Opinion

US military says it destroyed 5 Iranian oil tankers; Tehran hits back at American targets in Jordan

Washington, Sep 09: The US military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday in response to the latest attacks on its warships and Tehran hit back at American targets in Jordan, the latest burst of back-and-forth strikes that have lurched the sides back toward open hostilities in a more than six-month-old war. Following the American strikes, Iran launched missiles toward US targets in Jordan, Iranian state-run media said. Jordan's military said its air defence systems intercepted 18 ballistic missiles launched toward its territory and two others fell in places where no one lives. It said it has no reports of casualties. Jordan is a staunch US ally that hosts American forces, making the kingdom's military bases a target of repeated Iranian strikes. US Central Command said it had no information to offer. The latest strikes are part of a dual economic and military approach by President Donald Trump as he struggles to bring an end to the war. The Trump administration on Tuesday also imposed sanctions on additional elements of Iran's aviation industry, targeting more than two dozen commercial and private airlines as well as foreign cargo service providers, in its new push to isolate Tehran from its remaining trading partners. Both the US and Iran are seeking to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world's oil passed before the war began. Rising energy prices are posing political problems for Trump and his Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. A barrel of international standard Brent crude briefly climbed as high as $99.46 on Tuesday. The US forces also destroyed three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday after Iran's Revolutionary Guards tried to attack a US aircraft carrier and destroyer with ballistic missiles, warning that it would, if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet. Iran later said it planned to announce a new exclusion zone near the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels intending to transit. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US will not allow Iran's attacks to go unanswered. Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships. And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers. And I think you'll see that again today, Rubio told reporters on Tuesday when asked about the latest attacks in Iran while on a trip to Colombia. Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, warned that such back-and-forth strikes can only risk more retaliation and further impact on the global economy. There is no kinetic solution to the Strait of Hormuz problem, he said on social media. Every attempt to impose one only brings Washington and Tehran closer to an escalation that may become increasingly difficult to control. US Central Command said the military struck the tankers on Tuesday after the Revolutionary Guards targeted a Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. The US warship successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks and continued to patrol regional waters. No American personnel were harmed, it said in a statement. It said the Iranian tankers destroyed on Tuesday were the Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1 and the Riesco in the Gulf of Oman. The US military also destroyed the vessel Derya, which was located near Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement said the crews of the five vessels were told to abandon ship before the attacks. Iranian state television also reported the US strikes, saying US forces attacked Iranian oil tankers near the southern port of Jask and near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. It said the crews were evacuated. An Iranian state TV reporter in Jask said an Iranian tanker was struck near the coast of Yekbeni. State TV later reported that the US military attacked a second tanker near waters off Jask. Separately, state television reported that another Iranian tanker was attacked in the Kharg Island anchorage area. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy on Tuesday had warned crews of oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately leave their vessels, saying the ships could be targeted in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian tankers. It accused Kuwait and Bahrain of hosting US forces and assisting in the attacks. A US blockade of Iranian ports has squeezed the country's economy by limiting its oil exports, while the American military has been helping a limited number of ships transit on a route through the Strait of Hormuz off Oman. Tehran wants ships to follow a route that it chooses through the strait, which was considered an international waterway before the war.

Traffic advisory issued for oath ceremony Of Chief Justice in Srinagar today

Srinagar, Sep 09: Traffic Police City Srinagar has issued a traffic advisory for the oath ceremony of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. According to the advisory, the oath ceremony is scheduled to be held at Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST Kashmir, Srinagar today at 11:00 AM. In view of the ceremony, motorists intending to travel from Harwan-Shalimar-Nishat and other adjacent areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to travel via Foreshore route to reach their respective destinations. Similarly, those intending to travel towards Nishat, Shalimar and Harwan have been advised to adopt Foreshore Road via Shalimar Bridge. The police said that no vehicle shall be allowed towards SKUAST Kashmir and no vehicle shall move towards Shalimar via Ishber during the period. The advisory will remain in force for two hours from 10 AM to 12 Noon on September 9 till the oath ceremony is completed. Emergencies shall be allowed to take the shortest route. Citizens can contact Traffic Police Control Room No. 103 for any assistance, officials said.(GNS)

Arifa among 5 J&K films selected for IFFJK competition

Srinagar, Sep 8: Arifa , directed by Rohin Raveendran Nair, has been selected among five films for the J&K Select Section, the competitive category of the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026. Produced by Gubbara Entertainment and written by Durgesh Singh, Arifa is part of the three-film anthology Kashmir Muhabbat Se, which seeks to present an intimate and humane portrayal of Kashmir beyond headlines and stereotypes. The film follows an estranged daughter who returns to Kashmir to meet her dying father. Her return to the ancestral home brings buried memories to the surface, giving the father and daughter a final opportunity to confront their past and seek reconciliation. The film explores themes of family, memory, reconciliation and belonging against the backdrop of Kashmir. The other films selected for the J&K Select Section are Searching for the Grandpa, directed by Mohammad Wali; Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), directed by Siddarth Koul and Ankit Wali; Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir), directed by Kapil Mattoo; and Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar), directed by Baba Tassaduq Hussain. According to festival organisers, the films were recommended by the Preview Committee after reviewing submissions and assessing their artistic merit and suitability for the competitive section.

Cultural activities signal changing social atmosphere in Kashmir: Darakhshan Andrabi

Srinagar, Sep 8:J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Tuesday said the growing cultural activities and public participation in Kashmir indicate a changing social atmosphere, as the Valley hosts its maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK). Addressing the four-day festival, themed Rang-e-Cinema, at SKICC Srinagar, Andrabi said Kashmir had once again regained its vibrancy and that such platforms could showcase the regions cultural heritage, creativity and evolving identity to a global audience. Such platforms offer a vital opportunity to present the Valleys rich cultural heritage, creativity, and evolving identity to a global audience, she said. The festival has received more than 1,100 entries from 80 countries and also features a floating cinema on Dal Lake, an initiative being showcased as a first for the region. Andrabi described the public participation in IFFJK as a significant cultural development in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such initiatives could help reconnect Kashmir with the global community while creating new opportunities for local youth. She said the visible public participation and increasing cultural activities reflected the changes taking place in the region. I really feel good today for the first time. The happiness seen on the faces of people here, I credit it to PM Modi, she said. Andrabi said the people of Kashmir carried happiness in their hearts and eyes. People are really happy here, she added.

Kashmiri films can travel globally with right stories: Sriram Raghavan

Srinagar, Sep 8: Acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan on Tuesday said that Kashmir has the potential to develop on the lines of Malayalam, Marathi and Gujarati cinema and called for greater opportunities for local artists and filmmakers across Jammu and Kashmir. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) on the second day at SKICC here, Raghavan said the film festival could prove to be a significant catalyst for the growth of the local film ecosystem. For me, I think it is a vital thing that has happened. I am wondering why it has not happened yet. But now that it has happened, I think it will just continue and it will flourish, he said. Raghavan said greater interaction between filmmakers from different parts of the country and the local film community would create a beneficial exchange of ideas and exposure to world cinema. He said that Jammu and Kashmir should not be viewed merely as a location for shooting films, but as a place capable of producing its own stories and filmmakers. It is not like that. There should be stories from here. Local artists should also be brought here. We should give them a chance so that more youth can come here, he added. Raghavan said there was no reason why it could not achieve the kind of recognition enjoyed by regional industries such as Malayalam, Marathi and Gujarati cinema, saying that he was confident that a strong Kashmiri film industry will emerge in Kashmirs future. Where are the Kashmiri films? I am sure that the films will come gradually and the initial growth could come through smaller productions, he added. He further said that Kashmiri filmmakers should not feel compelled to make mainstream commercial films to reach a wider audience. Small and distinctive films with compelling stories could have greater potential to travel internationally. Dont think that it has to be a mainstream film. It can be a small film that will go all over the world. Its just a matter of getting the right story, he said. Raghavan also welcomed efforts to streamline the process of obtaining permissions for film shoots in the region, saying such measures could help the industry grow. Referring to Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs address, the filmmaker said he was impressed by the governments intent to bring change and facilitate filmmaking in J&K. I was very impressed with his speech. He really wants to see a change here. He is doing his best to reduce the single window. Lets see how. I think it will all really help, he said. Raghavan said the regions growing tourism and its locations could also provide opportunities for filmmakers, while cautioning that increased tourist activity could make popular destinations challenging for film shoots. He said the impact of initiatives such as IFFJK may become visible over the next few years and local youngsters will gain professional skills and eventually seek employment within the regions film industry. This is the first festival. You can see the difference in five years. In five years, they will be professionals. They will be looking for work here, he said. Raghavan added that while he had not interacted extensively with local people but he believed there was considerable interest in filmmaking among the youth and that more local participation would emerge with time.

Kashmirs stories go beyond scenic beauty: Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu

Srinagar, Sep 8:Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu on Tuesday said Kashmirs storytelling potential extends beyond its scenic beauty, with the Valley offering rich material for filmmakers and significant scope for regional cinema. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the second day of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at SKICC Srinagar, the actors said local stories, emerging talent and a growing digital ecosystem could create new opportunities for filmmaking in the region. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Kashmir. We loved the food here and the interactions with local people were amazing. We felt a sense of belonging and it was really wonderful, they said. The actors said they would like to see more of their films reach audiences in Kashmir and highlighted the growing opportunities through theatres, OTT platforms and other avenues. There is tremendous scope, they said. They also stressed the importance of film festivals and masterclasses in helping young filmmakers learn from experienced professionals. The actors said Kashmir offered stories rooted in its people, food, culture and everyday life, beyond its landscapes. They noted that while filmmakers had historically visited Kashmir for songs and outdoor shoots, the region now had an opportunity to tell deeper stories about its people and culture. The four-day IFFJK features film screenings, discussions and masterclasses involving filmmakers, actors, technicians, students and cinema enthusiasts.

Filmmakers seek policy push to revive local cinema in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 8:Filmmakers participating in the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 have called for greater government support, policy incentives and dedicated exhibition space to revive local cinema and create a sustainable film ecosystem in the Valley. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a masterclass by filmmaker Shriram Raghavan at SKICC Srinagar, filmmaker and college teacher Mudabir said interactions with established filmmakers could help inspire young talent but would need to be backed by concrete opportunities. He said Raghavans experience across genres including thrillers, romance and commercial cinema made the masterclass particularly valuable for students and aspiring filmmakers. However, Mudabir said inspiration alone could not build a sustainable film industry in Kashmir. Cinema has not received much promotion in Kashmir. Local and indigenous filmmakers have limited scope to make films or showcase them before audiences, he said. He called for government measures such as subsidies and incentives for local film productions and suggested that cinema halls in Jammu and Kashmir reserve dedicated screening slots for locally produced films. Such measures can provide young filmmakers with an opportunity to move beyond training and discussions and actually produce and exhibit their work, he added. Filmmaker Shadab Alam said the increasing number of film-related activities in Kashmir was encouraging and indicated that perceptions about shooting in the Valley were changing. Alam said smaller production houses had traditionally been hesitant to shoot in Kashmir, while larger production companies were better placed to undertake productions in the region. I have been coming to Kashmir for the last 10 years and have continuously shot here, he said, adding that the ground reality was different from the apprehensions held by some filmmakers. He also highlighted the growing access to digital content among young people, saying affordable mobile data had brought cinema closer to a wider audience. Gen Z loves cinema, Alam said, while underlining the potential of Kashmirs young population as both an audience and a source of emerging filmmaking talent. The four-day IFFJK commenced in Srinagar on September 7, with the festival being positioned as part of efforts to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs engagement with the film industry and promote the Valley as a shooting destination.

Sagar thanks NC leaders, office bearers, workers for paying homage to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah

Srinagar, Sep 8:The J&K National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar Tuesday expressed heartfelt gratitude to party leaders, office-bearers and workers, including those associated with the Youth and Womens wings, who visited the resting place of the late Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to pay homage on his 44th death anniversary. As per a party statement issued, he said that party office-bearers and workers visited the Mazar in the early hours of the morning and fulfilled their duty towards the revered leader. Sagar said that the National Conference is the name of a movement and has always worked towards safeguarding the integrity of Jammu and Kashmir, communal harmony and the interests of the people. He said that the people of all three regions can never forget, until eternity, the great and sacred sacrifices made by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

Complaint for remarks against PM Modi: High Court refuses to quash 2019 summons to Rahul Gandhi

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to quash the summons issued to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in 2019 by a magistrate court in a complaint over his alleged defamatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A single bench of Justice N R Borkar dismissed Gandhis petition against the magistrate courts order, but extended by six weeks an earlier directive to the lower court to defer hearing on the defamation plaint. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, sought the extension so that he can file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The direction to defer the hearing on the defamation complaint meant that Gandhi would not be required to appear before the magistrate. Justice Borkar said it did not find any perversity and illegality in the magistrates order and hence no reason to interfere. This court finds no infirmity in the order. Hence, the petition is dismissed, the HC said. The complainant, M H Shrishrimal, had opposed Gandhis plea in the High Court, claiming that being a member of BJP, he too was aggrieved by the remarks made against his leader. The court refused to accept Gandhis contention that the complainant was not an aggrieved party as the remarks were against a person and not the political party. BJP is a determinate body with a class of members, and complainant Shrishrimal is an active member of the party since 2018, Justice Borkar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a prominent face of the BJP, and any remarks made against him therefore cannot be said to be incapable of affecting those who are members of the party, the court said. The court added that whether the remarks made by Gandhi were of a personal nature intended against PM Modi alone could be determined only during the trial after examination of evidence and witness statements. After the court passed its order, Gandhis counsel Sudeep Pasbola urged it to extend the interim order passed in 2021 for eight weeks so that the Congress leader could appeal in the apex court. Shrishrimals lawyer, however, opposed this and said the trial in the case has been at a standstill since 2021. Justice Borkar continued the interim order for six weeks. Gandhi had challenged a Girgaum magistrates order of August 28, 2019, for a process against him on Shrishrimals complaint. The complaint had alleged that Gandhi defamed PM Modi in a public speech on September 20, 2018, in Rajasthan. Shrishrimal, in his complaint, alleged that apart from the remarks during the rally against PM Modi, Gandhi, on September 24, 2018, also posted a video on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account and repeated the same defamatory remarks. The complainant claimed these statements amounted to direct allegations against all members of the BJP and Indian citizens connected to PM Modi. Gandhis counsel Pasbola and advocate Kushal Mor argued that the complaint was frivolous and the complainant had no locus standi to file it. The complainant was not an aggrieved party and hence cannot file such a complaint, they had submitted.

Why not dialogue with J&K people when Centre talked to Nagaland, Punjab: Iltija Mufti

Kupwara, Sep 8:Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader Iltija Mufti questioned Centres approach towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying when New Delhi has talked to the people of Nagaland and Punjab in the past then why not with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If the central government has talked with the people of Nagaland and Punjab, then why this double standard with regard to the people of Jammu and Kashmir? she asked. Speaking to reporters after a youth interaction programme at Town Hall Kupwara on Monday, Mufti said the Government of India should adopt the same approach towards Jammu and Kashmir as it had done in Nagaland and Punjab. She said the first step towards creating a conducive atmosphere should be the release of all political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir on compassionate grounds. Lakhs of people are languishing in jails, not only in the jails of Jammu and Kashmir but also in jails outside. Most of these inmates are from marginalised families who cannot even afford litigation, she said. Iltija alleged that PDP was not being allowed to raise its voice against the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Whenever PDP raises its voice against the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, we are not being allowed to do so, she said. While slamming Omar Abdullah-led government Iltija said that the present dispensation has miserably failed to live up to the expectations of youth. The government jobs are now being outsourced, causing disappointment among job aspirants, she said. She said that NC government has failed to fulfil promises mentioned in their manifesto, including 200 free units of electricity, 12 free gas cylinders and one lakh jobs.

Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq urges Centre to reconsider ban policy on social, political organisations in J&K

Srinagar, Sep 8:Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, in a post on X, said that the public statement by the JEI chief is concerning. He said it would be in the interest of peace and stability that New Delhi listen to peoples plea and revisit its policy of bans on social and political organisations in J&K, bringing an end to the harassment and intimidation that accompanies such restrictions. Mirwaiz, as per a statement issued, said that where these forced measures are challenged before the court of law, it is at least expected that due process is allowed to run its course fairly, without taking actions that render legal remedies meaningless. Attached properties and institutions should be treated with restraint and in accordance with law and judicial process. He further said that a sustainable political process cannot be built by excluding genuine voices or replacing them with convenient alternatives. Those who command real social and political presence must be allowed space and engaged through dialogue. Respect for the rule of law, fairness and meaningful political engagement remain essential for any way forward to real peace, Mirwaiz said.

JU celebrates 58th Foundation Day

The University of Jammu on Tuesday celebrated its 58th Foundation Day with Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai calling upon the University fraternity to move beyond conventional, marks-oriented education and build an academic ecosystem centred on problem-solving, project-based learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal relevance. Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rai said the 58th Foundation Day was not merely an occasion to celebrate the University's journey, but also a moment to reflect on the kind of institution it must become for the generations ahead. He said the University of Jammu had reached a stage where it must move beyond following established models and have the confidence to create new ones for higher education. I have never believed that we should simply copy another university. I want the University of Jammu to be an example for others, he said, calling upon the University fraternity to work collectively towards making Jammu University a model institution for the country. The Vice Chancellor said the changing world required universities to rethink the way students are taught, assessed and prepared for life. Education, he said, could no longer remain excessively centred on marks, examinations and rote learning. The real measure of a student should increasingly be the ability to think, collaborate, create and solve problems. We cannot determine the future of today's students according to the standards and circumstances of our own student days, he said. Emphasising project-based and interdisciplinary learning, the Vice-Chancellor said students from different disciplines should be encouraged to work together on real-life problems. He said the University had already begun experimenting with such approaches and urged faculty members to make project-mode learning an integral part of curriculum design. Assessment, too, must evolve to recognise both collaborative work and individual contribution. Referring to the University's new undergraduate-postgraduate programme, Prof Rai said the initiative was aimed at bringing students from different academic streams onto a common multidisciplinary platform, with exposure to areas such as Information Technology, mathematical ability, data, communication skills, coding, Artificial Intelligence and financial literacy. He cautioned that innovative programmes should not eventually slip back into conventional teaching practices. Please do not take it towards rote learning. Take it towards project-mode learning and real-life problem-solving, he told the academic fraternity. Placing research at the heart of the University's future, Prof Rai said the institution had witnessed encouraging growth in its research performance, with citations increasing from around 944 to 10,549. The University's admissions had also increased from around 1,800 last year to more than 2,800 this year, which, he said, reflected growing confidence in the institution. He also highlighted the University's initiative to establish the Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence, which would undertake research across Jammu and Kashmir and explore its culture, literature, dialects, traditions and heritage, besides examining their possible linkages with tourism, entrepreneurship and the economy. Calling himself merely a catalyst in the University's transformation, the Vice Chancellor credited the progress to the collective efforts of the University fraternity. Every one of you has a role to play, he said, urging faculty members, officers, employees, researchers and students to take ownership of the University's future. On the 58th Foundation Day, he called upon the University fraternity to renew its commitment to the institution and build a University that not only responds to the changing needs of higher education but also provides direction to others. Chief guest Dr Dheer Singh, Director, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, congratulated the University fraternity and said universities were not merely places of teaching but institutions that shape individuals, society and the nation. Dr Singh identified education, research and employment as three crucial dimensions of a modern university and stressed that research should move beyond laboratories and academic publications to create technologies, products, enterprises and solutions for society. Guest of Honour Manish Vij, Managing Partner, Smile Group and Founder, Vanna Ventures, New Delhi, said universities must prepare students to combine disciplinary expertise with the ability to work across domains and address real-world challenges. Using the letter T as an analogy, he said its vertical line represented depth and specialisation, while the horizontal represented cross-functional and interdisciplinary learning. Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, described the University's 58-year institutional journey as a testimony to resilience, perseverance and the contribution of generations of stakeholders. A special feature of the 58th Foundation Day celebrations was the felicitation of distinguished alumni who have excelled in the fields of judiciary, civil administration, tourism and entrepreneurship, besides student achievers and best-performing employees of the University. Among those honoured was Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, alumnus of Law and presently Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. With a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades, Justice Nargal has extensive experience in constitutional, service, taxation, academic, civil and arbitration matters. He served in several important capacities, including Senior Additional Advocate General for the J&K Home Department and counsel for various government and public institutions. The University also honoured Udham Dass, JKAS, an alumnus of the Department of History and presently serving as Additional Secretary at the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat, J&K. A member of the JKAS 2008 batch, he completed his M.A. in History from the University of Jammu during 2001-03 and was a Gold Medallist. He subsequently pursued M.Phil. and Ph.D. in History and qualified UGC NET and JRF NET. As he could not attend the function owing to official engagements at Lok Bhawan, Srinagar, the memento was received on his behalf by the Registrar, University of Jammu. Ansuya Jamwal, JKAS, alumnus of The Business School and presently Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, was felicitated for her contribution to public administration. An MBA from the University of Jammu, she joined the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service in 2004 and has served in several important assignments across Social Welfare, Tourism, Government Medical College and Hospitality & Protocol. Her contribution to inter-departmental coordination, emergency response, rescue and relief efforts during challenging situations, including Operation Sindoor and the August 2025 floods, was also acknowledged. Another distinguished alumnus felicitated on the occasion was Vijay Kumar, a member of the second batch of the Master's in Tourism Management, 2004, who is presently Joint General Manager-Tourism, IRCTC Ltd., North Zone, New Delhi. The University also felicitated Shri Rajat Salgotra, a Gold Medallist in MBA International Business from the International Centre for Cross-Cultural Research and Human Resource Management and former Cultural Secretary of the University. A first-generation entrepreneur, he is the Founder and CEO of Samast Eco Alternatives Pvt. Ltd., a sustainability-focused startup that upcycles cow dung and temple flower waste into eco-friendly products. The University also felicitated student achievers for their outstanding accomplishments in sports, cultural activities, NSS and NCC, recognising their achievements at University, national and international levels. The best-performing employees of the University were also honoured for their dedication and contribution to the institution. Those recognised included Vikas Bhat, Section Officer, Vice-Chancellor's Secretariat; Neeru Gupta, Section Officer, Examination Wing; Ashwani Kumar, Mali, Landscaping Unit; and Jagtar, Sanitation Worker, Department of Botany. Earlier, as part of its commitment to social responsibility and youth engagement, the University of Jammu organised a Nasha Mukt Pledge, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai. The pledge reaffirmed the Universitys resolve to contribute towards a drug-free society, in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor Manoj Sinha for a Nasha Mukt Bharat and a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. The event was ably conducted by Prof Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu.

