Opinion

Biting into fresh, warm toast

A slice of toast embodies the perfect breakfast declaration, bursting with a crisp, golden exterior that welcomes a pat of melting butter. This unpretentious dish evolves into a gourmet experience, harmonizing beautifully with a variety of toppings. By embracing simplicity, toast successfully transforms into a culinary delight that speaks of comfort and sophistication at the morning table.

Popeye meets Ubuntus

Popeye's quest for self-acceptance resonates deeply with Ubuntu's philosophy, which emphasizes our inherent interconnectedness and shared human experience. This profound African wisdom advocates for collective responsibility and uplifting those around us. The Gitas Lokasamgraha beautifully echoes this sentiment by urging us to engage in actions that promote the greater good, reinforcing that authentic growth arises when we embrace solidarity and aid one another in times of need.

Oops! They did it again: Metas algorithm trips over Modis video, but the real glitch is bigger

Meta temporarily removed Prime Minister Modi's video, citing a technical error which the government disputed. This incident revealed ongoing concerns about platform content moderation and algorithmic biases. The company's global affairs chief issued an apology for various operational lapses and content issues. India's IT rules require platforms to exercise due diligence and remove illegal content promptly. The article argues for separating platform amplification from intermediary services to ensure fair regulation.

Scrutiny isn't suspicion: India accelerates flex-fuel vehicle push as ethanol blending surpasses targets

India has quietly advanced flex-fuel vehicle adoption and E85 fuel sales. Ethanol blending has significantly increased, exceeding initial targets ahead of schedule. This expansion opens a larger market for ethanol beyond simple fuel blending. Government estimates project substantial economic and environmental benefits from flex-fuel vehicle uptake. Public confidence will grow with independent verification of emission reduction claims.

Flex reflections from Brazil: Indias ethanol push faces lessons from Brazils Proalcool crisis

India debates ethanol mandates, drawing lessons from Brazil's Proalcool program. Brazil's initial success faced a late 1980s crisis due to falling oil and rising sugar prices. India's reliance on agricultural cycles creates similar vulnerabilities and fiscal losses. The sugar lobby wields significant influence, impacting government policy decisions. India must plan its energy roadmap to avoid foreign oil traps and domestic agricultural cages.

Gen O, revolutionary for the Status Quo

In today's India, theres a notable focus on a particular age group, while Gen O remains overshadowed. Preoccupied with adapting to the evolving digital landscape and cultural shifts, this generation strives for a form of quiet quitting in a job market thats already complacent. Their economic influence is weak, rendering them more forgettable than transformative in the context of national progress.

No fear or favour, a uniform legal code

West Bengal's initiative to enforce noise pollution regulations showcases a commendable standard of civic discipline. This enforcement serves as a vital reminder that laws are to be upheld rather than treated as optional guidelines. Such necessary measures should inspire similar actions throughout the nation. While religious freedom is important, it should never intrude upon the tranquility of others. Uniform law application is crucial for reinstating civic harmony across the country.

Govt refutes media claims of importing ethanol from US for fuel blending

New Delhi, Aug 06: Commerce and Industry Ministry has refuted claims in media that India is importing and intends to import large quantities of ethanol from the United States for fuel blending, as baseless and factually incorrect. In a statement, the Ministry said that ethanol used for fuel blending under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol Programme is sourced entirely from domestic producers as per the domestic policy framework. It stressed that there is no import of ethanol for fuel blending from the US. The Ministry further stated that no concessions or commitments relating to the import of ethanol for fuel blending from the US have been made in the India-US Trade discussions. It said any suggestion of a policy change to permit large-scale imports of fuel ethanol from the US is misleading. Indias fuel blending programme and ethanol procurement continues to be governed solely by Indias domestic policy requirements.

Two postal employees injured in NH-44 accident near Banihal; MLA, Minister join rescue efforts

Banihal, Aug 6: Two postal department employees were injured after a car allegedly entered the wrong lane and collided head-on with the motorcycle on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Wagan Sherbibi in Banihal area of Ramban district on Thursday, officials said. The accident occurred around 12:30 pm when a Hyundai Venue (JK02CX6050), driven by Pervez Ahmed, son of Abdul Rehman Mir of Tamillo in Kulgam district, was travelling from Ramban towards Banihal. The vehicle allegedly crossed into the opposite lane and struck a Hero motorcycle (HR93E1934) coming from Banihal towards Ramban, police said. The motorcycle rider, Sahib Khan, a resident of Mewat, Haryana, who is employed with the Postal Department, sustained injuries in the collision. The pillion rider, Yawer Bashir Malik, son of Bashir Ahmad Malik and a resident of Chaknarwah, also a Postal Department employee, suffered minor injuries. Soon after the accident, a rescue team led by SHO Banihal Aashiq Lone, along with volunteers of Banihal Volunteers NGO and the Himalayan QRT Ramsoo, rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to safety. Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen, Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar and National Conference leader Nasir Aslam Wani, who were on their way to Ramban to attend a district review meeting, stopped at the accident site and joined the rescue operation. The MLA personally shifted both injured men to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal in his vehicle to ensure they received immediate medical attention. Hospital sources said both injured persons are undergoing treatment at SDH Banihal and are in stable condition. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

PM Modi receives call from Netanyahu; discusses West Asia tensions, India-Israel bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 6) received a telephone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu andexchanged views on the recent developments in West Asia and India-Israel bilateral ties,a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said.

CPCO Amit Sharma announces population enumeration in J&K's snow-bound areas from Sept 1

J&K Census chief Amit Sharma announces population count in snow-bound areas from Sept 1

Srinagar, Aug 6: Amit Sharma, Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director of Census Operations (DCO) for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, on Thursday announced that the Census has entered its most crucial stage, with Population Enumeration set to begin in snow-bound areas from September 1, following the successful completion of the house-listing phase. Addressing a press conference, Sharma said the first phase of the Census, comprising house-listing and self-enumeration, concluded successfully on June 30 in both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Our first phase concluded successfully on June 30 in both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. It was 100 percent successful, Sharma said. He said the administration is now preparing for the second and most important phase of the Census, which will collect detailed information on every individual living in a household. The second phase... the most important phase... is Population Enumeration. Unlike the earlier house-listing exercise, which documented housing conditions and amenities such as electricity, drinking water, internet connectivity and vehicles through 33 questions, the upcoming exercise will focus on the population itself. Now the questions will directly relate to the population. Every individual's data will be collected... to get exact and precise information. 1,100 snow-bound villages to be covered Sharma said the first phase of Population Enumeration will cover around 1,100 snow-bound villages spread across 16 partially snow-bound districts of Jammu & Kashmir, where winter conditions necessitate an advance Census schedule. Sixteen districts are partially snow-bound... Around 1,100 villages come under the snow-bound category. He cited Gurez in Bandipora and Paddar in Kishtwar among the areas where enumeration will be undertaken during September. Residents of these areas will be able to complete self-enumeration from August 17 to August 31, after which Census enumerators will conduct door-to-door population enumeration between September 1 and September 30. Sharma said the online self-enumeration portal for snow-bound areas would be available at SE-snowbound.census.gov.in. From 17 August to 31 August, the self-enumeration facility will remain available. People from snow-bound areas can complete their population Census through this portal. Ladakh's first independent Census Sharma said the exercise is particularly significant for Ladakh, as it will be the first independent Census conducted after the region became a Union Territory in 2019. Ladakh's first independent Census is being conducted after it became a Union Territory in 2019. This time it will get its own independent data. Since the entire Union Territory is classified as snow-bound, Ladakh will complete its Census during the September schedule itself. Ladakh will become the first State or Union Territory in the country to complete its Census. He said the Census reference date for Ladakh would be 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026, while the remaining areas of Jammu & Kashmir would complete Population Enumeration in February 2027, with the reference date fixed at 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027. Questionnaire to be released shortly The CPCO said the final questionnaire for Population Enumeration is expected to be notified within the next few days after receiving the necessary approvals from the Union Government. The moment it gets notified, we will share the complete list of questions. He appealed to the media to help spread awareness so that residents are prepared before the exercise begins. 'Give correct information' Stressing the importance of accurate Census data, Sharma urged residents to provide precise information about every member of their household. If there are 10 persons in a household, then mention 10not eight and not 12. Accuracy has value because this is statistical data. He said Census data forms the basis of government planning and implementation of welfare and development programmes. Whether it is electricity, water supply, ration, hospitals or any other developmental activity, the Census data becomes the basic foundation for planning. Describing the Census as the country's National Primary Database, Sharma said the information collected would guide policymaking and development over the coming decade. This National Primary Database will guide development over the next 1015 years. We expect everyone to participate enthusiastically and provide correct information, he said.

Choudhary Ramzan seeks rail link extension to Kupwara, pushes for return of power projects

Bombay HC overturns Tarun Tejpal's acquittal in 2013 rape case, sentences him to 10 years' RI

Panaji, Aug 6: The Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted and sentenced to ten years in jail former journalist Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 rape case, terming the trial courts 2021 verdict of acquittal as perverse and slamming it for falling prey to the notion that the complainant in such cases should be a perfect victim and conduct herself in a certain way to appear credible. Tejpal, former editor-in-chief of Tehelka, was convicted of raping a junior colleague inside a hotel elevator in 2013 during an event organized by the magazine in Goa. The 62-year-old journalist said he would approach the Supreme Court next week to challenge the conviction. A bench of Justices Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar, while handing down the minimum sentence of ten years' rigorous imprisonment, noted that the incident had taken place 13 years ago and Tejpal had not committed any other criminal offence. Both parties (the victim and Tejpal) may have moved on in life, the court said. The High Court initially asked Tejpal to surrender within two weeks, but later extended the period to four weeks on request from his lawyers. While Tejpal pleaded for leniency, claiming he was a political victim and the father of two daughters, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Goa government, demanded the maximum punishment to send a strong message that o means no. Tejpal was convicted under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including Section 376(2)(f) (rape committed by a person in a position of trust or authority), Section 354(a) (sexual harassment), and Section 354(b) (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe). Under Section 376(2)(f), the maximum punishment is life imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,21,000 on Tejpal, and stated that the victim having suffered sexual assault would be handed over the entire fine amount. In its 81-page judgement, the HC expressed strong disapproval about the way the defence put the victim in the dock and focused on her personal life, and said it found it surprising that the trial court emained silent and allowed the defence to harass and humiliate her during the cross examination. The prosecution had established its case eyond every reasonable doubt and the victim too had stood firm in her testimony, and hence it had no hesitation in believing her statement which was reliable and consistent, the HC said. The trial court at Mapusa proceeded with the notion that a sexual assault victim must behave in a stereotypical manner, and the victim in the present case had to be a perfect victim, the HC said. The 'perfect victim' concept, more formally known as an 'ideal victim', described an unspoken cultural archetype where a person is fully believed, sympathised with and granted legitimacy only if they exhibit absolute vulnerability, complete innocence and total passivity, the High Court said. When a survivor does not fit into this mould, then their trauma is devalued, it added. During the hearing on sentencing, Tejpal addressed the court in person to request leniency. I am 62 years old today. I am a father of two daughters. I have a wife. I am a political victim. My lawyers have also asked me to urge the court to show leniency, he said. The high court, in its judgement, also noted that every person deals with trauma differently, and neither the court nor the accused could decide how the victim should have reacted or processed her trauma following the sexual assault. Tejpal was then the editor-in-chief and owner of Tehelka while the victim was a principal correspondent with the magazine, and hence undoubtedly Tejpal was in a position of control and dominance over her, the HC held. The bench also admonished the defence for highlighting her way of life so as to declare her a promiscuous woman and a libertine. She is equally entitled to protection of law. Her evidence cannot be thrown overboard merely because she is alleged to be a woman of easy virtue, the HC said. No inference can be drawn that a woman alleged to be of loose moral character can be raped by a person for that reason, the court said, adding Every woman has a right to refuse to submit herself to sexual intercourse with anyone. Tejpal's lawyers Aabad Ponda and Subash Jadhav requested the minimum prescribed punishment, noting that Tejpal had not violated any of his bail conditions. Solicitor General Mehta, on the other hand, argued for the maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The convict was in a position of dominance over the victim. The victim was not just a colleague but also a friend of his daughter. The convict has shown no remorse, Mehta said. The bench sentenced Tejpal to ten years' rigorous imprisonment under Section 376 (2)(f), one year's imprisonment under Section 354(a) and three years' jail term under Section 354(b). All sentences would run concurrently, it said.

Gold jumps to 7-week high of Rs 1.53 lakh/10g; silver rallies Rs 2,100

New Delhi, Aug 6: Gold prices rallied for the third straight session, soaring by Rs 3,800 to a seven-week high of Rs 1.53 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday, aided by rupee depreciation and firm global trends. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity climbed Rs 3,800 to Rs 1,53,800 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Wednesday's closing level of Rs 1,50,000 per 10 grams. Gold had last settled near these levels at Rs 1,53,440 per 10 grams on June 18. Silver also advanced Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,34,800 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) from Rs 2,32,700 per kg in the preceding session. Traders said a weaker rupee made imported bullion costlier in the domestic market, while gains in overseas gold prices amid a softer US dollar and easing Treasury yields lent further support to the precious metals. On Thursday, the rupee depreciated 16 paise to close at 95.24 (provisional) against the US dollar, on slight gains in the dollar index and a modest increase in US Treasury bond yields. Gold extended its rally for a third consecutive session, climbing to a seven-week high as a weaker dollar, softer US Treasury bond yields and expectations of a diplomatic breakthrough in West Asia conflict have boosted demand for precious metal, Gaurav Garg, Head of Research at Lemonn Markets Desk, said. In the overseas markets, spot gold edged higher to USD 4,264.24 per ounce, while silver traded lower at 61.80 per ounce. Spot gold gained to trade around USD 4,260 per ounce after Iran said that the deal with Oman over the management of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been agreed in principle, said Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities at Mirae Asset ShareKhan. He added that gold also drew support from sustained investor demand, with Chinese gold exchange-traded funds witnessing inflows for the 14th consecutive session. According to Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, investors will closely track the US non-farm payrolls and unemployment data due on Friday, as the releases are expected to play a crucial role in shaping expectations for the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook.

Union Health Ministry notifies stricter drugs rules to debar applicants submitting fake, fabricated data

New Delhi, Aug 06: In a significant step towards strengthening the integrity and transparency of India's drugs regulatory system, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has notified amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945 through G.S.R number 756 (E), dated the 16th October, 2025. In addition to existing enforcement provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, these newly notified provisions empower the Licensing Authority to debar further applications by entities who submit fake or fabricated data in support of their applications. This will apply to all applications filed under various provisions of the Drugs Rules 1945. Presently an applicant submitting fabricated data faces enforcement actions such as rejection of applications and/or cancellation of existing licenses. With this amendment, they would be debarred from filing further applications with the concerned regulatory authority, either State or the Centre (as applicable) for a specified period of time. A due process has been prescribed through the issuance of a show-cause notice before any such punitive action is taken. There is also a provision for appeal provided. Sound scientific data submitted by applicants forms the basis for regulatory evaluation of the quality, safety and efficacy of drugs. Submission of fake or fabricated data compromises the integrity of the regulatory process, casts aspersions over the quality of drugs and may pose serious risks to public health. The present amendment is intended to deter such misconduct, strengthen accountability among applicants and ensure that approvals of drugs are backed by reliable and scientifically valid evidence. The notification is in line with the Government's efforts to strengthen India's regulatory framework in accordance with global best practices. It aims to promote those drugs manufacturers and distributors who are compliant with regulatory framework of the country and endeavours to deal with any reported instances of malpractice. It complements the ongoing regulatory reform in the pharmaceutical domain with renewed focus on enhancing oversight, promoting ethical practices and ensuring that unscrupulous entities are adequately penalized.

Lok Sabha passes bill to authorise govt to permit banks to levy charges on UPI transactions

New Delhi, Aug 6: Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 that authorises the government to permit banks and other service providers to levy charges on payments through unified payments interface (UPI) and other notified electronic payment modes. The amendment passed by the House without discussion amid din seeks to remove the existing legal provision that prevents banks and payment service providers from charging Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on notified electronic payment modes. Real-time payments made through RTGS and NEFT are done by paying a service charge. However, UPI transactions have been exempted from such charges so far. The proposed changes in Payment and Settlement Systems Act is a part of comprehensive legislation on taxation, which was introduced in the House on Tuesday. The Bill was passed through voice vote in the Lok Sabha after the House resumed at 2 pm after the earlier adjournment. As soon as the House re-assembled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 further to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and the Income Tax Act, 2025, and to amend the Finance Act, 2026, to be taken into consideration. The government's approach aims to levy small charge on digital payment services for consumers and small businesses while ensuring a sustainable revenue model for banks, payment service providers (PSPs), and payment infrastructure firms that drive the digital payments ecosystem. In the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, in Section 10A, for the words, figures and letters 'the electronic modes of payment prescribed under section 269SU of the Income-tax Act, 1961', the words 'one or more electronic modes of payment as the central government may, by notification, specify' shall be substituted with effect from the date of publication of this Act in the Official Gazette, the Bill said. Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 prohibits banks and system providers from imposing any charges on electronic payments while Section 269SU of the Income Tax Act requires large businesses with a turnover exceeding Rs 50 crore to accept payments through specific electronic modes, including RuPay debit cards and BHIM-UPI QR codes. As on date, no bank or payment system provider could impose any charge upon anyone, either directly or indirectly, for using the electronic modes of payment prescribed under Section 269SU of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Speaking on the issue RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday said it is premature to talk about MDR on payment through digital means. Investment in public infrastructure like payments is necessary, he said, reiterating that someone will have to pay for it. The choices before us are simple: either the general public has to pay for it through taxes, or we have to levy the merchant discount rate (MDR), following the 'user pays' model. Right now the government is getting us the amendment. Costs have to be paid by someone. We all want this public infrastructure to strengthen and become more efficient, etc. We continue to do that. That is our focus right now; let us wait and watch for further developments, Malhotra said. Levy of MDR has become a vexed issue in the country as bankers and other stakeholders in the payment industry have been pressing for it, and the government has so far not moved in the matter, and the usage of digital payments like the UPI platform has continued to grow at a handsome pace. Some watchers have been expecting MDR to set in for UPI transactions above a certain value between a merchant and customer, and not in the case of peer-to-peer payments. The important aspect is that someone has to pay for the service, the RBI Governor said. Malhotra said under the 'use-pays' principle, it is the person or the merchant who is transacting who gets charged through the levy of MDR, but added that even if there is no MDR in place, the general public pays for it through the taxes. What is important is that we continue to invest and continue to find the means, whether it is MDR or others. Let us wait and see how the situation evolves, he said.

