District Hospital Reasi. The NGO-supported network extends across several districts. The government has also highlighted the availability of a national de-addiction helpline, 14446, maintained by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The helpline provides primary counselling and immediate referral services to people seeking assistance for substance-use problems. More than 4.6 lakh calls have been received through the helpline so far, including more than 11,000 calls from Jammu and Kashmir. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was initially launched on August 15, 2020, covering 272 districts identified as vulnerable on the basis of inputs from the Narcotics Control Bureau and findings of the first National Survey. The campaign was subsequently extended to all districts of the country from August 2023. The campaign focuses on spreading awareness about substance use, with particular emphasis on higher educational institutions, universities, campuses and schools. Nationally, the campaign has reportedly sensitised more than 29.05 crore people, including over 11.05 crore youth and 7.81 crore women. More than 1.17 lakh Nasha Mukt Mitras have joined the campaign across the country. The government said implementation of the campaign is regularly reviewed with States and Union Territories through monthly review meetings, Chintan Shivirs and National-Level Conferences. States and UTs are followed up to establish State-, District- and Block-level NMBA committees and hold their meetings regularly.

J&K has over 4.1 lakh pending cases in Courts; 26,873 pending for more than 10 years

Jammu and Kashmir has more than 4.1 lakh cases pending before its courts, with a significant number of cases having remained unresolved for more than five and 10 years, according to the latest data furnished by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice in the Lok Sabha. The figures, based on data available on the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) as on July 30, 2026, were provided in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3371 on Cases Pendency and e-Courts Project. According to the data, 3,65,645 cases were pending before Jammu and Kashmirs District and Subordinate Courts as on July 30. Of these, 20,767 cases had been pending for more than 10 years, while 63,876 cases had been pending for more than five years. At the High Court level, the government has reported 44,557 pending cases before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The data shows that 6,106 of these cases had been pending for more than 10 years, while 7,328 had remained pending for more than five years. Taken together, the figures amount to 4,10,202 pending cases, or more than 4.1 lakh cases. However, the government has clubbed Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the High Court data, and therefore the 44,557 High Court cases cannot be separated into J&K and Ladakh on the basis of the parliamentary reply. For reporting purposes, the overall figure of over 4.1 lakh represents the combined figure obtained by adding the J&K District and Subordinate Courts pendency to the jointly reported High Court pendency. The long-pending cases constitute a substantial portion of the backlog. The District and Subordinate Courts in J&K alone have 20,767 cases pending for more than a decade and 63,876 pending for more than five years. At the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, 6,106 cases have crossed the 10-year mark and 7,328 have crossed the five-year mark. The figures show that the bulk of the pending cases are concentrated in the District and Subordinate Courts. Their 3,65,645 cases account for nearly 89 per cent of the 4,10,202 cases represented by the combined figures. The government has separately provided data for Ladakhs District and Subordinate Courts. These courts had 1,745 pending cases as on July 30, 2026, including 12 cases pending for more than 10 years and 98 cases pending for more than five years. The Centre has been pursuing digitisation and technology-based interventions as part of its efforts to address judicial pendency. The Government has approved Phase III of the e-Courts Project for 2023-27 with a budget outlay of Rs 7,210 crore. The third phase aims to transform courts into digital and paperless institutions, expand video-conferencing facilities to all courts, jails and hospitals, and integrate various stakeholders of the criminal justice system. It also envisages universal saturation of eSewa Kendras and creation of a cloud-based repository for storing digitised court records and applications. The project further provides for deployment of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Optical Character Recognition, for case analysis and forecasting. According to the government, more than 753 crore pages of court records have been digitised nationally so far, while 2,584 eSewa Kendras have been established. Courts across the country have conducted more than 4.18 crore hearings through video-conferencing facilities, while approximately 1.25 crore cases have been filed electronically through the eFiling platform. A Digital Courts platform has also been developed to provide judges with a paperless court ecosystem. The government has also disclosed the financial progress under Phase III of the e-Courts Project. During 2023-24, the budget allocation was Rs 825 crore, against which expenditure stood at Rs 768.25 crore. In 2024-25, Rs 1,200 crore was allocated and Rs 1,029.11 crore spent. For 2025-26, the allocation was Rs 1,200 crore, against expenditure of Rs 717.45 crore. For 2026-27, Rs 1,200 crore has been allocated, while expenditure reported in the reply stands at Rs 29 crore. The total allocation for the four years was Rs 3,225 crore, against cumulative expenditure of Rs 2,543.81 crore. The allocations for 2023-24 and 2024-25 were revised estimates. On judicial infrastructure, the Centre said the primary responsibility for developing infrastructure facilities for District and Subordinate Courts rests with State Governments and Union Territories. To supplement their resources, the Central Government has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary in the District and Subordinate Courts since 1993-94. The scheme covers five componentscourt halls, residential units for judicial officers, lawyers halls, toilet complexes and digital computer rooms. Since the inception of the scheme, Rs 12,858.25 crore has been provided to States and Union Territories up to June 30, 2026. As of June 30, 2026, the sanctioned strength of judicial officers nationally stood at 30,825 against a working strength of 21,411. The country had 22,639 court halls and 21,495 residential units for judicial officers, according to the government.

Cheap, Colourful and Untraceable: Suspicious snacks flood rural Kashmir

Small, brightly coloured plastic bottles of drinks, loose candies sold from large jars, unbranded chips, chocolates and savoury snacks packed in flimsy plastic pouches are a common sight in vends and shops across Kashmir's towns and villages, and many parts of the city as well. These products carry little or no information about who manufactured them, where they were made and what ingredients they contain, putting a question mark over the health risks these pose. These products are priced cheap, and are especially popular among children. The widespread sale of colored, flavored water in fancy packs, sprays and terta-packs has raised concerns among public. The consumers, stakeholders believe, are being lured ito consuming products that appears suspicious even on the cursory examination. In addition, the lack of adequate label details, or false details on labels denies consumers the information needed to make informed choices. Under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, packaged food is required to display name and address of the manufacturer or packer, ingredient list, net quantity, batch or lot number, date of manufacture or packing, best-before or expiry date. In addition, these must also have accurate nutritional information. However, the flood of low-cost snacks and confectionery products sold in peripheral markets make it impossible for consumers to verify their origin or shelf life. Children are among the biggest consumers of these products. These are displayed on vending carts and small shacks outside schools, targeting children on their way to and from schools. Parents find it difficult to prevent their children from getting attracted to the colourful packaging, while they remain uncertain about their quality. Public health experts warn that absence of proper labelling does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. However, the packaging in non-foodgrade packs and plastics is a definite risk. In addition, it prevents consumers and regulators from knowing what exactly is being consumed. Sans the ingredient lists, people with food allergies cannot get cautioned about potential allergens. The missing manufacturing details also make it hard for food safety regulators to trace products in case of contamination. During Kashmir's warm summer months, the poor-quality packaging can also expose food to moisture, dust and contamination. Food safety officials underlined the legal requirement for all food business operators, irrespective of size, are required to comply with food safety standards. Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar, Yameen ul Nabi said that selling packaged food without mandatory labelling can attract regulatory action under food safety laws. He said market surveillance was on and many such cases have been found and legal action taken. He said inspections in rural and semi-urban areas and greater public awareness are needed to address the issue better. Consumers must avoid purchasing packaged foods that do not carry essential labelling information, especially when intended for children, he said.

EXPLAINER: MSME Development (Amendment) Bill 2026: What It Means for Small Businesses

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Development) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to strengthen the regulatory and institutional framework for Indias MSME sector, with a particular focus on delayed payments, faster dispute resolution, improved recovery of dues and greater flexibility for States. The amendments are significant for MSMEs because delayed payments from buyers can disrupt cash flows, affect working capital and make it difficult for smaller enterprises to maintain production and employment. Here are the key provisions and what they mean: 1. MSME classification gets a clearer statutory basis The amendments incorporate investment in plant and machinery and turnover as the two criteria for determining the classification of MSMEs. The Bill also provides for Udyam Registration as a digital, free and voluntary registration platform for enterprises. The move is aimed at simplifying the registration process and creating a more accessible formal framework for MSMEs. 2. Faster resolution of delayed-payment disputes Delayed payments are among the major challenges faced by small businesses. The amendments seek to provide MSMEs with quicker avenues for resolving disputes over unpaid dues. An Online Dispute Resolution mechanism has been provided to facilitate faster and cost-effective settlement of disputes. This could reduce the dependence on lengthy conventional proceedings and help enterprises recover money that is tied up in disputes. 3. Time-bound mediation and arbitration The amendments introduce specific timelines for adjudicating delayed-payment disputes through mediation and arbitration. The objective is to prevent cases involving relatively straightforward payment claims from remaining unresolved for prolonged periods. Faster settlement can help MSMEs restore their working capital and continue business operations without prolonged financial uncertainty. 4. Stronger mechanism to recover outstanding dues The amendments also strengthen the enforcement of settlements and awards. A mediated settlement agreement or arbitration award can be recovered as an arrear of land revenue through the District Collector, Deputy Commissioner or another notified authority in the jurisdiction where the buyers assets are located. This provision is intended to give greater enforceability to decisions in favour of MSMEs and improve the chances of recovering money from defaulting buyers. 5. Push for faster invoice payments through TReDS The Bill seeks to promote the use of the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) for MSME transactions. Central Public Sector Enterprises will be required to route the settlement of invoices through TReDS for goods and services procured from MSMEs. States are also empowered to encourage their public-sector enterprises to use the platform. TReDS allows eligible invoices raised by MSMEs to be discounted, enabling businesses to receive funds earlier instead of waiting for the buyers payment cycle to end. 6. More MSME Facilitation Councils The amendments provide States with greater flexibility to establish multiple Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Councils (MSEFCs). The move is aimed at improving the capacity of the dispute-resolution system. Instead of concentrating payment-related disputes in a limited number of forums, States can establish additional councils to facilitate faster disposal. The amendment also empowers State Governments to make rules for the functioning of these councils. Why the changes matter For a small enterprise, an unpaid invoice can have consequences far beyond a single transaction. Delayed payments can affect salaries, raw-material purchases, loan repayments and the ability to accept new orders. The amendments therefore focus on the payment cycle as an important part of the MSME ecosystem. Faster dispute resolution, stronger recovery mechanisms and wider use of digital platforms such as TReDS could help reduce the financial pressure caused by delayed payments. The changes also seek to make the MSME institutional framework more flexible by allowing States to establish multiple facilitation councils according to their requirements. With MSMEs playing a major role in employment, manufacturing, services and supply chains, the broader objective of the amendments is to create a more efficient business environment for smaller enterprises, improve their access to timely payments and strengthen their ability to grow.

Lithium exploration activities underway in Reasi for field season 2026-27

Mineral exploration activities for Lithium bearing laterite in north-west and south-east of the Salal-Haimna blocks are underway in Jangalgali and Panasa areas of Reasi district for the field season 2026-2027. Explored by Geological Survey of India (GSI), Salal-Haimna and Kotla mineral blocks of J&K will be among critical and strategic mineral blocks for which the Ministry of Mines of Government of India will launch the 8th tranche of the auction in financial year 2026-27. Salal-Haimna Lithium, Titanium and Aluminous Laterite block, spread in 4.18 sq km area, is proposed for Mining Lease (ML) while Kotla Lithium, Gallium, Titanium and Aluminous laterite block, spread in 1.5 sq km area, is proposed for Composite License (CL). J&K Mining Department revealed that the Geological Survey of India (GSI), after reconnaissance survey of 5 Sq km undertook only 3 Sq km area during field seasons 2020-2022 and carried out exploration at G3 level in Salal-Haimna area and estimated 5.9 million tonnes of inferred resource of lithium bearing aluminous laterite resources. The auction was conducted by the Ministry of Mines with poor response. Only two bidders qualified in 2024 when bids were opened and qualified, preferred bidders were announced. The department, in an information furnished to J&K Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment, chaired by CPI-M MLA M Y Tarigami, during its meeting on August 6, 2026, stated that G-2 stage of exploration was carried out in same Salal-Haimna block, during field season 2025-26 over 4.18 sq km mapped area, estimating 3.29 million tonnes of lithium bearing aluminous laterite resources. The report was handed over to the J&K government. The follow up action is being taken by the Department. In addition, the associated resources of aluminium and titanium have also been assessed in the laterite, it has been revealed. In this connection, the department has submitted the requisite information to the Ministry of Government of India. During its meeting on August 6, the Committee on Environment J&K Legislative Assembly had assessed the functioning of the Geology and Mining Department. Calling for zero tolerance against illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir, the chairperson of the panel said that natural resources belonged to the people and their indiscriminate exploitation would not be allowed. He stressed that the department must move from paper monitoring to ground and satellite monitoring to ensure scientific and transparent extraction of minerals. Technology, especially satellite surveillance, GPS tracking and digital monitoring has to become our first line of defence against illegal mining, he asserted. The panel also asked the officers to ensure strict enforcement of mining laws, curb illegal extraction, expedite technology-based monitoring including GPS tracking, e-permits, e-challans and the Unified Mining Portal. They stressed that inter-departmental coordination with Revenue, Police, Forest and district administrations must be strengthened to safeguard the environment and maximise revenue for the UT.

