Opinion

Crime Branch chargesheets man in bank loan fraud case in J-K's Samba

Jammu, Nov 10: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against a man accused of forgery and cheating in connection with procuring a vehicular term loan from a bank in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said. The chargesheet against Rahul Sudan, a resident of Dhyansar village of Bari Brahmana, was filed in the Munsiff Court Samba, said a spokesperson of the Crime Branch, Jammu. He said the investigation originated from a written complaint lodged in 2022 by Nikhil Singh Jamwal, the then branch manager of Canara Bank, Bari Brahmana. The case pertains to a term loan of Rs 7.92 lakh sanctioned to the accused on June 14, 2016, for the purchase of a car, against which an outstanding amount of Rs 5.64 lakh remains unpaid. According to the probe, Sudan allegedly fraudulently managed and submitted a fake and forged a No Due Certificate (NDC) to the ARTO Office, Samba, the spokesperson said. The fake document enabled the unauthorised transfer of a vehicle to a third party without clearing the banks active financial liabilities or securing a legitimate bank NOC. During the investigation, it also came to light that he is a habitual offender with prior similar fraud cases registered against him, the spokesperson said.

DRI foils smuggling bid at Kolkata airport, seizes foreign currency equivalent to Rs 3.5 crore, seven held

New Delhi, Nov 10: In a major strike against the cross-border smuggling of foreign currency, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), intercepted several passengers going abroad at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, Kolkata, who were attempting to carry foreign currency out of the country. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted 7 passengers in the early hours of 06.11.2026 on their journey to Bangkok. A thorough personal search of the passengers, including their hand baggage and checked-in baggage, led to the recovery and seizure of assorted foreign currency in USD, GBP collectively valued at valued at Rs. 3.12 crore. The syndicate carriers used a sophisticated modus operandi and the currency was ingeniously concealed inside notebooks, in two-layered hidden compartments in trolley bags and in shoes. Some of it was hidden in the pockets of clothes packed in checked-in baggage, and in other cases deep inside both checked-in and hand baggage. On enquiry, the passengers could not produce any documents to establish ownership or lawful possession of the currency. In total 7 members of the syndicate were arrested and charged with smuggling out the foreign currency in contravention of Customs Act read with FEMA Regulations. In addition, few other passengers were also intercepted and search of their baggage led to recovery of foreign currency equivalent to Rs. 0.39 crore. The passengers were handed to Customs formation for further proceedings. DRI remains determined to dismantle organised networks that facilitate the illicit outflow of foreign currency and undermine the countrys economic and fiscal stability. Through sustained, intelligence-led enforcement, DRI continues to safeguard Indias economic frontiers.

Sakina Itoo visits family of deceased MBBS student in Sopore

SC asks WhatsApp, others to list measures to prevent digital arrest, related cyber crimes

900 doctors recruited in two years, 50% shortage addressed: Sakina Itoo

NC sets ball rolling for constitution of advisory groups

Srinagar, Nov 10: In a significant development, National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah has written to all party legislators, asking them to submit their preferences for being attached to ministers as part of informal advisory groups. According to a letter accessed by the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), NC president stated that during a recent meeting with party legislators, it was decided to constitute informal advisory groups of MLAs to be attached to each minister. These legislators will act as a bridge between the party and the government. Ministers will be asked to hold regular meetings with their advisory groups and keep them informed of policy initiatives and the progress being made in their respective departments, the letter reads. The move is being seen as an attempt to address discontent among party MLAs following the recent cabinet expansion. In a memorandum submitted to the party leadership, the dissident legislators had suggested the constitution of consultative committees comprising MLAs to be attached to ministers. According to the letter, each legislator can be a member of up to two advisory groups. The MLAs have been asked to submit, in writing, a list of three ministers in order of their preference. The lists will be prepared and notified. Let us ensure that all legislators send in their preferences. Kindly complete this exercise within two weeks, the letter states.

India reaffirms commitment to climate multilateralism at UNFCCC COP31 in Turkiye

India has reaffirmed its commitment to climate multilateralism and the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), calling for a fair, equitable and ambitious outcome at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), being held in Antalya, Trkiye. Delivering India's Opening Statement at the COP31, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Narendra Bhooshan expressed gratitude to Trkiye and Australia for their leadership of COP31. He commended all Parties and negotiating groups for their efforts towards strengthening climate multilateralism and stated that India aligns itself with the statements made by G77 and China, LMDC, and BASIC, as per a statement, issued by the PIB. Emphasising the importance of multilateralism, India underlined that the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement remain the most inclusive platforms where every country has a voice. India reaffirmed its faith in this process, rooted in equity and the principle of CBDR-RC. Welcoming the Presidency's vision of a COP of Implementation, guided by Dialogue, Consensus and Action, India noted that dialogue builds trust, consensus ensures collective ownership of outcomes, and action translates commitments into progress on the ground. Highlighting the growing challenges posed by the prospect of crossing 1.5C warming, India stressed that equity has become particularly urgent to ensure that no one is left behind in the collective effort to address climate change. India reiterated its commitment to contributing its fair share to global climate action while pursuing the development and well-being of its people. It also underscored that just transition and meeting adaptation needs remain significant challenges, particularly for the Global South, where these are closely intertwined with the challenge of development itself. On climate finance, India emphasised that public finance from developed countries remains central to catalysing climate action in developing countries and strengthening adaptation finance flows to address their vulnerabilities. It underscored the fundamental importance of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes the obligation of developed countries to provide financial resources to developing countries. Reaffirming its constructive engagement at COP31, India stated that it would work with all Parties towards achieving a fair, equitable and ambitious outcome.

Review approach of booking youths under anti-terror laws: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Srinagar, Nov 10: Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday said authorities in the Union territory should review the approach of booking the youth under anti-terror laws. In a statement, the Mirwaiz cited a case in which two young men from Baramulla spent six years in jail under stringent anti-terror laws before being acquitted, after the court found the evidence against them unreliable. The case highlights the serious human cost of prolonged detention when evidence is ultimately found insufficient to sustain a conviction, he said. The years lost by the two young men cannot be returned, he said, adding that their case also raises wider concerns about the arrests and continued detention of Kashmiri youth, the Mirwaiz said. In a post on X, he said the authorities should review this approach and elook and do justice to the thousands of youth under prolonged detention.

Kargil observes complete shutdown against proposed LAHDC elections in winter

Ladakh admin announces Hill Council elections despite winter concerns

The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has officially announced the election schedule for the newly restructured Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) across all eight districts. As per the schedule announced by the State Election Commission following the issuance of a formal notification by the UT Administration under Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, candidates can file their nomination papers till November 17, 2026. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on November 18, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed as November 20. Polling will be held on December 4, 2026, and the entire election process will be completed by December 8. The announcement marks a landmark moment as the region prepares for decentralized local elections under the expanded 8-district administrative setup. However, the election notification comes against the backdrop of growing resistance from political and socio-religious bodies across the high-altitude region. The decision to conduct high-altitude elections in early December has triggered sharp reactions from local political groups, civil society organizations, and elected representatives. Opposing bodies have raised serious concerns regarding harsh winter conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and heavy snowfall, which frequently sever road links and cause significant seasonal migration to warmer regions down south. Local leaders in Leh and Kargil have argued that holding local council elections in winter could severely hinder voter turnout and logistically complicate poll management in remote passes. Despite shutdowns and calls for deferment from regional groups, election authorities maintain that necessary administrative and logistical arrangements will be in place to ensure a smooth and fair voting process across all polling locations.

Warehouse traders in Jammu call 48-hour strike after massive fire

BJP to hold padyatra in Srinagar on November 15 or 16 over SIR

NMC cautions students against fake medical colleges, fraudulent admission offers

New Delhi, Nov 10: The National Medical Commission has cautioned students and parents against taking admission or making payments to medical colleges without verifying their authenticity and regulatory approval, amid instances of institutions offering medical courses without statutory permission. The advisory comes in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court in an ongoing case -- Ayesha Jain v Amity University, Noida and Others -- in which the court directed regulatory bodies, including the commission, to caution students and parents against dealing with educational institutions without first verifying their authenticity. The direction was issued in the context of a reported instance of a purported fake medical college operating from a farmhouse and claiming to offer various courses. The commission said students and parents should exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity and regulatory status of any institution before seeking admission, enrolling in or making any payment towards a medical course. It advised students seeking admission to MBBS courses to verify whether the college is included in the official list of medical colleges published by the commission and whether the requisite permission has been granted for the relevant academic year. The commission cautioned that the presence of a college in an official list or its operation in an earlier year shall not, by itself, be treated as confirmation of permission to admit students for every subsequent academic year or beyond the approved intake. Students have been advised to independently verify the permission status, course and number of approved seats through official NMC and Medical Assessment and Rating Board records. The NMC also warned students not to rely solely on brochures, websites, advertisements, social media posts or purported permission and approval letters circulated by institutions or their representatives. For admissions covered by counselling procedures, candidates have been advised to use official channels, including the Medical Counselling Committee or the competent state or Union Territory counselling authority. The commission also cautioned against making admission-related payments to unauthorised agents, personal bank accounts or unverified intermediaries. Approval, affiliation, registration or recognition granted by one authority for a particular purpose should not be construed as permission from the National Medical Commission to conduct an MBBS course, the advisory said. It urged students and parents to report suspected fake medical colleges, unauthorised MBBS courses, forged permission letters, fraudulent admission offers or misleading representations to the NMC and other competent authorities. The NMC further clarified that courses such as pharmacy, nursing, Ayurveda, and allied and healthcare programmes fall under different statutory or competent regulatory authorities and their regulatory status should be verified with the authority concerned. Timely verification and reporting of suspected fraudulent activities are essential to protect students from financial loss, prevent misuse of the name of statutory authorities and safeguard the standards and integrity of medical education, it said.

Theres deemed suspension if public servant is kept in judicial custody for over 48 hours: SC

New Delhi, Nov 10: If a public servant is arrested and kept in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension, the Supreme Court has said. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manmohan made the observation while restoring the bail granted to Vishwajeet Singh, the administrator of Sadar Hospital at Samastipur in Bihar. Singh was accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 4,000 for clearing a contractual worker's pending wages of Rs 36,421. The top court set aside a Patna High Court order cancelling his bail nearly a year after it was granted. The bench said that although the amount of bribe demanded was not a relevant consideration for deciding a bail plea, the high court could have made that observation without cancelling the bail. While restoring the bail, the apex court also flagged a disturbing feature concerning the accused's service status and subsequent posting. However, there is one disturbing feature which we should not ignore. It appears that upon arrest, the appellant accused was in judicial custody for almost a period of 15 days. Once a public servant is arrested and remains in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension. Being a public servant, he could be said to have been placed under deemed suspension. No specific order is required to be passed in this regard, Justice Pardiwala said in the order dated November 6. The bench noted the information that Singh was placed under suspension but later, the suspension order came to be revoked. And, shockingly, he has been once again posted in the very same hospital and that too on the very same post. This aspect shall be looked into by the state at the earliest We expect the state to do the needful in the matter in accordance with law, the bench said. Singh challenged a July 1, 2026, order of the Patna High Court, which allowed a plea filed by the complainant and directed that the accused be taken into custody after cancelling the regular bail granted to him by the sessions court. According to the case records, an FIR was registered at the Vigilance police station in 2025 under Section 7(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The accused was serving as the administrator at the government-run Sadar Hospital in Samastipur when he allegedly demanded Rs 4,000 as illegal gratification for clearing the complainant's outstanding wages amounting to Rs 36,421. Following his arrest, the accused was granted bail by the sessions court. The complainant subsequently challenged the bail order before the high court, which set it aside. The top court took note of the fact that the high court had interfered with the bail order almost a year after the accused was released. It observed that the tenor of the high court's order indicated that the sessions court's reference to the bribe amount being paltry had weighed with it while deciding to cancel the bail. Ordinarily, in cases of this type, having regard to the maximum punishment that the trial court would impose, ultimately, if the accused is held to be guilty, bail is to be granted, the bench said. It added that bail may be declined in cases involving criminal antecedents or where the facts are particularly grave, it added.

Hundreds join funeral procession of Adnan Rather in Sopore

Sopore MBBS student Adnan Altaf Rather laid to rest in native village, thousands attend Nimaz-e-Janaza

Sopore, Nov 10: Thousands of people on Tuesday attended the Nimaz-e-Janaza of 26-year-old Adnan Altaf Rather, a Sopore-based MBBS student who died in Bangladesh, as he was laid to rest at his native village of Dangerpora amid tears and profound grief. The mortal remains of Rather reached his native village after arriving in Srinagar from Bangladesh, drawing a large gathering of relatives, friends, locals and people from adjoining areas who assembled to pay their last respects. Emotional scenes were witnessed as mourners gathered around the mortal remains, while grieving family members struggled to come to terms with the loss of their young son. Rather was pursuing his MBBS degree in Bangladesh. His untimely demise has plunged his family and the entire locality into mourning. Residents expressed condolences to the bereaved family, saying the death of the young medical student was a profound loss for the community. He was laid to rest at his native village following the funeral prayers attended by thousands of mourners.(KNS)

Scooty rider succumbs to injuries after being hit by vehicle in Srinagar's Soura

Srinagar, Nov 10: A 27-year-old scooty rider succumbed to his injuries after being hit by a vehicle near Ahmad Nagar in Soura on Monday late evening, officials said. An official said that at least three persons travelling on a scooty were injured after a vehicle hit them at Umarhair, Soura, on Monday. He said the injured were shifted to a hospital in Srinagar, where one of them succumbed to his injuries this morning, while the other two are undergoing treatment. The deceased was identified as Bashir Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Nabi Khan, a resident of Khaitengan, Baramulla. The two injured were identified as Manzoor Ahmad Khan and Mehraj-ud-Din Wani, both residents of Sheeri, Baramulla. Meanwhile, cognisance of the incident has been taken and a probe has been initiated. (KNO)

Bandipora Police issue advisory, urge tourists to leave Gurez by November 11 amid heavy snowfall forecast

Bandipora, Nov 10: Tourists currently visiting Gurez Valley have been advised to leave the area by Tuesday, November 10, in view of a forecast of heavy snowfall from November 11 and the possibility of road blockages that could leave visitors stranded. Bandipora Police issued a general travel advisory, urging tourists to plan their departure immediately and avoid undertaking fresh journeys to Gurez in anticipation of adverse weather conditions. The advisory also cautions that snowfall could disrupt road connectivity, making travel difficult and potentially cutting off the valley from other areas. Police have specifically urged examination candidates, patients requiring regular medical care or consultations, guests travelling for scheduled weddings and other urgent events, and individuals having time-bound official duties outside the Sub-Division to take the warning seriously and plan their movements accordingly. Tourists have been advised to plan their journeys well in advance, preferably travel during daylight hours, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official weather and road advisories issued by the concerned authorities. They have also been asked to remain in coordination with local police and the administration for updates on road conditions. [KNT]

US-brokered talks are set to start in Abu Dhabi to discuss Ukraine-Russia peace deal

Abu Dhabi, Nov 10: The three-way talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States start Tuesday in the United Arab Emirates, renewing a push for peace after several rounds of negotiations earlier this year. The two-day session in Abu Dhabi, the first such meeting since February, will focus on security guarantees. US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner said on X that he and fellow envoy Steve Witkoff were working on a egotiated solution that can deliver lasting peace and create the conditions for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Ukraine within a more stable European security environment. Russia and Ukraine hold to their divergent demands Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on key elements of any prospective deal to end the full-scale war, now nearing its five-year mark. Russian President Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to pull its troops back from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson the four regions that Moscow illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured. He also demands that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO, accept strict limits on its military and drop restrictions on the Russian language and the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Putin wants a comprehensive peace deal on those conditions and won't agree to a general halt in hostilities, arguing that would only allow Ukrainian troops to rest and replenish their weapons stockpiles. He has warned that Russia will achieve its goals by force if Kyiv refuses to meet its conditions for peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects Putin's demands to voluntarily cede territory that Russia has not been able to take on the battlefield. Zelenskyy also rejects any limits on Ukraine's military or its arrangements with Western partners, which Kyiv sees as essential security guarantees to stop Moscow from invading again. Ukraine argues that an immediate ceasefire is the necessary first step toward negotiating a wider settlement and says a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is the only way territorial issues can be settled. Russia and Ukraine send experienced negotiators The Russian and Ukrainian delegations include senior officials who have attended previous rounds of talks. Russia's chief negotiator is Putin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who has led Moscow's team since the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, in March 2022. The Russian delegation also includes deputy foreign ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov and deputy chief of the General Staff's operational department Yuri Zhigarlovsky. Ukraine's delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, head of the country's Foreign Intelligence Service, who also attended earlier talks. It also reportedly includes Zelenskyy's chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, his deputy Sergiy Kyslytsya and Davyd Arakhamia, the parliamentary faction leader of Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party. The US says a broader European security deal is in the works Last week, Trump declared that some kind of grand deal about European security was in the works, describing it as a big agreement that is going to involve more than Ukraine. Kushner said Monday on X that a comprehensive and lasting settlement will also require direct engagement between Russia and our European partners on the broader security arrangements that affect them. The discussions in Abu Dhabi will set the stage for that engagement to begin in the near future, as part of a broader multilateral process, he added. Moscow has praised the broad approach. We can only welcome the (US) negotiators on President Donald Trump's request proposing to put the issue of collective security on top of the agenda of the talks on a Ukrainian settlement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Just before Moscow launched the all-out invasion in 2022, it demanded that NATO roll back its deployments in the alliance's member countries in Central and Eastern Europe, seeing their presence as a security threat. Similar demands will likely be part of any comprehensive peace deal proposed by Russia. Kushner said that before the start of the three-way talks, he and Witkoff will meet separately with envoys from Ukraine, the European Union, NATO, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy to continue the close consultation and coordination we have undertaken on European security and Ukraine's postwar future over the past several weeks. Some in the EU see Washington's proposals as too accommodating to Moscow. Moscow has objected to the Europeans' involvement in the three-way talks but said EU representatives could join at a later stage. Russia and Ukraine have escalated aerial attacks While the ground battles have morphed into a war of attrition along the 1,200-kilometer (about 750-mile) front line, Russia and Ukraine have ramped up their long-range strikes with drones and missiles. Russia has intensified its air campaign against Ukraine's power grid, seeking to weaken the country's resolve as winter sets in. Moscow has relied on ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, taking advantage of Ukraine's shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors. Ukraine, meanwhile, has escalated its drone strikes on Russian oil refineries.