Rajnath chairs parliamentary panel meeting, discussions focus on Territorial Army

New Delhi, Aug 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of a parliamentary committee, with discussions focusing on the Territorial Army and its members offering suggestions to further enhance its overall effectiveness. Singh said the Territorial Army creates surge capacity for the defence forces by building a reserve of trained soldiers who can be deployed immediately whenever the need arises. The Union minister chaired the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence here, with discussions focusing on the 'Territorial Army. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani, Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officers attended the meeting, the ministry said in a statement. During the meet, senior officials presented a detailed briefing on the Territorial Army's mandate, role and key achievements to the committee members, who offered suggestions to further strengthen the force and enhance its overall effectiveness, it said. In his address, Singh described the Territorial Army's contribution as significant in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's vision of Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that while the role of the defence forces revolves primarily around security-related aspects, the Territorial Army contributes in other areas such as environmental conservation and social work as well. The Territorial Army is a living embodiment of the 'citizen-soldier' concept. While its members engage in civilian pursuits, they simultaneously don the uniform to safeguard the borders and maintain internal security, Singh said. He added that when the personnel complete their tenure and return to civilian life, they act as a vibrant bridge between society and the military, inspiring people, especially the youth, to join the defence forces. The Territorial Army stands as a trained, motivated, and potent force, comprising nearly 44,400 personnel and 59 diverse units, the ministry said. Singh termed the force as first responders, who provide immediate relief and support during natural calamities. He acknowledged their role in carrying out relief and rescue work, and providing medical aid to those in need during Kerala floods, Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam. Commending their contribution in environmental management and climate change mitigation, he said the ecological task forces of the Territorial Army have planted approximately 10 crore saplings till date, with the survival rate ranging between 80-85 per cent. This green initiative is translating the prime ministers 'Mission LiFE' and 'Panchamrit' goals into reality on the ground, he said. Singh also appreciated the efforts of the Territorial Army deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to greater heights. The Territorial Army, raised on October 9, 1949, completed 75 years in 2024 and has served the nation in times of war and in humanitarian and environmental protection work through its journey over the decades. It is fully integrated with the regular Army.

Police book Iltija Mufti for alleged assault on officer during Article 370 protest

Srinagar, Aug 6: Srinagar Police on Thursday said they have registered an FIR against PDP leader Iltija Mufti for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest held in Srinagar on the eve of the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. According to a police statement, the protest, led by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti, was held at S.K. Park on the evening of August 4. Police alleged that during the demonstration, a section of the protesters attempted to violate restrictions by blocking Residency Road and marching towards Lal Chowk. The police said personnel, including male and female contingents deployed at the site, repeatedly appealed to the protesters to maintain peace and comply with lawful directions. However, they alleged that some protesters attempted to breach police barricades and obstruct security personnel performing law and order duties. During the ensuing scuffle, police alleged that Iltija Mufti physically assaulted a police officer while he was discharging his official duties. According to the statement, she allegedly grabbed the officer and bit his forearm, causing a bleeding injury. The injured officer was shifted to a hospital, where he received medical treatment, including wound management, tetanus prophylaxis, vaccination and other treatment as per medical protocol, the police said. Taking what it described as a serious view of the alleged assault on a public servant and the obstruction of lawful police action, Srinagar Police said it registered FIR No. 63/2026 at Police Station Kothibagh and launched an investigation into the incident. Police said Iltija Mufti has been summoned to appear before Police Station Kothibagh on Thursday to join the investigation in accordance with law. The investigation is in progress, and legal action shall be taken strictly in accordance with law against all persons found involved in the assault on police personnel and obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their official duties, the statement said.

Two old mortar shells detected, destroyed along LoC in J-K's Poonch

Mendhar, Aug 6: Two rusted mortar shells were detected and safely destroyed by the Army in the Mankote sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday, officials said. The unexploded ordnance was found in the Choki Sagra area of the Mendhar sub-division, they said. Army personnel of bomb disposal squad destroyed the shells in a controlled explosion after following all necessary safety protocols. No loss of life or damage to property was reported in the operation, officials added.

Will personally submit special package proposal for flood-hit Rajouri-Poonch to PM: Omar

Rajouri, Aug 06: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he will personally approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a proposal seeking a special central package for the flood-affected districts of Rajouri and Poonch. He also noted that the union territory does not have the financial capacity to meet the entire cost of restoration on its own. While there are some things we can manage on our own, the reality is that Jammu and Kashmir does not have the financial capacity to bear the entire cost of restoration. After last year's floods, the Central government approved a package of nearly Rs 1,400 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. This time too, we will prepare a detailed package and seek Central assistance, the chief minister told reporters after chairing a review meeting on flood relief and rehabilitation in Rajouri. He said floods, flash floods and cloudbursts are automatically treated as natural disasters and do not require any separate declaration before seeking Central assistance. As soon as the proposal is ready, I will personally submit it to the prime minister, Abdullah said. Reviewing the aftermath of the July 19 flash floods that claimed four lives in Rajouri district, the chief minister said the government's response had been carried out in three phases -- rescue, recovery and rehabilitation. Our first priority was to minimise the loss of human lives. We regret the loss of four precious lives in this district. Had the district administration and police not acted promptly overnight, the death toll could have been much higher, he said. He said the government has now entered the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, with priority being given to restoring damaged infrastructure and public services. Abdullah said electricity supply has been restored almost completely, while drinking water remains a major concern as several Jal Shakti Department water supply schemes were damaged in the floods. He said suggestions made by local MLAs, including the deployment of water tankers and hand pumps in affected areas, would be implemented. The chief minister assured compensation for damaged houses and said alternative plots would be provided to families whose land had been washed away so that they could rebuild their homes. He also announced that farmers who lost their crops and agricultural land would be provided free ration for six months to one year. Highlighting long-term mitigation measures, Abdullah said he has directed the flood control department to immediately construct a protection bund at Bela colony to prevent floodwaters from entering residential areas during future floods. He also announced plans to construct a new mini secretariat in Rajouri after the existing Deputy Commissioner's office building was found to be structurally unsafe. This is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity. The present building is no longer fit for use. A project report is being prepared, and we expect the new mini secretariat to cost around Rs 50-60 crore. We hope to complete it within the next two to three years, he said. Abdullah also acknowledged that compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for structural damage had become inadequate due to inflation. The SDRF compensation has not been revised for nearly seven to eight years. We have decided to enhance it, he said. On the issue of vehicles damaged in the floods, the chief minister said he has directed the police to expedite registration of FIRs so that affected owners do not face difficulties in claiming insurance. Some people may attempt to misuse the process, but genuine victims should not suffer. The SSP has assured us that the cases will be processed expeditiously, he said. He said MLA Iftikhar Sahib raised two or three important issues concerning Rajouri town. These included the implementation of AMRUT Phase-II for Rajouri, identifying an alternative site for the Kala bus stand, and issues relating to power and water supply. We will certainly examine all the points, he added.

Unemployment a major problem, will be made nationwide issue: CJP founder Dipke

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aug 06: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday described unemployment as a major problem in the country, and said it would be taken up as a nationwide issue. He was addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the CJP's core team meeting in his hometown Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra. The core team had been holding talks at Dipke's residence since Wednesday. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka and other representatives were also present at the press conference. The protests, led by CJP at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi last month over the NEET paper leak and other exam irregularities, led to Dharmendra Pradhan resigning as the Union education minister. Dipke said, Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is the biggest achievement of the students' agitation. There were not only students but also jobless youngsters who participated in the Jantar Mantar protest, he said. Unemployment is a major problem, we will make it a nationwide issue. We will work on education reforms. Education has remained unaffordable since schooling. Education is used for making profits. But we want to change it, he said. Sixty per cent of people in the country are below the age of 35 and protesters at Jantar Mantar also comprised such people, Dipke noted. The CJP founder also said there was a need to bring back the credibility of the media.

Fight for J-K's statehood to continue until it is restored: Omar

Rajouri, Aug 06: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asserted that his government and the National Conference (NC) would continue their efforts for the restoration of statehood until it is achieved. Responding to a question on whether more steps would be taken following demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday seeking restoration of statehood, Abdullah said, Yes. We will continue our efforts until statehood is restored. The chief minister made the remarks while interacting with reporters after reviewing relief and rehabilitation measures in the flood-hit Rajouri district. His comments come days after he and NC president Farooq Abdullah led a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, demanding the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights for Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state on August 5, 2019. The NC has consistently maintained that the restoration of full statehood remains one of its key political commitments.

Labourer dies, three others injured after coming in contact with 11 KV power line in Ramsoo

Banihal, Aug 06: A labourer was killed and three others were injured after they came in contact with an 11 KV transmission line while erecting electric poles in the Sarbagni area of Ramsoo tehsil in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district on Thursday, police said. According to police, all four labourers were engaged in the erection of electric poles when they accidentally came in contact with the live 11 KV transmission line, resulting in a severe electric shock. The injured were immediately shifted to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Ramsoo, where they were provided first aid before being referred to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal for advanced treatment. One of the injured, Yasir Ahmed, son of Farooq Ahmed, succumbed to his injuries at SDH Banihal despite the efforts of doctors. The other injured have been identified as Ishtiyaq Ahmed, son of Kursheed Ahmed; Pervaiz Ahmed, son of Mohd Afzal Wani; and Mohd Yousuf, son of Mohd Hanief Wani, who is reported to be seriously injured. Ramsoo Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident.

CM Omar promises higher flood compensation, says will seek central package for Rajouri-Poonch

CM Omar Abdullah visits flood-hit areas of Rajouri district

Javid Dar dismisses claims of deliberate NH-44 closures, cites rain and landslides

J-K religious body objects to sale of pork products on quick-commerce platform

Srinagar, Aug 06: Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of several religious bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday expressed outrage over the alleged sale of pork products on a quick-commerce platform in the valley and asked the company to remove them immediately. In a statement, the MMU, headed by Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said screenshots shared by people showed pork products being listed for sale on the online delivery platform in Kashmir. The MMU said it was well known that the sale or consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam and that Muslims are highly sensitive to the issue. How was it allowed to enter the market for sale? it said. This matter should be seriously investigated by the authorities and those involved should be warned, it said. The body also asked the company to remove the products and ensure that they are neither stocked, advertised nor sold in Kashmir. Businesses operating in the region have to respect religious and cultural sensitivities of the region and act responsibly, the MMU added.

Omar visits flood-hit Rajouri, reviews relief measures

Jammu, Aug 06: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by last month's rain fury, and review relief and rehabilitation measures. The chief minister's visit came a day after he toured flash flood and landslide-hit areas of neighbouring Poonch district, where 16 people were killed and six others remain missing following the devastating rains. Continuing my visit to flood-affected areas, I will visit Rajouri today to assess the damage caused by the recent floods and landslides, interact with affected families, and review ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts, Abdullah posted on X before the visit. He said he would also hold a meeting with the district administration to ensure timely assistance to the affected people. Accompanied by local legislators, the chief minister visited several flood-ravaged localities, including the worst-hit Bela colony and bus stand area, where he interacted with residents and took stock of the damage, officials said. Locals urged the chief minister to sanction the construction of a strong concrete embankment to protect residential areas from future floods in Bela colony area and raised various demands related to restoration and rehabilitation. Congress MLA from Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmed, who accompanied Abdullah during the visit, highlighted the need for immediate relief, restoration and long-term rehabilitation of affected families. Ahmed also urged the chief minister to release funds for the long-pending Mini Secretariat project in Rajouri, saying the existing district administrative complex was unsafe and that the new facility was essential for efficient public service delivery. Senior civil and police officers accompanied the chief minister during the visit, the officials said. On Wednesday, Abdullah travelled to Poonch via the Mughal Road from Srinagar to review the ground situation in flood- and landslide-hit areas in Poonch. Last month's heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of the Jammu region, claiming 26 lives and leaving five people missing in Rajouri district, while Poonch recorded 16 deaths.

'Respect our elders': Nasir Aslam Wani tells BJP leaders, reiterates statehood demand

Protests for restoration of J-K statehood will continue: Farooq

Srinagar, Aug 06: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said on Thursday that the measures taken on August 5, 2019, regarding Jammu and Kashmir's special status were unconstitutional, and protests for its restoration will continue. Everyone knows that what happened on August 5, 2019, is unconstitutional. So, the entire country supports the protests right now. Yesterday you saw the protest at Parliament. This will continue, Abdullah told reporters here. The BJP-led central government abrogated Article 370 on August 5, 2019, revoking the special constitutional status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating it into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. When asked about his policy on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister said his party has a policy on the issue. I don't have any policy; the National Conference has a policy, he said. Regarding Union Minister Giriraj Singh's remarks against PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, the NC president said she can respond to the question. On Wednesday, protests and celebrations marked the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The NC and opposition PDP held protests in all districts, demanding the restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Noted physician Dr Itoo awarded prestigious FRCP by Royal College of Physicians, UK

Jammu, Aug 06: Dr. Tasaduk Hussain Itoo, a noted physician, researcher, and public health advocate, has been conferred with the Prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) in the United Kingdom, according to media reports. The FRCP is among the worlds highest and most respected professional distinctions in medicine, conferred upon physicians in recognition of their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to clinical practice, medical education, scientific research and the advancement of healthcare. Over the years, Dr. Itoo has earned recognition for his dedicated patient care, commitment to medical education, research activities and extensive public health awareness initiatives through medical writing and community outreach.

Bombay HC convicts Tarun Tejpal in 2013 sexual assault case; sets aside acquittal

Panaji, Aug 06: The Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal on charges of rape in a 2013 sexual assault case and set aside a sessions court order acquitting him. A bench of Justices Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar of the HC's Goa bench said it would pronounce its order on sentencing in the afternoon. Tejpal has been convicted under sections 376 (2)(f) (person who is a guardian or in a position of trust or authority rapes a woman), 354 (a) (sexual harassment) and 354 (b) (using criminal force on a woman with an intent to disrobe her) of the Indian Penal Code. Under section 376, Tejpal faces a minimum punishment of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment. While Tejpal's counsel Aabad Ponda sought the minimum punishment, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Goa government, sought the maximum punishment to send a strong message that o means no. Tejpal, who was present in court, sought leniency, claiming that he was a political victim and the father of two daughters. The case relates to allegations by a former junior colleague that the veteran journalist sexually assaulted her inside a hotel elevator during the ThinkFest event in Goa in November 2013. After he was acquitted by the trial court in 2021, the Goa government challenged the verdict.

Kejriwal claims Centre to blend ethanol in diesel; urges people to avoid buying new vehicles

New Delhi, Aug 06: Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday alleged that the Centre is planning to introduce ethanol blending in diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), and urged people to avoid buying new vehicles for the next few years. In a post on X in Hindi, Kejriwal alleged the government planned to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 50 per cent after introducing E20 fuel. It seems they are going to adulterate petrol with more than 50 per cent. They are just waiting for the atmosphere to calm down. First, they forced E20 petrol into your E0 and E10 vehicles and wrecked them. Today, if you buy a new E20 vehicle, the government will force E50 petrol into it after a few days and damage it, Kejriwal said. Alleging that the government would soon blend ethanol in diesel as well, Kejriwal urged people to avoid purchasing new petrol and diesel vehicles for the time being. In another post, he claimed the Modi government was planning to blend ethanol in ATF. Sources indicate that the Modi government plans to mix ethanol in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Experts say that this could seriously compromise the safety of flights, he said. Earlier this month, Kejriwal had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising concerns over the rollout of E20 petrol. He had sought the availability of both pure petrol and E20 fuel at filling stations and demanded lower prices for ethanol-blended petrol.

J&K BJP distances itself from defamatory slogans at Anantnag rally

Srinagar, Aug 06: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday distanced itself from the objectionable slogans raised during a rally at Housing Colony in Anantnag, saying the remarks did not reflect the party's ideology or the purpose of the event. In a statement issued on the directions of BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, party spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the BJP does not endorse defamatory or derogatory remarks against any individual and remains committed to upholding the dignity of women. Our party has always upheld the dignity and honour of women. The BJP has been at the forefront of women's empowerment, and the historic decision to provide 33 per cent reservation for women reflects that commitment, Thakur said. He said the slogans allegedly raised by a few individuals during the rally were their personal expressions and should not be construed as the BJP's official position. Some individuals may have raised slogans based on their personal thinking or emotions, but those slogans do not represent the BJP's official stand or the views of the leaders who led the rally. The party does not endorse any defamatory or derogatory remarks against anyone, he said. Thakur reiterated that the BJP believes in maintaining political decorum and issue-based politics, adding that its public conduct is guided by democratic principles and constitutional values. The spokesperson said the party continues to stand by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women's empowerment, citing the Women's Reservation Act providing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies as evidence of the BJP's commitment to increasing women's participation in public life. The clarification came after videos circulating on social media purportedly showed some participants at the Anantnag Housing Colony rally raising objectionable slogans. The BJP said such remarks should not be attributed to the party as an organisation. The party also reiterated its commitment to promoting the social, political and economic empowerment of women and said it would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening their role in public life.

Amarnath Yatra resumes after one-day halt; 1,801 pilgrims leave Jammu for Baltal

Banihal, Aug 06: The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed on Thursday after remaining suspended for a day as a precautionary security measure ahead of the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. According to the Joint Police Control Room, Bhagwati Nagar Jammu, the 28th batch of pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 2:45 a.m. for the Baltal base camp under tight security arrangements. No convoy was dispatched on the Pahalgam axis. Officials said a total of 1,801 pilgrims, including 1,347 men, 351 women, 89 sadhus and 14 sadhvis, departed for Baltal in a convoy comprising 74 vehicles. The convoy included 40 buses (37+3), 12 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 19 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and three two-wheelers. The convoy was escorted by personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with adequate security arrangements in place throughout the journey. With the departure of the latest batch, the total number of pilgrims who have left Jammu for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra this year has reached 1,43,513, officials said. The Yatra had remained suspended on Wednesday as a precautionary measure in view of heightened security arrangements ahead of the anniversary of the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes. Pilgrims already present at the Baltal base camp, however, had been allowed to proceed to the Holy Cave shrine for darshan as per the scheduled movement.