LIC Q1 profit rises 22.8% to Rs 13,492 Crore

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 22.81 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax (PAT) to ` 13,492 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared with ` 10,986 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The company's Value of New Business (VNB) recorded a sharper growth of 61.32 per cent, rising to ` 3,136 crore from ` 1,944 crore a year earlier. The net VNB margin also expanded by 750 basis points to 22.9 per cent from 15.4 per cent in Q1 FY26. The LIC Board of Directors approved and adopted the standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. LIC said it continued to maintain its leadership in the Indian life insurance market, with an overall market share of 60.10 per cent based on First Year Premium Income (FYPI), according to IRDAI data. Its market share stood at 38.89 per cent in the individual business and 70.90 per cent in the group business during the quarter. Total premium income increased 6.75 per cent to ` 1,27,250 crore in Q1 FY27 from ` 1,19,200 crore in the same period of the previous year. Individual business premium income rose 5.52 per cent to ` 75,416 crore from ` 71,474 crore, while total group business premium income increased 8.61 per cent to ` 51,834 crore from ` 47,726 crore. LIC sold 31,02,281 policies in the individual segment during the quarter, compared with 30,39,709 policies in Q1 FY26, registering a growth of 2.06 per cent. On an Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) basis, total premium stood at 13,692 crore, an increase of 8.22 per cent over 12,652 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Individual business accounted for 55.01 per cent of total APE at 7,532 crore, while group business contributed 44.99 per cent at 6,160 crore. Individual business APE increased 6.67 per cent from 7,061 crore, while group business APE rose 10.20 per cent from 5,590 crore. Within the individual business, the share of participating products stood at 67.51 per cent, or 5,085 crore, while non-participating products accounted for 32.49 per cent, or 2,447 crore. Non-par APE increased 14.24 per cent from 2,142 crore in Q1 FY26 to 2,447 crore in Q1 FY27. Consequently, the share of non-par products within individual business increased to 32.49 per cent from 30.34 per cent a year earlier. LIC's solvency ratio improved to 2.42 as on June 30, 2026, from 2.17 as on June 30, 2025. The company's Assets Under Management (AUM) increased 4.10 per cent year-on-year to 59,39,384 crore as on June 30, 2026, compared with 57,05,341 crore a year earlier. However, the overall expense ratio increased marginally to 10.63 per cent from 10.47 per cent, an increase of 16 basis points. The yield on investments on policyholders' funds, excluding unrealised gains, stood at 8.28 per cent during the quarter, compared with 8.45 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year. LIC's persistency ratios showed a mixed trend. On a premium basis, the 13th-month and 61st-month persistency ratios stood at 75.33 per cent and 61.12 per cent, respectively, compared with 75.63 per cent and 63.85 per cent a year earlier. On a number-of-policies basis, the 13th-month persistency ratio improved to 66.45 per cent from 64.35 per cent, while the 61st-month ratio declined to 48.74 per cent from 51.12 per cent. LIC CEO and Managing Director R Doraiswamy said the corporation had maintained its leadership in both individual and group business despite increasing competition in the life insurance industry. We are happy to maintain our leadership in both Individual and Group Business during the first quarter of this financial year, despite increasing competitive intensity in the life insurance industry, Doraiswamy said. He said LIC's overall market share based on First Year Premium Income stood at 60.10 per cent during the first quarter of FY2026-27, adding that the growth in VNB and expansion in VNB margin reflected the company's product diversification and distribution strategy. He welcomed the new shareholders and thanked existing shareholders who participated in the OFS for their continued confidence in LIC.

Aqsa Hafiz: Young entrepreneur with Kashmir at heart

Some stories of Kashmir are written in books, others are woven into fabric. For Aqsa Hafiz, an MBA graduate in her early twenties, the story of Kashmir is being told through threads, stitches, colours, and craftsmanship. With her apparel venture Girly Sherly, Aqsa is attempting to create a space where Kashmirs rich traditional artistry can meet the tastes of a new generation. What began as a young entrepreneurs venture has a larger idea at its heart that the Valleys traditional arts and crafts should not merely be preserved as memories of the past, but should continue to live, evolve, and find admirers among younger generations. Operating through its Instagram handle @Girly.sherly_, Girly Sherly describes itself as a premium Kashmiri clothing brand specialising in authentic Tilla and Aari craftsmanship. The brand offers handcrafted outfits made with quality fabrics, bringing together the intricate artistry associated with Kashmir and a contemporary sense of elegance. It also accepts customised orders, allowing customers to have outfits created according to their preferences, with particular emphasis on detail and craftsmanship. For Aqsa, however, clothing is only one part of the story. Behind every piece, she sees a cultural inheritance. Kashmir is not just a place; it is a feeling that lives in its colours, its craftsmanship and the stories passed from one generation to another, she says. That connection with Kashmir appears to be central to her entrepreneurial journey. At a time when fashion is changing rapidly and younger consumers are increasingly exposed to global trends, Aqsa believes there is a need to make traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship relevant to the same generation. I want our traditions to be something that the younger generation wears with pride, not something they only hear about as a part of history, she says. It is a philosophy that gives Girly Sherly an identity beyond a conventional clothing label. The brands focus on Tilla and Aari work places traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship at the centre of its offering. Both forms of embroidery represent painstaking skill and generations of artistic knowledge, with each stitch carrying the imprint of a craft tradition that has long been associated with Kashmirs cultural landscape. For Aqsa, keeping such traditions alive does not mean leaving them untouched in the past. Tradition stays alive when we carry it forward, she says. If we give our art a place in the lives of our children and in the fashion they choose, we give it another generation to live. It is this meeting of the old and the new that Aqsa hopes to build through Girly Sherly. Her MBA background gives her an understanding of business, marketing, and contemporary consumer preferences, while her appreciation of Kashmiri craftsmanship gives the venture a distinctly local character. The combination is perhaps what makes her journey noteworthy. Aqsa is not simply entering the apparel business; she is attempting to build a business around something deeply rooted in the place she calls home. Her Instagram presence, @Girly.sherly_, has become a window into that effort, allowing the brand to showcase its handcrafted apparel and reach customers who appreciate Kashmiri artistry while looking for contemporary expressions of it. The venture also embraces customisation, giving customers an opportunity to bring their own preferences into the design process while retaining the traditional craftsmanship that defines the brand. For Aqsa, the larger hope is that such efforts can help ensure that Kashmiri art remains part of everyday life. Kashmir has given us so much beauty, she says. I feel that every generation has a responsibility to carry a little of that beauty forward. That responsibility, she believes, can take many forms. For some, it may be through learning a craft. For others, through supporting artisans. For a young entrepreneur like Aqsa, it is through creating a platform where traditional craftsmanship can find a new audience. Girly.Sherly is now preparing to showcase its collection at Bazm-e-Kashmir at Nigeen Club, Srinagar, on August 12 and 13. The exhibition will give visitors an opportunity to explore the brands premium collection and experience its interpretation of authentic Kashmiri fashion. We are bringing our apparels to Nigeen Club from the 12th, Aqsa says. I look forward to welcoming people and sharing the beauty of Kashmiri craftsmanship with them. For her, the exhibition is not merely another business opportunity. It is another step in a much larger journey one that seeks to place Kashmirs traditional artistry in front of contemporary audiences and, particularly, younger people. There is something quietly significant about that ambition. Cultures survive not simply because they are remembered, but because they continue to be lived. And perhaps Aqsa Hafizs young venture is an attempt to do exactly that to ensure that Tilla and Aari are not merely names from Kashmirs artistic past, but living traditions that continue to adorn the present and inspire the future. In the end, Girly Sherly is about clothes. But it is also about memory. About identity. About a young entrepreneur looking at the craftsmanship of her homeland and believing that its story deserves another chapter.

Repora: Kashmirs grape village where 600-year-old tradition meets modern horticulture

More than 600 years ago, Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA) is believed to have praised Repora in central Kashmir with the words, Dachi Repora, Nazar chay cxopoora reference to the villages famed grapes and their far-reaching reputation. Six centuries later, the quiet hamlet in Ganderbal district continues to live up to that legacy, producing unusually large, sweet and crisp grapes in its vineyards and earning Repora the distinction of Kashmirs Grape Village. Located in the foothills of central Kashmir, around 30 kilometres north of Srinagar, Repora has developed an agricultural identity distinct from the Valleys traditional dependence on apple orchards and saffron fields. During late summer, the village transforms into a canopy of lush vines carrying heavy clusters of green and red grapes. Ganderbal is among Jammu and Kashmirs principal grape-producing districts, with around 206 hectares under grape cultivation. According to official estimates, the district produces nearly 1,500 metric tonnes of grapes annually, with the produce supplied to local markets as well as markets outside J&K. Sahibi and Hussaini are the principal commercial grape varieties cultivated in the area. Thomson grapes are primarily used for raisin (kishmish) production, while Sahibi is regarded as one of the regions premium coloured grape varieties. One of the major advantages of Reporas grapes, growers say, is their harvesting window. The crop becomes ready at a time when fresh grapes are reportedly unavailable in most parts of the world, except Italy. According to farmers, grape cultivation has become the backbone of the local economy, with around 90 per cent of Reporas population associated with the crop. Abdul Rehman Bhat, a progressive farmer from Repora, told Greater Kashmir that almost every household in the village is involved in grape cultivation. Grape cultivation is the major contributor to the livelihood of people here. Grapes are cultivated on over 200 hectares of land in Repora-Lar, which helps hundreds of people earn their livelihood, Bhat said. He said the grape harvesting season generally begins in August and continues through September. Bhat said grape cultivation in the area dates back to the period of Maharaja Hari Singh. Maharaja Hari Singh used to grow grapes on his land in Repora, which is now with the Horticulture Department. Hundreds of kanals of land are utilised to cultivate different varieties of grapes, including Sahibi, Hussieni, Thomson and a few others, he said. However, growers are concerned that this years irregular rainfall could affect production despite expectations of a bumper crop. For local residents, the story of Reporas grapes is also deeply intertwined with its spiritual heritage. Locals attribute the flourishing of grape cultivation to the blessings of the Sufi saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar (RA), who they believe lived in the area. This golden blessing, planted by Saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar, is a priceless gem, Abdul Rahman said while delicately plucking grapes. Grape growers also point to the exceptional size of the berries produced in Repora. They claim the berries can reach around 1415 grams, significantly exceeding what they describe as the international benchmark for premium-quality grapes. The international standard for the best quality is a berry size of around 45 grams, while Repora grapes have a size of about 1415 grams, Bhat said. He recalled that a team of experts had visited the village a few years ago and weighed the grapes. They weighed the grapes and one grape weighed 15 grams, which is nowhere seen in any part of the world, he said. The grapes also command good prices in local markets. Farmers say the crops natural characteristics have allowed them to reduce their dependence on pesticides. One grower said pesticide applications had been reduced from seven sprays to three, with the long-term objective of moving towards completely organic cultivation. It is the blessing of Shah Sahab (RA), said Ghulam Muhammad, a resident of Repora. Our Sufi saints have blessed this place with extraordinary grapes. They are not only tastier but also require fewer pesticides. The horticulture authorities are now looking to build on Reporas reputation and expand grape cultivation across the Valley. Chief Horticulture Officer, Ganderbal, Madan Lal Tak, highlighted the significance of grape production in Repora and its potential to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people. Repora is an exemplary site for high-quality grape cultivation, which provides employment opportunities for the youth. We plan to further promote grape cultivation and introduce new varieties to enhance production and employment, he told Greater Kashmir. As part of a broader effort to expand grape cultivation in Kashmir, the Horticulture Department has established a hi-tech grape propagation facility in Ganderbal under a Chief Ministers pilot project. The facility includes a 20-kanal mother block and a modern bower system aimed at producing superior-quality planting material for farmers. Officials said around 150 grape growers have been identified under the project and funds have already been released. The hi-tech facility has been developed on 20 kanals, where mother blocks have been established along with a modern bower system, Madan Lal, Chief Horticulture Officer, Ganderbal, said. It will enable the production of quality planting material that will be supplied to farmers, helping improve grape cultivation in the region, he said. Lal said the department had also introduced new grape varieties sourced from Pune and distributed them among growers. The objective is to diversify grape cultivation, improve productivity and provide growers with better-quality planting material, he said.