EOW Kashmir chargesheets man for posing as CID officer, cheating people with fake govt job promises

Srinagar, Nov 10: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against Ghulam Hassan Dar, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, a resident of Dhobi Ghat, Hazratbal, for posing as a CID officer and cheating people of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of promising government jobs, officials said. The officials said the chargesheet has been files in case FIR No. 24/2023 under Sections 420 and 468 IPC before the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar. In an official statement, an EOW Spokesperson said that the case was registered on the basis of a written complaint alleging that the accused impersonated a CID officer posted at Delhi and fraudulently induced people by promising government favours. The accused individual assured the transfer of an employee of the Railway Department from Uttarakhand to Srinagar. The accused also promised to secure an appointment as a Nursing Orderly in the Health Department and provided fake appointment orders and a forged deputation letter to the victim. In the process, the accused cheated and duped lakhs of sums, the spokesperson said. During the course of investigation, he said, the allegations were substantiated. Accordingly, the investigation was concluded as proved, and the chargesheet has been filed before the Court of Law in absentia under Section 512 CrPC, as the accused is absconding, for judicial determination. SSP EOW Kashmir advised the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming official connections and never pay money for government jobs or transfers through unauthorized channels. Report any such fraudulent activity to EOW Kashmir.

Body of Sopore MBBS student who died in Bangladesh reaches Srinagar, Nimaz-e-Janaza at 11:30 am

Srinagar, Nov 10: The mortal remains of a 26-year-old MBBS student from north Kashmir's Sopore, who was found dead in Bangladesh under mysterious circumstances, reached Srinagar on Tuesday are being taken to his native village, family members said. The Nimaz-e-Janaza of Adnan Altaf Rather, a resident of Dangerpora in Sopore, will be offered at 11:30 am, following which he will be laid to rest, the family said. Rather, son of Mohammad Altaf Rather, was pursuing his MBBS at Eastern Medical College in Cumilla, Bangladesh. He had reportedly gone missing on the night of November 2 after leaving his college premises. His body was recovered from a pond in Monipur village of Cumilla's Burichang upazila on November 4. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and Bangladeshi authorities are investigating the case. The student's death had triggered concern among his family members and the Kashmiri community, with several political representatives and student organisations seeking expeditious repatriation of his mortal remains. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, while Health Minister Sakina Itoo approached Union Health Minister J P Nadda, seeking intervention to facilitate the return of the body. Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had also taken up the matter with the concerned authorities. The repatriation process involved coordination between Indian diplomatic officials and authorities in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Kashmiri students in Bangladesh had also offered Nimaz-e-Janaza in absentia for the deceased. The news of his death has plunged his native village and adjoining areas into mourning, with relatives and residents gathering to receive his mortal remains. (KNS)

Suniel Shetty takes on strategic leadership role at NKN Media

New Delhi, Nov 10: In a landmark move that signals an evolving era of global media and entertainment convergence, NKN Media announced a major breakthrough with the coming on board of Bollywood legend and an exemplary entrepreneur, Mr. Suniel Shetty as a distinguished Mentor. This would be a strategic leadership role for Mr. Shetty who brings both his decades long business acumen as well as the star power to the dedicated initiatives undertaken by NKN Media. Announcing this as a major step forward, Mr. Abdul Majid Khan, CEO & Group MD, NKN Media said,Under his mentorship, we are so looking forward to building businesses that are meaningful, full of purpose and those that create an impact for the larger good. He brings with him immense business know-how that we look forward to imbibing from. We look forward to contributing positively to the UAE's growing economy and be part of the burgeoning entrepreneurship ecosystem here. Sunil Shetty, whose decades of influence in entertainment, fitness, and lifestyle branding have made him a household name and a respected entrepreneur, will bring his visionary approach to NKN Medias strategic board. His involvement is expected to dramatically amplify the company's niche IP events, attract top-tier global partnerships, and inject high level of creative energy into NKNs portfolio. NKN Media over the past few years has taken aggressive steps towards its strategic vision of positioning with a purpose for its clients and patrons. Localization techniques combined with equal emphasis on all media streams puts its outreach efforts on a global level for all their projects. By delivering consistently on clients goals, its retention strategy has helped create a meaningful impact for all their stakeholders and that is the ambition that they wish to carry on. By venturing into key partnerships with leading mainstream media houses like India Today Group, Times Network, NDTV, Republic TV etc., the idea is to leverage on the skills, experience and the know-how of its team for building meaningful and continuous momentum through quality IP events. NKN Medias International Property Expo which started from Dubai has already covered London, Singapore and New Delhi in the past one year. And with its latest initiative, Falcons of Majlis, Middle Easts first initiative acknowledging the start-ups from the region for their next stage of expansion, it is only reinforcing its commitment of building a sustainable eco-system for early-stage start-ups.

2026 likely to be worlds hottest year on record, scientists warn

New Delhi, Nov 10: The world is on course to record its hottest year ever in 2026, with a combination of human-driven climate change and the El Nio weather phenomenon pushing global temperatures higher, scientists have warned, the BBC reported on Monday. US-based independent research group Berkeley Earth said it was 95 per cent confident that 2026 would surpass the previous temperature record set in 2024, despite two months still remaining in the year. The warning comes as world leaders and climate negotiators gather in the Turkish city of Antalya for the opening of the UN climate summit, COP31, reports BBC. Dr Robert Rohde of Berkeley Earth said the recent run of record-breaking temperatures was consistent with global warming, with glaciers collapsing, heatwaves intensifying and droughts becoming more severe, reports BBC. The European Unions Copernicus climate service has also confirmed that October 2026 was the hottest October on record. The UNs World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in its latest assessment, has forecast that 2026 will be among the four warmest years on record. It warned that an unusually powerful El Nio could continue into 2027, further raising temperatures. The main driver of global warming remains the rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. Addressing delegates at COP31, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said no single conference could bridge the gap between scientific warnings and the reality of climate change, but stressed that the urgency of the situation must drive countries to act. The summit is expected to focus not only on cutting greenhouse gas emissions but also on helping countries adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions.

Rubio asserts that Trump's foreign policy won't change after Republicans' midterm losses

Paris, Nov 10: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Republican losses in the midterm elections will not affect the Trump administration's approach to foreign policy, with clear differences on global crises emerging among top diplomats from Group of 7 allies who gathered Monday in Paris. Rubio, who spoke to reporters after talks with his counterparts from the G7 industrialised democracies, said President Donald Trump will decide US policies as he sees fit, regardless of his Republican Party's wipeout in the midterms. He said Trump is intent on ending conflicts with Iran and between Russia and Ukraine but that the United States will maintain an America First approach on the world stage. Congress has a role to play in our foreign policy, particularly on what it funds and in its oversight function, but the No. 1 factor in determining foreign policy has always been and will remain the president, Rubio said. The Paris meeting is Rubio's first overseas trip since Democrats seized control of Congress, partly because of deeply unpopular administration policies such as the Iran war. Allies have raised questions this week about whether the Trump administration would shift its positions. Uncertainty about consensus even among allies Whether on the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran or the International Criminal Court, the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan appeared far apart as two days of talks got underway, although all agreed on the need to end the conflicts as quickly as possible. Rubio said the US would not back down on its opposition to the international war crimes court, which the other G7 members belong to but the Trump administration wants to dismantle. On the Russia-Ukraine war, Rubio declined to offer a prediction about the prospects for talks that begin Tuesday in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. But he said the Trump administration would keep trying to mediate a deal. Your chances of success are zero if you're not trying, so we're going to continue to try, he said. On the question of artificial intelligence, Rubio said the US opposed efforts to rein in the technology promoted by some G7 members, while acknowledging the need to balance mitigating the dangers the rapidly developing technology poses. We're very concerned about these global institutions trying to regulate something that would stifle innovation, he said. We don't think that's the right approach from our perspective. US politics surface at G7 meeting Although Rubio said the US political situation was not raised in the meetings, several of his colleagues made clear that it was a question that needs to be addressed. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, whose country has faced withering criticism and insults from Trump, said how Washington will proceed is an open question. In terms of the US and its approach, I will say that the president has executive powers, she told reporters in Paris. The House and the Senate have changed leadership, so it's very much a question of what the approach will be. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe also wanted to see how the midterms would affect US policy. The midterm elections showed the will of American people and the elections always bring results also in terms of policy changes, she told reporters. We are willing to work with whatever Congress or Senate or administration there is to really focus on the issues that we do together and focus on the issues where we can have maximum impact together. Yet there has been little sign that the Democrats' gains will affect Trump's strategy, and his first major personnel decision has been to install Stephen Miller, a hard-line supporter who has advocated extreme positions on both domestic and foreign policy, as chief of staff. Rubio is seen by many as presenting a gentler side to Trump's often brusque approach to both friends and foes, but there has been speculation which he has denied that he might choose to leave the administration early to prepare for a 2028 presidential run. He declined again Monday to talk about the 2028 race. Wars in Iran, Ukraine major topics Trump has floated the idea of a partnership with Europe to end Russia's war in Ukraine as the US brokers talks between the sides this week. Rubio said postwar security guarantees for Ukraine and the rest of Europe have been a top concern for allies. French Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot said the Europeans are, of course, ready to take part in discussions about the future of security across the continent. But the first step is to end the war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who met separately with Rubio, said Europe must be part of any resolution. I am still very grateful to the United States of America for making every effort to get the parties to the conflict to the table, Wadephul said. But I made clear again here that Europe belongs at this table. There can be no solution without Europe, only with Europe. Rubio also has said he expects questions from allies about the Iran war. Qatari and other mediators have proposed an interim solution to end the deadlock over a conflict that has sent fuel prices soaring because of instability in key shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Rubio said Sunday the sides were not on the verge of a breakthrough, while reiterating that Trump prefers a diplomatic solution. But he noted of diplomacy that right now, it hasn't been very productive because the Iranian demands are simply not just unacceptable but, in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic. ICC becomes sticking point The Trump administration has unsettled G7 partners as it pushes to dismantle the International Criminal Court. It has imposed severe sanctions on the court and several of its employees, saying the ICC is trying to investigate Americans. Bottom line is we're not going to have some American servicemen or American military commander standing trial in some illegitimate court that we're not a member of, Rubio said. The Trump administration is worried about the EU invoking a statute that would immunise European governments, companies and individuals from secondary US sanctions targeting those who support the ICC. Kallas, the top EU diplomat, defended the ICC and said the bloc was trying to show our American partners that their worries about the ICC regarding countries are actually not based on the Rome Statute or the regulations. The Rome Statute is the treaty that created the court. In this moment, where we see more war crimes across the world committed, we need more accountability, not less, she said.

Amit Shah inaugurates, launches projects worth Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad

New Delhi, Nov 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. Of the total projects, around Rs 1,024 crore are being undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, while works worth approximately Rs 400 crore are being implemented through the Gujarat Governments Roads and Buildings Department and the Centre. Addressing a gathering, Amit Shah said the redevelopment of Ramapir No Tekro would provide permanent homes and improved facilities to residents. Once completed, the project would benefit more than 55,000 people by providing access to healthcare, education, recreation and social security facilities. He also referred to the commencement of work on the four-km ISKCON overbridge, a rainwater drainage pump house in Bopal-Ghuma and the inauguration of the Jalasapur Water Treatment Plant. Shah said development works worth Rs 25,000 crore had been completed in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency over the past seven years. On the drug menace, the Home Minister urged citizens, teachers and parents to join the campaign against drug abuse. He said the Centre had set a target of making India drug-free by December 31, 2029, while Gujarat should achieve the goal by December 31, 2028. He announced that a control room would become operational from December 1, with a mechanism to ensure action within three hours of receiving information about drug-related activities. Amit Shah said people could report drug sales or consumption through helpline 1033, assuring that callers identities would remain confidential. He also urged families not to hesitate in seeking treatment for youngsters battling addiction.

Firm apple prices revive market activity across south Kashmir

Shopian, Nov 9: Firm apple prices during the ongoing harvesting season have improved market sentiment across south Kashmir, with traders reporting increased customer footfall and a pickup in sales after months of subdued business activity. Markets in Shopian, Pulwama and other apple-producing districts had remained relatively quiet for over a year, as traders struggled with low customer turnout and sluggish sales. Shopkeepers attributed the slowdown largely to poor returns from the apple industry, which remains a major pillar of the regions economy. Damage to the crop, partly caused by disruptions and closures of the national highway and erratic weather conditions, had affected growers earnings and, consequently, their spending capacity. However, firm prices this season have brought some relief to orchardists, with the improvement gradually reflecting in commercial activity across the region. The good apple prices have had a positive impact on the overall market, said Tariq Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Batapora, Shopian. He said customers had started returning to shops, while restaurants, eateries, ready-made garment stores and other commercial establishments were witnessing better business. Markets are bustling with customers again. There is a noticeable difference in the number of people visiting shops compared to the previous season, he said. Traders dealing in different goods said the improvement was visible across several market segments and was not confined to any particular category of business. Mushtaq Ahmad, who deals in ready-made garments and woollens in Pulwama, said business had picked up in recent weeks. People are spending more freely than they were earlier. When growers receive better returns for their produce, it has a positive effect on other businesses as well, he said. He said the improvement in purchasing activity was particularly encouraging for small shopkeepers, who had endured prolonged periods of sluggish sales. Traders said the apple economy directly influences the purchasing power of households across south Kashmir, where a large section of the population depends on horticulture and related activities for its livelihood. Despite crop damage caused by multiple spells of hailstorms during the season, apple prices have remained firm, providing some relief to growers. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit MandiShopian, said A-grade apples were selling at Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,500 per box. Despite the damage caused by hailstorms, the prices have remained encouraging. This has provided some relief to growers and helped sustain activity in the fruit trade, he said. He said better prices benefited not only orchardists but also thousands of people engaged in transportation, packaging, grading, loading and other activities linked to the horticulture sector. Shopkeepers said the business improvement was a welcome development after a prolonged period of uncertainty. For small traders, the return of customers to markets is an encouraging sign that better returns from the apple sector are gradually translating into economic activity beyond orchards and fruit mandis.

AGs appointment will be within a month: Govt tells High Court

Srinagar, Nov 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government has assured the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh that the J&K Advocate Generals post will be filled within one month. Senior Additional Advocate General, Monika Kohli on November 5 informed the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal that the necessary process for the appointment of the J&Ks top law officer is underway and will be concluded within one month. The Sr AAG made the submission to the Bench in keeping with the instructions from the government during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Harsh Dubey, seeking judicial intervention for filling up the AGs post which has been lying vacant for nearly two years. In response to the statement given on the instructions before the court, the bench listed the matter for further consideration on December 8. On September 14, the Court had issued notice to the government for its response to the PIL through Chief Secretary and Law Secretary and the same was required to be filed by October 21. Jammu and Kashmir Advocate General D C Raina submitted his resignation on October 18, 2024, after a National Conference-led government assumed office in the Union Territory. Duby, a practicing advocate through the PIL is seeking directions to the competent authority to initiate and complete, within a reasonable timeframe, the process for filling the constitutional post, which has remained vacant for a considerable period. He submits that he approached the court in public interest, as the continued vacancy of the constitutional office was affecting the administration of justice and the discharge of statutory functions attached to the post. The matter involves an important constitutional office having significant responsibilities in relation to the administration of justice, conduct of Government litigation and discharge of statutory and legal functions, the PIL urges. The PIL highlighted that the vacancy has affected the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, as the Advocate General serves as its ex-officio Chairperson under the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 2001, and the notification constituting the committee, S O 466 of 2022. It seeks courts intervention to direct the authorities to undertake the process contemplated under Section 79 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, for appointment of an Advocate General and complete it within a reasonable period fixed by the court. It also seeks appropriate directions for the smooth functioning of the Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee and asks the government to place on record an affidavit disclosing the reasons for the continued vacancy and the steps taken so far. According to the petitioner, he submitted a representation before the competent authorities, including the J&Ks Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary requesting immediate and effective steps for appointment of a regular Advocate General. As no effective institutional action has been taken to address the issue, he has approached the court by way of the present public interest Litigation under Article 226 of the Constitution of Linda, seeking appropriate directions for expeditious steps towards filling up the office of Advocate General in accordance with law, the PIL says The High Court on June 4 last year while dealing with a petition concerning public charitable and religious trusts, had taken note of the prolonged vacancy and observed that it was rendering Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which contemplates a role for the Advocate General in matters concerning public charitable and religious trusts, practically inoperative.

Costly textbooks: Government promises action, parents say it is too late

Srinagar, Nov 9: Minister for Education ShamimFirdous on Monday said the government would take action against private schools prescribing expensive textbooks published by private publishers in violation of prescribed rules. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a textbook distribution event in Srinagar, Firdous said some private schools were recommending book sets costing between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000. We will issue an order in this regard very soon. I will convene a meeting with the Director, School Education Kashmir. We will look into the educational system here. Everything should be done under discipline, she said. The Minister alleged that some private schools were functioning according to their own rules and causing difficulties for parents. They dont give admission to poor children and trouble the parents a lot, she said, adding that parents were also being burdened by the cost of textbooks and uniforms. Now that I have taken charge, I will take drastic steps to reduce the problems faced by parents, she said. However, parents have questioned the timing of the governments assurance, saying the intervention has come after many families have already purchased the prescribed textbooks for the new academic session. It has been more than a week since the issue of textbooks was highlighted, but the government did not take cognisance of it in time, said Muhammad Aamir, a parent. It is merely an eyewash now because almost all parents have purchased the textbooks and children have already joined their new classes, he said. The parents alleged that the government had failed to act against private schools despite complaints about the cost of textbooks, giving institutions a free hand to burden families at the beginning of the academic session. Bureaucrats and ministers also have children studying in private schools. That is why they remain mute spectators when it is time to act and issue instructions only after the issue has lost momentum, said Suhail Ahmad Khan, another parent from Srinagar. Greater Kashmir had earlier carried a series of reports highlighting the concerns of parents over the cost of textbooks prescribed by private schools. The J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) had made it mandatory for private schools to adopt its prescribed textbooks across classes, from primary to higher secondary levels, under the J&K Board of School Education Act, 1975. Over the past two weeks, parents have raised concerns over private schools prescribing expensive books from private publishers. They have also alleged that some schools prescribe additional books to earn commissions from publishers. Parents said some schools affiliated with JKBOSE, while claiming to follow the Cambridge curriculum, prescribe book sets costing between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000, making them unaffordable for many families. Describing the governments response as locking the stable after the horse has bolted, parents said action at this stage would do little to ease the financial burden already borne by families. If the government is serious about the issue, it should inspect school campuses and ensure that the money spent on these expensive books is reimbursed to parents, they said. The damage has already been done. It is a waste of time to expect action now. Had the government been serious, it would have acted earlier. Now they are making fun of the suffering of parents, said Parvez Ahmad, another parent.