Dialogue on Article 370 marks 7 years since abrogation

A half-day discussion on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 was held at the Constitution Club of India here on Wednesday, with participants calling for greater democratic engagement and dialogue on the future of J&K. The programme, titled Listening to J&K: Dialogue, Dignity and Democratic Futurity, was organised by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi under the banner of The Justice Commons. The inaugural session was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Prof. Manoj Jha, former interlocutor Radha Kumar, former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, MP Mohibullah Nadvi and members of civil society. Welcoming the participants, Ruhullah said meaningful dialogue on J&K was more important than ever. Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, he maintained that the decision was taken without the consent of the people of J&K. While affirming respect for the Supreme Courts judgment, he said many people in the Union Territory continued to feel that their democratic aspirations had not been adequately reflected in the process. He argued that the consent cited by the Centre had come from the then Governors administration rather than an elected Assembly. Ruhullah also said demands relating to Article 370 and restoration of statehood should not be viewed through the prism of anti-nationalism and stressed the need for open dialogue to bridge the trust deficit. Speaking at the event, Prof. Manoj Jha described India as a Union built on the collective will of its states and argued that the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated had weakened the countrys federal compact. He said engagement with students and citizens had deepened his understanding of the Kashmir issue and highlighted the need for dialogue rather than political polarisation. MP Mohibullah Nadvi said Kashmir, once known for its beauty and harmony, had suffered because of evil eye and divisive forces. He stressed the need to restore peace, trust and dignity to the region through dialogue and democratic engagement. Former diplomat Wajahat Habibullah, Radha Kumar and other participants also shared their views on the constitutional and political developments in J&K, emphasising the need for democratic participation, reconciliation and sustained engagement with the people of the region. Chairman J&K Civil Society Forum, Abdul Qaayoom Wani was also present.

Bombay High Court orders takedown of defamatory deepfake content against Nitin Gadkari

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted interim relief to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in his defamation suit seeking the removal of AI-generated deepfake and defamatory content linking him and his family to the Centres E20 ethanol-blending programme, Bar & Bench reported. According to Bar & Bench, Justice Arif Doctor directed social media platforms and intermediaries, including Meta and Google/YouTube, to take down the content identified by Gadkari, describing the material as absolutely vile and abusive. The material which the plaintiff seeks to pull down... is absolutely vile abusive. Such material should have no place on a public platform, the Court observed while granting ad-interim relief. Gadkaris suit, filed against Meta, X, Google/YouTube, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications and unidentified users, alleges that manipulated videos and posts falsely portray him and his family as beneficiaries of the governments E20 ethanol-blending policy. The petition contends that the content falsely attributes personal responsibility for the E20 programme to Gadkari and wrongly suggests that his family profited from it through a private company. Gadkari denied the allegations, stating that the ethanol-blending programme is administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Union Minister clarified that he was not seeking to curb fair criticism of government policy but only the removal of fabricated, abusive and defamatory content, Bar & Bench reported. The matter has been posted for further hearing after four weeks.

New Delhi rejects Pakistans Youm-e-Istehsal remarks

New Delhi strongly rejected comments made by Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the so-called Youm-e-Istehsal, asserting that J&K and Ladakh are, have always been, and shall forever remain an integral part of India. Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India categorically rejects the political absurdity and futile attempts by Pakistan to observe the so-called Youm-e-Istehsal to spread malicious propaganda against India. Reiterating Indias position on the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, he said, The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are, have always been, and shall forever remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Jaiswal said, The constitutional changes made on August 5, 2019, are entirely an internal matter of India. These decisions have brought unprecedented socio-economic development, good governance, and democratic empowerment to the people of the region. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters that are strictly internal to India. The MEA spokesperson also accused Pakistan of attempting to divert global attention from its own record. Pakistans desperate attempts to peddle falsehoods are intended solely to deflect international attention from its own dismal human rights record and its status as the global epicenter of terrorism. The international community is currently witnessing the brutal suppression of fundamental rights in Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoJK). Recent weeks have seen Pakistani security forces resort to lethal violence, targeted killings, and draconian bans to silence peaceful civil rights protests led by the local populace. Such state-sponsored violence against unarmed civilians exposes the profound hypocrisy of the Pakistani establishment, he said. Calling on Pakistan to address issues under its control, Jaiswal said, Instead of engaging in predictable diplomatic theatre, Pakistan would be well-advised to stop the bloodshed in PoJK, take credible, verifiable, and irreversible action against terror networks operating from its soil, and immediately vacate all Indian territories under its illegal and forcible occupation. The world is not fooled by these orchestrated spectacles.

IUST inaugurates MSME business incubator to boost startup ecosystem

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Wednesday inaugurated an MSME Business Incubator at its Innovation Campus to strengthen the startup, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. The incubator has been established under the MSME Innovative Scheme of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The facility was inaugurated by Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, and Joint Director and Head of Office, MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Jammu, A K Tamaria, in the presence of Assistant Director, MSME DFO Srinagar, Saheel Alaqband, CEO of CIED-IUST Foundation, Prof Parvez A Mir, Finance Officer Sameer Wazir, faculty members, officials and students. Addressing the gathering, Prof Bashir described students as the growth engines of the university and urged them to embrace entrepreneurship as a career option. He encouraged students to develop a problem-solving mindset by identifying real-life challenges and creating innovative solutions, saying such an approach is essential for building a strong entrepreneurial culture. Welcoming the participants, Prof Mir said the new incubator marks another milestone in the CIED-IUST Foundations efforts to foster innovation, support startups and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region through strategic partnerships and incubation support. Speaking on the occasion, A K Tamaria said promoting entrepreneurship remains the core objective of the Ministry of MSME and appreciated the role of the CIED-IUST Foundation in nurturing innovation-driven enterprises. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to avail themselves of the financial assistance, mentoring and incubation support available under various MSME schemes. Saheel Alaqband highlighted the role of the incubator in transforming innovative ideas into successful business ventures and assured continued support from the MSME Development and Facilitation Office to startups and entrepreneurs across the region. He also stressed the need for stronger institutional partnerships to drive innovation-led economic growth. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Manager, CIED-IUST Foundation, Shameem Iqbal, while the proceedings were conducted by Assistant Manager Syed Abdul Basit.

KTA urges J&K Govt to prioritise safe, swift movement of fruit-laden trucks

The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has expressed serious concern over the hardships being faced by fruit growers across Kashmir due to the frequent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and prolonged traffic delays, saying the situation is threatening the Valleys horticulture sector at the peak of the apple season. In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Ahmad Shahdhar said thousands of fruit growers, traders and transporters are suffering heavy financial losses as trucks carrying perishable produce remain stranded for hours and, at times, days because of highway disruptions. He said horticulture is the backbone of Kashmirs economy, supporting lakhs of families directly and indirectly, and any interruption in the transportation of fresh fruit adversely affects growers who depend on timely access to markets across the country. Shahdhar said that while weather-related challenges are unavoidable, the movement of fruit-laden trucks must be treated as a priority. He called upon the Jammu and Kashmir Government to put in place a dedicated mechanism to ensure that vehicles carrying perishable produce receive priority passage whenever the highway is reopened after disruptions. The government must recognise that every hour of delay reduces the quality and market value of our fruit. The livelihoods of growers cannot be left at the mercy of prolonged road closures and traffic bottlenecks, Shahdhar said. He urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to coordinate with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and traffic authorities to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks during the harvesting season. The KTA President further stressed the need for long-term measures to improve the resilience of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway against landslides and weather-related disruptions, stating that recurring transport crises continue to undermine confidence in Kashmirs horticulture sector. Reaffirming KTAs support for the farming community, Shahdhar urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to act with urgency and ensure that the interests of fruit growers remain at the forefront during the ongoing harvesting and marketing season.

Dr Zabeer given additional charge of CSIR-NBRI Lucknow

Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Director of the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through an office memorandum issued on August 3, assigned the additional responsibility following the voluntary retirement of Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany from the post of Director, CSIR-NBRI. According to the order, the Vice President of CSIR has approved that Dr Ahmed will hold the additional charge until a regular Director is appointed or until further orders, whichever is earlier. He will exercise all powers of the post without any additional remuneration. Dr Ahmed will continue to serve as Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu while overseeing the functioning of CSIR-NBRI, one of the countrys premier research institutes dedicated to plant sciences, biodiversity conservation, taxonomy and botanical research. The arrangement has been made to ensure administrative continuity and the smooth implementation of scientific programmes at the Lucknow-based institute. A distinguished scientist with more than 28 years of experience in drug discovery and natural product research, Dr Ahmed has made significant contributions in the fields of inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Under his leadership, CSIR-IIIM has played a key role in several flagship national programmes, including the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission. He has also been closely associated with the Purple Revolution through lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir and has contributed to the establishment of Industrial Biotech Parks at Ghatti in Kathua and Handwara. Dr Ahmed has published over 150 research papers, guided several doctoral and postgraduate scholars, and holds multiple patents. He has received several honours for his contributions to science and innovation, including the UT Level Tribal Award in Science and Technology (2022), CSIR Knowledge Partnership Award (2023), Maharaja Hari Singh Award for Excellence (2024), Prominent Alumni Award by the University of Jammu (2025), the Indian Armys Award of Appreciation for Excellence in Science and Technology (2025), and the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar as a team member of the CSIR Aroma Mission (2025).

J&K Bank partners with SBI Life to expand life insurance offerings

Strengthening further its customer-centric approach to financial services portfolio, J&K Bank today announced a strategic corporate agency agreement with SBI Life Insurance - one of Indias leading private life insurance companies - to offer a comprehensive range of life insurance solutions through the Banks extensive branch network across the country. The partnership will enable the Banks customers to access SBI Lifes suite of protection, savings, retirement, and child-focused insurance plans, providing them with greater choice and convenience in selecting solutions aligned with their financial needs, life stages, and long-term aspirations. The agreement was signed by DGM Cross-selling, Masood Ahmad Lankar on behalf of the Bank and Regional Manager, Institutional Alliances, Budhaditya Banerjee representing SBI Life Insurance in presence of MD & CEO, J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, SBI Life Insurance, Amit Jhingran and President Business Strategy, SBI Life Insurance, Santosh Chacko. The function was attended by the Banks Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, Chief General Managers, General Managers, Divisional Heads besides other senior officials from both the organisations. Commenting on the collaboration with SBI Life, Banks MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, Guided by our philosophy of socially empowering banking, we remain committed to catalyzing economic and social transformation across the communities we serve. The addition of SBI Life to our portfolio of insurance partners enhances our ability to offer customers a wider range of competitive, need-based life insurance solutions, enabling them to choose products best suited to their unique financial needs. By bringing together the strengths of two trusted institutions, this collaboration further reinforces our customer-centric approach and enhances our ability to deliver greater value through the Banks extensive network across the country. It also builds upon the enduring trust that J&K Bank has nurtured over decades, beginning in its core geographies of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and extending across its operational footprint nationwide, he added. Speaking on the partnership, MD & CEO, SBI Life Insurance, Amit Jhingran said, At SBI Life, our purpose is rooted in helping individuals and families build financial resilience and approach the future with greater confidence. Our partnership with J&K Bank reflects a shared commitment to deepening insurance awareness and strengthening the culture of financial protection for households across the nation. He further added, Life insurance plays a critical role in ensuring financial continuity and safeguarding family aspirations. This collaboration will further reinforce its importance in everyday financial planning. We are proud to support the national vision of Insurance for All by 2047 and contribute meaningfully to building a financially secure society.

J&K Tourism promotes investment, travel opportunities at TTF Ahmedabad

The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, is showcasing the Union Territorys tourism potential at the three-day Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2026, which begins on August 6, as part of its efforts to promote J&K as a premier year-round travel destination. An official delegation comprising 45 stakeholders, including representatives of the travel trade, tourism associations, hoteliers, tour operators and other members of the tourism fraternity, is participating in the event. The Department said the participation reflects a collaborative effort to showcase Jammu and Kashmirs diverse tourism offerings while strengthening business linkages with the travel industry in western India. During the fair, the delegation will promote a wide range of tourism products, including leisure, adventure, pilgrimage, wellness, eco-tourism, rural tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and cultural heritage tourism. The event will also provide an opportunity for business-to-business (B2B) meetings, networking and forging new partnerships with travel professionals from across the country. The Department expects its participation in TTF Ahmedabad to enhance the visibility of J&K in the western Indian market, generate new business opportunities for local tourism stakeholders and contribute to increased tourist arrivals to the Union Territory. It said the initiative would further strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs position as one of the countrys leading travel destinations while providing a boost to the local tourism economy. The Department of Tourism reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for stakeholders through participation in major national and international tourism events.

LA environmental panel to seek exploration status of lithium, sapphire in J&K

J&K Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment will hold a significant meeting in Srinagar on August 6, 2026 to assess the progress of mineral exploration and resource mapping, with particular focus on Lithium exploration in the UT, details of study about its environmental impacts, status of sapphire of Paddar and marble deposits in J&K along with the health of revenue generation. The panel is scheduled to seek Action Taken Report (ATR), along with the details of the steps taken to Implement the recommendations and directions contained in the Report of the Committee on Environment, I&K Legislative Assembly, pertaining to the Geology and Mining Department, which was tabled in the House during the Budget Session, 2026 The meeting will be chaired by the CPI-M MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who is heading this important LA Committee. All Committee members viz., Prof Gharu Ram, Sajad Gani Lone, Baldev Raj Sharma, Daleep Singh, Showkat Hussain Ganie, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Dr Sajjad Shafi, Salman Sagar, Javaid Riyaz (Bedar), Dr Rameshwar Singh and Devyani Rana are expected to attend the meeting to discuss its 15-point agenda in the hall of the Legislative Assembly complex in the summer capital. The Financial Commissioner, (Additional Chief Secretary) to Government Geology and Mining Department; the Director Geology and Mining Department and all District Mineral Officers J&K, besides the Chairman Pollution Control Committee J&K along with the concerned officers have also been asked to participate in the meeting. The committee is likely to deliberate on the present status of the proposed Comprehensive Minor Mining Policy-2026 and measures for strengthening transparency, scientific mining and environmental safeguards; implementation of the J&K Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2026 and the progress of mineral exploration and resource mapping in the Union Territory of J&K. It is expected to assess the district-wise status of illegal mining of minor minerals, action taken against offenders, seizure of vehicles, recovery of penalties and measures to curb unauthorised extraction for the financial year 2025-26 besides the status report on the implementation of technology-based monitoring systems, including GPS tracking, geo-fencing, e-permits, e-challans and digital surveillance of mining operations and mineral transportation, since 2025. As per meeting agenda, the panel is to review the list of Environmental Clearances (ECs), District Survey Reports (DSRs), replenishment studies and compliance with statutory environmental requirements before grant of mining leases from 2024 till date. The assessment of district-wise details of contractors, lease holders, mining concessionaires, crusher unit owners and firms against whom royalty, penalty, fine, dead rent or any other government dues are outstanding, running on forest or government land, involved in illegal mining from January 1, 2024 till date, the amount recoverable against each defaulter and whether any vigilance, audit, departmental inquiry or recovery proceedings have been initiated in such cases and the present status is also part of the meeting agenda. Besides, the LA panel is scheduled to review the implementation of approved Mining Plans, Mine Closure Plans and compliance with the provisions of the J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules and other applicable regulations; the implementation of the J&K Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2026 and the progress of mineral exploration and resource mapping in the Union Territory. The status of e-auction of mining blocks, grant and renewal of mineral concessions, lease management and measures to enhance transparency in mineral allocation; district-wise revenue collection, royalty realisation, prevention of revenue leakage and enforcement of royalty compliance in mineral transportation will also be assessed during the meeting. Among other key agenda items include the assessment of the availability of minor minerals for public infrastructure projects and measures to ensure uninterrupted and regulated supply; status on functioning of the Unified Mining Portal and digital initiatives aimed at improving transparency, ease of doing business and public service delivery and the mechanism for inter-departmental coordination with the Revenue, Police, Transport, Forest, Irrigation and Flood Control and district administrations for effective enforcement against illegal mining in J&K.

Defunct street lights leave Handwara in darkness, residents seek immediate action

Residents of Handwara have expressed concern over the prolonged failure of street lights in the town, saying the lack of illumination has made commuting difficult and raised safety concerns during evening hours. Locals said many street lights have remained defunct for nearly two years, alleging that the Municipal Committee Handwara has failed to repair or replace them despite repeated requests. According to residents, large parts of the town, particularly the main market, remain shrouded in darkness after sunset, causing inconvenience to pedestrians, commuters and shopkeepers. Most of the street lights installed a few years ago have stopped functioning. The entire market remains dark in the evening, making it difficult for people to move around, a shopkeeper said. Residents said they have repeatedly taken up the issue with the authorities but claimed they have received only assurances without any visible improvement. They urged the administration to restore the defunct lights or install new ones at the earliest. Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Handwara, Shahid Ahmad Bhat, said more than a dozen new street lights have recently been installed in the town's main market. He, however, said the lights become non-functional during prolonged power outages on the Handwara B-feeder, affecting public convenience, especially in the evening. Bhat said the Municipal Committee has submitted a proposal for installation of solar-powered street lights in the market to ensure uninterrupted lighting. We have submitted a proposal for solar lights in Handwara market. We hope the installation process will begin soon, he said.

IUST develops Policy Briefto strengthen J&Ks response to substance use

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), through its Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA), has developed a comprehensive policy brief on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of substance use in Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming the university's commitment to addressing one of the region's most pressing social and public health challenges. The policy brief was released by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during the inaugural session of the four-day International Conference on Nature-Based Solutions on August 3, 2026. Recognising that every young person lost to substance use represents a dream interrupted, a family under strain and a loss to society, the policy brief advocates a coordinated, evidence-based and long-term institutional response. The document emerged from the two-day workshop, Drug-Free Society: A Call for Collective Action, organised by IUST as part of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Campaign launched under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor. The workshop brought together administrators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, educators, researchers, civil society organisations and youth representatives, who stressed that addressing substance use requires collective action and sustained institutional collaboration. Drawing on these deliberations, the policy brief presents a practical framework to strengthen existing efforts by improving institutional coordination and integrating prevention, treatment and rehabilitation within a shared policy vision. Rather than proposing parallel structures, it seeks to reinforce ongoing initiatives through convergence, evidence-based planning and coordinated implementation. The document emphasises that effective prevention begins long before addiction takes hold. It advocates strengthening families, educational institutions and communities while promoting meaningful youth engagement. It also highlights the importance of accessible treatment, compassionate care and sustained rehabilitation to help individuals reconnect with their families, education, livelihoods and society with dignity. The policy brief recommends a coordinated institutional framework involving government departments, educational institutions, healthcare systems, local self-government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and community groups. It also proposes measures to strengthen implementation through capacity building, research, monitoring, sustainable financing and inter-departmental convergence.