J&K passing through critical phase, August 2019 was major turning point: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Sep 8: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a critical phase, describing August 2019 as a major turning point when the Centre revoked the erstwhile states special constitutional status and stripped it of statehood. As per a statement issued by the party, he was speaking at an event organised at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where a number of prominent political and social activists joined the Apni Party. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior party leaders warmly welcomed the new entrants on the occasion. All these new entrants hail from Srinagars Hazratbal constituency. Addressing the gathering, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukahri said, Unfortunately, our traditional leadership whom people have supported through their blood, sweat, and sacrifice over the past seventy years, chose to remain silent over the developments of August 5, 2019. This silence was deeply disappointing, especially because those developments were an attempt to distort our identity, dilute our culture, and change our demography. He went on to say, Due to the changes made on August 5, J&K had lost its exclusive rights over land and jobs, meaning that anyone from any part of the country had become eligible to buy land and seek employment here. This posed the biggest threat to our identity and demography. Seeing the traditional leadership choose silence, we had no option but to step forward and do our best to protect the interests of our people. We went to Delhi, met with government leaders, and convinced them that the people of J&K should retain their exclusive rights over land and jobs here. Thankfully, we succeeded in convincing the Centre, and eventually, an order was passed to restore exclusive rights of J&K people over the land and jobs here. It was for the first time in seventy years of history that J&K managed to reclaim something that it had lost. This was Apni Partys contribution at that critical juncture, Bukhari said. Speaking about the domicile issue, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that had the people given the Apni Party a mandate in the 2024 elections, it would have extended the residency requirement from the existing 15 years to 50 years. Six years have already passed, yet the present government does not even talk about this issue. They do not consider it a matter of any importance, he said. Giving a warm welcome to new entrants Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, It always gives me immense pleasure to welcome new members into Apni Party. Every time, I sincerely tell our new entrants that they will never be disappointed by this party. Apni Party is a party that stands by its people and its workers. As you step forward to serve the people in your respective areas, I assure you that the entire leadership will stand shoulder to shoulder with you. We will support you, guide you, and remain with you through every challenge as you work for the welfare and betterment of the people, he added. The prominent among the new entrants included Khair-ul-Nisa, Ghulam Mohammad Rather, Adil Fayaz, Fazil Fayaz, Waheeda, Naira Bano, Gulshana, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Sajid Fayaz, Asif Ali, Abdul Rashid, Owais Israr, Nayeema Rather, and others.

Indian Football League 2026-27 to begin on October 30

New Delhi, Sep 8: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday said that the 2026-27 Indian Football League (IFL) season will commence on October 30, after meeting with representatives of all 11 participating clubs. The meeting reviewed the 2025-26 season, noting that viewership figures and overall broadcast performance were hugely encouraging, surging to four times higher than the 2024-25 campaign. As part of regulatory updates for the upcoming season, the Council approved a rule permitting a maximum of three foreign players on the pitch at a time during matches. The league's footprint will also expand with the inclusion of Nagaland and Odisha as new venues. Additionally, the IFL Charter, proposed budget, and sponsorship packages for the new season came under detailed discussion. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan described the gathering as a very cordial meeting.

Omar-govt failed to construct individual bunkers approved by Centre: LoP Sunil Sharma

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma on Tuesday criticised the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government for, what he alleged, having failed to realise on ground the project related to construction of individual bunkers approved by the Centre. The individual bunkers, which were approved by the central government after Operation Sindoor, have not been constructed by the Omar Abdullah-government. The elected government despite its huge mandate has failed to deliver good governance as it is focussed only on corruption, alleged LoP, who was leading a senior BJP delegation on a mass public outreach programme Jan Samvad in Poonch and Rajouri. Following his meeting with delegations at Dak bungalow Poonch, Sharma stated that he listened to victimised and ignored sections of society as part of BJPs district wide outreach programme. Weve noted their genuine issues including delay in Panchayat elections, demands of daily wagers, rampant corruption, need for individual bunkers in border areas post Operation Sindoor and meagre stipend of intern doctors. We will become the voice of these poor and deprived people in the upcoming assembly session and force this failed NC government to act, LoP asserted. He described the problems of unemployed youth, daily wagers and early conduct of Panchayat polls as the burning issues in the current scenario. Previously during our (BJPs) post Operation Sindoor visit to border districts, there were demands of immediate compensation, job and bunkers. I, myself, raised these demands with the Union Home Minister. He (Home Minister) not only agreed to these demands but even personally reviewed progress on compensation and handed over job letters during his visit. However, the construction of bunkers was to be realised on the ground by the current elected government in J&K. We had constructed community bunkers but the demands were specific for individual bunkers. However, this (elected) government failed to do so although they (individual bunkers) were approved by the Centre, LoP maintained. He assured that the issue would again be raised with the central government. BJPs outreach programme was aimed at taking its campaign against, what the LoP and other party leaders described as, the failures, misgovernance and anti-people policies of the National Conference-led government directly to the people. Sunil Sharma was accompanied by senior leader Vibodh Gupta, district presidents Gurdeep Singh Khalsa and Dev Raj Sharma, former MLC Pardeep Sharma and other senior BJP functionaries. During the outreach, the BJP delegation interacted with several public delegations, listened to their grievances and took detailed feedback on issues confronting the people, particularly relating to development, basic public services, employment and welfare. Sunil Sharma said the programme marked the beginning of an extensive grassroots campaign by the BJP to expose the widening gap between the tall promises of the NC before elections and its performance in government. The NC came to power making big promises to the people, but today the public is asking where is the promised development, where are the jobs and where is the relief in their day-to-day problems? The growing public dissatisfaction is a direct reflection of the governments failure to deliver, Sunil Sharma maintained. He claimed that instead of addressing peoples genuine concerns, the NC government failed to provide effective, accountable and responsive governance. The BJP will not allow the government to hide its failures behind political rhetoric. We will go to every district, every constituency and every section of society, listen to the people and bring their issues before the government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he asserted. Sunil Sharma said the grievances raised in Poonch and Rajouri clearly demonstrated that people were increasingly questioning the functioning and priorities of the NC government. The BJP is not sitting in offices and making political statements. Our leaders and workers are reaching the people, hearing them directly and standing with them in their hour of need. The peoples voice will become the BJPs strongest weapon against NCs misgovernance, he said. LoP further announced that the public outreach would be expanded across Jammu and Kashmir, with senior BJP leaders undertaking visits to different administrative districts to highlight the governments failures and ensure that genuine public issues are raised at every appropriate forum. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve performance, accountability and developmentnot excuses and empty promises. The BJP will remain the strongest voice of the people and will continue to hold the NC government accountable, Sunil Sharma said.

Turn pressure into performance, sports minister tells Asian Games-bound contingent

New Delhi, Sep 8:Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday urged the Indian contingent for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya to fear no opponent, turn pressure into performance and build on the countrys impressive medal surge at the continental showpiece. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) organised a send-off ceremony for the 503-member contingent, with several athletes and teams in attendance. Mandaviya said Indias medal tally had risen significantly from the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon to the 2023 edition in Hangzhou and called for the upward trend to continue. The athletes success also becomes the nations success. We have a contingent of 503 athletes competing at the upcoming Asian Games. I am confident that we will put up a good performance which will bring about a quantum change in the sports sector, Mandaviya said at the ceremony.

Aqua Avengers Kashmir beat Swift Strikers 3-1 in Kashmir Super League

Srinagar, Sep 8:Aqua Avengers Kashmir produced a commanding display of attacking football as they defeated Swift Strikers 3-1 in Match 5 of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League on Tuesday. Playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Aqua Avengers Kashmir, as per a statement, showed greater attacking intent from the outset, combining movement, pressure and clinical finishing to take control of the contest. Their three-goal performance proved decisive as they maintained their advantage and closed out the match with a convincing victory. Swift Strikers fought back and found the net once, giving themselves an opportunity to make a contest of the game. Aqua Avengers, however, responded with composure and continued to dictate the tempo, eventually securing a 3-1 result. The scoreline reflected a match in which Aqua Avengers Kashmir made their attacking opportunities count. Their ability to maintain pressure across the game and finish key chances separated the two sides on the night. The fixture also carried a strong off-field presence, with noted personalities from the Indian film industry and media attending the match as special guests.

Nairang-e-Tameer architecture festival begins at IUST

The second edition of Nairang-e-Tameer, the annual architecture festival of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), began Tuesday, bringing together architects, academicians, artisans and students. Organised by the Department of Architecture, the three-day event, being held from Sept. 8 to 10, provides a platform for students and professionals to showcase their work, exchange ideas, build networks and explore the relationship between traditional knowledge and contemporary architectural practice. Assistant Professor Mehraan Qureshi, while welcoming participants, described the event as a platform for students and architects to share their work and learn from one another. IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo stressed the need to preserve the character of Kashmiri architecture while addressing contemporary challenges. There is a growing homogenisation of architectural forms, Romshoo said, calling for greater integration of modernity with traditional practices and stronger focus on disaster resilience. He also called for exposing architecture students to emerging technologies so that modern tools can be meaningfully blended with traditional architecture, and stressed the need to make such initiatives more student-centric. Dr. Kuldeep, director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an ethnographic gallery documenting artefacts and cultural materials. He stressed the importance of bringing architects, craftsmen and other stakeholders together, particularly in a region where architectural and cultural heritage remain closely interconnected. Kuldeep said Jammu and Kashmir currently has only two schools of architecture, at IUST and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, underscoring the need to strengthen opportunities for students and professionals. Earlier, Qazi Qammer Iqbal, dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, spoke about the significance of the festivals Persian-derived name, Nairang-e-Tameer. He said the terms Nairang, associated with deception and magic, and Tameer, meaning construction, have particular relevance to architecture and the ways spaces, forms and perceptions are created. Dean Outreach Dr. Ruheela Hassan congratulated the organisers and appreciated the theme. Highlighting the wider social role of architecture, she said meaningful work emerges when knowledge meets society and that architects do not merely construct buildings but also give us hope. Dean Research Dr. Abid Hussain Shalla appreciated the initiative and the Department of Architecture for creating a platform for academic and professional exchange. The opening day featured architects conclave sessions, with accomplished architects and professionals showcasing their work and sharing insights.

Postal department invites entries forletter writing,philately schemes

The Department of Posts, J&K Circle, has invited public participation in the Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Competition and Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana for 2026-27. The Dhai Akhar competition is open to Indian citizens in two age categories up to 18 years and above 18 years. Participants can submit handwritten letters in English, Hindi or any regional language on the theme, A Letter to Mother Earth: My Promise to Protect Nature. Entries can be submitted on an Inland Letter Card of up to 500 words or in an envelope of up to 1,000 words. They must include an age declaration as of Jan. 1, 2026, and the envelope should be superscribed DHAI AKHAR Letter 2026. Entries will be accepted from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and sent to the Chief Postmaster General, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Postal Circle. Circle-level winners will receive Rs 25,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 for first, second and third places, respectively. The top three entries will advance to the national round, where winners will receive Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000. The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana offers an annual philately scholarship of Rs 6,000 to students of Classes VI to IX with at least 60% marks, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students. Applicants must be members of a School Philately Club or hold a personal Philately Deposit Account. Selection will be based on a philately project and quiz assessed by a Circle-level committee. Up to 40 students per postal Circle will receive the scholarship, paid quarterly into a joint account with a parent.

Ask the Doctor

Q: Is brown sugar healthier than white sugar? A: Not significantly. Brown sugar contains small amounts of minerals because of molasses, but its effect on blood glucose and calories is broadly similar to white sugar. Neither should be considered a healthy sugar. Q: I have stopped eating rice to lose weight. Is that necessary? A: No. Rice can be part of a healthy diet. The key is portion size, preparation and what you eat with it. Choosing appropriate portions and adding vegetables, pulses, eggs, fish or other protein is generally more useful than completely eliminating rice. Q: Does drinking warm water first thing in the morning melt belly fat? A: No. Warm water may feel soothing and contributes to hydration, but it does not specifically burn belly fat. Reducing excess calories, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy overall lifestyle are what matter for weight management. Q: Is fruit unhealthy for diabetics? A: Whole fruit is generally a nutritious food, despite containing naturally occurring sugar. It provides fibre, vitamins and other beneficial compounds. The bigger concern is frequent consumption of sugary drinks and large amounts of fruit juice, where fibre is reduced or absent. Q: Can I have diabetes even if I dont eat sweets? A: Yes. Diabetes is influenced by genetics, body weight, physical activity, age, overall dietary pattern and several other factors. Avoiding sweets alone does not completely eliminate the risk. Q: Is honey better than sugar for people with diabetes? A: Honey is still a source of sugar and carbohydrates and can raise blood glucose. Although it may have some nutritional differences from refined sugar, it should not be considered a diabetes-friendly substitute that can be consumed freely. Q: I feel fine. Do I really need to check my blood pressure? A: Yes, especially as you get older or if you have risk factors. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms for years. Checking it periodically is a simple way to detect a problem before complications develop. Q: Can I stop my blood-pressure medicine when my readings become normal? A: Usually, nonot without discussing it with your doctor. A normal reading may mean the medicine and lifestyle changes are controlling your blood pressure. Stopping treatment on your own can allow it to rise again. Q: Does eating eggs every day cause high cholesterol? A: For most healthy people, eggs can be part of a balanced diet. Blood cholesterol is influenced by the overall dietary pattern, genetics and other factorsnot simply by one food. People with specific medical conditions may need individualized advice. Q: Is homemade pickle healthier than packaged pickle? A: Homemade does not automatically mean healthier. Pickles can contain substantial amounts of salt and, depending on preparation, oil. They are best eaten in small quantities, whether homemade or commercially prepared. Q: Is drinking tea immediately after meals bad? A: Not necessarily. However, tea contains compounds that can reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals. People with iron deficiency or anaemia may benefit from avoiding tea around mealtimes and discussing their diet with a doctor. Q: Does drinking milk at night cause weight gain? A: Milk itself does not automatically cause weight gain because it is consumed at night. Weight change depends largely on total calorie intake and expenditure. However, sweetened or high-calorie milk drinks can add significant calories. Q: Is walking enough exercise, or do I need to go to a gym? A: You do not need a gym to be physically active. Brisk walking is excellent exercise and can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. Ideally, adults should also include muscle-strengthening activities regularly. Q: Can a person be obese but still be healthy because their blood tests are normal? A: Normal blood tests are reassuring, but they do not eliminate the long-term health risks associated with excess body fat. Obesity can increase the future risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, sleep apnoea and several other conditions. Q: Does cracking my knuckles cause arthritis? A: Current evidence does not show that habitual knuckle cracking causes arthritis. It may produce a popping sound because of changes in pressure and gas within the joint. Persistent pain, swelling or stiffness, however, should be evaluated. Q: I snore loudly. Please guide. A: Loud habitual snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, particularly if it is accompanied by pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, morning headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness. It should not simply be ignored. Q: Is taking antibiotics for a cold the fastest way to recover? A: Usually not. Most common colds are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics do not work. Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should be taken when medically indicated. Q: Can I take painkillers regularly for headaches without worrying? A: Frequent painkiller use is not harmless. Depending on the medicine, excessive use can cause stomach, kidney or liver problems and may itself contribute to medication-overuse headaches. Recurrent headaches deserve evaluation rather than repeated self-medication. Public Advisory: Not every health problem needs a tabletand not every health myth deserves to be believed. From WhatsApp remedies and natural cures to advice from friends and relatives, health information can easily become distorted. Before starting, stopping or changing a treatment, ask the doctornot the WhatsApp group. NOTE: These responses are for general awareness, not a substitute for medical advice. Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org

Can Diet and Gut Health Actually Improve Acne?