Heart attack, stroke signs should never be ignored: Dr Sushil

Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu, Dr Sushil Sharma, held a day-long cardiac awareness-cum-health check-up camp in collaboration with the Sikh Empathy & Welfare Association at Gurdwara Bala Pritam, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. The programme, as per a statement, was designed to sensitise the public about the growing burden of heart attacks and strokes and to encourage people to embrace preventive healthcare practices. Addressing the gathering, Dr Sushil stated that heart attacks and strokes are among the most serious medical emergencies and can often occur unexpectedly. He explained that warning signs of a heart attack may include chest pain or pressure, heaviness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness and discomfort extending towards the arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back.

Make-shift shops demolished in Parade vegetable market of Jammu

Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Sunday demolished what it said were unsafe and dilapidated shops at Parade Sabzi Mandi under its major safety and clearance drive paving the way for the immediate commencement of its redevelopment and renovation works. However, the drive triggered protests from affected vendors and traders, who decried the move claiming that the demolition was conducted although negotiations were going on. Police and paramilitary forces' personnel accompanied JMC officials during the drive. No arrangements were made for relocating the affected traders before demolishing their kiosks, they alleged. They asserted that they were not opposing the redevelopment project, but it should not be done in an irrational manner. They alleged that they were not served prior notices and they could not remove their goods from the closed kiosks due to a sudden demolition drive conducted on Sunday. Few shopkeepers alleged that they had brought stay orders from the court, but they were not honoured by the JMC. The affected vendors and traders sought compensation from JMC for the losses they incurred due to the sudden drive. Meanwhile, the officials stated that the initiative was undertaken under the directions of JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav, with the objective of effectively redeveloping the vegetable market, improving its infrastructure and ensuring a safer and more organised environment for vendors, shoppers and the general public. The foundation stone for the Rs 5.88 Cr redevelopment project was laid on June 22, 2026, by the MLA, Jammu East, in the presence of senior officials of Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) and the Jammu Municipal Corporation. Although active civil works were temporarily affected due to the ongoing monsoon season, the JMC accorded priority to the dismantling and removal of hazardous and structurally unsafe shops in the area. The step has been taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives and property of shopkeepers, visitors and the general public, particularly in view of the risks posed by heavy rainfall and potential structural collapses, the officials mentioned. With the unsafe structures now being cleared, the JMC has paved the way for the next phase of the project. Civil and redevelopment works at Parade Sabzi Mandi will commence immediately as weather conditions become conducive, they added.

Leopard attacks spark fear in Doda village, wildlife team deployed

Fear and concern have gripped residents of Gharswo village in Panchayat Shiva and other adjoining areas of Doda district following a series of reported leopard attacks and sightings in the locality. According to residents, around a dozen incidents have reportedly taken place in the area, raising serious concerns about the safety of people, particularly those living in or around forested and isolated stretches. The repeated presence of the wild animal has created a sense of insecurity among villagers, with many residents reportedly avoiding unnecessary movement during vulnerable hours. The situation has also become a matter of concern for families, farmers and others who are required to travel through the area during the early morning and evening. Following the reports, a team from the Wildlife Department has reached the spot and is closely monitoring the situation. Officials are keeping a watch on the movement of the leopard and assessing the circumstances in which the animal has been entering areas inhabited or frequented by local residents. The Wildlife Department is also expected to take necessary measures to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of both the local population and the wild animal. Residents have been urged to cooperate with the department and immediately report any fresh sighting or unusual movement of the leopard to the concerned authorities. Meanwhile, locals have been advised to remain particularly cautious and avoid moving alone, especially during the early morning and evening hours when the risk of encountering wildlife may be higher. People have also been urged not to approach, chase or attempt to confront the animal if spotted. The repeated incidents have intensified calls from residents for effective preventive measures and increased patrolling in vulnerable areas. Villagers are seeking timely intervention from the concerned authorities to restore a sense of security and prevent any further attacks or untoward incidents.

Open manholes, potholes endanger commuters on Bikram Chowk-Jammu University stretch

Open manholes and pothole-ridden roads along the Bikram Chowk-Jammu University stretch have raised safety concerns among pedestrians and motorists, particularly students and elderly commuters who frequently use the busy 700-800 metre route. Adding to the problem, people travelling from the area said that fallen electric poles and other debris can be seen lying along parts of the route. Such hazards have also reportedly resulted in injuries to pedestrians. The condition of the road is concerning, dozens of potholes are visible at several points. Many of these potholes have remained unattended during the construction and drainage-related works, said a local resident. Since several potholes are difficult to spot, motorists often drive into them unexpectedly, causing damage to vehicles and discomfort to passengers. Two-wheeler riders are particularly at risk, with sudden encounters with potholes increasing the chances of skidding and accidents. Following recent rains, several portions of the footpath have also become waterlogged, making pedestrian movement even more difficult. Residents and commuters have urged the concerned authorities to urgently repair the footpaths, cover open manholes, remove fallen electric poles and debris, and fill the potholes to ensure safe and hassle-free movement along this important route.

JKP-BSF conduct joint CASO in Arnia

The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and the Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday, as part of their ongoing security measures and area domination efforts, jointly conducted Cordon and Search Operation (CASO), in Arnia area of Jammu district. Police in Jammu conducted a joint CASO along with B and F Company of 60th Battalion, BSF, in the area of Aik Nullah, Kool Kalan and adjoining areas under the jurisdiction of Police Station Arnia, Police stated. During the operation that lasted around two hours, around 1015 houses and kullas were thoroughly searched by the joint teams. The operation, officials said, was conducted as part of routine security and surveillance measures to maintain vigilance and ensure the safety and security of the area. The situation remained normal throughout the operation they added. Meanwhile, the joint teams of security forces also conducted a sanitisation and security checking operation at Jewel Chowk and other adjoining areas as part of bolstered security arrangements across Jammu city, ahead of Independence Day.

Govt approves Rs 10 crore for restoration of historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah

In a major initiative to preserve Jammu & Kashmirs historical heritage and promote local tourism, the government has approved Rs 10 crore for the repair and renovation of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda. The project, as per an official statement, is aimed at conserving the historic structure, improving its overall condition and developing it as an important heritage and tourism attraction in the Chenab Valley. The restoration will help safeguard the forts architectural and historical character while creating better facilities for visitors. The initiative forms part of the government's broader focus on the preservation of Jammu & Kashmirs rich cultural and architectural heritage and the development of heritage sites as destinations for tourism. Rattan Garh Fort is among the historic sites associated with the rich heritage of Bhaderwah, an area known for its distinctive cultural traditions, historic architecture and scenic landscape. Its restoration is expected to add a significant heritage dimension to Bhaderwahs tourism circuit and contribute to increased visitor footfall and local economic activity. The government has in recent months undertaken and approved several initiatives for the preservation and development of heritage assets across Jammu & Kashmir, with emphasis on restoring historically significant structures and integrating them with the broader tourism economy.

10 injured as tempo traveller overturns on NH-244

At least 10 passengers were injured, two of them seriously, after a passenger Tempo Traveller overturned at Karmail Morh near Baggar in the Assar area of Doda district on the Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway (NH-244) on Sunday afternoon. According to police, the Tempo Traveller bearing registration number JK06B-9986 was travelling from Kashmir towards Doda when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at Karmail Morh, causing it to overturn on the highway. Soon after the accident, the injured were shifted to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Assar for initial treatment. Later, those requiring specialised care were referred to the Associated Government Medical College and Hospital, Doda. Hospital authorities at GMC Doda said two critically injured passengers were referred to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for specialised treatment. They were identified as Alaf Din (35), son of Nazir Ahmed, resident of Shiva, and Ayaz Ahmed (26), son of Akhter Hussain, resident of Korapani. Five other injured passengers admitted at Associated Government Medical College and Hospital, Doda, were identified as Mubeena (36), wife of Parvaiz Ahmed, Bhatyas; Parvaiz Ahmed (44), son of Faiz Mohammad, Bhatyas; Kewal Krishan (41), son of Swomi Raj, Joura Halran; Mohammad Irfan (36), son of Fayaz Mohammad, Bhatyas; and Muneeba Farooq (24), daughter of Farooq Ahmed, Doda. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further details regarding the circumstances leading to the accident are awaited. The condition of the remaining injured passengers was stated to be stable, while the overall situation at the accident site remained normal.

24 injured as matador overturns at Jammu flyover

At least 24 passengers were injured, including two critically, after a matador overturned at Shakuntla Flyover in Jammu on Sunday evening. An official as per the news agency KNO said that the matador was carrying 35 passengers when it overturned at the flyover, leaving 24 of them injured. He said locals and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. Among the injured, 18 suffered minor scratches, while two were stated to be in critical condition, he said. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation.

3 Kashmiri mountaineers find a new way up Brahma Sakli Peak

For years, Brahma Sakli Peak had remained a formidable challenge for Kashmiri mountaineers. This time, three climbers not only reached its 4,722-metre summit but opened a new route on its eastern face, adding a new chapter to the documented mountaineering history of Kashmir. Yasir Khan, Muzakir Khan and Saqib Shafi have successfully established the Baghiyar Route, graded IV, AD-, 5.3, G, on the eastern face of the peak, combining glacier travel, technical rock climbing and snow terrain. Based on the expedition team's review of available mountaineering journals, guidebooks and published expedition records, the climbers believe they are only the third documented team to reach the summit of Brahma Sakli and the first to do so via its eastern face. The expedition, however, was not simply a summit attempt. The team spent nearly 10 hours on the ascent, negotiated a glacier and an active bergschrund before reaching the most technical section of the route, a 70-metre granite headwall. Yasir Khan led the climb across the headwall's two pitches, using traditional protection, including nuts and cams. The team then negotiated the final scramble before reaching the summit at about 2:50 pm. The summit push had begun at 4:45 am, making it a long and demanding day in the mountains. The team remained on the summit for around an hour before beginning the descent through the south-eastern face. A 40-metre abseil over a cliff band was followed by a descent through an upper snow couloir and another glacier crossing. As darkness fell and visibility deteriorated, the climbers faced another challenge, navigating trackless moraine fields on their return to Base Camp. They eventually reached Base Camp at Bramsar Lake, at around 3,600 metres, close to 11 pm, completing an approximately 18-hour continuous mountain day. The expedition had begun at Zimastal, from where the team trekked nearly 14 kilometres through rugged terrain to establish the base camp. After the climb, the three mountaineers spent two days recovering at Bramsar Lake before beginning their return journey. Our objective was not just to reach the summit but to establish a new line on the eastern face. The Baghiyar Route demanded careful route-finding, technical rock climbing and glacier travel. Successfully opening this route is a proud moment for us, and we hope it contributes to Kashmir's growing mountaineering legacy, Muzakir, one of the climber said. Brahma Sakli, also known as Cathedral Dome, is regarded as one of the more technically demanding peaks in the Kashmir Valley. Muzakir Khan said the latest expedition was particularly significant because the mountain requires skills and equipment beyond those used on conventional trekking expeditions. Every mountain teaches you something. Since this was a different route, it required different technical skills. We had to use ropes and specialised equipment because this is a mountaineering peak, not a trekking peak, he said. For Muzakir Khan, the successful ascent also completed a personal journey. He had attempted Brahma Sakli two years ago but was unable to summit the mountain. The experience exposed the technical demands of the climb and prompted the mountaineers to improve their skills before returning. Khan said that the historical record of the peak stretches back several decades. He said according to the Himalayan Journal, Volume 46, the first documented exploration of Brahma Sakli was carried out in 1989 by a team led by veteran mountaineer Muhammad Amin. That expedition brought the peak into documented mountaineering literature and became an important reference for subsequent climbers. The expedition team said another documented route to the summit was established last year by Kashmiri climbers Inayat Bhat and Mudasir Laway, who climbed via the south-eastern face. The climbers said they remain open to historical records or expedition accounts that may point to an earlier ascent, saying such information would help build a more complete record of Brahma Sakli's climbing history. The achievement also reflects the growing ambitions of Kashmir's local mountaineers, who are increasingly moving beyond established trekking routes to explore and document technically challenging Himalayan peaks. Muzakir Khan, who entered adventure sports in 2017, has explored 97 alpine lakes and climbed several prominent peaks in Kashmir, including Kolahoi, Harmukh and Tatakooti. For the climbers, the Baghiyar Route is more than a line on a mountain. It is an attempt to expand Kashmir's mountaineering map, one difficult, technical ascent at a time.