Rajwar water supply project in Kupwara ready after nearly a decade, 25,000 residents to benefit

Nearly a decade after work began, the Lower Rajwar Raw Water Main project in Kupwara district is set to be commissioned this week, bringing a reliable drinking water supply to around 25,000 residents across 13 villages in the Rajwar area of Handwara. The project successfully underwent trial testing, with officials saying it is now ready for commissioning. The scheme includes the laying of a 9-kilometer-long, 200 mm diameter ductile iron (DI) raw water pipeline connecting the water source to the filtration plant, a key component in ensuring a sustained supply of potable water. The successful testing marks a significant milestone toward ensuring a reliable drinking water supply to the region, an official said. The project will benefit residents of Dudipora, Bakiakher, Baderher, Budkot, Machipora, Khirman, Nabedzab, Nagranar, Baderkali, Bahadarpora, Goriakher, Wadipora and Lachipora. Residents said the commissioning would end years of water scarcity, especially during the summer months when many households depended on springs, streams and water tankers for their daily needs. People have been waiting for this project for several years. Once it becomes operational, it will ensure a regular supply of safe drinking water. We have faced immense hardship due to the lack of a dependable water supply. Its commissioning will bring huge relief to thousands of people, said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Dudipora. Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone is scheduled to inaugurate the project on Thursday.

Pothole ridden road to Baramulla college ground draws public ire

The potholed approach road to the Government Degree College Baramulla ground has become a source of growing public concern, with residents, students and sportspersons saying its deteriorating condition is making commuting difficult and unsafe. The Khawjabagh road connecting the main road to the college ground is riddled with deep potholes and uneven patches. During rainfall, the potholes become waterlogged, obscuring their depth and increasing the risk of accidents for motorists and pedestrians. Residents said the road is a key access route to the college ground, where hundreds of young men and women gather every morning for jogging, exercise and sports practice. The ground also hosts major football and cricket tournaments, besides public, administrative and Army events throughout the year. Every morning, hundreds of youths use this road to reach the ground, but they have to navigate potholes and muddy stretches, said Arshad Hafeez, a cricketer from Khawjabagh. During official events and sports tournaments, thousands of people pass through this road, yet no repairs have been carried out. Another resident said the damaged road has become a daily ordeal for both motorists and pedestrians. Residents urged the Roads and Buildings (R &B) Department and the district administration to repair and blacktop the road at the earliest before its condition deteriorates further.

J&K underserved areas to get diagnostics boost

Soon, diagnosis of diseases and injuries from X-rays will be possible in the most far-flung areas of J&K, even where a specialist doctor is not available. The procurement process for 275 AI-enabled portable X-ray machines has commenced, aimed at strengthening diagnostic services across government health facilities. The tenders for the supply of portable X-ray machines have been floated, officials in Health and Medical Education Department said. The procurement follows the implementation of the Centre's announcement made earlier this year. It was stated that J&K was sanctioned 275 AI-enabled handheld portable X-ray machines, nine 1.5-Tesla MRI units, and four digital mammography units under the Prime Minister's Fund. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities in peripheral areas. A vast expanse of J&K's areas and a significant population have limited access to advanced imaging services. In addition, the specialist radiologists remain limited. The AI-enabled systems are expected to assist healthcare staff to rapidly interpret X-ray images, and support early detection of diseases such as tuberculosis. It will also help in detection of fractures and other injuries. The equipment is part of a broader effort to modernise public healthcare infrastructure in J&K. In recent months, Health Minister Sakina Itoo has repeatedly underscored the government's focus on upgrading diagnostic infrastructure. Advanced technologies such as AI-enabled X-ray systems, MRI units and other imaging facilities are being introduced, she said, to improve patient care, reduce waiting times and expand access to quality diagnostics. The Centre's package also includes nine MRI units and four digital mammography machines. These will improve the diagnostic facilities for cancers and other life-threatening diseases. The equipment is expected to improve early diagnosis and reduce reporting delays. These will also aid in screening programmes, particularly in remote districts.

J&K records over 100% child immunisation coverage: Centre

Jammu and Kashmir has recorded over 100 per cent coverage in key child immunisation indicators, with the Union Government attributing the higher figures to interstate movement of beneficiaries, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. The coverage was reported under child health services linked with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and National Health Mission (NHM), according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Responding to an unstarred question, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 integrates nutritional support for children below six years, pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, early childhood care and education, Anganwadi infrastructure and Poshan Abhiyaan under a single framework to reduce malnutrition and improve health outcomes. The Ministry said, J&K recorded 106.6 per cent Full Immunisation Coverage (FIC), 104.5 per cent Oral Polio Vaccine third dose (OPV3), 104.2 per cent Pentavalent-3 and 106.8 per cent Measles-Rubella first dose coverage during 2025-26. BCG coverage stood at 100.3 per cent. For April-June 2026, the Union Territory reported 105.6 per cent FIC, 105.5 per cent Measles-Rubella first dose, 94.6 per cent Pentavalent-3, 94.4 per cent OPV3 and 93 per cent BCG coverage. The Ministry attributed coverage above 100 per cent to the movement of beneficiaries across states and Union Territories. Immunisation coverage exceeding 100 per cent is attributed to interstate migration of beneficiaries, as reported by States and Union Territories, it said. Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 provide six core services through Anganwadi Centres, including supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition and health education, immunisation, health check-ups and referral services. Immunisation, health check-ups and referral services are delivered through the National Health Mission (NHM) and the public health system, the Ministry said. The Ministry said the Poshan Tracker application is being used for real-time monitoring of Anganwadi Centres, workers and beneficiaries. The platform captures data on daily attendance, early childhood education activities, growth monitoring, hot cooked meals, take-home rations and other service delivery indicators, it said. It added that state-wise and year-wise data on beneficiary registration, supplementary nutrition and growth monitoring under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is available through the Poshan Tracker portal.

J&K government makes attendance at Independence Day functions mandatory for employees

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all government employees posted in Srinagar and Jammu to attend the main Independence Day celebrations on August 15 as part of their official duty. According to a circular issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on Tuesday, employees posted in Srinagar have been asked to attend the Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium, while those stationed in Jammu shall attend the celebrations at Maulana Azad Stadium. The circular states that Independence Day is an important national event and that it is the duty of every government servant to participate in the official celebrations. It further said that any government employee unable to attend the function must obtain prior permission from his or her immediate superior. The GAD has directed all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Managing Directors and Chief Executives of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Corporations and Boards to ensure the attendance of all officers and officials working under their administrative control and posted in Srinagar and Jammu at the designated venues. The government has also instructed department heads to ensure strict compliance with the directions, making attendance at the official Independence Day functions mandatory for employees posted in the two capital cities.

No PMJVK project from J&K approved by Centre despite 872 proposals in 2 years

Jammu and Kashmirs 872 project proposals submitted under the Centres Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in the last two financial years have received no approval, according to information placed before the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, in reply to an unstarred question, said J&K submitted 861 proposals during 2024-25 and 11 during 2025-26 under the centrally sponsored scheme aimed at developing infrastructure in minority-concentration areas. The PMJVK supports projects related to education, healthcare, skill development, womens facilities, drinking water, sanitation, sports, renewable energy and other community assets. The Minister stated that eligibility under the scheme is determined at the area level, not based on districts. Projects can be proposed from areas having more than 25 per cent minority population within a 15-kilometre radius, subject to scheme guidelines. Such proposals are recommended by the State Level Committee headed by the Chief Secretary of the respective State/UT, Rijiju said. He said the scheme is being implemented across all districts of the country, with approvals based on eligible areas. Parliament data showed several states received approvals under PMJVK in the past five years, while J&K did not get clearance for any proposal submitted during the last two financial years. The minister said the scheme is currently approved up to March 31, 2026, with no decision taken on its extension beyond the current period. No decision has been taken so far regarding continuation of the scheme beyond March 31, 2026, he said.

Heightened security, no untoward incident reported on Article 370 abrogation anniversary

The seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 passed off peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday amid additional measures put across Union Territory even as normal life remained unaffected. Authorities had put in place elaborate security arrangements across the Union Territory ahead of August 5, which marks the Centres decision in 2019 to revoke Jammu and Kashmirs special constitutional status and reorganise the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Normal life remained unaffected in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with markets open and public transport operating normally, although security presence was visibly higher than usual in major towns. Additional deployments of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other security agencies were made at sensitive locations across Srinagar and other district headquarters. Security was heightened around vital installations, government buildings, markets, transport hubs and other vulnerable locations. Officials said vehicle checking, frisking of commuters and area domination exercises were intensified in both urban and rural areas, while surveillance through checkpoints and mobile patrols was stepped up to maintain law and order. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the Union Territory, and the day passed off peacefully, a senior police officer said here. Another official said the elaborate security arrangements were made as a precautionary measure and the significance of the day. We had put in place a comprehensive security plan involving multiple agencies. Preventive measures, enhanced patrolling, intensified checking and close coordination among all security forces ensured that the situation remained completely peaceful throughout the day, the official said. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had unofficially announced that no permission would be granted to any political party or organisation to hold protest demonstrations anywhere in the Union Territory on August 5. In advisories issued on Tuesday evening, police had warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to organise or participate in unauthorised protests. Despite the restrictions, the ruling National Conference organised a protest demonstration at its headquarters, Nawa-i-Subah, in Srinagar. Party leaders and workers assembled inside the office complex and attempted to march towards the city centre but were stopped by police. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also attempted to hold a protest, but security personnel prevented party workers from assembling as restrictions remained in force in parts of Srinagar, including around Lal Chowk. Security arrangements were equally stringent in other district headquarters across Kashmir as well as in the Jammu division, where additional checkpoints were established and security personnel maintained heightened vigil throughout the day. Officials said anti-sabotage checks were carried out at important public places, while quick reaction teams remained on standby to respond to any contingency. CCTV surveillance was also intensified at strategic locations. A senior security official said close coordination among the police, Army, CAPFs and intelligence agencies helped maintain normalcy across the Union Territory. Security arrangements were reviewed at regular intervals throughout the day. All agencies worked in close coordination and remained alert to any possible threat. Public cooperation also contributed to maintaining peace and normalcy, the official said. Officials expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the day, saying the coordinated efforts of the security agencies ensured that the anniversary passed without any law and order incident.

Government exploring advanced early warning systems to minimise disaster losses: Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited the flood-affected areas of Poonch district to assess the devastation caused by the recent flash floods and cloudbursts, meet the affected families and review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the district administration. During the visit, the Chief Minister met bereaved families in Murrah, Surankote and Arigam-Loran, expressed his heartfelt condolences and assured them of the Governments unwavering support in overcoming the tragedy. At Murrah, the Chief Minister visited the residence of Mohammad Latif, who tragically lost eight members of his family in the flash floods. Offering his deepest sympathies, he prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. In Surankote, the Chief Minister interacted with affected families and a delegation from Sangla, Darra Sangla and Lower Sangla. The delegation apprised him of the extensive damage caused to residential houses, agricultural land and infrastructure, besides the tragic loss of lives. The Chief Minister also visited Arigam-Loran, where he met the family of Mohd Rafiq and Riaz Ahmed, who lost seven members of their family in the flash floods. He participated in Fatiha Khwani, prayed for the departed souls and conveyed his profound condolences to the grieving family. Interacting with the affected residents, the Chief Minister patiently heard their grievances and hardships arising from the natural calamity. He assured them that the Government stands firmly with every affected family and would ensure all possible relief, rehabilitation and assistance. Announcing a major rehabilitation measure, the Chief Minister said that families who have been rendered landless due to the disaster would be provided 5-marla plots for their resettlement. Referring to the unprecedented nature of the disaster, the Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that cloudbursts remain difficult to predict with the existing technological capabilities. He said the Government would explore the adoption of advanced early-warning technologies to improve disaster preparedness and help minimise the loss of lives and property in the future. Later, the Chief Minister chaired a review meeting to assess the rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the District Administration in the aftermath of the disaster. The Chief Minister directed officers to expedite damage assessment, ensure immediate relief and restore essential services. He appreciated the prompt, coordinated and dedicated response of the civil administration and other agencies involved in relief operations. He particularly commended the Deputy Commissioner, Poonch and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, for their proactive leadership and timely interventions that helped save lives and ensure swift assistance to the affected population. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA Poonch-Haveli Aijaz Ahmed Jan, MLA Surankote Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta,senior district officers and other concerned officials.

Basharat Bukhari flags acute staff shortage at SDH Kreeri, seeks immediate action

Srinagar, Aug 5: Former minister Basharat Bukhari on Wednesday expressed concern over acute shortage of doctors and paramedics at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kreeri in Baramulla district, stating that the staff crunch was adversely affecting patient-care. Speaking to reporters after visiting the hospital, Bukhari said he witnessed the situation firsthand while accompanying his father for medical treatment. I had come with my father, who had some health issues. Here I saw a crisis of sorts. Patients are distressed, while doctors and paramedical staff are also under stress because a large number of posts are vacant, Bukhari said. The former minister said that as many as six posts of Medical Officers are vacant besides specialist posts in Anaesthesiology, Ophthalmology orthopaedics and General Surgery. Overall, there are around 33 vacancies including that of nurses and paramedical staff, he said. Bukhari said an anaesthetist, Dr Tassaduq has been temporally shifted to Tangmarg which added to the tribulations of the patients. Expressing concern over the dearth of the staff, Bukhari said the shortage of medical personnel had severely affected its functioning, resulting in delays and inconvenience for patients seeking treatment in the hospital. If the government which is in power for two years now cannot provide doctors to SDH Kreeri, it might shut the hospital, but people should

Apni Party wants Centre to start dialogue with J&Ks people to address their issues: Mohammad Ashraf Mir

Srinagar, Aug 5:Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir on Wednesday said that the party wants the Centre to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, to address their issues and grievances. He also urged the Government of India (GoI) to restore the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a press release, he said that the youth feel insecure and helpless, and therefore a meaningful dialogue is essential to bridge the trust deficit. Mir made these remarks while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar, as per the statement. He said, Today, on the seventh anniversary of the events of August 5, 2019, Apni Party passed a resolution at every district headquarters demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and other constitutional rights. On this day in 2019, the Centre took away our rights and dignity. Apni Party will continue to strive for the restoration of all the rights that existed prior to August 5, 2019, including Articles 370 and 35A. He further said, We demand that the Centre immediately restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, as promised by the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Hon'ble Home Minister on the floor of the House. Demanding that the existing residency requirement for domicile eligibility be increased from 15 years to 50 years, Mohammad Ashraf Mir said, Following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Apni Party leadership, during its meeting with the Central leadership in New Delhi, successfully persuaded the Centre to safeguard the exclusive rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir over land and government jobs. As a result of these efforts, the domicile law was eventually implemented. He added, However, we urge that the extending residency requirement for domicile eligibility should be enhanced from 15 years to 50 years. We also demand that these protections be backed by a constitutional guarantee to ensure the permanent safeguarding of the land and employment rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Mir said that after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, it was said that Jammu and Kashmir would witness accelerated development and greater employment opportunities. However, the reality is that seven years later, Jammu and Kashmir has the highest unemployment rate in the country, while the region continues to face a significant development deficit, he said. He said that the police prevented the party's leaders from their movement in districts such as Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla, and Pulwama. As a result, the resolution could not be passed in those districts. However, it was successfully passed by every other district body across Jammu and Kashmir. During the press conference, Mohammad Ashraf Mir was flanked by several party leaders including partys Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, State Secretary and Spokesperson Dr. Harbaksh Singh, and others.

Dilapidated roads hamper vehicular movement, pose risk of accidents in Srinagar

The deteriorating condition of major roads across the summer capital is emerging as a growing concern for commuters who decry failure of authorities to undertake repairs of the damaged roads. Despite improvement in weather, authorities are yet to start repairs of roads or filling up of potholes. Among the worst-affected road stretches is the Noor Bagh-Qamarwari road, which continues to remain without proper macadamisation after drainage works. Commuters said the busy road, linking several Downtown localities with the city centre, has turned into a bumpy stretch riddled with potholes and damaged patches, slowing traffic and posing risks to motorists. Another severely affected stretch is the Gojwara-Hawal road where drainage works have left the surface badly damaged. Residents said the road becomes muddy after every spell of rain, while dry weather fills the area with dust, causing inconvenience to commuters, pedestrians and shopkeepers alike. The road has become difficult to use due to big potholes. During rains it turns muddy and slippery, while on sunny days passing vehicles raise thick clouds of dust. We have been waiting for proper restoration for months but authorities are sitting on the issue, said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Hawal. Ali Jan Road is another stretch that has drawn criticism from commuters. Despite the completion of drainage works, commuters said, the road remains in battered condition, with uneven manholes, craters and an uneven surface making travel slow and uncomfortable. Commuters said the condition of the road is particularly worrying because it serves as an important access route to one of the Valley's major hospitals, where ambulances and vehicles carrying patients frequently encounter delays. This is not just another road. Ambulances and vehicles carrying critically ill patients use this route every day. Because of the damaged surface, ambulances are often forced to slow down while private vehicles carrying patients struggle to negotiate the craters. Every minute matters during a medical emergency, said Mohammad Rafiq, a commuter. Residents said repeated spells of rain witnessed across Srinagar over the past month have further deteriorated the already damaged road network. Water accumulation in potholes has widened damaged portions, while the worn-out surface has become increasingly hazardous for motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders. Apart from the major roads, several link roads in downtown localities, including Malik Sahib Gojwara and adjoining areas, continue to remain in poor condition, with potholes, damaged surfaces and uneven manholes causing inconvenience to residents for years. Our locality has been waiting for proper road repairs for a long time. The condition has only worsened after the rains. People, especially the elderly and schoolchildren, face immense difficulty while using these roads, said a resident of Malik Sahib Gojwara. Residents said the poor condition of roads is also affecting commercial activity, as dust generated from damaged stretches settles on shops and merchandise during dry weather, while muddy conditions during rains discourage customers from visiting markets. Even vital roads including Maulana Azad Road, Nowpora, Bada Demb, Khanyar, Jehangir Chowk-Ram Bagh flyover are dotted with potholes. Commuters urged the Roads and Buildings Department to immediately undertake blacktopping and restoration of the damaged stretches before the condition deteriorates further. Greater Kashmir has carried a series of reports over the past several months highlighting the deteriorating condition of roads and civic infrastructure across different parts of Srinagar. Recently, an R&B official said that Restoration and blacktopping of damaged road stretches would be taken up shortly, However, commuters said no visible work has been initiated so far, prolonging public inconvenience and raising concerns over the pace of infrastructure restoration.