Almost every household in Kashmir has heard some version of this advice: what you eat shows on your skin. For years this was dismissed by modern dermatology as folk wisdom rather than fact. Acne was treated as a topical problem: excess oil clogged pores; bacteria managed with creams and tablets; diet left largely out of the conversation. That is changing. A growing body of research now shows that our grandmothers werent entirely wrong; what happens in the gut does show up on the face. The honest answer based on current evidence is a qualified yes. Diet and gut health genuinely influence acne but they work alongside proper treatment not instead of it. The gut-skin axis: what the science shows The gut and skin communicate through what researchers call the gut-skin axis, a two-way relationship carried largely by the immune system and inflammatory signalling. A systematic review on diet and acne in JAAD International (2022) found consistent links between certain dietary patterns and acne severity noting that foods with a high glycaemic index or load dairy products fatty foods and chocolate promote acne lesions while fruits and vegetables appear protective. Newer research in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2025) examined gut-microbiota markers in acne patients versus healthy controls adding evidence that gut imbalance may contribute to acne through systemic inflammation. In practical terms high glycaemic foods raise insulin and IGF-1 which increase oil production and clog pores, dairy particularly skim milk is linked to acne through naturally occurring hormonal components and an imbalanced gut may drive the inflammation that surfaces as breakouts. Diets richer in fibre fruits and vegetables are consistently associated with calmer skin. Where this hit close to home: our own diet This is worth sitting with honestly because much of what the research flags maps closely onto our everyday plate. Maida-based roti and bakery items, a staple in most Kashmiri kitchens are refined flour foods with a high glycaemic load exactly the category linked to worse acne. Rice eaten at nearly every meal is itself high glycaemic and our portions are rarely modest. Our cooking is traditionally oil heavy particularly the mustard oil used generously in wazwan style preparation. And dairy noon chai milk and paneer are part of daily life here often in large quantities which matters given the specific dairy-acne link noted above. None of this means giving up what we grew up eating, this food is part of who we are. But a patient with persistent acne on a fairly typical Kashmiri diet heavy in maida rice oil and dairy is without realising it combining several of the dietary factors most consistently tied to acne in the literature. Small realistic shifts more vegetables alongside the rice rather than instead of it a lighter hand with oil noticing whether dairy correlates with your own flare ups go further than people expect without asking anyone to abandon their kitchen. Two overlooked habits: touching the face and facial massage. Beyond diet two everyday habits deserve more attention than they usually get. Touching the face happens far more than most people realise. Studies measuring spontaneous self-touch found people touch their faces several hundred times a day the forehead nose and chin most of all. Hands carry bacteria and surface contaminants picked up all day and repeated friction on the same spot can itself trigger a distinct pattern of breakouts known as acne mechanica. This was seen clearly during the pandemic when prolonged mask use caused a rise in acne along the cheeks nose and chin maskne attributed partly to occlusion partly to the repeated touching and adjusting of the mask encouraged. The lesson extends well beyond masks resting the chin on a hand or holding a phone to the cheek through long calls is a small correctable habit that keeps skin irritated in that same pattern. Facial massage common in salons across Srinagar is more nuanced. Gentle massage with clean hands and proper products can support circulation without harming the skin. But massage done with heavy occlusive creams or poor hygiene not uncommon in some parlour settings has been linked to a distinct inflammatory eruption. A dermatology case series (Khanna N Datta Gupta S. Acneiform eruptions after facial beauty treatment) documented patients developing deep inflammatory nodular lesions on the cheeks chin and forehead beginning as early as their very first massage session often leaving dark marks behind that took a long time to fade. The likely cause occlusive creams and manual pressure pushing sebum deeper into the follicle rather than clearing it out. For acne-prone skin the product and the hands doing the massage matter as much as the massage itself. A word of caution Acne is never caused by one thing alone, genetics hormones stress and skincare habits all play their part alongside diet and it would be misleading to suggest otherwise. Cutting out entire food groups without medical guidance can leave nutritional gaps without meaningfully clearing the skin. Any real dietary change is best made alongside a proper evaluation of the skin itself not in place of one. In simple terms diet doesnt replace treatment but it helps it work better. And sometimes what our hands are doing to our face matters just as much as whats on our plate. Dr. Mir Waleed Mansoor is a medical professional and Chairman Hair of Kashmir Clinic Aesthetic & AYUSH Wellness Clinic Srinagar.

CS inaugurates Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Centre for drug abuse victims at IMHANS Srinagar

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday dedicated the Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Centre for drug abuse victims at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar, marking the launch of the Phase-I pilot of the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The centre has been established by the Social Welfare Department in coordination with the Health and Medical Education Department, district administration and other stakeholders to provide structured rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration support to persons recovering from substance abuse. Principal Secretary Home, Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, Head IMHANS and senior doctors and faculty members attended the inauguration. After inaugurating the facility, Dulloo inspected the doctors rooms, counselling spaces, group therapy facilities and referral and emergency linkage arrangements. He said the centre would serve as the beginning of a sustained rehabilitation journey, helping beneficiaries regain confidence, reconnect with families and communities and return to productive lives. He described the pilot as an important step towards translating the rehabilitation policy into a functional ground-level mechanism and said the experience gained at IMHANS would help strengthen and expand the model across other districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for sustained coordination among departments, health institutions, district administrations and community stakeholders for the initiatives success. Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, M. Raju said the centre has been designed as a comprehensive support mechanism that goes beyond de-addiction treatment to include rehabilitation, recovery, family engagement and socio-economic reintegration. He said IMHANS was identified as one of the principal pilot institutions following directions issued during a high-level review chaired by the Chief Secretary. Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez said the centre will provide a multidisciplinary framework comprising medical assessment, counselling, social work intervention, family engagement, case management, referral and follow-up through an Individual Rehabilitation Plan for every beneficiary. He said the initiative aims to support recovery while helping beneficiaries rebuild family and community relationships and access education, skill development, livelihood opportunities and sustainable reintegration. Principal, GMC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah said the centre will coordinate with community-level stakeholders, including ASHA workers, Self Help Groups and other frontline functionaries, to extend rehabilitation beyond institutional care. She said the framework also envisages training medical officers, psychiatrists, counsellors and social welfare officials in screening, assessment, counselling, family engagement, case management and relapse-risk identification. Officials said the centre will function as a bridge between clinical care and community-based rehabilitation, with a focus on continuity of care after treatment and reducing the risk of relapse and social exclusion. The scheme also includes collaboration with the National Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS New Delhi, for training, mentoring, observer ships and joint research in addiction psychiatry and rehabilitation interventions. The government said IMHANS Srinagar will serve as the institutional anchor for the pilot, providing beneficiaries with a structured pathway from treatment and stabilisation to rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration.

High Court upholds bail to 70-year-old accused in UAPA case

The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Tuesday dismissed the governments plea calling in question the bail granted to elderly accused in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani rejected the appeal filed by the government through Police Station Bijbehara against the bail order in favour of the 70-year-old accused, Ghulam Nabi Sumji, passed by the Special Judge designated under the UAPA at Anantnag, The bench held that the trial court committed no illegality or perversity in granting bail to the accused. The case relates to FIR No. 54 of 2024, registered at Police Station Bijbehara under Sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA and Sections 121 and 121-A of the IPC. Initially, the trial court had granted an interim bail to the accused on December 6, 2025, which was subsequently made absolute on December 29, 2025. After examining the record and rival submissions, the High Court, in its decision noted that there was no illegality or perversity in the orders passed by the trial court and dismissed the UT's appeal. The Court held that offences under Sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA fall under Chapter III of the Act and therefore do not attract the statutory embargo contained in Section 43-D(5), which applies to offences falling under Chapters IV and VI. The bench noted that the offences under Sections 121 and 121-A of the IPC were not established during the investigation and were subsequently dropped from the FIR. While considering bail, a court is not required to conduct a preliminary trial or determine the guilt or innocence of the accused, which can only be decided after trial, it said. The Court observed that prima facie true, in the context of Section 43-D (5) UAPA, means something more than mere suspicion or conjecture and something less than proved. The expression has to be assessed on the facts of each individual case. Furthermore, the Court observed that in non-bailable offences which do not carry the punishment of death or imprisonment for life in the alternative, bail is the rule and its denial an exception, particularly where there is no material showing that the accused would flee from justice or tamper with prosecution evidence. The personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution is a fundamental value and that the power to deny bail must be exercised judiciously and not casually, the court said. The court observed that the conditions imposed by the trial court were sufficient to address the prosecution's apprehensions regarding misuse of bail. Observing that there seemed to be no merit in the appeal, the bench dismissed the same and upheld the bail granted to the accused.

When Modern Medicine Cannot Cure, It Must Still Care

Every practising physician eventually encounters the difficult othing more we can do moment. A patient with advanced malignancy, end-stage renal disease, or progressive motor neuron disease is discharged from a tertiary centre because active curative interventions have reached their ceiling. They return home, many a time to a distant village, with uncontrolled pain, breathlessness, nausea, and an overwhelmed family watching helplessly. This phrasethere is nothing more we can dois fundamentally flawed. Modern medicine may run out of disease-modifying therapies, but it never runs out of ways to relieve suffering. That is the core of palliative care. Redefining the Scope: It Is Not Giving Up Palliative care is frequently confused with hospice or immediate end-of-life care. While terminal care is a part of it, palliative medicine is much broader: it is specialized medical care focused on symptom relief, psychological support, and quality of life for anyone living with a serious, life-limiting or terminal illness and their family. Ideally, palliative care should begin at the time of diagnosis, delivered alongside curative or life-prolonging treatmentsnot merely when they fail. It offers: Symptom Control: Managing refractory pain, breathlessness, nausea, fatigue, and delirium using evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological protocols. Goal Setting & Communication: Helping patients and families make informed choices about difficult medical decisions, including invasive interventions, feeding tubes, and resuscitation before an acute crisis occurs. Caregiver Support: Addressing the emotional, physical, and financial burnout borne by family members managing prolonged illnesses at home. Why Jammu & Kashmir Needs a Robust Palliative Network The need for structured palliative medicine is universal across India, but the unique topography, climate, and healthcare delivery landscape of Jammu & Kashmir make it critical. 1. The Barrier of Geography and Climate For a bedridden patient residing in interiors of Dal Lake, Gurez, Kishtwar, or any other difficult-to-reach areas of Kashmir, travelling to a tertiary health care facility in Srinagar or Jammu for symptom control is not just inconvenientit is physically agonising and financially devastating. Winter roadblocks, difficult connectivity and logistics leave patients stranded with poorly managed symptoms. Palliative care must be decentralised down to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) and home-care level. 2. A Changing Disease Burden J&K is witnessing a notable rise in non-communicable diseases. Beyond high rates of specific malignancies (such as oesophagal, gastric, lung, and colorectal cancers), there is a growing population living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and stroke-related disability. These patients often suffer for years with heavy symptom burdens that fall outside traditional oncology-centric palliative discussions. 3. The Opioid Availability Gap Despite the 2014 amendment to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act simplifying access to Essential Narcotic Drugs (ENDs), oral morphine and fentanyl remain difficult to procure outside a few tertiary institutions. Bureaucratic hesitation, unjustified fear of addiction (opiophobia) among prescribers, and a lack of Recognised Medical Institution (RMI) certifications mean thousands still endure severe, treatable cancer pain. 4. Sustaining the Family Care Model In our region, strong social and familial ties mean families prefer caring for their ailing elders at home. However, goodwill alone cannot manage severe neuropathic pain, malignant ascites, or complex wound care. Without professional home-based palliative support, family caregivers experience intense psychological trauma and financial distress. The Path Forward Building a functional palliative infrastructure in J&K does not require massive capital investment in new hospital towers. It requires sensitization, training, sensible drug policy, and community integration: Raising Awareness and Sensitisation: Public health campaigns must demystify palliative care as an active, supportive service that works in parallel with disease-directed treatments. Simultaneously, institutional sensitisation must target doctors, administrators, nursing staff and community elders to dismantle social stigma, alleviate irrational fears surrounding essential opioid analgesics, and normalize early goals-of-care conversations. Training Frontline Clinicians: Basic palliative care competenciespain assessment, opioid dosing, and difficult communicationshould be integrated into training for medical officers, postgraduates, and nursing staff under the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC). Empowering District Hospitals: Every district hospital should maintain an active RMI license, stock oral morphine, and run designated palliative outpatient and consultation services. Mobilizing Home-Care Teams: Utilizing Community Health Officers (CHOs) and ASHA workers to identify bedridden patients, assist with basic nursing needs (catheter care, pressure sore management), and coordinate with PHC doctors. Modern medicine cannot promise a cure for every condition. But it can- and it should- promise that no patient is left alone to suffer manageable symptoms associated with chronic, lifelong, or terminal illnesses. Palliative care is not a luxury or an afterthought; it is a basic clinical standard and a fundamental human right. Dr Mubashir Hussain Sofi is a Radiation Oncologist with Post-MD Fellowship in Palliative Medicine, focusing on cancer & supportive care in Jammu & Kashmir

7 years on, Bilal Colony Soura link road still awaits blacktopping

Residents of Bilal Colony in Soura have expressed frustration over the continued delay in blacktopping the link road connecting their locality with the 90 Feet Road, saying the stretch has remained neglected for nearly seven years. Residents said the road was last macadamised in 2019 and has since deteriorated considerably. Despite repeated assurances from the concerned authorities, they said no fresh blacktopping has been carried out so far. They have assured us several times that the work would be taken up, but seven years have passed since the road was last macadamised. We are still waiting, a resident said. Locals said the condition of the road becomes particularly difficult during rainy weather, when potholes and uneven portions fill with water and parts of the stretch turn muddy. Even a spell of light rain makes the road difficult to use. Schoolchildren, elderly people and pedestrians face problems while moving through the area, another resident said. Residents pointed out that several adjoining roads and bylanes in the locality have already been blacktopped, while the link road connecting Bilal Colony to the 90 Feet Road continues to await repairs. They said the road serves as an important access route for the locality and its poor condition has caused inconvenience to residents and motorists for years. The residents have appealed to Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar, the District Development Commissioner Srinagar and the Chief Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department to intervene and ensure early macadamisation of the road. It is a basic civic requirement. We have been waiting since 2019, and there is no reason for the road to remain in this condition for so long, the residents said. They urged the authorities to conduct an on-site inspection, take up the pending work on priority and ensure that the road is restored before further deterioration during the rainy season.

GBHSS Zainakote wins National Youth for Earth honour for 2nd time

Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Zainakote, Srinagar, has secured second rank in the Junior Category of the Youth for Earth Award 2026, earning national recognition for the second time after its earlier success in 2024. The school received the award at the International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE 2026), held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The award carries a cash prize of 30,000. The recognition was conferred for the school's innovative project to develop a plant-based sustainable packaging material from Typha, locally known as Petch, a wetland plant found abundantly across Kashmir. The project was recognised for its potential to provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to plastic packaging while addressing concerns related to waste generation and ecological degradation. According to the organisers, the initiative stood out for its practical application and its integration of environmental conservation with community welfare. By using Typha as a raw material, the project seeks to reduce dependence on plastic-based packaging while also reviving traditional weaving practices associated with the plant and potentially creating livelihood opportunities for local artisans. The award-winning team, SABZ: The Green Guardians of Kashmir, represented the school under the mentorship of Nyla Ali, Eco Club Incharge at the institution. The International Conference on Sustainability Education brought together educators, researchers, policymakers and student innovators from India and abroad to deliberate on contemporary environmental challenges. The conference also provided a platform for young innovators to showcase projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Reacting to the achievement, Principal Tahira Manzoor said the recognition reflected the commitment of the school's students and teachers to innovation and environmental responsibility. Receiving this award for the second time is a matter of immense pride for our institution. It demonstrates the capacity of our students to develop meaningful solutions to real-world challenges and compete successfully at national forums, she said. Mentor teacher Nyla Ali said the award would encourage young innovators working on sustainability-related issues. The project demonstrates how locally available resources can be transformed into sustainable products that benefit both the environment and the community. We hope this recognition inspires more students to engage with environmental problem-solving and social innovation, she said.

Preventing Sudden Cardiac Deaths

A sudden cardiac arrest is more than a medical emergencyit is a moment that can change an entire family forever. One moment, a loved one is talking, smiling, working or returning home; the next, they may suddenly collapse. For the family, the loss is not a statistic. It is an empty chair, an unanswered phone call and memories that remain for a lifetime. Every life is precious because every life is someone's loved one. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Unlike many illnesses, it can become fatal within minutes. But those same minutes can also provide an opportunity to save a life. Although cardiac arrest often happens without warning, some people may experience symptoms beforehand, such as chest discomfort or pressure, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness or light-headedness, fainting, Unusual weakness or fatigue. Sudden cardiac arrest is not merely an individual medical tragedy; it is a major public-health challenge. Yet, in India, the true burden remains difficult to quantify because systematic nationwide cardiac-arrest surveillance has historically been limited. Indian evidence suggests that the problem is not simply the cardiac arrest itself, but what happens during the critical minutes afterwards. Low rates of bystander CPR, limited pre-hospital resuscitation capability and poor access to defibrillation remain major barriers to survival. A 2023 review specifically examined OHCA in India and proposed reforms. It identified low bystander CPR, inadequate emergency medical services, limited public awareness and the absence of a comprehensive national sudden-cardiac-arrest registry as important challenges. It recommended improving public education, emergency infrastructure and data collection. Sudden cardiac death is likely multifactorial, involving smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, environmental factors, possible post-infectious effects, and unrecognised heart disease. Prevention must begin before the emergency As a community, we need to move from simply reacting to sudden deaths to preventing cardiovascular disease and preparing for emergencies. Regular monitoring and control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and seeking medical advice for concerning symptoms or a strong family history of heart disease are important steps. But prevention is not only about individual lifestyle. Community preparedness can save lives. Every school, college, workplace and community should promote basic awareness of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). People should know that if someone suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, they should immediately call for emergency medical help and begin CPR rather than simply waiting for an ambulance. Where available, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can provide life-saving defibrillation for certain cardiac arrests. Public-access AEDs, along with trained personnel and an efficient emergency response system, should be considered at appropriate high-footfall locations. Kashmir needs preparedness, not panic Sudden deaths understandably create fear, particularly when they involve young or apparently healthy people. However, we must respond with evidence rather than speculation. Kashmir needs better documentation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests so that we know how often they occur, where they happen, whether CPR was attempted, how quickly emergency services arrived and what the outcomes were. A systematic cardiac-arrest registry for Jammu & Kashmir could help health authorities design targeted prevention and emergency-response strategies. As a Community Medicine professional, I believe cardiac arrest should not be viewed only as a hospital problem. It is a community-health problem. We cannot prevent every cardiac arrest, and we cannot save every person. But we can create communities where people know how to recognize an emergency, start CPR, access an AED and seek immediate professional help. Behind every number is a person. Behind every person is a family that loves them. A mother waiting for her child. A father expecting a phone call. A spouse waiting at home. A friend expecting to meet again. Let us work towards a Kashmir where awareness replaces helplessness, prevention replaces neglect, and every citizen has the knowledge to act when a life suddenly hangs in the balance. Sometimes, the first person who can save a life is not a doctor. It is the person standing next to you. Every minute matters. Every heartbeat matters. Every loved one matters. Dr Misbah Yousuf, PG Resident, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar

Use of loudspeakers for sales promotion by vendors irks Srinagarites

What was once an occasional call by street vendors has increasingly turned into an unrelenting stream of loud announcements across Srinagar's residential areas. Residents of various areas are complaining that blaring public address systems mounted on kiosks of vendors and vehicles, and civic utility vans, have made people's lives miserable. From fruit and vegetable sellers to vendors dealing in clothes, utensils and household items, many now use high-volume speakers to advertise their products while moving through residential lanes. Residents said the problem is compounded by civic vehicles engaged in garbage collection, which also use loud public address systems while passing through neighbourhoods. Locals said the continuous announcements, repetitive recorded messages and loud music have significantly added to noise pollution, affecting students, professionals, patients and people who work night shifts. The issue is no longer limited to vendors alone. Garbage collection vehicles also use loudspeakers every day. One vehicle passes, then another follows shortly after. The constant noise has become a part of our daily lives, said Basit Ahmad, a resident of Bemina. Residents said the situation has become more noticeable over the past few months, particularly with the increased movement of seasonal vendors through residential areas. For students attending online classes or preparing for examinations, the interruptions have become a recurring challenge. I attend online lectures from home and also prepare for competitive examinations. The announcements are so loud that I often lose focus, especially when the same message keeps playing repeatedly, said Sadia Mushtaq, a student from Hazratbal. Professionals working from home said the loudspeaker announcements often interfere with virtual meetings and office calls. I regularly attend online meetings with clients. There have been occasions when loud promotional announcements suddenly filled the background during important discussions, putting me in an embarrassing situation. It affects professionalism and there is little we can do, said software engineer Umar Hassan. The problem is equally distressing for those employed in night shifts. I return home early in the morning after completing my night shift and try to get some sleep during the day. Just when I manage to fall asleep, loudspeaker announcements begin outside. Proper rest has become difficult, said Afzal Bhat, a paramedic. Families with elderly and ailing members said the persistent noise causes unnecessary stress. My father is unwell and gets very little sleep at night. During the day, whenever he finally manages to rest, these loud announcements wake him up. Patients need a peaceful environment, but that is becoming increasingly difficult, said a resident of the Downtown locality. Residents said while they understand the importance of street vending and municipal services, the unrestricted use of high-volume public address systems in residential areas requires regulation. There has to be a proper mechanism. Announcements should be brief, the volume should remain within permissible limits, and there should be designated timings. Public convenience should not come at the cost of people's peace, another resident said. Many residents also stressed the need for greater public awareness, saying vendors, civic agencies and the public must collectively recognise that excessive noise affects mental well-being, productivity and the quality of life. Members of civil society, they said, should also help spread awareness about responsible use of loudspeakers and encourage practices that minimise unnecessary noise in residential localities. Residents have urged the district administration and Srinagar Municipal Corporation to formulate and strictly enforce guidelines governing the use of loudspeakers on vendor and civic vehicles, particularly in residential areas. Despite repeated attempts, concerned officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation did not respond to calls for their comments on the issue.