J&K gymnast Ruddrakash Khanna finishes 7th at Asian championship

Gymnast Ruddrakash Khanna secured seventh place in the Junior Mens Individual category at the 10th Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in the Philippines, making an impressive international debut by reaching the Asian finals. The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, as per a statement, extended its heartiest congratulations to Ruddrakash Khanna of Jammu for his commendable performance at the 10th Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in the Philippines. Making his debut in the Junior Mens Individual category, Ruddrakash reached the Asian finals and secured 7th position overall, marking a significant milestone in his international sporting journey. The Council also appreciated the dedicated mentorship of former India Team Coach S. P. Singh and acknowledges the valuable sponsorship support extended by IREDA for his participation.

Soft Tennis Championship concludes in Shopian

The District Shopian Soft Tennis Championship, organised by the District Shopian Soft Tennis Association, concluded successfully on Sunday at Al-Saba Educational Institute, Wachi, Shopian. The two-day championship, as per a statement, was held from 7th to 8th August 2026, under the banner of the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association, affiliated with the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India, and in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council. The closing ceremony was graced by Gh. Rasool Khandia, Manager Sports Stadium Shopian, as the Chief Guest. The distinguished Guests of Honour included Shakir Ashraf, General Secretary, J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association, Suhail Bashir, Principal, Al-Saba Educational Institute, Wachi; Shabir Ahmad Shabir, Chairman, Al-Saba Educational Institute, Wachi; and Jabina, English Teacher, Al-Saba Educational Institute, Wachi. The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation and spirited competition among young players, providing them with an important platform to showcase their talent, competitive skills and sporting spirit.

Aryans College of Law organises Legal Aid Awareness Camp in collaboration with DLSA Patiala

Srinagar, Aug 9:Aryans College of Law, Rajpura, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Patiala, organised a Legal Aid Awareness Camp at the college campus to promote legal awareness among LL.B. and B.A. LL.B. students. Mahesh Kumar, Para Legal Volunteer (PLV), DLSA Patiala, delivered an informative session on free legal aid, the role of DLSA and the importance of legal awareness. He explained provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act and highlighted legal services available to women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and economically weaker sections. He also encouraged students to participate in legal aid and community outreach activities. The session concluded with an interactive discussion where students raised queries regarding legal aid services and the functioning of Legal Services Authorities. Dr. Pritika, HOD, Aryans College of Law, along with faculty members Chandni Bajaj, Kamna, Samriti, Khushi and others, were present on the occasion.

Grand Majlis-e-Aza, Alam Sharief procession held in Dargund Bemina

Srinagar, Aug 9:A grand Majlis-e-Aza and Alam Sharief procession was held today, 25th Safar al-Muzaffar, at Dargund Bemina with profound devotion and reverence under the auspices of the Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian and under the leadership of its President, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi. The gathering continued from morning till evening, with the organisations Zakireen reciting marsiyas and paying rich tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala. A large number of mourners participated in the gathering, expressing their deep devotion and attachment to the martyrs of Karbala and the teachings of Ahl-e-Bayt (AS). Addressing the Majlis, President Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi, said that the Holy Quran and the Ahl-e-Bayt (AS) constitute the two inseparable sources of guidance for the Muslim Ummah, as explicitly emphasised by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He stressed that love and devotion towards the Ahl-e-Bayt (AS) should not remain confined to verbal claims or formal religious observances. Rather, he said, genuine love must be reflected through adherence to their teachings, exemplary character, commitment to truth, and practical dedication to justice and righteousness. Highlighting the timeless message of Karbala, Aga Syed Hassan said that the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) represented a decisive stand against oppression, falsehood and moral compromise. He said the purpose of Azadari is to keep this message alive while cultivating self-reform, truthfulness, steadfastness and religious consciousness among believers. He urged the faithful to further strengthen their bond with the Holy Quran and the Ahl-e-Bayt (AS), uphold the sanctity and dignity of Azadari, and translate the message of Karbala into practice in both their individual and collective lives.

NC-PDPs politics of deception stands exposed: BJP

Jammu, Aug 9: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday alleged that the politics of deception pursued by the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stood exposed before the people in the Union Territory. Senior party leaders also vowed to fight, what they claimed, misinformation, propaganda being spread by the NC and the PDP to serve their interests. They asserted it while reviewing the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting chaired by J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma; J&K BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Koul, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and J&K BJP general secretary Sanjita Dogra accompanied Sat Sharma during the meeting. They discussed the growing public resentment against the NC government's failure to fulfil its promises and finalised the party's strategy to strengthen grassroots outreach. Preparations for the forthcoming Har Ghar Tiranga campaign were also reviewed to ensure grand Tiranga rallies and patriotic programmes across the Union Territory. Sat Sharma maintained the BJP alone consistently strengthened nationalism and accelerated development in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the NC and the PDP continued to mislead the people through false narratives. He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign would become a mass movement with active participation of BJP MLAs, former legislators, DDCs, BDCs, councillors, sarpanchs, panchs, ex-servicemen, social organizations and intellectuals. He added that families of martyrs would be felicitated and important chowks, public places and statues of martyrs and national icons would be decorated with the tricolour to honour their supreme sacrifice. Reaffirming its commitment to nationalism, good governance and public welfare, the Sat Sharma maintained that the people of Jammu & Kashmir were increasingly rejecting the politics of deception, misinformation and dynastic interests pursued by the National Conference and the PDP, while placing their trust in the development-oriented governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sunil Sharma claimed the National Conference government failed to meet the aspirations of the people and public dissatisfaction was rising due to poor governance, unfulfilled promises and misplaced priorities. He said BJP legislators and workers would aggressively expose the misinformation spread by the NC and the PDP while taking the message of development, nationalism and public welfare to every household. Ashok Koul directed party leaders to ensure meticulous planning of every programme down to the booth level. He emphasised that every organisational unit must ensure maximum public participation in the patriotic programmes, strengthen grassroots contact and effectively counter anti-development and misleading propaganda through facts, discipline and continuous public outreach.

Apni Party leaders pay obeisance at Hazrat Nanga Baji Sahib shrine in Bandipora

Srinagar, Aug 9:Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with several senior party leaders, today paid obeisance at the revered shrine of Syed Ghulam Rasool Shah, popularly known as Hazrat Nanga Baji Sahib, in the Malangam area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district. On the occasion, the Apni Party leaders prayed for lasting peace, prosperity, and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. During their visit, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and the accompanying party leaders were warmly received by the shrine management and local residents. It is pertinent to mention that the annual Urs is currently being observed at the Nanga Baji Sahib shrine, with devotees thronging the shrine to offer prayers and pay obeisance. The prominent party leaders who accompanied Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari during this visit included the party's Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmed Mir, Chief Coordinator & District President Kulgam Abdul Majeed Paddar, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor, District President Bandipora Syed Shafat Kazmi, Constituency In-charge Sonawari Imtiyaz Paray, Nasir Ahmed Mir, Sameer Iqbal, Basharat Najar, Abdul Rashid Ashna, and others.

August 9, 1953 cast a long shadow over J&Ks democratic journey: Sagar

Srinagar, Aug 9:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar on Sunday described August 9, 1953 as one of the darkest chapters in the democratic history of the country saying the events of that day not only dismantled a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir but also inflicted a deep and enduring wound on the relationship between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi. In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said the illegal arrest of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, one of the tallest political figures in subcontinent, represented a grave assault on democratic values and the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 9 August is not merely a date on the calendar. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a painful reminder of a betrayal that shook their faith in democratic institutions. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was not an ordinary political leader. He was a towering voice of the people, a champion of secularism and democratic values, and a leader whose contribution to the countrys democratic and secular ethos was recognised even beyond Jammu and Kashmir. Former President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy had referred to him as Sher-e-Bharat. Yet, on this day, his democratically elected government was removed and he was arrested, Sagar said. He said the events of 1953 did not end with the dismissal and arrest of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He was incarcerated for years and kept away from his people. An entire generation of Kashmiris grew up witnessing the consequences of that rupture. The political wound was never allowed to heal completely. Instead, successive developments continued to deepen the sense of alienation and hurt, he said. Sagar said the events of August 5, 2019 further aggravated those sentiments. The wounds of 1953 were still alive in the collective memory of our people when the unilateral decisions of 5 August 2019 were imposed upon Jammu and Kashmir. Whatever little trust remained was shaken further. It was as if salt was poured into a wound that had been festering for decades, he said. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir nevertheless demonstrated remarkable political maturity by choosing the democratic path and participating in elections despite their disappointments and grievances. Our people were repeatedly told that delimitation, parliamentary elections and legislative elections would pave the way for the restoration of Statehood. They believed those assurances. They participated in the democratic process. They voted. They elected their representatives. They fulfilled their responsibility. But nearly two years after the formation of the elected government, the promise of restoration of Statehood continues to remain unfulfilled, Sagar said. He questioned how long the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be expected to wait for a right that was promised to them. How many more elections must the people participate in? How many more assurances must they hear? How long must Jammu and Kashmir remain the only region where an elected government operates without the full constitutional status enjoyed by every other full-fledged state? he asked. Sagar said the continued denial of Statehood was not merely an administrative issue but a question of democratic dignity, political confidence and constitutional trust. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have done their part. They have demonstrated faith in democracy despite a painful history. Now New Delhi must do its part. Promises made to the people cannot be reduced to slogans or deferred indefinitely, he said. He said the continued delay had created the unfortunate impression that the Centre still viewed Jammu and Kashmir through the same political prism that had defined its approach in 1953. Nearly seven decades after 1953, it is deeply unfortunate that the people of Jammu and Kashmir still have to struggle to convince New Delhi that democracy cannot be selective, federalism cannot be conditional and dignity cannot be negotiable, Sagar said. He emphasised that restoration of full-fledged Statehood must be the first concrete step towards healing the political wounds of Jammu and Kashmir. An elected government cannot be expected to function indefinitely with its constitutional powers diminished and its people denied the status promised to them. Jammu and Kashmir deserves the same democratic dignity and constitutional standing as every other state of the country, Sagar said. Recalling the sacrifices and contribution of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the country, he said their commitment to democracy and the nation could not be questioned. Our people have stood by the democratic and secular ideals of this country through the most difficult periods. They have participated in elections, sent their representatives to Parliament and the Assembly, and repeatedly chosen the ballot over despair. The least they deserve in return is respect, dignity and the restoration of their constitutional rights, he said.

Free blood test camp to be held at Batamaloo on August 11

Srinagar, Aug 9: The Sheikh Dawood (RA) Medicare Center, Batamaloo, will organize a free blood test camp on August 11 to mark the sixth death anniversary of Peer Jalal Ud Din Sahib, founder chairman of the Hazrat Sheikh Dawood (RA) Khidmat Khalaq Foundation. According to the organisers, the camp will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Sheikh Dawood (RA) Medicare Center in Batamaloo. The initiative aims to encourage preventive healthcare while paying tribute to the late founder's legacy of public service. The camp will offer free baseline medical investigations, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood sugar, Kidney Function Test (KFT), Liver Function Test (LFT), and other essential tests. The organizers have made pre-registration mandatory for all participants. Registration were conducted on August 9 from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, and only pre-registered individuals will be eligible for testing. The foundation has appealed to people to participate in the health camp and avail themselves of the free medical screening facilities.

Mirwaiz inaugurates Funkara Adventure Park for Children at Nowgam

Srinagar, Aug 9: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq inaugurated the Funkara Adventure Park for children, at Nowgam, describing it as a welcome initiative to promote physical activity, creativity and a connection with nature among the younger generation. Speaking on the occasion, Mirwaiz said that in todays digital age, children are increasingly drawn to screens, online games and gadgets, making it important to create spaces that encourage them to step outdoors and engage in healthy physical and creative activities. He appreciated the parks close-to-nature environment, with rabbits and ducks, as well as activities such as pottery, archery and adventure sports, which provide children opportunities to learn new skills, exercise and engage creatively away from screens. Mirwaiz said that a strong and healthy body is important for a strong and healthy mind. While parents and children rightly focus on academics and education, physical well-being, exercise and outdoor activity should receive equal attention. He expressed hope that the initiative would encourage healthier and more balanced lifestyles among children and inspire more such child-friendly spaces in Kashmir.