Tarigami terms Article 370 abrogation systematic assault on J&K

Srinagar, Aug 5:CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Wednesday termed the abrogation of Article 370 a systematic assault on the constitutional relationship between the Union and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that democratic space and political freedoms in the Union Territory have steadily shrunk since the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. On the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Tarigami said the developments of August 5, 2019, had fundamentally altered Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional and political position without the consent of its people. He alleged that despite the passage of seven years, restrictions on political activity and democratic expression continued, limiting the ability of political parties and civil society to function freely. The abrogation of Article 370 was not merely a constitutional change but a systematic assault on the relationship between the Union of India and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Tarigami said. The CPI(M) leader criticised the BJP for portraying the abrogation of Article 370 as one of its major political achievements, while claiming that the democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been eroded. He also alleged that space for dissent had narrowed and that press freedom had come under increasing pressure in the Union Territory since the constitutional changes. Tarigami further accused the Centre of failing to fulfil its repeated assurances regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood. He said the promise had been made on several occasions, including before the Supreme Court and in public statements by senior Union government leaders, but remained unimplemented. Urging the Centre to honour its commitment, Tarigami said the restoration of full statehood should not be delayed any further and called for the revival of democratic institutions and constitutional safeguards. The government must fulfil its promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and ensure that democratic rights and civil liberties are fully protected, he said. The CPI(M) leader reiterated his partys demand for the restoration of the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called for a political process based on dialogue and democratic engagement.

People of J&K have rejected Aug 5, 2019 decisions: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 5: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah has described August 5, 2019 as one of the darkest days in India's democratic history, saying the decisions taken on that day stripped Jammu & Kashmir of its constitutional guarantees, political identity and statehood. In a party press release, he said the people of Jammu & Kashmir have ejected the August 5 decisions from the very first day and continue to stand firmly against what he termed unilateral and unconstitutional measures. He asserted that the National Conference would continue its peaceful and democratic struggle for the restoration of the constitutional guarantees, democratic rights and full-fledged statehood of Jammu & Kashmir. Dr Farooq said the National Conference-led government reaffirmed its commitment by making it its first legislative priority to pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly rejecting the August 5 decisions and seeking the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir's constitutional position and statehood. Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Dr Farooq said that the party continues to promote proxy political formations to divide the people's mandate and weaken their collective voice. Referring to the 2014 Assembly elections, he said the National Conference had warned that the PDP's alliance with the BJP would prove detrimental to Jammu & Kashmir, ultimately culminating in the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. He said the National Conference has a historic legacy of securing democratic rights and social justice for the people and reaffirmed that the party would never compromise on safeguarding Jammu & Kashmir's identity, dignity and constitutional rights. He appealed to the people to remain united and strengthen J&K National Conference to achieve the restoration of the rights taken away on August 5, 2019.

Khalin Joshi extends lead to 7 Shots at J&K Open

Srinagar, Aug 5:Khalin Joshi shot a five-under 66 to extend his lead to seven shots at 13-under 129 on day two of the INR 1 crore J&K Open 2026 being played at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar. The 33-year-old Bengaluru golfer, who began the day with a two-shot advantage, backed up his opening 63 with another assured display. His bogey-free round featured three birdies and an eagle as he pulled clear of Delhis Rashid Khan and Chandigarhs Angad Cheema, who shared second place at six-under 136. Starting from the 10th tee, Joshi, as per a statement, made his first birdie of the day on the 12th after striking a five-iron to two feet. He followed it with a six-foot birdie conversion on the 13th before picking up another shot on the third, where he hit his lob wedge to three feet. The defining moment came on the par-five seventh. Joshi found the centre of the fairway with his drive and struck a seven-iron from about 190 yards to 20 feet before rolling in the eagle putt. That was one of the best putts I made all day, said Joshi. I struck the ball solidly and gave myself more chances than I did yesterday, but I didnt convert as many. Considering how well I hit the ball, I probably could have shot a little lower score, but Im very pleased, especially to keep the card bogey-free. Joshi, a former Asian Tour winner who captured the Andhra Open Golf Championship in April, has dropped only one shot through 36 holes. His lone bogey came on the 17th during his opening round. With a commanding cushion heading into the weekend, Joshi is determined to stay with the approach that has served him well over the first two days. The strategy will remain simple. The rough is quite thick, so hitting fairways will be the key, he said. Ill continue giving myself birdie opportunities and hopefully convert a few more putts over the next two rounds. Joshi has also embraced the relaxed atmosphere at Royal Springs, where the striking surroundingsand occasional bear sightingshave enhanced the experience. Its exciting to see the bears, although keeping a safe distance is important, he said. The scenery here is unbelievable, so Im enjoying the atmosphere and the fact that Im playing good golf. Two-time Asian Tour winner Rashid Khan (68-68) and Angad Cheema (68-68) remained Joshis closest challengers after returning matching second-round 68s. Cheema, who finished runner-up at the Boulders Classic in April, joined Rashid at six-under 136. The Czech Republics Stepan Danek (68-69), Noidas Gaurav Pratap Singh (68-69), Chandigarhs Ajeetesh Sandhu (65-72) and Joshua Seale (69-68) shared fourth place at five-under 137. Eighteen-year-old Gurugram rookie Harman Sachdeva (65-73), who produced the only bogey-free round on the opening day, slipped six places to tied eighth at four-under 138. DP World PGTI Ranking leader Saptak Talwar (69-71), who spent the summer competing on the HotelPlanner Tour, dropped from overnight tied ninth to tied 23rd at two-under 140. The par-four 11th hole was shortened and played as a par-three due to waterlogging caused by heavy rain prior to the start of the tournament. The cut fell at one-over 143, with 50 of 131 players advancing to the last two rounds. The J&K Open 2026 is supported by event title partner J&K Tourism and hosted at the Royal Springs Golf Course. The tournament is principally backed by global smart logistics provider DP World, serving as PGTIs Umbrella Partner, alongside Tour Partners Axis Bank, Amul, Amrutanjan Enerlyte, Campa, Air India Maharaja Club and Kalyani. Their collective participation reflects a shared commitment to Indian professional golf and to showcasing Jammu & Kashmirs growing stature as a destination for the sport.

Cycle Polo Championship 2026-27 concludes at Naidkah Playfield in Bandipora

Bandipora, Aug 5:The two-day District Bandipora Cycle Polo Championship 2026-27 concluded on Wednesday at Naidkah Playfield, Bandipora, with the participation of more than 100 boys and girls across the AAG categories. The championship, as per an official statement, saw keen competition over both days, with young cyclists representing teams from across the district. Ulfat Bano, Football Mentor, Khelo India Centre (J&K Sports Council), was the Chief Guest on the occasion. President, District Bandipora Cycle Polo Association, along with Nisar Ahmad, Syed Aijaz and Hilal Ahmad Dar, attended as Guests of Honour. In the boys category, Naidkah Club won the Gold Medal, Noor Ul Elahi took Silver and Manzpora Strikers finished with Bronze. In the Girls Category, Manzpora Team won Gold, Naidkah Club took Silver and Sumbal Team finished with Bronze. The championship was organised by the District Bandipora Cycle Polo Association under the aegis of the J&K Cycle Polo Association and sponsored by the J&K Sports Council. Winners were presented medals and certificates by the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour at the closing ceremony.

Baramulla, Srinagar crowned champions at J&K Subroto Cup

Srinagar, Aug 5:In a thrilling showcase of youth talent and athletic excellence, District Baramulla and District Srinagar emerged victorious at the Inter-District UT Level Football Championship under the prestigious 65th Subroto Mukherjee Football Cup 2026, seizing top honours in the boys' and girls' categories. The high-powered competition concluded at the iconic Rugby Field, Polo Ground, here. As per a DGYSS statement, over 100 elite young footballers across the U/15 and U/17 divisions representing districts from across J&K competed for top honours. The finals delivered high-octane sporting drama, with District Baramulla clinching the title in the boys' category and District Srinagar securing the championship in the girls' division through remarkable teamwork, technical finesse, and competitive spirit. The championship was organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports J&K under the flagship Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, leveraging sports as a vital instrument for youth empowerment, character building, and promoting a drug-free society. Highlighting the broader social impact of sports, Director General Youth Services and Sports J&K, Anuradha Gupta, emphasised the crucial role of field activities in shaping the future generation. Engaging our student players in football and allied sports goes far beyond winning trophies it is essential for their overall personality development, said Director General Anuradha Gupta. In an age dominated by screen exposure, sports provide a constructive outlet that protects youth from the ill effects of excessive mobile phone usage and negative social influences, instilling lifelong discipline, physical fitness, and resilience. The prize distribution ceremony was attended by District Youth Services and Sports Officer Srinagar, Ghulam Hassan Lone, who presented the trophies to the winning squads. Expressing appreciation for the athletes, he remarked, The extraordinary talent on display underscores the vast potential of our youth. The seamless execution of this tournament is a credit to the hard work of our players, coaches, technical officials, and media partners. The sports momentum in the summer capital continues to build as the Inter-School District-Level Thang-Ta and Judo Championships for boys and girls are currently underway at the Gindun Ground, Rajbagh, and the Indoor Sports Hall, Polo Ground, Srinagar, drawing energetic participation from across the district.

Jammu cardiologist files Police complaint against PDP president

Jammu, Aug 5: Senior cardiologist and social activist Dr Neeraj Sharma has lodged a police complaint against the J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and the former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for what he alleged, dishonouring the national flag. In a complaint filed at the Police Station Pacca Danga, Jammu, on Wednesday evening, Dr Neeraj sought action including registration of FIR against the former Chief Minister, invoking the rules under The Prevention of Insults To National Honour Act, 1971 for allegedly holding the national flag upside down and thus dishonouring it during a protest at Srinagar on August 4, 2026. The videos and pictures of the said incident have been in circulation in the media since yesterday, august 4, 2026. This is to bring to your notice that the PDP president has deliberately showed the saffron side of the national flag down as against the guidelines which is a crime under section 3 explanation 4 (1) of The Prevention of Insults To National Honour Act, 1971, Jammu cardiologist mentioned in his complaint addressed to the Station House Officer (SHO) Pacca Danga, Jammu. He, in his complaint, maintained that it not only caused disrespect to the national flag but also deep emotional Insult to all the nationalist individuals in the country. This may kindly be considered urgent and necessary action including registration of FIR must be done under rules, he submitted in the complaint. A senior Police officer, while responding to Greater Kashmir queries in this connection, confirmed the receipt of Dr Neeraj Sharmas complaint at Pacca Danga Police Station. Yes, we have received a complaint. We will verify it. After verification, we will look into it. In fact, the said offence has not taken place here. Still, we will look into it and after verification, will approach the concerned Police Station, the officer, who preferred anonymity, stated. Complaint was filed after a big controversy erupted over the images of the former Chief Minister holding an inverted national flag during her partys protest in Srinagar on the eve of August 5, against the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A.

DIG DKR reviews security preparedness in Ramban

Ramban, Aug 5:Deputy Inspector General of Police, DKR Range, Sargun Shukla, chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Ramban to assess the security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, review preparedness for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations, and discuss security measures for other major events in the district, official sources said on Wednesday. Brigadier Ajay Pal Singh, Commander, 11 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, attended the meeting as the special invitee. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), J&K Police, Traffic Police, Zonal and Sector Officers deployed for SANJY, besides representatives of intelligence agencies. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Arun Gupta, welcomed the participants and briefed the gathering on the agenda for the meeting. The officers held detailed deliberations on intelligence inputs, anti-militancy operations, security along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), night domination measures, review of camp security, the modus operandi of recent terrorist attacks, security arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations, and coordination mechanisms among various security and intelligence agencies. Addressing the meeting, DIG Sargun Shukla stressed the need for maintaining a high level of alertness, ensuring round-the-clock area domination, and strengthening the counter-infiltration grid in vulnerable gap areas. He also directed all agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in view of the ongoing pilgrimage and the upcoming national celebrations. The DIG underscored the importance of seamless coordination and synergy among the Army, CAPFs, Police, intelligence agencies, and the Civil Administration to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of SANJY-2026, Independence Day celebrations, and other major events in Ramban district.

Census 2027 awareness drive reaches University of Ladakh

Ladakh, Aug 5:A Census Quiz-cum-Awareness Seminar was organised at the Leh Campus of University of Ladakh on Wednesday with the objective of creating awareness amongst the faculty and students about the importance of Census and the upcoming last and most important phase of Population Enumeration of Census 2027 in the UT of Ladakh. The quiz-cum-seminar, as per a statement, was held under the overall mentorship of Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh wherein Shri Amit Sharma, IAS, Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director, Census Operations (DCO), J&K and Ladakh, MHA, Government of India, was invited as the Chief Guest to grace the occasion here. Senior Census officials including Deputy Director Census, Assistant Directors of Census at DCO and all faculty members and students of the University attended Census 2027 seminar here. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Principal Census Officer, Shri Amit Sharma, IAS, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Saket Kushwaha, along with the Census dignitaries, followed by the felicitation of the distinguished guests. CA Priyanka Sengar, Registrar, University of Ladakh, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of engaging the student community with the Census process. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, emphasised the significance of Census as a vital exercise for planning, policy formulation and understanding the socio-economic landscape of the country. He encouraged students to actively participate in awareness activities and contribute to the successful conduct of Census 2027. The Presidential Address was delivered by Amit Sharma, IAS, CPCO/DCO, J&K and Ladakh. He highlighted the transformation of the Census process through the adoption of digital technology and encouraged students to participate in the technological advancements associated with Census 2027, including Self-Enumeration. He also spoke strongly against the menace of drug addiction, urging the youth to stay away from drugs and focus on education, innovation and constructive pursuits. CPCO Amit Sharma also mentioned that the UT of Ladakh shall emerge as the first UT/State in the nation which shall complete the entire Census activity by the end of September this year whereas in all other states/UTs, Census 2027 activity shall get culminate by the end of February 2027 and he also exhorted upon the students and faculty of University to act as true messengers of Census 2027 to spread mass awareness about upcoming Population Enumeration phase of Census in Ladakh which shall happen between 1st September to 30th September whereas Self Enumeration for same shall begin a fortnight before it i.e., 17th August onwards here. The programme also included the distribution of prizes to the winners of the Census 2027 Quiz, followed by the National Anthem, group photographs and high tea. The technical session was conducted by Amit Kumar Bhargav, Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer, and Rohini Pokhrel, Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer, who briefed the participants on the history and evolution of the Census, the present-day Census process, technological advancements and the role of citizens in Census 2027. Other Census dignitaries present on the occasion included Vijay Kumar, Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer; Balbir Singh, Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer; Sadique Hussain, District Census Coordinator, Kargil and Tashi Otsal, District Census Coordinator, Leh. The Census 2027 Seminar served as an important platform for Census awareness and youth engagement, highlighting the role of technology, Self-Enumeration and active citizen participation in the successful conduct of Census 2027.

Northern Railway implements new simplified freight policy for Ro-Ro traffic

Jammu, Aug 5: Northern Railway has implemented a new freight rate structure for Roll-on and Roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic with the objective of making freight movement more affordable, transparent and competitive. It has asserted that the restructured service will be especially beneficial for Jammu and Kashmir which recurrently faces traffic disruptions on the National Highway, particularly during the rainy season. In simple terms, Ro-Ro is a transport service in which trucks or commercial vehicles loaded with goods are directly driven onto specially designed open flat railway wagons on their wheels and are directly driven off at the destination. According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Jammu Railway Division Uchit Singhal, the revised Ro-Ro policy will prove to be a game changer for Jammu Railway Division. With the removal of Busy Season Surcharge (BSS) and Demurrage and Development Charges (DCs), abolition of penalty and committed traffic conditions and permission for one-way operations, rail freight has now become much more competitive than road. Considering the hilly terrain and highway jam problems during monsoon, this service will bring great relief to industries in J&K. Our effort is to connect transporters from Bari Brahmana and other industrial areas with this facility and give new momentum to regional trade, Singhal said. He asserted the Railways believed that this rationalised freight system would promote Ro-Ro traffic and play an important role in developing a sustainable and efficient logistics network in the country and J&K would be among the major beneficiaries. Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division informed that any trader, farmer or road transport organisation in Jammu and Kashmir, wishing to avail the facility under the new policy should contact the office of the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Jammu Railway Division. With regard to the new policy, he informed that the charge would be Rs 1.45 per tonne-km for distances up to 750 km, a linear rate reduced from Rs 1.45 to Rs 1.30 per tonne-km for 750 to 2000 km and Rs 1.30 per tonne-km for distances over 2000 km. According to Singh, the minimum chargeable weight has been fixed at 45 tonnes or the actual gross vehicle weight, whichever is higher, and the minimum distance at 50 km. Terminal charges, GST and other applicable charges will be payable as per existing rules. Several old restrictions have also been removed in this revised policy for the convenience of customers. Busy Season Surcharge (BSS) and Development Charges (DC) have now been completely abolished, which will give customers an additional benefit of about 20 percent, he said. Earlier it was mandatory for transporters to commit traffic and book for a round trip, along with a 5 percent penalty on shortfall. All these conditions have been abolished in the new policy. One-way Ro-Ro operations will now also be permitted. Customers will get direct and substantial savings from this revised policy. For example, on the 241 km Bari BrahmanaBijbehara route, the freight has reduced from Rs 20,969.34 to Rs 14,222.25, resulting in a saving of Rs 6,747.09 i.e. 47 percent per truck. According to railway officials, the new rate structure will provide several direct benefits to industries and transporters. The biggest benefit is the reduction in transportation cost, which will make sending goods by rail more economical compared to road. This will reduce the pressure of heavy vehicles on national highways, reduce road accidents and traffic jams, and help the environment by reducing carbon emissions. This is especially useful because Jammu and Kashmir is a hilly region and traffic jams occur on the national highway during the rainy season. With Ro-Ro service, loading and unloading time for goods will be reduced, turnaround will be faster and timely delivery to industries will be ensured, they stated. They pointed out that earlier, Railways used to provide 3 hours of free time for loading, which was increased to 6 hours and 3 hours of free time will also be given for wharf clearance. This new policy will not only give existing industries better access to national and international markets, but will also develop new freight loading sources, thereby accelerating regional industrial growth, the officials asserted. The special haulage rate on the New RewariNew Palanpur section of DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited) will, however, remain unchanged, it has been specified.