JKBOSE hopeful of declaring annual regular results by Jan 10

Srinagar, Nov 9:Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education Monday said they were planning to declare the result of the annual regular examination by January 10, 2027. Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Chairman JKBOSE Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said last year they were able to announce the results of the annual regular examination within a month after the culmination of the exams. This year, the exams are going very well. The main subjects have been completed. The exam of few additional and vocational subject is yet to happen, he added. He said that after the completion of the theory examination, it takes around 10 days to conduct the practical (external) examination of the students, besides completing other formalities as well. We are hopeful to declare the result by January 10. We cant be 100 authentic on this, but our efforts will be to declare the result by this time, he told reporters. About the heating arrangements, chairman JKBOSE said it was not taken care of by JKBOSE. It is not possible to provide heating arrangements to every examination centre. The weather is pleasant and there is no need for any heating arrangements in exam centres, he added. As already reported by this newspaper, as many as 2.70 lakh students registered for the class 10th, 11th and 12th Annual regular-2026 Board examinations across Kashmir and winter zone areas of Jammu division this year. For this, JKBOSE designated around 2602 examination centres for the students. Around 269184 students including 97500 from 10th, 89513 from class 11th and 82171 students from class 12th had registered for the JKBOSE exams The annual regular (2026) examination of class 10th students across Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu and Ladakh commenced on October 19 and is scheduled to culminate on November 18, 2026. The examination of class 11th students commenced on October 29 and will culminate on November 30, 2026. Also, the annual regular (2026) examination of class 12th students commenced on October 21 and will culminate on November 21, 2026.

Food Safety Deptt fines eateries Rs 12,000 during inspection drive in Sonamarg

Ganderbal, Nov 9:The Food Safety Department, Ganderbal, conducted a surprise late-evening inspection drive across markets and roadside eateries in Sonamarg to check compliance with food safety and hygiene standards. During the drive, an enforcement team inspected several food establishments, including restaurants, dhabas and street vendors, to assess compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules framed thereunder. Several establishments were found violating prescribed sanitary requirements and operational guidelines. Taking cognisance of the violations, the team imposed a collective fine of Rs 12,000 on the defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs). Officials said the inspection was conducted under the directions of Commissioner Food Safety Khalid Jahangir to ensure that food establishments maintain prescribed hygiene standards, particularly during peak dinner hours when tourist footfall is high. During the drive, food samples were also lifted from selected outlets and sent for laboratory analysis to assess their quality and safety. The department has directed all food business operators in the district to strictly comply with prescribed hygiene protocols, maintain valid FSSAI registration or licences, ensure hygienic conditions in kitchens and refrain from using substandard ingredients. Officials warned that unannounced inspection drives would continue across Ganderbal district and that violations, particularly by repeat offenders, would invite stringent action, including registration of formal cases and suspension of operating licences.

J&K Govt begins exercise for 2027-28 Budget; departmental discussions from November 16

Srinagar, Nov 9:The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department will begin departmental budget discussions from November 16 as the administration prepares for the 2027-28 financial year, with expenditure patterns, revenue generation, staffing requirements, and liabilities of ongoing projects set to come under scrutiny. The exercise is significant given the financial commitments reflected in the 2026-27 Budget, which has an overall outlay of Rs 1,13,767 crore, including Rs 80,640 crore under revenue expenditure and Rs 33,127 crore under capital expenditure. Of the estimated expenditure, Rs 24,683 crore has been earmarked for salaries, Rs 15,777 crore for pensions and Rs 12,283 crore for interest payments. Together, these three components account for Rs 52,743 crore, highlighting the substantial recurring financial obligations that the government has to meet. The Finance Department has scheduled discussions on the Revised Estimates for 2026-27 and Budget Estimates for 2027-28 under both revenue and capital components, including Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP) and loan components. According to an official communication issued by the Budget Division on October 31, administrative departments have been asked to furnish Action Taken Reports on previous Budget announcements, wherever applicable, along with complete details of their establishment budgets and information required under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management framework. Departments have also been directed to submit detailed presentations covering sanctioned staff strength, employees in position and contractual manpower, besides scheme-wise trends in revenue and capital expenditure. The Finance Department has specifically sought details of revenue receipts during the last five years and the scope for enhancing collections. Departments have also been asked to provide details of major projects and initiatives, including the total liabilities of ongoing projects. The presentations will have to indicate the key features of proposed allocations for the ensuing financial year, along with corresponding outputs, outcomes and targets. Departments have also been asked to demonstrate the alignment of their budget proposals with relevant Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026-27 Budget estimates revenue receipts at Rs 90,018 crore. Of this, Rs 58,218 crore is expected through grants-in-aid from the Centre, while the Union Territorys own tax and non-tax resources have been projected at Rs 31,800 crore. The figures indicate continued dependence on central assistance, which accounts for around 65 percent of the estimated revenue receipts. Own tax revenue has been projected at Rs 20,700 crore, while non-tax revenue is estimated at Rs 11,100 crore. Among the major sources of tax revenue, State GST is expected to contribute Rs 13,000 crore, followed by State Excise at Rs 3,000 crore, Sales Tax/VAT at Rs 2,100 crore and stamp duty and registration fees at Rs 1,100 crore. The power sector remains a significant component of the Union Territorys non-tax revenue estimates. The government has projected Rs 7,100 crore in non-tax revenue from the sector, against an estimated Rs 9,300 crore expenditure on power purchases during the current financial year. The capital expenditure position will also be an important part of the forthcoming discussions. While the 2026-27 Budget provides Rs 33,127 crore under the broader capital expenditure head, capital outlay at Rs 25,236 crore. Capital outlay represents expenditure on the creation of assets and is a narrower component of the broader capital expenditure classification. Official data show that capital outlay for 2025-26, initially budgeted at Rs 26,909 crore, was revised downwards to Rs 24,308 crore. The reduction highlights the importance of examining actual expenditure and the pace of project implementation alongside fresh financial requirements. The Finance Departments decision to seek details of liabilities attached to ongoing projects is expected to help assess existing commitments before new proposals are considered. The requirement to provide expenditure trends and corresponding outcomes will also enable scrutiny of whether departmental allocations are translating into completed projects and improved public services. The 2026-27 Budget has projected a fiscal deficit of Rs 14,685 crore, equivalent to 4.6 per cent of the projected Gross State Domestic Product, while the revenue surplus has been estimated at Rs 9,378 crore. It has also reported outstanding off-budget borrowings of Rs 23,133 crore at the end of March 2025. The department-wise discussions will begin on November 16 with the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department, followed by Industries and Commerce and Mining. Tribal Affairs, Information and Revenue departments are scheduled for November 17, while School Education, Law and Justice/Election and Parliamentary Affairs will be taken up on November 18. Jal Shakti (PHE), Transport and Cooperative departments will be examined on November 19. Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Agriculture Production and Horticulture departments are scheduled for November 20. The discussions will continue with Hospitality, Protocol and Toshkhana/Estates, Youth Services and Sports, Technical Education and Science and Technology on November 23. Public Works, Housing and Urban Development and Jal Shakti (I&FC) are scheduled for November 25. Rural Development and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will be taken up on November 26, followed by Tourism and Culture on November 27. Health and Medical Education, Finance, Fisheries and Planning, and Development and Monitoring departments are scheduled for November 30. The General Administration, Forest and Social Welfare departments will be examined on December 1, while Higher Education, Power Development and Finance are scheduled for December 2. The Finance Department has asked departments to submit their presentations and supporting information well in advance of the scheduled discussions. Only officers considered essential for the exercise will participate, while Heads of Departments based in Jammu and Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners will join through video conferencing.

Nabi, Gurnoor, Arshdeep to stay back: Kotak

Hamilton, Nov 9:The white-ball pace trio of Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, and Arshdeep Singh will stay back to help the Indian Test squad prepare for the crucial World Test Championship series against New Zealand starting on November 19, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday. The three are currently a part of the squad that is engaged in a five-ODI series against the Black Caps. The third game of the assignment will be held here on Tuesday. I think three bowlers are going to stay back anyway. Gurnoor, maybe Nabi, and I think Arsh is also staying back, Kotak said in a pre-match press conference on Monday. The former Saurashtra batter also said that the Test specialists will start their preparations from November 11 with skipper Shubman Gill, senior opener KL Rahul, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pacer Anshul Kamboj leaving for Wellington after the third ODI game here on Tuesday. All in all, I think the preparation has been very good. On top of that, the Test players will go for a camp from the 11th, where we will get five or six sessions. Fingers crossed, we should be ready for the Test series as well. The coaching team will also split with head coach Gautam Gambhir staying back for the fourth and fifth ODIs scheduled on November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga. As far as I understand, Gautam will obviously have to be here because of the upcoming World Cup. So, he will stay here. Probably, Sairaj (Bahutule) will also stay here, Kotak said. Morne (Morkel) and some other members of the staff will go to Wellington. These are the current plans, but as I said, the final decision is up to Gautam. So, things can change. We will just try to ensure that the players get the required workload, fitness and practice. They should get enough preparation, depending on the conditions available to us, he added.

30 students per class, Rs 40000 starting salary!

Srinagar, Nov 9:Drawing on his decades-long experience in the education sector, Iqbal Ahmad Beg has established a new girls-only school at Hyderpora, with a model that seeks to prioritise smaller class sizes, individual attention, better teacher remuneration and modern infrastructure over large student enrolments. The school- 'New Convent Global Girls School' will accommodate only 30 students in each class, with a single section from nursery to Class 3rd primary in the initial phase. To begin with, we will start classes with fresh admissions up to 3rd primary. In the coming years we will commit ourselves to have only 390 students up to class 10th in the whole campus, Beg told Greater Kashmir . Beg said the decision to introduce a limited-enrolment model was based on his experience of running educational institutions over several decades, during which he felt that large class sizes and inadequate salaries for teaching staff remained major shortcomings in the private education sector. The building that I have can accommodate almost 4000 students if we reduce the size of classrooms. However, we have decided to do it differently. We will have a minimum number of students and ensure better salaries for teachers, he told Greater Kashmir . He said the school would initially offer a starting salary of Rs 40000 to teachers. It is an attempt to address one of the biggest weaknesses in private school education, he added. Beg said he had earlier operated a school with an enrolment of around 900 students alongside a B.Ed college with 560 students. However, the financial arrangements required to sustain the institutions meant that increasing student enrolment became necessary, while teachers continued to receive comparatively meagre salaries. This worried me. We needed more and more students to meet the financial requirements, while the salaries being paid to staff were not satisfactory. We eventually decided to close those institutions and begin a new journey with a different model, he said. About the rationale behind restricting class strength to 30, Beg said teachers in classrooms with 50 to 60 students often struggle to devote adequate time to individual children. He said the new model was intended to ensure that every student receives sufficient attention and allow teachers to identify individual learning requirements and help children perform better academically. My observations of girls' education at the Gogji Bagh branch influenced my decision to establish an exclusive school for girls in Srinagar. The quality of girl students is tremendous. Their discipline, handwriting and commitment towards studies are remarkable. I wanted to create an environment where girls receive uninterrupted attention and opportunities to excel, he added. The school has also adopted an open-office concept, under which students and parents will have easy access to the chairman, principal, vice-principal and other staff members. Beg said he did not believe in restricting parents from entering school premises or creating unnecessary barriers between the management, teachers, students and parents. The child should not have to think twice about whether he or she can approach the principal or any other staff member. There should be no barriers between teachers, management, students and parents, he said. The institution has been affiliated with the JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE). The choice of Board should not be the sole determinant of educational quality. The manner in which subjects are taught matters more than the name of the Board, he said. What you teach is largely the same across Boards. Whether it is Cambridge or JKBOSE, important question is how you teach. The teaching methodology makes the difference, he added. On concerns that the school's infrastructure and limited enrolment could make education expensive and restrict access to economically weaker families, Beg acknowledged that maintaining smaller classes and offering better salaries would increase operational costs. He said the fee structure would necessarily have to reflect the cost of providing such facilities and maintaining a limited student strength. If you have 30 students in a class and charge Rs 2,000 per student, the financial equation is different from having twice that number. People have to pay if they want this kind of individual attention and facilities, he said. Beg however said he did not want to make exaggerated promises about learning outcomes, saying that quality education required equal commitment from the school, parents and students. Merely reducing the number of students in a classroom would not automatically guarantee better academic performance unless all stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities, he said. He said the biggest flaw in private education was the salary paid to the teaching staff. I want to change that. My wish is to pay Rs 1 lakh to teachers. But if I am charging Rs 2000 from a student, I cannot afford to pay that salary. The two are directly proportional, he said. He said establishing new institution with the state-of-the-art facilities was an attempt to put his years of experience into practice through a model that gives priority to the quality of education, teachers' professional dignity and individual attention rather than the size of enrolment.

Shubham Khajuria to lead J&K in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy

Srinagar, Nov 9:Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, scheduled to be held in Indore from November 14 to 26. As per the JKCA, Shubham Khajuria has been named captain of the side, which features several prominent players, including Qamran Iqbal, Abdul Samad, Umran Malik and Yudhvir Singh. The squad also includes Yawer Hassan, Kawalpreet Singh, wicketkeepers Dikshant Kundal and Rydham Sharma, Sahil Lotra, Vanshaj Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar, Brijesh Sharma and Lone Nasir Muzaffar. The team was finalised following recommendations from the JKCA Senior Men's Selection Committee and approval by the competent authority.

Sanctorum Public Institute inaugurates Astro Turf Ground at Lalad Sopore

Sopore Nov 9:Sanctorum Public Institute, Lalad Sopore, inaugurated its Astro Turf Ground, marking a significant milestone in the field of sports and educational infrastructure. The inauguration ceremony was held with great enthusiasm and grandeur, with MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar attending as the Chief Guest, while Joint Director Education North Kashmir, Hakim Tanveer, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The programme was attended by several prominent dignitaries and officials, including ASP Sopore, SDPO Sopore, SHO Tarzoo, Tehsildar Sopore Sheikh Tariq, representatives of the Police and Army, and heads of various private educational institutions from Sopore town, besides other distinguished guests. The inauguration of the Astro Turf ground reflects the institution's commitment to promoting sports, physical fitness and extracurricular activities among students. The newly established facility is expected to provide students with better opportunities to develop their sporting skills, nurture their talents and participate in various sports activities in a modern sporting environment. Students of the institution presented colourful performances, while the school band added charm and vibrancy to the ceremony, making the occasion more memorable and impressive. The enthusiastic participation of students showcased their talent, discipline and dedication, drawing appreciation from the guests and attendees. Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries appreciated the initiative taken by the management of Sanctorum Public Institute, describing the establishment of such a facility as an encouraging step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and providing students with opportunities beyond academics. MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, lauded the management of Sanctorum Public Institute for taking the initiative to establish an Astro Turf ground, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening sports infrastructure in the region. He said that such initiatives play a vital role in promoting sports culture among youngsters and providing students with better opportunities to explore and develop their sporting talents. He emphasised that sports are an essential part of students' overall development, helping them build discipline, confidence, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. Kar further appreciated the institution's efforts in creating modern sporting facilities and encouraged other educational institutions to come forward with similar initiatives to nurture young talent and strengthen the sports ecosystem across North Kashmir.

Experts call for urgent actionas Kashmirs autumn smogspikes breathing problems

Srinagar, Nov 9:With air pollution worsening across Kashmir during autumn and winter, experts have warned of its growing impact on public health, linking seasonal smog to respiratory stress and lung problems, particularly among the vulnerable children and the elderly. The warning came during a webinar organised by the Peoples Environmental Council (PEC). Environmental scientists and medical professional called for urgent and coordinated action to reduce the autumn pollution spike risks. Speaking at the online event, titled Breathe Easy This Harud, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Patron of PEC, said industrial activity accounts for only around 1% of emissions in the Valley. Residential heating, biomass burning, brick kilns and vehicular transport are the major sources of pollution, he said. Prof. Romshoo pointed out that the open burning of horticultural pruning waste significantly increases black carbon levels. During autumn and winter, temperature inversions and a low atmospheric boundary layer trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality across the Valley. Horticulture pruning burnings amplify black carbon-induced respiratory stress. He said particulate pollution frequently exceeds both national and World Health Organisation (WHO) limits. The need for seasonal biomass management was emphasised by Prof. Romshoo, encouraging disposal or controlled burning during summer when atmospheric conditions are relatively favourable. Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul, pulmonologist and former Director of SKIMS, said air pollution has emerged as the second leading global risk factor for death, contributing to 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021. He highlighted the burden of respiratory disease in Kashmir, citing studies showing that 16-19% of adults above 40 years in Bandipora suffer from chronic airflow limitation, largely due to exposure to biomass smoke in poorly ventilated homes. Lung cancer is Kashmirs leading cancer, the statement quoted the expert as saying, adding that children exposed to polluted air are also at greater risk of severe pneumonia. Prof. Parvaiz Koul advised people to monitor daily Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, use masks and HEPA filters where possible, and switch to vented chulas to reduce indoor pollution. He also recommended that children with breathing difficulties avoid morning assemblies on days when pollution levels are high. Dr Sabeena Sultan of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) said 34 air quality monitoring stations have been established across Kashmir. She also highlighted measures taken to reduce emissions, including the adoption of cleaner zigzag technology by brick kilns and a moratorium on cement plants until they adopt cleaner processes. Prof. Gazala Habib of IIT Delhi stressed the need for advanced super site monitoring facilities to better track organic aerosols. Experts also proposed establishing 300-metre clean air zones around schools and hospitals. Highlighting alternatives to open burning, speakers said the Valley generates around eight lakh units of pruned orchard wood annually, nearly 90% of which is burnt in the open. They suggested converting the waste into wood chips, biochar or using it for medicinal mushroom cultivation. PEC Convener Sakib Qadri announced the launch of a Youth Peoples Environmental Council to involve students and young researchers in environmental initiatives. The goal is to bring the youth of Kashmir together to champion environmental awareness and sustainable practices. To drive positive changes in Kashmir, PEC is encouraging the Youth, who are the future of the valley to step up for environmental initiatives. The council said it would advocate for a government policy on scientific disposal of orchard pruning waste, and prepare a policy brief to strengthen collaboration between academia, government and industry. PEC Chairman Dr. Khurshid A. Salman called for translating the discussions into coordinated and impactful action, and council will be an active partner in this effort. He thanked the lead speakers, panelists and the PEC Team who made this Webinar a reality. The webinar was the councils second on air pollution, following its first in July 2020.