Cost of Administrative Compromise

A civilized society derives its strength not from the mere existence of laws, but from their faithful, impartial, and timely implementation. Every public authority bears a solemn duty to uphold the law without fear, favour, or prejudice. Citizens legitimately expect that genuine grievances, once represented, shall be examined objectively and resolved according to settled law. Unfortunately, this ideal is not always realised. Issues that are legally clear and factually established are neither denied nor lawfully resolved. Instead, they are diverted into avoidable controversies through administrative manoeuvring, procedural complications, and shifting narratives. Such practices obscure the real issue. This write up is drawn from direct observation of ground realities during repeated interactions with departments and stakeholders while pursuing lawful civic concerns. The rule of law demands that every authority act strictly within legal limits. Constitutional governance, natural justice, and anti corruption frameworks require fairness, transparency, and reasoned decision making. When an authority knowingly departs from these principles to shield an illegality, the injury extends beyond the complainant. It undermines public confidence in the entire administrative system. A disturbing pattern often emerges: the original grievance is replaced with invented issues or technical diversions. Instead of examining whether public land has been illegally occupied, funds misappropriated, or records manipulated, the focus shifts to peripheral matters. The genuine victim is compelled to defend issues never part of the original complaint, while the offender remains beyond the laws reach. Such conduct delays justice, encourages impunity, weakens institutional credibility, and emboldens habitual violators. Illegal encroachments, misuse of public property, and abuse of position become normalised when corrective action is absent. Honest citizens begin to question whether compliance with law is a virtue or a disadvantage. The situation worsens when compromise is not of efficiency but of official responsibility itself. Every public servant is a trustee of the people, not a protector of private interests. Conscious omission, suppression of facts, manipulation of records, or selective enforcement strikes at good governance. Such conduct may invite scrutiny under service rules, disciplinary frameworks, and provisions governing criminal misconduct, corruption, breach of trust, forgery, and abuse of position. When influential wrongdoers receive indirect protection while law abiding citizens struggle for years, confidence in public institutions declines. Justice delayed is painful; justice diverted is more damaging because it erodes faith in impartiality. No authority possesses the power to compromise with the law for convenience or preference. Official discretion is never a licence for arbitrariness. Every order must satisfy legality, rationality, transparency, and accountability. Speaking orders, supported by evidence, are essential safeguards. The solution lies in honest implementation of existing laws. Higher authorities can restore confidence through practical measures: representations must be examined on original merits; time bound disposal with speaking orders should become the norm; independent inquiries must be ordered where public land or government property is involved; suppression of facts or unjustified delay should invite accountability; digital monitoring should ensure transparency; whistle blowers need protection; periodic audits should detect irregularities early; and public servants require continuous training on ethical governance. Governance is judged not by files processed but by justice delivered. Institutions command respect only when decisions reflect fairness, integrity, and fidelity to law. Compromise with responsibility may temporarily protect a wrongdoer, but it permanently weakens institutional moral authority. Conclusion: A Call for Courageous Governance Every competent authority must reaffirm: no individual is above the law, and no office is above accountability. Society seeks fairness, not favour. Victims seek lawful resolution, not sympathy. Honest officers deserve support; those who misuse authority must face scrutiny. Justice must never disappear beneath procedural smoke screens. True governance lies in protecting public interest over private influence, law over expediency, and truth over convenience. Only then will public confidence be restored and the rule of law remain democracys strongest pillar. Accountability must remain absolute and beyond negotiation. Official compromise cannot legitimate an unlawful act, and administrative silence cannot erase legal responsibility. Dr. Pir Naseer Ahmad, presently Advocate at High Court Srinagar.

Structure, Functioning and Significance

The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) is a specialized statutory body constituted under Section 109 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017. It serves as the second appellate authority for disputes arising under the GST regime and in the GST dispute resolution hierarchy. The taxpayers or the department can file appeals before GSTAT against orders passed by the first Appellate Authority u/s 107 or the Revisional Authority u/s 108 of CGST/SGST Act.2017.It aims to reduce the burden on higher courts and deliver specialized justice in indirect tax matters. The GSTAT became operational in phases with procedural rules notified u/s 111 of the CGST Act. in 2025. Established to provide a dedicated, expert forum for resolving conflicts between taxpayers and tax authorities, the GSTAT hears appeals against orders passed by the Appellate Authority under Section 107 or the Revisional Authority under Section 108 of the CGST Act and the corresponding State GST (SGST) Acts. After years of delays caused by constitutional challenges to its composition, state-Centre disagreements, delayed appointment of technical members and the need for procedural clarity, the Tribunal has become finally operational. It functions through a one Principal Bench in New Delhi, Regional /Area Benchs at multiple locations and 31 State Benches across approximately 43 locations nationwide in various States & Union Tertiaries. Thus, a total of 32 GSTATs have been notified and operationalized so far.This decentralized structure ensures accessibility for taxpayers across India while promoting uniformity in the interpretation and application of GST law. Composition and Leadership The Principal Bench is headed by a President, who must be a sitting or former Supreme Court judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court. It also includes a Judicial Member and two Technical Membersone from the Centre and one from the State. State Benches typically comprise two Judicial Members and two Technical Members (Centre and State). The State Bench of GSTAT constituted at various locations vide notification dated 14-09.2023 as amended vide notification S.O. No. 503(E) dated 26-11-2024.Eligibility criteria ensure a balance of legal and technical expertise. Judicial Members are generally High Court judges or District & Session judges with at least ten years of experience. Technical Members from the Centre are usually senior officers from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Group A or All India Services with substantial GST administration experience. State Technical Members are senior state government officers not below the rank of additional commissioner with relevant taxation experience in VAT regime. This mixed composition allows the Tribunal to handle both complex legal questions and intricate technical issues of classification, valuation, place of supply, input tax credit, and anti-profiteering under Section 171. Powers and Jurisdiction The GSTAT is vested with powers akin to those of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for purposes such as summoning persons, examining witnesses on oath, requiring the production of documents, receiving evidence on affidavits, and issuing commissions. It is not strictly bound by the Code of Civil Procedure (section 129 & 130 of BSA 2023 & shall be read as reference to the BNS 2023 or the BNSS 2023 or the corresponding provisions of such newly enacted law shall be constructed accordingly) but is guided by the principles of natural justice and can regulate its own procedure. Its orders are enforceable as decrees of a civil court. The Principal Bench primarily deals with issues of place of supply (POS) having inter-State implications, while State Benches handle appeals arising within their territorial jurisdiction. Appeals lie to the High Court on substantial questions of law from State Bench orders and, in certain cases, further to the Supreme Court. All the proceedings before the GSTAT shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 229,233 & 267 of the BNS 2023 & Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be civil court for the purposes of section 215 of the BNSS 2023. Procedure for Filing and Hearing Appeals Appeals to the GSTAT are governed by Section 112 of the CGST Act and the GST Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2025. An aggrieved taxpayer must file an appeal within three months from the date of communication of the order of the first appellate authority. The Tribunal may condone a further delay of up to three months if sufficient cause is shown. The department has a longer period of six months. A mandatory pre-deposit is required & the appellant must pay the admitted tax, interest, fine, fee and penalty in full, plus an additional 10 per cent of the remaining disputed tax (subject to monetary caps that have been rationalized over time). Filing is primarily electronic through the official GSTAT e-filing portal using prescribed forms. The process is designed to be largely paperless, with hybrid (physical and virtual) hearings permitted to enhance accessibility. The Tribunal aims to dispose of appeals expeditiously, ideally within one year. Adjournments are limited to three, and the Tribunal can rectify apparent mistakes in its orders within a prescribed period of three months. In case of difference of opinion among members, the matter may be referred to a larger bench. Significance and Impact The operationalization of GSTAT marks a major reform in Indias indirect tax dispute resolution architecture. Prior to its functioning, GST litigants often approached High Courts & Supreme Court through writ petitions, leading to high pendency and inconsistent rulings across jurisdictions. A specialized national tribunal (GSTAT) reduces the burden on constitutional courts, fosters uniform jurisprudence, and provides taxpayers with a more accessible and expert forum within the GST dispute resolution hierarchy. Digital initiativesincluding an e-filing portal, online cause lists, case status tracking, and digital ordershave modernized the process. As of mid-2026, thousands of cases have already been filed, and timeline for filing of appeals was extended from 30 June till July 31st 2026 reflecting both the backlog of pending disputes and the confidence of stakeholders in the new institution. GSTAT appeal filing requires timely completion or token generation for legacy orders, while new appellate orders follows three month limitation. GSTAT second appeals concerning orders up to 30th April 2026 may use a token generated on or before 31 July 2026 where the appeal cannot be fully completed in time. A separate token is required for each appeal and requires the available appellate order reference and relevant tax period details. The token evidences an attempt to initiate filing, subject to applicable provisions and verification, but the appeal or application must be completed within 60 days of token generation. Cases commencing from 1st. May 2026 remain subject to the stated three month filing period. Taxpayers & users are advised to keep a record of the token generated and ensure that the appeal is completed within the stipulated period before GSTAT on official portal (gstat.gov.in). Challenges remain, including the need for adequate infrastructure, timely appointment of members across all benches, and capacity building. Nonetheless, the GSTAT represents a decisive step toward faster, fairer, transparent and more predictable resolution of GST disputes, strengthening the overall integrity and ease of doing business under Indias GST regime. However, many State benches of GSTAT are yet to be operationalized due to appointment of technical members (State). In summary, the GST Appellate Tribunal is not merely another appellate body in a two tier GST dispute resolution hierarchy, it is a cornerstone institution designed to deliver specialized justice in one of the most significant tax reforms in Indias history. Its effective functioning will continue to shape the contours of GST compliance and litigation for years to come. This will definitely reduce the burden on higher judiciary and also to reduce the litigation cost in indirect tax matters both for taxpayers & department. The author is designated as All India Master Trainer in GST.

Political Orphanhood

Describing themselves as political orphans and the ew untouchables, hundreds of displaced Kashmiri Pandits residing in Jagti township and surrounding camps have accused political parties of exploiting their plight solely for election manifestos and demanded steps for a dignified life as enshrined in the Constitution. Used by everyone, represented by none, this is the real tragedy, advocate Vishva Ranjan Pandita, a resident of the Jagti camp, said, adding, he hardest exile is the one imposed by our own country. He said almost all political parties, including the National Conference (NC), Congress, PDP and BJP, have repeatedly promised the safe, secure and dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley in their election manifestos. However, he alleged that these commitments largely disappear once elections are over and said the community wants a clear roadmap and political accountability. Trapped between virtually non-functional civic representation and deteriorating infrastructure, residents across camps for the displaced community that left Kashmir in the 1990s after the outbreak of militancy stated that being pushed to the margins of political discourse has led to their complete neglect, with many even threatening to take drastic measures to end their miseries. Tito Ganju, the chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organisation which has been highlighting the problems faced by migrants in the camps, emphasised the core grievance of the displaced community -- they are remembered by political parties only during election cycles. Kashmiri Pandits may have been made political orphans, but we are not destined to remain political orphans. We are the indigenous bearers of Kashmir's civilisational memory and one of the most enduring expressions of Indianness in the Valley, Ganju said. He alleged that the community is facing political disenfranchisement which has rendered it politically persona non grata in their current places of residence. Ganju raised legal and constitutional concerns on compelling displaced community members to vote in Kashmir despite being ordinarily resident elsewhere like Jammu, Delhi or other parts of the country. This strips them of an effective electoral voice in their present local constituencies, he contended. Ganju claimed that camp-dwelling displaced Pandits are arbitrarily treated differently from similarly situated community members living outside the camps. We did not abandon our constituencies; genocide drove us out, Ganju said, adding, The State cannot convert genocidal displacement into political erasure. Genocide cannot be allowed to win twice, first by expelling us from our homeland and then by denying us equal political citizenship where we now live. He said that while governments over the years may ignore them or attempt to speak about Kashmir without the community, history and geopolitics will not permit that fiction to last. According to election data, electoral rolls reflect shifting trends of Kashmiri Pandit voters over the decades. While the votes of many community members have gradually transferred to their current places of residence in Jammu, recent years have seen a resurgence in Valley-based voter registration among migrants. Electoral data shows that during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a total of 1,13,873 Kashmiri migrant electors were registered across the three parliamentary constituencies of Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag-Rajouri. This voter count comprised 56,290 males, 57,582 females and one transgender voter, marking a significant increase from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the number of registered migrant voters stood at approximately 99,000. The figure stood around 92,000 votes in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Some community leaders claimed that representatives of a political party had been encouraging transfer of votes to their place of birth in Kashmir Valley and termed it yet another step in making them political orphans. Noted academician Dileep Kumar Kaul echoed these sentiments, terming the community as eal political orphans and citing a systemic lack of intent to anchor them in the political framework. This is the result of the thinning of their collective agency through seven centuries and seven waves of genocide unleashed on them, Kaul said, arguing that the political system finds it convenient to ignore the community's historical victimhood. Putting on a brave face, Ganju asserted that Kashmiri Pandits are not the discarded chapter of Kashmir's story. We are its unfinished chapter, and we intend to write the next one, and made it clear that no durable solution to Kashmir is possible without the community. Expressing frustration over repeated political rhetoric, Vishva Ranjan Pandita said, Every election brings promises, manifestos and speeches in our name. Every party claims to stand with our pain of forced displacement, but once the votes are counted, our issues disappear. He said the issue of Kashmiri Pandits has for decades been reduced to an electoral promise, with political parties invoking their return during campaigns but failing to demonstrate the same urgency or commitment after coming to power. The community deserves more than assurances and manifesto declarations - it needs a concrete, time-bound and comprehensive plan for its safe, secure and dignified return, rehabilitation, livelihood, property rights and long-term integration in the Valley, he said. Pandita maintained that the return of Kashmiri Pandits should not be treated merely as a political slogan or a seasonal election issue. He said the successive governments and political parties must be held accountable for the promises they make to the displaced community and should clearly explain what steps they have taken and what remains to be done to make their return a practical reality. ...the Kashmiri Pandit community cannot be expected to live indefinitely on promises. What is needed now is political will, accountability and a clear roadmap for their return and rehabilitation, he said. Social activist Bhushan Lal Bhat emphasised that the community must cease to be viewed merely as victims awaiting rehabilitation and added that any political process seeking to determine Kashmir's future without the community is inherently incomplete. Academician B L Kaul pointed out that the tragedy of Kashmiri Pandits lies not just in their displacement, but in being pushed to the margins of political discourse, stating that any settlement treating their return as charity remains unacceptable. Reiterating the call for political space and dignity, community leader Kuldeep Raina said that the displacement cannot be reduced to a simple humanitarian problem. It is a political rupture. Any serious attempt to resolve Kashmir must therefore restore the political space, security, and dignity of Kashmiri Pandits, Raina said. Decrying decades of administrative neglect, community members expressed deep frustration over crumbling infrastructure and unfulfilled rehabilitation promises. Activists also pointed to systemic delays in employment and relief measures to ensure daily livelihood. Lord Ram's 'Vanwas' ended after 14 years, but we have been away from our homes for the past 36 years, and there seems no end to our miseries, said activist Sunil Pandita. He noted that the government has failed to fill the 6,000 migrant posts announced in 2009, while housing for the Prime Minister's package employees in the Valley remains incomplete.