Pregnant, Employed and Exhausted

Pregnancy is not an illness, and working women neither expect nor ask to be treated as patients. But pregnancy does bring genuine physical demands, and a humane workplace must recognise them. For many women employees in Kashmir, particularly those posted far from their homes, pregnancy can turn an ordinary working day into an exhausting journey. Some women travel 70 to 80 kilometres each way, changing buses more than once before reaching their place of work. They then complete a full working day, often without an adequate lunch break or a suitable place to rest, before undertaking the same long journey home. For a healthy person, such a routine is tiring. For a pregnant woman dealing with nausea, fatigue, backache, swelling, frequent urination or other common difficulties of pregnancy, it can become extremely demanding. The question we need to ask is simple: Can our posting and workplace policies be made more humane without compromising the functioning of our institutions? Surely, the answer is yes. Pregnant employees should, wherever administratively possible, be given temporary postings closer to their homes or at workplaces that are reasonably accessible. This should not be viewed as favouritism or special treatment. It is a reasonable accommodation during a temporary but important stage of a womans life. Particular consideration should also be given to night duties during pregnancy, especially where transport is difficult or adequate rest and medical facilities are unavailable. No woman should have to choose between protecting her pregnancy and fulfilling her professional responsibilities. Especially for medical and Para medical employees night duties are strenuous especially in tertiary care hospitals where doctors and paramedical staff work under enormous pressure for a pregnant women. This could be a nightmare risking her life as well as wellbeing of her baby increasing chances of abortion pre-term labour and bleeding during pregnancy which is an expensive price to pay. Night duties must be abolished for the pregnant women. The difficulties do not necessarily end with childbirth. Women who return to work while breastfeeding face another challenge. Many workplaces have no private, clean space for expressing breast milk, and sometimes even adequate breaks are difficult to obtain. A woman may therefore have to remain away from her infant for many hours without the basic facilities required to continue breastfeeding comfortably. Providing a small private lactation space and reasonable breaks does not require enormous expenditure. It requires awareness, sensitivity and administrative willingness. Kashmir has made significant progress in womens education and employment. Women today serve in hospitals, schools, offices and numerous other institutions, often balancing demanding professional responsibilities with responsibilities at home. Our workplace policies must evolve alongside this progress. This is not a demand that pregnant women should stop working. Quite the opposite. Women should be able to continue working with dignity and safely throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. Departments could consider clear guidelines allowing pregnant employees, particularly in the later months of pregnancy, to request temporary postings nearer their residences where feasible. Similar consideration could be given to nursing mothers for a reasonable period after they return from maternity leave. Workplaces should also ensure proper meal breaks, access to clean toilets, appropriate rest facilities and private lactation spaces. Such measures would not weaken workplace discipline. They would strengthen institutions by showing that efficiency and compassion can coexist. A society is often judged not only by the opportunities it gives women, but also by the conditions in which it expects them to exercise those opportunities. A woman travelling 70 or 80 kilometres during pregnancy, changing buses, working an entire day and returning home exhausted is not asking for privilege when she seeks a more reasonable posting. She is asking for reasonable accommodation, dignity and humanity. And that should not be too much to ask. Women carry future generations in their wombs; her wellbeing means healthy individuals and healthy individuals make robust societies and that should not be too much to ask. The author is Director Kashmir Assisted Reproductive Technology & Research Centre, Hyderpora Srinagar

Beyond Equivalence | Where Education, Fairness and Justice Meet

The recent judgment of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court regarding the eligibility of a Home Science degree for the post of Principal in a Government Polytechnic has brought the issue of educational equivalence into public discussion. The judgment has clarified the position under the existing Recruitment Rules: M.Sc, Phd in Home Science cannot be treated as equivalent to an Engineering degree for the post of Principal unless such equivalence is specifically declared by the competent authority. The judgment has to be respected. At the same time, it also provides an opportunity to look at a larger policy issue: Do recruitment rules remain suitable when institutions, courses, technology and responsibilities change over time? Recruitment rules are framed to meet the needs of institutions at a particular point of time. They are not permanent or unchangeable. When the structure and functioning of an institution change, the rules governing its employees should also be reviewed periodically. This issue is particularly important in the case of Government Polytechnics in Jammu and Kashmir. When the present recruitment framework was developed, there were only a few Government Polytechnics and technical education was largely focused on conventional Engineering disciplines. Today, the situation is very different. There are 22 Government Polytechnics, offering a much wider range of programmes, including Food Technology, Wood Technology, Garment Technology, Travel and Tourism and other skill-based and non-engineering courses. Naturally, the faculty structure has also changed. Teachers with qualifications in different disciplines have been appointed to teach these new programmes. Many of them have spent 20 or 25 years in the polytechnic system. During this period, they have not only taught students but have also performed administrative duties and contributed to the development of their institutions. This brings us to the important question of what we actually mean by the word equivalent. Two degrees may not be academically identical but may still be suitable for a particular purpose. For example, an M.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry and an M.Tech. in Computer Science are clearly different qualifications. Their syllabi, subjects and areas of specialisation are different. If equivalence is decided only by comparing syllabi, they will naturally be declared non-equivalent. But the more important question should be: Equivalent for what purpose? If a person is required to teach a specialised Engineering subject, the appropriate Engineering qualification is obviously necessary. A person appointed to teach Computer Science, Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering must have the required technical knowledge. The role of a Principal, however, is different. A Principal is primarily responsible for institutional leadership and administration. The Principal has to manage staff, students and resources, implement government policies, coordinate different departments, maintain discipline, monitor academic activities and ensure the overall functioning of the institution. The Principal does not personally teach every subject offered by the institution. Specialised academic and technical responsibilities remain with qualified teachers and experts. This distinction between academic qualification and administrative responsibility deserves greater attention. The same principle can be seen in universities. A modern university may have departments of Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management and many other disciplines. Yet a Vice-Chancellor is not expected to possess a separate degree in every subject taught by the university. In fact, Vice-Chancellors today are performing a tremendous and increasingly complex responsibility. Their work involves academic planning, administration, research, finance, infrastructure, human resources, students, government departments and many other matters. Their effectiveness depends not simply on the subject in which they obtained their original degree, but also on their experience, leadership, judgement and ability to manage a large and multidisciplinary institution. The changing education system itself supports this broader approach. The National Education Policy 2020 has placed greater emphasis on multidisciplinary education and flexibility. The old rigid boundaries between Science, Arts, Commerce and other disciplines are gradually becoming less important. Students can increasingly study subjects from different areas according to their interests and future requirements. This does not mean that professional qualifications have lost their importance. A doctor needs medical training, an engineer needs appropriate technical training and a teacher of a specialised subject must have adequate knowledge of that subject. The qualification must, however, be related to the actual nature of the job. Therefore, when equivalence is being considered for an administrative post, the question should not be limited to whether two degrees have similar syllabi. The level of education, professional experience, administrative exposure, performance, competence and leadership ability should also be considered. This confusion regarding equivalence is not limited to polytechnic education. Similar questions arise in several government departments. Whenever the qualification of an employee is questioned, the matter is often referred to the Higher Education Department. The usual method is to compare the syllabus of one course with another. Such comparison may be useful for deciding academic equivalence, but it may not answer the question of functional suitability. For example, an M.Sc. in Physics cannot have the same syllabus as an M.Tech. in Computer Science. But if the post is purely administrative, is syllabus similarity really the only relevant consideration? The more practical question should be whether the candidate possesses the educational level, experience, competence and leadership required to perform the duties of that particular post. The distinction between academic equivalence and functional suitability therefore needs to be clearly recognised in government policy. A possible approach in polytechnic education could be to retain Engineering qualifications as the normal requirement for the majority of Principal posts, while making limited provision for experienced faculty from non-engineering and skill disciplines. Such candidates could be considered only if they fulfil clearly defined conditions relating to educational qualifications, seniority, administrative experience, performance and leadership ability. This would not reduce the importance of Engineering. It would simply recognise that Government Polytechnics today are broader institutions than they were when the existing rules were framed. The same concern applies to the Recruitment Rules for Skill Development, which were framed in 2001. Much has changed since then. New technologies have emerged, new courses have been introduced and the skill sector has expanded considerably. The process of revising these rules was initiated in 2017, but the revised rules are still awaited. If the need to revise the rules was recognised nine years ago, there is a genuine need to complete that exercise. Rules governing a changing sector cannot remain frozen for decades. There is also a human side to this issue. Many employees joined the system when the institutions were very different. Some faculty members from non-engineering disciplines were given administrative responsibilities when new polytechnics were established and there was a shortage of Engineering personnel. They accepted these responsibilities and helped keep institutions functioning. If a person has spent more than a decade serving the institution, teaching students and carrying administrative responsibilities, that experience should not become completely irrelevant when career progression is considered. This does not mean that long service alone should make anyone eligible for promotion. Experience cannot replace a qualification where specialised technical knowledge is essential. But where the post is primarily administrative, relevant experience, competence and demonstrated leadership should reasonably be taken into account. The Government therefore needs to maintain a balance between professional standards and changing institutional realities. Specialised qualifications should remain compulsory wherever the nature of the job demands them. At the same time, unnecessary rigidity should be avoided where the responsibilities are mainly administrative. There should also be no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, gender, region or social background. The system should focus on qualifications, merit, experience, competence and suitability for the post. The central question is simple: Can recruitment rules framed for a much smaller and largely Engineering-oriented polytechnic system adequately meet the requirements of 22 institutions offering Engineering, technology, tourism, food, garment, wood and other skill-based programmes? This question deserves serious consideration by the Government. Institutions change. Technology changes. Education changes. The needs of students change. Even the understanding of knowledge is changing, with increasing interaction between different disciplines. Recruitment rules must therefore evolve with these changes. The solution is not to declare every degree equivalent to every other degree. Nor is it to disregard specialised professional qualifications. The need is to review the rules periodically, distinguish between specialised and administrative responsibilities, and assess qualifications in relation to the actual duties of the post. A rule framed in 2001 may have been completely appropriate at that time. But the same rule may require modification in 2026 if the institution it governs has changed substantially. Good governance does not mean simply following old rules for all time. Good governance also means reviewing those rules when circumstances change and ensuring that they continue to serve the purpose for which they were created. The present discussion should therefore not be seen merely as a dispute about one degree or one post. It is an opportunity for the Government to examine whether existing Recruitment Rules across departments remain relevant to present-day institutions. Rules should protect standards, but they should not become barriers to reasonable and fair career progression. The objective should ultimately be to strengthen institutions by giving capable, experienced and competent people an opportunity to contribute at the level of responsibility they are capable of handling.The Equivalence Committee constituted by the Higher Education Department should first clearly determine equivalence for what purpose? Equivalence cannot be decided in isolation from the nature of the post or the responsibility attached to it. If equivalence is being considered for teaching a particular subject, then it is reasonable to compare the syllabus, course content, practical components and academic competencies of the two disciplines. In such a case, the academic requirements of the teaching position should be the basis for determining equivalence. However, if the post is primarily administrative or managerial in nature, the approach should be different. A Principal, Director or other administrative head is not appointed to teach a particular technical subject. The role involves administration, leadership, financial management, coordination, supervision, decision-making and overall institutional development. Therefore, comparing the syllabus of two entirely different academic disciplines may not be an appropriate method for determining eligibility. Thus, before declaring two qualifications equivalent or non-equivalent, the Committee should first examine the purpose of equivalence, the nature of the post and the duties attached to it. The same qualification may not be equivalent for teaching a specialised subject, but it may be relevant and suitable for an administrative position. Dr Nasir Shah, Former Additional Director JKSTIC, DST, has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation, and educational awareness across J&K.

Film festival can boost tourism, local employment in J&K: PHDCCI Kashmir

A delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir Chapter, attended the inaugural ceremony of the first International Film Festival of J&K (IFFJK) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The delegation, led by PHDCCI Kashmir Chapter Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw, included Executive Member and cinematographer Faisal Simon and Deputy Director Iqbal Fayaz Jan. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the four-day festival, which features more than 130 films from over 30 countries, marking a significant step towards positioning J&K on the global cinematic and creative landscape. The Chief Minister said the festival reflected J&Ks ambition to emerge as a destination for filmmakers, storytellers and creative professionals from across the world. Commending the initiative, the PHDCCI delegation said the festival could contribute significantly to tourism promotion, local employment generation and the growth of the regions creative economy. It also provides artisans, entrepreneurs and local businesses an opportunity to gain greater national and international visibility. The delegation said initiatives of this scale could help strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs position as a destination for creativity, tourism and enterprise while creating new avenues for collaboration between the creative and business sectors. The four-day festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and audiences, further enhancing J&Ks profile as an emerging destination for film and creative industries.

Fill the gaps

Well before it strikes, todays scientific methods can draw a map of damage to a reasonable degree of accuracy. That is what helps efficient systems, put in place in a well-developed ecosystem of disaster preparedness, to mitigate the impact of an impending disaster. In the case of Kashmir, we have now been told a million times that we fall in a higher seismic zone and that anytime an earthquake of a particular magnitude can hit us. Similarly, particularly after what happened in Nepal, the threat of floods striking suddenly is being flagged. The condition of glaciers in our mountain spaces has already been a topic of concern here for quite some time now. But the way thunderstorms and consequent landslides hit us this year, the alarm has gone many notches up. A sense is now building up, and not without evidence, that we are vulnerable to dangers that can grip us anytime. In such a situation, where is the time to sleep over disaster preparedness-related tasks? But are we, as government and civil society, doing anything substantial about it? If we dont wake up now, when is the time to act? The red flag raised by the Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs is only validating the concerns that have been in the public space for quite a while. The concerned departments should take this signal very seriously and start doing something about it. If the Panel says that there are gaps in disaster preparedness that J&K cannot afford, how can the officials of the concerned departments ignore such a warning? The Panels observations on disaster management in J&K underline that J&K is particularly exposed to multiple hazards because of its fragile Himalayan ecology, complex terrain and climatic variability. Though the Committee recognises that preparedness has improved,thegaps still exist. It is time that those gaps are filled and a robust defence is built in advance to mitigate the effects of any disaster that might strike anytime in the future.

KTA urges Govt to fast-track flood mitigation measures across Kashmir

Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to ensure that a comprehensive, time-bound flood mitigation and preparedness plan is firmly in place to protect lives, livelihoods, businesses and critical infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley. KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said the anniversary of the 2014 disaster should not be observed merely as a day of remembrance but as an occasion to assess the administrations preparedness and ensure that the lessons of the catastrophe are translated into concrete preventive action. The floods of 2014 demonstrated the enormous economic and human cost that Kashmir can face when extreme rainfall overwhelms the river and drainage systems. Twelve years later, our priority must be to ensure that such devastation is never repeated. The government must adopt a zero-risk approach to flood preparedness and mitigation, Shahdhar said. KTA said the Government must therefore move beyond emergency response and focus on permanent mitigation. The Alliance urged the administration to undertake a comprehensive review of the flood-management infrastructure along the Jhelum and its tributaries, strengthen vulnerable embankments, ensure regular desilting and maintenance of critical drainage channels and pumping stations, and protect wetlands and natural water-retention areas from encroachment. It also called for strengthening real-time rainfall, river-level and flood forecasting systems, with warnings reaching residents and businesses sufficiently in advance. The Government should establish clear evacuation protocols for vulnerable areas and conduct regular multi-agency flood preparedness drills involving the administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, municipalities, traders and local communities. KTA also welcomed recent steps towards strengthening early-warning systems and disaster-risk planning in Jammu and Kashmir, including proposed early flood-warning systems at key hydropower projects and work on a GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas. However, Shahdhar stressed that these measures must form part of a unified Valley-wide flood mitigation strategy rather than remain isolated interventions. The Government has the benefit of twelve years of experience, studies and institutional learning since 2014. There should now be no ambiguity about what needs to be done. Every vulnerable locality, drainage channel, embankment and critical piece of infrastructure should be mapped, its risk assessed and a mitigation deadline fixed, he said. KTA further urged the Government to prepare a dedicated business-continuity and economic-recovery mechanism for the commercial sector. Markets in flood-prone areas should have emergency evacuation plans, protection for essential utilities, designated safe storage arrangements and mechanisms for rapid restoration of electricity, communications, roads and other services. The trade body said the Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project had already incorporated disaster-risk mitigation, including strengthening vulnerable flood-control infrastructure, rehabilitation of storm-water pumping stations, hydro-meteorological resilience planning and river morphology studies. What is required now is implementation, periodic review and public accountability. The Government should publish a status report on the flood-mitigation measures undertaken since 2014 and clearly identify the works that remain incomplete, Shahdhar said. KTA urged the Lieutenant Governors Administration and the elected Government to jointly treat flood resilience as a permanent priority and ensure that Kashmirs growing population, commercial centres and infrastructure are not left exposed to another major flood event. 2014 should remain a warning, not a forecast of the future. Kashmir cannot afford to wait for another disaster before preparing for it, Shahdhar said.

SKUAST-K students win One Health Day Global Award in Lisbon

Students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have earned international recognition for their One Health initiative, receiving the prestigious One Health Day 2025 Student Competition Award at the World One Health Congress (WOHC 2026) in Lisbon, Portugal. The award was presented during the closing ceremony of the international congress, which brought together leading experts, researchers, academicians, policymakers, students and professionals from across the world to advance the One Health approach. Organised by the One Health Commission, the One Health Day Student Competition recognises outstanding student-led initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaboration across human, animal and environmental health. Representing SKUAST-K, Dr Ayeman Qamri, MVSc Scholar, Veterinary Medicine, and Dr Shivam Srivastava, MVSc Scholar, Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics, received the award online on behalf of the SKUAST-K One Health student team (SKUAOHUN). Video messages from the student representatives were also showcased during the formal award ceremony, highlighting the teams work and contribution to advancing the One Health agenda. The recognition follows SKUAOHUNs success in the One Health Day 2025 International Student Competition, where the team secured the top honour for organising a month-long hybrid initiative, One Health Program-2025. Competing with teams from 94 countries across all continents, the SKUAST-K team was recognised for taking the One Health message beyond classrooms through community engagement, awareness, education and interdisciplinary activities. As part of the competition recognition, the team received an International Certificate of Excellence and a cash award of USD 1,000. The achievement underscores the global relevance of the students work and reflects the Universitys growing engagement with transdisciplinary One Health research, education and outreach. SKUAST-K has been working to institutionalise the One Health approach in Jammu and Kashmir. The University initiated a structured One Health roadmap in 2023, including the establishment of a dedicated School of One Health, while also developing collaborations with leading medical and veterinary institutions to advance research, education, innovation and policy engagement in the field. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated Dr Ayeman Qamri, Dr Shivam Srivastava and the entire SKUAOHUN team, along with the scientists and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, on the international achievement. Prof. Ganai said the recognition demonstrates the growing global impact of SKUAST-Ks transdisciplinary approach and reflects the Universitys commitment to addressing emerging societal and scientific challenges through One Health. He described the achievement as an important milestone in the Universitys transition from national to global engagement and reiterated SKUAST-Ks aspiration to emerge as Indias first global agricultural university by 2030.