JKCA's Shambhavi Rajput earns India A U-19 call-up

Jammu, Nov 9: Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has expressed immense pride and happiness over the selection of its women cricketers at the national and zonal levels, marking another significant achievement for womens cricket in Jammu & Kashmir. Captain of the J&K Under-19 Womens Team, Shambhavi Rajput has been selected for the India A Under-19 Womens Team for the Triangular Series. Her selection is a major milestone and reflects her dedication, hard work and consistent performances. As per a statement issued, in another proud achievement, Rubia Syed has secured a place in the North Zone T20 squad. Meanwhile, Shambhavi Rajput, Aleeza Jaan and Maria Noorain have earned standby call-ups for the North Zone T20 tournament. Additionally, Rohit Rana has been selected as Trainer for the North Zone T20 Trophy. The North Zone selection meeting was convened by the Chandigarh Cricket Association (UTCA) in the presence of selectors representing various affiliated associations, including Reema Malhotra (DDCA), Rajni Kumari (HCA), Renu Margreate (PCA), Neha (HPCA), Amit Prashar (UTCA) and Meenu Slathia (JKCA). JKCA congratulated all the selected and standby players, along with Rohit Rana, and wished them success in their respective assignments. The association expressed confidence that these achievements will inspire more young girls across Jammu & Kashmir to pursue cricket and represent the region at national and international levels.

Wrong parking, encroachment block way to SMHS hospital emergency

Srinagar, Nov 9:Wrong parking and encroachment of roads by vendors on the road leading to emergency wing of Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital is causing immense problems to patients, attendants and commuters. The stretch from the emergency entrance towards Karan Nagar and Nawab Bazar remains blocked for most of the day as private vehicles, auto-rickshaws and other vehicles are parked wrongly on roadside, leaving little space for smooth movement of patients and ambulances. Spot assessment revealed that footpaths outside the hospital have been completely occupied by tea stalls, snack vendors, fruit sellers and other makeshift vendors, forcing pedestrians to walk on the busy road alongside moving traffic. The footpath is of no use because it is occupied everywhere. We have no option but to walk on the road amid traffic. It becomes even more difficult for elderly people and those accompanying patients, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a pedestrian. The situation inside the emergency parking area was also found to be chaotic. The parking space, which was earlier regulated, has now become largely unregulated, with vehicles parked haphazardly around the emergency entrance and exit. Attendants said they often struggle to bring patients to the emergency department because vehicles remain stranded inside the parking area while wrongly parked vehicles outside further block movement. I brought my wife here for surgery. It took us a long time just to reach the emergency gate. Vehicles were parked everywhere inside the parking area, and outside there was another line of wrongly parked vehicles. A hospital should not have such conditions where every minute matters, said an attendant. The disorder has also raised security concerns. Another attendant alleged that vehicles parked around the hospital premises remain vulnerable. I had parked my bicycle here and later found that someone had slashed its tyre. There is hardly any proper monitoring in the parking area, he said. Commuters using the road said the congestion affects far more than hospital visitors. This road connects several important areas. Because of the wrong parking outside the hospital, traffic from Nawabazar towards Karan Nagar and vehicles coming from the Safa Kadal side remain stuck for long periods. It has become a daily bottleneck, said Irfan Ahmad, a commuter. Locals and hospital visitors urged the authorities to immediately remove wrong parking from the roadside, regulate parking inside the hospital premises, clear encroachments from pedestrian pathways and ensure the presence of traffic personnel at the spot to facilitate smooth movement of vehicles, particularly those carrying emergency patients. Earlier, Traffic Police officials had said that drives against wrong parking are being carried out regularly across Srinagar, including around SMHS Hospital, to ensure smoother traffic movement. Such enforcement would continue and we appeal to motorists to avoid illegal parking and cooperate with traffic personnel in keeping hospital access roads free from congestion, an official said.

Human, all too human: More than whether Jensen Huang can survive the scandal, can Nvidia survive Jensen Huang?

Nvidia's co-founder Jensen Huang has acknowledged an extramarital affair which has raised security concerns. He reportedly engaged with a Chinese businesswoman who may have influenced his lobbying efforts. Nvidia has initiated an independent investigation regarding these allegations and their implications. Although personal scandals might impact reputation, Huang's leadership is currently deemed important for the company's future. Nvidia's board maintains confidence in Huang as they navigate this challenging situation.

Missing Kupwara girl traced, recovered safely from Srinagar: Police

Kupwara, Nov 9: In a significant development, District Police Kupwara has successfully traced and recovered a minor girl who had been reported missing from her residence in Kalaroos area since 02.11.2026. As per the statement, the matter was brought to the notice of Police Post Kalaroos by the girls family, following which necessary legal proceedings were initiated and FIR under relevant sections of BNS was registered. Acting on available leads and through sustained efforts, a police team of PP Kalaroos successfully traced the minor girl at Karan Nagar, Srinagar, and recovered her safely. Further legal formalities, including necessary proceedings in accordance with law, are being undertaken. Investigation of the case is continuing. J&K Police reiterate its commitment towards the safety and protection of children and remain dedicated to ensuring prompt action in matters concerning missing persons, statement reads.

Sunil Sharma visits fire-hit Warehouse Complex, constitutes 6-member committee to assess losses at twin fire-affected places in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 9: Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, today visited the Warehouse Complex near Nehru Market, Jammu, where a massive fire broke out on Sunday evening, completely damaging more than 15 shops. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, former J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina, MLAs Arvind Gupta, Yudhvir Sethi and Vikram Randhawa, and BJP State General Secretary Baldev Singh Billowria. During the visit, Sunil Sharma met the affected traders, many of whom suffered losses worth crores of rupees within minutes. He expressed solidarity with the victims and assured them that the Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly with every family affected by this tragedy. Sunil Sharma said, In barely two weeks, Jammu has witnessed two devastating market fires: first at Shiv Market near the Railway Station and now at Nehru Market. These are not just shops; they represent the livelihoods of hundreds of families. Traders cannot be sent home with mere words of sympathy. They need relief on the ground and a concrete plan to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. In consultation with Party State President Sat Sharma MP (Rajya Sabha), Sunil Sharma announced the constitution of a six-member committee headed by MLA Sham Lal Sharma (Jammu North), comprising Dr. Narinder Singh, MLAs Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta, and Party General Secretary Baldev Singh Billowria. The committee will assess the losses suffered by traders at both Nehru Market and Shiv Market and prepare a comprehensive list of affected traders. It will subsequently take up the matter with the Government to ensure time-bound relief and rehabilitation. The committee will also pursue the demand for allowing MLAs to utilise their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to extend assistance to the affected traders. Sharma demanded adequate and time-bound compensation for the affected traders of both markets, over and above the routine relief norms, keeping in view the extent of losses suffered by them. He also called for the deployment of additional fire tenders in the Warehouse area, including compact fire tenders and quick response vehicles capable of entering narrow market lanes, to ensure their availability near Jammu's crowded commercial areas. Emphasising the need for long term preventive measures, he urged the Government to identify and allot a separate, isolated site for warehouses and the storage of inflammable goods, away from crowded markets and residential areas. Referring to the earlier fire incident at Shiv Market, Sunil Sharma said, After the Shiv Market fire, the NC Government promised 'all possible assistance', but no relief amount or timeline has been made public so far. The Omar Government must now move from assurances to action. Sunil Sharma reiterated that the affected traders deserve immediate relief, fair compensation and proper rehabilitation, and stressed that the Government must take concrete and time-bound steps to address their concerns and strengthen fire safety arrangements across Jammu's commercial establishments.

Deeply saddened: Former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad on Jammu fire mishap

Jammu, Nov 9: Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday expressed deep sadness over the massive fire incident at Warehouse Jammu in which several business establishments have gutted. He urged the government to access the damage immediately and provide adequate compensation to the affected businessmen. Taking to micro-blogging site X, former chief minister Azad said: Deeply saddened by the massive fire at Warehouse Market near Bikram Chowk, Jammu which gutted several shops and godowns, causing losses worth crores to local traders. My sympathies are with all affected families and business owners. I urge the government to immediately assess the damage and provide adequate compensation to the affected traders so they can rebuild their livelihoods.

PM Modi speaks to Ukraine President Zelenskyy, reiterates India's support for dialogue and diplomacy to end conflict

New Delhi, Nov 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday during which Modi conveyed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia. PM Modi also reaffirmed India's human-centric approach and reiterated India's consistent position that the conflict must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The prime minister conveyed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. During the telephonic conversation, President Zelenskyy shared his perspective on recent developments related to the ongoing conflict. The two leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Glad to have had a productive telephone conversation with President Zelenskyy. We reviewed our wide-ranging bilateral cooperation and agreed to further strengthen India-Ukraine ties, PM Modi said on X. I thanked President Zelenskyy for sharing his perspectives on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects and various efforts to restore peace. Reiterated Indias firm commitment to contributing in every possible way towards a peaceful resolution, he said. In August, Zelenskyy said Kyiv was counting on India's contribution to ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy, in a social media post, said Ukraine appreciates India's dedication to peace and dialogue. Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on India's contribution, Zelenskyy said. In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said Modi has very good ideas on a mutual settlement of the Ukraine conflict and raises the issue at every meeting. As for Prime Minister Modi's position on ending wars, I can say that he is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good, even friendly relations, including at the personal level, constantly raises the issue and asks questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has also said that India has declared its readiness to make a feasible contribution to resolving the Ukraine conflict and Russia is grateful to New Delhi for such readiness and the ideas.

Police intensify crackdown on illegal mining, traffic violations; 26 vehicles, 1 JCB machine seized, 13 HMVs challaned

Srinagar, Nov 9: In a major crackdown against illegal mining, unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals, and traffic violations, J&K Police intensified enforcement operations in Kulgam, Sopore, Baramulla, Awantipora and Anantnag districts. The coordinated operations resulted in the seizure of 26 vehicles and a JCB machine. Additionally, 13 heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), particularly tippers and dumpers, were challaned for various violations of the Motor Vehicles Act. According to statement, in Kulgam, Police registered three FIRs after intercepting four tractors at Vessu Crossing and Palpora Crossing, which were allegedly transporting illegally extracted riverbed material, including sand and boulders, without valid authorization and royalty documents. The action was taken by Police Station Qazigund and Police Post Mirbazar. FIR Nos. 274/2026, 275/2026 and 276/2026 were registered and investigations were taken up. In separate enforcement actions, Police seized 10 vehicles, including heavy motor vehicles, motorcycles, a tractor and other two-wheelers, for various violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, including non-compliance with High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) requirements. Furthermore, 13 heavy motor vehicles, including tippers and dumpers, were challaned by Police Stations Devsar, Qaimoh and Qazigund for traffic violations. In Sopore, Police, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, conducted joint enforcement operations at various locations across Police District Sopore and seized five vehicles allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid permission. In Baramulla, Police seized a tipper bearing registration number JK05B-4113 at Chakloo after it was found transporting extracted minerals without valid permission. Necessary legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) were initiated through the District Mineral Officer, Baramulla, statement said. In Awantipora, Police seized a JCB machine at Sheikh-ul-Aalam, Tanchibagh, falling within the jurisdiction of Police Station Pampore, and apprehended its driver in connection with an alleged illegal mining activity. The accused was identified as Mohd Sakib Sheikh son of Mohd Asik Sheikh resident of Dusoo, Pulwama, presently residing at Doonnard, Pampore. Accordingly, FIR No. 102/2026 was registered at Police Station Pampore and further investigation was initiated. In another operation, Police Station Pampore seized two tipper vehicles bearing Registration Nos. JK01Q-0301 and JK01AT-2525 for their alleged involvement in illegal extraction and transportation of sand from River Jhelum at Bujibagh, Samboora. Subsequently, case FIR No. 104/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Pampore. Meanwhile, in Anantnag, Police intensified night-time checking and area domination operations against illegal mining. During the operation, a police party from Police Station Achabal seized four tractors allegedly involved in illegal mining at Telwani Achabal. Cognizance has been taken, and further legal action is being initiated in accordance with law, statement added.

Notorious fraudster booked under PSA in Anantnag: Police

Srinagar, Nov 9: In a significant step towards maintaining public order and ensuring the safety and security of the general public, Police in Anantnag have booked a notorious fraudster, namely Raoof Ahmad Wani @ Dr. Fahim @ Raoof Kasab, resident of Khudhamam, Dooru, under the Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978. According to police statement, the individual has been repeatedly involved in criminal activities and is implicated in multiple criminal cases registered at Police Stations Dooru and Achabal, involving offences related to cheating, fraud, criminal intimidation and other unlawful activities. His continued involvement in such activities was found prejudicial to the maintenance of public order, necessitating preventive action under the provisions of the PSA. Accordingly, after completion of the requisite legal formalities, the individual has been detained under the PSA and lodged in jail. J&K Police reiterated their firm commitment to maintaining peace, public order and security across the district. They said that strict legal action shall continue against individuals involved in criminal activities or any conduct threatening public safety and the peaceful environment of society.

LG, CM express grief over Jammu fire incident, direct immediate relief to affected persons

Srinagar, Nov 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed grief over the devastating fire incident at Warehouse Jammu that engulfed several business establishment and structure. The leaders have directed the district administration for immediate relief and necessary assistance to the affected persons. Deeply saddened by the devastating fire incident at Warehouse, Jammu. I reviewed the situation last night and spoke with senior officials today, directing them to ensure immediate and comprehensive relief for all those affected, LG Manoj Sinha said. He extended heartfelt sympathies to the business community and traders during this difficult time. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the massive fire incident at Bikram Chowk, Jammu, conveying his heartfelt sympathies to all those affected. The Chief Minister directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief and extend all necessary assistance to the affected persons. He also instructed the administration to undertake a thorough assessment of the damage and take appropriate measures to address the needs of those affected.

Warehouse fire: Jitendra Singh flags delayed fire services response, calls for SOP

PDD Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar visits Bemina, Zainakote grid stations

Father-son duo killed, 3 injured as car hits wall on NH-44 in Banihal

Banihal, Nov 9: Two persons, a father-son duo, were killed and three others injured after the car they were travelling in rammed into a roadside wall near Kharpora along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Banihal on Monday. The deceased were identified as Khalid Muzamil Wani, a teacher, and his father, Ghulam Mohammad Wani, a retired lecturer. Both were declared brought dead by doctors at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal. The family, all residents of Gund Adalkoot, Banihal, was reportedly travelling towards Banihal on a local outing when the accident occurred. Three other occupants of the vehicle, identified as Abdul Qayoom Wani, uncle of Khalid Muzamil; Toyba Nabi, daughter of Khalid Muzamil; and seven-year-old Mohammad Hussain, son of Mudasir Nazar and nephew of Khalid Muzamil, sustained injuries. Soon after the accident, police personnel and volunteers of NGO Banihal rushed to the spot and rescued the injured, shifting them to SDH Banihal for treatment. The three injured were later referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for further treatment. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident. Add this paragraph after the second paragraph: A pall of gloom descended over Banihal town following the tragic incident, as hundreds of people gathered at SDH Banihal to mourn the deaths and express solidarity with the bereaved family.

Union Minister Rijiju attends Hajj Conference in Saudi Arabia, stresses pilgrims welfare

The Union Minister attended the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, reaffirming Indias commitment to the successful conduct of haj 2027

Rupee rises 24 paise to 93.74 against US dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Nov 9 (PTI) The rupee appreciated 24 paise to 93.74 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday, supported by lower crude prices, improving foreign flows and hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East. Forex traders said the overall outlook for the rupee remains positive as any progress towards peace in the Middle East reduces the risk premium in crude oil and provides further support to the rupee. Over the weekend, encouraging news came from the Middle East, as President Donald Trump indicated that fresh military strikes against Iran are highly unlikely if negotiations make progress and both

Trump says his immigration policy 'too tough' after midterm drubbing

I think it was too tough. I think it might be too tough, Trump told CBS' 60 Minutes in response to a question on his administration's deportation policy

Man held with pistol in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 09: A man was arrested with a pistol in the outskirts of Jammu, police said on Monday. Investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the weapon, its intended use and any possible criminal linkages, a police spokesman said. Asif Ali Chowdhary, a resident of Langotia, Miran Sahib, was arrested with a pistol, a magazine and two live rounds late Sunday night in Bishnah area. An FIR under relevant sections of Arms Act has been registered at Bishnah police station, the spokesman said, reiterating Jammu Police's commitment to maintaining peace and security and taking strict action against illegal possession of arms.

PM Modi visits LK Advani as veteran BJP leader enters 100th year

New Delhi, Nov 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the residence of veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani to greet him as he entered his 100th year. PM Modi met Advani at his residence in New Delhi on November 8 and conveyed his best wishes and regards. The Prime Minister also penned a special tribute, highlighting Advanis long political journey and his contribution to the country. In his tribute, PM Modi recalled Advanis experience of Partition in 1947, when he had to leave Sindh, and his role during the Emergency. He also highlighted Advanis contribution to the Jana Sangh and his role in building the BJP. The Prime Minister also referred to Advanis 1990 Somnath-Ayodhya Rath Yatra, describing it as a major milestone in his political career and the countrys political history. PM Modi paid tribute to Advanis leadership, political acumen and commitment to public life, acknowledging his place in the evolution of the BJP and Indian politics.