We need better governance

5th August 2019 will be remembered as a historical day when the article 370 was abrogated and &K State reduced to the status of Union Territory. The Article 370 of Indian constitution would grant a special status to the erstwhile state of J&K. After 1953, particularly after 1964, the article had lost its sheen and strength due to various amendments made in this article by the competent authority on the recommendations of the local rulers/SLA from time to time when the Indian National Congress was ruling at the centre. The former PM. Late Sh. Morar-ji Desai had once said that Article 370 giving special status and powers to J&K state has become an empty shell. Even SMA during his tenure as CM had said that article 370 is not a divine article that could not be abrogated. Yes, also the article was misused by the local rulers to fulfil their vested interests after keeping the intervention of the central government at bay. The people of the Union Territory have always been suffering due to the miss-governance of local rulers since 1947 even when the Article 370 was in place. The governments of all times would depend on the central aid and subsidies. The state has always been deficient in revenue and was not sufficient to even meet the salaries of their employees. Our local rulers have so far failed to lay a strong economic base to improve the financial position of erstwhile state. They have never tried to exploit our resources to gain the economic stability. We are deficient in state owned electricity production, our lakes are shrinking and some are on the verge of extinction. Our rich forests have already been damaged. Due to wrong urban development planning the wetlands are extinct. Even few hours of rain poses threat of floods in the Srinagar city. We are facing environmental problems. There is shortage of drinking water and some time we even fail to supply pure drinking water. There is every apprehension that the situation will further deteriorate in the future times due to global warming. Our agriculture land has also shrunk that has lead to decrease in agriculture production particularly rice. There has been a reckless conversion of agriculture land into residential and commercial use, despite of limits fixed by revenue act. We have become mostly dependent on outside labour in all types of economic activities. Our UT is second after Punjab in drug trafficking and drug addiction. However it is appreciable that the Present Governor is taking personal interest in controlling this menace on top priority. The article 370 had given special powers to rulers of erstwhile state to run the affairs of their government but they failed to utilise these privileges for maximum benefit and welfare of the people of the state. On 5th August 2026, the workers of different local political parties of UT organised programmes with mixed reactions, after the period of seven years of the abrogation of Article 370 and creation of Union Territory. Mostly they demanded the revival of statehood for J&K. It is also alleged that this was done with the pre-consultation of the important leaders of the local political parties. The meeting of the president of N.C along with its vice president and their legal adviser and then sitting M.P with the prime minister of India a few days before the abrogation of article 370, substantiates the allegations of consent given by some important local leaders who would matter in the day to day politics of the valley could not be brushed aside. The workers of BJP no doubt celebrated this day as a watershed in the political history of J&K and claim it as their partys victory for its total and complete merger with the union of India after abrogation of article 370. Yes the leaders of political parties are mostly demanding now the revival of statehood not with the intention to improve the welfare of common people but to gain more powers to exert their authority. Nobody is asking for protection of our cultural identity, heritage, land and employment for the locals as was envisaged in 35A. No result oriented plan for the return of Kashmiri pundits have been chalked out so far by any political government. This community is an important part of our society. Our society is incomplete without their permanent return to valley. It would be better if benefits of Article 371 is granted before restoring statehood to protect our cultural identity, environment, natural resources and secure employment for our local youth. We need a controlled and quality tourism in view of our fragile environment and not mushroom growth of hotels. We need maximum but safe utilisation of our resources to boost our economy. Self-sufficiency in electricity for domestic consumption. Revival and quality promotion of handicrafts. Pollution free environment and supply of clean drinking water. We need disciplined and smooth flow of traffic, safe public transport and restoration of right to way for pedestrians by having footpaths on both sides of roads. Instead laying stress on useless slogan mongering and criticising each other, all the political parties need to concentrate now on the real development of the UT, nepotism and corruption free governance.

Scrolling is the new smoking

There was a time when addiction had a face. You could smell it on a persons clothes. Today, addiction is different. It slips quietly into our hands every morning and rests beside our pillows every night. It arrives without smoke, without smell, and without suspicion. We call it a smartphone. More specifically, we call it scrolling. Most of us unlock our phones with a purpose. We want to check a message, read an email, or reply to a friend. But somewhere along the way, that purpose quietly disappears. A short visit turns into an endless journey through reels, videos, opinions, advertisements, and carefully crafted distractions. Before we realize it, half an hour has vanished. Nothing urgent happened. Nothing truly meaningful was accomplished. Yet our minds somehow feel exhausted. That is because modern social media is not simply a platform. It is an attention industry. Every second you spend online teaches the algorithm something about you. It observes what you watch, how long your eyes stay on a video, what makes you pause, what makes you laugh, what makes you angry, and what keeps you scrolling. The more it learns, the more accurately it predicts what will capture your attention next. In a strange way, we are not only watching our screens. Our screens are watching us. The greatest change brought by social media is that it has replaced searching with scrolling. Searching begins with intention. You know what you want, and you go looking for it. Scrolling asks for nothing except your time. It makes decisions on your behalf. You watch one video, and twenty more appear before you. You read one opinion, and suddenly you are surrounded by similar voices, louder and more emotional than the last. It is like sitting in a restaurant where invisible waiters keep placing new dishes on your table before you have even decided whether you are hungry. The problem is not only psychological. It is biological. Scientists have found that unpredictable rewardslikes, comments, notifications, and endless new contentactivate the same dopamine pathways involved in gambling and other addictive behaviours. That is why scrolling often feels relaxing in the beginning, irresistible after a while, and mentally draining in the end. Many teenagers today say they have hundreds of online friends but still feel lonely. Adults complain that they can no longer read a book for twenty uninterrupted minutes. Conversations become shorter. Attention spans shrink. Silence begins to feel uncomfortable. Ironically, we have never been more connected, yet many people have never felt more disconnected from themselves. This is why scrolling has become the new smoking. Not because the two are identical, but because both became socially acceptable long before society fully understood their consequences. One damaged the lungs. The other quietly consumes attention, patience, peace of mind, and precious hours that never return. Perhaps we should treat social media the way responsible people treat a casino. Go in with a purpose. Decide beforehand how much time you are willing to spend. And most importantly, know when to leave. Small habits can make a surprising difference. Turn off unnecessary notifications. Keep your phone away during meals. Switch the display to greyscale to reduce visual temptation. Leave the device in another room while working or spending time with family. One simple habit is especially powerful: if you want to use your phone, stand while using it. Standing breaks the comfort of endless scrolling and naturally shortens the time you spend online. These are not acts of rejection. They are acts of self-respect. In an age where billions of dollars are invested in capturing our attention, protecting that attention becomes an act of freedom. Our minds are not products. Our time is not an unlimited resource. Ikkz Ikbal holds Masters in Biotechnology and is Principal & Academic Head at Maryam Memorial Institute, Pandithpora Qaziabad. He Xs @IkkzIkbal.

Pathania seeks focus on quality education in J&K

Udhampur, Aug 9: MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania has called for greater focus on quality basic education in rural and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting staff shortages, inadequate infrastructure and the need for a comprehensive transfer policy. Speaking during a series of programmes across his constituency, Pathania said areas including Dudu, Bastangrah, Pancheri, Garh Samnabanj, Chore Panjian and Moungri were facing shortages of teachers and other staff, affecting educational activities. He urged the government to review the transfer policy and introduce a transparent mechanism that takes into account the requirements of schools in difficult and remote areas. Pathania also highlighted the shortage of subject-specific teachers in schools upgraded under the erstwhile RMSA, saying students in several upgraded high schools were being deprived of proper instruction in key subjects. He stressed that quality education required more than classrooms and textbooks, calling for functional toilets, playgrounds, boundary walls and clean drinking water in every school. We need to focus on the grim realities affecting learning and education on the ground. Jammu and Kashmir also needs more model schools so that students in rural and remote areas get access to quality education, he said. During his visit, Pathania dedicated the newly constructed building of Government Middle School (GMS), Mand, to students. He said the school, which was earlier in a dilapidated condition, had been provided with a new building and that remaining works, including the boundary wall and kitchen, would be completed soon. He said Government High School Johnu and Government High School Chore Panjian were now functioning as PM SHRI schools, while Government Degree College, Majalta, had also developed modern infrastructure. Pathania also flagged off the 23rd annual Charri Yatra from Battal to Machail. The yatra was welcomed by devotees at several locations, including Darssoo, Roundmail, Thill Kali Mata Mandir and Chandi Mata Mandir. He said such pilgrimages promoted faith, unity and social harmony and called upon people to work collectively for the welfare of society.

Gen ji, and the great phonological divide

Raj Kundra's advice to Gen Z Indians highlights cultural and linguistic divides. The Sanskrit alphabet lacks a 'z' sound, impacting comprehension of modern terms. Hindustani, with its 'z' sounds, resonates more easily with younger generations. This phonological difference creates a barrier between elders and youth. India's generational gap is thus both cultural and linguistic in nature.

Mirror of the heart

The remembrance of God polishes the heart, which is likened to a mirror. A pure heart reflects accurately and finds peace, as Sufis explain. Kabir emphasizes cleaning the heart's mirror for true self-reflection. Pausing life's pursuits encourages contemplation of existence and gratitude. Kindness and good deeds effectively polish a heart that has become rusty.

Why this Trump oil tariff is Zzz

A US Senate bill imposing tariffs on Russian oil buyers faces hurdles. India's energy supplies remain secure due to diversified import strategies. New Delhi has increased diplomatic efforts to secure alternative oil and gas sources. Traditional West Asian suppliers can easily meet India's short-haul tanker delivery needs. Long-term commitments can foster energy infrastructure investments in Africa and South America.

India's Menage a Trois: Graham Act puts New Delhi's strategic autonomy to test

The new US legislative proposal aims to introduce tariffs on nations acquiring Russian energy, challenging India to balance its energy demands with its partnership with the US. This bill grants the US President the power to implement such sanctions, necessitating that India seeks energy diversification and enhances diplomatic efforts to protect its interests.