Curriculum of Omission

Being in a school in Srinagar in the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s, opened windows to India and to the world. But it kept the shutters firmly closed on Kashmir. We were taken through the broad sweep of Indian history from the Indus Valley to independence, the mechanics of the planned economy, the geography of river systems and mountain ranges. And a broad brush of classical Greco-Roman civilisations and Anglo-Saxon traditions. While far better now, the pedagogical approach continues to be the same even today. What we were not taught was the history of the place we lived in, the political economy that had shaped its society, the cultural traditions that gave it identity, or the value systems that had allowed it to absorb successive influences without losing its distinctive character. Kashmir did not exist in our textbooks as a subject of information, let alone serious inquiry. It appeared neither as a territorial fact nor as a contemporary political reality. It was as if Kashmir had no usable past or prospective future; it existed in the present only outside the schools. Kashmirs rich intellectual heritage was entirely missing from the curriculum. We were never told that the Katha Sarit Sagara, one of the worlds largest collections of stories, was composed in Kashmir in the 11th century, or that Kalhanas Rajatarangini is one of the earliest connected historical chronicles written in India. Nor were we introduced to the Trika system of non-dual Kashmir Shaivism, or the role of Kashmiri scholars in carrying Buddhism to Central Asia and China. It was not just a passive recipient of ideas but an exporter of them. We were never told of the profound contributions of Islam to the Valley: the arrival of Sufi missionaries, scholars, artisans, and craftsmen, who engaged with and enriched local forms of thought and practice. Equally, the moral and philosophical tradition of Lal Ded and Nund Rishi was never presented as part of our own heritage. This was not merely the absence of a few names. It was the absence of an entire register of thought; a tradition that had, over centuries, worked out a distinctive relationship between inner life and external form, between received religion and lived experience. The evolved ethos that allowed Shaiva, Buddhist, Islamic and folk elements to converse and coexist, was never presented as the DNA of the society. A tradition of philosophical inquiry, literary achievement and social experimentation that has few parallels in the subcontinent wasnt deemed to be worth studying. Growing up in Kashmir, there was no pride in our rich and diverse intellectual heritage and traditions. Instead, history began and ended at moments convenient to the national narrative. We learned about the Battle of Plassey (1757) in Bengal but not the Battle of Shopian (1819) when the Sikhs defeated the Afghans and annexed the Valley. Or the Treaty of Amritsar (1846), through which the British transferred Kashmir to Gulab Singh. Alexanders victory over Porus on the Hydaspes was taught as part of the encounter between the classical West and ancient India. Yet we didnt know that Hydaspes was Vitasta, the river that has defined Kashmirs geography and imagination for millennia. The curriculum did not merely omit local content; it established a clear hierarchy of intellectual value. The distant, the pan-Indian, and the foreign were granted academic legitimacy and intellectual dignity. While the proximate and the lived were relegated to informal transmission through family conversations and social interactions outside the classroom. The Quit India movement of 1942 was presented as the moral force of mass civil disobedience and the idea that a people could collectively withdraw consent from an illegitimate order. Yet we remained ignorant of the Quit Kashmir movement in 1946 as a direct challenge to the Dogra autocracy that drew inspiration from the same idea. One movement belonging to the national story was required to be internalised. The other, which shaped the immediate political inheritance of our generation was never even mentioned. The same silence extended to the political economy of the state. We were encouraged to look outwards to the Soviet Union and China for egalitarian development models while remaining ignorant of social justice initiatives right beneath our feet. In school we remained blissfully unaware of Naya Kashmir, the communist manifesto of Kashmir and the radical land reforms and redistribution of assets undertaken in the early 1950s. These reshaped rural society, altered class relations and created the social base that would define the politics of the regions for decades to come. The distinctive constitutional arrangements that governed the states relationship with the Centre affecting citizenship, movement of people, goods and capital were not even treated as footnotes. Article 370, which later became the most contested and symbolically overloaded provision in Indian constitutional history, was never even whispered in the corridors of the political science or history classroom. Its emotional charge never entered the classroom. It survived only as home knowledge, transmitted through family conversations in the charged language of autonomy or the wistful memory of 1953. When somethings so central to lived political reality are kept out of formal education, it migrates into the informal sphere, where it acquires the intensity of forbidden or sacred knowledge. While this informal education was often richer than what the classroom offered, it remained uneven and left critical gaps in understanding. Despite the existence of powerful local figures who embodied different kinds of heroism, our textbooks had no Kashmiri heroes. This left a vacuum. So too local milestones. The year 1953 was discussed in heated tones at home; but at school it not even mentioned in hushed tones. The martyrs day was in the collective consciousness of the society but not in the course curriculum of schools. A school trip to pay homage to the martyrs on 13th July was unheard of. Instead, we grew up knowing the legends of other lands but had almost no local stories of courage, resistance, wisdom, or social justice to claim as our own. Robin Hood, the 12th century English folk hero was a part of growing up; beret cap and bow and arrow in place. But Laiq Choor and his man-Friday Mahde Bisht, the Kashmiri folk legend from Srinagar represented folk resistance against exploitation in the 19th century was not. The physical environment around us reinforced the same message. Colleges, streets and public utilities spoke of Dogra princes, British missionaries and colonial residencies. Almost every significant public institution carried the name of a ruler, autocratic or democratic: Amar Singh Club, Sri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital, Tagore Hall, Gandhi Bhavan, Nehru Park or Residency Road. This cumulative dominance created an atmosphere in which public space itself felt borrowed or imposed. One walked past these names without encountering local intellectual or cultural figures in the official landscape. As a result, generations of Kashmiris were denied the conceptual tools necessary to understand the society they inhabited. The consequence was not mere ignorance of local history and culture, but a deeper form of epistemic marginalization the internalized conviction that Kashmirs own history, intellectual traditions, and political experiences do not constitute legitimate subjects of serious study. This absence has shaped the very categories through which an entire generation came to understand itself and the society it belonged to. The result is cultural and epistemic self-alienation. (To be concluded. The second part, Consequences of the Curriculum, will appear next fortnight on Thursday) The author is a Contributing Editor of Greater Kashmir.

A Bankers Perspective

For nearly four decades as an operational banker, I was closely involved in evaluating loan proposals across retail, MSME, and business segments. One challenge stood out repeatedly: identifying genuinely creditworthy borrowers who had little or no formal credit history. Many applicants who approached the bank were hardworking entrepreneurs, salaried individuals beginning their careers, or small business owners with stable incomes and sound business prospects. They possessed the intent and capacity to repay, yet they lacked one crucial elementa documented credit history. Traditional credit appraisal relied heavily on information such as credit bureau reports, financial statements, banking transactions, collateral, and documented repayment records. While these tools served the banking industry well, they often fell short when assessing first- time borrowers or businesses operating largely outside the formal financial system. As a credit officer, there were numerous occasions when my professional judgment suggested that an applicant was deserving of credit. Personal interactions, knowledge of the local market, business potential, and the borrowers character inspired confidence. However, lending decisions could not rely solely on intuition. Banks are required to make objective, evidence-based decisions that comply with regulatory standards and internal risk policies. This created a persistent dilemma. Rejecting such applications meant denying deserving customers access to formal finance. Approving them without adequate supporting data meant exposing the bank to unnecessary credit risk. Consequently, many potentially successful borrowers remained outside the formal lending ecosystem. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence in credit assessment is fundamentally changing this landscape. Modern AI-powered credit scoring models enable lenders to evaluate borrowers using a much broader set of consent-based financial and behavioural indicators. Instead of relying exclusively on historical borrowing records, AI can analyse multiple dimensions of a customers financial profile, including cash-flow behaviour, income stability, banking transaction patterns, digital payment history, social media usage, business receipts, expenditure trends, and other alternative data sources where permitted. The objective is not to replace human judgment but to augment it with deeper, data-driven insights. For example, a borrower with no previous loan may consistently receive monthly income, maintain healthy account balances, make timely utility payments, manage business cash flows efficiently, and demonstrate financial discipline. Traditional models may assign such a borrower little or no creditworthiness because of the absence of borrowing history. AI, however, can recognise these positive financial behaviours and estimate repayment capacity more accurately. This evolution has significant implications for financial inclusion. Millions of individuals and small businesses remain credit invisible. They are not necessarily risky borrowers; they are simply underrepresented in conventional credit databases. AI-based assessment helps bridge this information gap by identifying hidden indicators of creditworthiness while maintaining prudent risk management. 1.5 billion people around the world do not have access to the services of a bank or similar financial institution. These individuals are referred to as unbanked. For the rest of us, less than one-half of the banked population are eligible for lending. To extend the ability of banks to issue loans, smarter credit scoring solutions are evident. AI-based credit scoring is the most promising and relevant solution. Credit scoring evaluates how well a banks customer can pay and is willing to pay off debt. For banks and financial institutions, the benefits extend beyond expanding lending opportunities. AI-driven models can improve underwriting consistency, reduce manual processing time, strengthen portfolio quality, detect early signs of financial stress, and support more transparent and explainable credit decisions. It is important to recognise that AI should complementnot replacethe expertise of experienced bankers. Credit decisions will continue to require professional judgment, regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and customer understanding. AI provides richer information, while bankers provide context, experience, and accountability. Looking back at my years in banking, I often think about deserving borrowers whose applications were constrained by the limited data available at that time. Today, advances in artificial intelligence and consent-based financial data sharing offer an opportunity to make lending decisions that are both more inclusive and more informed. The future of credit lies in combining the wisdom of experienced bankers with the analytical power of artificial intelligence. Together, they can help financial institutions lend with greater confidence, expand access to credit for deserving customers, and build a more resilient and inclusive financial system. Introducing AI in Lending by Banks in Jammu & Kashmir Banks in Jammu & Kashmir have traditionally relied on conventional credit appraisal methods based on financial statements, collateral, credit history, and manual risk assessment. While these methods have served the banking sector for decades, they are often time- consuming, susceptible to subjective judgment, and may not adequately assess emerging borrowers such as startups, MSMEs, self-employed individuals, and customers with limited credit histories. The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a significant opportunity for banks in J&K to enhance the quality and growth of their advance portfolio. AI-driven lending models can analyse vast volumes of structured and alternative data, enabling faster, more accurate, and data-driven credit decisions. By identifying hidden risk patterns, predicting repayment behaviour, and detecting early signs of stress, AI can improve portfolio quality while reducing non-performing assets (NPAs). For J&K, where financial inclusion, agricultural finance, tourism, handicrafts, horticulture, and MSME financing play a vital role in economic development, AI can facilitate greater credit access to deserving borrowers who may otherwise be excluded under traditional appraisal methods. AI-powered credit intelligence can also automate loan processing, improve customer experience, strengthen fraud detection, and ensure continuous monitoring of borrower performance throughout the loan lifecycle. The transition from traditional lending to AI-enabled credit assessment should be implemented in compliance with the Reserve Bank of Indias regulatory framework, with adequate safeguards for data privacy, transparency, fairness, and human oversight. Rather than replacing credit officers, AI should function as a decision-support system that enhances the quality, consistency, and speed of lending decisions. By embracing AI-driven lending, banks in Jammu & Kashmir can strengthen credit risk management, expand lending to productive sectors, improve operational efficiency, and build a resilient, technology-enabled banking ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable economic growth in the Union Territory. The author is a former officer of J&K Bank, presently co-founder of a fintech startup Credistral AI specialising in AI Lending intelligence platform for banks and financial Institutions for credit products (www.credistral.com).

Tourism: Digital Innovations

Tourism has traditionally been a major contributor to the economy of J&K, as it is brimming with world-renowned destinations, scenic spots and cultural hubs. Today, the industry constitutes 7% of the UTs GDP, retaining its position as a consistent benefactor of economy. It plays a crucial role in uplifting hospitality, transport, food and retail industries, which employ around 11 lakh people. Since it is semi-structured and labour-intensive, the employment benefits percolate to rural communities who are solely dependent on tourism for their livelihood. Being a core sector, the industry demands a huge focus towards growth. This leads us to think about improvisations that can be incorporated to boost tourism. As this sector is not highly organised, there is a huge scope of interventions, especially technology-based, to improve operational efficiency and customer experiences. The topic can be contemplated from the perspective of a tourist, a tourism- related business and the Government. As a Tourist, travel planning and booking is mostly being conducted online today. There is ample potential for improvisations by way of offering seamless bookings, competitive tour packages and online help via chatbots supported by agentic AI. One can look at an enhanced platform wherein users can share their experiences, which acts as a baseline for destination evaluation by future tourists. Social Media being a forerunner of digital marketing, it can be leveraged properly to act as a tool for tourism promotion. Agencies can conduct frequent sentiment analysis to gauge the public mood and tweak their media campaigns accordingly. The biggest innovation that can be adopted by travel agencies is Hyper-personalisation. With an abundant availability of individual data, operators can come out with personalised offerings customised to an individuals interests, spending capacity and tour duration. Such targeted promotions lead to a higher conversion rate and customer attraction. Tour operators could engage recommendation engines to come out with person-centric tour suggestions, based on ones historical data and preferences. Another innovative idea is the usage of Augmented and Virtual reality, wherein a potential customer is shown a glimpse of the places intended for visit, which could support the tourists informed decision making. Nowadays we have digital twin - replica of a cultural/ heritage site wherein one can have an interactive experience and walkthrough, to reduce uncertainty about a planned tour. Hospitality industry can use existing data to understand user preferences and employ predictive analytics to forecast demand based on historical data and trends, which would help them in dynamic pricing based on expected hotel occupancy. Analytics could be further leveraged for overall destination management. The biggest potential and innovation has to be in the Governance segment. The administration needs to adopt innovative measures for upliftment of tourist destinations. Technical solutions could be employed for crowd and traffic management of destinations with high footfall, as crowd management is inherent to safety and security. Administration can also use innovative practices for environmental monitoring. Increased tourist activities lead to a tremendous ecological pressure and add to environmental degradation. We need to think in terms of Green tourism where tourism gets a boost without any harm to the fragile ecology of these tourist destinations. Although there have been several setbacks in the past, tourism continues to be the core contributor of J&Ks economy and a source of employment generation. There is a pertinent need for transformation in this industry by infusing innovative practices to help enhance the operational efficiency, improve customer experiences and thereby increase footfall. This creates a huge opportunity for technology startups to step in for such innovations. Increased digitisation would revolutionise the industry by improved interaction between tourists, service providers and administration. It could evolve as a key driver of growth and competitiveness by employing smart hospitality technology, sustainable tourism practices, and personalised guest experiences. The author is a technocrat with expertise in Data Analytics, Cyber Law and Digital Forensics. He is currently acting as consulting advisor/ mentor to several startups.

The anatomy of human decay

We are standing on a cliff, looking deep into the abyss, waiting for our own doom. We stand helpless. We freeze, as if we were statues: emotionless, yet full of emotions at the same time. We are confused. We pity ourselves and others. We read our stories backwards, and the bygone horrors come crashing down upon us. We feel like hypocrites. Our inner synchronisation feels lost. Between what we are and what we purport to be, an unbreakable, unshakable wall has risen. Scaling it feels like embracing death. We are dancing on the turf of our own destruction. We are blind to it. Everything that once brought joy now feels monotonous. Anhedonia has taken over. Nihilism defines us. We are sick. We have developed diseases unknown to previous generations. The future, the past, and the present feel so intertwined that we can no longer define what time is. We have become spiritually poor, intellectually bankrupt, and emotionally weak. Resilience is now a memory. Integrity exists only in the annals of history. Being empathetic has come to mean cutting your veins open and watching yourself bleed to death. We have become so sensitive that our forefathers would have laughed in our faces. So unnecessarily pedantic that God Himself would make a mockery of us. We were given the ability to think, yet we have hijacked it and reshaped it to suit our indolence. Those of us who could see have willingly put on blinkers. They choose weakness. They decide their fate. They work towards it, only to be shocked when the inevitable jolts arrive. We offer our time, space, and emotions only to encounter disrespect on the other end. As if everything has been forgotten. Erased. Destroyed. And buried. As if humans are a means to an end, and never an end in themselves. Once they have served a specific function, they cease to exist. Until then, we leave no stone unturned to keep them close. No perspectives are exchanged. Even when they are, the emotional centre prevails, and in a fit of intensity, we eventually call it quits. We let words slip from our lips that burrow straight into another humans heart. We are selfish. We take sides. We are biased. We are clever enough to play with words. Intelligent enough to distort circumstances. We gaslight. We make others question their own sanity. We vanish. We appear. We reappear. We ghost. We are forgetting what it means to be human. We have perfected the science of connection, yet forgotten the art of belonging. We realise the world isnt a paradise, nor a wish-granting factory. We realise we are being fooled. We realise theres more ugliness in the world than our eyes can perceive. We can stoop to any level to achieve our ends. Wear any visage to hoodwink people into believing our sugarcoated nonsense. We are no longer a race of wise humans. We have become corrupt in every sense. Ugliness runs through our veins. We carry an irresistible urge to inflict pain on others, then act as though nothing happened. We help, but not truly. We perform acts of kindness. We take pride in displaying our philanthropy, as though we are bestowing mercy on others while death itself hangs heavily over our own shoulders. Some people drain the life out of others. They seem as though they were created on another, darker planet, and brought here to spread their poison, much like the moral allegory in Dostoevskys The dream of a Ridiculous Man. We are being tested. Those who still possess even a trace of humanity are often the ones who lose it all. Monsters surround them. Smell their goodness. Make them sick. And slowly, they lose themselves. We are no longer a race defined by selflessness and love. We categorise people and divide them into a hundred fragments. We no longer embrace those whose personalities differ from ours. We use them, then discard them like trash. We are heading towards a doom where we will spit at one another, and the only contest left will be deciding who is more cunning. But let me remind you: we were never this way before. We used to embark on a collective mission to seek one anothers welfare. We would rummage through each others utensils to find something to eat. We possessed receptive hearts, and our intentions were pure. We didnt measure people by race, ethnicity, wealth, social status, or cultural standards. Now? We have become too insensitive to bat an eyelid at our conduct. We no longer analyze ourselves; we analyze others. We preach wisdom but refuse to listen. We build new relationships while forgetting those who stood by us. We become career-driven while forgetting whom we hurt or what mistakes we make along the way. We zoom in on ourselves at the expense of zooming out towards others. Nothing is more painful than witnessing people divided into two sharp contrasts: one characterized by selfishness, cruelty, volatility; the other by empathy, introspection, and sensitivity. Misunderstandings arise from both ends, yet it is always the latter who suffer more. They lower themselves by becoming dependent on the moods of others. In truth, they are often the more intelligent ones, for they detect patterns long before everyone else. Yet they are too afraid to draw boundaries and spare themselves from heartbreak. Seen closely, we are all suffering. Yet the suffering you deliberately inflict upon others is a crime that inevitably finds its way back to you. Gods reckoning always stands due. And we remain helpless before it. In this age of instant choosing and effortless discarding, it is always the good heart that suffers most. But it remains a good heart, nonetheless.