SMVDU holds 5-day training programme on energy efficiency, renewable energy

Katra, Nov 8: The School of Electrical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), organised a five-day Short-Term Training Programme (STTP) on Building Energy Efficiency, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility. The offline programme aimed at enhancing technical knowledge and professional competencies, besides providing practical exposure to emerging technologies in electrical engineering and sustainable energy systems. The first two days of the programme featured industrial visits to Electricfield Company and Sudhir Gen Set in Jammu, where participants gained exposure to industrial practices, electrical technologies, generator-set operations and power generation systems. The technical sessions were delivered by Dr Pankaj Kumar, Assistant Professor, NIT Srinagar, and Prof Sachin Shelar, Head, Power Quality Cell, AISSMS Institute of Technology, Pune. The lectures covered emerging developments in electrical engineering, power quality and modern energy technologies. Dr Kumud Ranjan Jha, Head, School of Electrical Engineering and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, SMVDU, extended support and encouragement for the programme. Vice-Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar appreciated the initiative and congratulated the organising team for promoting technical learning and professional development. Faculty members, staff and students of the School of Electrical Engineering participated in the programme, which provided a platform for interaction and exchange of knowledge on emerging technological applications in teaching, research and industry. The programme was coordinated by Dr Jatinkumar Soni and Dr Prabhu Omer. Mr Shubham Chib was the Co-coordinator, while Mr Akash Deep served as Organising Secretary. The university said the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to technical education, industry-academia collaboration and capacity building in electrical engineering, renewable energy and sustainable mobility.

46 Texel rams distributed among sheep farmers in Kashmir to improve breed quality

Srinagar, Nov 8:The Department of Sheep Husbandry, Kashmir, on Saturday distributed 46 genetically superior Texel male sheep among progressive sheep farmers at the Sheep Breeding Farm, Khimber, Srinagar, as part of efforts to improve livestock productivity through scientific breeding. The initiative aims to take improved breeding resources beyond departmental farms and make them available to farmers, with a focus on genetic improvement, higher meat production and better economic returns from sheep rearing. The distribution was undertaken under the guidance of the Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperatives, Javid Ahmad Dar. Texel is an internationally recognised meat-producing sheep breed, known for its muscular development, meat yield and carcass characteristics. Its introduction into local breeding programmes is expected to support the genetic improvement of indigenous sheep populations through planned and scientifically managed crossbreeding. The department said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote scientific breeding, improve livestock quality and make sheep husbandry a more productive and remunerative livelihood activity. The Minister said the government was committed to ensuring that the benefits of scientific research, technological advancements and improved breeding resources reach farmers at the grassroots level. He said sheep husbandry had considerable potential to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's rural economy and improve the livelihoods of families associated with livestock rearing. He emphasised that the focus should not merely be on increasing livestock numbers but also on improving their quality, productivity and economic value through scientific interventions and better breeding practices. Dar urged farmers to make optimum use of departmental support, adopt modern animal husbandry practices and maintain coordination with technical institutions and field functionaries to maximise the benefits of such initiatives. He also stressed the need for integrated development of agriculture and allied sectors, including horticulture, dairy farming and sheep husbandry, to generate rural employment, strengthen household incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for youth. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the sheep value chain, improving livestock productivity and promoting scientific breeding practices across Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Bank extends salary banking perks to Encash Automotive staff

Srinagar, Nov 8: J&K Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Encash Automotive Pvt. Ltd. to extend banking benefits to 195 employees under its Corporate Salary Package (CSP), further strengthening their longstanding institutional relationship. The MoU was signed by Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar and CEO Encash Automotive Pvt. Ltd. Maham Rouf in the presence of General Manager & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri, Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, Branch Head (Hyderpora) Manzoor Ahmad and other senior officials from both organisations. Speaking on the occasion, General Manager & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri said, Our institutional partnerships gain greater meaning when their benefits reach employees and their families. Through this arrangement, we aim to make banking more convenient and rewarding for our institutional clients, combining preferential financial benefits with personalised service. This association will extend the benefits of our Corporate Salary Package to 195 employees of the company, while further deepening our partnership with one of the regions prominent business organisations, said Zonal Head on the occasion. Under the MoU, eligible employees can avail customised salary accounts, preferential loan rates, waivers and concessions on specified banking charges, overdraft facilities and insurance benefits, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Digital onboarding, dedicated relationship support and family banking benefits further enhance the package. Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni explained the packages features and the process for availing its benefits.

J&K Draft Mountain Policy proposes new authority, law to act against violations

Srinagar, Nov 8:The draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 proposes a dedicated authority empowered to inspect construction sites, impose fines, seal structures, and order restoration of damaged areas, along with a separate law to regulate development in the Union Territory's ecologically fragile mountain regions. The draft policy, dated October 12, proposes the creation of a J&K Mountain Development Council, headed by the Chief Minister, and a Mountain Development Authority to oversee implementation, coordinate government departments and enforce mountain-specific regulations. Emphasising the need for statutory backing, the document states: A policy without legal teeth becomes a document on a shelf. It further declares: This Policy shall move to law within one year. The proposed J&K Sustainable Mountain Development Act is envisaged within 12 months of the policy's approval. It would provide the legal framework for the proposed Authority, mountain sensitivity zones, Mountain Green Cess, Mountain Impact and Risk Screen, a dedicated fund and penalties for violations. Under the proposed governance structure, the Mountain Development Council would provide policy direction and resolve inter-departmental differences, while the Mountain Development Authority would function as the executive arm, translating policy decisions into regulations, permits and monitoring mechanisms. The Authority would also be responsible for notifying mountain sensitivity zones, determining carrying-capacity limits and implementing the proposed Mountain Building Code. A key provision of the draft is the establishment of a dedicated enforcement wing within the proposed Authority. The document proposes that the wing be vested with powers to inspect, fine, seal and order restoration. It envisages graded penalties, with higher fines for repeat violations, while the cost of restoring environmentally damaged areas would be recovered from those responsible. The draft also proposes satellite and drone-based monitoring of construction, road cutting, muck dumping and encroachments in Zones A and B. A public complaint application has also been proposed to enable citizens to report violations through photographs, with time-bound action on complaints. Seeking accountability within the government machinery, the policy states that officials granting permissions in violation of its provisions should face disciplinary action. The proposed enforcement mechanism is intended to strengthen surveillance and action against unauthorised construction, indiscriminate road cutting, dumping of excavated material and encroachments in ecologically sensitive mountain areas. The draft seeks to bring different government departments under a common implementation framework while allowing them to retain their respective responsibilities. The Policy shall set the direction; the concerned Departments shall define the rules, standards, targets and pathways for delivery, in consultation with each other and the designated Mountain Knowledge Centres, the document states. It proposes that each department prepare detailed guidelines and action plans within six months of the policy's notification. These plans would identify the activities requiring regulation, implementation responsibilities, targets, timelines and monitoring mechanisms. The departmental plans would be reviewed by the proposed J&K Mountain Development Authority under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. The Tourism Department has been assigned responsibilities relating to visitor limits, the proposed J&K Mountain Pass, cess collection and regulation of adventure tourism. The Housing and Urban Development Department would be responsible for the proposed Mountain Building Code, hill-town master plans and hotel audits. The Public Works Department would oversee mountain infrastructure standards, including muck disposal and drainage compliance, while the Jal Shakti Department would handle water-resource protection, preparation of a proposed Spring Atlas and sewage treatment. The draft also assigns responsibilities to the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Disaster Management Department, Transport Department, Rural Development Department and other agencies. The policy proposes a non-lapsable J&K Mountain Green Fund to finance conservation, ecological restoration and other activities under the proposed framework. The fund is envisaged to receive money through the proposed green cess, trekking and expedition fees, penalties, contributions from government departments and Shrine Boards, corporate social responsibility initiatives and climate-related funding. A key provision states that cess collected at a particular destination should be spent at that destination and cannot be diverted elsewhere. The document also proposes publication of site-wise accounts on a public dashboard and annual audits to ensure transparency in the utilisation of funds. The proposed Authority would place an annual report on the condition of J&K's mountains before the Legislative Assembly. The report would cover targets, regulatory compliance, cess collections and expenditure, and disaster-related outcomes. The draft proposes establishing a J&K Mountain Knowledge Centre at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir. The proposed centre would undertake carrying-capacity studies, prepare mountain sensitivity maps and monitor glaciers, springs, biodiversity and land-use changes. It is envisaged as a technical and scientific support institution for evidence-based policymaking and implementation of the proposed mountain regulations. The Draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 has been prepared by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), New Delhi. Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, is specifically named among the eight policy draft contributors listed in the document. The other contributors are Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir; Dr. Rajan K. Kotru, Councillor, IMI and Lead Strategist, Redefined Sustainable Thinking; Prof. Akhlaq A. Wani, Head, Department of Natural Resource Management; Associate Professor Nazir A. Pala, Head, Department of Silviculture and Agro-forestry; Dr. Khursheed A. Dar, Professor of Sericulture; Dr. Aasif A. Gatoo, Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resource Management; and Dr. Amir Farooq, Assistant Professor, Department of Wildlife Sciences. The document separately acknowledges the support and guidance of Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Government of J&K, and Babila Rakwal, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, for their support under the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress 2026. The draft was reviewed by institutions including the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Policy Research and International Studies, and SYSTEMIQ, London. The individual reviewers named in the document include Ashok Jain, former PCCF, Telangana; Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, former PCCF, Madhya Pradesh; and Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Director General, Indian Institute of Sustainable Development.

Youths Body Found Under Suspicious Circumstances In Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Nov 09: Body of a 25-year-old youth was found lying at Waripora Damb in Safapora area of Ganderbal district late on Sunday night under suspicious circumstances. Officials said that the deceased has been identified as Uzair Ashraf Khan, son of Mohd Ashraf Khan, resident of Chewa Bandipora. Soon after receiving the information, a police party from Police Station Safapora reached the spot and took cognizance of the matter. The body has been taken for postmortem to District Hospital Ganderbal. Further proceedings have been initiated.(GNS)

Multi-car parking facilitynears completion in Shopian,2nd phase approved

Shopian, Nov 8:Traffic congestion in south Kashmirs Shopian town is expected to ease with the Municipal Council Shopian nearing completion of a multi-car parking facility, while the approval of its second phase has raised hopes of further improving parking infrastructure. The facility, being constructed at an allotted cost of around Rs 386.94 lakh, is expected to provide relief to commuters and residents who often face difficulties due to vehicles parked along roads in the town. Suhail Malik, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Municipal Council Shopian, said that around 95 per cent of the construction work had been completed. We hope it will be completed by the end of this month, Malik told Greater Kashmir . He also confirmed that the second phase of the parking project had been approved, paving the way for further expansion of parking facilities in the town. Residents, however, said that the growing number of vehicles and the limited availability of designated parking spaces continued to contribute to traffic congestion, particularly in busy commercial areas. Due to the lack of adequate parking spaces, people often park their cars on the roads, making the movement of traffic difficult, said Sajad Ahmad, a resident. He said that improperly parked vehicles frequently caused traffic jams, inconveniencing commuters, shopkeepers and pedestrians. Social activist Mitha Gatoo said that residents had already identified a site near Gole Chakri for the construction of an additional parking facility to address the towns growing needs. An old, single-storey building stands there and should be dismantled to make way for an underground parking facility, while a new building could be constructed above it, he said. Gatoo said that developing the proposed site could help make better use of the available space while providing additional parking capacity in a busy part of the town. Residents said that improving parking infrastructure had become increasingly important as the number of vehicles continued to rise, putting pressure on the towns limited road space. They stressed that the completion of the ongoing project, along with the development of additional parking facilities, could help reduce roadside parking and improve traffic movement. They also called for better traffic management and enforcement against improper parking to ensure that the new infrastructure delivers the intended benefits. The Municipal Councils ongoing project and the approval of the second phase are expected to add to Shopians parking infrastructure, although residents say further measures will be needed to address congestion across the town.

New car parking facility fails to resolve crisis of traffic mess in Bandipora

Bandipora, Nov 8:The commissioning of a much-awaited multi-crore car parking facility has done little to resolve the traffic mess in north Kashmirs Bandipora town, as the issue has reached crisis levels. The district headquarters remains choked by illegal street parking, unyielding footpath encroachments, unchecked street vendors and a chaotic web of self-designated auto-rickshaw stands. The daily gridlock has forced the administration to frequently route traffic through narrow alternate links. This desperate measure continues to result in life-threatening accidents rather than providing genuine relief. Meanwhile, the decades-old public demand for a dedicated bypass road to permanently decongest the town remains trapped in bureaucratic red tape, with multiple proposals effectively abandoned. Bandipora Traders Federation President Ali Mohammad Hajam expressed deep frustration over the towns lack of civic discipline, noting that the newly built parking facility is being actively ignored by the public and officials alike. The government built the car parking to facilitate the public, but people have parked their cars right outside it, Hajam said, following a recent meeting with the municipal council. Even the municipalitys own parking staff have their vehicles parked outside. If you are still going to park on the road outside the facility, what is the purpose of building it? However, several complaints suggest the parking fee is too high for daily commuters and shopkeepers to manage. Hajam also urged shopkeepers to stop displaying merchandise on pavements and criticised the failure to regulate street vendors, who routinely abandon their designated operating zones to occupy the jam-packed main roads by mid-afternoon. We made it clear to the municipality that under no circumstances should street vendors be allowed on the main roads, Hajam said. Footpaths are for people to walk. Under the Easements Act, you simply cannot illegally occupy a footpath. Unregulated auto-rickshaws have further compounded the bottleneck. While acknowledging their role in the local economy, Hajam noted that they operate without designated stops, often lining up directly outside storefronts and reducing the towns motorable space to a single, treacherous lane. Aijaz Ahmad, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Bandipora, acknowledged the systemic indiscipline and pledged immediate corrective action alongside local law enforcement. Regarding the street vendors, we will launch a dedicated joint drive with the police to bring them back on track with proper discipline, Ahmad said. The Executive Officer also promised a severe crackdown on roadside parking. While the parking facility is not completely empty, we will conduct a joint drive with the traffic police to end this wrong parking, Ahmad said. We are also creating a dedicated roster for our own municipal staff so they remain on duty until late evening to manage the area. However, residents argue that cosmetic vendor removal and haphazard parking enforcement mask a much deeper infrastructural failure. For decades, successive governments promised to construct a bypass road to circumvent the suffocating main market. In 2020, the then chairman of the Municipal Council Bandipora formally submitted a Rs 23 crore Detailed Project Report for the Kaloosa-Nebrepora stretch to the Urban Local Bodies and the Roads and Buildings departments. However, the project never received administrative approval. More recently, the bypass issue surfaced in the Legislative Assembly. Responding to a query by Bandipora MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat on the need to decongest the town, the Jammu and Kashmir government officially admitted that urban expansion and frequent traffic congestion necessitate such a project. The government disclosed that a preliminary survey has been conducted for a 7.00 km bypass road from Potushay Junction to Nussu Junction. According to the governments official written reply, this preliminary assessment found the project would require the acquisition of approximately 296 kanals of land. Despite acknowledging the critical necessity and completing the survey, the government effectively shelved the project in the same breath. The official reply explicitly stated that the project shall only be considered after ascertaining the availability of resources. With the 2020 proposal ignored and the newly surveyed 7-kilometre bypass relegated to a waitlist for funds, the Rs 3.5 crore parking facility remains Bandiporas only traffic intervention. Residents warn that without serious, long-term infrastructural investment, the towns roads will remain a daily hazard.

US midterm results may give India trade leverage, but tariff and AI risks remain

The US midterm results may give India some room in trade negotiations by increasing congressional scrutiny of executive action, but they do not remove tariff risks or alter Washington's strategic priorities. AI investment is also unlikely to retreat, with capital expected to remain within the US rather than shift significantly to emerging markets.

People in Budkoot demand playground, seek utilisationof unused HPMC land

Kupwara, Nov 8:Residents of Budkoot village in Handwara have urged the concerned authorities to develop a proper playground in the village, saying that children and local youth do not have a dedicated facility for sports and recreational activities. Locals said that although a circular was earlier issued according to which a playground was to be developed in each panchayat, this has not been done in Budkoot. The unused Horticulture Produce Marketing Corporation (HPMC) land near Madras Qadimul Uloom Budkoot has remained vacant for nearly three decades and could be put to productive use by developing it into a playground. The children of our village dont have a proper playground. The vacant HPMC land near the school can serve a great purpose if developed as a sports ground, a local youth, Mohammad Shafi, told Greater Kashmir . We appeal to the concerned authorities, and particularly MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, to intervene and address this long-pending demand. Our children and youth in the village lack adequate space for sports and recreational activities, said Arif Wani, another youth of the village. Locals hoped that the concerned authorities would take up the matter on priority and utilise the vacant HPMC land for developing a playground. The initiative can provide local youth with much-needed sports and recreational facilities, they added.

'It tore my heart apart': MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on sand mafia devastating Wular banks

Bandipora, Nov 8:Expressing deep anguish over unchecked environmental and infrastructural devastation in Watapora Payeen, Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat slammed the administration for allowing the sand mafia to ruthlessly destroy the fragile banks of Wular Lake. Highlighting the scale of the destruction, Bhat lamented that illegal sand extraction has wreaked havoc on heavily funded public infrastructure and sensitive ecological zones, warning that a few individuals are destroying the area under the guise of employment. There is a hostel, a tribal hostel, an excellent agriculture centre, a panchayat and PR buildings here. Besides this, much more is on the plan, Bhat said during his visit to the site. Ten crore rupees more are to be spent this year alone on agriculture infrastructure buildings here. Nearly Rs 100 crore has been spent on these institutions till date. Who is this for? It is for the people and their children. But a few people, in the name of employment and social need, are wreaking havoc on it. The devastation is concentrated in a highly sensitive public zone adjacent to the Government Polytechnic College and the Gujjar and Bakarwal Hostel. Massive pits have been illegally dug right alongside paved routes, severely damaging roads and dangerously eroding the banks of one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes. It tore my heart apart just now when I arrived, Bhat said, pointing to the destruction of a newly constructed public asset. A park has been built by the Wular Manasbal Authority; there is no park like it. It was ready to be inaugurated, and a gym centre was also to be established on one side. But where do we set it up? Bhat noted that the mafia has operated uncontained, physically breaching public property to extract sand. Go and see, by tearing down the wall, they are destroying the park, Bhat stated. The road on this side has been completely dug up from the inside and ruined. Look around, wherever there is even a little piece of land, they have absolutely destroyed it. Condemning the prolonged administrative apathy, Bhat warned that the relentless, large-scale extraction is not merely an infrastructural hazard but is causing irreversible ecological damage to the Wular banks and the surrounding environment.