With US taking a hostile approach to India, the 'Mecca pact' is threatening

A Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkiye defence pact could complicate Indias security environment by deepening military, technological and diplomatic cooperation among the three countries. The article argues India should respond through multi-alignment, stronger Gulf partnerships, naval preparedness and continued engagement with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

25 students injured after mini-bus overturns in Jammu; CM Omar expresses anguish

Jammu, Aug 9: At least 25 students mostly girls were injured after a mini-bus overturned near the Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) flyover in Jammu on Sunday. Official sources told news agency JKNS that the vehicle lost control and turned turtle, resulting in injuries to the students travelling onboard. All the injured were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for medical treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable and they are reported to be out of danger. Cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation has been initiated. Meanwhile the Office of Cheif Minister J&K, in a post on X, said that the Chief Minister expressed deep anguish over the road accident involving a matador carrying over 25 girls on the flyover near the Super Speciality Hospital, Jammu. The Chief Minister said the injured were promptly provided medical attention and were reported to be out of danger. He wished them a speedy recovery and directed the authorities concerned to ensure all necessary medical care and assistance.

Police, BSF conduct joint search operation along IB in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 9: Amid heightened security measures and area domination efforts ahead of Independence Day, Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a cordon-and-search operation along with troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) near the International Border here on Sunday, police said. The operation was carried out in Aik Nallah, Kool Kalan and adjoining areas under Arnia police station limits, a spokesman said. He said the joint operation commenced around 6 pm and continued for two hours. During the operation, around 15 houses and 'kullas' (shacks) were thoroughly searched by the teams, the spokesman said. The operation was conducted as part of routine security and surveillance measures, he said, adding that the situation in the area remained normal throughout the operation.

ED Director Rahul Navin gets one-year extension

A 1993-batch Indian Revenue Service officer of the Income Tax cadre, 59-year-old Navin has been leading the federal anti-money laundering agency as its full-time chief since August 14, 2024

Ganderbal police crack backward linkage in NDPS case, supplier among 3 held

Ganderbal, Aug 09: Ganderbal Police has achieved a significant breakthrough in an NDPS case by establishing the backward linkage from street-level peddlers to their supplier, resulting in the arrest of 03 persons and recovery of 63 grams (approximately) of heroin-like substance and Rs.20,950 in suspected drug proceeds. A police spokesperson said that on 7th August 2026, during naka checking at Warpora Crossing, police apprehended two persons, identified as Javaid Ahmad Dar and Arbaz Ahmad Reshi, after they attempted to flee on noticing the naka party. During their personal searches, 11 grams (approximately) heroin-like substance was recovered from their possession. He said that during sustained investigation and backward-linkage verification, police traced the source of supply to Ajaz Ahmad Dar of Chowdribagh, Ganderbal. A search conducted at his premises led to the recovery of 52 grams (approximately) of heroin-like substance and Rs.20,950 cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking. He was subsequently arrested in accordance with law. Accordingly, 03 persons have been arrested and a total of 63 grams (approximately) heroin-like substance has been recovered in Case FIR No. 131/2026, under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act at Police Station Ganderbal. The seized substance has been secured as per due procedure and samples are being forwarded for Forensic Science Laboratory examination. Further investigation is underway to uncover additional linkages and identify other persons involved in the drug network, spokesperson said. Ganderbal Police reiterated its firm commitment to dismantle the entire drug supply chain and take stringent action against those involved in drug trafficking.

Thank You Kashmir: PARAS Health Srinagar launches gratitude campaign, celebrates trust of people

Srinagar, Aug 9: Recognising the trust and confidence placed by people in its doctors, healthcare professionals and services, PARAS Health Srinagar has launched a special gratitude campaign titled Thank You Kashmir, expressing appreciation to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for making the healthcare facility an integral part of their medical journey. The campaign is aimed at acknowledging the patients and families who have chosen PARAS Health Srinagar for their treatment and have reposed faith in its doctors, medical teams and management over the past three years. The initiative comes as PARAS Health Srinagar continues to expand its range of specialised and advanced healthcare services, with a focus on bringing sophisticated medical technology, specialised expertise and comprehensive treatment closer to patients in the region. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director, PARAS Health, said serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir had always been an important vision for the organisation. It was always a dream to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the best possible healthcare facilities. Our endeavour has been to ensure that sophisticated machines, advanced technology and specialised medical facilities are available to the people of Kashmir at their doorstep, so that they do not have to travel outside the region for quality treatment, Dr Nagar said. He said the Thank You Kashmir campaign was essentially a message of gratitude to the people who had trusted PARAS Health and its teams. Healthcare is ultimately about trust. The faith that patients and their families place in their doctors and healthcare institutions is our biggest responsibility. We are grateful to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for giving us the opportunity to serve them, he said. Seema Vig, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, PARAS Health, commended the Srinagar team for its efforts and commitment towards strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in the region. She said the campaign was not merely a celebration for the institution but a tribute to the people whose trust had enabled PARAS Health Srinagar to grow. Our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and the entire Srinagar team have worked with tremendous dedication. Their exemplary work has helped build confidence among patients and families, Vig said. She reiterated the organisations commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir. We want to be the first, and we want to provide everything up to standard. Our commitment is to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have access to the best possible healthcare facilities, technology and expertise, she said. Dr Murtuza Habib, Associate Vice President and Facility Director, PARAS Health Srinagar, said establishing a credible space in the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir was not an easy journey. Creating a space in healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir was not easy. It takes time to build an institution, but more importantly, it takes time to build trust, Dr Habib said. He attributed the growth of PARAS Health Srinagar largely to the people of the region, saying their confidence in the doctors, medical teams and the healthcare process had been the biggest strength of the institution. I would give the biggest credit to the people. They trusted our doctors, they trusted the process and they gave us the opportunity to serve them. That trust is what has brought us to where we are today, he said. Dr Habib said the Thank You Kashmir campaign was therefore a way of acknowledging that relationship. This campaign is our way of saying thank you to every patient, every family and every person who believed in us. For us, their trust is not just an achievement; it is a responsibility that motivates us to do better every day, he said. The campaign also seeks to highlight the larger transformation taking place in the regions healthcare sector, where patients increasingly seek access to advanced diagnostics, specialised procedures, multidisciplinary care and modern medical infrastructure closer to home. Over the past three years, PARAS Health Srinagar has expanded its clinical services across multiple specialties and has undertaken various community outreach initiatives, including medical camps and awareness programmes, aimed at taking healthcare beyond the hospital premises. The Thank You Kashmir campaign places patients and their families at the centre of this journey, celebrating the relationship between the institution and the community it serves. For PARAS Health Srinagar, the message behind the campaign is simple: every patient who walked through its doors, every family that placed its faith in its doctors, and every life touched by its services has contributed to the institutions journey in Kashmir. As the campaign unfolds, PARAS Health Srinagar says it intends to carry forward the same relationship of trust while continuing to invest in technology, medical expertise, infrastructure and patient-centric care. Thank You Kashmir is, ultimately, a thank-you from the healthcare institution to the people who made it possible for it to become a part of Kashmirs healthcare story.

J-K Police secure property attachment order, arrest warrant against another accused in 2008 terror case in Baramulla

Srinagar, Aug 09: Continuing its sustained efforts against elements involved in unlawful and anti-national activities, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla secured an attachment order from the Honble NIA Court, Sopore, in connection with Case FIR No. 02/2008 registered at Police Station Chandoosa under Sections 2/3 EIMCO Act, 120-B & 121 RPC and 13 UAPA Act. The attachment order pertains to land measuring 12 Kanal 01 Marla and 73 Sq. Ft. belonging to accused Parvaiz Ahmad Famda, son of Yaar Mohammad Famda, resident of Kawhar Bala, Chandoosa. The property has been valued at Rs 69,82,550/- (Rupees Sixty-Nine Lakh Eighty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Fifty only), and the requisite valuation certificate has also been obtained. In a related development in the same case, Baramulla Police also obtained an arrest warrant from the Honble NIA Court, Sopore, against another accused, namely Abdul Rashid Bhat, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat, resident of Rajpora, Chandoosa. Police said the action reflects forces continued commitment to pursuing individuals involved in unlawful activities and ensuring that legal proceedings are taken to their logical conclusion in accordance with the law.

Habitual fraudster arrested in Srinagar for cheating traders, duping shopkeepers

Srinagar, Aug 9: Srinagar Police have arrested a habitual fraudster for allegedly duping businessmen and shopkeepers through fraudulent means and impersonation. In a satement issued, the police identified the accused as Ubaid Maqbool Khawaja, son of Maqbool Ahmad Khawaja, resident of Gomal Chek, Tangdar, presently residing at Habib Colony, Alochi Bagh. He was arrested in connection with FIR No. 45/2026 registered at Police Station Maharaj Gunj under Sections 318(4) and 319 BNS. Police said the accused has cheated several traders across the Valley. Multiple complaints have been received against him from different areas, and he is already facing cases at various police stations. These include FIR No. 76/2022 under Section 430 IPC at Police Station Kothibagh and FIR No. 83/2023 under Sections 201, 379, 416 and 430 IPC at Police Station Pulwama. Authorities added that the accused was previously detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) due to his repeated involvement in criminal activities. Further investigation is underway to trace his wider network and ascertain his role in other fraud cases, reads the statement.

Op Sindoor showed India will go to any extent to ensure its citizens' safety: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Aug 9: The Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of the country's armed forces, who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday. He was addressing an event held at the Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. Singh commended the defence forces for eliminating terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensuring that those who dared to cast an evil eye on India faced dire consequences. Indian armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor in May 2025 in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women, Singh said at the blood donation camp, titled 'Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra', at the Base Hospital here. Drawing a parallel with the mega blood donation camp, Singh asserted that it represents compassion while Operation Sindoor showcased courage. Approximately 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra were among the donors who participated in the camp, demonstrating the spirit of selfless service and solidarity with the armed forces, the defence ministry said in a statement. Expressing gratitude to the donors, the Union minister expressed confidence that the blood donated today would serve as a credible reserve for needy soldiers and their families in the future. He described blood donation as 'jivandan' and 'mahadan', stressing that despite remarkable advances in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has yet been developed. Since (human) blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, Singh said, blood donation remains one of the noblest forms of charity. He underlined that every blood donor and recipient is, in their own way, serving the nation, and urged the people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture. When we celebrate 100 years of our independence in 2047, our aim should not be limited to a developed economy; we must also envision a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe, and precious resources like blood are readily available in times of need, Singh said. The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Pratap Rao Jadhav, Maharashtra Minister of Industries Uday Ravindra Samant, MP Srikant Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth, DG Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other senior military and civil dignitaries, the statement said. For AFMS, maintaining adequate blood reserves assumes particular significance as military hospitals cater to routine healthcare requirements as well as operational, trauma and emergency contingencies. The participation of nearly 500 voluntary donors reaffirmed the ethos of 'service before self' and underscored the role that every eligible citizen can play in saving lives through regular voluntary blood donation, the ministry said.

Special funds for winter clothing, equipment of CRPF troops posted at heights post Pahalgam attack

New Delhi, Aug 9: A special winter clothing and equipment fund has been sanctioned by the Union home ministry for CRPF troops operating from the Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) created for fighting terrorists in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir post the 2025 Pahalgam attack. Official sources told PTI that an allocation of more than Rs 4.54 crore has been granted to the paramilitary few weeks ago to procure gaiters, sleeping bags, snow boots and goggles, extreme cold weather clothing developed by the DRDO (Himsuraksha brand), insulating mats, rucksacks, gloves, tents, thermal insoles, blankets and rescue bags for about 600 troops. While most of these items were already provided to the TOB troops since the last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July granted complete authorisation to a CRPF proposal for procuring these items so that the troops can be better equipped for long duration reconnaissance patrols, survival and combat against terrorists in the higher reaches, they said. The life expectancy of these items is about two years and the funds can be revised upwards for fresh procurement, the sources added. The TOBs, established above the height of 6,000 feet, house Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos for launching search and assault operations where terrorists are holed up in 'dhoks' (mud and stone huts). It has been found that terrorists used the snow-bound and arduous hilly terrains of Jammu and Kashmir to hide before or after perpetrating violence in the plains and, hence, the CRPF and Army troops are now stationed here. The first such rocks and mortar base was created by the CRPF in July 2025 and, as per latest data, the force has erected 55 TOBs in both Jammu and Kashmir regions of the Union Territory. The TOBs hold a team of about 15-25 armed troops with basic facilities of rest and recuperation. One such TOB of the CRPF was used as a base by the security forces to eliminate in July 2025 the three terrorists who were responsible for the Pahalgam attack. This mission was called 'Operation Mahadev'. 'Operation Mahadev' began on May 22, 2025 as part of a security plan that was drawn a day after the April 22 attack in the scenic Baisaran valley of Pahalgam where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by the terrorists who had taken shelter in the higher locations. While the proposal to create TOBs for CRPF commandos, like the Army, was being planned since 2022-23, they were made operational post the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, official sources said.