Shelter and Storm

Some books arrive at the right moment; others wait patiently until life prepares us to read them. I began working on this piece in early April, but a tragedy that struck our family later that month forced me to leave it unfinished. Honestly, I was gone blank. Every time I opened my laptop with the intention of completing the draft, I found myself unable to write. I simply did not have the courage. The person around whom our lives revolved is no longer with us, and the silence left behind made every word feel unbearably heavy. Today, however, I gathered some strength to return to my desk and continue where I had left off. With a heart still carrying grief, I write about Mother Mary Comes to me- a bittersweet mother-daughter tale. It was a rainy afternoon back in 2018 when one friend handed me the copy of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, when after a brief hiatus we met over a delicious cup of coffee to have our usual discourse on art and literature going. When I first cracked open The God of Small Things I felt like stepping into Keralams sultry monsoon-humid, tangled and alive with secrets. It wasnt just a novel it was a dream where the air hummed with the scent of old river water and forbidden love. The novel pulled me under its spell and opened a new horizon where I embraced the words of Roy like a surgeons scalpel. It remains one of the most heart wrenching and memorable books I have ever read. It left me gasping for breath. It opened a new world for me and soon after I finished reading all of her works. Recently it was a privilege to get to read her newly published memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me- an intimate and intoxicating work that not only gives a glimpse into the life of the author herself but also into her tumultuous relationship with her mother, her gangster, Mary Roy whom the author called my shelter and my storm. That duality runs through every page. The memoir is not a confession but a confrontation. A beautiful dialogue between mother and daughter, between history and its witness, between love and defiance, inheritance and exile. Arundhati Roy writes with a sage like calm and composure, bruising through the life of her teacher, activist, litigant, and survivor mother- Mary Roy, the heart and soul of this memoir. Reading it I found myself constantly going back to the stray passages from The God of Small Things and found in them a deeper emotional resonance and humour that I had missed previously. Mary Roys life has been regarded as legendary. Her successful legal battle for womens inheritance rights in Kerala (now Keralam) reshaped Indian law. Her founding of Corpus Christian School transformed the dream of young Indian girls into reality. The spirit she instilled in the young minds was nothing short of a revolutionary. She gave them spines, she gave them wings and she set them free. She bequeathed her unwavering attention and her stern love on them, and they shone back at her. She was the burning flame of courage and defiance. She lit their path and showed the way. Mrs Roys discipline was uncompromising her ambition cataclysmic. She became the maternal figure-nurturing yet coercive, visionary yet intolerant of dissent. Between her bouts of rage Mrs Roy backed her daughter, and if Mrs Roy backed her then nothing was impossible. She could be anything she wanted to be. Such was the charisma of Mrs Roy. As she writes in the memoir, The world was too ridiculous for me to remain too sad for too long. Mary Roys childhood memories, marked by authoritarian control, domestic abuse, and emotional suppression shape her adult personality. Her failed marriage, financial instability and social stigma further deepen her emotional stubbornness. This unhealed trauma shows up in her parenting style by replacing tenderness with discipline, ambition replacing emotional reassurance and criticism becoming a tool of control. This fractured structure mirrors the psychic cost of surviving in a world that insists on coherence when truth itself is a chaotic. Mother Mary Comes to Me is full of fearlessness. It is a practice one repeats. Each chapter bears the quiet courage of someone who understands that truth once spoken with candor cannot be gathered back. It was a journey of rediscovering Roy; I also hold a soft spot for Mary Roy-a woman who derived joy from her career and perhaps, not meant for the nurture and care expected of motherhood. What I enjoyed most about the book is that, it reveals more about Arundhati Roy than her mother. Arundhati Roy: a person who is courageous, brave, angry, kind hearted, insecure and extraordinarily human. Arundhati Roy refuses the moral script designated for women. The corollary to son-worship. The land where sons must be given more than daughters, more of everything-love, money, education and inheritance. The land of infanticide and female foeticide, in which millions of daughters are done away with even before they are born, and few just after. To precisely put, a land that glorifies mothers who produce and then glorify their sons. She insists that intellect and insubordination can coexist. Her voice is both her weapon and wound. That insistence is what makes the memoir revolutionary. In an age of fleeting attention, Arundhati Roy offers permanence-not in fame, but in fidelity to truth. As she writes in the memoir; For me the safest place in the world is also the most dangerous. This encapsulates the emotional heart of the memoir. Roy is honest about pain, resentment and complexity in this memoir. Roy does not hide the emotional trauma she experienced. Her transition from resentment to empathy shows how the author matures as her perspectives shift. Long after I had finished reading the book, one sentence continues to echo in my mind, she was my shelter she was my storm. It is more than a daughters description of her mother; it is the emotional axis around which the entire memoir revolves. Within those few words lies the complexity of every enduring relationship- the strange truth that those who offer us our deepest sense of belonging are often the very people who leave us carrying our deepest wound. Mother Mary Comes to Me is a victory lap for an activist and educator who devoted her entire life to imagining and building a smarter and healthier India but most of all its a beautiful peek into a fascinating person, told with Roys signature wit, candour and whimsical charm. The memoir is a treasure for those who are fans of Roy, and an intensely readable, charming introduction for those unfamiliar with her works. The author hails from Keran Valley of Kupwara District.

The Morning that changed history

On 6 August every year the world pauses to remember a single morning that changed the course of human history. At 8:15 a.m. on that day in 1945 an American B-29 bomber dropped the first atomic bomb used in war on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. In a flash brighter than the sun the city was destroyed. Tens of thousands of people died instantly. Many more suffered burns, injuries and radiation sickness that killed them in the days, weeks and months that followed. By the end of 1945 the death toll stood at around 140,000. This is why 6 August remains important. It marks the first time nuclear weapons were used against human beings, and it forces us to face what such power can do. What happened that morning was both sudden and total. Hiroshima was a busy city of about 250,000 people. It held military offices and factories, but most of those living there were ordinary civilians. They were going to work, walking to school or starting their daily routines when the bomb exploded. The blast flattened buildings across a wide area. Fires spread rapidly. People closest to the centre were vaporised. Others died under collapsed houses or from severe burns. Survivors later described a city reduced to ashes and silence, filled with the injured and the dying. The price paid by ordinary people The cost of this ending fell heaviest on common people. For years Japans leaders had pursued territorial ambitions across Asia. They sought control over resources and land through military expansion. This policy brought war with China, with Western powers and eventually with the United States. Ordinary Japanese citizens had little say in these decisions. They endured shortages, conscription and the constant threat of bombing. When the atomic bombs fell, it was these same citizens who paid the highest price. Clerks, shopkeepers, mothers, children and factory workers died or suffered for ambitions they did not create and could not stop. The same pattern appears in many wars. Leaders set goals of territory and power. The people who live under those leaders often become the ones who suffer most when those goals lead to conflict. Hiroshima makes this truth impossible to ignore. The civilians who died or carried lifelong injuries were not the ones who planned the expansion into Asia or ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor. They were simply living their lives when the consequences of those policies arrived in the most destructive form yet known. What history teaches us History shows that territorial ambition rarely stops at borders. It creates cycles of violence that draw in whole populations. Japans drive for a greater empire in Asia produced resistance, then full-scale war, and finally the destruction of its own cities. The United States, facing a long and costly invasion of Japan, chose to use a new and terrible weapon to force a quick end. Both sides operated under the pressures of total war. Yet the people on the ground in Hiroshima had no part in the high-level choices that brought the bomb to their city. Their lives became the means by which larger aims were pursued. This is one of the clearest lessons of 6 August. When nations chase power through force, the human cost is rarely borne by those who make the plans. History also teaches that once a new weapon is used, the world cannot return to the way things were before. The atomic bomb introduced a scale of destruction that no earlier technology matched. A single bomb could do what once required hundreds of aircraft and many days of attack. This changed the nature of war and the risks of future conflict. The knowledge that such weapons exist has shaped international relations ever since. It has led to efforts at arms control, to treaties, and to ongoing debates about whether nuclear weapons make the world safer or more dangerous. The events of 6 August stand as a permanent warning about the dangers of unlimited power in human hands. Another lesson is the importance of distinguishing between governments and the people they rule. The civilians of Hiroshima were not the architects of Japans wartime policies. Many had simply tried to live their lives under difficult conditions. Their suffering reminds us that the consequences of political and military decisions often fall on those least able to influence them. This truth applies beyond 1945. In every conflict, ordinary people continue to bear the heaviest burdens when leaders prioritise territory, prestige or victory above human lives. A warning that remains Remembering 6 August is not only about looking backward. It is about recognising the patterns that still exist. Ambition for land and influence has driven conflicts throughout history and continues to do so. The difference today is that the weapons available are far more powerful. Hiroshima showed what can happen when those weapons are used. It showed the speed with which a city and its people can be destroyed. It showed the long aftermath of radiation and trauma that survivors carried for decades. The day remains important because it asks difficult questions that have not been fully answered. How should wars be ended when the alternatives involve great loss of life? What limits should exist on the weapons nations are willing to use? How can societies protect ordinary people from the results of decisions made far above them? These questions do not belong only to the past. They remain relevant as long as nations maintain nuclear arsenals and as long as conflicts over territory and power continue. The simplest and most lasting lesson is this: when territorial ambition and military power take priority, common people pay a price that cannot be measured only in numbers. That price is still worth understanding, and still worth preventing. Dr. Harjeet Singh, Assistant Professor (History), Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab.

Study claims heavy metals found in Kashmirs water chestnuts

Srinagar, Aug 5:Water chestnuts harvested from Kashmir's lakes are accumulating heavy metals from polluted waters, a study has discovered. Dal Lake comes across as the most concerning, recording the highest overall contamination burden among the Valley's four major freshwater bodies.The significant research has been published in the journal Scientific Reports, part of the Nature portfolio. The researchers analysed water, lake sediments, and water chestnut (Trapanatans) plants from Dal Lake, Hokersar Wetland, Manasbal Lake, and Wular Lake. They examined eight heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), and chromium.The study found a clear pollution gradient, with urban-located Dal Lake showing the greatest overall heavy metal accumulation.This, interestingly was followed by Hokersar Wetland, also in a semi-urban location. Not just the waters, the study found heavy metals had entered the edible water chestnut fruits.This indicates that pollution in Kashmir's freshwater ecosystems has already begun moving into the foods consumed by people.Water chestnut acts as an efficient absorber of heavy metals from its surroundings, the study states.The contamination remains trapped in the plant's roots majorly, followed by the shoots and finally the edible fruits. Roots have the highest levels of heavy metals, and this strong root retention limits the movement of contaminants through the plant.However, it does not completely prevent them from reaching the edible portion.The presence of heavy metals in edible tissues indicates a potential pathway for contaminants to enter the food chain, the study notes. However, it is worth noting that not all metals pose the same risk.Iron and zinc made up the largest share of the total metal load in all plant tissues, as both are naturally abundant in the environment.These are also essential nutrients required for plant growth.The greater public health concern is the presence of much smaller amounts of toxic metals: cadmium and chromium. These were consistently detected in edible fruits. Unlike iron and zinc, these metals serve no biological function in humans.These can pose health risks due to their accumulation in human tissues over time and prolonged exposure.The researchers have emphasised the need for continued monitoring of heavy metal levels in water bodies. While the study measured contamination in the environment and the plant, it did not delve into the levels of these elements required to pose an anatomical risk in humans.Significantly, the study describes Dal Lake under the highest pollution pressure among the four water bodies studied.Resultantly, water chestnuts from Dal Lake accumulated the greatest overall heavy metal load in roots, shoots and fruits. Another major scientific finding from the study is regarding the water chestnut plants.These have been found to readily concentrate metals from water, thus having the potential to serve as an effective biological indicator of pollution.Ironically, the same ability that allows water chestnut to absorb pollutants, thus a possible phytoremediation specie.These plants allow the natural removal of contaminants from water bodies. Researchers are of the opinion that the plant could tbe useful both for monitoring pollution and helping in its bioremediation.However, as an edible plant, its metal levels need to be monitored by food safety authorities.The researchers are of the opinion that in view of the elevated cadmium levels in chestnuts from Dal Lake, their consumption must be limited. This, until pollution control and remediation measures are implemented.The study makes it amply clear that wastewater treatment in Kashmir is almost inexistent. Untreated sewage and agricultural runoff enters lakes and pollutes not just the waters but its flora and fauna as well.The findings also raise questions about lotus stem (nadru) harvested from Kashmirs lakes. Nadru forms an more popular part of Kashmirs menu. A separate study published last year had found that lotus plants grown in Dal Lake also accumulate heavy metals. Most metals were retained in underground tissues. However, these findings point to the need of monitoring heavy metal levels in plants and plant products harvested from water-bodies of Kashmir, where effluents and wastes enter water without any treatment.

Cloudburst triggers surge in Kulgam streams

Srinagar, Aug 5:A cloudburst in south Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday triggered a sudden rise in water levels in streams and rivulets, sending mud and boulders downstream and prompting authorities to issue a caution as the Meteorological Department forecast more rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days. Residents in Nandimarg said the cloudburst caused a sharp increase in the flow of water in Namlannallah and other small streams, triggering panic among people living in nearby areas. The sudden surge carried debris, including mud and rocks, raising fears of flash floods and damage to agricultural land. Muhammad Akram, a farmer from the area, said the rapidly rising water levels had alarmed residents. The flow of water increased suddenly after the cloudburst. We fear it could damage our farmlands if the rain continues, he said. Residents said many people living close to the streams came out of their homes as a precaution after witnessing the sudden rise in water levels. However, there were no immediate reports of any loss of life or major damage to property. An official said district authorities and disaster management teams were monitoring the situation and keeping a close watch on vulnerable locations. People residing near streams, nallahs, and low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid venturing close to overflowing water channels, the official said. The incident comes amid a fresh spell of wet weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at many places between August 6 and 8, with the possibility of brief intense showers at isolated locations. The weather office said a more active spell is expected between August 9 and 11, when most parts of J&K are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, while a few districts could witness heavy rainfall or brief spells of intense showers. Light rain and thundershowers are also likely at many places between August 12 and 15, the department said. The MeT Department warned that heavy rainfall and intense showers expected on August 5 and during August 9-11 could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas. It advised residents, particularly those living near rivers, streams, and hilly slopes, to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the local administration. A cloudburst also struck the Dazna and Lachipora areas of Uri in north Kashmir on Tuesday evening, causing a local stream to overflow and inundate several nearby structures, officials said. The cloudburst occurred around 6 pm. However, no casualties or injuries were reported, while the damage to property was minor, according to officials.

US-Iran talks progress, oil prices fall

New Delhi, Aug 5:Efforts to resolve the US-Iran standoff have entered a very progressive stage, with draft proposals for a possible agreement now being circulated, according to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, as hopes grow for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Qatar said there are still no direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran, but diplomatic efforts are advancing through intermediaries. Qatar's Emir also held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump to discuss ways of bridging differences between the United States and Iran. Adding to the optimism, US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen very soon and warned that Iran would be hit very hard if it failed to cooperate. Speaking to Fox News during a visit to California, Trump said the two sides were engaged in very good discussions and insisted that Iran was keen to reach an agreement to end months of tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations had made progress, although ot finality, expressing hope that commercial shipping through the Strait could resume shortly. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also voiced optimism, saying an agreement to reopen the waterway could be reached oday or tomorrow, describing it as a move towards restoring freedom of movement through the strategic passage. Iran, however, has denied holding direct negotiations with the United States. Tehran said it was instead engaged in discussions with Oman, which is acting as a mediator. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the talks with Oman on a new mechanism for vessel movement through the Strait as positive. Qatar, another key mediator, said diplomatic efforts were continuing, although no direct US-Iran talks were currently planned. Iran is also seeking temporary arrangements through talks with Oman that would allow Tehran to manage a shipping route through the Strait for up to three months, according to an official. The US military, meanwhile, said the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international commercial shipping. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz remains free and open for all commercial vessels seeking to transit the international waterway. Despite the diplomatic optimism, security concerns remain high. CNN reported that the US military has depleted nearly 80 percent of the interceptor missiles used in a key air defence system, leaving Pentagon stockpiles dangerously low. Separately, a cargo vessel reportedly lost power in the Strait of Hormuz after earlier being struck by an unidentified projectile. The improving diplomatic outlook weighed on global oil markets. Brent crude prices fell nearly 5 percent on Tuesday to below $80 a barrel, their lowest level since July 13, before extending losses by another 0.7 percent in Asian trading on Wednesday. US West Texas Intermediate crude also dropped more than 5 percent to around USD 76 a barrel. The BBC reported that hopes that shipping through the Strait could resume soon eased fears of supply disruptions in one of the world's most important oil transit routes. However, it cautioned that previous attempts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran had collapsed, keeping global energy markets volatile and contributing to higher fuel prices for consumers.

Centre will bolster cooperative institutions in J&K: Amit Shah

Jammu, Aug 5:Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday asserted that the Centre was complementing the efforts of the J&K administration through a multi-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening the viability, governance and operational capacity of cooperative institutions. He stated that as on July 15, 2026, 1,611 new cooperative societies were registered in Jammu and Kashmir, comprising 232 multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACSs), 1,339 Dairy Cooperative Societies and 40 Fishery Cooperative Societies. Further, 760 existing Dairy Cooperative Societies and one Fishery Cooperative Society have been strengthened, Shah informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to the question of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sat Paul Sharma. Sat Sharma asked if the central government prepared a roadmap to revive non-functional cooperative societies in Jammu and Kashmir; the financial and administrative measures taken to strengthen cooperative institutions in remote and border areas and the initiatives undertaken to strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Shah stated that to facilitate objective and continuous assessment of cooperative societies, the Ministry of Cooperation launched the Cooperative Ranking Framework on January 24, 2025 and shared it with the States and UTs. This framework provides standardized parametersincluding audit compliance, financial performance, and operational activitiesthat enable the State Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) to conduct independent assessments and take necessary steps to strengthen societies at the State, district, and block levels. Revival of non-functional cooperative societies is undertaken by the respective state governments and UT administrations in accordance with the applicable Cooperative Societies Acts, Rules and bye-laws. Further, the Ministry is complementing the efforts of the UT Administration through a multi-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening the viability, governance and operational capacity of cooperative institutions. The measures include computerization and digital profiling of PACS; adoption of model bye-laws enabling PACS to undertake more than 25 business activities; formation of new multipurpose PACS, dairy and fishery cooperative societies in uncovered areas; capacity building and business diversification; and institutional support through the sub-office of the National Cooperative Development Corporation in Jammu and Kashmir, Amit Shah asserted. He stated that the Union Territory of J&K was also included within the operational framework of the Sardar Patel Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited to facilitate organized milk procurement, modern dairy practices and improved market linkages. Under the centrally sponsored project for computerisation of PACS, according to Shah, functional PACS are being brought onto a common ERP-based national software to improve transparency, accounting, governance and operational efficiency. In Jammu and Kashmir, 708 PACS have been sanctioned for computerisation. As on July 15, 2026, hardware has been provided to 537 PACS, which have also been onboarded on the ERP platform and declared as e-PACS. Training programmes are also being conducted for PACS functionaries on governance, ERP operations, preparation of business plans, convergence with government schemes and diversification of activities, Shah informed. Further, PACSs, according to the Union Minister of Cooperation, are being enabled to function as Common Service Centres (CSCs) and agricultural-input service centres to improve access to digital services, banking, insurance and agricultural inputs in remote and border areas. Linkages are also being facilitated with national-level cooperative societies engaged in exports, organic products and quality seeds, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said.