Winter isolation ahead, yet remotest areas without maternity facilities in Kupwara

Kupwara, Nov 8:Residents of several snowbound areas in north Kashmirs Kupwara district face immense hardships due to the absence of gynaecologists and obstetricians at local health centres. This leaves pregnant women particularly vulnerable during the harsh winter months, when these areas often remain cut off from the district headquarters. The affected areas include Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Kumkadi, Jumagund, Moori and several other remote villages along the Line of Control (LoC). Residents have repeatedly demanded the deployment of gynaecologists at local health facilities, stating that the absence of specialised medical care poses serious challenges, particularly during pregnancy-related emergencies. Locals expressed resentment over years of official neglect, alleging that despite repeated representations, no concrete steps have been taken to address the shortage of specialist doctors in these remote areas. Several health centres in the snowbound areas also lack adequate infrastructure and medical facilities, adding to the woes of people, they added. In Machil, residents said that although a Primary Health Centre was established in the area, it was insufficient to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population due to the limited availability of doctors. Whenever we approach the concerned authorities for posting a gynaecologist at PHC Dudi, we are told that there is no sanctioned post of a gynaecologist at the facility, former Sarpanch Habibullah told Greater Kashmir . Residents of Keran voiced similar concerns, saying pregnant women were compelled to face considerable difficulties due to the absence of specialised medical services. We have been demanding the posting of a gynaecologist at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) for several years, but our demand has remained unaddressed, Ferhad, a local youth, said. The situation becomes particularly difficult during winter, when heavy snowfall cuts off the area from the rest of the district. Whenever a medical emergency arises during winter, we are forced to carry patients on makeshift stretchers for several kilometres on foot before reaching vehicles near Ferkin Top. From there, patients are taken further for treatment, he said. Mumtaz, another local of the area, said that several pregnant women who developed labour complications during the previous winter had to be airlifted to Kupwara by the district administration. While we appreciate the administrations efforts in airlifting patients during emergencies, we need a permanent solution rather than depending on emergency evacuations every winter, he added. The residents have urged the Health Department to immediately address the shortage of specialist doctors, suggesting that gynaecologists could be deputed to these areas on a rotational basis for a few days every week. They said even a limited weekly deployment of specialist doctors would provide considerable relief to pregnant women and their families and help prevent avoidable hardships during the winter months. Meanwhile, a senior Health Department official at Kupwara acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents but said there were no sanctioned posts of gynaecologists in these snowbound areas. The snowbound areas, including Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Kumkadi, Jumagund, Moori and others, do not have designated posts for gynaecologists. Therefore, we cannot post specialist doctors there. However, with the onset of winter, we issue advisories asking pregnant women to shift to safer and accessible areas in the plains to avoid any eventuality, the official told Greater Kashmir .

JKSA urges LG to intervene, seek age relaxation in J&K Bank recruitment

Srinagar, Nov 8:The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday has expressed serious concern over the upper age limit prescribed in the Jammu and Kashmir Banks latest recruitment notification for Probationary Officers (PO) and Banking Associates, urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and take up the matter with the J&K Bank management and other competent authorities in the larger interest of Jammu and Kashmirs educated unemployed youth. National Spokesperson of Association Dr Zubair Reshi, as per a statement, said that while the announcement of fresh recruitment after a prolonged gap of nearly six years is a welcome development, restricting the upper age limit to 30 years has left thousands of otherwise eligible and deserving aspirants disappointed and effectively excluded from an opportunity they have waited years to pursue. He said that the recruitment process must take into account the extraordinary delay in announcing vacancies and the ground realities confronting educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Beautification, civic development works gather pace in Sopore

Sopore, Nov 8:The beautification and developmental activities in Sopore town are gaining momentum, with several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the town's overall appearance, strengthening civic infrastructure and enhancing public amenities. The efforts have received appreciation from local residents, who have welcomed the initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar. Residents have expressed satisfaction over the ongoing development and beautification works, describing them as a positive step towards giving Sopore a cleaner, more attractive and well-organised urban appearance. They said that improving the town's infrastructure and public spaces is essential for a growing commercial centre like Sopore, which caters to a large population from different areas of north Kashmir.

25% reservation for locals in private universities a welcome move: Chowdhary Ramzan

Srinagar, Nov 8:The J&K National Conference Additional General Secretary and MP Choudry Mohammad Ramzan Sunday said the 25 percent reservation in employment and admissions for private universities to be established in Jammu and Kashmir is highly welcome and a commendable initiative. He said NC's core agenda is the all-round development of Jammu and Kashmir, a brighter future, public welfare, prosperity and economic well-being, while the present government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is working towards these goals with dedication and commitment. Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan, as per a party statement, said this while interacting with public delegations, party leaders, office-bearers and workers from different areas at the party headquarters. He urged party members and workers to strengthen the organisation and maintain close contact with the people to highlight their problems, difficulties and demands at every level and use their influence to ensure their redressal. He said that, in accordance with the directions of party President Dr Farooq Abdullah, National Conference Members of Parliament are consistently raising issues concerning the restoration of people's rights, restoration of statehood, developmental needs and public grievances in the country's highest legislative forum. He maintained that the National Conference government was focused on practical work rather than political theatrics and empty rhetoric, adding that significant progress had been made in improving various sectors over the past two years. He further said that the establishment of private universities would enable students to access quality education within their own region, reducing the need to travel to other states for higher studies. He also congratulated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Shamima Firdous for taking what he described as an important and transformative decision. Expressing hope that reputed universities from across the country and abroad would establish their campuses in Jammu and Kashmir, he said this would further strengthen the region's educational infrastructure. The interaction was also attended by party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, Provincial Secretary Syed Tauqeer Ahmad, Women's Wing Provincial President Er Sabiya Qadri, Srinagar District President Peer Afaq Ahmad, Minority Cell Convenor Jagdish Singh Azad, Dr Muhammad Saeed Makhdoomi, Ghulam Nabi Wani Telbali and other party functionaries.

VaishnaviAdkar-RutujaBhosale become first all-Indian pair to reach WTA Tour doubles final

Chennai, Nov 8: India's Vaishnavi Adkar and Rutuja Bhosale created history by becoming the first all-Indian pair to reach a WTA Tour-level doubles final, beating second seeds Weronika Falkowska of Poland and Alana Smith of the USA in a thrilling semifinal at the Chennai Open here Saturday. The Indian duo recovered from a mid-match slump to prevail 6-2 2-6 10-8, keeping their composure in the deciding super tie-break after the Polish-American combination had threatened to snatch the contest away. The achievement is significant for Indian women's tennis, with no all-Indian combination having previously reached a final at the main WTA Tour level. ShikhaUberoi and her sister Neha had reached the finals of the 2005 Sunfeast Open and Guangzhou Open, but Neha represented the USA, making them an Indo-American combination. Former India player Sania Mirza won 43 doubles titles during her illustrious career but never partnered an Indian in those triumphs. Ankita Raina and Karman Thandi won a WTA 125 doubles title in 2018, a level below the main Tour, while PrarthnaThombare reached three WTA 125 finals with Dutch partner Arianne Hartono. Adkar and Bhosale will take on Swiss pair of Naima Karamoko and Simona Waltert, who defeated Isabelle Haverlag of the Netherlands and Hungary's Panna Udvardy 6-4 6-4. Meanwhile, top seed and defending champion Janice Tjen defeated American Robin Montgomery 6-3 6-4 in the singles semi-finals. In the other last-four clash, third seed Magda Linette of Poland fought back from a set down to beat seventh seed Anastasia Zakharova of Russia 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. Adkar and Bhosale looked in complete control in the opening set, capitalising on the errors of their opponents to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The Indians made the first breakthrough in the third game after Adkar attacked Smith's second serve with a fierce return that Falkowska failed to put back into play. Bhosale then consolidated the advantage with a comfortable hold. A forehand error from Falkowska presented the home pair with another break opportunity, which Bhosale converted with a powerful forehand return to establish a double-break cushion. The second seeds struggled to find their rhythm as the Indians wrapped up the opening set without much resistance. The momentum, however, shifted in the second set. The Indians missed opportunities to break Smith and Falkowska in the third and fifth games, allowing their opponents to grow in confidence. Adkar endured a disastrous sixth game, dropping her serve at love after committing two consecutive double faults. The Indians also struggled to finish points at the net as the Polish-American pair tightened their grip on the contest. Adkar, who had also needed medical attention during her singles second-round match, received a medical timeout for treatment to her strapped left thigh. Bhosale subsequently came under pressure on serve, and the second seeds converted their first of three break points to level the match at one set apiece. In the deciding super tie-break, Falkowska and Smith raced to a 3-0 lead, but the Indians fought back to remain in contention. Bhosale produced a fine point but followed it with a double fault as the Indians slipped to 6-8. She then found a forehand winner, passing Smith to reduce the deficit. Adkar produced a winning volley to earn match point before sealing the historic victory with a superb forehand down the line, sparking celebrations for the home pair.

Police, civil departments book 42 traders during Diwali market inspections in Ramban

Ramban, Nov 8:Police, in coordination with the Revenue, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) and Municipal Departments, conducted joint market inspection drives across several areas of Ramban district on the occasion of Diwali to prevent overcharging, curb irregularities and ensure strict compliance with government regulations. The inspection drives were carried out in Ramban, Batote, Banihal, Gool, Khari, Sangaldan, Dharamkund, Makerkote and Ramsoo, during which officials checked shops and commercial establishments for violations of prescribed norms. During the inspections, action was taken against traders and shopkeepers found using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes, maintaining unhygienic conditions, failing to display prescribed rate lists and using prohibited polythene. Officials said that a total of 42 violators were booked in Dharamkund, Sangaldan and Banihal, while further enforcement action was also taken in Gool, Ramsoo and Khari. Fines amounting to Rs 20,000 were imposed and recovered from the violators. Meanwhile, in Batote, firecracker stalls at Sarfraz Chowk were jointly inspected by the authorities along with the Naib Tehsildar to ensure adherence to prescribed safety norms and regulations governing the sale of firecrackers. Ramban Police appealed to traders and shopkeepers to strictly follow government guidelines, maintain proper hygiene, display rate lists prominently, avoid the misuse of domestic LPG cylinders and refrain from using prohibited polythene.

Enough of COP Jamborees

Falling solar and battery costs have made renewable energy commercially competitive with coal in India. As COP31 begins in Turkiye, the focus should shift to accelerating electrification of transport, promoting agrivoltaics, investing in transmission and grid stability, and ensuring reliable payments by discoms to sustain the country's green transition.

Major fire breaks out at Jammu's ware house, firefighting operation underway

Rajouri, Nov 8:Panic gripped Jammu City on Sunday evening after a massive fire broke out at the Ware House near Bikram Chowk, spreading to several adjoining structures, including business establishments, and triggering a large-scale firefighting operation. The flames were however yet to be controlled. As per reports, flames erupted from a structure in Jammu's Ware House and soon spread in adjacent structures engulfing a multiple structures that primarily include business establishments. Traders having their establishments in ware house said that property worth several hundred crores is already damaged and flames were yet to be controlled. We cannot comment on number of shops or other structures presently engulfed in fire but the damage is huge and we are not sure when the flames will be brought under control. traders said. They accused delayed action of Fire and Emergency Services saying that timely arrival of fire tenders could have reduced the incident to small scale but delay in arrival of fire tenders is the reason of such a huge spread of flames. We are also going to observe a bandh on this. they claimed. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Minga Sherpa and SSP Jammu Joginder Singh are also camping at site supervising the firefighting operation in which more than eight fire tenders were deployed earlier while authorities have also requisitioned for more tenders.

MP, political parties seek deferment of LAHDC elections in Ladakh

Srinagar, Nov 8:Representatives of major political parties in Kargil have sought the deferment of the forthcoming Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections. Addressing a press conference, leaders voiced deep concerns over the administrative timing, harsh weather conditions approaching the high-altitude region, and unresolved structural issues stemming from recent district reorganizations. Party leaders highlighted that holding elections late in the year poses severe logistical constraints. Heavy snowfall in mountain passes such as Zoji La frequently cuts off Kargil from surrounding regions, disrupting transit, election machinery deployment, and voter turnout in remote valleys. Following administrative restructuring across the Union Territory of Ladakhincluding the notification of new districts and redrawn constituency boundariesrepresentatives argued that the political ecosystem requires adequate time to settle. Conducting polls without finalising electoral rolls and boundary demarcations, they alleged, undermines proper local democratic representation. Speaking on behalf of the united leadership, prominent representatives warned that pushing forward with elections amidst mounting regional dissatisfaction and logistical hurdles could disenfranchise thousands of voters in high-altitude belts. Conducting elections without resolving core delimitation concerns and ensuring accessible weather conditions for our electorate risks compromising the democratic integrity of the Autonomous Hill Council. The combined leadership urged the Election Department and the Lieutenant Governors administration to defer the election schedule until spring, allowing sufficient time for dialogue, fair boundary resolution, and favorable weather conditions. Meanwhile, Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohammad Haneefa Jan, has urged Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to reconsider and defer the proposed LAHDC elections, citing harsh winter conditions, seasonal migration and the need for a comprehensive revision of electoral rolls. In a representation dated November 7, 2026, Haneefa highlighted the challenges faced by residents, particularly in remote areas of Kargil and Leh, where heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and road closures could make it difficult for voters to reach polling stations. He also pointed out that thousands of residents, including senior citizens, traders and businesspersons, migrate to warmer regions during winter, while many students remain outside Ladakh for higher education and competitive examination preparations. The MP expressed concern that holding elections during this period could affect the participation of eligible voters and urged the administration to provide sufficient time for a transparent revision of electoral rolls.

Stray dogs on prowl at Syed Hamidpora

Srinagar, Nov 8: The residents of Syed Hamidpora Nawab Bazar locality in Downtown here have expressed concern over the presence of stray dogs in the area. A delegation from the said that stray dogs chase pedestrians posing risk of injuries to them. They said due to the presence of stray dogs, they face problems in venturing out during evening hours. Students also are afraid to move through lanes which are dotted with scores of stray dogs, locals said. We make a fervent appeal to SMC authorities to look into the matter and direct the concerned to take measures for checking stray dog menace, they said.

Overloading, exorbitant fare pester e-rickshaw passengers

Srinagar, Nov 8: Commuters have expressed concern over charging of exorbitant fare and overloading in e-rickshaws and sought measures to regulate the transport service. The capacity of these e-rickshaws is limited, but many times we see extra passengers being adjusted inside. Some are even made to sit next to the driver. This affects balance and increases the chances of accidents, especially on busy roads, said Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar. Passengers said the problem becomes more serious on stretches where roads have potholes, damaged surfaces and uneven manholes. Residents of several peripheral areas, particularly in Hazratbal outskirts, said there is a need to streamline e-rickshaw services in places where public transport connectivity remains limited. Many areas on the outskirts require better last-mile connectivity. E-rickshaws can play a major role there if their routes are properly planned and regulated, said Abdul Wahab a local resident, Chatarahama Hazratbal. Apart from safety issues, passengers have also raised concerns over the absence of a fixed fare system. They said unlike conventional public transport, there is no clear mechanism for determining charges, leading to variations in fares. Commuters said after petrol-run auto-rickshaws were gradually replaced by battery-operated vehicles, no proper fare regulation or display system was introduced. Earlier also there was no proper meter system in many petrol autos, but now the issue has become more visible because e-rickshaws and other battery-operated autos have become the main mode of short-distance travel. The fare often depends on the driver, rush hours and passenger demand, said Mohammad Yousuf, an office-goer. Another commuter said battery autos charging Rs 20 to Rs 30 for short distances also need a proper fare structure. There should be a route-wise fare list displayed clearly so passengers know what they have to pay. No one should be charged according to the drivers choice, he said. Residents also raised concerns over reports of minors operating such vehicles, calling for strict action against violations. Earlier Traffic Police officials said enforcement drives against overloading, documentation issues and underage driving are being carried out across Srinagar. Our objective is not to discourage e-rickshaws as they have improved connectivity, but to ensure that these vehicles operate within rules and passenger safety remains the priority, an official said.

Healthcare needs stronger partnerships between hospitals and insurers

Aditya Birla Health Insurance CEO and Manipal Hospitals MD-CEO argue that India's healthcare system must move beyond transactional relationships between hospitals and insurers towards patient-centric partnerships. They call for greater clinical coordination, digital integration, transparency and preventive care, with success measured by better health outcomes rather than individual claims or procedures.

Police register FIR over threatening, brandishing of official weapon at Saderbal

Srinagar, Nov 8: Srinagar Police have registered a case following a complaint alleging intimidation and threats involving the brandishing of an official service weapon at Saderbal area of Hazratbal in Srinagar. According to Srinagar Police, the complaint was filed by Hilal Ahmad Mir, son of Mohammad Sultan Mir, a resident of Saderbal, against Junaid Ahmad Band, son of Mohammad Yousuf Band, whose father is a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). The complainant has alleged that he was intimidated and threatened by the accused, who allegedly brandished the service weapon belonging to a Police Security Officer (PSO) deployed with the retired police officer. Taking cognizance of the complaint, police registered FIR No. 123/2026 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Nigeen and initiated an investigation into the matter. Srinagar Police said the alleged accused has been taken into custody, while the circumstances surrounding the incident are being thoroughly examined. The investigation will also establish the circumstances under which the official weapon was allegedly brandished and examine the role of the concerned PSO deployed with the retired police officer. In a statement shared on its official social media handle, Srinagar Police said the matter was under active investigation and that appropriate legal action would be taken based on facts and evidence established during the probe. Police also urged the public and media fraternity to refrain from speculation and avoid spreading misinformation while the investigation is underway. The case has brought the alleged misuse of an official weapon deployed for security duties under scrutiny, with police examining the circumstances and responsibility of those involved. The allegations are yet to be established through investigation.

NH-44 remains open for 2-way traffic

Ramban, Nov 8:The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way traffic of light, medium and heavy vehicles on Sunday, although vehicular movement continued to be slow at several locations between Udhampur and Banihal due to ongoing road construction, widening work and other traffic-related constraints. The uneven road surface at Dewal in Udhampur district and the narrow, single-lane stretch between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district continued to remain major bottlenecks, affecting the smooth movement of vehicles along the highway. According to traffic officials, hundreds of vehicles crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels during the day. However, traffic movement remained sluggish at several locations due to narrow carriageways, ongoing construction activities, uneven road surfaces and occasional vehicle breakdowns. A 3040-metre stretch of uneven road at Dewal and the single-lane section between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather continued to pose challenges for commuters. Vehicle breakdowns between Nachlana and Ramsoo also contributed to traffic congestion. The movement of nomadic livestock herds along narrow stretches, particularly between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather, may further affect traffic flow. Commuters have been advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking. Meanwhile, in view of the ongoing highway widening work on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch, restrictions on the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will continue during daytime hours. As vehicles carrying inflammable materials are not permitted to pass through highway tunnels, Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will be allowed to proceed beyond Chenani only during the designated night window from 5 pm to 5 am. Their movement on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch will remain restricted from 7 am to 7 pm. Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly. Transporters carrying perishable goods and livestock have also been directed to ensure that vehicles are loaded strictly in accordance with the advisories issued by Traffic Police Headquarters.