Dedicated railway freight corridor transforming journey of Kashmir apples

The picturesque valleys of J&K are globally renowned for producing some of the worlds finest apples, alongside delicate cherries and aromatic saffron. However, getting these prized, perishable harvests from Himalayan orchards to bustling metropolitan markets has historically been a logistical hurdle. But the advent of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), according to railway authorities, has marked a monumental turning point, promising to rewrite the economic destiny of Kashmiri apple growers through unprecedented speed, efficiency, and market access. Kashmiri apples are a seasonal powerhouse, but their delicate nature requires rapid transit. Traditionally, relying solely on conventional highway networks and mixed passenger-freight rail routes meant transit times were vulnerable to highway blockades, traffic congestion and delays, they point out. For fruit growers, every hour of delay translates directly to higher spoilage rates i.e., reduced shelf life once the fruit finally reaches wholesale and retail markets; inflated transit costs which means extended travel times driving up logistics and refrigeration expenses and capped earnings i.e., compromised freshness lowering the final market value realised by farmers. DFCCIL A GAME CHANGER In the backdrop of these issues, the DFCCIL emerges as a game changer. It operates massive, high-speed, freight-only linesspecifically the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors spanning nearly 2,843 kilometerscompletely separating cargo from passenger traffic. By integrating modern rail links with this high-capacity national freight network, Kashmiri apples benefit in several critical ways i.e., lightning-fast transit to major hubs as the produce can move swiftly through integrated rail-road networks, reaching massive urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai and beyond in record time. It also drastically reduces spoilage as the faster journeys mean apples arrive crisp, fresh and with maximum shelf life intact, significantly cutting down post-harvest losses, railway authorities assert. Listing another benefit, they assert that it is helping in boosting cold-chain infrastructure as reliable, predictable transit schedules provide the confidence needed for private investors to pour capital into advanced cold-storage facilities and food-processing units directly within Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, it is unlocking higher profit margins. Lower overall logistics costs combined with premium-quality delivery directly translate to enhanced financial returns for local farming communities. Thus, as a way forward to a brighter, sustainable economic future, the ripple effects of the DFCCIL extend far beyond faster train tracks. By bridging the geographical gap between the northern frontiers and Indias busiest economic hubsculminating in direct routes to major ports like JNPTthe corridor acts as a catalyst for holistic regional growth, they maintain. For the apple orchards of Jammu and Kashmir, according to railway officials, the freight corridor is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a vital lifeline that ensures local produce stays fresh, competitive and lucrative on the national stage.

Apple traders warn farmers against premature harvesting as market supply rises

Apple traders in south Kashmir have urged growers not to rush into harvesting their crop, warning that premature picking could increase arrivals in wholesale markets, put downward pressure on prices and affect the quality of fruit stored in controlled-atmosphere (CA) facilities. The warning comes as farmers in several parts of south Kashmir have begun harvesting early varieties, encouraged by relatively strong market prices. Traders, however, have cautioned that large-scale harvesting of unripe fruit could prove counterproductive by flooding wholesale markets before the main harvesting season gets underway. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit Mandi Shopian, appealed to CA storage operators not to accept prematurely harvested apples from growers. Farmers should avoid harvesting the fruit before it reaches maturity. Large arrivals of premature apples can affect the market and also create problems for storage, Wani said. He said growers in lower-lying areas had started harvesting Kullu Delicious and Delicious varieties several weeks ahead of their normal harvesting period. These varieties are normally harvested after September 25, but many farmers are picking them early because of the current prices, Wani said. Traders fear that if the trend continues on a large scale, increased arrivals could lead to an oversupply in wholesale markets just as harvesting gathers pace in higher-altitude areas. Peer Shabir Ahmad, an apple trader and cultivator, said premature harvesting could hurt both growers and the wider apple trade by bringing fruit to the market before it develops the quality required for prolonged storage and better returns. He urged growers to consider the longer-term implications of early harvesting rather than being guided solely by prevailing prices. The concern is particularly significant for Kashmirs storage-based apple trade, where a substantial quantity of fruit is stored in CA facilities and released gradually into the market. Traders said apples harvested before attaining proper maturity may not perform as well during prolonged storage as fully mature fruit. Apple cultivation remains one of the main pillars of Jammu and Kashmirs horticulture economy, supporting growers, traders, transporters, labourers and storage operators across the Valley. With harvesting beginning in some lower-lying areas, traders said maintaining the quality and timing of arrivals would be crucial to preventing an early glut from affecting prices. Farmers, meanwhile, are being encouraged to harvest early by the opportunity to take advantage of relatively higher prices before the main crop reaches the market. Traders cautioned that any immediate gains from premature harvesting could be offset by weaker prices, poor storage performance and reduced demand later in the season. They urged growers to follow the recommended maturity period for each variety and coordinate harvesting with market and storage requirements.

Best of BS Opinion: Government must get real on spending

Today's opinions examine India's critical-minerals strategy, FSSAI's food-warning labels, Budget discipline, the RBI's dollar-rupee swaps and lessons from industrial policy

Govt buildings must lead J&Ks rooftop solar push

Srinagar, Sep 8:After households and industrial units, government buildings could become the next major driver of Jammu and Kashmirs rooftop solar transition, with thousands of schools, hospitals, colleges, offices and other public establishments offering ready-made infrastructure for generating electricity. The opportunity is significant because the basic infrastructure - the roof - is already available. The land has been acquired, buildings constructed, and electricity connections provided. Converting technically suitable rooftops into power-generating assets could therefore reduce the governments electricity expenditure without requiring additional land. The government has already taken substantial steps in this direction. In July 2024, the Administrative Council approved the solarisation of government buildings through the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), initially envisaging 270 MW of capacity - 70 MW under the CAPEX model and 200 MW through RESCO - along with smart metering and Virtual Net Metering. The Omar Abdullah government subsequently placed government solarisation prominently in its energy and fiscal strategy. The 2025-26 Budget committed to solarising 22,494 government buildings with an envisaged capacity of 314 MW. The 2026-27 Budget included Rs 50 crore for solarisation of 494 higher-education buildings while continuing the programme across other feasible government establishments. The programme has also received sustained administrative monitoring. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reviewed the power sector and renewable-energy projects, while Chief Secretary AtalDulloo has held implementation reviews focusing on bottlenecks, smart metering, power purchase agreements, timelines and monthly targets. The effort is beginning to show measurable results. As of July 9, 2026, 8131 of the 22,494 identified government buildings had been solarised. By July 28, the figure had increased to 8,181 buildings, with 85.8 MW of installed rooftop solar capacity. This placed J&K third among states and Union Territories in the solarisation of government buildings. The scale of governments electricity consumption, however, indicates that considerable room remains for expansion. The Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Regulatory Commissions tariff order for 2026-27 approved 14,213 state and central government departmental electricity connections under JPDCL and another 9,022 under KPDCL - a combined 23,235 connections. These figures represent electricity connections, not an equivalent number of buildings, but they indicate the size of the public-sector electricity footprint. JERC has also projected more than 1221 million units of annual electricity sales to the state and central government department category alone, excluding separately classified public water works, street lighting and other services. The case for government rooftop solar is therefore not only environmental but fiscal. Every unit of electricity generated and consumed at a government establishment can reduce the amount of power that the government needs to purchase. Rooftop solar can consequently be viewed as a long-life asset capable of reducing recurring electricity expenditure rather than simply as an environmental intervention. This also creates a case for combining budgetary allocations with RESCO investments, green finance, institutional borrowing and climate or multilateral funding. Where the lifetime savings from avoided electricity expenditure exceed financing costs, such investment can effectively convert a recurring expenditure into an asset-backed energy-saving programme. The next priority should be a comprehensive technical assessment of the entire public building estate. Every suitable school, college, university, hospital, office, warehouse and other government property should be geo-tagged and assessed for available roof area, structural suitability, sanctioned load, electricity consumption, optimum solar capacity and expected annual generation. The question should not simply be how much solar power a particular building requires. It should also be how much electricity its roof can safely generate. This is particularly important because the existing framework provides for Virtual Net Metering. A building with a large roof but relatively low electricity consumption could potentially have its generation credited against eligible consumption at other buildings of the same department within the relevant DISCOM area. This means the government can begin thinking beyond individual buildings and towards solarisation of entire departments. Schools and colleges offer a particularly large opportunity because of their extensive roof areas and daytime exposure. Hospitals, universities and administrative complexes combine substantial roof space with significant electricity demand. Warehouses, depots and parking areas could further expand the potential through rooftop installations and solar canopies. The opportunity also extends beyond buildings owned by the J&K government. J&K has a substantial public estate belonging to central government departments, autonomous institutions, defence establishments, paramilitary organisations, railways and other Central agencies. The J&K government could engage the concerned union ministries and agencies to develop a parallel inventory and solarisationprogramme for their technically suitable properties. Security and operational considerations would naturally apply to defence and paramilitary establishments. However, non-sensitive offices, hospitals, schools, residential colonies, administrative campuses and warehouses could potentially contribute to the broader renewable-energy transition. The cumulative impact could be substantial if virtually every technically suitable government school, college, hospital, office, university, police establishment and Central government institution in J&K were progressively converted into a small power-generating asset. Unlike large ground-mounted solar projects, such installations would not require acquisition of additional land or diversion of agricultural land. The infrastructure is already in place. J&K has made a significant start with the solarisation of more than 8,000 government buildings. The next phase should be to systematically identify every remaining viable public-sector rooftop, determine its generation potential and establish clear targets for completing the transition. The objective should be nothing less than a comprehensive Public Buildings Solar Mission covering both the J&K government and central government estate. The message from government to households and industry is increasingly clear: adopt solar to reduce dependence on conventional power and build a more sustainable energy system. The government should now demonstrate that principle on its own buildings. The next power plant in J&K may already be standing on a government roof.

Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal, Srinagar-Jammu NH among J&Ks key landslide hotspots: Studies

Srinagar, Sep 8: Nearly 28 percent of Jammu and Kashmir has high or very high susceptibility to landslides, with the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal, and major mountain corridors among the areas most exposed, a new study has found.The University of Jammu-led assessment covered nearly 43,000 sq km. It classified 24.4 percent as highly susceptible and 3.6 percent as very highly susceptible.Of 669 recorded landslides in the area, about 87 percent occurred in high or very high susceptibility zones.The main clusters were in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch.Proximity to roads, slope, and distance from streams emerged as the three strongest factors linked to landslide occurrence. Hotspots were identified along Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Batote-Kishtwar-Anantnag National Highway, Jammu-Ring Road, Mughal Road connecting Poonch- Rajouri with Shopian, and the Kishtwar-Kelong road.The close association between landslide-prone areas and road networks highlights the role of human activities in destabilising slopes, the researchers wrote.The study was led by Avtar Singh Jasrotia and co-authored by Amit Sharma, Iswar Chandra Das, Tapas Ranjan Martha, Rajesh Kumar, Vikshay Kumar, and Akarshan Rasyal, all from the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad. It was published in the journal Scientific Reports.Jasrotia said the findings could help authorities identify unstable terrain and plan mitigation.What we can do is assess susceptibility, risk levels, and prepare with precautionary measures, he said.The Chenab Valley, particularly the Banihal-Ramban section of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, is among the clearest examples of the terrain identified in the assessment.The region falls in seismic zone-IV and is susceptible to strong earthquakes. A separate study in 2023-24 led by geologist Dr. Riyaz Ahmad Mir, Scientist at the National Institute of Hydrology-WHRC, Jammu, along with Zahid Habib, Ajay Kumar, and Nadeem Ahmad Bhat, mapped 117 landslide zones along the corridor.It was published in the journal - Natural Hazards by Springer Nature.The inventory recorded 50 debris slides, 34 rockfalls, 20 rock slides, five rock topples, two debris flows, and six old slide zones.About 20.1 percent of the corridor was highly susceptible, 40 percent moderately susceptible, and 39.8 percent low susceptible.Nearly 80 percent of recorded failures occurred in the highly susceptible zone. Mir identified the Digdole-Nashri stretch of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway as particularly fragile.The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), Main Central Thrust (MCT), and Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) have made the rocks highly crushed and susceptible to landslides, he said.Udhampur too has witnessed several landslides and other slope failures along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and around Mata Vaishno Devi due to the highly fragile Murree rock formations and the regions complex geology, marked by major thrust systems such as the MBT, MCT, and HFT, Mir said The highway crosses a complex geological belt marked by major thrusts, faults, fractures, and shear zones.Mir said the geological setting should guide highway planning.Instead of tunnelling, road widening should be preferred, he said.The impact of road widening - after carrying necessary geological and environmental assessment - may be less compared with tunnel digging, he said.Mirs second study in 2023-24 shows that some slopes can also provide warning signs before they fail. The study examined the April 25, 2024, Pernote landslide event in Ramban and was co-authored by Kainat Aziz, Sachchidanand Singh, Ishan Sharma, Zameer Ahmad Shah, and Rayees Ahmed.It was also published in the journal - International Landslide Consortium by Springer Nature.The slide travelled about 1250 metres to the Chenab River, displaced the slope by around 40 metres, and reached a depth of nearly 12 metres.Rainfall of 100-175 mm between April 20 and 24 preceded the failure. But instability had been visible years earlier.Deep fissures, ground cracks, and bulges were observed as early as 2021.Satellite imagery from 2012-22 showed old slide scars and continuing activity.Built-up land increased 19.2 percent during the period.The researchers said combining field surveys with satellite monitoring could help detect progressive slope movement before a major failure. The warning has been reinforced by events along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.In April 2025, intense rainfall triggered landslides at more than 20 locations along the Banihal-Ramban stretch.Vehicles were buried under debris or swept into the Chenab gorge, houses collapsed, and three people died.The highway remained closed for more than three weeks, disrupting the main road link between Kashmir and Jammu. In September 2025, heavy rain and flash floods damaged the highway at Bali Nallah and Tharad in Udhampur district, forcing further closures.The problem extends beyond the Chenab Valley.Mir said similar geological conditions are found across the Pir Panjal and even in parts of Kashmir. In Kashmir, many landslides are observed in the Karewas of Baramulla and along the Ganderbal-Baltal road section due to steep slopes and fragile geology, he said. He cited Ranga Naka and Bajri Nala in Baltal as debris-flow zones also vulnerable to cloudbursts.Parts of Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, and Kathua also remain prone to landslides. The findings add to wider concerns over J&K infrastructure.A 2023 assessment by researchers from India, Switzerland, and the United States estimated that about 85,000 sq km of highways across the Himalayan region are potentially exposed to landslides or avalanches.

LG Ladakh to administer oath to Justice Bhati as Chief Justice today

Srinagar, Sep 8:Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati will take oath as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh on Wednesday. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) here. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, who was given additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday during the absence, on leave of Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, will administer the oath of office to the chief justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The Supreme Court Collegium on August 31 recommended Justice Bhatis elevation as Chief Justice of the High Court. Subsequently, the central government cleared his appointment as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh following a notification issued President DroupadiMurmu. Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati pursued his higher education in law, completing his B A, LL B and LL M in Mercantile Law. Justice Bhati enrolled as an advocate in 1992 and went on to build an extensive legal practice before the Rajasthan High Court. Prior to his elevation to the Bench, Justice Bhati served as the Additional Advocate General of Rajasthan from October 13, 2008 to December 29, 2008 and from January 06, 2014 until his elevation.

10-day J&K LA autumn session to have 7 sittings

Jammu, Sep 8:Ten-day long autumn session of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will commence with obituary references in Srinagar on September 21, 2026. As per the provisional calendar issued by J&K Legislative Assembly secretariat as authorised by the Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, there will be a total 7 sittings of the sixth session of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory (of Jammu and Kashmir). Besides obituary references, government business will be conducted on the opening day i.e., September 21. Second day September 22, as per provisional calendar, is also reserved for government business. Private Members bills will be taken up on two days i.e., September 24 and 28 while September 25 has been earmarked for Private Members resolutions. The government business will be conducted on September 29. The session will culminate on September 30, 2026 the day again earmarked for the government business, if any. After the Speaker has issued the provisional calendar outlining business schedule and sittings, the Business Advisory Committee may, later, tweak the calendar if some changes are warranted. Meanwhile, to deliberate and finalise the government business to be transacted, during the ensuing autumn session of Union Territory (UT) Legislative Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir cabinet, led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, will meet on September 10 in Srinagar. The cabinet, as per sources, will take call on the bills, resolutions and other government business which need the Houses approval and will be taken up in the upcoming J&K Assembly session. Among the bills to be deliberated during the cabinet meeting will prominently include the one related to Ease of Doing Business (EODB). After cabinets approval, the bills, resolutions will be sent for the Lieutenant Governors nod and given his (LGs) clearance, they will be lined up for introduction in the J&K Legislative Assembly in the autumn session. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 12, 2026 had summoned the autumn session of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Srinagar on September 21 at 10 am, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under section 18(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Earlier on August 4, 2026, the J&K Council of Ministers, in its meeting presided over by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, had sent this recommendation to LG Sinha vis--vis convening of the autumn session of the Union Territory legislature from September 21, 2026. The session is being held almost a fortnight ahead of the expiry of the deadline i.e., October 4 of convening a session within six months of the previous session, as per the constitutional requirement. Previous session i.e., the budget session of J&K Legislative Assembly in Jammu had ended on April 4, 2026. SESSION LIKELY TO WITNESS PAPERLESS BUSINESS TRANSACTION THROUGH NeVA Significant aspect of the brief autumn session of J&K Legislative Assembly will be its near-total transition to the electronic system. J&K Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has already specified that the legislative business related to the ensuing autumn session will be processed and managed through the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) portal. The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a digital platform for facilitating paperless functioning of Legislative Assemblies and streamlining the management of Legislative Business. To ensure the processing, submission, receipt and disposal of legislative business through the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) portal during autumn session, the questions received from the MLAs have already been sent to the concerned departments by the Assembly Secretariat and the log-in credentials of the departments have also been created. Accordingly, all administrative departments have been asked to access their respective NeVa login accounts on daily basis and ensure that legislative business concerning their respective departments, including government bills, legislative proposals and amendments, replies to Legislative Assembly Questions, assurances, notices, references and other related documents, is submitted, received and processed through the NeVA portal in accordance with the prescribed procedure and timelines. The concerned departments have also been directed to ensure that the documents uploaded on the portal are complete, duly authenticated and correspond to the approved version of the relevant proposal or document. LEGISLATORS, MINISTERS, CM GEAR UP TO PROCESS, MANAGE LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS THROUGH NeVA PORTAL Consequently, all the MLAs from both the opposition and treasury benches, Ministers and even the Chief Minister are gearing up to get acquainted with the NeVA system (portal). As per sources, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too has requested the J&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat for a brief (NeVA) system-familiarisation session with those dealing with it. The interactive familiarisation session (with CM) may occur on September 9, 2026. NeVA was partially introduced in the 2026 budget session of J&K Legislative Assembly (February to April) in Jammu. The replies of cut motions were processed through the portal. For the implementation of NeVA project in J&K, two committees, one headed by the Assembly Secretary and other apex committee under Speakers chairmanship were also constituted.

J&K medical colleges issue show-cause notices to MBBS interns

Srinagar, Sep 8:Many Government Medical Colleges in J&K have issued show-cause notices and warnings to MBBS and BDS interns who participated in the indefinite strike that came to end on Tuesday evening.They have threatened disciplinary action that could include curtailment, temporary suspension, or even cancellation of their internships.On Tuesday, the Principal of SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, issued a notice to Compulsory Rotating Medical Interns (CRMIs) not attending duties. It directed them to explain within 24 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.The notice described the strike as gross indiscipline and professional misconduct under National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.It said that the interns had submitted affidavits pledging not to participate in strikes or acts of indiscipline.It warned that failure to respond would lead to strict action as per rules. This, it said, could potentially affect internship completion.Similar notices were issued by Government Medical College Anantnag and others, including GMC Rajouri and GMC Handwara. The absentees were warned of further consequences.There are reports of pressure on parents and threats of suspension or termination in some colleges regarding the strike.One medical college Principal told Greater Kashmir that the show-cause notice was issue as the the strike was getting politicised. At times these long strikes take ugly turns and many doctors then keep on suffering in the later part of their careers, he said.He said that doctors are often made to repeat their missing days as per NMC guidelines.Many become ineligible for their next year's NEET Exam, he said.Interns had intensified their protest with a 48-hour hunger strike that began Monday. The decision n had been taken after the interns said their talks with the government yielded only verbal assurances.They had insist on a written government order. The show-cause notice drew reactions from opposition party PDP and others.

J&K medical interns end 8-day strike

Srinagar, Sep 8:Eight days after launching their strike over the long-pending demand for enhancement of their stipend, the J&K medical interns today agreed to resume duties after government assurance that the issue would be fixed within 30 days.On August 31, the MBBS interns from across J&K Government Medical Colleges had intensified their agitation over the long-pending demand for revision of their stipend. They protested in the form of sit-ins, exhibited banners and placards and spoke about how their stipend was too low to meet basic needs. The agitation entered a hunger-strike phase as they pressed the government to issue a written order for stipend enhancement.According to the record note of meetings held on September 4 and September 8 (mentioned in official document as September 9) between Health and Medical Education Minister SakeenaItoo and a delegation of medical interns, the government has decided that the matter will be finalized within a period of 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Constituted, and keeping in view the legitimate interests and concerns of the medical interns. The note has stated that the medical interns have agreed to call off the strike and resume their duties, in the larger interest of patientcare and safeguard their academic and professional interests.The meetings, the official note issued from the Personal Section of the Health Minister, have said, were attended by representatives of the medical interns, including the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar and the Deputy Director Planning representing the Director Health Services Kashmir. The delegation raised concerns over the existing stipend structure and pressed for a suitable revision. It had also cited the nature of their duties, workload and responsibilities in the healthcare system.The note states that during the deliberations, the Minister assured the interns that their concerns were receiving due consideration. They were informed that the formation of the committee itself was a proof of the seriousness of the government to examine the issue comprehensively. The agitation had raised concerns over its impact on routine hospital services and patient care.The demand for enhancement of the stipend of medical and dental interns has been pending for seven years in J&K. The interns have repeatedly been seeking a revision in view of the nature of their duties, long working hours and the responsibilities they shoulder in government hospitals.The monthly payment has remained unchanged at Rs 12,300 despite repeated representations and protests. The issue had, reached the government level in 2023, when the Health and Medical Education Department constituted a committee under Government Order No 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023. The committee was tasked to examine enhancement of the stipend.It subsequently recommended increasing the stipend to Rs 25,000 a month. The recommendation remained unimplemented for years. This year in February, the government told the Legislative Assembly that the proposal was under consideration of the Finance Department. The Health Minister has many a times reiterated that the file for revision of stipend has been pending with the Finance Department.The agitation on Monday drew intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said the issue should be resolved at the earliest. He made it clear that the decision of stipend enhancement rested with the Health Department. The CM said the prolonged dispute was affecting the interns work and internship and was not in anyones interest. Its sad. The matter shouldnt have come to this. This is a matter of the Health Department. Until the department takes a decision, no other department can do anything, he said.The disparity with other states has been a key point of contention J&K MBBS interns. J&K currently pays Rs 12,300 a month while interns in several states receive Rs 25,000 or more. It is Rs 44,319 in Odisha, Rs 43,099 in West Bengal and Rs 35,000 in Assam.

India knows where extreme weather is coming. It doesnt know what it will cost

Indias climate risks are increasingly becoming macroeconomic shocks, affecting food prices, infrastructure, power demand, productivity and public finances. Yet the country lacks systems to quantify what is exposed, estimate economic losses and price risk effectively. The op-ed argues for asset-level exposure registers, audited loss data and forward-looking disaster financing.

Security review held for Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra

Ganderbal, Sep 8: A detailed security and preparedness review meeting was held on Tuesday in connection with the upcoming Annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra 2026, with senior police officers assessing arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage. The meeting was convened by SDPO Kangan and chaired by SSP Ganderbal, with DySP SOG Ganderbal, SHO Kangan and other concerned officers in attendance. During the meeting, officers undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing security situation along the yatra route and discussed the proposed deployment of security personnel at vulnerable and strategically important locations. The meeting also focused on logistical preparedness, disaster-response mechanisms, communication arrangements and contingency plans to deal with any eventuality during the pilgrimage. The officers assessed the availability of necessary resources and coordinated measures among different agencies to ensure prompt response in case of emergencies. Particular emphasis was laid on strengthening communication and maintaining effective coordination between field personnel and concerned departments. The SSP Ganderbal directed the concerned officers and agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that all arrangements are put in place well in advance. Necessary directions were also issued regarding force deployment, emergency preparedness and other operational requirements.

The four questions India must ask before its AI data centre boom outpaces its grid

Data centers now face public scrutiny regarding their resource consumption. These facilities use less water than comparable commercial spaces annually. However, efficient cooling systems can increase electricity usage significantly. Renewable energy and hybrid cooling systems are key to managing this impact. India must balance growth with responsible resource management for future technology.

Chinese experts link deadly Tibet-Nepal flood to climate change; hydropower projects face scrutiny

Lhasa (Tibet), Sep 8: The massive flash flood that struck the Tibet-Nepal border on August 26 has put China's numerous hydropower projects in the region, including the mega dam on the Brahmaputra River, under renewed scrutiny, as Chinese experts said global warming and accelerating glacier retreat may have contributed to the recent gigantic mudslide. The disaster was likely the result of a combination of factors, including rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melt, glacier retreat, local geological and geomorphological conditions and broader climatic influences, according to Chinese climate experts. According to our monitoring, we can see the short-time rain days, or the imbalance of the rain pattern and the rising of the temperature in Tibet, said Sun Xiaoguang, head of the Meteorological Observatory of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Tibet region may be affected by the climate change crisis, he said. As far as I know, and according to the reports published by the Meteorological Observatory of China, I think there are... there will be more and more extreme weather, or extreme weather incidents in China that was impact [of] or affected by the climate change, he said, talking to PTI while on his way to the flash flood-hit area close to the Tibet-Nepal border on Sunday. The August 26 disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, sending a massive surge of water and debris downstream through the Bhotekoshi River and devastating settlements in northern and central Nepal, which killed more than 1,350 people, while around 5,000 remain missing. On the Chinese side, the flash flood has killed 43 people, while 519 remain missing, according to authorities. The missing include 261 foreigners, of which 49 are from India. The force of the mudslide, comprising huge boulders, ice and massive amounts of mud, wiped out the sprawling Chinese immigration centre building at Gyirong. Most of the dead and missing foreigners were on both sides of the building. A group of foreign correspondents from Beijing, who were taken on a tour of the area by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday, saw that the entire area was devoid of any traces of the building, except for a few rods piercing out in some places. The disaster has put the spotlight on the threats posed by the increasing volatility of the fragile environment in Tibet, the roof of the world, where around 10 transboundary rivers, including the Brahmaputra, originate. Over the years, China has faced criticism over its hydropower projects, including the construction of a USD 167.8 billion dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, which has been described as the world's largest construction project, upstream of India's Arunachal Pradesh. Construction of the dam started in July last year. It is expected to generate more than 300 billion kWh of electricity each year, enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million people. The dam is being built at a gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra River makes a huge U-turn before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh. While concerns earlier centred largely on earthquake risks, given Tibet's location along the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, the August 26 disaster and its links to climate change and glacier retreat have added a new dimension to the risks facing the region. Chinese researchers say climate change is emerging as a central driver behind the growing frequency and severity of such disasters across high-altitude border regions. The August 26 event serves as a stark warning that rising temperatures are fundamentally reshaping the stability of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Himalayan range. Chinese officials who addressed the media close to the site of the disaster said on Sunday that Tibet has 33,000 glaciers, with 187 of them categorised as high-risk which require round-the-clock satellite monitoring to predict collapse. Nie Yong, a researcher at the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment of China, said there are now more than 14,000 glacial lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, covering a combined area of more than 1,100 square kilometres, with many continuing to expand. The area covered by glacial lakes in the region is increasing by an average of about one per cent a year, he told Chinese daily The Paper, warning that the continued expansion of the lakes is contributing to the accumulation of geological disaster risks in high-altitude areas. Kang Shichang, director and researcher at the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Chengdu, said glaciers across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau had shrunk by about 24 per cent in area over the past six decades. The decline has been even more pronounced in the southern part of the plateau, particularly in the Gangdise Mountains, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and the Himalayas, where glacier area has fallen by about 40 per cent over the same period, Kang told The Paper on Monday, attributing the dramatic retreat primarily to global warming. The continued loss of glacier ice has also contributed to a substantial increase in the number and size of glacial lakes across the plateau, raising concerns over the risk of glacial lake outburst floods and related landslides. The Paper said specialists examining the Gyirong Port mudslide have confirmed the disaster is closely tied to global warming. The chain of events began with accelerated glacial melting driven by higher temperatures. As glaciers retreat, they destabilise mountainsides, loosen rock and sediment, and create conditions where heavy precipitation or sudden structural failure can trigger cascading hazards, including ice-rock collapses that swiftly turn into massive mudflows. As glaciers vanish, they leave behind unstable terrain and rapidly expanding glacial lakes, turning remote valleys into potential hazard zones and raising the possibility of more disasters.

Ladakh LG Saxena gets additional charge of J&K

New Delhi, Sep 8: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena was on Tuesday given additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir during the absence, on leave of incumbent Manoj Sinha. Sinha, who took charge as the LG of Jammu and Kashmir on August 7, 2020, is currently in the US on an official visit, official sources said. The President of India is pleased to appoint Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lt. Governor of Ladakh to discharge the functions of the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, in addition to his own duties, during the absence, on leave, of Shri Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

CRPF to replace Army troops across 21 locations in Jammu region

New Delhi, Sep 8: Security agencies have drawn up a comprehensive plan to replace Army troops with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for counter-terrorist operations across select locations in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. Under the proposal, about 21 locations in Udhampur and Kathua districts in Jammu region have been identified for the deployment of the paramilitary force alongside specialised units of its jungle warfare wing, the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). Officials in the security establishment said that these camps had been reduced to a skeletal presence following earlier troop movements and with the CRPF now taking over these operating bases, better operational coordination between the Army and paramilitary forces will be ensured across the terrain. In 2020, it was decided that CRPF will fill the vacuum created due to the troop movement to the Line of Actual Control. It has been decided to deploy approximately 21 CRPF companies, comprising around 2,100 personnel, to man 21 camps across the two districts in the Jammu region, officials said. These CRPF companies, supported by CoBRA teams, will conduct targeted counter-terrorist operations in the forested areas and rugged tracks of Jammu that have witnessed terrorist movements and the creation of hideouts in recent years. The security establishment envisages gradually handing over the complete counter-insurgency grid in the Jammu sector to the CRPF. This will allow Army infantry units to be completely withdrawn from routine anti-terror duties and redeployed to bolster border security contingents along the Line of Control and the International Border. Having successfully led anti-Naxal operations in central India, select CRPF units are currently being de-inducted from the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) theatre to be repositioned in Jammu and Kashmir, officials added.

Medical interns call off strike in J&K after meeting Sakeena Itoo

Srinagar, Sep 8: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have agreed to call off their strike after a meeting with Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena (Masood) Itoo, with the government assuring that the long-pending demand for enhancement of their monthly stipend will be resolved within 30 days. According to an official record note issued by the Personal Section of the Minister, a delegation of medical interns, representing various medical colleges of J&K, met the Minister on September 4 and September 9 to press for a revision of their stipend structure. The delegation was also attended by the Principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar, and the Deputy Director Planning, representing the Director Health Services, Kashmir. During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Minister of the existing stipend structure and argued for a suitable revision, citing the nature of their duties, workload and responsibilities within the healthcare system. The Minister, chairing the meeting, gave the delegation a patient hearing and acknowledged that their concerns deserve due consideration, the note states. She further assured them that the government has remained mindful of issues concerning medical interns and sensitive to their legitimate concerns. The Minister informed the delegation that the matter was already under the government's consideration and that a committee had been constituted to examine the issue comprehensively. She said the constitution of the committee reflected the seriousness with which the government was addressing the matter and its intent to arrive at a considered and appropriate decision. The note refers to the Stipend Enhancement Committee constituted vide Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023. It was observed during the meeting that the matter needed to be brought to a logical conclusion expeditiously and without avoidable delay, so that the interns' academic and professional responsibilities are not adversely affected and hospital services and patient care continue uninterrupted. Following detailed deliberations, it was decided that the matter shall be finalised within a period of 30 days, on the basis of the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee and keeping in view the legitimate interests and concerns of the medical interns. Strike called off In view of the assurances given, the medical interns agreed to call off their strike forthwith, in the larger interest of patient care and to safeguard their own academic and professional interests, the record note states. The proceedings were recorded and signed by Peerzada Zahoor Ahmad, JKAS, Officer on Special Duty to the Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare Department, J&K, and dated September 8, 2026.

Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu see immense potential for regional cinema in J&K

Second UT-level Joint Coordination Committee meeting on Narcotics Control for J&K and Ladakh held at Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 8: The 2nd UT Level Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) Meeting on Narcotics Control for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was held at Police Control Room, Srinagar, under the chairpersonship of DDG (NWR), NCB and IG Crime/ANTF Head of J&K Police. Senior officers from various enforcement and stakeholder agencies including ED, BSF, State Drug Controller, IB, Customs, DRI, Income Tax, NIA along with District SSPs from Jammu, Srinagar and Ganderbal participated in the meeting. The participating agencies shared their experiences and enforcement initiatives and deliberated upon emerging trends in drug trafficking, inter-State linkages, illicit cultivation, information sharing, joint investigation, financial investigation and effective prosecution. Discussion was also held on making sincere efforts for implementation of Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029) by the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah in the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi on 26th June 2026. It was highlighted that the emphasis shall be on a network-centric approach to combat the drug menace. Further, emphasis was laid upon the need for strengthened inter-agency coordination, joint interrogation, effective financial investigation and greater utilization of available information-sharing mechanisms. The meeting concluded with a call for sustained cooperation among all stakeholder agencies and adoption of a Whole-of-Government approach to detect, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks in J&K and Ladakh.

Kashmir has immense potential for regional cinema: Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu

Srinagar, Sep 8: Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu, known for their roles as Kaleen Bhaiya and Munna Tripathi, respectively, in the popular web series Mirzapur, on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir has immense potential for regional cinema, with local stories, young talent and a growing digital ecosystem offering significant opportunities for filmmakers. Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the second day of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at SKICC Srinagar, the actors, according to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said they had enjoyed their time in Kashmir, including its food and interaction with local people. We liked it very much. We had Kashmiri food, met people here and felt a sense of belonging. It was wonderful. We would like more of our films to come here, they said. Speaking about the future of cinema in the region, the actors said Kashmir's storytelling potential goes far beyond its scenic beauty. There is a lot of future ahead. There will be theatres, OTT platforms and many other opportunities. There is tremendous scope, they said, adding that young talent in the region could benefit from the evolving film ecosystem. Responding to students and aspiring filmmakers attending the festival, the actors said film festivals and masterclasses offer valuable opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. We have seen how films are made. In a four-day festival, if there are masterclasses, that is a very good thing. There will be a lot to listen to and learn, they said. Asked about making a film in Kashmir, the actors said the region offers rich material for storytelling, praising its natural beauty and deeply rooted local narratives. I like Dal Lake. Kashmir has beautiful, rooted stories, they said. They added that Kashmir can offer filmmakers stories beyond its landscapes, including its people, food, culture and everyday life. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. If infrastructure is further developed, it would be wonderful to come here and tell stories about Kashmir, they said. Reflecting on Kashmir's long association with the film industry, the actors noted that while filmmakers historically visited the region for song sequences and shoots, there is now an opportunity to tell deeper stories about its people and culture. Kashmir has had a connection with cinema for a long time. People used to come here for songs and shoots. But there are so many other things, the people, food and culture. Why not talk about them? they said. The actors are in Srinagar as part of the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, which has brought together filmmakers, actors, technicians, students and cinema enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

Newborn dies, mother critical: Rajouri Police file FIR

Proposals in pipeline to connect Kangra Airport with Jammu, Jaipur, Dehradun

Shimla, Sep 8: The Kangra district, which is being developed as the tourist capital of Himachal Pradesh, could soon be aerially connected with Jammu while proposals to connect it with Jaipur and Dehradun are in the pipeline, officials said on Tuesday. IndiGo Airlines has proposed connecting Jammu to Kangra (Gaggal) Airport. The plan involves establishing connectivity between Jammu and Dharamshala as well as between Dharamshala and Delhi in the coming period, said Amit Saklani, Acting Director of Kangra Airport. He said the service could launch around the New Year, potentially on January 1. However, official confirmation is still pending. The move is expected to provide significant convenience to tourists visiting the Kangra Valley, including Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. He added that travellers heading towards Leh could find relief from the current hassle of catching flights from Jammu or Delhi. Saklani said the airport currently faces some limitations regarding parking bay facilities. The goal is to complete the necessary upgrades within the next four to five months, after which the prospects for expanding air connectivity will strengthen significantly. He clarified that since the airline has only submitted a proposal so far, flight fares and final schedules have not yet been determined. About one lakh passengers have travelled through the airport between January and July this year and if this trend continues, the annual passenger volume is likely to reach around two lakh. Regarding the potential to connect Kangra Airport with other cities, Saklani said proposals have been received from airlines to establish connectivity with Jaipur and Dehradun as well. However, launching these services would require expanding the airport and enhancing existing facilities. A SpiceJet flight service to Jaipur had previously operated for about four to five months before it was discontinued. Now, we expect IndiGo will connect Kangra with Jaipur and Dehradun, he said.

Shahid Iqbal Choudhary relinquishes charge as J&K Youth Services Secretary, set for Arunachal posting

Srinagar, Sep 8: Senior IAS officer Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Tuesday relinquished charge as Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir Government, to take up new assignment in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. Shahid Choudhary is a 2009 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Jammu and Kashmir cadre, who secured an All India Rank 51 in the UPSCs Civil Services Examination for the year 2008. He was the first Muslim from Jammu region and first Gujjar from J&K to get Indian Administrative Service as a direct recruit from IAS. On July 9, 2026, Choudhary was transferred from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh as part of a major reshuffle of AGMUT cadre officers ordered by the centre with immediate effect. In a social media post, Choudhary said: Today, I am relinquishing charge as Commissioner/Secretary to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to take up my new assignment in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. Jammu & Kashmir is home, and serving its people has been among the most meaningful privileges of my career. I leave with deep gratitude for the trust, affection and goodwill received over the years, and for the immense learning that this land and its people have given me. Every assignment is a new opportunity to learn, contribute and serve. I carry the experiences of J&K with me as I begin this next chapter, with humility, optimism and sincere commitment to public service. Grateful for the journey. Ready for what lies ahead.

IAF to organise Dronathon-2026 at Pokhran range to boost indigenious drone, counter-drone capabilities

New Delhi, Sep 8: IAF is organising Dronathon-2026 with an aim to offer domestic manufacturers to exhibit their capabilities and advancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS). The event is designed to help stakeholders to witness emerging drone and counter drone technologies along with their operational demonstration and foster mutual learning. The event is scheduled to take place at Pokhran range, Jaisalmer from 14 to 16 Sep 2026. The event comprises of static display and live demonstrations. It will help to identify contemporary solutions and evaluate their combat effectiveness. Key areas of focus include surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, and electronic warfare. Aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Dronathon-2026 aims to bolster the indigenous defence ecosystem by integrating industry experts, start-ups, and innovators. Through such initiatives, the IAF remains committed to building a technologically advanced, indigenous and future ready force capable of meeting security challenges in the rapidly changing operational environment.

SKIMS Bemina Issues Show-cause Notice to CRMIs Over Absence from Duties

SRINAGAR: The authorities at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, have issued show-cause notices to Clinical Resident Medical Interns (CRMIs) allegedly found absent from their duties for the past one week, stating that their absence has adversely affected patient care and emergency services at the hospital. According to the notice, the administration has taken serious note of []

India faces higher oil import costs as crude prices surge on West Asia supply risks

International crude prices surged, impacting India's oil import bill and inflation. Escalating West Asia tensions raised concerns about global supply disruptions. India, a major oil importer, faces pressure on its trade balance and currency. Fuel retailers may experience margin pressure as crude prices cross USD 100. The disruption affects energy flows and petrochemical feedstocks across Asia.

LG Saxena to administer oath to J&K, Ladakh HC chief justice

Leh, Sep 8: For the first time since Ladakh became a Union Territory in August 2019, its Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, will administer the oath of office to Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on September 9, highly placed official sources said on Tuesday. The ceremony will take place at 11 am at the Convention Centre in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the sources said. On September 5, President Droupadi Murmu had appointed Justice Bhati, a judge of the Rajasthan High Court, as Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. He will succeed Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since June 2. Traditionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor has administered the oath of office to a newly appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh. However, this time, Ladakh Lt Governor Saxena has been designated to administer the oath to Justice Bhati, marking a first for the Union Territory. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Bhati's name for Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court on August 31. Justice Bhati is a senior Judge with extensive judicial experience. He was elevated to the Bench on November 16, 2016.

GMC Anantnag interns condemn show-cause notices to student representatives

Anantnag, Sep 08: MBBS Interns of the Government Medical College Anantnag strongly condemned the issuance of a show-cause notice to the two student representatives- Dr. Mohammad Akib Javid and Dr. Runga Zamin Javaid- in connection with the ongoing interns protest for their legitimate stipend demands. In a statement, the MBBS interns said, It is deeply concerning that, out of the entire group of protesting interns, the administration has chosen to issue the notice specifically to the two representatives who have been communicating the collective concerns of the interns. We believe that raising genuine grievances and representing fellow students cannot be equated with gross indiscipline or professional misconduct, it added. The notice issued by the medical college warns of the possibility of curtailment, temporary suspension and even cancellation of internship. Reacting to the move, the interns said that such a language is extremely intimidating and has created a sense of fear among interns who are simply demanding their legitimate rights. They said that student representation is not misconduct and raising legitimate concerns is not an act of indiscipline. They urged authorities to engage with the representatives through dialogue rather than threatening them with punitive action. We remain respectful of the institution and the authorities, but respect must be mutual, the statement said. The internee students appealed to the administration and the concerned authorities to withdraw the notice and resolve the stipend issue through meaningful dialogue rather than coercion or intimidation. Our representatives will not be abandoned. We stand united, and our demand for justice, dignity and a fair stipend will continue peacefully and democratically, the students said.

MBBS, BDS interns begin hunger strike at GMC Srinagar over stipend hike

GMC Anantnag MBBS interns begin hunger strike over stipend hike, protest enters day 9

Promote PM Package teachers, other employees: AMEAK

Srinagar, Sep 7:Stating that working without a promotion for the last 16 years amounts to gross injustice, the All-Migrant Employees Association Kashmir (AMEAK) has demanded the promotion of teachers, MTS employees and Data Entry Operators appointed under the Prime Ministers Package since 2010 to address their long-pending grievance of professional stagnation. In a press statement, AMEAK President RubonSaproo, as per a statement issued on Monday, said that nearly 70 percent of the employees appointed under the PM Package in 2010 were teachers, but unfortunately, they have not been granted any promotion to date despite having completed the requisite years of service. He said MTS employees of the Revenue Department and Data Entry Operators in the Finance Department were also facing a similar issue where the MTS employees of the Finance Department had already undergone the DPC process but were awaiting the formal issuance of promotion orders. He also pointed out that Government Order No. JK-34-DMRRR, issued in 2022, already provides a mechanism under which PM Package employees can be considered for promotion. The order envisages the framing of a parallel promotion list corresponding to the general cadre for granting promotions to package employees, however, their promotions should not be linked to promotions in the general cadre, as the PM Package is supernumerary and distinct in nature. Appealing to the government to implement the provisions of the 2022 order in letter and spirit, Saproo said that despite the existence of a specific government order facilitating the promotion of package employees, teachers appointed under the package have remained deprived of this basic career benefit for years. Nearly 80 percent of the package teachers appointed in 2010 are likely to retire within the next six to ten years and not granting them promotion is not only unjust but also defeats the very purpose of the provisions made for these employees, he said. He further stressed that MTS employees of the Revenue Department and Data Entry Operators of the Finance Department deserve fair treatment in matters of promotion. He called for the immediate issuance of formal promotion orders in favour of the MTS employees of the Finance Department, who have already completed the DPC process. These employees have rendered more than a decade of service under extremely difficult circumstances and keeping them stagnated at the same level since their appointment is neither fair nor consistent with the spirit of the government order, Saproo said.

Former minister Mohammad Syed Akhoon pays tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah

Tanvir Sadiq backs protesting doctors, says their demands are genuine

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia wound 73 people, officials say

Cairo, Sep 08: More than 70 people were wounded in a wave of Houthi attacks Tuesday on Saudi Arabia, authorities said, a major escalation in the renewed conflict between an important US ally and the Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. The attacks come after weeks of escalating clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen, which shattered a four-year truce in the country's civil war. Fighting has raged on fronts including Yemen's west coast, with government forces saying they have made territorial gains in the provinces of Hodeida, Taiz and Baydah. The Houthi have also launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities and tankers in the Red Sea. The attacks early Tuesday hit civilian and economic facilities in the Saudi cities of Abha's Jazan, Najran and Khamis Mushait said Maj Gen. Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, said in a statement. Al-Malki said the attacks wounded 73 people, including women and children. He didn't provide a breakdown or further details. He called the attacks a serious escalation and a flagrant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty, and a direct threat to the security and safety of its citizens and residents. Al-Malki vowed retaliation, saying that the Saudi-led coalition will take all necessary operational measures to deter the terrorist Houthi militia with utmost resolve. The Houthis did not comment on the attacks, but said a statement about a large-scale military operation deep inside Saudi Arabia would be released. Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office overseeing the Saba news agency run by the rebels, took to social media to laud the attacks. The Saudi enemy has to understand that the time for committing crimes and massacres against the Yemeni people without response, deterrence, or paying a price has ended, he said. The attacks came hours after the rebels blamed Saudi Arabia for an airstrike that hit a prison in Yemen's northern province of Jawf. At least seven people, including a child, were killed and seven others were wounded in the strike in the city of Hazem, the Houthis said Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen and forced the government into exile. A Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates, intervened the following year to try to restore the government to power. Tensions rose earlier this year between US allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE as their partnership in the war in Yemen broke down, leading to the UAE pulling out of Yemen. The civil war in Yemen has killed at least 150,000 people, according to UN estimates, and at times pushed the country to the brink of famine.

Doctors issue genuine, needs early resolution, says Tanvir Sadiq

Srinagar, Sep 08: National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq on Monday backed the protesting doctors in Jammu and Kashmir, saying their concerns were genuine and should be resolved at the earliest while condemning any threats issued against them. Sadiq said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had acknowledged the issue and that Health Minister Sakina Itoo was personally looking into it. Omar Sahib said yesterday that this is certainly a genuine issue and that it needs to be resolved at the earliest, Sadiq said. That is why our honourable Minister, Sakina Ji, is personally looking into it. Inshallah, we hope that a resolution will be reached as soon as possible. Asked about reports that protesting doctors had received threats, Sadiq strongly condemned any such threats and defended their right to demonstrate. If there are threats, that is very wrong. They are our children; they are the sons and daughters of the soil, he said. Sadiq added that protesting was a legitimate democratic right as long as it was conducted peacefully. They have every right to protest. We have always said that everyone has the right to protest in a democratic manner, and they have that right too, he said, adding that efforts would continue to address their concerns. His remarks came ahead of the upcoming Assembly session, where the doctors issue is expected to be among the matters raised by members. On the Oppositions likely strategy in the Assembly, Sadiq said the BJP had every right to question the government but should focus on issues concerning the people. They do that; it is the job of the Opposition. We have no problem if they raise issues, he said. One thing we need to understand is that questions concerning the people are raised in the Assembly, bills are introduced and resolutions are brought. The Assembly is an important platform where we can speak about the concerns of the people, he said, urging the Opposition to use the House to raise public issues. My advice would be that the Opposition should allow the issues of the people to be discussed in the Assembly and should put forward its own views. They have a right to do so, and they should certainly exercise that right, Sadiq said. Sadiq was also asked about the legacy of National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah, and said his contribution to Jammu and Kashmir could not be adequately described. Whatever we say in praise of Sher-e-Kashmirs contribution to every sphere of Jammu and Kashmir and to the country is not enough, he said, citing his contributions to education, healthcare and social reform. He particularly referred to Sheikh Abdullahs land reforms, saying that the land to the tiller policy transformed the lives of people by giving them ownership of the land they cultivated. Sadiq also credited Sheikh Abdullah with laying the foundations that enabled generations of students from Jammu and Kashmir to pursue education across India and abroad, and highlighted his contribution to womens representation and the development of educational and agricultural institutions in the region.

NC pays tribute to Sheikh Abdullah on his 44th death anniversary

NC pays tribute to Sheikh Abdullah on 44th death anniversary

Srinagar, Sept 08: The National Conference on Tuesday paid tributes to party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 44th death anniversary in Srinagars Naseem Bagh. According to details, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah visited the grave of Sheikh Abdullah and paid floral tributes. They also offered Fateha and prayed at his grave. Several NC leaders, MLAs, senior party functionaries, workers and supporters also gathered in Naseem Bagh and paid tributes to the late leader. Notably, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir, was the founder of the National Conference and served as the first elected Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He died on September 8, 1982. (KNO)

Film festival to open new avenues for Kashmiri youth: Waqf Chairperson

Srinagar, Sep 08: Waqf Chairperson Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi has said Kashmir has once again regained its vibrancy, as the Valley hosts its maiden International Film Festival, reflecting a significant cultural turnaround in the Union Territory. Speaking at the four-day festival themed Rang-e-Cinema in Srinagar, Dr. Andrabi as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the growing cultural activities and public participation in the region were indicative of the changing social atmosphere under the prevailing peaceful environment. Such platforms offer a vital opportunity to present the Valley's rich cultural heritage, creativity, and evolving identity to a global audience, she said. The festival, which has received over 1,100 entries from 80 countries, also features a floating cinema on Dal Lake, marking a first for the region. Dr. Andrabi, who has previously termed the current phase as one of peace and development, said initiatives like these are helping reconnect Kashmir with the global community while creating new avenues for local youth. Notably, The event is being seen as part of the broader push by the administration to promote cultural and cinematic activities in the Union Territory post-2019. (KNS)

Motorcyclist dies in accident at Kalai in J&K's Poonch

Poonch, Sep 08: A motorcycle rider was killed on the spot after being hit by an unknown vehicle near Kalai in Poonch district, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Mehmood Ahmed, son of Abdul Latief, a resident of Khanater, Poonch. According to reports, Ahmed was riding his motorcycle when the unidentified vehicle hit him near Kalai, resulting in his death on the spot. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and started an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify the vehicle involved.

Thane teen with 95.7 pc marks ends life after failing to get entry into college of choice

Thane, Sep 08: A 17yearold student, who had scored 95.7 per cent marks in his Class 12 science exams, allegedly died by suicide in Maharashtra's Thane city after failing to secure admission to his preferred higher education institute, police said. The boy, whose family resided in an upscale housing complex in Hiranandani Estate on Ghodbunder Road, sent a message to his family's WhatsApp group stating his intention to end his life. However, before anyone could intervene, the boy jumped to his death from the 22nd-floor refuge area of a residential building on September 4 evening, the police said on Monday. According to police, the boy's family suspects no foul play, attributing the extreme step entirely to academic distress. The teenager recently passed his Class 12 science exams with a score of 95.7 per cent and aspired to pursue a BS-MS dual degree at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur (Kolkata), the police said. However, he fell short of securing a seat after ranking 10,474 in the aptitude test. His disappointment deepened after failing to secure admission in the reputed institute, they said. According to police, the teenager left his residence around 7.30 pm on September 4, telling his family he was going for cycling. At around 8.15 pm, he sent a message to his family's WhatsApp group stating his intention to end his life. Upon seeing the message and finding his phone switched off, his family immediately alerted the Kasarvadavali police. The police and family members rushed to search the locality and found the teenager lying severely injured on a pavement near his apartment. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital in Thane, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, the police said. An accidental death report (ADR) has been registered based on a statement given by the deceased's father.

Iran increases gasoline price for its heaviest consumers as economy struggles

Iran early Tuesday introduced a higher price for its heaviest users of gasoline, state media reported, in the latest economic pinch caused by months of war. Its the second such hike since December. Such gas price increases can be sensitive and contribute to inflation. An increase in 2019 sparked nationwide protests and a crackdown that Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SKUAST-K, Bio-Enzyme Academy join hands to turn waste into wealth in J&K

Srinagar, Sept 7: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) has joined hands with the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India, Bengaluru, to promote bio-enzyme entrepreneurship as a waste-to-wealth opportunity and create avenues for self-employment among students, farmers and rural entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir. A one-week Certificate Course on Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurship was inaugurated today at the Vice Chancellors Secretariat, Shalimar Main Campus. Organised by the SKUAST-K Innovation and Incubation Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE) in collaboration with the Academy, the programme focuses on hands-on training in bio-enzyme production, value addition and marketing, with an emphasis on developing sustainable micro-enterprises. The inaugural function was attended by senior officers and faculty members of the University, along with academicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and trainee participants. Guests of Honour included Priti Rao, President, Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India; Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension; Prof. M. Altaf Bhat, Director Education; Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar; Er. Ab Rashid Bhat; Mahendra Pyati; and B.C. Kiran. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor appreciated SKIIE for introducing the innovative programme and stressed the potential of converting agricultural and kitchen waste into value-added, eco-friendly products. He said such initiatives align with the Universitys mandate of translating research and knowledge into entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and encouraged participants to use the training to establish enterprises and contribute to the green economy. Priti Rao highlighted the national scope of bio-enzyme-based enterprises and apprised participants of the technical and market support available through the Academy. The programme commenced with a welcome address by the CEO, SKIIE Centre. During the event, the University and the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the field. A booklet titled A Genuine Startup Dosage: Hazrat Sheikh ul Alam (RA) Entrepreneurship Model, authored by Naveed Hamid, CEO, SKIIE Centre, was also launched. The event further witnessed the launch of startup products of M/s XYVA Naturals Pvt. Ltd. and the SKUAST-K SAFART Passport, conceptualised by Naveed Hamid and developed by Muaolim, B.Tech Biotechnology student. The week-long training will cover bio-enzyme preparation, quality control, packaging, branding, business planning and marketing, besides on-site visits to landfills, waste areas and fruit mandis. The programme combines classroom sessions, hands-on demonstrations and interactions with resource persons and industry experts.

Amid global turmoil, India maintained momentum of its economic growth: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said India had maintained the momentum of its economic growth despite global geopolitical turmoil as it engaged with other countries and built strategic partnerships in key areas. He asserted Indias reach in the diplomatic world was increasing and it had concluded nine free trade agreements (FTAs) by 2026, noting wider economic engagement helped the country record GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent for the first quarter (April-June) of the financial year 2026-27. Addressing a function organised in Panaji to confer the Presidents Colour on the Goa Police, Shah said the global diplomatic landscape had remained turbulent over the past years due to the Russia-Ukraine war and now the conflict involving the US, Iran and Gulf countries. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to 22 countries over the past year, while heads of state from around 15 countries visited India during the same period. At a time when the whole world was grappling with uncertainty over its economic growth because of this (geopolitical) turmoil, we engaged with other countries, presented strategic partnerships and maintained the momentum of our economic growth, Shah stressed. India has entered into concrete agreements in areas such as defence, technology, energy, investment and trade, he noted. Shah said India had concluded nine free trade agreements by 2026, while FTAs had been proposed with 38 countries as effective trade arrangements. India was pursuing FTAs with the UAE, Australia, the UK, Oman, New Zealand and the European Union with the objective of increasing trade, stated the Union minister. This is also one of the reasons why, in the first quarter of this (fiscal) year, our GDP recorded a robust growth of 7.8 per cent, Shah said. Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant was also present for the function.

J&K Govt, IIM Jammu, NIT Srinagar sign MoU to boost startup ecosystem under Mission YUVA

NIT Srinagar, IIM Jammus YUVA Innovation Hub and Directorate of Employment (Department of Labour & Employment), Government of J&K through Mission YUVA have entered into a tripartite MoU to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem across the UT. The five-year MoU, executed at NIT Srinagar, brings Greenovator Incubation Foundation (GIF), NIT Srinagar, into the YUVA incubation ecosystem as a regional incubation node for supporting Neo-Innovative Enterprises in Kashmir. The agreement was signed by Director, NIT Srinagar and Chairman, Greenovator Incubation Foundation; Prof. Anurag Misra, Chairperson, Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Skill Development (CEISD), IIM Jammu/Srinagar Campus Dr Muqbil Burhan, and acknowledged by Director Employment and Mission Director, Mission YUVA, Harvinder Singh (IAS), J&K, on behalf of the Government. The MoU is part of the Government of J&Ks Mission YUVANeo-Innovative Enterprises, a flagship entrepreneurship development initiative aimed at establishing a vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem across the Union Territory. Under the mission, the Government seeks to train, incubate and support 500 Neo-Innovative Enterprises over five years from 2025 to 2030, through YUVA Innovation Hubs anchored at IIM Jammu and a network of YUVA Incubation Centres across J&K. The YUVA Innovation Hub, operationalised at IIM Jammus Jammu and Srinagar campuses under CEISD, will serve as the nodal body for the Mission YUVA ecosystem, providing strategic direction, coordination, training, mentorship and investor linkages. Speaking on the occasion, Harvinder Singh, Director Employment and MD, Mission YUVA, said the partnership would strengthen the institutional mechanism being created under Mission YUVA for nurturing innovative enterprises in the Union Territory. Mission YUVA is aimed at creating a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by connecting young innovators with incubation, mentorship, technology, markets and finance. The partnership between the YUVA Innovation Hub, Greenovator Incubation Foundation and the Government will provide a strong institutional platform for converting innovative ideas into viable enterprises and creating employment opportunities, he said. Later, Singh visited the Greenovator Incubation Foundation at NIT Srinagar, where he reviewed the incubation facilities and interacted with officials associated with the institutes entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. Under the tripartite collaboration, GIF, NIT Srinagar, will function as a regional incubation node and support the identification, incubation and development of early-stage innovative enterprises in Kashmir. The incubation centres focus areas include nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, cybersecurity and robotics.

JKEDI conducts Junior Level Idea Challenge

JKEDI Srinagar in Collaboration with S.P. Higher Secondary School (SP HSS) Srinagar, Conducts Junior Level Idea Challenge. Under the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27, the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), District Srinagar, in collaboration with S.P. Higher Secondary School, Srinagar, organised the Junior Level Idea Challenge. The programme is part of JKEDIs broader efforts to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and youth-led startups across the Union Territory. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing seven different schools of Srinagar, who presented a diverse range of innovative ideas before the selection committee. Ajaz Ahmad Reshi, Principal, SP Higher Secondary School, Srinagar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He appreciated the innovative concepts presented by the participants and congratulated them for taking their first step towards innovation and emerging as the startups of tomorrow. The event was attended by distinguished experts and faculty members from various domains, including: District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Srinagar, briefed the participants about the J&K Startup Policy and the support ecosystem being provided by JKEDI. The Junior Idea Challenge provides a platform for students at the School and Higher Secondary levels to present their ideas along with mentorship and incubation support, helping transform promising ideas into viable entrepreneurial ventures.

J&K Bank contemplating special OTS for stressed borrowers: MD tells FCIK

In a major development for stressed businesses, J&K Bank Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee disclosed that the Bank is contemplating a lucrative Special One-Time Settlement Scheme, which may be unveiled alongside the new Industrial Policy being formulated by the J&K Government. The disclosure became the focal point of a marathon meeting between J&K Banks senior management and a broad-based delegation of the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK). While the MD did not disclose the contours of the proposed scheme, he indicated that it was intended to provide meaningful relief and closure to stressed accounts. FCIK welcomed the proposal but reiterated its demand for replication of SBI OTS-2020, without dilution, exclusively for borrowers in J&K and Ladakh. It said businesses in the region had accumulated legacy debt under circumstances unmatched elsewhere, including over three decades of turmoil, disruptions and natural calamities. The meeting was chaired by Chatterjee and attended by Executive Director Sudhir Gupta; Chief General Managers Imtiyaz Ahmad, Ashutosh Sareen and Rajesh Tickoo Malla; General Managers Tariq Ahmad and Arshid Qadiri; Deputy General Managers Tanveer Farooqi and Shameem Ahmad; and other senior officers. The FCIK delegation, led by Advisory Committee Head Shahid Kamili, included former Presidents Meraj Qureshi and Shakeel Qalander, besides elected Presidents of industrial estate-based and district-based associations from across the Kashmir Valley. FCIK presented a comprehensive memorandum covering credit flow, revival of sick units, regularisation and restructuring of stressed accounts, interest rates, collateral requirements, delayed receivables, government-backed credit schemes, recovery practices, banking infrastructure and procurement from local MSMEs. The MD responded to the issues individually, announced resolutions on several matters on the spot and issued instructions to the concerned officers. He assured greater credit flow through CGTMSE and other government-backed schemes and agreed to examine anomalies relating to higher interest rates in certain cases. Chatterjee also accepted FCIKs invitation to visit industrial estates and districts for direct interaction with entrepreneurs. The Bank will organise camps in association with local industrial bodies to assess credit requirements, present its financial products and resolve pending matters wherever possible. FCIK said such outreach was essential as competing banks were entering industrial estates with attractive rates, concessions and loan-takeover offers. The Federation and its constituent associations offered to help protect J&K Banks traditional customer base, provided legitimate concerns were addressed through competitive and responsive services. The Federation sought a dedicated MSME Facilitation and Resolution Cell under an Executive Director or Chief General Manager. It proposed that pending cases relating to additional finance, renewal, enhancement, regularisation, restructuring, revival and settlement be placed before the Cell for time-bound resolution. Elected estate and district Presidents, along with FCIK representatives, offered to assist the Bank in finding mutually acceptable, case-specific solutions. FCIK also sought a temporary pause on coercive recovery against genuine MSMEs while their cases were examined, clarifying that the protection should not extend to fraud, wilful default or diversion of funds. Other proposals included a rehabilitation package for potentially viable sick units, wider implementation of TReDS for delayed receivables, rational collateral and guarantee requirements, prompt regularisation of eligible accounts after clearance of arrears, and greater participation of proven local MSMEs in the Banks procurement. FCIK appreciated the Banks profitability, improved asset quality and progress in priority-sector lending, including surpassing its lending obligations. While acknowledging improvement in the CreditDeposit Ratio, it said greater local deployment of credit and balanced lending across all regions and sub-regions remained necessary. With an estimated 40,000 or more manufacturing and processing units across J&K, FCIK said the revival of stressed enterprises and expansion of units operating below capacity offered the Bank a major credit opportunity. The Federation also affirmed that J&K Bank must remain completely insulated from politics and should never become a tool for partisan interests. It should continue as a professionally managed commercial and developmental institution devoted to economic growth, productive investment and employment generation in J&K. The meeting concluded with both sides favouring sustained institutional dialogue and amicable resolution of issues. FCIK expressed hope that a liberal and transparent Special OTS would give deserving borrowers a dignified exit from legacy debt and open a fresh chapter in the relationship between J&K Bank and the regions business community.

Inter-District Division Level: Girls Kho-Kho tournament held in Kathua

Kathua, Sep 7: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma Monday inaugurated the Inter-District Division Level Kho-Kho Tournament (All Age Group Girls)-2026, organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K UT, at Trikuta Palace, Dayala Chack, here on Monday. Under-17 Kho-Kho teams from various districts of Jammu Division, including Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Doda, Jammu, Kishtwar, Kathua, Poonch and Ramban, participated in the tournament along with Physical Education Teachers and officials. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, as per an official statement, appreciated the initiative of the Department of Youth Services and Sports and said that such sporting events provide valuable exposure to young athletes besides providing them a platform to nurture and showcase their sporting talent. He said that participation in sports inculcates qualities such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, confidence and perseverance. It also teaches players to respect others, follow rules and accept both victory and defeat gracefully. Sports further contribute to physical fitness, mental strength, decision-making skills and a positive attitude, helping young players grow into responsible, confident and successful individuals. Earlier, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Sunil Kumar welcomed the Chief Guest, other guests, participating players and their accompanying teachers. All participating players and officials also took the Tournament Pledge, committing themselves to fair play, discipline and the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Khelo India Scheme implementation reviewed in Kulgam

Kulgam, Sep 7: Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, on Monday chaired a meeting to review the implementation and monitoring of the Khelo India Scheme for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 in the district. The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Viqar Ahmed Giri, Chief Planning Officer Malik Suheel, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Assistant Commissioner Development Bilal Ahmad Kamgar, besides officers from the Department of Youth Services & Sports and other concerned departments. The meeting held detailed deliberations on various aspects concerning the rollout of the Scheme in the district, including identification of eligible institutions, development of sports infrastructure and effective convergence among the concerned departments. The Deputy Commissioner informed the participants that the Government of India has approved the Khelo India Scheme for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 with the objective of establishing an integrated grassroots-to-elite talent development pathway for nurturing sporting talent across the country. The meeting also discussed the proposed upgradation of eligible schools into Khelo India Excellence Schools, Khelo India Feeder Schools and Khelo India Centres. The participants deliberated on the scope for identifying gaps in sports infrastructure at the district level and proposing them for funding under the Scheme, subject to the issuance of operational guidelines by the Ministry. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to undertake a comprehensive assessment of existing sports infrastructure and identify eligible institutions with potential for inclusion under the Scheme. He called for timely preparation of proposals for their submission through the appropriate UT-level channel. Shahzad Alam stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Scheme and to create enhanced opportunities.

Srinagar Sports Festival concludes with National Sports Club, Scholars School clinching titles

Srinagar, Sep 7: The Srinagar Sports Festival 2026, organised by the National Sports Club, Rajbagh, under the aegis of Hockey Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, concluded on Monday at Scholars School, Dara Harwan, with an impressive closing ceremony. The two-day festival, as per a statement, witnessed enthusiastic participation of young players in Hockey, Football, Swimming, Carrom and Athletics, along with the presence of several prominent national and international sports personalities who encouraged and motivated the participating youngsters. In the Hockey Final, National Sports Club defeated Scholars School, Dara Harwan, by 42 in an exciting and competitive encounter to claim the title. In the Football Final, Scholars School defeated Global School, Budgam, by 41 and emerged champions. In Swimming, Scholars School dominated the competition by securing the first, second and third positions. In Carrom, Scholars School secured first position, Grover School second and Usmania School third. The 1500-metre event was also dominated by Scholars School athletes, who secured all three positions. The closing ceremony was attended by the SHO of the concerned Police Station as Chief Guest, while the Chairman, Scholars School, was the Guest of Honour. Principals and representatives of several schools, along with sports personalities, coaches, officials, parents and players, were present on the occasion. The Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and distinguished sports personalities distributed gold, silver and other medals, along with trophies, among the winners and participants. Speaking on the occasion, Raja Ghulam Nabi Wani, Secretary, National Sports Club, expressed sincere gratitude to all the players, parents, schools, principals, coaches, officials and volunteers for their valuable cooperation and contribution towards making the Srinagar Sports Festival 2026 a grand success. He emphasised that sports and education should go hand in hand, and called upon parents and educational institutions to encourage children to excel both in academics and sports. The festival provided a valuable platform for young athletes to demonstrate their talent while promoting discipline, teamwork, confidence, leadership and a healthy sporting spirit among children. The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting grassroots sports and providing greater opportunities to the young sporting talent of Jammu & Kashmir.

Sanctorum North United FC beat United Elegant FC 3-2

Srinagar, Sep 7: Sanctorum North United FC defeated United Elegant FC 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 at the TRC Ground here on Monday. The five-goal contest, as per a statement, produced an intense battle between the two sides, with both teams showing attacking intent throughout the match. Sanctorum North United FC eventually held their nerve to secure all three points. For United Elegant FC, Fredrick Marshal and Aakif Reshi found the net, scoring one goal each. Sanctorum North United FC's goals came from Ifham Tariq, Raha Musharraf and Farhan Magray, with the trio helping their side edge the contest 3-2. The victory gives Sanctorum North United FC a valuable points in their KSL Season 2 campaign, while United Elegant FC will look to bounce back in their next fixture. Meanwhile, the KSL Season 2 action will continue on Tuesday when Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC take on Swift Strikers FC Rainawari at the TRC Ground. The fixture will provide both teams with another opportunity to strengthen their position in the competition as the six franchises battle for the KSL crown. The second edition of the league features United Elegant FC, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC, Athwas India XI FC, Sanctorum North United FC, New JK United FC and Swift Strikers FC Rainawari.

2 bodies recovered from power canalin Kangan

Two bodies, including those of a girl and a youth, were recovered from a power canal in the Thune area of Kangan in Ganderbal district on Monday, officials said. According to officials, the duo had reportedly drowned in the canal earlier in the day, following which a rescue operation was launched in the area. Teams from the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident and began an extensive search operation along the canal. After several hours of searching, rescuers located and recovered both bodies from the water. The bodies were subsequently shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kangan for medico-legal formalities. They were later handed over to the respective families. Police have initiated proceedings in connection with the incident, while further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the drowning.

Ujala Cygnus, Marengo Asia Hospitals launch dedicated liver transplant, HPB OPD in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 7: Ujala Cygnus Amandeep BR Medicity, in association with Marengo Asia Hospitals, launched a dedicated Liver Transplant &Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) OPD in Srinagar, to be held 1st Monday of every month, led personally by Dr Punit Singla, Clinical Director & Head of Department, Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery, who has so far done over 2500 liver transplants. The initiative, as per a statement issued on Monday, is designed to bring specialised liver care, expert consultation and patient counselling directly to the people of Kashmir, reducing the need to travel outside the Valley for every stage of evaluation and follow-up. Beyond clinical consultations, the OPD has been conceived as an awareness and conversation initiative for a region where liver disease is increasingly common but where understanding of its risks, progression and treatment options remains limited. Patients will have access to expert consultations on complex GI surgeries & liver and Pancreas surgeries, multidisciplinary case discussions, second opinions, pre-transplant evaluation, post-transplant follow-up and comprehensive treatment planning, closer to home.

Northern Army Commander reviews security in south Kashmir

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma carried out an operational review across hinterland units in south Kashmir, assessing troop readiness and the prevailing security grid in the valley. The high-level visit comes against the immediate backdrop of heightened counter-terror operations, notably Operation Ashdar in central Kashmirs Budgam district, where security forces neutralised a terrorist in a dense forest hideout. During the review, accompanied by GOC 15 Corps and GOC Victor Force, Lt Gen Sharma received detailed briefings from local commanders regarding area domination strategies, intelligence sharing, and the deployment posture across sensitive sectors. Interacting with the personnel on the ground, the Army Commander emphasised the imperative of sustained alertness and seamless synergy among the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to preempt asymmetric threats and maintain stability across the hinterland. The review assumes significance following the swift counter-insurgency action in the Ashdar Gali forest area of Budgam, near the upper reaches of Yousmarg. Acting on actionable intelligence regarding terrorist movement originating from the PulwamaPakherpora belt towards central Kashmirs ridgelines, a joint cordon-and-search operation (CASO) was mounted by the Chinar Corps, JKP, and CRPF. Upon being challenged, hiding terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, triggering an encounter in which one militantidentified in reports as an operative affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)was eliminated, and an AK-series rifle alongside war-like stores were recovered. The encounter highlighted the dynamic movement of residual cadres attempting to use mountain transit corridors connecting South and Central Kashmir. Key Focus Areas of the Review Inter-Agency Coordination: Reaffirming that joint operational planning between the Rashtriya Rifles and civilian law enforcement remains central to dismantling logistical and support networks. Vigilance in Higher Reaches: Reinforcing surveillance over traditional infiltration routes and transit ridges across the Pir Panjal ranges bordering south Kashmir. Morale and Technology Adoption: Commending the forward-deployed soldiers for their tactical discipline, professional execution, and rapid reaction capabilities during high-risk search missions.

Statehood, reservation, release of jailed youth raised with Centre: Tanvir Sadiq

Srinagar, Sep 7: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq Monday said the restoration of statehood, the reservation policy and the release of Jammu & Kashmir youth languishing in jails were raised by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. He said that these important matters were forcefully taken up during the meeting held in recent days. As per a party statement issued, he reiterated that the National Conference has already made it clear that the party itself will decide the place, time, nature and scale of any protest. Whether a protest will be large or limited, and whether it will involve ten people or ten thousand, will be decided by the party leadership. He said that during the march towards the BJP headquarters, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly had participated. It was not a general public protest; it was an expression by elected public representatives and prominent party functionaries, he said. Tanvir Sadiq said that the National Conference did not participate in the protest to demonstrate its strength or to show anything to anyone. We went there to remind the authorities of the commitments made to the people of Jammu & Kashmirwhether those commitments were made by the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister or the Supreme Court of India, he said. While responding to media queries with reference to party's march towards BJP headquarters, Tanvir Sadiq said that the partys reference was to the central leadership of the BJP, including the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, who had made commitments to the people of Jammu & Kashmir regarding the restoration of statehood at the earliest. He said that the National Conference would continue its political struggle and protests for the rights and legitimate demands of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. However, he reiterated that the nature of the protest, the people who would participate and the intervals at which such programmes would be held would be decided by the National Conference itself. Responding to a question regarding September 8, Tanvir Sadiq said that the National Conference would tomorrow observe the 44th death anniversary of its founder and revered leader, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, with due reverence and respect.

PM Modi has transformed destiny of J&K with abrogation of Article 370: LG Manoj Sinha

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the IIT (BHU) Global Alumni Meet in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Paying tributes to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the visionary legacy of Mahamana and his monumental contributions to advancing engineering education and industrialising India. He said that Mahamanas ideals and vision continue to inspire generations to advance technology, strengthen the economy and serve society. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor discussed how Artificial Intelligence will drive economic growth by combining human potential with machine intelligence, and called for Responsible AI. He emphasised that AI must remain anchored in ethics, core values, and strict human oversight. Technology must be proactively guided by humanity to ensure it serves the collective well-being of all people, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about the rise of a new India, which is stronger at home, confident abroad and prepared to contribute in shaping the new future of humanity. Under the visionary leadership of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is building its own place in the world and preparing to lead it. This is Indias moment. This is Indias century. I can confidently say that this is the rise of a civilisational power, which is confident, compassionate, innovative and unstoppable. India is rapidly advancing toward technological leadership while building on unprecedented social welfare initiatives, paving the way for a great resurgence, the Lieutenant Governor said. Amidst this revival, the Lieutenant Governor said the story of Jammu Kashmirs transformation will be a compelling one. The Honble Prime Minister has transformed the destiny of Jammu Kashmir with the abrogation of Article 370. On the development front, the last 6 years have been nothing short of historic. This is not just progress but a renaissance. Jammu Kashmir has moved from shadows of fear to the light of opportunity, from isolation to integration, and from despair to destiny. This transformation has opened new avenues of development, investment and opportunity, the Lieutenant Governor said. Recalling Swami Vivekanandas historic September 11, 1893 address in Chicago, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the significant contribution of IIT (BHU) Global Alumni and Indian Diaspora to the upliftment of global society. He urged the IIT (BHU) Global Alumni to actively participate in Indias ongoing civilisational and economic resurgence. The Lieutenant Governor also outlined a four-point roadmap calling on alumni to invest in Indias next-generation institutions through mentorship and capital, build strategic partnerships between American and Indian institutions, share an accurate narrative of Indias transformation, and reconnect with their roots by bringing home their wealth of experience and knowledge. Members of the IIT (BHU) Global Alumni Association and prominent citizens from diverse fields were present on the occasion.

Govt must bring experts together to address frequent suicide incidents in J&K: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Sep 7: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday expressed grave concern over the frequent incidents of suicide in J&K and called for a coordinated effort involving mental health professionals, experts, and key stakeholders to understand the root causes and develop an effective and comprehensive response. Taking to the microblogging site X, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, as per a statement issued, referred to the recent incidents of suicide and mysterious deaths, and said the frequency of such incidents could no longer be dismissed as a series of isolated tragedies. He stressed on the need to examine the social, economic and psychological factors driving people towards despair. These are not isolated incidents. Hardly a day passes without reports of suicides, suspected suicides and mysterious deaths from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Each incident represents a human life lost, and a family shattered, he wrote. Behind these tragedies lies a painful reality. A large section of our population is struggling with unemployment, poverty, inflation, drug abuse, social injustice, uncertainty and the growing pressure of everyday life are pushing many people towards despair. Our youth are facing enormous uncertainty about their future, he added. Calling for the issue to be addressed beyond political and partisan considerations, Apni Party chief urged the government to take the lead in bringing together professionals and institutions from across society to understand the causes of the crisis and formulate a sustained response. He said, On these grave issues, we must rise above political interests and party lines and confront this crisis collectively. The government must take the lead and urgently bring together mental-health professionals, sociologists, educators, civil society organisations, religious and community leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders to understand the underlying causes and develop a comprehensive response. We cannot remain mere spectators while people around us continue to suffer. We must actand we must act now, the post reads.

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was beloved, fearless, uncompromising leader: NC

Srinagar, Sep 7:The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference on Monday pays glowing tributes to the architect of modern J&K, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, on his 44th death anniversary. Senior leaders of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference described his era of leadership as farsighted, visionary and marked by wisdom in confronting the challenges of the future. In a joint statement, the leaders, as per a party statement issued, expressed deep reverence and respect for the historic personality, recalling that the unprecedented outpouring of grief witnessed 44 years ago, on September 8, when millions of men, women and young and old participated in his funeral procession, remains a testimony to the extraordinary bond between Sher-e-Kashmir and the people of Jammu & Kashmir. They said that few leaders in the world have enjoyed such immense affection, trust and devotion from their people. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was a hugely popular, beloved, fearless and uncompromising leader who cherished his homeland and inspired its people to remain steadfast in its service. He fought not merely against individual oppressors but against the entire system of oppression and injustice. The leaders said that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs struggle was never narrow or confined to a particular interest. He challenged hereditary rule and played a historic role in ending the feudal order, dismantling the oppressive structures of autocratic rule and ushering in an era of political empowerment and social justice. Among those who paid tributes to Baba e Quom included General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, Assembly Speaker Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, Additional General Secretaries Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Treasurer and Rajya Sabha Member Shammi Oberoi, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, Provincial Presidents Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir and Rattan Lal Gupta, Members of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, Haji Hanifa Jan, Sajjad Kitchloo senior leaders Mohammad Shafi Uri, Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, Haji Mubarak Gul, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Cabinet Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana and Javed Dar, Ghulam Mohiudin Mir, Hasnain Masoodi, Mushtaq Guroo, Salman Ali Sagar, Khalid Najib Suharwardy, Abdul Gani Malik, Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, Mir Saifullah, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Showkat Hussain Ganai, Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Aga Syed Mahmood, Shameema Firdous, Ali Mohammad Dar, Advocate Riyaz Khan, Ahsan Pardesi, Sajad Shaheen, Ajaz Jan, Riyaz Bedar, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Peerzada Faroz Ahmad, Javed Beigh, Irshad Rasool Kar, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Muzaffar Khan, Javed Mirchal, Mian Mehr Ali, Mudassar Shahmiri, Imran Nabi Dar, Pir Mohammad Hussain, Er Sabiya Qadri, Peer Afaq Ahmad, Mohammad Khalil Band, Jagdish Singh Azad, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi, Mohammad Yousuf Teng, Mir Mushtaq, besides district and block presidents and office-bearers of the Youth and Womens Wings. The leaders said that the people of Jammu & Kashmir would remain indebted to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for generations to come for giving them a voice and securing democratic and political rights for the people. It may be recalled that the 44th death anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah is being observed on September 8. On the occasion, Quran Khwani, floral tributes and a commemorative gathering will be held at his mausoleum at Naseem Bagh. The collective Fateh Khwani will be offered at 10:00 AM.