Eight injured as Tempo overturns on NH-244 in Dodas Assar

Banihal, Aug 09: Eight persons were injured when a tempo travelling from Srinagar towards Doda overturned near Trungal Assar on National Highway-244 in Doda district on Sunday afternoon, officials said. Block Medical Officer, Assar, Dr Syed Mohammad Ismail, said the accident occurred at around 12:06 p.m. He said a local resident informed the 108 ambulance service, following which three ambulances were rushed to the accident site from PHC Assar. Soon after the accident, locals, police personnel and volunteers launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Assar, where they received initial treatment. The BMO said all eight injured persons were subsequently referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for advanced treatment and further management. The injured were identified as Surjeet Kumar (27), Parveez Ahmed (44), Kewal Krishan (41), Mubeena Begum (36), Mohd Irfan (36), Altaf Hussain (35), Muneeba Farooq (24), and Ayaz Ahmed (36). Further details about their condition were awaited

Dozens of PDP workers from Gool join National Conference in Banihal

Banihal, Aug 09: Dozens of prominent workers and activists associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Gool today joined the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) in Banihal, reaffirming their faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the people-centric development agenda being pursued by the NC-led government. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, senior National Conference leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, said that the growing influx of people into the National Conference was a clear endorsement of the partys politics of development, dignity, secularism and protection of the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Shaheen said the people were increasingly recognising the difference between those who stood with them during difficult times and those who compromised their political positions for short-term power. He said the PDPs 2014 alliance with the BJP had left a deep political and institutional legacy for which the people of Jammu & Kashmir were still paying a heavy price. Those who promised to safeguard the interests and special status of Jammu & Kashmir ultimately joined hands with the BJP. The PDPs politics of opportunism and its alliance with the BJP contributed to the political circumstances in which the special constitutional position of Jammu & Kashmir was subsequently downgraded and eroded. The people have neither forgotten nor forgiven this betrayal, Shaheen said. He accused the PDP leadership of practising a dual politics, claiming to champion the interests of Jammu & Kashmir while simultaneously enabling forces whose political agenda was contrary to the aspirations and constitutional rights of the people of the erstwhile state. The people of Jammu & Kashmir are today paying the price of the political misjudgements and compromises of those who betrayed the trust reposed in them. History will judge those who chose power over principles, he said. Shaheen asserted that the National Conference, in contrast, has consistently remained a guardian of the political, constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, irrespective of circumstances. From Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, the National Conference has never abandoned the people of Jammu & Kashmir. We have faced difficult periods, stood against injustice and continued to raise our voice for the dignity, identity, rights and democratic aspirations of our people, he said. He said the growing support for the National Conference was also a reflection of the people's appreciation of the development-oriented and people-friendly governance under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Shaheen highlighted what he described as a renewed and equitable development push across Jammu & Kashmir, saying that infrastructure, roads, education, health, power, water supply, tourism, sports and other sectors were receiving focused attention. He said the objective was not merely to develop urban centres but to ensure that remote, hilly and historically neglected areas also received their rightful share of development. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, development is being pursued on the principle of equity. From the plains to the mountains and from towns to remote villages, every region is being brought into the development process. Banihal-Gool is also witnessing this transformation, he said. Referring specifically to the Banihal-Gool constituency, Shaheen said several major development initiatives had either been sanctioned, approved or taken up during the present tenure. He said the ongoing development process was aimed at creating better connectivity, employment opportunities, educational facilities, healthcare infrastructure and economic avenues for the people, particularly those living in remote mountainous areas. Welcoming the former PDP workers, Shaheen said their decision to join the National Conference demonstrated that political workers were increasingly seeking a platform rooted in principles, public service and inclusive development. The doors of the National Conference remain open to all those who believe in democratic values, secularism, social justice, development and the political and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, he said. Shaheen said the latest political shift in Gool was not merely an organisational development for the National Conference but a reflection of a larger change in public sentiment, with people choosing performance, accessibility and principled politics over political opportunism. He called upon party workers to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and remain connected with the people, saying that the National Conference would continue to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people and building a more equitable, peaceful and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir.

Those who participated in Quit India movement remain inspiration for every Indian: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered participants of the historic Quit India Movement. Their courage remains an inspiration for all Indians, he stated. The movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi, gave impetus to India's independence. This clarion call infused new energy into the freedom struggle. August 9, 2026, will mark the movement's eighty-fourth anniversary.

After decades, Kupwaras Kawari-Awoora road project finally takes off

Kupwara, Aug 8:After decades of delay, work on the long-pending Kawari-Awoora road project in Kupwara district has finally begun under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV). The 1.6-km road has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 329.63 lakh. It will connect Kawari with Awoora and cover the stretch from RD 700 to Manwan Bala under Package No. JK08-4008. MLA Kupwara Mir Mohammad Fayaz said the road had remained pending for years despite being a longstanding demand of residents. I took it as a challenge and ensured that the project was brought on the ground, Fayaz said. The road will have a sanctioned carriageway width of 3.75 metres and is scheduled to be completed within 548 days. Bhat Infrastructure has been entrusted with the construction work. Residents welcomed the start of the project, saying the road would ease their daily travel and improve access to essential services. We are thankful to the MLA for taking up the issue seriously, a local resident said. The road has been needed for a long time. Another resident said the project would improve connectivity with nearby markets and other facilities. It will make access to healthcare, education and markets easier, he said. The road is expected to provide better connectivity to residents of Kawari, Awoora and adjoining areas.

Amarnath Yatra suspended from Jammu; 588 pilgrims return from Baltal in 53 vehicles

Banihal, Aug 09: The Shri Amarnath Yatra has been suspended from Jammu towards Srinagar/Baltal amid adverse weather conditions and restoration work on the pilgrimage tracks. However, pilgrims who had already performed darshan at the holy cave are being allowed to return towards Jammu. According to the Joint Police Control Room, Baltal, a total of 588 pilgrimsincluding 435 men, 83 women, four children and 66 sadhuswere moving towards Jammu in 53 vehicles on Sunday morning. The down convoy was moving through the Ramban-Banihal sector of NH-44 towards Jammu when reports last came in. No fresh Yatra convoy was allowed to proceed from Jammu towards the base camps. The suspension from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes has been ordered from August 9 due to recent rains, track damage and forecast of adverse weather.

Former principal chief conservator of forests GH Kango passes away

Srinagar, Aug 09: Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) G.H. Kango passed away on Sunday at his residence in Rajbagh, Srinagar. G.H. Kango was widely regarded as a pioneer of modern forestry in Jammu & Kashmir. During his distinguished career, he introduced the concepts of soil and water conservation and integrated watershed management in the Forest Department and played a key role in establishing several watershed management projects in the region with the assistance of the World Bank. Kango has also contributed significantly to the stabilisation of degraded and denuded areas and addressed soil and water conservation challenges in the Kandi areas of Kashmir Valley and several parts of the Jammu region. Under his guidance, the Department of Soil Conservation was established in 1978, and Kango was appointed its first Director. He served in the department for eight years, from 1978 to 1986, before later serving as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and retiring from active service in 1993. Ghulam Hassan Kango was a scholar with a deep interest in forestry, ecology, nomadic studies and pasture development. Besides his distinguished career in the Forest Department, he authored several articles on nomadic communities and their traditional routes, with his work appearing in national and international publications, and participated in several conferences on forestry and environmental issues. He remained actively engaged with conservation and environmental awareness even after retirement, sharing his experience and knowledge with researchers, students and civil society groups.

Iran makes new strait demands, UAE says ship was targeted and other Middle East news

Dubai, Aug 09: Iran issued dramatic new demands around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the United Arab Emirates said one of its ships was targeted by an Iranian missile. Yemen's military attacked the country's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. And Turkiye's Kurdish peace bill won approval in parliament. Here's a look at developments across the Middle East on Saturday. Full coverage can be found here. Iran says the strait won't open until the US corrects' its behaviour Iran's politburo-like body known as the Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States corrects its behaviour, issuing new demands that could shake up talks on a deal to manage the waterway and traffic on it. Iran's state broadcaster published the statement by the council's secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander in the powerful Revolutionary Guard. The United States must never threaten Iran again, the statement said, and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. The US must lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the area. It also must completely compensate Iran for war damage, lift sanctions and unconditionally release frozen assets. There was no immediate comment from the US, which has wanted an acceptable deal first on the strait before ending the blockade. According to the interim deal signed in June, a schedule to end sanctions and plan on compensation would be part of the final deal, and negotiations would address frozen assets. A 60-day period to negotiate a final deal will end in just over a week but could be extended. Iran has said it was close to reaching a separate deal with Oman to manage the strait, which runs between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier Saturday said they were close to reaching an agreement on navigation, specifically the determination of a transit route. But the waterway's reopening is contingent on other conditions, he said in remarks shared on social media, and blamed the situation on what he called the US violation of the interim deal. Oman, a mediator Gulf Arab country which has said relatively little on the talks, said in a statement Saturday that the discussions were ongoing in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and condemned attacks on ships on the strait. The strait, crucial to global supplies of oil and natural gas, had been considered an international waterway before the war. Ship transits remain low. Iran attacks a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE says A vessel owned by Abu Dhabi's state-owned ADNOC oil and gas company was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Emirati authorities said earlier Saturday. The Foreign Ministry said Iran fired the missile as part of attacks on commercial shipping. ADNOC in a statement said there were no casualties following the attack early Saturday. The company said over a dozen of its vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones while transiting the strait since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran in February. One crew member has been killed and 20 others wounded, it said. ADNOC didn't elaborate on the attack's location or any damage. Later, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said a vessel east of the town of Khasab, Oman, had been struck by a projectile that caused a fire that was put out, with the vessel and crew safe. It was not clear whether this was the ADNOC incident. A defence deal is not aimed at any third country, Turkiye says A defence agreement that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed on Friday is not aimed against any third country, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. It says an attack on one would be considered an attack on all three. Fidan told Turkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency on Saturday that the countries do not view any state as an adversary unless it takes hostile action against them: We don't have anything written down nothing we've signed that defines a common threat. Asked how the mutual defense mechanism would work, Fidan said a member would formally request help and the two countries' assistance could range from intelligence-sharing to logistics support or the deployment of military units. The mechanism would establish a secretariat to be based in Saudi Arabia, Fidan said. He said other nations, which he did not name, have expressed interest in joining the agreement, adding that he expects Egypt, which he described as a natural partner, to participate at the next stage. Yemen's military attacks Iran-backed Houthis The attacks were in response to the Houthis' recent strikes in central and eastern Yemen. Col. Majed al-Nazili, spokesperson for Yemen's military, said the attacks targeted the rebels' sites and capabilities on multiple front lines, without elaborating. The escalation between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government and its backer, a Saudi-supported coalition, threatens to reignite Yemen's civil war following a 2022 truce. Turkiye's Kurdish peace bill wins approval in parliament A Turkish draft law aimed at advancing a peace effort with the country's Kurdish insurgents passed its first hurdle in parliament on Saturday. A committee approved the measure. It is expected to be approved in the general assembly next week. Last year, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, declared its decision to disarm and disband as part of the peace initiative aimed at ending the decades-long conflict with the Turkish state. The draft legislation defines the procedures for the group's disarmament and rehabilitation of some PKK members. The measures would come into effect once Turkiye's National Security Council confirms that the group has disbanded and surrendered all weapons. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people since it began in the 1980s. Turkiye and its Western allies consider the group a terrorist organisation.

Massive crackdown on JeI-linked network in Sopore; searches underway at 26 locations

Sopore, Aug 09: Security forces and investigating agencies on Sunday launched a massive crackdown against a suspected network allegedly linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in Sopore and adjoining areas of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. According to officials, search operations are being conducted at 26 locations in connection with a case registered under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the banned organisation. The searches are being carried out as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged activities, links and network associated with the proscribed outfit. Teams of security forces and investigating agencies have been deployed at multiple locations, where searches of residential and other premises are underway. Officials said the operation is aimed at gathering further evidence and establishing the nature of the alleged network and its activities. The searches are part of a wider investigation into individuals and locations suspected to have links with the banned organisation. Security arrangements have also been strengthened in the areas where the searches are being conducted to ensure the operations are carried out smoothly and to prevent any disruption to law and order. Further details, including the outcome of the searches and any recoveries made during the operation, are awaited.