Students complain of faculty shortage at Islamic Studies Department of BGSBU

Srinagar, Nov 8:Students of the Department of Islamic Studies at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, have expressed serious concern over the shortage of teaching faculty in the department, saying that the academic activities of the department are affected due to inadequate faculty strength. According to students, the Department is presently conducting Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate classes, but there is an acute shortage of teachers to cater to the academic requirements of the enrolled students. The students said the department currently has only one permanent faculty member, who manages the teaching requirements of the UG, PG and Ph.D. programmes. They said that managing the entire academic workload with such limited faculty has become increasingly difficult. The students further said they brought the issue of teacher shortage to the notice of the University authorities through various communications, requesting the appointment of at least three teachers in the Department of Islamic Studies. However, the students expressed concern that more than half of the ongoing semester has already passed, while the required teaching faculty has still not been provided to the department. They apprehended that the continued shortage could affect regular classroom teaching, timely completion of the prescribed syllabus and the overall academic interests of students. The students have urged the University Administration to take immediate steps to address the shortage and ensure adequate faculty strength in the Department of Islamic Studies. The students said the University must consider fast-track recruitment through Walk-in Interviews to meet the immediate requirement for teachers and ensure that students do not suffer academically because of the faculty shortage. The students hoped that the University authorities would treat the matter with urgency and take appropriate measures to strengthen the teaching faculty in the department at the earliest.

Citizens, public delegations call on CM Omar Abdullah to extend Diwali greetings

Jammu, Nov 8:Numerous citizens and public delegations called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence in Jammu on the occasion of Diwali to extend festive greetings. The social media post on the social media handle X of the Office of Chief Minister, J&K, read, On the occasion of Diwali, numerous citizens and public delegations called on the Chief Minister at his residence in Jammu to convey warm festive greetings. The Chief Minister interacted with the visitors and wished them wishes, extended warm greetings and wished everyone a peaceful, happy and prosperous Deepawali. The post added, Extending his heartfelt wishes in return, the Chief Minister interacted with the visitors and wished everyone a peaceful, happy, and prosperous Deepawali.

Beyond Artificial Intelligence

Recently, I attended a conference on Distance Education where Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chishti, Dean, School of Open Learning, University of Kashmir, made an important observation while addressing the gathering. Referring to the growing influence of Generative Artificial Intelligence and our obsession with it, he emphasised that Man is important, not method. This simple but meaningful observation deserves serious reflection, particularly at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of our educational and research systems. There is no denying that Generative Artificial Intelligence has opened new possibilities in education. It can help students understand difficult concepts, assist researchers in organising information, improve language, analyse data and make knowledge more accessible. For distance learners, especially those living in remote and geographically isolated areas, such tools can provide additional academic support. However, an important question arises: are we using these tools to improve our intellectual abilities, or are we gradually allowing them to think on our behalf? The concern becomes more serious when we look at the way some research scholars and students are using Generative AI while preparing their PhD assignments, research proposals, literature reviews and even research chapters. In several instances, the temptation is to generate pages of academic writing without properly understanding the subject matter. A scholar may ask an AI tool to prepare a literature review, explain a theory, formulate research objectives or interpret findings and then reproduce the generated material without carefully examining its meaning, accuracy or relevance. The real problem is not the use of artificial intelligence. The problem begins when its output is accepted without understanding. A research scholar who cannot explain the arguments presented in a chapter, justify the selection of a research tool or interpret the findings of a study is not demonstrating research competence merely by submitting a well-written document. Academic research is not about producing pages; it is about developing an understanding of a problem, asking meaningful questions and arriving at conclusions through independent investigation .Imagine a PhD scholar researching the relationship between social media addiction and academic performance. Instead of reading the relevant literature, understanding the variables and examining previous studies, the scholar asks an AI tool to generate a literature review. The result may appear impressive, with headings, references and academic language. But when asked why a particular theory has been selected or how the variables are related, the scholar may struggle to explain. Similarly, a student preparing an assignment on educational psychology may generate an entire answer on constructivism without understanding how learners construct knowledge through experience. Such practices may save time, but they do not necessarily develop knowledge. The same concern applies to data analysis. A researcher may upload statistical results and ask an AI tool to interpret correlation, regression or t-test findings. The generated explanation may sound convincing, but unless the researcher understands the statistical procedure, the assumptions involved and the meaning of the results, the interpretation remains intellectually borrowed. Research requires ownership of ideas, not merely the ability to obtain answers. This brings us to the philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, whose ideas remain remarkably relevant in the present technological age. For Iqbal, human beings are not passive recipients of information. They possess the capacity to think, question, create and transform their surroundings. His concept of Khudi, or selfhood, is particularly important in this context. Khudi is not simply an expression of individual identity; it represents the development of ones inner strength, confidence, intellectual independence and ability to take responsibility for ones actions. Iqbal wanted individuals to develop their own personalities rather than blindly follow others. His philosophy encourages people to discover their potential and develop the courage to think independently. If we examine the present educational environment through this perspective, we find an important contradiction. We have more information available than ever before, yet there is a possibility that our willingness to think independently is gradually declining. Iqbals philosophy reminds us that knowledge must become part of our personality. It should influence how we think, behave and respond to the challenges of life. Merely possessing information does not make a person knowledgeable. True education develops the ability to distinguish between what is correct and incorrect, what is meaningful and meaningless, and what is original and merely repeated. One of the greatest dangers of excessive dependence on Generative AI is the gradual weakening of intellectual effort. Creativity does not emerge automatically. It develops through reading, observation, questioning, experimentation, mistakes and continuous engagement with ideas. Mohammed Amin Andrabi and Nusrat Andrabi were enrolled for PhD programme under the supervision of Prof. Aal-e-Ahmad Suroor. They take us back to a time when academic research was guided by painstaking reading, personal supervision and a deep commitment to originality. They recalled that they would submit handwritten pages of their theses to their teacher Prof. Saroor at the Iqbal Institute, he would read them with in-depth. Corrections were made in green, red and blue ink. These were not merely grammatical or linguistic corrections; the teacher paid particular attention to the meaning, clarity, depth and understanding of what the researchers were attempting to communicate. He wanted every scholar to understand the argument being presented rather than simply reproduce information or use impressive language. This tradition of patient academic mentoring offers an important lesson for contemporary research culture. The culture of originality, intellectual ownership and critical engagement that these teachers practised deserves to be revisited. UNESCO, in its 2023 Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research, also emphasises a human-centred approach. It draws attention to the possibility that excessive dependence on AI-generated information may weaken independent inquiry, creativity and the development of knowledge through direct experience. The central concern is that technology should strengthen human intellectual abilities rather than undermine them. The future of education, therefore, should be based on a partnership between human beings and technology, with human understanding remaining at the centre. Iqbals relevance in the age of artificial intelligence lies in his belief in human potential. His philosophy of Khudi encourages self-confidence, originality, courage and continuous intellectual development. His emphasis on action reminds us that knowledge must lead to meaningful engagement with the world. We should not be afraid of technological advancement. Every major technological development has changed the way human beings learn and communicate. The printing press transformed access to knowledge, the internet changed information sharing, and artificial intelligence has introduced new possibilities for learning and research. The challenge is to use these developments wisely. Our universities must therefore create an academic culture in which students and scholars are encouraged to use AI responsibly. They should be able to explain their arguments, defend their research decisions, verify sources and demonstrate an understanding of the work they submit. Assignments should encourage personal reflection, field observations, problem-solving and original analysis rather than merely reward lengthy answers. Research supervisors should focus not only on the written chapters but also on the researchers understanding of the subject. Ultimately, the purpose of education is not to make human beings dependent on increasingly sophisticated machines. It is to develop individuals who can use every available resource while retaining their intellectual independence, creativity and moral consciousness. Iqbals message is particularly meaningful at this moment in history. Artificial intelligence may generate answers, organise information and imitate human expression, but the responsibility to question, understand, evaluate and make ethical decisions must remain with human beings. The real danger is not that artificial intelligence may become more intelligent, but that human beings may gradually stop making efforts to become more thoughtful. In the final analysis, we must remember that technology should serve humanity, not define it. The success of artificial intelligence should not be measured merely by how much work it can perform on our behalf, but by how effectively it enables us to think, create and contribute to society. Perhaps this is where Iqbals philosophy becomes most relevant: the future belongs not to those who simply possess information or depend upon machines, but to those who develop the courage, creativity and consciousness to use knowledge meaningfully. Dr Showkat Rashid Wani, Senior Coordinator, Centre for Distance & Online Education, University of Kashmir

What schools must answer for

A school can satisfy many expectations without answering its most important question: what are children learning? It may have an impressive building, orderly records, a recognised affiliation, and strong examination publicity. It may also employ enough teachers to produce a favourable staffing ratio. Each feature tells us something, but none can independently establish the quality of education. My experience of schools has made me increasingly concerned about the ease with which institutional signals become educational conclusions. If accountability is to mean anything, it must connect the resources and promises of a school with childrens actual experience. A recent visit to a government school brought this concern into focus. The school offered classes up to Grade 10 and had 125 pupils and 26 teachers. At first glance, the numbers invite an immediate judgment. Such generous staffing might suggest exceptional provision or inefficient deployment, depending on the observers assumptions. Neither conclusion is justified by the ratio alone. We need to know which subjects teachers cover, how responsibilities are distributed, whether enrolment has changed, and what other duties occupy their time. The figures provide a starting point for inquiry; they cannot substitute for it. The same care is needed when considering what should change. Transferring teachers or merging schools may improve an administrative measure while creating difficulties for children. Distance, transport, age, and local circumstances influence whether a school remains accessible. Conversely, maintaining existing arrangements without examining their educational value can leave resources poorly used. Good planning must hold both concerns together. It should ask how staffing can support learning while preserving reasonable access. The relevant test is not whether a decision makes a chart look more efficient, but whether children receive a better and more dependable education afterwards. Private schools require an equally searching examination. Their public presentation may make quality appear easier to identify: English instruction, disciplined routines, modern facilities, and frequent assessments are readily visible. These features can support education, but they can also conceal weak teaching. A classroom organised around memorised answers may produce apparent progress while leaving understanding fragile. Parents need an honest account of that difference. Accountability should therefore reach beyond the claims made in admission materials and the results selected for publicity. It should examine how children learn, how teachers respond to difficulty, and whether progress is sustained. My working life with a leading education company operating internationally also shaped my view of institutional accountability. In some of the places where we worked, educational outcomes were central to judgments about performance. Commercial purpose existed alongside an expectation that educational commitments would produce demonstrable results. This experience does not establish that profit ensures quality or that commercial providers deserve greater trust. It does suggest that an institutions formal identity tells us less than we sometimes assume. The important questions concern how it behaves, what it delivers, and how convincingly it can account for both. That distinction matters when discussing schools described as charitable or operating without a profit motive. Such a designation expresses an intended purpose. It does not, by itself, demonstrate financial integrity, fair treatment of teachers, or educational effectiveness. Institutions can be influenced by service, conviction, reputation, financial interests, and personal ambition in varying combinations. Regulation must examine this complexity rather than assume that a category settles it. The same principle applies to commercial institutions: their claims must be tested rather than accepted because they promise efficiency. Every organisational form needs scrutiny proportionate to its responsibilities. Financial transparency is one part of that scrutiny. Families should be able to understand the charges they face, the services those charges support, and the reasons for significant increases. Oversight should be capable of examining whether institutional decisions serve educational purposes. Yet financial information alone cannot settle the question of quality. A school can present orderly accounts while providing inadequate instruction. Equally, resources may be constrained even where teachers work conscientiously. Money and learning therefore need to be examined together, with attention to the conditions in which staff teach and the support children actually receive. Defining learning carefully is essential. Examination scores matter because they influence progression and future opportunities, but they cannot carry the entire burden of accountability. Children should understand what they read, reason with numbers, ask questions, and explain their thinking. Their safety, inclusion, and confidence also matter. Schools need to recognise progress among pupils who require additional help, rather than concentrate attention only on those most likely to secure impressive results. An approach that rewards appearances or selected achievements can encourage institutions to neglect the very children whose experience most clearly tests their educational commitment. Teachers must have a voice in this process. Their knowledge of classroom difficulties can explain why a policy succeeds or fails in practice. Listening to them, while maintaining clear expectations, helps turn accountability into a way of improving education rather than merely recording shortcomings after they occur. Public accountability also depends on whose concerns receive attention. When influential families become less connected to government schools, the public system can lose advocates able to press for improvement. The response should not be to blame parents for seeking opportunities elsewhere. It should be to strengthen public institutions until confidence in them becomes reasonable. Reliable teaching, functioning facilities, responsive leadership, and clear communication - all contribute to that confidence. Families need to see that problems are acknowledged and addressed. Public education gains credibility through consistent experience, just as private education must justify the confidence its promises invite. Ultimately, an accountable school should be able to explain what it undertakes to provide, how it uses its resources, and what happens when children struggle. Regulators should support that responsibility through informed scrutiny and practical improvement, rather than treating paperwork as proof of performance. Public schools need resources and oversight; private schools need transparency and honest claims. Neither ownership nor institutional designation can answer for the quality of daily teaching. The standard should remain clear: children must receive an education that expands their capabilities, and institutions must demonstrate that they are fulfilling the trust placed in them. Dr. Farooq Wasil is a published author, educationist, Founding Director and CEO of Thinksite Services Private Limited and Director of BELA, Bharat Early Years Learning Alliance. With over four decades of experience in education managementspecializing in setting up, operating, and managing schoolshe also holds strategic advisory roles for several educational and business entities.

Rs 7.93 Cr tourism push to put Uri on Kashmirs tourist map

Baramulla, Nov 8:Long identified with its sensitive location along the Line of Control (LoC) and decades of cross-border tensions, Uri is seeking to reshape its identity by positioning its natural landscapes, spiritual heritage and adventure tourism potential as the centrepiece of a fresh development initiative. With administrative approval granted for Rs 7.93 crore for tourism infrastructure at five locations, the border town is set to receive a major push aimed at developing it as a distinct destination on Kashmirs tourism map. The project envisages the development of tourist facilities at Uri town, Bosiyan-Gingal, Mahura, Garkote and Bela Boniyar. The proposed infrastructure includes tourist huts, facilitation centres, riverfront and scenic parks, viewpoints, trekking paths and public conveniences, aimed at improving visitor facilities and encouraging tourists to explore the region. Beyond the proposed infrastructure, Uri offers a combination of natural, spiritual and historical attractions that could help it emerge as a tourism destination in north Kashmir. Surrounded by mountains and forests, with the Jhelum flowing through the region, the area offers diverse landscapes for visitors seeking destinations beyond Kashmirs established tourist circuits. Its location along the LoC also gives it a distinctive border tourism character. While Suchetgarh in Jammu has traditionally featured prominently in discussions around border tourism, Uri offers another dimension to the experience, combining its border identity with natural scenery and heritage attractions. The region also has considerable potential for religious and heritage tourism. Pando Mandir, Baba Qazinag and shrines associated with Baba Fareed and Baba Gafoor are among the spiritual destinations that could be developed into a dedicated pilgrimage circuit. The nearby Zehanpora Buddhist heritage site further adds to Uris historical and cultural appeal, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Kashmirs lesser-known Buddhist connections. Uris ecological wealth provides another dimension to its tourism potential. The region is home to rich biodiversity, including the rare markhor, and its mountain ranges, forest stretches and riverfront landscapes could attract visitors interested in nature-based tourism, trekking, photography and other outdoor activities. Connectivity is also expected to play an important role in opening up the region to visitors. The proposed Banali-Gulmarg road is expected to create additional travel opportunities, potentially allowing tourists visiting Gulmarg to include Uri in a wider north Kashmir itinerary. The existing Trade Facilitation Centre, which has already been converted into accommodation for visitors, could further support the initiative by enabling tourists to stay in the area rather than restrict their visits to brief excursions. MLA Uri Sajad Shafi described the tourism initiative as a potential turning point in the development of the border constituency, saying it would help unlock the areas largely untapped tourism potential. He said the project was only the beginning and that the government was committed to bringing lasting change to the region. People in Uri have endured years of hardship. The focus now must be on opening a new chapter in the areas development and taking it in a different direction, he said. For decades, Uri has largely remained in public consciousness because of its sensitive border location and periodic tensions along the LoC. The proposed tourism initiative seeks to broaden that identity by bringing its natural beauty, spiritual landmarks and cultural heritage into greater focus. The government expects the project to stimulate tourism-related economic activity, create livelihood opportunities for local residents and strengthen Uris presence on Kashmirs tourism map.