Resolved to dismantle terror network: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Aug 5:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to 37 Next of Kins (NoKs) of civilians who were brutally killed by terrorists. He said it is a profound honour to stand with the families of terror victims on this historic day and it is not merely about appointment letters but it is about remembrance of martyrs, justice to terror victim families, and the reaffirmation of our national will. My heartfelt tribute to the innocent civilians martyred by terrorists and I salute the families who, after decades of anguish and wait, now hold appointment letters that restore dignity and livelihood. For several decades, the pain of terror victim families remained unacknowledged, their wounds unseen. Terrorism tore apart homes and cast futures into uncertainty. No statistic can capture the anguish and suffering of the terror victim families. The pain lives in memories and in the quiet endurance of those who carried on despite unbearable loss. Todays appointment letters are not just documents of employment but they are symbols of social justice, recognition and the nations solemn promise that its martyrs will never be forgotten, nor their families abandoned, LG Sinha said. Our commitment is reflected in decisive action. After August 5, 2019, we have dismantled the terror ecosystem to a large extent, strengthened the law and order, restored equal rights and created opportunities that allow families to rebuild their lives with confidence. He said that the transformation witnessed today in J&K was due to the historic changes of August 5, 2019. That day marked a constitutional correction and a new beginning for J&K. Discriminatory barriers were removed, equal rights were extended to those who were suffering due to discriminatory laws. The principle of one nation, one flag, one constitution was fully implemented and one standard of dignity, justice, and opportunity for all the Indian citizens was upheld, the LG said, adding that under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi, the marginalised groups, tribals, displaced persons from PoK and Chhamb and refugees have received legal rights such as full citizenship, voting rights and ownership rights over property under the Constitution of India. Farmers and artisans are creating new opportunities. Our universities, colleges, research and incubation centres are preparing the new generation for global competition, he said. LG Sinha that the terror victim families receiving appointment letters today are among the many beneficiaries of this new order post abrogation of Article 370. Their cases, delayed for decades, have finally been addressed. This is not compensation for loss because no money, no job, no paper can replace a loved one. It is, however, an assurance that the nation stands beside them and we are determined to help rebuild lives and restore dignity, he said. The LG highlighted that due to Article 370 and 35-A, the terror ecosystem was operating with impunity and their aim was to fracture the society, spread fear and silence the hope and dream. After abrogation of Article 370, the attempt of neighbouring country and terror ecosystem operating in the valley was foiled. The people of Jammu Kashmir have chosen peace over violence, education over indoctrination, jobs over dependency, and dignity over despair. The young generation deserve a future free of fear and that is the future we are building together under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi, he said. Our work is about justice, development, and inclusion. LG Sinha said peace must be anchored in opportunity. A society that trusts its institutions becomes resilient against fear. A family that receives services without discrimination becomes a stakeholder in peace and progress. A youth empowered with education and employment is empowered to fight separatism and terrorism. Justice for terror victims is moving with speed and sincerity because it is a national obligation. No grievance is being ignored, no family will be left invisible. Justice delayed has caused enough suffering. Now justice to the terror victim families is timely, humane, responsive and consistent. This day also sends a message to the enemies of peace that terrorism cannot defeat a determined nation. Its handlers from across the border may conspire in darkness, but the light of justice will find them. Jammu Kashmirs future will be written by its youth, its workers, its farmers, its teachers, its women and all who believe in peace and progress, he said. The LG called upon people to remember this day as a turning point, when wounds of common man were acknowledged, suffering was met with swift action, equal rights were provided to all, discriminatory laws were revoked and the nation renewed its resolve to secure a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir. We are absolutely resolved to dismantle the terror network, to bring its perpetrators and enablers to justice and to secure for every citizen of J&K a life of peace, equality, and hope. Under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi, the shadows of discrimination lifted in 2019, ushering in a new era of social justice and inclusive development. Today, Jammu Kashmir is advancing with renewed confidence and all-around development is driving peace and prosperity, he said. By ending the system that bred discrimination and terrorism, the Honble Prime Minister NarendraModi made it clear that in Jammu Kashmir, lamps of prosperity would not burn only in a select few palaces but also in the huts of the poor. Today, after 33 years, a lamp has been lit in the home of martyr Wali Mohammad Wani of Shopian. On 16 July 1993, Wali Mohammad was killed by terrorists bullets. Today not only his family but the entire Shopian feels connected to the national mainstream. LG Sinha said that Industrial growth witnessed by Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 is unprecedented. Prime Minister NarendraModi has also fulfilled the decades-long dream of rail travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. In the financial year 2025-26, investment in Jammu Kashmir amounted to Rs 5,824 crore, which is 13 times the average investment in the period before 2021. Jammu Airport and Srinagar Airport are being expanded and connectivity is being further strengthened by GoI. Prime Minister NarendraModi is committed to double hydroelectric power generation by 2028, he said. Issuing a stern warning to conflict profiteers, the LG said that the days of those with corrupt intentions including individuals attempting to influence the system are officially over. He warned that anyone trying to cause disruptions will face severe consequences. Appointment letters were also handed over to 32 beneficiaries under Compassionate Appointment Rules SRO-43 and Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS). Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti; Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M Raju; IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, AnshulGarg; Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, Wajahat Farooq Bhat and other members of the Foundation, senior officials, members of various social organisations and family members of victims of terrorism were present.

Rajwar water project approved in 2012 finally set for commissioning after Chowdry Ramzan's intervention, Sajad Lone failed to complete it: NC

Kupwara, Aug 5: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Wednesday said that the long-pending Lower Rajwar Raw Water Main project, which is set to be commissioned after nearly a decade, was originally approved during his tenure as MLA Handwara in 2012 and accused MLA Handwara Sajad Lone of failing to complete the scheme despite remaining in office for years. In a statement, Ramzan said the project was sanctioned in 2012 to address the long-standing drinking water crisis in Lower Rajwar. However, after the 2014 Assembly elections, when Sajad Lone was elected as MLA Handwara, the scheme remained in limbo. I waited until the sitting MLA came into power for the second time in 2024, hoping that along with this project he would also complete the other unfinished works. After waiting for two years and seeing no progress, I took the initiative to ensure the completion of the projects which I had initiated but the sitting MLA failed to complete, Ramzan said. He said that after repeated representations from the residents of Lower Rajwar regarding the pending scheme, he personally took up the matter with the concerned Minister. Following my intervention, Superintending Engineer Shakeel-ul-Rehman and Executive Engineer Aijaz Ahmad were directed to expedite the work, while the required funds were also allocated to ensure completion of the project, he said. Ramzan claimed that the present Executive Engineer was purposefully posted to Handwara to ensure the completion of the Lower Rajwar Water Supply Project. He said the scheme was initially scheduled to be inaugurated by Jal Shakti Minister Javid Ahmad Rana, but the Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer sought an additional two months to complete the remaining work before commissioning. Ramzan further alleged that Sajad Lone had inaugurated the scheme in the Mawer area nearly four months ago despite the project being far from completion. The scheme was not even ten per cent complete at that time. I fail to understand the logic behind inaugurating an incomplete project, he said. Ramzan said the successful testing of the project marked a significant milestone and expressed hope that its commissioning would ensure a reliable drinking water supply to nearly 25,000 residents across 13 villages, including Dudipora, Bakiakher, Baderher, Budkot, Machipora, Khirman, Nabedzab, Nagranar, Baderkali, Bahadarpora, Goriakher, Wadipora and Lachipora. Launching a sharp attack on Sajad Lone, Ramzan alleged that several important developmental projects in Handwara had remained incomplete due to his failure to pursue them. If he could not even ensure the macadamization of the New Bus Stand Handwara, I was compelled to bring Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary to Handwara, following which more than 2 crore was sanctioned for the macadamization work, he said. He further alleged that the inaction of certain officials in the Jal Shakti Division Handwara and Ramhall had caused immense hardship to people across the Handwara constituency. People have suffered because of the inaction of some officials in the Jal Shakti divisions of Handwara and Ramhall. Those responsible will be held accountable, Ramzan said. He said the People's Conference should stop taking credit for projects completed through his efforts and instead acknowledge its failure to effectively represent the people of Handwara. Ramzan also expressed gratitude to Superintending Engineer Shakeel-ul-Rehman, Executive Engineer Aijaz Ahmad and contractor Iqbal Ahmad Tantary & others for their coordinated efforts in completing the long-pending project. He said their commitment and dedication had ensured that the scheme had finally reached the commissioning stage. Appealing to the people, Ramzan urged the public to assess why several developmental projects remained incomplete for years and hold those responsible accountable.

Inside Beijing's mind: How China really sees India

The relationship between India and China is strained by misinterpretations rooted in a tangled history and differing strategic aims. China sees India merely as a regional actor, while India views Chinese maneuvers through a historical prism of distrust and encirclement. References like 'Ah San' illustrate colonial prejudices. To reduce frictions, both countries need to confront their preconceived beliefs and enhance dialogue.

How India is rewriting the enterprise software playbook

India's enterprise software sector now competes globally on product quality and innovation. Experienced founders and engineers are actively investing in and mentoring new ventures. This environment fosters deeper technical products and unique operating models for success. Indian teams excel at forward-deployed engineering, solving complex customer integration problems. The focus is now on defining new categories rather than replicating existing ones.

FTAs must drive manufacturing, GVC integration and high-tech investment

A new committee will monitor India's free trade agreements and export barriers. It must also address import efficiency for competitive global value chain participation. The committee should examine tariffs and regulatory alignment for tech-intensive production.

UGC identifies 32 fake universities; Centre asks States, UTs to take legal action against them

New Delhi, Aug 05: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 fake universities across the country as per its list published in February 2026, and the central government has asked states and union territories to take legal action against such institutions, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. This information was given by Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. According to the Ministry of Education, the list of fake universities is available on the website of UGC at: https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/Fakeuniversity . The minister said that education is in the concurrent list and both the Central Government and the State Governments work together for development of education in India. University Grants Commission (UGC) periodically publishes a list of fake Universities in India. As per the latest list published in February, 2026, 32 institutions have been identified as fake Universities. He said the following actions have been undertaken by UGC with regard to self-styled or fake Universities: Issued clarifications/compliance letters/show-cause/warning notices to the fake institutions. Issued Public Notices on the UGC website to caution Students and Public at Large against such self-styled institutions. The minister said the letters have been issued to the Chief Secretaries, Education Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of the concerned States/UTs, requesting them to take suitable action against such self-styled fake universities/institutions and to register FIR against these self-styled educational institutions which are operating in violation of the UGC Act, 1956. Further, the Central Government has requested the Chief Secretaries of all State Governments and UT Administrations to take legal action for the closure of these institutions, and to take appropriate action against those involved in defrauding and cheating students by misrepresenting themselves as Universities, awarding degrees, and using the word University with their name. They were also requested to inform the Central Government/UGC of any other fake universities functioning in their States/UTs that are not included in the UGC's list of fake universities.

Govt committed to ensure internet remains free from unlawful, obscene content: Centre

New Delhi, Aug 05: The policies of the Government are aimed at ensuring an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet for its users, including women and children. The Government is committed to ensure that the Internet in India is free from any form of unlawful content or information, particularly vulgar and obscene content. Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules) together provide a comprehensive framework to deal with unlawful and harmful content in the digital space and impose clear obligations on intermediaries to ensure accountability. The IT Rules, 2021 casts due-diligence obligations on intermediaries, including social media intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to ensure that users of their computer resources do not host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any information that is obscene, pornographic, pedophilic, harmful to child, invasive of privacy, insulting or harassing on the basis of gender or violates any law for the time being in force. In case of failure of the intermediaries to observe the legal obligations as provided in the IT Rules, 2021, they lose their exemption from third party information provided under section 79 of the IT Act. They are liable for consequential action or prosecution as provided under any extant law. On 10th February 2026, the Government strengthened the regulatory framework by amending the IT Rules to address harms arising from synthetically generated information (SGI), including deepfakes and AI-generated content. As per the amendments, intermediaries and large social media platforms are required to deploy reasonable technical measures to prevent the creation and dissemination of unlawful AI-generated content, including content that is obscene, misleading, impersonating individuals, or harmful to children. Platforms are also obligated to report to appropriate authorities about the related offences under laws that mandates reporting such as Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, or the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched, as a part of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cybercrimes. NCRP includes provisions for reporting certain categories of cyber offences against women and children in an anonymous manner. Under the Report Women/Child Related Crime module, complainants may choose the Report Anonymously option, which allows submission of complaints without disclosure of personal identity details. NCRP has introduced a module titled as Report and Check Suspect to enable citizens to report suspicious website URLs, WhatsApp numbers/telegram handles, phone numbers, e-mail ids, SMS headers/numbers, deep fakes and social media URLs. The Government has released financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 132.93 crores under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme, to the States/UTs for their capacity building such as setting up of cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories, hiring of junior cyber consultants and training of LEAs personnel, public prosecutors and judicial officers. Cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories have been commissioned in 33 States/UTs and more than 24,600 LEA personnel, judicial officers and prosecutors have been provided training on cyber crime awareness, investigation, forensics etc. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs imparted Cyber Hygiene training to more than 2 lakh NCC, NSS & NYKS Students across the country. I4C has released Handbook for Adolescents/Students aimed at educating the students on the prevention of cybercrime and Cyber Security Handbook for Mahila Suraksha to promote awareness among women. The Government is implementing a project on Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) for generating human resources in Information Security and creating general awareness on various aspects of cyber hygiene & cyber security among the masses. The information was provided by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, in a written reply to a question asked by Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy in the Lok Sabha today.

Meta apologises over PM Modi post removal; admits money paid to boost content, govt sources say

New Delhi, Aug 5: Instagram and WhatsApp-owner Meta Platforms Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologised for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, as company executives acknowledged failures involving child sexual abuse content and deepfakes and admitted that a lot of money was paid for boosting a certain type of content, government sources said on Wednesday. Sources speaking after the US technology giant's global team led by its Global Affairs head Joel Kaplan met Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, admitted to lapses in the operation of the company's platforms. Before meeting Vaishnaw, Kaplan, who served in the administration of George W Bush, including as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy before joining Meta (then Facebook) in 2011, and his team held a separate discussion with IT Secretary S Krishnan. The meetings followed the government summoning the company's global leadership over the brief removal of Modi's Facebook post last month, which Meta had blamed on a technical glitch. While Meta officials did not offer any comments on the meeting, government sources said the Meta team apologised and expressed regret over the incident and over other content moderation failures. The sources said company executives also admitted that a lot of money was paid for boosting a certain type of content. They did not elaborate. Government sources said the Centre told Meta that it could not claim the status of a neutral intermediary under India's Information Technology Act because the company's algorithms actively curate, recommend and determine which users receive content, rather than merely hosting third-party material. On that basis, the government argued that Meta would not be entitled to the safe harbour protections available to intermediaries, which shield platforms from liability for user-generated content subject to compliance with the law. The sources said the issue was conveyed to the company's global leadership as part of the government's broader push for greater platform accountability. The government also questioned Meta over child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, safeguards for verified and prominent accounts, algorithmic bias and compliance with Indian law. Meta admitted that a lot of illegal content was promoted, and paid promotions were carried out for specific audiences, government sources said, adding that Meta will be called again. Meta was in the crosshairs of the government after temporarily restricting the Prime Minister's July 23 Facebook post, in which he addressed Indian youth and promised stringent action against paper leaks. Modi first posted the selfie video on Instagram. The video was later shared on Facebook. Meta later restored the post, attributing its removal to an error by AI-powered automated content filters, and apologised. Krishnan on Tuesday said that the government wanted to understand why Meta's systems had failed and what challenges the company faced in addressing such issues, and that platforms needed a clearer understanding of India's legal requirements and how they intended to ensure compliance. The government had rejected the explanation as inadequate, saying the issue involved not only technical shortcomings but also national security and public order. Meta had separately come under regulatory scrutiny after receiving a government notice last month over alleged child sexual abuse material in paid advertisements on Instagram. Also, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Wednesday sought an apology from Zuckerberg over the removal of Modi's Facebook post, warning in a letter that protection and immunity available to him could be withdrawn if no apology was forthcoming within three days.

Massive surge in water in Namlan, other streams after cloudburst in Nandimarg Kulgam

In Pictures: First-ever calligraphy art-based 40 Shikaras narrate valleys stories on Dal Lake

Srinagar, Aug 05: In a first-of-its-kind public art initiative, Asian Paints, in collaboration with St+art Foundation and XXL Collective, unveiled Aks-e-Kashmir, transforming the iconic wooden boats into floating works of art. (Photography by Mubashir Khan, for Greater Kashmir)

J&K govt amends pension rules for former legislators

Jammu, Aug 5: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has amended the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Members' Pension Rules, 1985, authorising the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to sanction pension and family pension for sitting and former Members of the Legislative Assembly as well as former Members of the erstwhile Legislative Council. The amendment, issued through a notification by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs under the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Members' Pension Act, 1984, substitutes the definition of Presiding Officer in the rules. See Notificatioin Click Here:

NC MP Chowdry Ramzan raises statehood issue in Rajya Sabha

Crime Branch files chargesheet in 17-year-old RTO Jammu revenue fraud case

Jammu, Aug 5: Completing the investigation into a 17-year-old case, the Crime Branch Jammu on Wednesday filed a chargesheet in the alleged RTO Jammu revenue fraud through manipulation of one-time token tax records and the use of fake Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driving certificates, an official said. The chargesheet was filed in the court of Additional Sessions Judge (Anti-Corruption) Jammu in a case registered in 2009 under various sections of Ranbir Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act, a spokesman of the Crime Branch said. He said the case was registered on the basis of reliable information regarding large-scale irregularities in the functioning of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Jammu, resulting loss to the government exchequer worth lakhs of rupees. During investigation, it was found that one-time token tax collected from vehicle owners was fraudulently recorded less amount in cash books, leading to the alleged misappropriation of over Rs 12.97 lakhs, the spokesman said. He said the investigation also unearthed the use of fake driving institute certificates, fabricated documents and forged attestations for obtaining Public Service Vehicles (PSV) driving licence endorsements. The investigation, supported by seized records, witness statements and the forensic opinion of FSL Jammu, established that fake PSV driving certificates were allegedly prepared in conspired manner by Kulbhushan Sharma, Managing Director of Shivam Institute of Driving and Maintenance, and Raj Kumar, the spokesman said. He said the beneficiaries stated that they had never undergone the mandatory training at the institute, despite certificates having been issued in their names. Investigation also revealed that records of the institute had been destroyed to conceal the fraudulent activities, the spokesman said.