A healing touch that will live beyond his lifetime

Certain professions carry within them an extraordinary opportunity to remain alive in peoples memories long after ones physical departure. Physicians who relieve suffering, teachers who shape minds, engineers who build enduring structures and craftsmen who create objects of lasting beauty can all leave behind something more meaningful than material possessions. Their work continues to speak for them, and their contributions become part of the lives of generations. Yet, among these professions, medicine perhaps offers the most intimate opportunity to earn lasting gratitude, for a physician touches human life at its most vulnerable moments. Dr. Mir Nisar Ahmad was one such physician whose memory will endure not merely because of the ailments he treated, but because of the humanity with which he treated people. His sudden demise on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a cardiac arrest that morning, has left Alamgari Bazar and its surrounding localities in profound grief. He breathed his last around noon, barely a day after attending patients at his clinic on Thursday. Until the very end, he remained devoted to the profession through which he had served generations for more than four decades. Within a radius of at least five kilometres around Alamgari Bazar, Dr. Nisar was a household name. Many affectionately regarded him as the Dr. Ali Jan of Alamgari Bazar, a comparison carrying considerable significance for Kashmiris familiar with the legendary physician Dr. Ali Jan. He belonged to that earlier tradition of medical practitioners whose clinical judgment, experience and understanding of symptoms often preceded the extensive reliance on laboratory investigations and sophisticated diagnostic equipment that characterises contemporary medicine. Allah had blessed Dr. Nisar with remarkable diagnostic ability. His patients approached him with confidence and generally returned satisfied, reassured and relieved. His reputation grew through personal experience and word of mouth rather than publicity. For countless families, he was the first person to consult whenever illness struck. My association with Dr. Nisar dates back to my younger days. I cannot precisely recollect whether I was still in school or had entered college when he established his clinic, but it was certainly more than four decades ago. Our family lived at M. K. Chowk, barely a few hundred metres from his residence-cum-clinic, and remained among the many beneficiaries of his professional competence and personal affection. What particularly distinguished him was his extraordinary consideration for elderly patients. He would readily visit those unable to reach his clinic, often setting aside his own convenience. I vividly remember his frequent visits to our home to examine my mother or father. These were never merely professional consultations. He would patiently attend to their ailments, offer reassurance and invariably seek their blessings before leaving. In those simple gestures lay the essence of his character: humility, compassion and reverence for elders. Equally admirable was Dr. Nisars freedom from sectarian prejudice. Deeply devoted to his personal faith, he nevertheless embraced religious and social gatherings across different schools of thought with equal warmth and respect. He regularly attended the annual Meelad congregation of Hazrat Mirza Kamil Sahib (RA), where Persian devotional recitations particularly fascinated him. He readily participated in religious conferences and gatherings irrespective of their organisers affiliations and unfailingly visited bereaved families to share their grief. His inclusive outlook reflected Kashmirs cherished traditions of spiritual harmony, mutual respect and human affection. My relationship with Dr. Nisar extended considerably beyond that of a patient and physician. He was the son of the respected Professor Mir Mohammed Jaffer and belonged to a family with which I have enjoyed longstanding bonds of affection. His brothers, including Dr. Mir Manzoor Ahmad, Er. Mohammad Shafi and Er. Mir Javid Ahmad, Er. Mir Iqbal have all been personally known to me. His sister was married to my dear friend, late Er. Ghulam Hassan Mir of Pandrethan, and always treats me with the warmth and affection of a brother. These relationships made Dr. Nisars passing a deeply personal loss. I also cherish affectionate memories of his father, Professor Mir Mohammed Jaffer, who would frequently spend hours in my office discussing life, morality, human relationships and the responsibilities of a good human being. His conversations were filled with wisdom and gentle counsel. Looking back, I find that Dr. Nisar embodied many of those very values. He was cultured, civilised, soft-spoken, humble and considerate, never allowing professional recognition or social standing to distance him from ordinary people. Indeed, Dr. Nisar represented a generation of physicians for whom medicine was as much a moral responsibility as a profession. He understood that patients needed reassurance alongside prescriptions, compassion alongside diagnosis and personal attention alongside treatment. His greatest distinction was perhaps his ability to combine professional competence with an exceptionally humane temperament. His departure has therefore created a void far greater than the loss of a medical practitioner. Alamgari Bazar and its vicinity has lost a dependable physician, an affectionate neighbour, a trusted friend and a human being of rare qualities. Families who relied upon him for decades will particularly miss the reassuring presence of someone who understood not only their medical histories but also their personal circumstances. Our society must learn to recognise and remember such personalities. We often celebrate wealth, power and public prominence while overlooking individuals whose quiet service sustains the moral fabric of our communities. People like Dr. Nisar rarely seek recognition, yet their contributions are far more enduring than many celebrated achievements. Their true memorials exist in the gratitude of patients, the blessings of elders and the affection of generations. For me, Dr. Mir Nisar Ahmads passing marks the loss of an important part of the neighbourhood life and human relationships with which I grew up. His healing touch, gentle disposition and unwavering commitment to humanity will remain etched in my memory. May Almighty Allah accept his lifelong service to humanity, forgive his shortcomings, grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and bestow patience upon his bereaved family including his son Mir Wamiq Hussain, his sister and their mother. Dr. Nisar may have departed from this world, but he will continue to live in the hearts, memories and prayers of those whose lives he touched. Shakeel Qalander, prominent business leader and a civil society animator

Monkey menace grips Kangan villages, damages crops, household property

Kangan, Nov 8:A growing monkey menace has triggered concern among residents of several villages in Kangan subdivision of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district, with large numbers of the animals raiding agricultural fields, damaging crops and entering residential properties. Over the past several months, residents of Akhal, Gund, Sumbal, Surfraw, Ganiwan and adjoining areas have reported frequent incursions by monkeys descending from nearby forested hills. The animals have reportedly been damaging orchards, vegetable gardens and standing crops, particularly maize, besides entering residential compounds and causing damage to household property. Residents said the increasing presence of monkeys has not only resulted in financial losses for farming families but has also created apprehension among people, particularly those living close to forest areas. Monkeys have become a serious threat to crops in Sumbal, Surfraw, Ganiwan, Akhal and other adjoining villages located close to forests. They have been damaging our crops, particularly maize, for the past several months, residents said. A group of locals from Akhal alleged that despite bringing the matter to the notice of the concerned Wildlife Department, no effective measures had been taken to address the problem. Residents said the repeated raids had made it increasingly difficult for farmers to protect their crops and sought immediate intervention by the authorities to prevent further damage. They urged the Wildlife Department to assess the situation, take appropriate measures to control the monkey incursions and ensure the safety of people and their property. The residents said a timely response was necessary to prevent further agricultural losses and provide relief to families affected by the growing menace.

Free textbook distribution begins 8 days after session starts

Srinagar, Nov 8: The distribution of free textbooks among government school students in Kashmir for the academic session 2026-27 will begin on November 9, eight days after the commencement of the new academic session, with education zones in Baramulla district scheduled to receive the books only in the last week of November. As per the schedule issued by the Textbook Section of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on November 7, the distribution will be carried out in phases across the Valleys districts, with Srinagar being the first to receive the textbooks. The process will begin in Srinagar on November 9, followed by Bandipora on November 10, Kulgam on November 11 and Kupwara on November 12 and 13. The distribution will subsequently cover Anantnag on November 14 and 16, Budgam on November 17 and 18, and Pulwama on November 19 and 20. Ganderbal is scheduled to receive the textbooks on November 20, while the distribution in Shopian will take place on November 21, placing both districts towards the third week of the month. Baramulla figures among the last districts in the distribution calendar, with its education zones scheduled to receive the textbooks in three phases between November 23 and 26. According to the schedule, Pattan, Kunzer, Rohama, Sopore, Singpora (K) and Singpora (P) education zones will receive the books on November 23. Similarly, Uri, Jhulla, Boniyar, Chandanwari, Baramulla and Chandoosa zones have been assigned November 25, while Dangiwacha, Wagoora, Tangmarg, Fatehgarh, Nihalpora and Dangerpora will receive the textbooks on November 26. The free textbook supply covers students from Classes 1 to 8 in government schools. The Deputy Secretary, Textbook Section, JKBOSE, has asked the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to depute representatives from the concerned Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) offices, along with proper authorisation letters, to collect the textbooks from the Boards textbook store at New Campus, Bemina, Srinagar, on the designated dates. Meanwhile, teachers have expressed concern over the delay, saying the phased distribution process would further postpone the availability of textbooks in schools and affect classroom teaching during the initial weeks of the academic session. This is not for the first time that textbook distribution has started late. It has become a routine for the government, a government school teacher told * Greater Kashmir *, requesting anonymity. The teacher said that the dates notified by JKBOSE were only for supplying textbooks to the respective education zones, after which the books would have to be distributed among individual schools, a process likely to consume additional time. For Baramulla, the textbooks will reach the concerned zones in the last week of this month. The supply will then have to reach the schools. Through this process, nearly a month goes to waste for students, the teacher said. Teachers have repeatedly demanded that textbooks be made available in schools by the end of October so that students can begin the academic session with the prescribed learning material. They said delays in textbook distribution disrupt classroom teaching, particularly during the initial weeks when students are expected to begin studying the new syllabus. It seems the government is not concerned about the issue. The process gets delayed every year, which ultimately takes a toll on students, the teacher added.

Trump Era: Beginning of the End

As the counting of votes for the American midterm elections was only almost over, it was clear that the Democratic Party won both the House of Representatives and the Senate by a huge margin. This big victory brings a major shift in the power corridors of Washington and marks the beginning of the end of the Trump era. Donald Trump has been a great disruption to the liberal world order that had guided international relations for several decades. That world order was built after terrible conflicts to ensure peace, open discussion, and mutual respect among democratic countries. Instead of strengthening friendly ties and working with age old partners, his administration treated global diplomacy like a private business deal. Every international agreement was questioned, long standing friendships were strained, and democratic institutions faced constant pressure. The American public has now given a firm and mature verdict against this disruptive style of governance. By placing both houses of Congress in the hands of the opposition, the voters have put a strong check on absolute presidential power. Common citizens across the United States have grown tired of continuous political drama, sudden midnight announcements on social media, and social division. This election demonstrates that the people genuinely want calm administration, democratic decency, and respect for established rules rather than daily noise and political arrogance. The sphere of global commerce suffered very badly during these past few years because of his erratic decisions. His trade policies were completely unpredictable and brought immense headaches to businesses across the globe. One day steep duties were imposed on goods from partner countries, and the very next day angry warnings were issued against friendly nations. In doing so, he delivered a very serious blow to the well established Washington consensus. For decades, this consensus had encouraged open markets, reduction of custom tariffs, and smooth commercial exchange through bodies like the World Trade Organization. By launching bitter trade disputes and adopting narrow protectionist attitudes, his administration harmed international supply chains, increased expenses for everyday consumers, and created severe difficulties for developing economies like India. Along with this chaotic approach to commerce, his immigration policies will hurt America as well. The United States grew into a global superpower mainly because it opened its doors to bright minds and dedicated workers from all over the world. Thousands of skilled Indian techies, doctors, scientists, and researchers have spent decades building American software empires, healthcare networks, and academic centers. By creating endless troubles for work visas, bringing hostile rules, and treating immigrants with needless suspicion, his policies have driven away top talent. Instead of strengthening national security, this narrow vision has harmed the creative spark and economic future of America itself. In the field of global diplomacy, his foreign policy has been nothing short of a total disaster. There was no coherent strategy, no consultation with career diplomats, and no calm calculation of ground realities. As the foreign affairs analyst Fareed Zakaria correctly observed, Donald Trump took the country dangerously close to an Iran war without any clear goals, sensible thinking, or realistic exit strategies. Foreign policy cannot be run like a reality television show where sudden impulses dictate national security decisions. Such dangerous actions created severe panic across West Asia and badly damaged the trust of international allies who look up to Washington for steady leadership. His disregard for multilateralism made matters worse. By sidelining the United Nations, cutting support for global institutions, and preferring one-on-one bargains with weaker nations over collective decision making, he weakened the very forums where shared problems are meant to be solved. Multilateralism has long been the only real voice that small and middle powers have in world affairs, and undermining it left them more exposed to the will of the strong. Along with this diplomatic adventurism, his environmental policies have been a tragic setback to the hard won commitments and collective progress achieved since the early 1990s. International summits and environmental leaders had spent thirty years building landmark treaties like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement to protect our earth. Donald Trump simply walked away from these crucial pacts, dismissed sound environmental science, and weakened essential pollution controls. At a time when countries of the Global South, who contributed least to global emissions, bear the heaviest burden of erratic rainfall, rising seas, and deadly heat waves, and are still waiting for the climate finance and technology promised to them, turning a blind eye to climate change was an act of complete irresponsibility. The clear message from this midterm election reaches far beyond the borders of America, and indeed the world must heave a sigh of relief. Today our world faces massive global challenges such as rising temperatures, economic uncertainty, and regional unrest, which no single country can resolve on its own. We cannot afford a superpower that acts in a reckless manner and plays politics with planetary safety. The world deserves a better political hegemon that will work sincerely to make the entire planet more safe and secure for everyone. A genuine global leader ought to behave like a mature and responsible guardian who respects global agreements, supports fair commerce, and cooperates with all nations big and small. The loss of both legislative chambers shows that the American public has chosen to return to common sense, stability, and institutional balance. It will certainly take many years of hard work to heal old diplomatic wounds and restore trust in global treaties, but this electoral result gives genuine hope to peace loving people across the globe. Dr Sajad Padder, an academic based in Kashmir, teaches Political Science in Higher Education.

Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visits Army units in north Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 8:Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Sunday visited Army units deployed in North Kashmir to review the prevailing security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland. During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed on key operational aspects, including vigilance, training, coordination and innovative practices being adopted by the formations to maintain a dominant posture and ensure robust security in the region. According to the Armys Northern Command, Lt Gen Sharma interacted with personnel from all ranks and extended warm festive greetings to the troops on the occasion of Diwali. He lauded the soldiers for their unwavering commitment, operational alertness, professionalism and dedication to duty, appreciating their efforts in maintaining a strong security presence under challenging conditions. The Army Commander also acknowledged the sacrifices made by personnel deployed in forward and remote locations, who remain away from their homes and families while guarding the countrys borders. The Northern Command, in a post on X, said soldiers of the Indian Army remained resolute in their commitment to safeguarding the nation, exemplifying the spirit of courage, sacrifice and selfless service.

Brightest Within

Ancient Indian sages described the human heart as a cave that holds an eternal divine light. The passage explores how people searching for peace and purpose through external experiences can find both by looking within. This inner light remains untouched by wrongdoing and offers clarity about one's identity and life's purpose.

Protect J&Ks fragile mountain ecosystems

Amid spurt in erratic weather patterns triggered by climate change, it is imperative to ensure conservation of mountain ecosystems in Jammu and Kashmir. Most of the tourist destinations in J&K are facing a threat to the fragile ecosystem due to unregulated tourist flow. Famous ski-resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir has been bearing the brunt of unregulated flow of visitors. The number of visitors exceeds the carrying capacity of the tourist destination surrounded by mountains and forests. This not only overwhelms solid waste generation but triggers rise in temperature causing rapid snow melt off and avalanches in winter. A study has shown that there is a rise in Black Carbon levels in Gulmarg in winter due to massive movement of vehicles, snowmobiles, All Terrain Vehicles and biomass burning for heating purposes. Similarly increasing numbers of visitors, especially to Sonamarg and Pahalgam, which host major glaciers of Kashmir, are taking a heavy toll on the environment. . Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg is retreating fast and collapsing frequently in the last several years. Kolhai glacier in Pahalgam has traces of Black Carbon emissions and has lost almost 23 percent of its area since 1962 and fragmented into smaller parts. Kolhai glacier feeds Lidder river which is one of the main sources of river Jhelum considered to be the lifeline of Kashmir. Kolahai is losing mass at the rate of about 1.0 m water equivalent annually, which is significantly higher than the glaciers in the rest of the Himalayas. Most of the tourist destinations especially Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Patnitop and Doodhpathri are facing threat to the environment due to unregulated tourist flow. The problem has been compounded as authorities are struggling to promote lesser known destinations to reduce pressure on popular tourist destinations. Construction of roads in mountains affects stability of slopes and triggers frequent landslides. Amid the gloom, there is a ray of hope! An initiative has taken roots to ensure sustainable development in ecologically sensitive areas. The Jammu & Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy (JK-SMDP 2026) prepared by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir and Integrated Mountain Initiative proposes an integrated framework for ensuring that the mountains of J&K remain ecologically secure, economically productive and socially resilient. It recognises mountains as the foundation of J&Ks water security, food and horticultural production, forests and biodiversity, tourism, cultural heritage and mountain livelihoods. It proposes a major overhaul of tourism management, infrastructure development and environmental protection including daily visitor limits at popular destinations, restrictions on private vehicles, a green cess of up to Rs 2,000 for foreign tourists and tighter controls on construction in mountainous areas. One of its key proposals is to introduce carrying-capacity limits at 15 high-pressure tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Gurez, Bangus, Sinthan Top, Patnitop, Katra, Paddar, Basoli and Bhaderwah. The draft proposes that scientific carrying-capacity studies be completed within 12 months. Pending these studies, interim daily visitor limits could be introduced within 100 days of the proposed policys approval, based on the capacity of roads, parking facilities and sanitation infrastructure. The draft policy recommends that private cars, taxis and buses be stopped at designated green gateways located approximately 10 kilometres below fragile destinations. Beyond these gateways, movement would be restricted to electric or CNG vehicles, walking, ponies or cycles. It proposes electric vehicle fleets be operated by local youth cooperatives, self-help groups and registered local operators, while outside operators would not be licensed. Tangmarg has been identified as a possible green gateway for Gulmarg, Pahalgam town for Aru, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari, and Sonamarg market for the Thajiwas area. The draft also proposes a Mountain Green Cess, with different rates for domestic and foreign visitors to regulate movement to fragile areas. The policy estimates that the cess could generate approximately Rs 750 crore annually, based on an estimated 1.5 crore to 2.5 crore tourists and a conservative average collection of Rs 500 per visitor. It proposes that the revenue be ring-fenced for destination-level environmental management, with 40 per cent allocated to waste collection, toilets and sanitation, 20 per cent to ecological restoration, 20 per cent to local employment, 10 per cent to visitor safety and rescue systems, and the remaining 10 per cent to monitoring and administration. The document also proposes restrictions on new construction in high-risk and ecologically sensitive areas, including glacier forelands, stream corridors and identified hazard-prone zones. It calls for stronger land-use planning and environmental safeguards to prevent unregulated construction in mountain regions. The draft identifies Gulmarg, Patnitop and Bhaderwah as possible model destinations. Pilgrimage management has also been addressed, with the draft proposing science-based daily limits for yatras and religious destinations, including the Amarnath Yatra, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Machail Mata, Shiv Khori and Buddha Amarnath. Decades ago, most of our tourist destinations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg had mostly wooden hut-type accommodations which gelled with the environment. Now most of the natural landscape has been concretised in fragile mountainous zones in absence of regulation. Over the last several months, several tourist destinations have been witnessing erratic weather patterns. There were several flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in Pahalgam. If the carrying capacity of eco-fragile areas is disturbed, damage will be irreparable. Subsequently it results in disasters like flash floods, water shortage and massive waste generation. It is high time to promote eco-tourism in eco-fragile areas and reduce carbon footprints. This way we can promote our mountains, forests, springs and rivers. Our tourism is dependent on our unique ecosystem and natural beauty. We have to learn to live in harmony with nature. Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir