Opinion

At least 5 dead after Amazon cargo plane barrelled off runway at Miami airport

The 32-year-old Boeing 767 was originally built to carry passengers and flew for several airlines for more than two decades before being converted to a cargo plane in 2015

Iran says plans to announce new 'exclusion zone' near Strait of Hormuz

The US has been introducing new measures to increase the economic pain on Iran after negotiations collapsed and no end to the intermittent fighting appears in sight

SBI to hire 12,000 personnel, add 250 branches in FY27: Chairman Setty

New Delhi, Sep 6: State Bank of India (SBI) plans to recruit around 11,00012,000 personnel and add 200250 branches to its network during the current financial year, Chairman C S Setty said. In terms of recruitment, I think we would be looking at around 11,000 to 12,000 appointments across both clerical and officer cadres this year, Setty told PTI in an interaction. The final number could vary depending on retirements and emerging requirements, he said, adding that the bank expects to close the financial year with around 12,000 recruitments. SBI had undertaken a significantly larger recruitment drive in 202526, hiring 25,633 personnel, including 4,640 officers, 19,340 associates and 1,653 contractual staff, according to the banks FY26 annual report. Setty said the lower hiring target this year was partly due to the bank having recruited a large number of specialist IT officers last year. Last year, we did fairly large recruitment because we took 1,500 specialist IT officers. This year, we do not need such a large number on the IT side, he said. With more than 2.45 lakh employees as of March 2026, SBI remains one of Indias largest employers. On branch expansion, Setty said the bank still sees scope to strengthen its physical presence despite its extensive network. There is still some white space in many areas; whether new colonies are coming up or even in commercially active districts, the bank's presence can be improved, he said. SBI is also undertaking rationalisation of its branch network, he said. As a result, the bank expects its net branch count to increase by around 200 to 250 annually. We also are looking at rationalisation of some of the branches, which means that our number broadly will be growing by maybe 200 to 250 per year on the net side, Setty said. On SBIs stake in the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Setty said SBI and its subsidiary SBI Capital Markets Ltd plan to collectively dilute up to 1 per cent of their holdings through the proposed NSE initial public offering. SBI plans to sell 0.65 per cent and SBI Capital Markets 0.35 per cent, he said, adding that the final stake sale could be lower if other shareholders also participate in the divestment. SBI currently holds a 3.23 per cent stake in NSE, while SBI Capital Markets holds 4.33 per cent. NSE received regulatory approval last week for its proposed Rs 30,000-crore IPO, which could become the largest IPO in India if completed at the proposed size. Setty said there was no immediate plan to monetise stakes in other SBI subsidiaries. In July, SBI and its foreign partner Amundi diluted around 10 per cent of their stake in SBI Mutual Fund, including the pre-IPO dilution. The Rs 11,675-crore issue was subscribed 41.66 times.

NH-144A: Land acquisition issues resolved to facilitate speedy work

In a significant initiative to accelerate the ongoing construction of the AkhnoorPoonch National Highway (NH-144A), Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma undertook an extensive field inspection of the road stretch from Sanjiot to Poonch, falling within the jurisdiction of Poonch District. He was accompanied by the officers from the District Administration and representatives from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other concerned agencies. The comprehensive field visit, as per an official statement, covered various locations where land acquisition, compensation and other administrative issues were resolved. The functionaries from BRO briefed the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration regarding the construction status, site constraints and locations where progress was being affected due to pending land acquisition and compensation matters. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the issues at each site and interacted with the affected landowners and other stakeholders. A large number of pending land acquisition and compensation-related cases were resolved on the spot, providing much-needed relief to the concerned landowners and simultaneously facilitating the handing over of obstruction-free stretches to the executing agencies. The field visit was particularly effective as all concerned administrative officers and field staff came fully prepared with relevant land records, acquisition files, compensation documents and other supporting records. This enabled the officers to examine the cases at the site itself, verify the available records, address the concerns of stakeholders and take appropriate decisions without unnecessary delay. The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned officers to maintain close coordination and adopt a proactive, time-bound approach towards resolving the remaining cases so that no avoidable administrative issue becomes a bottleneck in the construction of NH-144A.

Aryans law students get hands-on exposure to fingerprint analysis, forensic evidence

Bringing forensic science closer to the courtroom, Aryans College of Law, Rajpura, Near Chandigarh, organised an intensive hands-on workshop on Fingerprint Analysis: Evaluating Friction Ridge Evidence for Legal Purposes. The workshop gave LL.B., BA LL.B students practical insight into how fingerprints become crucial scientific evidence in criminal investigation and judicial proceedings. Jaswinder Singh, Assistant Professor, Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Amandeep Singh, Ballistics Division FSL, Mohali, Gurkirat Singh were the experts for the session. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, as per a statement, said that modern legal education must go beyond textbooks and court judgments. A strong lawyer should also understand the science behind evidence. Workshops like these help students connect law with forensic investigation, develop analytical thinking he said. Jaswinder Singh led the session as the special guest and resource person. He demonstrated the scientific basis of fingerprint identification, different friction ridge patterns, methods of developing and examining prints, comparison techniques and the evidentiary value of fingerprints. Students actively participated in discussions and practical exercises. Aryans College of Law has been consistently organizing legal aid camps, expert lectures, forensic workshops, moot activities and practical exposure programmes to prepare students for the evolving demands of the legal profession. The workshop concluded with an interactive question-answer session.

1,900 MT waste cleared in Poonch after NGT action

In a major development the Municipal Council Poonch has finally removed around 1900 Metric Tons-MTs of legacy waste dumped near Poonch river for the last 20 years. The action, as per a statement issued, was taken by district administration and MC Poonch after environmental activist and chairman J&K Climate Action Group -JKCAG Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat filed a case in the National Green Tribunal -NGT three years back. This was followed by the imposition of a huge penalty of Rs 2.71 crores under the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) last year. The municipal council had deposited Rs 25 lakhs in the account of the Deputy Commissioner Poonch and for recovery of the rest of the money the NGT had directed the auctioning of assets. It is believed that the Rs 25 lakh penalty amount would be used for restoration of the site and to set up an eco-park near the erstwhile garbage dumping site. The Deputy Commissioner of Poonch on NGTs orders this year in January had constituted an auction committee to sell municipal properties, including a community hall, to recover Rs 2.71 crore in environmental compensation imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The penalty was levied against the Poonch Municipal Council (MC) for persistent violations of environmental laws, including the unscientific dumping of solid waste near the Poonch River and failure to operationalize a waste management plant. Official records submitted to the NGT indicate that nearly 1900 metric tonnes of legacy waste remained untreated at the Shanti Nagar dumping site near Sher-e-Kashmir bridge and this waste was cleared in the last 2 months. Of the total fine, only Rs 25 lakh had been recovered until Jan 2026, leaving Rs 2.46 crore outstanding. The NGT had earlier imposed a personal cost of Rs 10,000 on the Deputy Commissioner in September 2024 for delays in recovering the amount. The waste has been cleared and dumped at some isolated location; now this waste should be properly remediated by a technical agency. The waste management plant should also be developed in the city plus municipality must collect waste in a segregated manner as per mandate of MSW Rules 2026. The govt must provide at least one dozen small load carriers , battery operated rickshaws to MC Poonch to make sure scientific waste management said Dr Raja Muzaffar the petitioner in the case Even after penalties were imposed on the MC Poonch and Deputy Commissioner, waste continued to be dumped near the sacred Poonch River, also known as Pulast Nadi. This was a clear violation of multiple environmental laws like EP Act 1986, MSW Rules 2026, Water Pollution Act 1974. It is great to know that MC Poonch has finally acted but we want NGT to continuously monitor the work until this issues is fully addressed said Advocate Shakir Parray, legal advisor of J&K Climate Action Group Members of J&K Climate Action Group who visited Poonch included Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Mir Mushtaq, Advocate Shakir Parray, Ajaz Sofi and Lokesh Sharma. The group visited the dumping site near the Poonch river and expressed satisfaction but wanted full implementation of MSW Rules 2016 in Poonch. They also visited the newly acquired site for the waste management plant along with the CEO of MC Poonch, Khaleel Banday. The chairman and members of JKCAG also expressed gratitude to their senior activist and district coordinator Poonch Lokesh Sharma for his steadfastness and commitment for clearing waste near Poonch river and providing all the technical inputs.

Complete ban ordered on VPN use across Doda

District Magistrate Doda Krishan Lal has ordered a complete prohibition on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the district, citing concerns over their alleged misuse to bypass lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content. The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following reports that certain individuals and groups were allegedly using VPN services to circumvent restrictions imposed on digital platforms. According to the order, such activities could potentially be exploited for unlawful and anti-national purposes, including dissemination of inflammatory or prohibited content, incitement of unrest and coordination of activities that may adversely affect public order, tranquillity and national security. The prohibition covers all individuals, institutions, cyber cafs, business establishments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within Doda district. However, exemptions may be granted in cases specifically authorised by the government through an official order. The District Magistrate warned that any violation of the order would invite legal action under the relevant provisions of law. Senior Superintendent of Police Doda has been directed to ensure strict implementation and enforcement of the order across the district. The move comes days after the administration in neighbouring Kishtwar district also imposed a ban on the use of VPNs, making Doda the latest district in the Chenab Valley to introduce such restrictions amid heightened concerns over the misuse of online platforms and digital services. Officials said the measures are aimed at preventing the circumvention of lawful restrictions and safeguarding public order and security.

Sadhotra dares LoP Sunil Sharma to face voters, prove BJPs standing in Jammu

National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra Sunday dared Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma to resign and seek a fresh mandate to gauge where the BJP stands in the Jammu region, which had given the party 29 seats in the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections. Sub-office of National Conference was inaugurated at opposite Hari Singh Park in Jammu City by Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Former Minister and Additional General Secretary National Conference and Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta. Interacting with media persons after inaugurating the National Conference Sub-office, Sadhotra, as per a statement, said the BJP had lost credibility and public confidence because of its anti-J&K and anti-people policies. To a question on the Leader of Oppositions unsolicited advice to the Chief Minister Omar to resign, Sadhotra questioned his credentials saying the BJPs contribution towards restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party had made commitments on the floor of Parliament and also given an assurance before the Supreme Court. What has the BJP done so far to fulfil its solemn commitment on statehood? he asked, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were waiting for the promise to be honoured. For this public cause, sitting Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah sat on Dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, he said adding this is first such protest signifying the issue involved. Sadhotra said that despite the BJP being in power at the Centre, the Business Rules for Jammu and Kashmir were yet to be cleared, which, he observed, was keeping the administration caught in a situation of uncertainty and dual control. The people are suffering because of dual governance. Democratic norms have been trampled upon and the elected government is being denied the space it requires to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively, he said. He said the situation had created a sense of disempowerment among different sections of society. The youth are looking for jobs and opportunities, women want security and economic empowerment, farmers need support and workers expect dignity and livelihood. Instead of addressing these concerns, the BJP is busy indulging in political rhetoric, he said. Sadhotra said the Leader of Opposition had no moral ground to question the performance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who, he said, was braving all odds to serve the people of both regions and all sub-regions of Jammu and Kashmir. It is easy to sit in opposition and make allegations. The real test is to seek the peoples mandate, he said, challenging Sharma to resign and contest an election to establish whether the BJP still enjoys the same support in Jammu that it claimed during the 2024 Assembly polls. Speaking to the reporters, Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta said the National Conference had accepted the peoples mandate with humility and was committed to working for the restoration of the rights, dignity and democratic institutions of Jammu and Kashmir. Gupta said the National Conference government was working under difficult circumstances and facing challenges arising from the existing constitutional and administrative arrangement. Despite these constraints, he said, the Chief Minister had remained accessible to the people and continued to raise issues concerning every region and section of society. Sadhotra and Gupta appealed to the party cadre to remain united, disciplined and connected with the people. The challenges before Jammu and Kashmir are serious and require a strong, committed and grassroots-oriented National Conference, he said. They exhorted the cadre to strengthen the organizational base of the party at every level and intensify public outreach. They said the newly inaugurated sub-office would provide an additional platform for workers and people to remain connected with the party and facilitate regular interaction on issues concerning the public. National Conference has a historic responsibility towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have to meet the present challenges with unity, courage and commitment, Sadhotra said. Prominent among those present on the occasion include Ayub Malik, Provincial Secretary, Pardeep Bali, Surjeet Singh Manhas, Chander Mohan Sharma, Naresh Bittu, Raghubir Singh Manhas, Ashok Attri, Rakesh Pargotra, Nahar Singh, Ayesha Gupta, Priyanka Dogra, Anju Dogra, Rita Gupta, Dilshada, Shallu, Bharat, Bhushan, Veerji Bhat, Jatinder Singh Lucky, Gurmeet Singh Jimmy, Sewak Singh, Ayesha Bhan, Sewak Singh, Sandesh Shan, Tariq Bhat, Bahadur Lal, Parvinder Singh, Anil Sharma, Rajesh Gupta, Nitish Goswami, Hamid Choudhary, Jatinder, Nadeem Choudhary, Ashanand, Anup Sharma, Farman Ali, Ashraf Ali, Tejinder Singh, Anoop, Satpal Karlopia, Shabir Samyal, Somraj Taroch, Amit Kumar Jimmy, Shakeel Ahmed Tony, Sandeep Manhas, Paramjeet Singh, Vishavdev, Subash, Davinder Singh, Tarsem, Gaurav Bhagat, besides a number of other senior leaders, office bearers and party workers.

You can't write own report card: Sibal slams PM's SRCC address

New Delhi, Sep 6: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech at SRCC, saying he cannot write his own report card and it is the people who will do so. Sibal, who is also a senior advocate, criticised the prime minister for his remarks that he gave a dose of homoeopathy from the Red Fort, and said the truth is that the students have decided that nothing is going to be cured by this homoeopathy. You also made a strange statement. In a way, you referred to the poor students who were protesting at Jantar Mantar as 'Dimagi Naxals' and remarked that you gave them homoeopathic medicine, Sibal said at a press conference. This is not right... you are the prime minister of this country; is it correct that students are beaten by your police, and the young women and girls who were there are beaten and dragged... were you giving them homoeopathic medicine? the Independent Rajya Sabha MP said. Sitting on such a high post, using such words does not befit the prime minister, Sibal said. The illness plaguing this country can only be cured by surgery because homoeopathy has no cure for it. And after surgery, they need allopathy, he said. In his remarks at the centenary celebrations of Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on Saturday, Modi had said that today, compared to 2013, the country is far more secure economically and socially. But seeing this, some people's restlessness and frustration are increasing. You must have heard my speech on 15th August. For such people, I gave a dose of homoeopathy from the Red Fort, a small homoeopathy pill. And you know, they say the nature of homoeopathy is that when you start the medicine, at first the illness flares up even more. That is the nature of homoeopathy. So from the Red Fort I gave a homoeopathy pill, 'Dimagi Naxal', Modi said. As I said, first it flares up the illness for some time, and then begins the cure. In the same way, as soon as I gave the Dimagi Naxal pill, all the Dimagi Naxals started coming out. And those who are promoting this illness, now the public is seeing their true colours too, he said. Sibal said he did not understand how the prime minister presented his own report card among the students Now, my understanding is that if a student's report card is to be written, it is not written by the student themselves, but by the teacher. If I am the government and I write my own report card, that simply does not make sense. Prime minister, we will write your report card; you cannot write your own report card. It is quite a unique capability of yours that you write your own report card, Sibal said.

Thanamandi locals protest alleged healthcare deficiencies at sub-district hospital

Protests over alleged poor healthcare services at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Thanamandi continued for the third consecutive day, with civil society members and locals holding a candlelight march in the town on Saturday evening. The protesters raised slogans against the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Health and Medical Education Department, alleging that the vital healthcare facility in the remote subdivision has been functioning without adequate manpower and essential medical services. The protests were triggered following the death of Shokat Ahmed Shawl, a noted socio-political leader and civil society member from Thanamandi, who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. Locals have alleged that Shawl was not provided medical first aid after reaching SDH Thanamandi and was instead referred immediately, claiming that the delay in providing emergency care contributed to his death. The allegations, however, are yet to be independently established. During Saturday's candlelight march, protesters demanded immediate sanctioning of vacant and required posts of doctors and other healthcare staff at the hospital, besides strengthening its manpower and medical infrastructure. They alleged that despite the importance of SDH Thanamandi for a large and geographically difficult area, the hospital continues to face an acute shortage of doctors and other essential staff. SDH Thanamandi is merely running on papers while the lives of people are at stake, protesters alleged, demanding immediate intervention from the government and the Health Department. Protesters also raised slogans against Thanamandi MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, alleging that although the MLA visited the hospital, he did not meet the agitating locals to hear their grievances. The protesters warned that the agitation would continue until concrete measures are taken to improve healthcare services and strengthen the hospital's manpower and infrastructure.

Opposition in India today mirrors 'naraz fufa': BJP chief echoes PM Modi's jibe

New Delhi, Sep 6: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Nitin Nabin on Sunday took the araz fufa jibe at opposition parties, saying that no matter how much they resist the country's progress, the resolve to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047 will be fulfilled with people's support. This came a day after Prime Minister Modi asserted that India is not only growing at 7.8 per cent but also creating employment opportunities despite wars and disruptions, demonstrating the country's strength, and said that those responsible for pushing the economy into the fragile five cannot digest it. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Hindi on Saturday, Modi used the folksy analogy of 'naraz fufa' (disgruntled uncle) to target the Opposition, saying such egative people's favourite activity is to oppose every initiative taken by the government in public interest. All of us have seen such individuals, within a family or in society, who remain perpetually dissatisfied and are incapable of even conceiving, let alone pursuing, a positive path forward. It is precisely these people whom he (PM) described as naraz fufa, the BJP chief said. Nabin asked the opposition leaders why they are angry and upset when India is progressing, Tiranga is hoisted at Kashmir's Lal Chowk since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and Naxalism is being completely eradicated at the grassroots levels. We can see that the very slogans with which you remained in power for long, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled them. As many as 25 crore families were pulled out from below the poverty line. You are upset about this too, the BJP president said. Nabin alleged that inability to bear the sight of India's development or the advancement of its heritage and culture has become the defining character of the Opposition because they continue to remain fixated on their self-interest and personal prestige. The position of the Opposition in India today mirrors that of the 'naraz fufa' within a family, he added. However, I want to state clearly that we will fulfil the prime minister's vision and the resolve of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Today, 140 Indians have set out with this dream. No matter how much you oppose or express displeasure, we will not let India's development come to a halt, Nabin, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, said Together with the country's 140 crore citizens, we will fulfil the resolve of 'Viksit Bharat', the BJP chief added.

NH-44 remains open for 2-way traffic

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Sunday, with vehicular movement continuing along the Udhampur-Banihal corridor despite slow movement at several vulnerable stretches. Traffic authorities said movement was particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur district, where a nearly 3040-metre stretch of the highway was damaged following recent rainfall. The affected portion has developed an uneven surface and undulations, prompting traffic regulation through a single lane. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery at the site and is carrying out restoration work to repair the damaged portion and restore smoother vehicular movement. Meanwhile, restoration work is also under way on the Srinagar-bound tube at Dewal, where rainfall-induced erosion has affected the road at two to three locations. Traffic is being regulated through single-lane passages at these points to minimise congestion and ensure the safety of commuters. In Ramban district, traffic remained regulated along the MaroogKishtwari Pather stretch, where vehicles continued to negotiate restricted single-lane sections amid ongoing road construction, widening and improvement works. Intermittent slowdowns were reported at construction zones and other vulnerable locations. Officials at the Traffic Control Unit (TCU), Ramban, said the highway continued to remain open and traffic was being regulated through available carriageways. Traffic personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points to manage vehicular movement and prevent congestion. Authorities cautioned that the highway remains vulnerable to sudden disruptions in case of fresh rainfall, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones or further road damage. Motorists have therefore been advised to check the latest traffic status before embarking on their journey and strictly follow instructions issued by traffic authorities. Passenger and LMV operators travelling between Ramban and Banihal have been advised to prefer daylight travel and avoid unnecessary night journeys, particularly through vulnerable stretches where shooting stones, landslides and mudslides may pose risks. Motorists have also been urged to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving and refrain from stopping unnecessarily at sensitive locations, as such violations can further aggravate congestion on already restricted sections. Meanwhile, in view of ongoing widening work on the DigdoleKhooni Nallah section, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers continues to remain restricted during daytime hours. Under the prevailing traffic advisory, such tankers are permitted to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) operators have been directed to strictly adhere to prescribed loading limits, avoid overloading and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy. Transporters have also been advised to carry sufficient fuel in view of possible delays caused by traffic regulation, construction activity, road repairs and adverse weather. Traffic authorities have urged commuters and transporters to remain updated through the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar and follow the latest advisories before undertaking journeys on NH-44. Officials reiterated that the highway remains operational but requires cautious driving and strict compliance with traffic regulations, particularly at vulnerable and construction-affected stretches, to ensure safe and smooth movement.

Iran claims strike on US ship in Strait of Hormuz, but US denies it

Cairo, Sep 6: Iran said Sunday it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that the US military dismissed as a total lie. The purported attack came a day after the US military said forces struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Navy warships being targeted with ballistic missiles. Experts called it a dangerous escalation after Iran's previous attacks at sea targeted commercial shipping. The war began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. But since a fragile ceasefire agreement was announced in June, on-and-off fighting has persisted, with both sides trying to inflict military and economic pain as negotiations have collapsed. Strikes came about a week after fighting resumed The United States and Iran resumed attacks last week, following a month of relative calm, with the Strait of Hormuz and areas along Iran's southern coast again being targeted. At least five people were killed earlier in the week during a US bombardment that returned attention to the area where a school was hit in the war's opening strikes. The Trump administration appears to have adopted a dual-prong approach to the conflict, responding militarily to attacks on the strait while going after foreign financial institutions that handle Iran's money. But Tehran's hard-line new senior leaders have signalled a willingness to dig in after weathering decades of sanctions. Iran has found ways over the years to circumvent sanctions, and now a US blockade of its ports, and get its oil to buyers to help ease growing economic pressures. That relies in part on a shadow fleet transporting its oil. US says million barrels of oil a day pass through the strait Tehran's new leverage focuses on the Strait of Hormuz that is crucial to global oil and natural gas shipments. It was seen as an international waterway before the war began.

1 in 3 J&K women overweight or obese; childhood obesity also rising

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a growing obesity burden, with more than one in three women aged 1549 now classified as overweight or obese, while obesity is also being reported among children and adolescents. According to the sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), released by the Union Health Ministry in May this year, 36.7 percent of women and 27.1 percent of men aged 1549 in J&K are overweight or obese. At the national level, the corresponding figures are 30.7 percent for women and 27.3 percent for men. The survey also found that 3.5 percent of girls and 2.6 percent of boys aged 517 in J&K are obese, pointing to an emerging health concern that extends beyond adulthood. The findings were discussed at the recent JK Obesity Summit, held as part of MMFDIACON-2026 in Srinagar, where experts warned that obesity can no longer be viewed solely as a matter of individual lifestyle choices. Prof SM Saleem Khan, former Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, said the growing prevalence of obesity was being driven by an obesogenic environment in which unhealthy food choices have become increasingly accessible and affordable, while opportunities for physical activity have declined. He said the availability, affordability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed and calorie-dense foods, combined with sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, dependence on transport and changing urban environments, were influencing both food consumption and physical activity. The food choices have no longer remained confined to individual willpower or lifestyle choices, Khan said, pointing to the influence of food availability, affordability, marketing, urban design and screen time on consumption patterns. He said socioeconomic conditions were also contributing to the risk of overweight and obesity. In J&K, changing food habits are intersecting with rapid urbanisation and increasingly sedentary routines, creating an environment where people are encouraged to choose food that is readily available and requires little effort to consume, while spending more time sitting and using screens. Khan said obesity could not be addressed through clinical treatment alone. Obesity is a problem that clinics alone cant fix, he said, arguing that no healthcare system could treat its way out of an epidemic continuously reinforced by everyday environments. He said food systems in which energy-dense, ultra-processed foods are cheaper and more heavily marketed than fresh produce were creating a significant health hazard. Khan proposed a Preventive Health Clinic model based in primary care to identify obesity risks at an early stage through body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and basic metabolic screening. Such clinics, he said, could prescribe individualised interventions covering diet, physical activity, sleep and behavioural change, while also involving families and ensuring regular follow-up. A single consultation could not address a problem that had grown to a scale capable of affecting the wider healthcare delivery system, he said. Khan called for a policy roadmap that explicitly recognises obesity as a public-health priority. He said obesity screening should be incorporated into monitoring under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). He also called for preventive health clinics at primary health centres and medical colleges, routine BMI and waist measurements as part of health check-ups across the life course, and the integration of obesity prevention into school health programmes. Urban planning also needs to become part of the response, he said, calling for greater investment in walkable infrastructure and stronger regulation of the availability and marketing of unhealthy foods.

Article 370 abrogation reduced separatism, terrorism in J&K: Amit Shah

Panaji, Sep 6:Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday said terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has declined significantly and the region has progressed on the path of development following the abrogation of Article 370, while asserting that the fight against narcotics has now become a coordinated national-security campaign. Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Shah said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, the country was facing three major internal-security challengesrising terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism and unrest caused by several armed organisations in the Northeast. The country was also grappling with bomb blasts and widespread concerns over women's safety. Looking back from 2019 to 2026, Shah said the situation had changed significantly. After the abrogation of Article 370, the feeling of separatism in Jammu and Kashmir had reduced considerably, while the figures of terrorism were gradually shrinking and moving towards zero. He said Jammu and Kashmir had also progressed on the path of development and efforts had been made to bridge the mental distance between the region and the rest of the country. Shah said the five-decade-old problem of Naxalism had almost become a thing of the past, with most people who had imagined the Red Corridor surrendering their arms and joining the mainstream. In the Northeast, around 11,000 youth have laid down arms and the government has signed more than 14 agreements with them, he said, adding that the region too was moving on the path of development. On action against fugitives, Shah said that from 2019 to July 2026, 274 fugitives had been extradited from 36 countries. They included people accused of serious economic offences, terrorism, narcotics-related crimes and gang wars, he said, adding that all had been brought before Indian courts. In the last three years, 401 Red Corner Notices have been issued, including 182 up to July this year alone. Shah credited the new BHARATPOL system for strengthening international coordination. More than 14 central agencies and police forces of all states are connected to the platform, he said. From 2019 to 2026, properties worth approximately Rs 17,874 crore belonging to fugitives had been sealed or confiscated, while the new criminal laws and justice codes had made legal action against fugitives easier, Shah said. He also said a systematic mechanism had been created to deal with cybercrime, with Prime Minister Modi personally monitoring the initiative. The 1930 helpline had become an effective mechanism for protection against cybercrime, he said. The Home Minister credited the Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments with taking the implementation of the three new criminal laws down to the police-station level. He also thanked Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Goa Police for implementing the new Nyaya Sanhita and the three criminal laws in a short period. According to Shah, Goa's conviction rate had risen to 53.2 per cent, representing an increase of approximately 30 per cent in the rate of securing convictions in registered FIRs. Turning to narcotics, Shah said drugs posed a grave threat to future generations and that proceeds from narcotics were also being used to finance terrorism. He said narco-terror modules were active in several countries and the entire world was grappling with the problem. Since 2019, he said, the government had changed the system for tackling narcotics, targeted drug networks, broken their financial chains and provided support for the rehabilitation of people addicted to drugs. Shah said that before 2014, the fight against drugs had largely been conducted in a piecemeal manner, with agencies focusing on individual seizures and smaller accused persons. Since 2019, however, the Modi government had made narcotics a national-security priority. The anti-drug campaign had consequently moved beyond individual files and the actions of separate agencies to become a coordinated and continuous national campaign, he said. A four-tier NCORD mechanism was created in 2019, while a model for dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Forces was sent to all states and Union Territories and a Joint Coordination Committee was constituted. With coordination between central agencies, state governments and their departments, a scientific approach was adopted to tackle large drug networks, inter-state and international links and operational gaps, Shah said. The government also launched the 1933 MANAS helpline for rehabilitation of drug-addicted youth, restructured the cadre of the Narcotics Control Bureau and created a national database of narcotics offenders through the NIDAAN portal. Using CCTNS data and integrated data fusion, a data-based map of drug hotspots, modus operandi and seizures across the country was prepared, he said. A new investigation model involving both bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approaches had also been adopted. Even when a small packet of drugs was seized, investigators examined its source, while large consignments intercepted at the border were traced forward to determine how they were to reach young people in smaller quantities. This way, reverse investigation of the entire network has started, Shah said. He said special emphasis had been placed on financial investigation and PIT-NDPS, with a high-level dedicated task force constituted for the purpose. Technology-based investigations were initiated against the dark web, encrypted communications, cryptocurrency transactions and dead-drop deliveries. Work had also begun on creating a dedicated Dark Net-Crypto Cell within the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. An inter-ministerial mechanism was created to deal with precursors and synthetic drugs, Shah said. He compared the seizure figures of the two periods, saying that between 2004 and 2014, 26 lakh kg of drugs worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore were seized. Between 2014 and 2026, the quantity seized had risen to more than 1.19 crore kg, valued at approximately Rs 1.89 lakh crore. Similarly, while 3 lakh 36 thousand kg of drugs were destroyed between 2004 and 2014, 48 lakh 68 thousand kg had been destroyed between 2014 and 2026, he said. Shah said 10 apex-level, seven executive-level, 277 state-level and 16,798 district-level NCORD meetings had been held. India had signed agreements with 46 countries for international cooperation in combating narcotics. Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, 25 crore citizens had been contacted and administered the anti-drug pledge, while 5.70 lakh citizens had been made drug-free through treatment and rehabilitation, he said. In Goa, action against narcotics had increased approximately threefold during the same period, Shah said. The Home Minister said a three-year roadmap for the period from July 2026 to July 2029 had been prepared, with a decision to achieve all targets in a time-bound manner. He said the fight against drugs was being advanced as one of the country's biggest national battles, with Prime Minister Modi's goal being to ensure that drug-free youth power formed the foundation of a developed India by 2047. The period from 2026 to 2029 has been declared a mission mode phase, Shah said, with timelines fixed, different ministries made accountable, measurable outcomes defined and quarterly reviews and outcome-based accountability put in place. The roadmap is based on four pillars: intelligence and operation-based enforcement; control of precursors and synthetic drugs; demand and harm reduction; and capacity building and coordination. Under the framework, dossiers of drug kingpins will be prepared, backward and forward linkages investigated and financial investigations undertaken in every case involving commercial quantities, he said. The BSF, CISF, Indian Coast Guard, Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence will undertake risk-based profiling and install scanners at land borders, ports, airports and cargo facilities to strengthen surveillance. The CBI, Ministry of External Affairs and Interpol will work to bring fugitives back to India, while the Enforcement Directorate, Financial Intelligence Unit and banking system will trace the money trail, Shah said. Through the NCC, NSS and My Bharat, lakhs of Nashamukti Mitra volunteers will be prepared. The Ministries of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, along with educational institutions, will work towards making educational institutions drug-free. The Social Justice Ministry, Health Department and Jail Administration will work together to increase the number of de-addiction centres threefold to 1,751. Around 10,000 volunteers will participate in the campaign. For capacity building, seven per cent central assistance will be provided to establish fully equipped Anti-Narcotics Task Forces in every state by March 2027. The Ministry of Home Affairs will also make arrangements for forensic reports to be received within 30 days. Shah said 25 components and more than 200 action points had been fixed under the four pillars of the roadmap. Foreigners are welcome in India, but not with drugs, Shah said, asserting that the government was adopting a Quadrangular Approach to curb drug smuggling through the routes of the Death Triangle and Death Crescent. He said that just as Naxalism had been eliminated from the country, the problem of drugs would also be eliminated with the same resolve. The report keeps the J&K development and terrorism remarks near the top while giving the narcotics campaign a strong secondary news peg.

Winter closure of Mughal Road spurs fresh push for tunnel

Residents living on both sides of the Pir Panjal range have urged the government to expedite work on the proposed Mughal Road tunnel, saying the roads prolonged winter closure cuts off communities, disrupts trade and forces people to take a much longer route between south Kashmir and the Jammu region. The 84-km Shopian-Poonch Mughal Road, opened to vehicular traffic in 2009, remains vulnerable to heavy snowfall at the Pir Ki Gali pass. Residents said the road typically remains closed for around five months during winter, leaving people dependent on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for travel between the two regions. The road closure affects trade as well as the movement of people and goods from both sides of the Pir Panjal. The delay in taking the tunnel project forward is making people suffer, said Mitha Gatoo, a civil society member. Gatoo said students and residents from Rajouri and adjoining areas often have to travel via the much longer Jammu-Srinagar route during winter, increasing both travel time and costs. The proposed tunnel is expected to provide an all-weather alternative to the existing road and strengthen direct connectivity between south Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. The demand has gained urgency as the government works on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project. During the Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the government said tenders for the proposed Mughal Road Tunnel, also referred to as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, would be invited only after the DPR is approved and the required statutory clearances are obtained. The government said the alignment proposed by DPR consultant SMEC (India) Pvt. Ltd. was discussed with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on January 21, 2026. An official said the DPR is currently under preparation. Residents said the prolonged process was also affecting businesses dependent on traffic along the road. Javed Ahmad, a trader from Shopian, said shops in Heerpora, the last major habitation on the Kashmir side of the road, see little or no business during winter after the route closes. Once the road is shut, there is hardly any movement and many shopkeepers have to close their businesses during the winter months. The tunnel would allow people and goods to move throughout the year, Ahmad said. For residents of Rajouri, the closure means losing a relatively direct connection with south Kashmir for several months. Mohammad Aslam, a resident of Rajouri, said an all-weather tunnel would make travel between the two regions easier and reduce dependence on the longer Jammu route during winter. The proposed Mughal Road tunnel is estimated to cost around 3,830 crore. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had earlier entrusted the preparation of the DPR for upgrading the road to Rodic Consultants Pvt. Ltd. in association with Spain-based Getinsa-Euroestudios. Residents said completing the tunnel would have benefits beyond travel, including more reliable movement of agricultural produce, access to markets, education and essential services.

Human-wildlife conflict: 2 killed, over 40 injured in bear attacks across Kashmir since apple harvest began

More than 40 people have been injured and two killed in bear attacks across Kashmir since apple harvesting began in August, with animals increasingly straying into orchards, maize fields and nearby settlements. South Kashmir has recorded 12 injuries and one death in the Anantnag-Kulgam wildlife range, while the Pulwama-Shopian range has reported eight injuries so far, taking the total in the region to 20. Central Kashmir has recorded eight injuries, and north Kashmir has recorded 16 injuries and one death. In Kulgam, 45-year-old Latifa Banoo was mauled to death on Aug. 31 while working in an orchard at Tarigam village. Her family learned of the attack only after she was shifted to SDH Qaimoh by the villagers. We are devastated by her death. Authorities should step in to prevent such incidents and ensure that no more lives are lost, her family said. Days earlier, 68-year-old Abdul Salam Teeli of Ahmadabad village in the D.H. Pora area of the same district was seriously injured after going to the aid of another orchard worker, Bilal Ahmad Kohli, who had cried for help. When I heard the cries, I rushed to help him, along with my wife and daughter-in-law. I saw Kohli lying injured. The bear then turned towards me and attacked me as well, Teeli said. Such a time should never come again in my life. The moment was like a heart attack. This spike in attacks has been reported across Kashmir In the latest attacks, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was seriously injured at Mirmadan in Dooru, Anantnag, on Sep 3, while another man was injured at Lalwani Seer village of the same district today, on Sep 6. He was immediately shifted to GMC Anantnag, from where he has been referred to SKIMS, Srinagar. Wildlife Warden Anantnag-Kulgam Sajad Bhat said August and September are particularly sensitive because ripening apples and maize draw bears into areas where people are working. In Pulwama, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, 55, a flour-mill worker from Jawbehara, Awantipora was also grievously injured, at his workplace. Six more people were also injured in separate bear attacks in the Tral area. In Shopian, a minor girl was injured in a leopard attack in Dragad village on August 4. Earlier, towards the end of July, three people, including a woman were injured in a bear attack in Reshipora-Harmain in the same district. Central Kashmir saw three people mauled at Khonmoh, Srinagar, within 24 hours on Aug 16 and 17. In Budgams Rawatpora-Khag, a man, Abdul Qayoom Thokar was critically injured in a bear attack, while in Ganderbal Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was attacked by the animal at Watalbagh , leaving him grievously injured. In north Kashmirs Kupwara district, 6-year-old Subahat Jan was killed in a bear attack at Nichama village. In Bandipora, Javid Ahmad Pir was mauled at Kralgund-Hajin, while Farooq Ahmad Khan suffered severe facial injuries at Chrawan in Ajas. In Baramula, a man Firdous Ahmad Mir and a woman Zahida Begum were injured while cutting grass at Janwara in Sopore. Last year, also during the apple harvest season, we lived in constant fear of wildlife attacks, and this year is no different, said orchardist Mohammad Sultan of Kupwara. Wildlife Warden North Kashmir Suhail Intesar said August and September are the peak months for bear encounters. Once apples ripen, bears come down to orchards. This has become an annual phenomenon, Intesar said. Leopard sightings have also increased, with animals turning up closer to villages and homes. A child was injured in a leopard attack in Shopian. Wildlife Warden Pulwama-Shopian Suhail Wagay warned against leaving children alone in areas where leopards have been sighted. Children are mostly their prey, so they should not be left alone, particularly in areas where leopards have been sighted, Wagay said. Wildlife teams have tranquilised and captured many animals, while others were driven away before they could cause harm. In Pulwama and Shopian alone, 46 animals have been removed from human habitations since the harvest began - 22 black bears, 21 leopards and three others. These animals were actually present in human habitations. We responded immediately, rescued them and did not allow them to cause any damage due to the quick response, Wagay said. Control rooms have been activated across wildlife divisions. Orchard workers and residents have been advised to move in groups, avoid fields during evening and after-dark hours, carry torches and report sightings immediately. With the harvest continuing through November, officials have urged people living and working near forest fringes to remain vigilant.

AIIMS Jammu to become first Indian hospital with CISF Security

New Delhi, Sep 6: The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu could become the first hospital in the country to be guarded by an armed contingent of the CISF given its sensitive location close to the India-Pakistan international border, officials said. The 226.84-acre hospital and medical college is located in the Vijaypur area of Jammu and Kashmirs Samba district, along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway-44. The campus is located a few kilometres from the India-Pakistan International Border (IB). The hospital was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. Sources in the security establishment told PTI that given the sensitive nature of its location near the IB, the Centre has planned to provide an armed security cover to the facility. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is expected to be deployed at the AIIMS-Jammu campus, making it the first hospital to be brought under the security cover of the central paramilitary force, the sources said. They added that a security survey and a manpower-estimation exercise are currently underway. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has for long resisted deploying armed personnel at hospitals post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, when health facilities were targeted by the terrorists. The officials said there have been demands from many hospitals to get a CISF security cover for their campuses after 2008, but such proposals were turned down after a broad security assessment of the potential threats to these institutions and the limited manpower of the force. There are many hospitals in the government and private domains that experience high footfall. Incidentally, CISF personnel have been temporarily deployed at the R G Kar Hospital premises in Kolkata following a Supreme Court directive in August 2024 in the backdrop of the rape and murder of a doctor there. The AIIMS-Jammu deployment is expected to be a permanent duty for the CISF, the officials said. The force, which guards vital installations in the space, nuclear and power-sector domains, is also expected to be deployed for the security of the Kolkata Metro. The 58 stations of the Kolkata Metro along 74 km are currently guarded by the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Once sanctioned, it will be the second metro rail network in the country after the Delhi Metro to be brought under a CISF cover, the officials said. The paramilitary force is also expected to be deployed to guard the only civil airport in Arunachal Pradesh the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi in Papum Pare district. Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently mentioned about the move in a social media post.

17-year-old Class 12 student publishes debut psychological novel ISO

Srinagar, Sep 6:Saalim Muzamil Shah, a 17-year-old Class 12 student from Jammu and Kashmir, has made his debut in fiction with the publication of his psychological novel, ISO, exploring isolation, grief, guilt, identity and the consequences of choices. Independently published July 22, the 114-page novel follows Tristan Brennan, a 29-year-old man whose carefully structured life begins to unravel as memories merge with the present and an inexplicable double enters his world. The story traces Brennans increasingly unsettling confrontation with grief, guilt and the possibility of the life he might have lived. Written as a slow-burning psychological narrative, ISO explores the blurred boundaries between memory, identity and reality. The novel is available in paperback and Kindle eBook editions. Shah, who is continuing his Class 12 studies, has ventured into fiction at an unusually young age with a narrative focused on psychological conflict, human isolation and the complexities of the mind.

Ganderbals Gund without permanent Tehsildar for months

Kangan, Sep 6: Residents of Tehsil Gund in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district have alleged they have faced prolonged administrative difficulties due to the absence of a permanent Tehsildar for the past several months. The tehsil office is currently managed by the Tehsildar of Kangan on an additional-charge basis, which residents say has delayed the delivery of essential public services. Located along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, Tehsil Gund serves dozens of rural and remote villages and handles a large volume of public work, including revenue and land-related services. Residents and community leaders said the visiting officer attends the office only periodically and argued that Gund requires a full-time, resident Tehsildar given its vast geographical area and administrative workload.

Best of BS Opinion: Symptoms demand attention, solutions require diagnosis

A military strike is mistaken for strategy, even when no one has planned what comes next

VC SKUAST-K chairs 20th SAC meeting of KVK Bandipora

BANDIPORA: The 20th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora, SKUAST-Kashmir, was held on Sunday under the chairmanship of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, with a focus on strengthening farmer-centric extension, promoting agricultural diversification and expanding technology-led interventions in the district. Indu Kanwal Chib, Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, attended the meeting []

India-France relations have reached new heights: PM Modi

We are also celebrating 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. This strategic partnership is particularly special because it rests on the solid foundation of our long-standing cultural and political ties, he said.

Hey Bulldog by The Beatles

The Beatles' song 'Hey Bulldog' from Yellow Submarine offers a unique musical experience. John Lennon's vocals drive a piano-based groove with philosophical undertones. The lyrics explore themes of identity and perception, while the music provides raw energy. Paul McCartney's bass and George Harrison's guitar create a powerful instrumental foundation. This track combines humor and deep thought, proving philosophy can be energetic.

Summer of Summitry: Indias Global South credentials get a new test

India's SCO participation signaled opposition to the US-Israel war on Iran. This move aimed to burnish global south credentials and protect economic interests. The Chabahar port bombing highlighted strategic investment risks and strained US relations. India's statement echoed previous condemnations of military strikes on Iran. This diplomatic posture aligns with upcoming BRICS summit objectives and regional dynamics.

HarperCollins plays it smartly by the book

Penguin Random House India declined to publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir.HarperCollins India has now acquired the rights to the book.The memoir promises a journey of love, romance, and political intrigue.It details an Italian girl's rise to lead the Indian National Congress.This publishing decision highlights a focus on commercial success.

An old geopolitical distortion corrected

The United Nations has adopted the Equal Earth projection, correcting centuries of map distortion. This new projection restores proportional accuracy, unlike the Mercator projection's historical inaccuracies. Africa and Latin America regain their true sizes, while Europe appears scaled appropriately. This change aims to counter colonial hierarchies and reshape global perceptions of continents. The UN's move emphasizes the profound impact of representation on dignity and power.

That elusive horizon

This article highlights the importance of steadfast determination in accomplishing tasks. By setting small, achievable targets, one can make remarkable strides over time. This strategy not only helps maintain a tidy environment but also eases mental clutter. Even partial achievements contribute to a rewarding feeling, lessening future challenges. Thus, steady progress, no matter how slow, holds immense value.

Nuclear power expansion: India needs a clear financing strategy

India's ambition for a 100 GW nuclear energy expansion by 2047 hinges on substantial private investments coupled with a well-defined risk-sharing framework. Reliance on public funding alone is unrealistic; private entities must take on the financing and construction of reactors, all while operating under state oversight. Fostering investor confidence will require focused policy initiatives and ensuring eligibility for green bonds.

Ahead of the curve in managing inflation

Headline inflation is rising, driven by food and fuel, while wholesale prices approach ten percent. Core inflation remains stable, and the RBI manages liquidity to counter dollar inflows. The central bank projects inflation for 2026-27 at five percent, within its tolerance band. RBI's policy stance will consider economic growth and the evolving inflation scenario. The RBI aims to minimise growth sacrifice while maintaining price stability.

Apni Party will stand by doctors until their genuine demands are addressed: Altaf Bukhari

Dhawan, Rasool and Chopra see J&K league opening new doors for emerging cricket talent

Srinagar, Sep 6: Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, former Jammu and Kashmir captain Parvez Rasool and commentator Aakash Chopra on Sunday backed an upcoming cricket league in Jammu and Kashmir as an opportunity for emerging players to showcase their talent alongside established international stars. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Dhawan said the league was not merely about organising a tournament but about creating a platform for players who often struggle to get opportunities despite possessing the ability to perform. This is season two. Last year we had season one in Dehradun, Dhawan said, explaining the vision behind the league. Its not about the league that we are organising. We are just creating a platform where we would like to pick a player from the grassroots and they can have a platform to showcase their talent. He said many players either play club cricket or remain away from competitive cricket altogether because they do not get adequate opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. A lot of players who dont get a chance to come forward and maybe they play well, but they dont get that way to showcase them, Dhawan said. He said playing alongside established players could itself become a significant experience for youngsters who may otherwise never get the opportunity to share a dressing room or field with international cricketers. For the youngsters who are playing club cricket or who are not playing anywhere, it is beneficial for them that they will play with us, he said. The people who watch them from the boundary or from the stadium, today they will play alongside them. That in itself is a big thing. Dhawan said the league could also help a youngster who has been dreaming of playing at a higher level for years but has been unable to find a route to fulfil that ambition. If a child has been dreaming for 10 years and that dream is not getting fulfilled anywhere around him, because of this league he will get an opportunity, he said. He added that even sharing the field with a major player could leave a lasting impression on a young cricketer. He will play with them, laugh with them, make a memory. So this is a very big thing, Dhawan said. The former India opener also backed the leagues potential to contribute to Jammu and Kashmirs tourism economy by bringing prominent cricket personalities and spectators to the region. Asked whether a cricket event featuring international stars could help tourism and the wider economy, Dhawan said the impact would extend beyond the sport. Growth is there because when everyone comes to play, eventually cricket is happening, but it is business, he said. It will create business for the vendors here. There will be business for food, there will be business for hotels. Dhawan said Kashmirs natural beauty could further enhance the experience for visiting players and their families. Kashmir in itself is so beautiful, with so much beauty of nature, that people want to come anyway, he said. If today I want to see snow in winters somewhere, for me Kashmir would be the first place to come. He also pointed to the appeal of watching major players perform live, saying the tournament could encourage more people from outside the region to travel to Kashmir. When big players come, for people it is a source of entertainment. They will come and watch live matches, watch the players perform live. That is a different experience, Dhawan said. Players who are coming will also bring their families, so that also adds to the business, he added. Im sure its a very win-win situation for everybody. The discussion also turned to the growing pool of cricketing talent in Jammu and Kashmir and the challenges faced by local players in securing consistent opportunities at higher levels. Dhawan said the region had players with considerable physical ability and talent, while the increase in competitive matches was helping improve their exposure and experience. The boys in the Kashmir belt are so strong, he said. When I was playing with them, I was telling them that your physique is like that of a fast bowler. He said the increasing number of matches would be crucial in developing that talent. The good thing is that now the exposure to cricket is increasing here. So the more matches that happen, the more their experience will increase, Dhawan said. Chopra pointed to Jammu and Kashmirs recent success at the national level as evidence of how far the regions cricket has progressed. He also stressed that players must continue performing if they want to establish themselves in Indian cricket. There is a lot of cricket that is happening, Chopra said, pointing to opportunities through domestic cricket and the IPL. Ultimately, if you are absolutely brutally honest with yourself about what I did, then you will say that whether it is Umran Malik or anybody else, you have to go there and make runs, take wickets and constantly prove yourself, he said. Using an analogy, Chopra said Indian cricket did not guarantee permanent places to players simply because they had achieved success in the past. The truth about Indian cricket is that there is no registry here. You are a tenant, he said. And when you are a tenant, you have to pay the rent every time. In every match you have to go and pay the rent, Chopra added. Todays instalment is done. Now you will get an opportunity in the next match. He described that intense competition as both a challenge and a strength of Indian cricket, arguing that players cannot expect to retain their places indefinitely without performing. That is a problem, but it is also the good thing about Indian cricket, Chopra said. Because if one player keeps playing even when he is not in form, then how will Indian cricket move forward? Rasool also highlighted the progress made by Jammu and Kashmir cricket in recent years, saying the region had moved forward significantly and that competition had consequently increased. The former J&K captain said the growing interest in cricket was evident from the support the team now receives, including fans travelling to watch matches outside the region. The former players said the upcoming league would add another layer of exposure for local cricketers, while bringing established names to Kashmir could simultaneously create opportunities for tourism, hospitality and local businesses.

Dhawan, Rasool and Chopra back J&K league as platform for emerging cricketers

Amit Shah says Modi govt strengthened Indias internal security

Srinagar, Sep 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Narendra Modi government had taken several steps to strengthen Indias internal security, highlighting what he described as a decline in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the weakening of Naxalism and progress in the Northeast. Since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of this country, the Government of Indias Home Ministry has taken several steps to strengthen the countrys internal security, Shah said. He said that when Modi became Prime Minister, the country was facing three major security challenges growing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism and several armed groups in the Northeast that were keeping the region disturbed. When Modi ji became Prime Minister, the country was facing three major problems. Jammu and Kashmir and the growing terrorism there, Naxalism, and groups of several armed organisations in the Northeast that were keeping the Northeast disturbed, he said. Shah also recalled the wider internal security challenges facing the country at the time, including a series of bomb blasts and large protests over womens safety. Besides this, on the internal security front, the country was very troubled by several bomb blasts everywhere. There were very large protests for the safety of women, and it was at that time that Modi ji took over as the Prime Minister of the country, he said. Looking back at the period since 2019, Shah said the abrogation of Article 370 had led to a significant decline in separatist sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir. From 2019 till now, when we look back under the leadership of Modi ji, after the removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, there has been a significant reduction in the feeling of separatism, he said. He claimed that terrorism-related figures in Jammu and Kashmir had steadily declined and were moving towards zero, while the Union Territory had progressed on the path of development. The figures of terrorism are gradually shrinking and appear to be moving towards zero. And Jammu and Kashmir has moved forward on the path of development, Shah said. He also said successful efforts had been made to bridge what he described as the emotional distance between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. There have also been successful efforts to erase the distance of hearts that existed between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India, he said. On Naxalism, Shah said the five-decade-old problem had effectively become a thing of the past. The five-decade-old problem of Naxalism has today remained in the past, he said. Referring to the concept of a Red Corridor stretching from Tirupati to Pashupatinath, Shah said armed groups had laid down their weapons, surrendered and were seeking to join the mainstream. All those who imagined a Red Corridor from Tirupati to Pashupatinath have today laid down their arms, surrendered and come forward to join the mainstream, he said. Shah also highlighted developments in the Northeast, claiming that around 10,000 people had laid down their arms and that the Government of India had signed more than 14 agreements with armed groups. Similarly, in the Northeast too, approximately 10,000 people have laid down their arms, and the Government of India has entered into more than 14 agreements with them. Today, the Northeast too has, in a way, started moving on the path of development, he said.

CPI-M's Tarigami questions Centres normalcy claims, calls for restoration of people's rights

Jammu, Sep 6: Senior CPI(M) leader Mohd Yousuf Tarigami on Sunday called for the restoration of the rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that undermining their political and constitutional rights would neither serve the interests of the country nor help establish lasting peace. He also questioned the Centres claims of normalcy in the Union territory, saying the government must explain why members of the Kashmiri Pandit community are once again receiving threats from terrorists despite repeated assertions that peace has returned to the region. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function organized here to pay homage to party's General Secretary Sitaram Yechury ahead of his second death anniversary on September 12, Tarigami criticised the BJP over recent protests in Jammu and Srinagar. The BJP is also protesting, as is the National Conference (for statehood). But tell me, I myself could not understand what exactly the BJP is protesting about. As far as the BJP is concerned, they have the Government of India with them, and even the government here is effectively in their handsthe administration and officials here, the Kulgam MLA said. He asked whom the BJP could hold responsible for issues relating to governance and public order. So, whom are they going to complain to? Whom are they going to hold responsible? What exactly are they trying to say? he said. Tarigami also criticised the manner in which Jammu and Kashmir had been reorganised and called for restoration of what he described as the regions rights. The people cannot be misled for too long. Times are changing, both in Kashmir and here in Jammu, he said. Referring to the legislature, he alleged that it had been rendered powerless by the Centre. We hope that the legislature will be restored to its rightful position. The legislature has been rendered powerlesswho has made it powerless? The Government of India has done so, he said. He called for restoration of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the move was essential for the regions future. The rights granted to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by the Constitution and the Constituent Assembly should be restored. That is where our security lies, and that is where our future lies as well...This is a question of the rights of Jammu. It is also a question of the rights of Kashmir. Therefore, weakening the people of Jammu and Kashmir does not serve the interests of the country. It will not help establish lasting peace, he said. Tarigami also raised questions over land and employment protections that existed during the rule of last Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, asking who subsequently changed those laws. I would like the BJP, and the BJP government, to answer this before the people of Jammu. The CPI(M) leader sought accountability over the fresh threats held out to Kashmiri pandits. They say the situation has improved and there is peace everywhere. This is what they say in Parliament and elsewhere. Then why is it happening again that a communitya minority community, which has already suffered immenselyis once again facing threats? He said the government must explain who was behind such incidents and what steps were being taken against them. The government needs to be held accountable on this issue. It must take the people into confidence and explain what is happening, which forces are behind such threats, and what the government is doing or intends to do to deal with those forces, Tarigami said. Paying homage to Yechury, he said the struggle associated with his leadership would continue, particularly for the rights of workers, farmers, youth, students and women. Tarigami also appealed to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to maintain their bonds despite the political changes and divisions in the region. On youth issues, the CPI(M) leader criticised the Centre over employment and the handling of student protests, referring to demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in July. Until our young people protested at Jantar Mantar, faced lathis and sent to jail, the government did not listen, he said. Tarigami also criticised the governments economic policies, alleging that public assets were being privatised at the expense of ordinary citizens. Your airlines and airports are being sold, ports are being sold, power plants are being sold. Who is doing this? he asked. Questioning whether such policies served the wider public interest, he said, Is this being done for the benefit of the people of India? Or is it being done to increase the profits of a handful of large corporates?

UN-backed proposed world map must depict J&K, Ladakh as per India's official map: MEA

New Delhi, Sep 6: India on Sunday said a UN-initiated proposed world map must depict Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in accordance with the country's official map, and any inaccurate or misleading representation will be unacceptable. New Delhi's assertion came two days after it voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution aimed at correcting the world map to promote a more accurate representation of continental landmasses. The resolution titled Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa was adopted on September 4. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India highlighted that the resolution does not constitute endorsement of any specific map, projection or depiction of national boundaries. India voted in favour of the resolution and also made an explanation of vote stressing on the underlying principle of promoting equal - area cartographic representation, he said. Jaiswal was responding to a media query on the issue. India's sovereign territory, including the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, must be depicted in accordance with India's official map. Any inaccurate or misleading depiction is unacceptable, he said. Our position on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is clear, consistent and non-negotiable, he noted. Jaiswal said the purpose of the UN resolution is o encourage the use of equal-area map projections that preserve the relative sizes of continental landmasses. The resolution neither adopts nor authenticates any particular world map, nor does it address political cartography, including international boundaries, disputed territories or place names, he said. The resolution, sponsored by Togo, received 164 votes in favour, with abstentions from Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine, and a lone vote against from the United States.

IFFJK 2026 to bring together eminent jury of acclaimed filmmakers, cinema professionals

Srinagar, Sep 6: The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK)2026 is set to witness the coming together of an exceptional panel of filmmakers, cinematographers, sound designers, curators, producers and educators from India and abroad, reflecting the festivals commitment to showcasing cinema of the highest artistic and creative standards. The festival will also bring together Padma Shri awardee Director and Producer, Ramesh Sippy, known for blockbuster movie Sholay as well as son of the soil, director, producer, screenwriter and editor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, known for films like 3 Idiots, PK, Mission Kashmir , as special guests. The maiden edition of IFFJK has brought an eminent jury comprising Santosh Sivan, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang and Himansu Sekhar Khatua together, professionals whose distinguished careers span Indian and international cinema, documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, cinematography, sound design and film education. The composition of the jury brings together diverse cinematic perspectives and considerable international experience, adding prestige and credibility to the first edition of the festival. Santosh Sivan An acclaimed Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and actor, Santosh Sivan is a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). An FTII alumnus and among the most awarded Directors of Photography in India, he became the first cinematographer from the Asia-Pacific region to join the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). His celebrated body of work includes The Terrorist, for which he received international recognition, and his contribution to world cinema was further acknowledged with the Pierre Angnieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Sivan has also served in several prestigious international jury capacities, including as Chairperson of the Best Debut Director of Indian Panorama Jury at IFFI 2024, besides serving on the International Jury of the Chennai Film Festival and the New Currents Jury at the Busan International Film Festival. Dorothee Wenner Adding a strong international and cross-cultural dimension to the jury is Dorothee Wenner, a German filmmaker, curator, writer and journalist renowned for her contribution to international cinema and cultural exchange. Associated with the Berlin International Film Festival since 1990, Wenner has served as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She was also associated with the Berlinale Talent Campus, serving as its Director for the 2006 and 2008 editions. A founding jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and an experienced international film curator, Wenner has worked extensively with feature films and filmmakers from India, Africa and Germany. Her filmmaking and curatorial work includes Peace Mission, Drama Consult and Kinshasa Collection. She is widely recognised for building cross-cultural collaborations and championing emerging voices in world cinema. Keiko Bang Keiko Bang, a Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer and international curator, brings more than three decades of experience in the global media industry to IFFJK. As founder and CEO of Bang Singapore Pte. Ltd., she has produced more than 50 award-winning documentaries, including Zheng He: Emperor of the Seas, Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet and Secrets of the Samurai. A leading advocate of international co-productions across Asia, Bang has worked with governments, broadcasters and media organisations in more than 25 countries. Her extensive experience in documentary production, international programming and film curation has seen her serve on juries and selection committees of major international film festivals. She served as a Jury Member at MIFF 2024 and was appointed to the Institutional National Selection Committee at MIFF 2026. She has also served as a primary coordinator and selection leader for the premier factual programming forum of Asian Side of Doc. Sriram Raghavan Sriram Raghavan is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker and screenwriter known for his distinctive neo-noir style and gripping action thrillers. Born on 22 June 1963, he has directed critically acclaimed films including Ek Hasina Thi, Johnny Gaddaar, Agent Vinod, Badlapur and Andhadhun. Renowned for his sharp storytelling, atmospheric visuals and complex characters, Raghavan is regarded as one of the leading auteurs of contemporary Hindi cinema. Himansu Sekhar Khatua Completing the distinguished panel is Himansu Sekhar Khatua, a National Film Award-winning filmmaker, director, educator and journalist with a strong record of contribution to Indian cinema and film education. An alumnus of FTII, Pune, Khatua has directed acclaimed films including Shunya Swaropa and Ishanu, besides several award-winning regional productions. He has also served as faculty member and mentor, influencing successive generations of filmmakers through teaching and practical engagement. Khatua has served as Director of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and has previously been associated with prestigious film juries, including the Indian Panorama Feature Films Jury at IFFI 2024 and the Kautik International Film Festival 2021, where he served on the Features Award Jury. The eminent Jury of acclaimed filmmakers and cinema professionals reflects the global spirit of 1st IFFJK. The diversity and stature of the proposed jury underline the vision behind the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, which seeks to create a meaningful platform for cinematic excellence, cultural dialogue and international exchange. With expertise ranging from cinematography and sound design to documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, direction and education, the jury represents multiple dimensions of contemporary cinema. Their collective experience across prestigious film festivals and international institutions is expected to bring nuanced, independent and globally informed perspectives to the evaluation of films at IFFJK. The presence of such distinguished cinematic personalities is also expected to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs emergence as a vibrant destination for filmmakers, artists, storytellers and cinephiles from across India and the world. The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), being organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir, is envisioned as a landmark cultural initiative that celebrates the universal language of cinema while providing a platform for established as well as emerging filmmakers to connect, collaborate and share their stories with a wider audience. With an accomplished jury, a diverse cinematic programme and participation from the wider film community, IFFJK 2026 is poised to mark a significant new chapter in Jammu and Kashmirs cinematic journey.

Search intensified for 2 missing in Chenab river in separate incidents in J&K's Doda, Ramban

Jammu, Sep 6: Search operations have been intensified to trace the bodies of a man and a woman believed to have drowned in the Chenab river in separate incidents in Doda and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. A 21-year-old woman jumped into the river in Doda on Saturday afternoon, while the 20-year-old man slipped into the fast-flowing Chenab in Ramban on September 1, they added. Payal Devi, who according to her family was suffering from anxiety and depression, jumped into the river from the Shiva Dal bridge, near Prem Nagar. A video, purportedly captured by passersby who tried to discourage her, shows the woman saying ye-bye before jumping into the river. The video has since gone viral on social media. The officials said the circumstances that led her to take the extreme step could not immediately be ascertained. The search to trace her body was intensified as additional teams of police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local volunteers, joined the operation, they said. The rescue personnel carried out an extensive search along the riverbank and downstream stretches of the Chenab, but no breakthrough has so far been achieved. According to the woman's father, Krishan Lal, she had gone to a mela and later, told him over the phone that she was going to consult a doctor as she was feeling unwell. After the doctor was reportedly unavailable, she was on her way back when she apparently got onto a motorcycle. Her father said he later received a call from a person accompanying his daughter, who told him that she had run towards the river. Nobody should come near me, Lal recalled his daughter saying, adding that he subsequently spoke to her over the phone and repeatedly asked about what had happened and whether someone had said or done anything to her. According to Lal, his daughter said, No, papa. This is my own life. My heart tells me that I should go this way. She then said, Bye-bye, papa, before the call ended. The officials said a multi-agency search-and-rescue operation is also going on to trace Ravi Kumar, who slipped into the river at Ramban's Maitra on September 1. Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta visited the incident site and reviewed the search operation and the action plan being implemented by the agencies involved. In view of the hazardous conditions, experts have advised against using boats due to the strong water flow and associated risks. The search operation is being carried out with specialised rescue equipment and trained personnel while following all necessary safety protocols, the officials said. After the deputy commissioner's intervention, authorities of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project have restricted the water flow in the river to facilitate the rescue operation, they said.

Eight passengers injured in Poonch road accident

Poonch, Sep 6: A road accident involving a Tata Sumo occurred in the Dunogam area of Mandi tehsil, Poonch district, leaving eight occupants critically injured. According to police sources, the vehicle bearing registration number JK12-6675 was traveling from Mandi towards Dunogam when it met with the accident before reaching its destination, leaving eight passengers injured. Soon after the accident, police and locals started rescue operation and rushed the injured passengers to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Mandi for treatment. Further details are awaited.

Project Vijayak kicks off 16th Raising Day celebrations with 51-rider rally in Ladakh

Kargil, Sep 06: Project Vijayak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Sunday kicked off its 16th Raising Day celebrations with a motorcycle rally from the its memorial here to Sapi La Pass in the Union Territory of Ladakh, an official said. The rally, comprising 51 participants, was flagged off by retired Colonel V K Oberoi from the Project Vijayak Memorial in Kargil and culminated at Sapi La, located at an altitude of 14,337 feet, the official said. He said the rally was attended by Deputy General Officer Commanding, 8-Mountain division, Brigadier Sarit Prakash, Chief Engineer, Project Vijayak, Brigadier Rahul Oberoi, Commander, 121 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Ashish Joshi, besides officers and personnel from the Army, Project Vijayak and civil participants. Brigadier Oberoi said Project Vijayak was raised on September 21, 2010, following recommendations of the Kargil War Review Committee, with the objective of improving connectivity across Ladakh region, particularly to forward areas and posts. The Project Vijayak has made significant contributions towards strengthening road infrastructure in the region. Several roads have been widened and upgraded from single-lane to double-lane standards, while new roads have been constructed to improve connectivity to forward locations, the chief engineer said. He said the specifications and standards of National Highways have also been considerably improved, with several tunnel projects currently underway. Oberoi said as part of the raising day celebrations, Project Vijayak organises motorcycle rallies every year to remember and pay tribute to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the nation and developing vital road infrastructure in the challenging Himalayan region. He said last year's rally had travelled to the Kargil War Memorial at Drass to honour the bravehearts of the Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation. Continuing the tradition this year, the rally travelled approximately 54 kilometres to Sapi La Pass, one of the important passes maintained by Project Vijayak in Western Ladakh and the Siachen sector, he said. The rally culminated at Sapi La, where the Deputy GOC, 8 Mountain Division hoisted the National Flag. Oberoi said the flag-hoisting ceremony at Sapi La was a proud occasion and a tribute to the brave personnel who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation. The Motorcycle Rally marked the beginning of the celebrations leading up to the 16th raising day of Project Vijayak on September 21, he said.

Nepal Floods: Rescuers continue search for missing as identification of dead remains challenge

Kathmandu, Sep 06: Rescuers in Nepal continued searching for those missing, as authorities faced continuing difficulties in identifying the dead, 11 days after devastating floods struck large parts of the country. The death toll stood at 1,344, while nearly 5,000 people remained missing, according to Nepal Police. More than 13,100 people have been rescued so far. The disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, sending a massive surge of water and debris downstream through the Bhotekoshi River and devastating settlements in northern and central Nepal. Homes, vehicles, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure were swept away or damaged. At least 31 people were killed on the Chinese side, while more than 500 people remained missing in Tibet, according to Chinese media reports. Of the bodies recovered in Nepal, at least 85 were children, while around 500 were recovered with body parts missing, according to officials. The condition of many bodies has complicated efforts to establish their identities. Chitwan district accounted for the largest number of recovered bodies, with 362, followed by other affected districts including Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Gorkha, Dhading and Tanahun, according to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Only 98 bodies had been identified and handed over to their families, according to NDRRMA. Identifying the dead has emerged as a major challenge, with many bodies recovered after being swept downstream severely damaged, decomposed or recovered only in parts. The police have said that bodies carried far from the disaster sites and those that remained in water and mud have made identification particularly difficult. Nepal Police has begun collecting DNA samples from relatives of missing people to help identify unclaimed bodies and human remains recovered after the floods. Relatives in Nepal can provide samples through the Nepal Police Hospital in Kathmandu or their nearest district police office. More than 1,000 unidentified bodies have been buried after DNA samples were collected to facilitate their identification in the future, officials said. Nepals Information and Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina said the government would ensure that there was no shortage of relief materials or mismanagement in their distribution to flood victims in Rasuwa. Speaking to the online edition of the government-owned Gorkhapatra, Timilsina said the government was actively involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts despite the scale of the disaster. He said there was currently no shortage of relief materials and that the government would not allow discrepancies in resource management. The minister said temporary accommodation had been arranged for flood victims in schools and hospital buildings, while plans were being prepared for their long-term settlement. He also said the government was mobilising its forces and mechanisms to restore disrupted communication, electricity and road networks in the affected areas. Nepal demands climate justice at this moment and the international community should be serious about this, Timilsina said, adding that the disaster underscored the need for greater preparedness for future climate-related disasters. Meanwhile, a fresh flood in Gorkha district early Sunday swept away four houses and a suspension bridge, although there were no casualties. The flood occurred in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-4 after the Namrung Khola River overflowed, according to the police. The four houses were swept away after residents became aware of the approaching flood and fled to safety. Authorities said the river may have been temporarily blocked near its source before releasing a surge carrying mud and debris downstream. The Namrung Khola flows into the Budhigandaki River, and residents along the Budhigandaki have been urged to remain alert. The flooding also damaged two small hydropower projects in the wider Namrung area, according to local reports. It also affected movement in the area after the suspension bridge was swept away.

60-year-old man crushed to death by truck in Sopore road mishap

Sopore, Sep 06: A 60-year-old man was killed in a tragic road accident after being crushed by a truck in the Chankhan area of Sopore in north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Sunday, reports said. The deceased has been identified as Ghulam Nabi Ganaie, a resident of Untoo Hamam, Sopore. According to preliminary reports, Ghulam Nabi was travelling on a tonga and had reportedly just got down from it when a Truck vehicle allegedly ran over him. The impact was so severe that he sustained critical injuries and died on the spot. The incident sent shockwaves across the area, with locals expressing grief over the tragic loss of life. The accident also raised concerns among residents regarding road safety and the movement of heavy vehicles in populated areas. The body was later shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore for medico-legal formalities. After completion of the required procedures, the body was handed over to the deceaseds family for the last rites. Meanwhile, police have initiated necessary proceedings and are ascertaining the circumstances leading to the accident.

Govt notifies draft Transfer Policy for RReTs, Grade-II &III teachers

Srinagar, Sep 06: In a latest development, the School Education Department (SED) has proposed a comprehensive transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem (RReT), Grade-II and Grade-III teachers wherein a three-year tenure and maximum five-year stay has been prescribed for place of postings. The department has however introduced the provisions to prevent transfers between these categories and General Line Teachers (GLTs). The draft Jammu and Kashmir Regularized Teachers (RReTs) Transfer Policy-2026 has been issued inviting objections and suggestions, with the department and the framework is aimed at ensuring need-based, student-centric transfers, staff rationalisation and administrative efficiency. Under the proposed policy, every RReT teacher covered by it would have to complete three years at a place of posting before he or she becomes eligible for consideration for another transfer. However, the department has proposed exceptions for compassionate and other exceptional grounds. No teacher would ordinarily be allowed to remain at a single place of posting for more than five years. On completion of the maximum tenure, the teacher would become liable for transfer in the interest of administration, reads the draft transfer policy. The department has also proposed that transfers will be normally conducted once a year through an Annual Transfer Drive (ATD), preferably at the end of the academic session and before commencement of the new session o minimise disruption to teaching activities. Mid-session transfers would be avoided except in cases involving serious medical grounds, security concerns or administrative exigencies, it reads. The draft categorises transfers into administrative transfers, mutual transfers, security-related deployments and compassionate transfers. For inter-district mutual transfers, the policy proposes exchanges between teachers of the same cadre, qualification, subject and status, subject to verification and approval by the competent authority. Such transfers would not ordinarily be allowed within two years of a previous transfer, reads the draft transfer policy. It reads that the teachers transferred under the inter-district mutual transfer provision would retain their lien and promotion prospects in their parent districts. Special consideration will be given to teachers facing serious personal or family circumstances. Compassionate consideration will be given to cases involving life-threatening medical conditions, disability, widowhood, single parenthood and spouse unification, particularly where both spouses are government employees serving in different areas, it reads. As per the draft policy, the deployments on security grounds would be considered by the Administrative Department after following the prescribed procedure. The draft further proposes that the Cluster Heads will make suitable internal arrangements where a teacher is deployed on compassionate or security grounds to ensure that school functioning is not disrupted. Another provision seeks to protect reserved-category teachers by ensuring that their mandatory stay period under the Reservation Policy is fulfilled while processing transfers. The policy has also proposed a 10-day grievance redressal window at the Joint Director level following issuance of transfer orders. As per the draft policy, the department will restrict frequent transfers, proposing that an employee should ordinarily not be transferred again within two years of the previous transfer, unless necessitated by administrative exigency. Employees facing disciplinary proceedings would generally not be considered for transfer, except where their transfer is required in the interest of inquiry or administration, it reads. As per the draft, key provision specifically deals with RReTs who have not yet attained regularisation status. Such teachers would continue within their originally assigned place/zone, keeping in view the nature of their initial engagement, it reads. However, once RReTs attain regularisation or are placed as Grade-II or Grade-III teachers, they would be governed fully by the proposed Transfer Policy, the document reads Department has also proposed a clear separation between RReTs, Grade-II and Grade-III teachers and GLTs. Transfers would take place between RReTs to RReTs, Grade-II to Grade-II and Grade-III to Grade-III, with no transfers of any kind between GLTs and ReT teachers, except those who have already been transitioned and adjusted against regular and substantive posts, it reads. As per the draft policy, the department will decentralise certain transfer powers while retaining administrative control over inter-district movements. Transfers within the same zone would be ordered by the concerned Zonal Education Officer after approval from the Chief Education Officer, it reads. Also, the transfers between zones within a district would be ordered by the concerned Chief Education Officer after approval from the Joint Director. Inter-district transfers and deployments would be ordered only by the Administrative Department recommendations of the concerned director, it reads. The department has proposed that the policy be reviewed every five years, or earlier if required, along with periodic assessment of teacher deployment to ensure rationalisation and effective implementation.

US ambassador calls violent Israeli settlers terrorists after weeks of West Bank unrest

Jerusalem, Sep 06: The United States ambassador to Israel condemned Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank again on Saturday, calling the behaviour an act of terror as he visited with Palestinian American residents shaken by months of attacks. Ambassador Mike Huckabee referred to such settlers as terrorists, a word that US officials usually reserve for Palestinian militants. If there are squatters that come in and put up their own flags and take possession of something that does not belong to them, if they burn a car, if they torch a mosque, if they go into someones home and vandalize it, paint graffiti on the walls, thats a criminal act. But it extends beyond a criminal act. Its an act of terror, Huckabee said during his visit to the village of Turmus Ayya, which has reported frequent attacks by settlers over the past year. Such attacks have surged since the war in Gaza began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the United Nations humanitarian office. Huckabee also used the term terrorists last month after weeks of unrest in the West Bank town of Qusra, where settlers surrounded several homes including one owned by a Palestinian American. Days later, residents of the West Bank village of Bazariya said settlers burned a mosque and left a message on a wall in graffiti reading Huckabee regards from the terrorists in Hebrew. Im glad they admitted it, the ambassador said Saturday of the incident, adding: I dont think thats what they intended to do, but I do think that they represent a very tiny minority. A week ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the actions of a handful of rioters, and the foreign ministry called the settlers actions a disgrace. Netanyahus government is the most ultranationalist and religious in Israels history. It has presided over a surge of settlement construction in the West Bank. Most of the international community views settlements as illegal. On Saturday's visit to Turmus Ayya, the ambassador began his remarks by making clear he was addressing US citizens, who make up a small percentage of the roughly 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank but a significant part of the village's population. Im very aware that a lot of the American people who live in Turmus Ayya and other communities across this region are not enjoying the life they deserve to live, not enjoying it in a peaceful way, Huckabee said. Its a life that is disturbed by people who have created extraordinary challenges that are unfair and illegal. The US Embassy can't investigate criminal activity, he said, but it can tell its host government there are needs that need to be addressed, there are issues that cannot go unnoticed, and specific crimes and acts of terror that cannot continue without that country doing the investigation and adjudication that every person has a right to expect. Huckabee met with about 10 Palestinian American residents who described the impact of the violence on their lives and properties, the municipality told The Associated Press. Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war, territories the Palestinians want for a future state. The UN and much of the international community consider them to be illegally occupied. Since then, the Israeli government has built nearly 150 settlements that are home to well over 500,000 Jewish settlers. Many settlements resemble developed suburbs. Israels military operates in all parts of the West Bank, but rights groups have said the military frequently turns a blind eye to settler violence. The settlers are Israeli citizens, and Israels defense minister recently announced plans to fully transfer law enforcement among settlers to the Israeli police.

J&K steps up drive to digitise primary agricultural credit societies

Commissioner Secretary, Cooperative Department, Yasha Mudgal, today chaired a meeting of the Union Territory Level Implementation and Monitoring Committee (UTLIMC) to review the implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Project for computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in J&K. The meeting was attended by the Registrar, Cooperative Societies, J&K; Deputy General Manager, NABARD; representatives of the Finance Department; Managing Director, J&K State Cooperative Training Board (JKSTCB); representatives of the System Integrator and other senior officers of the Cooperative Department. A detailed PowerPoint presentation was made on the current status of the PACS computerisation project, covering progress achieved so far and issues requiring attention. The Committee also discussed handholding support to PACS, scanning and digitisation of legacy data, deployment of manpower and data reconciliation. Detailed deliberations were held on the implementation status and operational challenges, with particular emphasis on providing adequate field-level support to PACS to facilitate their smooth transition to the computerised system. Reviewing the progress, Yasha Mudgal directed the System Integrator to complete all assigned deliverables within the stipulated timelines. She stressed that the approved implementation schedule must be adhered to strictly and that avoidable delays should not affect the overall objectives of the project. The Commissioner Secretary emphasised close and continuous coordination among the Cooperative Department, Registrar Cooperative Societies, NABARD, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), System Integrator and other stakeholders. She said effective field-level coordination would be critical for resolving operational bottlenecks and ensuring timely delivery of the benefits of computerisation to PACS. Yasha Mudgal directed that regular monitoring of the project be undertaken at the level of the Registrar, Cooperative Societies, J&K. She stressed that monitoring should extend beyond routine reporting and include verification of the actual completion of every milestone and deliverable. She further directed that each milestone and deliverable be duly verified, supported by appropriate documentation and records, before being treated as completed. She said a robust verification mechanism would provide a reliable assessment of the actual implementation status. Emphasising institutional accountability, transparency and proper record-keeping, the Commissioner Secretary directed that all communications and instructions issued to the System Integrator regarding project implementation should be conveyed in writing and properly documented. She also directed that the Administrative Department be kept regularly and timely apprised of the projects progress, particularly regarding achievement of milestones, completion and verification of deliverables, manpower deployment, scanning and reconciliation of legacy data, and any issue that could affect the approved implementation schedule. Reiterating the importance of the PACS computerisation initiative, Yasha Mudgal said the project is aimed at strengthening the functioning of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies through modern technology, improved record management, greater operational efficiency and enhanced service delivery. She directed all stakeholders to maintain close coordination and ensure timely resolution of issues so that the approved objectives and implementation targets of the PACS computerisation project are achieved effectively.

Valley Vita Agro opens new office in Srinagar, unveils AI-driven orchard technology

Valley Vita Agro (OPC) Private Limited inaugurated its new city office at Hyderpora, Srinagar, with the company positioning the facility as a hub for technology-driven horticulture and modern orchard management in Kashmir. Located near 14th Avenue, Hyderpora, the office will cater to farmers, orchard developers and horticulture entrepreneurs seeking access to high-density apple orchard technology, planting material, farm machinery and orchard-management services. The inauguration was attended by Managing Director Muzamil Jabar and special guest Mohd Jabar Dar, besides farmers, business associates and other guests. AI-enabled spraying technology unveiled a key highlight of the launch was the introduction of an AI-enabled spraying system for orchards. According to the company, the technology is designed to improve the precision and efficiency of spraying operations, reduce dependence on manual labour, minimise wastage and lower operational costs for growers. The company said the technology is aimed at addressing some of the challenges confronting Kashmirs fruit industry, including rising labour costs and the increasing need for precision and efficiency in modern orchard management. The new Hyderpora office is intended to provide growers with a single point of access to orchard planning, nutrition and crop-protection guidance, technical support and mechanisation services. Valley Vita Agro primarily focuses on high-density apple orchard development and supplies planting material, imported apple rootstocks and orchard systems to growers transitioning from traditional cultivation practices. Speaking at the event, Managing Director Muzamil Jabar said technology and high-density plantation systems would play an important role in the future of Kashmirs horticulture. The future of Kashmirs horticulture is not only high-density it is intelligent, precise and technology-driven, he said. Jabar said the new office would help bring artificial intelligence, mechanisation and technical expertise closer to growers across the Valley.

SKUAST-K scholar breaks into Indias top 10 in Esri GIS scholarship

Saniya Amin, a Masters student of the Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), has secured a place among the Top 10 winners across India under the prestigious Esri India Masters Scholarships in GIS Programme 2026. In recognition of her achievement, Amin was awarded a one-time scholarship of 1 lakh at the Esri India User Conference 2026 held on September 3 at Hotel Pullman, Aerocity, New Delhi. Saniya Amin is pursuing her Masters degree under the supervision of Dr Akhlaq Amin Wani, Professor and Head, Division of Natural Resource Management (NRM), Faculty of Forestry. As part of the national scholarship selection process, she presented her research work titled Shallabugh Wetland Dynamics Using a GIS-Based Machine Learning Approach, highlighting the application of advanced geospatial techniques to understand and assess changes in the wetland ecosystem. Her research earned her a place among the top 10 scholars selected from across the country. The achievement is in line with the vision of Prof. N.A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, who has consistently encouraged students and faculty to pursue excellence and achieve significant milestones at national and international levels. He has emphasised the importance of research, innovation, skill development and participation in competitive platforms that provide students opportunities to showcase their talent and strengthen the Universitys academic and research standing. The Esri India Masters Scholarships in GIS Programme supports final-year postgraduate students working in GIS, spatial modelling and remote sensing. In addition to the 1 lakh financial award, the scholarship provides a complimentary one-year ArcGIS Personal Use License and a direct interview opportunity with Esri India, offering valuable exposure to career opportunities in the geospatial technology sector. Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Prof AH Mughal, congratulated Saniya Amin and her supervisor, Dr Akhlaq Amin Wani, on the achievement. He appreciated the efforts of the Faculty in encouraging students to participate in national-level academic and professional programmes and emphasised that such opportunities enable students to translate their research into wider academic and professional recognition. The achievement highlights the growing importance of GIS, remote sensing and spatial modelling in natural resource management research and reflects the Faculty of Forestrys efforts to equip postgraduate students with emerging technologies and skills relevant to contemporary environmental and natural resource challenges. The other institutions represented among the Top 10 winners include the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (ISRO), IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics, Azim Premji University, IIT Tirupati and IIT Ropar.

J&K NHM employees announce 72-hour UT-level strike from September 9

The UT-level Joint Coordination Committee of NHM Employees of Jammu and Kashmir has said that it has received no concrete or satisfactory response from the J&K Government and authorities concerned, within the stipulated ultimatum period regarding their long pending demands. Therefore, the NHM employees have decided to observe a 72-hour UT-level strike from September 9. The decision was taken during a virtual meeting of the UT-level Joint Coordination Committee held on Saturday, which was attended by core members and representatives of NHM employees from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, including representatives of the RNTCP/NTEP Association J&K and other schemes under the National Health Mission. The committee had earlier served a final ultimatum to the government and concerned authorities up to September 5, seeking concrete and meaningful action towards resolving the long-pending issues and genuine demands of NHM employees. However, despite the expiry of the stipulated deadline, the committee expressed disappointment over the absence of any concrete response or tangible action from the concerned authorities. After detailed deliberations on the prevailing situation, the committee unanimously resolved that all NHM employees across Jammu and Kashmir, including NTEP employees and those working under other NHM schemes, shall observe a 72-hour UT-level strike from September 9. The committee made it clear that the strike would be observed across the Union Territory, with all district, block and field-level NHM employees extending their collective support to the programme. Dr Vikas Sharma, Divisional President, All JKNHMEA Jammu Division, said the decision to proceed with the 72-hour strike had not been taken in haste but had become necessary due to the continued non-resolution of the genuine and long-pending issues of NHM employees despite repeated representations, discussions and assurances. He appealed to all NHM employees of Jammu Division to remain united, disciplined and peaceful during the strike and extend their full support to the collective decision of the UT-level Joint Coordination Committee. Muneer Andrabi, Divisional President, All JKNHMEA Kashmir Division, said NHM employees had repeatedly demonstrated patience and faith in the process of dialogue, but the continued lack of concrete action had left them with no option but to adopt a democratic and collective course of action. He appealed to all NHM employees across Kashmir Division to participate in the strike in a united, peaceful and disciplined manner and ensure complete solidarity with the UT-level programme. Musadiq Rafiq Parra, UT President, NTEP J&K, said NTEP employees and those working under other NHM schemes stood firmly with the UT-level Joint Coordination Committee in support of the genuine demands of NHM employees. He said the contribution of NHM and NTEP employees towards the public healthcare system of Jammu and Kashmir could not be overlooked and urged the government to take the matter seriously and initiate meaningful steps to resolve the long-pending issues. The UT-level Joint Coordination Committee reiterated that the strike was being undertaken as a last resort after the failure of repeated efforts to secure a concrete resolution through dialogue and representations. The committee further appealed to the presidents and office-bearers of all district and block NHM units, as well as all NHM employees across Jammu and Kashmir, to extend their full support, cooperation and solidarity to the 72-hour strike programme and remain united throughout the course of action. The committee also urged all employees to maintain peace, discipline and unity during the strike and refrain from spreading or acting upon any unverified information, rumours or unofficial messages. Employees were advised to follow only official communications issued by the UT-level Joint Coordination Committee. The committee once again expressed its willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with the government and concerned authorities for an amicable resolution of the issues in the larger interest of NHM employees and the public healthcare system of Jammu and Kashmir. Our demands are genuine, our resolve is united, and our voice shall remain peaceful but firm.

Kanlibagh colony residents seek action over garbage dump

Residents of Kanlibagh, a residential colony in Baramulla town, have expressed strong resentment over the dumping of municipal waste at a spot within the colony, saying the site has turned into a major health and safety nuisance. According to locals, sanitation workers of the Municipal Council Baramulla have been using an abandoned house belonging to a Kashmiri migrant family, whose boundary walls have collapsed, as an unofficial garbage collection and disposal point. They said waste collected from the area is routinely dumped at the site instead of being transported to a designated waste-disposal facility. The accumulated garbage, residents said, has not only marred the surroundings but has also created unhygienic conditions in the densely populated locality. The decomposing waste has resulted in a foul smell, while the presence of a large number of stray dogs has added to the residents concerns. Locals said the spot is located along a route frequently used by commuters travelling towards Sangri and other adjoining areas. They said students, women and elderly residents are particularly apprehensive while passing through the area because of the large number of stray dogs around garbage. The situation has become unbearable. We cannot understand how a residential area can be turned into a dumping site. The authorities should immediately remove the garbage and stop using this place for waste disposal, said Manzoor Ahmad of Kanlibagh, Baramulla. Residents also said the garbage has made movement difficult for people living in the vicinity, besides posing a potential threat to public health and safety. They have urged the Municipal Council Baramulla and district administration to intervene immediately, clear the accumulated waste and identify a proper site for garbage disposal. The residents have also appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister to take note of the issue and ensure that the civic authorities address their grievances.

Bumhama villagers demand upgrade of middle school

Alleging that successive dispensations have taken the people for a ride, locals from the Bumhama area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district have demanded the upgrade of the Girls Middle School to a High School. Established in 1964, the school caters to a large population, but for unknown reasons, it has not been upgraded despite repeated pleas by locals. The residents of the village told Greater Kashmir that over a dozen primary schools feed into this school, but no one has shown interest in upgrading the decades-old institution. The residents said their children, after passing Class 8, are forced to either enroll at Drugmulla or Kupwara, which, according to them, is proving difficult for them. The girl students face the most brunt as they have to travel several kilometres either to reach Kupwara or Drugmulla. If the school had been upgraded, they could easily study in their native village, said a local. I fail to understand why this school has not been upgraded despite being among the oldest schools in the whole Kupwara district, he added. The locals have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to look into the matter and get the school upgraded for the benefit of students.

MLA Sopore expresses dissatisfaction over repair work on vital bypass bridge

MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar has expressed concern and dissatisfaction over the ongoing repair and maintenance work being carried out on the vital Bypass Bridge in Sopore, stating that the quality and pace of the work are not up to his expectations. Kar, while taking note of the ongoing works, said the condition and importance of the bridge require proper attention and quality execution. He observed that the work presently being undertaken does not appear to be satisfactory and stressed that the concerned agency must ensure that the repair work is carried out in a proper and durable manner. The MLA said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities and place the issue before the appropriate forum so that necessary corrective measures are taken and the bridge is repaired according to the required standards. The Bypass Bridge is considered a vital link for the movement of traffic in and around Sopore, and its proper maintenance is important for ensuring smooth and safe transportation. Any prolonged disruption or inadequate repair work on the bridge can cause inconvenience to commuters and affect the movement of vehicles. Notably, the responsibility for the maintenance of the bridge lies with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The bridge has reportedly suffered damage on several occasions in the past, with concerns being raised repeatedly over its maintenance and timely repairs. Residents have also maintained that the absence of a proper and consistent maintenance mechanism has contributed to the bridges deteriorating condition, with repair works often being undertaken only after the structure develops significant damage. Kars intervention has once again brought the issue into focus, with people hoping that the matter will be taken up with the concerned agency at the appropriate level and that the ongoing repair work will be improved to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of the important bridge.

Handwara residents protest delay in developmental works

Several locals from the Rajwar area of Handwara on Saturday staged a peaceful protest outside the BDO office at Zachaldara, raising concerns over the alleged delay in the execution of developmental works across Block Rajwar. Despite a substantial portion of the financial year having passed, several works under schemes including SBM, ADF, CDF and VBGRAM are yet to commence on the ground, causing distress among locals. People are waiting for basic developmental works, but the delay has caused frustration among residents, said Javid Ahmad, a resident of Sarmarg. The concerned department must explain why sanctioned works have not been taken up, he added. There should be a time-bound inquiry into the matter, and all pending works must be started without further delay so that people can benefit from the schemes, said Abdul Hamid, another local from Shatigam. The protesters alleged that the delay was adversely affecting development activities and depriving residents of benefits intended under various government schemes. They sought accountability from the concerned Rural Development Department officials and demanded an inquiry into the reasons behind the delay. Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Kupwara, assured the protesters over the phone that a team would be constituted to examine the allegations and ascertain the reasons for the delay.

Central University of Kashmir celebrates Teachers Day

Central University of Kashmir (CU Kashmir) celebrated Teachers Day on Saturday through online mode, paying glowing tributes to the teaching fraternity and reaffirming the significance of teachers in instilling values and nurturing responsible, enlightened and socially conscious citizens who contribute meaningfully to nation-building. The programme was organised by the School of Education. In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath conveyed Teachers Day greetings from Chancellor and Honble Governor of Bihar, Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, and said the day should be seen as an occasion to recognise both formal and informal teachers, including parents, society and nature. He emphasised that higher education must focus not merely on imparting knowledge but on transforming knowledge into wisdom and preparing students to become responsible contributors to society. He called upon teachers to embrace multidisciplinary education, innovation, experiential learning and stronger collaborations with industry and communities. The CUK Vice-Chancellor emphasised that universities must evolve from traditional temples of learning into centres of excellence, where knowledge and intellectual property contribute to economic empowerment and societal betterment. Delivering the keynote address on Role of Teachers in Building a Nation, COO and Academic Director, AIMST University, Malaysia, Dr Kerron G. Reddy said teachers are nation builders and that meaningful nation-building was impossible without their contribution. She urged educators to discharge their responsibilities with passion, commitment and affection, stressing that teachers have a vital role in guiding young people towards appropriate career choices and helping them identify their aptitude, skills and aspirations. She said the advent of AI had not diminished the importance of teachers but had increased their responsibilities manifold. With information readily available at students fingertips, teachers must constantly update their knowledge, adapt pedagogy and make learning creative, relevant and engaging. She also highlighted the importance of establishing a personal connection with students, saying that a simple smile, greeting or conversation could make a lasting difference. In his special remarks, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shahid Rasool said the role of a teacher, particularly in higher education, has always been central to the creation and transmission of knowledge. Traditionally, the teacher was regarded as the expert, the authority, and the principal source of knowledge. But today, that model is undergoing a profound transformation. The arrival of digital natives and the emergence of artificial intelligence have changed everything, he said. Prof Shahid added, If knowledge and information is available everywhere, and artificial intelligence can increasingly perform many tasks that teachers were performing, then what is the role of the teacher? The answer is simple. The teacher is not becoming less important and will remain central to the transmission of knowledge, he further said. Earlier, in her welcome address, Dean, School of Education, Prof. C. Naseema said Teachers Day was not merely an occasion for celebration but a moment for reflection, gratitude and reaffirmation of the profound responsibility shouldered by teachers. She observed that a teachers influence often remains invisible but can endure for a lifetime. We do not simply teach subjects, we touch lives and build confidence, she said, adding that teachers help young people discover their potential and prepare them to face an uncertain and rapidly changing world with confidence, resilience and compassion. Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, scholars and students attended the online event. Senior Assistant Prof Dr Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the proceedings, while HoD, Department of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani proposed the vote of thanks.

Female patients face discomfort at Shopian hospital over lack of female ECG technician

Female patients at District Hospital Shopian are sometimes left embarrassed and uncomfortable while undergoing diagnostic tests because of the absence of a female ECG technician at the facility. Patients said the lack of female staff to conduct ECG tests can discourage some women from visiting the hospital or undergoing tests recommended by doctors. Several female patients said they feel uncomfortable when an ECG is performed by a male technician, particularly because the procedure requires electrodes to be placed on the chest. Last time a doctor suggested my wife undergo an ECG. She felt embarrassed when a male technician came to perform it, said Abid Hussain, whose wife had visited the hospital for treatment. Other women patients said they would feel more comfortable if a female technician was available to conduct ECG tests. Sometimes women prefer not to visit the hospital because they feel uncomfortable undergoing such tests by male staff, said a female patient. An official at District Hospital Shopian said there is one sanctioned post of ECG technician at the facility, and the post is currently occupied by a male technician. The official said there is no female ECG technician posted at the hospital at present. Patients said the absence of female staff for such diagnostic procedures can become a barrier, particularly for women who may already feel hesitant about undergoing examinations involving physical contact. Mitha Gatoo, a social activist from Shopian, said patients comfort and privacy are important during diagnostic procedures and that providing the option of a female technician could help address concerns among women. He urged the health authorities to consider posting a female ECG technician at the district hospital. The availability of female staff ensures women patients undergo the test without discomfort or embarrassment, Gatoo added. Many residents also said the availability of female staff would help ensure that women do not avoid or delay medically necessary diagnostic tests because of concerns over privacy. The hospital caters to patients from Shopian and adjoining areas, making the availability of specialised diagnostic staff important for timely access to healthcare services.

UGC notifies 33 new allied healthcare degrees, restructures 21 courses

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified 33 new undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in healthcare and allied fields. States and UTs across India, including J&K, have been directed to adopt the new standardised allied-health curricula from the 202627 academic session. To create a common curriculum and clearer pathways, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), under the regulatory framework, has revised courses covering fields including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, optometry, medical laboratory sciences, emergency medical technology, anaesthesia and operation theatre technology, nutrition and dietetics, psychology, radiology and imaging, respiratory technology, dialysis therapy and health information management. New courses in these disciplines have also been introduced. The notification issued earlier this week has also restructured 21 existing programmes, in a bid to bring greater uniformity in courses being offered across India. All colleges and institutions have been directed to incorporate changes that reflect revised course structures, eligibility criteria and mandatory clinical training in their courses. The UGC notification has specified the updated names of the degrees, their duration and eligibility requirements as well as the course durations. The reforms will also allow students to pursue specialised postgraduate courses, including nine specialisations in Master of Occupational Therapy, eight in Master of Physiotherapy, four in Master of Medical Laboratory Sciences, three in Master of Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology and two in Master of Respiratory Technology. The NCAHP Chairperson Dr Yagna Unmesh Shukla has said the notification would bring uniformity in the duration, names and entry requirements of allied healthcare courses in the country. These are under the One Nation, One Curriculum framework of UGC. The NCAHP has already released competency-based curricula covering 28 professions, with increased emphasis on practical and clinical training. There are now mandatory internships in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The new curriculum is to be implemented from the 2026-27 academic session by states and Union Territories. The Commission has said it is also working on the remaining curricula. These are expected to be introduced from the following academic year. The changes are aimed at improving the quality of allied healthcare education and creating a better-trained workforce.

Kashmir hosts specialised high-altitude ecology course for young wildlife enthusiasts

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Dr Suneesh Buxy, IFS, on Saturday inaugurated a Two-Week High-Altitude Ecology Course at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar Campus. Organised jointly by SKUAST-K and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, under the aegis of the Indica School of Field Ecology and Conservation and supported by the Murthy Trust, the course will be held from September 5 to 18. Designed for young wildlife enthusiasts aspiring to pursue careers in high-altitude ecology and conservation, the course seeks to strengthen field-based ecological training, research capabilities and conservation education in the Himalayan region. The commencement of the course in Kashmir marks a further step in the collaboration between SKUAST-K, NCBS and the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K, with a shared focus on quality research, capacity building and conservation. Prof. Khursheed Ahmad, Programme Coordinator and Head of the Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Briefing the gathering about the programme, he highlighted the growing challenges associated with high-altitude field ecology and said the course would help bridge existing capacity gaps. Dr Suneesh Buxy, the chief guest, appreciated the efforts of Dr Khursheed Ahmad and stressed the need for specialised programmes to build professional capacities among the next generation of wildlife biologists in the Himalayan region. Prof. Azmat Alam, Registrar, SKUAST-K and guest of honour, shared his experiences in wildlife-related fieldwork and encouraged participants to make the most of the course. Former APCCF and Chief Conservator of Forests Farooq Geelani, IFS, also addressed the participants and motivated them to undertake quality research. Prof. Manzoor A. Shah, Director, DIQA, University of Kashmir, described the programme as a unique opportunity for participants to strengthen their research careers. Dr Sachin Sridhara, course coordinator, provided an overview of the themes and topics to be covered during the 15-day programme. Dr Tawqir Bashir, Assistant Professor, Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K, proposed the vote of thanks and termed the initiative a significant step towards strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in J&K.

Altaf Bukhari demands power bill amnesty, reopening of tourist destinations

Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday demanded an amnesty on accumulated household power bills, reopening of closed tourist destinations and an immediate increase in internship stipends for MBBS and BDS students. Addressing a party workers convention at Watakuloo in Charar-e-Sharief, Bukhari also criticised the National Conference government, alleging that it had failed to address key public issues despite securing a strong mandate in the 2024 Assembly elections. On the issue of detainees, Bukhari said the government should raise the matter with the appropriate authorities and work for the release of those who have remained in jails for years. Take, for instance, the issue of detainees. Years and even decades have passed, yet many of our youth continue to remain in jails. This government, despite having received a clear public mandate, has not even raised their plight or made their release a matter of serious public concern, he said. Bukhari said the government should announce an amnesty for accumulated household power bills and immediately revise the stipends paid to MBBS and BDS interns. He also expressed concern over unemployment and urged the government to focus on creating sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities for youth. Urging young people to stay away from drugs and violence, he said the two had caused immense damage to society and appealed to the younger generation to reject the culture of drugs and guns. On tourism, Bukhari called for the reopening of destinations that remain closed, saying thousands of families depend on tourism-related activities for their livelihoods. As far as security measures and initiatives are concerned, there should be no compromise. At the same time, the government must also consider that these places provide livelihoods to many households. Therefore, they should be thrown open to tourists now, he said. Bukhari also demanded restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to fulfil their commitment in this regard. The loss of statehood along with our special constitutional status on August 5, 2019, was a profound loss for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. I earnestly appeal to both the Honble Prime Minister and the Honble Home Minister to fulfil their commitment and restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without any further delay. This is not merely a political demand; it is a matter of dignity, trust and justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he added. Bukhari said the government must work collectively to address the issues confronting people, acknowledging that certain powers rest with the Lieutenant Governor but asserting that the Chief Minister has substantial executive authority. He alleged that the NC had made hollow promises during the elections and had failed to meet public expectations after assuming office. On local issues, Bukhari said residents had apprised him of inadequate infrastructure at the local hospital and other developmental concerns. He assured them that the issues would be taken up with the authorities concerned. Apni Party vice president Javaid Mustafa Mir said the developmental deficit in Watakuloo, Charar-e-Sharief and adjoining areas reflected the failure of successive governments to adequately address the needs of the people. Chief spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin said the partys policies were based on truthfulness and integrity and urged people to support its political agenda. Several political and social activists also joined the Apni Party during the convention, including PDP Halqa President Farooq Khan, Mohammad Rafi, Raja Rafi, Ghulam Hassan Ahanger, Bashir Ahmad, Abdul Khaliq Dar, Mohammad Shafi, Mohammad Ashraf, Tawfeeq Ahmad, Zahoor Ahmad, Haji Rashid, Zubair Ahmad, Abdul Rehman Naja, Abdul Qayoom Naja, Javid Ahmad Najar, Riyaz Ahmad Najar, Junaid Dar, Adil Ashraf and others. Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, District President Budgam Advocate Owais Ashraf Shah, Block President Nagam Abdul Majeed, youth leader Raja Rafiq and other party leaders and workers were present on the occasion.

MBBS interns should trust government, return to their job: Sakina Itoo

Minister for Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Sakina Itoo on Saturday said the MBBS interns, who are on protest demanding hike in their stipend should trust the government and call off their strike, considering their role in handling patient care in the hospitals. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Teachers' Day function organised at SKICC, Sakina Itoo said the talks held with the MBBS interns did not fail. I do not buy this. The talks did not fail. The government is engaged with the protesting doctors, she told reporters here. She said the MBBS interns' demand was genuine. I met the MBBS interns several times. I held a meeting with them for nearly one-and-a-half hours a day earlier, she added. She said they (Interns) were not strangers but our own children. It takes years of effort and significant sacrifices by students and their families to become a doctor and to reach the internship stage. These interns play an important role in hospitals and work for long hours treating patients, she added. The Minister said the issue should not be reduced to a competition between the government and protesting interns. There is no need to make it a competition. Governments doors for dialogue are still open, she said. She said the proposal concerning the interns demand was already under process and had moved between the concerned department and the Finance Department for clarifications and observations. The department took the initiative and got this process done. This file went to the Finance Department and we got some clarification from there as well. Then we answered an observation, she said. She said the department did not act after the MBBS interns' protest but the initiative was taken earlier. She urged the protesting MBBS interns to trust the government, saying that she, as the health minister, would not make any such commitments that could not be fulfilled. As Health Minister, being responsible for my children, they should trust me. The government would do whatever is possible for them, , she said. Sakina Itoo also said the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was concerned about the issue and several meetings were already held on the issue. I hope that the children will come back to work because treatment of people in hospitals is very important, she said.

NC Central Zone Committee holds meeting in Budgam

Budgam, Sep 5:An important meeting of the Working Committee of the Central Zone of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference was held in Budgam on Saturday. The meeting, as per a party statement, was presided over by Provincial President Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir and organised by Zonal President Ali Mohammad Dar. The meeting was attended by Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Eidgah Haji Mubarak Gul, senior leader Aga Syed Mahmood, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Khansahib Advocate Saif-ud-Din Bhat, Srinagar District President Peer Afaq Ahmad, Budgam District President Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Ganderbal District President Sheikh Ghiyas-ud-Din, Batamaloo Coordinator Mir Umar, Youth Wing Provincial President Mir Mushtaq and other party functionaries. The meeting held detailed deliberations on the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, organisational affairs of the party, future strategy and several other important issues. The meeting reiterated the National Conferences resolve to continue its struggle for the restoration of the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A resolution was unanimously adopted, reaffirming the partys commitment to continue its struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs special status while continuing to raise the demand for Statehood, rationalisation and balancing of the reservation policy at every appropriate forum. The meeting further resolved that the party would utilise every constitutional and democratic forum to pursue the political, constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Teachers dignity more important than Teacher Eligibility Test: Sakina Itoo

Minister for Education Sakina Itoo on Saturday said the government will move a resolution in the upcoming Assembly session seeking relief for in-service teachers affected by the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) exam, saying the issue was not merely about an examination but about the dignity and honour of the teachers. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a Teachers' Day function organised at SKICC Srinagar, Sakina Itoo said the government had already approached the Supreme Court on the TET issue, saying that affected teachers were under considerable mental stress. We have already gone to the Court about TET, but the teachers are in a lot of depression which takes a toll on the childrens education in schools, she said. The minister said the government considered the dignity and honour of teachers paramount, saying the teachers who prepare millions of children for examinations should not be placed in a situation that undermines their own standing. When the teacher is mentally disturbed, how can he educate the child? The issue is not about the test but the dignity of teachers, she added. Itoo said she would bring a resolution to the Legislative Assembly once the upcoming session begins and expressed confidence it would pass by a majority. We will pass that resolution in the majority so that the teachers who are depressed can come out of their depression and teach the school children properly, she said. She further said that the teachers play a vital role in a childs development, saying that once parents leave their children in school, teachers assume responsibility not only for their education but also for teaching them basic skills and values. Teachers teach children how to walk, how to speak and help shape them during their formative years. The contribution of teachers is greater than what could adequately be acknowledged on Teachers Day, she said. She further said that J&K has achieved a 98.4 percent literacy rate and claimed that the School Education Department (SED) had now declared the Union Territory 100 per cent literate. She said J&K had attained the milestone after the remaining districts were covered. Earlier in her address to the teachers, Sakina Itoo said the government was taking the issues confronting the teaching community seriously. She also defended teachers against disproportionate amplification of isolated incidents on social media, saying that the contribution of teachers, who spend years working with students, was often ignored while minor negative incidents are highlighted on social media platforms. Today, if there is even a small mistake of our teacher, it is presented in such a big way; his contribution is not remembered, she said. She said the dignity of teachers cannot be protected by the government alone, but society also has a responsibility to respect and appreciate them. She, however, called upon teachers to ensure that students are treated with care and compassion, saying every child should feel safe, important and loved in school. Every child who goes to school should feel they belong and are loved, she said. She said the government wanted to transform the education department into the best-performing department in Jammu and Kashmir. She appealed to teachers and officers to work as a team to strengthen government education and reduce dependence on private schools. We want to build a better education system for the children of Jammu and Kashmir so that they do not have to go to private schools, she said.

M Y Tarigami urges teachers to foster scientific temper, pluralistic values

Srinagar, Sep 5:M.Y. Tarigami, President, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), J&K, felicitated the teaching fraternity on the occasion of Teachers Day, paying tribute to the teachers for their invaluable contribution in shaping the minds and future of generations. Teachers Day is not merely an occasion to honour individual teachers but also an opportunity to reflect upon the enormous responsibility entrusted to the teaching community in building a just, democratic, scientific and inclusive society. Teachers are the real nation-builders, as they influence not only the academic development of children but also their outlook towards society, fellow citizens and the world at large. Emphasising the need to strengthen the scientific and rational outlook among younger generations, Tarigami, as per a statement issued on Saturday, said that education must enable students to question, enquire, reason and distinguish between evidence and superstition. Teachers have a vital role in cultivating scientific temper, critical thinking, curiosity and a spirit of inquiry among students. A modern education system must prepare young minds to meet contemporary challenges through knowledge, reason and innovation rather than prejudice and unscientific beliefs. Jammu and Kashmir had taken an important lead under the Naya Kashmir programme in the post-Independence period by providing universal free education, irrespective of sex, up to the postgraduate level, reflecting the recognition that education is a fundamental instrument of social progress. The objective now must be to ensure free, compulsory, inclusive and quality education for every child, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, religion, region, gender or economic status. Every child must have equal access to quality education, irrespective of whether they come from a rich or poor family or live in an urban centre or a remote rural area. He expressed concern over the shortage of qualified teaching staff, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, and called for immediate filling up of vacant posts from the primary level to colleges and universities. He also called for the regularisation of the services of temporary, ad hoc, contractual, part-time and other categories of teachers with full pay scales and all permissible service benefits. The contribution of teachers cannot be valued merely in terms of the temporary nature of their appointments, he said, adding that insecurity and uncertainty among teachers also adversely affect the quality of education. He further emphasised that Indias strength lies in its pluralistic and diverse character. Teachers, therefore, have a profound responsibility to inculcate respect for diversity, tolerance, fraternity and democratic values among students. Respect for different faiths, languages, cultures, regions and traditions should be an integral part of education. Young minds must be taught that diversity is not a weakness but one of the greatest strengths of the country. Teachers, whether addressed as Gurus, Ustaads or by any other name, command a position of immense respect in society. Their responsibility goes far beyond imparting lessons from textbooks. They help shape the character, conscience and worldview of future generations. They must therefore guide students towards scientific thinking, constitutional values, social justice, equality, fraternity and respect for the dignity of every human being. Tarigami said that a strong, peaceful and democratic India can be built only by nurturing generations that are scientifically minded, socially sensitive, democratic in outlook and respectful of pluralism. He called upon the authorities to strengthen public education, adequately fund educational institutions, fill all vacant teaching posts and ensure dignity, security and fair service conditions for the teaching community. He conveyed his warm greetings to all teachers and expressed the hope that the teaching fraternity would continue to inspire generations towards knowledge, reason, equality, compassion and a commitment to building a just and peaceful society.

Protecting peoples interests, well-being remains NCs core agenda: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Sep 5:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Saturday, said that young people are the architects of a nations future and that the responsibility of leading the country and society will eventually rest on their shoulders. As per a party statement, he stressed the need to cultivate among the younger generation a spirit of public service, patriotism, commitment to the welfare of the nation and society and respect for people belonging to all sections and faiths. He made these remarks in Beerwah, Budgam. Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the National Conference has always encouraged the youth and provided them opportunities to advance in the political and social spheres. He said this is clearly reflected in the partys present legislators, many of whom have previously been associated with the Youth National Conference. He added that all party legislators remain closely connected with the people at the grassroots and are actively working to address their problems and difficulties. On the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs special status, Dr Farooq Abdullah reiterated that the National Conference remains firmly committed to its restoration and will continue its constitutional and democratic struggle towards this objective. He said that the special status was the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that the constitutional relationship between India and Jammu and Kashmir was established within the framework of the Constitution of India through Articles 370 and 35A. Dr Farooq alleged that, from time to time, forces outside Jammu and Kashmir, along with certain circles in Delhi, have conspired to weaken the National Conference with the aim of creating divisions within the party and weakening it through attempts to lure or buy off its members. However, he said, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly defeated such designs. Taking opposition parties to task, Dr Farooq said that they lacked a concrete and constructive agenda and were therefore engaged in criticism for the sake of criticism. He said the role of the opposition should be to constructively assist positive governance and raise genuine public issues, but unfortunately, this was not being witnessed. He expressed hope that restoration of statehood would enable the government to function more effectively and with greater authority, helping reduce the difficulties faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Urging people to remain vigilant against divisive forces, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the core agenda of the National Conference is the protection of the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, their prosperity, development and well-being. Earlier, Dr Farooq Abdullah visited Manzhamah, Magam, where he met senior party leader and MLA Beerwah Dr Mohammad Shafi Wani to offer condolences over the demise of his pious and virtuous sister. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased, her eternal abode in Jannat-ul-Firdous and the elevation of her ranks in the Hereafter. Dr Farooq was accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, senior leaders Peer Mohammad Hussain, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi, Professor Abdul Majeed Mattoo, Advocate Hashim Hussain and other party functionaries.

Sainik School Nagrota crowned overall champion at AISSNG 2026

Jammu, Sep 5: Sainik School Nagrota emerged as the overall champion of the All India Sainik Schools National Games (AISSNG) 2026 Group A, as the five-day sporting extravaganza concluded on Saturday at the school with a grand closing ceremony. The ceremony was graced by Maj Gen Anupinder Bevli, ADG, NCC J&K and Ladakh Directorate, as the chief guest. It commenced with an impressive march past by the participating contingents, followed by the prize distribution ceremony honouring outstanding teams and athletes. Sainik School Nagrota put up an impressive all-round performance, securing first position in junior boys basketball, junior boys volleyball, junior girls basketball and English debate, besides performing strongly in athletics and other events. Royal International Residential School (RIRS), Fatehabad secured the runners-up position, while Sainik School Kunjpura finished third. Addressing the participants, Maj Gen Anupinder Bevli congratulated the winners and commended all participating schools for their dedication, discipline and sporting spirit. He highlighted the vital role of sports in building teamwork, resilience, leadership and character among young cadets. Captain (IN) Shibu Devasia, Principal, Sainik School Nagrota expressed his gratitude to the chief guest and acknowledged the valuable support of all officials of Directorate of Youth and Sports and also the participating schools for the successful conduct of the championship.

MP Mian Altaf asks Health deptt to upgrade medical infrastructure in Rajouri

Member of Parliament for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, Mian Altaf Ahmad, has called upon the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department to take urgent steps to overhaul health infrastructure and fill critical staff vacancies across hospitals and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in district Rajouri. In a statement issued, the Member of Parliament expressed serious concern over the growing operational constraints faced by Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, sub-district hospitals, and rural healthcare facilities. Highlighting the difficulties faced by local residentsparticularly those living in remote, hilly, and border belts, Mian Altaf emphasised that access to quality healthcare remained a fundamental need. He pointed out that key medical facilities in the district were currently overburdened, operating under acute shortages of specialist doctors, medical officers, nurses and technical staff. Mian Altaf said upgrading Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) with essential diagnostic machinery, life-saving drugs, and round-the-clock power back-ups to minimize referrals to urban hospitals besides Deployment of fully equipped Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances to ensure timely transportation of critical patients from far-flung rural zones. Healthcare is a basic right for every citizen, and rural districts like Rajouri cannot be left to suffer due to administrative delays or workforce gaps. The Health Department must prioritize filling sanctioned vacancies and upgrading critical diagnostic equipment so that local families receive timely care at home rather than travelling to Jammu or Srinagar, stated Mian Altaf Ahmad. He also expressed grief over the death of a local resident Showket Ahmad who reportedly suffered a heart attack while aggrieved family members and local residents alleged that adequate emergency and specialised healthcare facilities were not available at Thannamandi Hospital, raising serious concerns about the healthcare infrastructure catering to the vast population of the sub- region. National Conference MP demanded immediate strengthening and upgradation of the existing health facilities. He said that Thannamandi Hospital caters to a large population not only from Thannamandi but also from several adjoining areas, and urged the government and the Health department to take immediate and concrete steps to upgrade Thannamandi Hospital to a Sub-District Hospital and provide it with adequate doctors, specialists, emergency facilities, diagnostic services, ambulances, medical equipment and other essential infrastructure.

Khelo India Action Plan:Roadmap discussed for creating sports infrastructure in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 5: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Saturday chaired a comprehensive meeting at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex, Srinagar to discuss and formulate the Action Plan for 2026-31 under the Khelo India Movement for District Srinagar. The meeting, as per an official statement, was convened to deliberate on a comprehensive and structured roadmap aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure, promoting greater participation in sports and creating sustainable opportunities for young and aspiring athletes across the District. Detailed discussions were held on measures to improve existing sports facilities, identify infrastructure gaps, create and upgrade facilities for priority sports, organise sports competitions, identify sporting talent and provide avenues for its systematic development. On the occasion, the DC stressed the need for a coordinated and result-oriented approach involving all concerned Departments and stakeholders to ensure effective formulation and implementation of the Action Plan. He emphasised that the plan should focus on expanding access to sports facilities at the grassroots level, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while providing young people with adequate opportunities to participate in various sporting disciplines. The DC also emphasised the need for strengthening and developing sports infrastructure in the Downtown/Shahr-e-Khaas areas of Srinagar District, with a view to providing accessible sporting facilities to youth in these densely populated areas. He directed the concerned Officers to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing sports infrastructure and identify locations requiring new facilities, upgradation or renovation. He also called for proper mapping of sports facilities and sporting disciplines being practised across the District so that interventions under the Khelo India framework are planned in a systematic, need-based manner and unnecessary duplication of facilities is avoided.

LoP Sunil Sharma visits Chatroo minor victims house, assures justice

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Saturday visited Gurninal in Chatroo and met the bereaved parents of the minor victim, expressing heartfelt solidarity with the grieving family during this difficult time. Sunil Sharma conveyed his deepest condolences to the family and shared their pain and anguish over the tragic loss. He assured the bereaved parents that they were not alone in their pursuit of justice and that the entire Kishtwar community and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stood firmly with them. The LoP, accompanied by a team of party leaders and workers, assured the family of the partys full support. He said that, in accordance with the familys demand, the case had been handed over to the Crime Branch for investigation. He further stated that he was in constant touch with the Lieutenant Governor regarding the matter and would continue to closely follow the case to ensure that the concerns of the family were duly addressed. He urged the concerned authorities to ensure a fair, impartial and transparent investigation, while giving due consideration to the familys legitimate demand for justice. Sunil Sharma assured the family that he would raise their concerns at the appropriate forums and continue to pursue the matter through every lawful and appropriate channel. He emphasised that justice for the victim and dignity for the grieving family must remain the foremost priority. LoP prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and for courage and strength for the bereaved parents and family members to bear this irreparable loss. The familys pain is our collective concern. We stand firmly with them and will pursue the matter through every appropriate and lawful forum. We will ensure that justice is delivered to the victim and the bereaved family, Sunil Sharma said. He asserted that the barbaric act by a teacher against a minor of the Gujjar community in Kishtwar shamed humanity. This is a fight for justice and no power obstructing it will be spared; justice will be delivered, he reaffirmed.

Athwas India XI FC begin KSL Season 2 campaign with 1-0 win

Srinagar, Sep 5:Athwas India XI FC began their Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sanctorum North United FC at the TRC Ground here on Saturday. In the second match of the league, Athwas India XI FC, as per a statement, secured the decisive goal through a penalty, which proved enough to settle a closely contested encounter. Both teams battled hard throughout the match, but Athwas India XI FC held their composure when it mattered to walk away with all three points. The victory gives Athwas a winning start to their campaign, while Sanctorum North United FC will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixture. The match was played at the TRC Ground as the second season of the franchise-based league continued following Friday's thrilling 3-3 draw between Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC and United Elegant FC. New JK United FC, Swift Strikers FC to meet Sunday The KSL Season 2 action will continue on Sunday when New JK United FC take on Swift Strikers FC Rainawari at the TRC Ground. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. The second edition of the KSL features six franchise teams, United Elegant FC, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC, Athwas India XI FC, Sanctorum North United FC, New JK United FC and Swift Strikers FC Rainawari, competing for the league crown.

A card we must discard

Writing in The Valley of Kashmir, published in 1895, Walter Roper Lawrence described the Kashmiri of his time as one who was not extravagant and who happily spends little on marriages and similar occasions. But Lawrence immediately added a note of apprehension: as prosperity increased, he feared, the Kashmiri might follow the example prevailing elsewhere and increase expenditure on marriages. More than 130 years later, his apprehension seems to have been justified beyond imagination. Marriage expenditure in Kashmir today takes innumerable forms, but broadly it may be viewed under three heads: food, particularly the ever-expanding demands surrounding wazwan; decoration and display; and a variety of incidental expenditures which, over time, have acquired the force of social custom. All three deserve examination. But there is one expenditure which particularly disturbs me: the expensive printed wedding invitation card. I do not defend extravagance in food. The quantities of meat and other eatables consumed at our weddings can certainly be questioned. Yet, at the end of the day, food is food. Someone eats it. Someone is fed.Nor can extravagant decoration easily be justified. Enormous sums are sometimes spent on flowers, lighting, stages and entrances which disappear within hours. Yet even these, one may argue, satisfy an aesthetic desire and lend colour to a memorable occasion. But what does an expensive wedding card leave behind? Thousands of rupees are spent on designing and printing cards on expensive paper, placing them in elaborate envelopes or boxes and arranging their delivery. The recipient opens the card, reads the names, notes the date and venue and puts it aside. Its purpose is over. Sooner or later, the card has to go. How many wedding cards can a person preserve? For how many years? And for what conceivable purpose? But in our case there is a further, and more sensitive, difficulty. Our wedding cards frequently carry a verse from the Holy Quran, a Hadith, a prayer or an invocation. The name of Allah may appear on the card or even on its envelope. These sacred words are presumably printed to invoke divine blessings upon the marriage. But they create an unintended dilemma. A conscientious person naturally hesitates to discard a piece of paper bearing the name of Allah or words from the Holy Quran. So the card finds its way into a drawer, cupboard or shelfnot because it is needed any longer, but because one does not know how to dispose of it respectfully. Even where no sacred verse or invocation is printed, there remains another consideration. Every wedding card necessarily bears the names of the bride and the bridegroomthe two persons whose union it was created to celebrate. There is something unseemly about an elegantly printed announcement of their marriage, carrying their names prominently, eventually lying crumpled among household refuse. Thus the difficulty does not disappear merely by leaving sacred words off the card. If they are printed, disposal becomes a matter of reverence; even if they are not, considerations of dignity and sentiment make the dustbin an uncomfortable destination. There is an irony here worth pondering. We spend substantial sums to create something beautiful for a fleeting purpose, knowing that almost from the moment it is delivered, the recipient must confront a simple question: what am I eventually supposed to do with it? And all this happens in an age when almost every household has access to a mobile phone. A tasteful digital invitation can convey the names, programme, date, venue, location and contact details instantly, without expenditure on paper and printing. There may, of course, be exceptions. Elderly relatives unfamiliar with digital communication may need a conventional invitation. A family may also wish to preserve a few printed cards as keepsakes. Nothing prevents the printing of a limited number of simple cards where genuinely necessary. But why hundreds? There is sometimes an amusing contradiction hidden inside the elaborate card itself. An invitee opens an impressive, expensively printed invitation containing a list of several marriage functions, only to discover crosses against almost every event and a solitary tick against one. Occasionally, the invitation is restricted even furtherto one person alone. There is nothing objectionable in limiting the number of guests. Indeed, that itself may be a welcome exercise in restraint. But it raises an obvious question: if the invitation is ultimately for one person to attend one function, why does it require an elaborate card, expensive paper, ornamental printing and elaborate packagingonly to convey, through a series of crosses and a solitary tick, that the recipient is not expected at several functions and is invited to just one? A simple telephone call or digital invitation could convey the same message more gracefully and conveniently. The contrast is difficult to miss: the invitation grows larger while the invitation itself grows smaller. Perhaps the problem with our attempts at marriage reform has been that we have always tried to reform everything at once. We discuss the number of dishes, the size of gatherings, gold, clothes, gifts and decorations. Eventually, social pressure proves stronger than our resolutions. Perhaps reform should begin with something smaller. Let us, for the moment, leave the wazwan alone. Let us not count the dishes on the trami. Let us not ask how many flowers decorate the entrance or how many lights illuminate the lawn. Those debates can continue. Let us begin with the wedding card. This requires no legislation or government order. It does not diminish the happiness of the bride or the groom, deprive a guest of hospitality or interfere with any essential religious or cultural practice. It merely requires society to accept that an invitation need not be an exhibition of ones financial capacity. Let religious scholars, social organisations and, above all, educated families lead by example. Let sending a simple digital invitation become socially respectable. Nobody should have to apologise for not sending an expensive printed card. Every social custom was, at some stage, an innovation. What society has created, society can also change.Sir Walter Lawrence saw the danger more than 130 years ago. We have spent generations proving his apprehension right. Perhaps it is time to prove that we are also capable of reversing the process. We may not be able to reform the Kashmiri marriage overnight. We may not even agree on what constitutes extravagance in every sphere.But surely we can agree on one small beginning.The expensive wedding card feeds no guest, creates no lasting beauty and serves no purpose once its message has been read. And when it carries sacred words, even its disposal becomes a responsibility. If we cannot discard all our extravagances, let us at least discard one.Let us discard the wedding card. Farooq Ahmad Khan is an Advocate practising before High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar.

Commissioner launches SMC education initiative for children of sanitation workers

Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb, on Saturday formally launched an education initiative aimed at supporting the academic aspirations of children of the Corporations sanitation workers. The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Joint Commissioners, sanitation workers and their children and parents, besides representatives of participating educational institutions. The programme seeks to facilitate scholarship-based coaching and academic support for eligible students, particularly those studying in Classes IX to XII and those aspiring to pursue competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE. Speaking at the inaugural programme, the Commissioner said the initiative was rooted in the Corporations recognition of the contribution made by its sanitation workforce and its responsibility towards creating meaningful opportunities for their children. Those who work every day to keep our city clean deserve to see their children move forward with dignity, confidence and opportunity. Education can be one of the strongest pathways to make that possible. This initiative is an investment in the aspirations of the next generation, he added. Faz Lul Haseeb said the initiative should not be viewed merely as an assistance programme, but as an effort to build a sustained ecosystem of opportunity, mentorship and educational advancement. The initiative has been structured as a collaborative effort, with participating educational institutions extending academic support to eligible students. The Private Coaching Centres Association of Srinagar has facilitated the participation of its member institutions. SMC will facilitate the identification and verification of eligible students through a transparent mechanism. The programme will cover students across Classes IX to XII as well as those preparing for NEET and JEE, in accordance with the prescribed eligibility and selection modalities. The Commissioner said that the larger objective was to ensure that the contribution of the sanitation workforce translates into greater opportunities for the generation that follows. The presence of sanitation workers and their children at the inaugural programme gave the initiative a distinctive human dimension, placing their educational aspirations at the centre of the Corporations intervention. Commissioner Faz Lul Haseeb expressed appreciation to the institutions that have joined the initiative and called for sustained collaboration to progressively widen its reach. The initiative is envisaged as an evolving platform through which SMC will continue to strengthen educational opportunities for eligible children of its sanitation workforce.

Juvenile justice system must remain rooted in fairness, rehabilitation, developmental needs of children

The Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with the support of UNICEF India, organised a one day annual consultation on Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: A Decade of Implementation and the Way Forward at the J&K Judicial Academy, Mominabad, Srinagar. The consultation was attended by the Judges of the High Court, Judicial Officers, Principal Magistrates of Juvenile Justice Boards, Chairpersons of Child Welfare Committees, officers of Special Juvenile Police Units, senior officers of concerned departments, Legal Services Authorities, child protection professionals, mental health experts, civil society and academia besides participants joining virtually from Jammu and Ladakh. The consultation reviewed a decade of implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act and identified priorities for strengthening the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection System. Justice Sindhu Sharma, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Committee, in her presidential address, emphasised that a child in conflict with law remains, first and foremost, a child and that the juvenile justice system must remain rooted in fairness, rehabilitation and the developmental needs of children, in keeping with principles reflected in the Beijing Rules. She highlighted the continuing challenge of balancing the reformative approach with concerns arising from serious offences. She stressed the need for adequately resourced institutions, trained personnel, effective data systems and accountability. She observed that while the first decade focused substantially on building the institutional architecture of juvenile justice, the next decade must focus on ensuring that these institutions deliver meaningful, child-centered outcomes and provide every child with dignity, rehabilitation and a genuine opportunity for a better future. Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Member, Juvenile Justice Committee, described the completion of ten years of the Act as an opportunity to objectively assess its implementation. While acknowledging the functioning of Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards across J&K and Ladakh, he emphasized that success must ultimately be measured by its impact on children. He called for stronger infrastructure, trained personnel, continuous capacity building, adequate administrative and financial support, periodic evaluation and improved inter-departmental coordination. Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal emphasized that juvenile justice extends beyond law and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Reflecting on a decade of the Juvenile Justice Act, he stressed the need to address implementation gaps and strengthen delivery on the ground. He highlighted the concerns regarding children above sixteen years accused of heinous offences, confidentiality of juvenile records and effective functioning of Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees. He also called for child-centric adoption, adequate infrastructure, trained personnel and administrative support, stressing that the Act must be implemented in letter and spirit to ensure protection, rehabilitation, dignity and hope for every vulnerable child. Jesper Moller, Deputy Representative (Programme), UNICEF India Country Office, described ten years of the Juvenile Justice Act as an important milestone and emphasized the need to assess its impact on children. He highlighted Jammu & Kashmirs progress in prevention and family-based care, Child-Friendly Spaces, Adolescent Resource Centres, strengthening of Child Care Institutions and training of more than 9,000 frontline workers. He identified prevention, family-based care, institutional coordination, accountability and disability inclusion as key priorities for the next decade. Earlier, Naseer Ahmed Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy and Ex-Officio Member Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee, welcomed the participants and emphasized that juvenile justice and child protection are shared responsibilities requiring coordinated institutional efforts. He highlighted the key areas of the consultation and called for candid, constructive and solution-oriented deliberations leading to practical recommendations for the 202627 Action Plan, keeping the best interests, dignity, safety and rehabilitation of children at the centre.

BJPs Srinagar Rally

The massive mobilisation of Bharatiya Janata Party workers at Srinagars historic Lal Chowk has delivered a political message that cannot be dismissed as just another protest. The September 2 rally represents an important shift in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir and demonstrates the BJPs determination to challenge the National Conference not merely inside the Legislative Assembly, but also on the streets of Kashmir. BJP workers assembled at Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk and attempted to march towards the Civil Secretariat, raising issues including unemployment, electricity tariffs, alleged corruption, outsourcing and backdoor appointments, delay in grassroots elections and what the party described as the National Conference governments failure to honour its electoral commitments. The importance of the mobilisation, however, goes much beyond these immediate issues. For decades, BJPs political opponents have attempted to portray it as essentially a Jammu-centric force with limited political space in the Kashmir Valley. The Srinagar mobilisation challenges that narrative. A political party does not establish itself in a new political territory overnight. It does so by building cadres, raising public issues, creating local leadership and, most importantly, demonstrating the organisational capacity and political confidence to take its message directly to the people. That is precisely why Lal Chowk matters. The BJP presently has no Assembly seat from the Kashmir Valley. Yet the sight of hundreds of its workers assembling at the symbolic heart of Srinagar and seeking to march towards the seat of government demonstrates that electoral representation and organisational presence are not necessarily the same thing. The message from the BJP is clear: it intends to fight for political space in Kashmir. Perhaps the most significant feature of the rally was the choice of issues. The BJP did not restrict its campaign to constitutional questions or nationalism. It raised unemployment, electricity tariffs, recruitment, roads, water, corruption and governance. This represents an important evolution in its Kashmir strategy. The constitutional transformation of August 2019 fundamentally altered the political framework of Jammu and Kashmir. But the next phase of politics will increasingly be determined by something much more immediate to ordinary citizens: who can deliver better governance? A young Kashmiri looking for employment is concerned about recruitment. A household struggling with electricity charges is concerned about its monthly bill. A daily wager wants regularisation and economic security. A village wants roads, water and development. These are questions of everyday life. By taking these issues to Lal Chowk, the BJP sought to place the Omar Abdullah government directly in the dock of public accountability. The National Conference secured the mandate to govern. With that mandate came responsibility. There is a fundamental difference between being in opposition and being in government. An opposition party can make promises; a government must deliver them. The BJP is now seeking answers on commitments concerning jobs, electricity and other public issues. Its political message is straightforward: the election is over; now show the results. The NC cannot indefinitely answer questions about its performance by shifting every political debate towards the Centre. Where the elected government possesses authority, it must exercise that authority. Where it has made promises to the electorate, people are entitled to ask what has happened to those promises. That is the essence of democratic accountability. The political significance of the rally was further underlined by the response it generated. The National Conference too took to the streets, seeking to march towards the BJP headquarters while raising the demand for restoration of statehood and other constitutional issues. For the first time, the ruling NC and the principal opposition BJP confronted each other through parallel street mobilisations in Srinagar. The contrast between their respective political narratives was striking. The BJP asked the NC government about jobs, electricity, corruption, recruitment and governance, while the NC sought answers from the BJP-led Centre over statehood and constitutional commitments. This has effectively crystallised an emerging political contest in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP wants the public debate centred on the performance of the elected NC government. The NC wants the debate centred on decisions and commitments of the Union Government. Ultimately, the people will judge both. As Chief Spokesperson of BJP J&K, I have consistently emphasised, democratic politics must ultimately be measured by governance and delivery rather than slogans. The BJPs Srinagar mobilisation seeks to bring that principle into the centre of the political debate in Kashmir. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur, meanwhile, has repeatedly questioned the National Conference leadership over its electoral commitments and challenged the government to explain its performance on issues affecting ordinary people. The Srinagar mobilisation has given those questions a larger public platform. Political rallies should never be assessed merely through competing claims about attendance. Location, symbolism and political context matter equally. Lal Chowk occupies a unique position in Kashmirs political history. A strong BJP mobilisation there therefore carries a significance different from that of an ordinary party meeting elsewhere. It demonstrates the changing character of public politics in Kashmir. The BJP worker in the Valley today is increasingly visible and politically assertive. That organisational confidence is important for a party seeking long-term expansion in a region where it has historically faced considerable political resistance. Elections are eventually won at polling booths, but political journeys begin much earlierin mohallas, villages, markets and public squares. The Srinagar rally should therefore be understood in that larger context. One successful mobilisation does not transform an electoral landscape. BJP would be making a mistake if it regarded the Srinagar rally as an end in itself. It should instead be treated as a beginning. The party now needs sustained programmes across Kashmir focusing on employment, tourism, horticulture, electricity, infrastructure, corruption, recruitment transparency and the concerns of young people. It must develop credible local leadership capable of articulating Kashmir-specific concerns while remaining connected with the partys larger national vision. If the BJP can convert episodic mobilisation into sustained grassroots politics, the consequences could be significant. The larger message emerging from Srinagar is that Jammu and Kashmir politics is gradually moving towards a new phase. Old political narratives will continue to have relevance, but they will increasingly have to compete with questions of performance. How many jobs were created? How quickly were recruitments completed? What happened to electricity promises? Have ordinary families received economic relief? Are local democratic institutions functioning? Has corruption declined? Has development reached the ground? These questions cannot be answered by slogans. They require governance. And that is where the BJP has attempted to place the National Conference through its Srinagar mobilisation. The Omar Abdullah government still has considerable time to demonstrate its performance. But the BJP has made it clear that it intends to scrutinise that performance aggressively and take those questions directly to the people. The most important outcome of the Srinagar rally may therefore be psychological. The BJP has demonstrated that it is prepared to enter the political battlefield of Kashmir directly and visibly. The National Conferences immediate counter-mobilisation shows that it understands the challenge. The battle ahead will not merely be BJP versus NC. It will increasingly be promise versus performance, rhetoric versus delivery and traditional political narratives versus the everyday aspirations of a changing Jammu and Kashmir. Lal Chowk has witnessed many defining moments in Kashmirs political history. The BJP mobilisation of September 2 may eventually be remembered as another important momentthe day when the party emphatically declared that Kashmirs political space cannot remain the exclusive preserve of any party or political family. Democracy belongs to everyone. And from the heart of Srinagar, the BJP has made it clear that it intends to contest every inch of that democratic space. Advocate Sunil Sethi, Chief Spokesperson BJP J&K. Altaf Thakur, Spokesperson BJP J&K.

When training becomes service

The ongoing strike by MBBS and BDS interns across government medical colleges in Jammu & Kashmir has brought a long-simmering issue to a boil. At its core, the dispute touches on the purpose of medical internships, the historical evolution of stipends, the status of foreign medical graduates, and the question of what constitutes fair compensation. The compulsory rotatory internshipinstituted as a mandatory 12-month bridge between theoretical medical training and independent practicewas historically viewed purely as an educational extension. In the 1970s, receiving 200 per month was standard across many Indian state medical institutions. At that time, it was explicitly framed as a nominal pocket-money allowance rather than remuneration for labour, as the state bore the brunt of medical education costs, and living expenses were low. Over the decades, however, two structural shifts transformed this equation: Government tertiary care facilities now handle immense patient volumes. Interns do not merely observe; they shoulder frontline clinical dutieshandling emergency triage, night shifts, ICU monitoring, and surgical assistance for 8090 hours a week. A token sum from 1970 translates to a significant financial strain today. Protesting doctors in J&K note that their current stipend of 12,300 per month amounts to roughly 400 a dayless than the daily wage of unskilled labour in many sectors. The situation becomes even more complex when examining Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) returning from countries like Bangladesh, Iran, Russia, and former Soviet republics. After completing their degrees abroad, these students must pass the mandatory Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) / Next-STEP exam conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Even after passing this rigorous exam, they are mandated to undergo 1 to 2 years of internship in recognized Indian hospitals to adapt to local clinical protocols before acquiring full registration. Historically, many states denied FMGs any stipend whatsoever, forcing them to work intensive hours without pay. Recent NMC guidelines, however, stipulate that FMGs should be paid on par with Indian graduates, but implementation across states remains highly inconsistent. The willingness of FMGs to work even under uncompensated conditions reflects the high stakes of acquiring the license required to practice or sit for NEET-PG, rather than an agreement that zero stipend is fair practice. Interns across GMC Srinagar, GMC Jammu, GMC Anantnag, and SKIMS launched an indefinite strike since 31st August this year, seeking a hike from 12,300 to 30,000 per month, citing that stipends in states like Assam, West Bengal, and Central Institutes range between 26,300 and 44,000. Health Minister Ms Sakina Itoo and the Health and Medical Education (HME) department have acknowledged the demand as genuine and inflation-justified. A government committee in 2023 had already recommended a hike to ~25,00026,300. Recent parleys between the Health Minister and intern delegations ended in a deadlock. The ministry requested a one-month window to clear the file through the Finance Department, asking interns to resume duty. However, interns have refused to call off the strike without a written government order, pointing out that similar verbal assurances and departmental proposals have bounced between the Health and Finance departments for years without implementation. From a legal, ethical, and operational perspective, several arguments define what a fair policy should look like: While internship is legally part of the degree requirement prior to full NMC registration and NEET-PG eligibility, it is also active service. Modern hospitals rely on interns as the primary workforce for routine clinical tasks and immediate triage. Compensating that labour at a baseline living standard is a matter of basic workplace fairness. Medical education and licensing standards are uniform across India under the NMC. Allowing extreme disparitieswhere an intern in one state earns 44,000 while another in a neighbouring Union Territory earns 12,300 for identical workcreates structural inequities. Young doctors at this stage have completed 4.5 years of rigorous, costly education. Expecting them to cover basic room, board, and exam prep costs on 400 a day in an inflationary environment is unsustainable. A balanced resolution requires moving away from viewing stipends as optional financial aid and recognizing them as a standardized, inflation-indexed compensation for essential frontline care during mandatory service. Prof Upendra Kaul , Medical Educationist anprof ud Founder Director of GKF

Kashmirs weddings and price of convenience

I attended a wedding a while back. The thing that struck me wasnt the size of the Wazwan. Or the number of guests. It was what was missing. Not a single guest received his drink in a plastic cup. Instead, they were all given drinks in glass bottles. Yes, you read that right. The chutney, curd, and pulao were served in reusable traditional copper utensils. In fact, even the dastarkhan was biodegradable. It felt unusual. And then I realised how unusual the ordinary has become. When I mentioned it to the host, he smiled and said something that stayed with me. I am trying my bit not to be party to environmental degradation. This could be a pretty important message. While many large-scale environmental campaigns are necessary, its possible that smaller-scale actions like this could be much more effective. After all, Kashmiri weddings are no longer just celebrations. They have also become some of our biggest consumption events. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people gather at one place. Food is prepared in huge quantities. Water is consumed in bottles. Plates, glasses, spoons, tissues and packaging are often discarded after a few hours. As a result, being convenient has become our standard operating procedure. However, convenience has a price. And we often dont see the price because the waste disappears from our sight once it leaves the wedding venue. There is another curious feature of Kashmiri weddings. Time. The invitation card may say 2 pm. Guests arrive at 2. Some arrive at 2:30. At 3, people start looking at their watches. At 4, someone whispers, Tashnaer Thas? And sometimes the Wazwan finally arrives at 5 or 6or even later. We have somehow made this acceptable. Showing up late to a wedding has become an expectation. If you do happen to show up on time, you will appear overly enthusiastic. There is another environmental element involved here as well. Once hundreds of guests are forced to spend hours sitting at a wedding site, the area remains operational for longer periods of time. Electricity is used longer (lights remain on) and heating/cooling will continue to run longer. Additionally, traffic will remain congested around the wedding site for longer times. And there is another cost. People who have other commitments lose hours simply waiting. Then there are the fireworks and music, sometimes going late into the night. The debate regarding this issue is well-known. It is a wedding. You only live once, blah blah. This may be true. Nevertheless, for someone living next door, it may be the third wedding that week. For an elderly person, a newborn, a patient or a student preparing for an examination, that one night can be very long. Noise pollution is rarely considered pollution in the same way as plastic or smoke. It should be. Celebration does not have to mean maximum volume. Perhaps the most uncomfortable sight comes after the guests leave. The same Wazwan which embodies the spirit of Kashmiri hospitality can sometimes be observed lying in a heap near the dumpster. Rice, meat, salads, desserts. Food that was prepared with care, served with pride and then thrown away. The problem is not Wazwan. The problem is waste. We need to ask ourselves a tough question: Are we preparing food for our guests? Or are we preparing food so that we can display abundance? Traditional Kashmiri celebrations had numerous practices that were inherently less wasteful than those practiced today. Utensils were cleaned and reused. Food was handled differently. Less packaging existed. A greater reliance upon items intended to be used only once did not exist either. Modernization has created some conveniences. On the other hand, modernization has allowed us to dispose of some things, including our dishes. That recent wedding provided a small example of a counterpoint. Nothing revolutionary happened. No lectures on climate change took place. Simply put, a decision to use fewer disposable products was made. Glass cups instead of plastic cups. Reusable utensils instead of throwaway ones. Biodegradable material instead of plastic. It made me realize that environmental responsibility does not necessarily require a massive campaign all the time. Sometimes it starts with a host choosing to act differently. Kashmir does not require less celebration; Kashmir requires less wasteful celebration. We can enjoy our Wazwan. Invite our relatives and friends. Celebrate our joy loudly enough to let everyone know how happy we are; but perhaps not loudly enough to disturb an entire neighbourhood. We can create beautiful weddings without creating disposable ones. Next time we attend a wedding, we should look beyond the flowers, lights and Wazwan. We should take note of what remains behind after everyone goes home. That is where the actual cost of our celebration may be waiting.

The unheard signals of a changing India

History is often remembered selectively. Those who hold power today, particularly those whose political journeys were shaped by the movements of an earlier India, would do well to remember not only what brought those movements to the surface, but also what the establishment failed to hear before they did. Indira Gandhis triumph in 1971 was one of the defining moments in Indias political imagination. It transformed the balance of political power and strengthened the authority of the Prime Minister to an extraordinary degree. Yet barely three years later, in early 1974, an agitation in Bihar over rising prices, unemployment and corruption grew into a much larger political movement. Under Jayaprakash Narayan, it acquired the moral vocabulary of Total Revolution. By 1977, it had helped transform the political landscape of the country and ended the Congresss uninterrupted rule at the Centre. Many who exercise influence in India today were either participants in that era or were politically shaped by it. After half a century, it is worth asking whether India is once again sending signals that deserve to be heard. This is not to suggest that another 1974 is upon us. History does not repeat itself so neatly. India today is a very different country: its economy is larger, its population younger, technology has penetrated almost every aspect of daily life, and its social and political landscape is considerably more complex. Yet beneath the surface of political stability, anxieties are becoming increasingly visible, particularly among Generation Z. Their protests may be scattered and their grievances may appear disconnected. They have no obvious political leader and no common vocabulary. But they possess something earlier generations did not have to the same extent: the ability to connect instantly, amplify local grievances and transform individual frustrations into a shared national conversation. The young people of the 1970s found in Jayaprakash Narayan a moral reference point capable of transforming anger into purpose. He did not merely echo their grievances. He gave them a language through which those grievances could be understood as part of a larger national crisis. Generation Z has no comparable figure today. But it has questions. Questions about employment and opportunity, education and healthcare, merit and fairness, corruption and accountability, housing and economic security, and the widening distance between aspiration and achievement. For now, these concerns remain fragmented. But political movements are rarely born fully formed. They begin as unease. They acquire language, find resonance and eventually discover leadership. The Anna Hazare movement offered an earlier glimpse of this process. It did not become the transformative political movement many had imagined, but it revealed a deep reservoir of public frustration over corruption, accountability and institutional failure. Its lasting significance may lie less in what it achieved than in what it revealed. The question before those in power today is therefore not simply whether a particular protest can be contained. It is whether the protest is revealing something about the India taking shape beneath the surface. But concentrated political authority carries a subtle danger. It can create distance between the centre of power and the institutions through which society is meant to speak to it. That was perhaps one of the deeper failures of that period. The problem was not simply the personality of the leader. It was the weakening of the channels between leadership, administration and society. When those channels cease to carry inconvenient truths upward, political leadership may remain powerful while becoming progressively less informed about the realities beneath it. The growing political influence of the Youth Congress and the role associated with Sanjay Gandhi reflected this wider tendency towards political intrusion into institutions expected to retain a measure of autonomy. An attempt to extend political control over institutions can, paradoxically, weaken the very system it seeks to strengthen. The lesson is not that todays India is 1974. It is that institutional weakness can produce political consequences even when political authority appears secure. That possibility deserves attention today. Unemployment, concerns about merit, the commercialisation of healthcare and education, housing pressures, economic insecurity and administrative delays in Cooperative societys allotment pending through decades are often treated as separate problems. But when such experiences accumulate across millions of lives, they can become something larger: a belief that the system no longer works with equal fairness for everyone. Consider the citizen waiting for an approval, an allotment, a certificate or a decision. A cooperative society may wait years for permission. A file may move from desk to desk without explanation. A legitimate entitlement may become entangled in procedure. Yet the same machinery can sometimes move with remarkable speed when influence enters the picture. Such experiences do more than inconvenience citizens. They teach citizens how the state works. Once people begin to believe that access depends more upon influence than entitlement, institutional trust begins to fray. This matters particularly to the middle class, which is invested in stability, education, employment and upward mobility. Precisely because it has placed so much faith in the promise of a fair and functioning system, its disappointment can be profound when that promise appears uncertain. Generation Z may therefore be expressing not only the frustrations of its own generation, but also frustrations accumulated silently by the generation before it. This brings us to the central question. The Prime Minister may work tirelessly. His personal energy and political commitment are evident. But the issue is not whether the leader is working hard enough. It is whether the system around him is telling him the truth. Who carries the unvarnished reality upward? Who is willing to say that a policy is failing where it is failing? Who listens to the citizen who cannot obtain what should be a routine entitlement? Who distinguishes between what the system reports and what society actually experiences? A healthy political system requires institutions to perform this function. They are the bridges between power and society. When those bridges are strong, criticism reaches the leadership before it becomes anger. When they weaken, the leadership may continue to hear praise while society quietly accumulates resentment. Political strength and institutional strength are not the same thing. A leader can be immensely popular. A government can possess a formidable electoral mandate. The opposition can appear weak. Elections can continue to deliver decisive victories. None of these, by itself, guarantees institutional vitality. India nevertheless possesses an extraordinary advantage. Its diversity, pluralism and democratic resilience provide considerable space for correction. That space should be used while correction is still possible. There is still time to listen. There is time to speak to young people without assuming that every protest is political theatre. There is time to engage professional bodies, educators, entrepreneurs, civil society, cooperative organisations and ordinary citizens who encounter the state not through speeches, but through files, forms, hospitals, universities and workplaces. Listening does not mean accepting every demand. It means understanding the anxiety behind the demand and recognising that a citizen who complains is not necessarily an opponent of the state. Often, the complaint comes from someone who still believes the state can respond. Jammu and Kashmir offers an instructive example of why this connection matters. The restoration of statehood remains an important public concern. At the same time, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has demonstrated the value of sustained engagement with different sections of society. His familiarity with the region, direct engagement with people and relatively restrained public communication illustrate an important principle: administration is most effective when it remains connected to the society it governs. Whatever ones political assessment, Manoj Sinhas approach demonstrates that governance need not always be expressed through rhetoric. Listening, understanding the local ecosystem and communicating with restraint can itself become a form of political confidence-building. But engagement must also extend to unresolved questions. Public confidence is built not only by celebrating achievements, but by demonstrating that unfinished commitments and legitimate concerns remain visible to those who govern. The same principle applies to Indias wider security and diplomatic challenges. Any meaningful reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan would be welcome, and if a substantial and durable truce emerges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha would deserve credit for the role their respective leadership and administrative efforts played in creating the conditions for greater stability. But such developments should be judged by their durability and by whether they translate into greater security, confidence and normalcy for people on the ground. That is where the larger responsibility lies. The challenge before the present leadership is not merely to defeat an opposition, contain a protest or win the next election. It is to preserve the institutional bridges between power and society.When those bridges remain open, grievances can travel peacefully.When they close, grievances search for other routes.That is why those who govern should listen to now.The strength of a democracy lies in whether those in power can hear it while it is still a whisper. Prof. Ashok Kaul, Retired Emeritus Professor of sociology at Banaras Hindu University

AANITS executive committee welcomes NIT Srinagar Director

Srinagar, Sep 5:The Executive Committee of the Alumni Association of NIT Srinagar (AANITS) on Saturday met NIT Srinagar Director Prof Anurag Misra and formally welcomed him on behalf of the institutes alumni fraternity. A statement of NIT issued here said that during the interaction, the delegation conveyed its best wishes to Prof Misra and discussed ways to strengthen ties between the institute and its alumni network. The meeting also focused on greater alumni participation in the academic, professional and developmental initiatives of NIT Srinagar. Dean, Alumni & International Affairs, Prof M A Shah; Associate Dean, Alumni and International Affairs, H S Pali; and faculty members Dinesh and Vijay were also present and shared their views on strengthening alumni-institute engagement. The delegation discussed the forthcoming SANGAM 4-NIT Srinagar Global Alumni Meet, proposed to be held from May 29 to 31, 2027. Initial ideas regarding the event, greater participation of alumni and further strengthening of the institutes global alumni network were also discussed with the Director. The AANITS delegation comprised President Er Malay Chatterjee, who participated online; Vice President Parvaiz Qalander; General Secretary Irfan Ashai; Secretary Fayaz Sofi; Additional Secretaries Farhan Manzoor Shah and Irfan Shafi Parray; and Joint Secretary Sajad Hussain Din. The AANITS Executive Committee reiterated its commitment to working closely with the institute administration and the Office of Alumni and International Affairs to strengthen ties between NIT Srinagar and its alumni across the globe. The interaction concluded on a cordial note, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the institute-alumni partnership.

Mere possession of books with dispiriting titles does not justify preventive detention: HC

Srinagar, Sep 5:The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has quashed preventive detention of a man under Public Safety Act (PSA), noting that a mere possession of the books with dispiriting titles does not by itself make a person a criminal against whom the preventive detention is required to be invoked. A bench Justice Moksha KhajuriaKazmi made the observation while quashing the detention order dated September 9, 2025 issued by the District Magistrate Kupwara against ShafatMaqboolWani of KukroosaVilgam. Assailing the preventive detention, Wani in his plea had argued that there was non-application of mind as the detaining authority had acted mechanically while issuing the order against him by relying solely upon an FIR (69/2025) registered at Police Station Handwara wherein he was already bailed out by the competent court of law. The respondents (authorities) in the grounds of detention among others had alleged that anti national literature was seized from the possession of the Wani that included books authored by him titled Construction of an Islamic Order in HindutvaReimagination and The Saffronisation of Occupied Kashmir, DemystifingHindutva Settlers, Colonial Designers. The court observed that the detaining authority did not appear to have made any effort to derive satisfaction as regarded the prejudicial activity of the petitioner warranting his preventive detention. It held that the detention order issued by the Kupwara District Magistrate was based on grounds that were not supported by material demonstrating any subversive activity by Wani. The court also noted that the only thing that emerged from the perusal of the grounds of detention, and the counter affidavit filed was that the detenue had inculcated a separatist ideology since his childhood, for, his father had been an ex-militant having surrendered in the year 1990. The assertion, it said, was delusory and the preventive detention, ordered so conveniently on such imaginary belief, was nothing but an unmindful exercise of power. The court pointed out that the alleged anti-national literature shown to have been seized from the detenue had also presumably weighed with the respondents to brand the detenue as an anti-national. However, the said literature had wrongly been attributed to the detenue having been authored by him, it said. The court also agreed with the argument that the detenue being an academic scholar, was expected to be in possession of a variety of literary means. Therefore, a mere possession of the books with dispiriting titles does not ipso facto make the petitioner a criminal against whom the preventive detention was required to be invoked, it said. Allowing the plea, the court quashed the detention order 2025 dated September 13, 2025, and directed that Wani be released from preventive custody forthwith.

Catch the sun before it sets

Srinagar, Sep 5:Jammu and Kashmir has a fresh opportunity to accelerate its transition to solar power, with the Centre significantly expanding financial support for renewable energy. But to make the most of this window, J&K will need to put substantial resources of its own behind the effort and treat solarisation as a long-term infrastructure mission rather than another subsidy programme.The question of financing is central to J&Ks solar future. The Centre has already demonstrated what public policy backed by public money can achieve through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to take rooftop solar to one crore households across the country. The schemes budgetary allocation has risen sharply from Rs 6250 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 20,000 crore in 2025-26 and Rs 22,000 crore in 2026-27. PM-KUSUM and other renewable-energy programmes provide additional avenues of Central support.The scale of this financial commitment makes one thing clear: solar power is no longer a peripheral environmental initiative. It is increasingly becoming a mainstream component of Indias energy security strategy. Several states have recognised this and are putting their own money alongside Central assistance to multiply its impact. Assam, for instance, has supplemented the Central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar with additional assistance of up to Rs 45,000, depending on system capacity.Delhi has gone further. On September 2, it announced a programme to provide 3-kW rooftop solar systems without upfront installation costs to around 2.30 lakh eligible households, combining Central subsidy with its own financial support.J&K too has begun moving in this direction. Successive budgets have provided resources for renewable energy, while J&K has offered additional assistance over Central support for residential rooftop systems. It has also earmarked substantial expenditure for solarisation of government buildings and pursued PM-KUSUM and other renewable-energy programmes.The forthcoming industrial policy is also expected to consider support for rooftop solar in the industrial sector, potentially offering a cleaner and more productive alternative to conventional subsidies for diesel generator sets. There has also been sustained administrative attention. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has repeatedly reviewed solarisation programmes, pushed implementing agencies to accelerate execution and fixed targets, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also periodically reviewed progress.That administrative focus has helped create momentum. But it now needs to be matched by financial ambition.J&K should extract every possible rupee from Central schemes, but it should not allow the scale of its solar programme to be determined solely by the money available under centrally sponsored schemes. J&K needs to put substantially more of its own resources alongside the Central assistance.The governments commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity makes this even more important. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has indicated that the commitment should be realised through solarisation, an approach that could fundamentally change the economics of free power.The choice is straightforward. Government can continue purchasing electricity and subsidising 200 units every month, year after year. Or it can invest in generating capacity that produces those units for decades.Solar investment should therefore be treated as capital formation in the power sector, not simply as another subsidy.The obvious challenge is financing. J&K's fiscal position is constrained, but there are potential resources within the power economy itself.J&K collects water-usage charges from hydroelectric generating companies for using its water resources. A substantial portion of these receipts could be ring-fenced for a dedicated J&K Solar Mission Fund.There is a compelling logic to such an arrangement: revenue generated from the exploitation of J&Ks rivers could help finance the next generation of cleaner, more distributed energy infrastructure.J&K should also consider responsible long-term borrowing for productive solar assets whose operating lives extend over two decades.Concessional financing from multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, along with climate and green-energy financing windows, could provide an additional source of capital. If immediate budgetary constraints are the only obstacle, borrowing specifically for solar infrastructure deserves serious consideration. J&K Bank could become another important partner by creating a dedicated solar-financing window offering comparatively affordable credit. Interest subvention, guarantees or other risk-sharing mechanisms could be used where necessary to reduce financing costs and encourage household and institutional investment. In short, J&K may need to budget, borrow and leverage if it wants to accelerate solarisation at the scale the opportunity demands.There is another critical component that cannot be overlooked: the local solar industry.A solar transition of this magnitude cannot be delivered by government departments alone. It will require a strong ecosystem of installers, equipment suppliers, technicians and maintenance providers.Solar vendors should therefore be encouraged as an emerging MSME sector, with access to applicable incentives, skill development, quality certification, working-capital support and easier credit. Such an ecosystem would not only speed up solarisation but also create new businesses and employment opportunities within J&K. What J&K needs now is a comprehensive financing architecture for a Solar Mission Central subsidies as the foundation, UT budgetary support on top of them, water-usage revenues as a dedicated source, institutional and multilateral financing, affordable bank credit and an incentivised local vendor ecosystem. The ingredients are already available. Central support has never been stronger. Technology has matured. Administrative monitoring has gathered momentum. The political commitment to expand access to electricity is already on the table.What is missing is investment at a scale matching the opportunity.J&K was late in harnessing its hydropower wealth. It cannot afford to repeat that mistake with solar energy.The sun is offering J&K a new energy opportunity and this time, the resources to seize it are already beginning to line up. What J&K needs now is the resolve to invest before another opportunity passes by.

Mushtaq Chaya-backed consortium wins Sangarmal land auction for Rs 421.75 crore

Srinagar, Sep 5:When the Srinagar Development Authority decided to put around 45 kanal of prime land at Sangarmal up for online auction, prominent hotelier Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya had already made up his mind to bid for it.His decision had been taken before the auction was put up, and he was prepared to pursue the property regardless of how high the bidding went.Come what may, I had made up my mind that I would bid for it. I was ready to go for the bid at any cost, Chaya told Greater Kashmir in an exclusive conversation. That determination culminated in a winning bid of Rs 421.75 crore by a consortium backed by Chaya, following a marathon online auction that began on August 25 and continued until 1:48 am on August 26.The property had a reserve price of Rs 125 crore. The winning offer was therefore more than 3.3 times the reserve price and Rs 296.75 crore above the minimum amount fixed for the auction.At around 2 am on August 26, we finally closed the bid and we won it, Chaya said. The 45-kanal property, offered on a full-lease basis, comprises land in front of and behind the existing Sangarmal City Centre. It is located a few hundred metres behind the Kashmir Golf Course, opposite Polo View and around a kilometre from LalChowk. Dal Lake is also roughly a kilometre away, while one end of the property touches ChuntKhul.The transaction is among the most significant commercial property deals in Srinagar in recent years, but Chaya's interest in the site goes beyond the value of the land. I had decided that I wanted to take this property and develop something big for Kashmir. There were other consortia, there was competition, but I was very clear in my mind, he said.Chaya, who heads the Mushtaq Group of Hotels, has been in the hospitality business since the mid-1980s and has built a substantial presence across Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. His group has operated and developed hospitality properties in association with international hotel brands and has been involved in the expansion of the region's tourism infrastructure.He has also held leadership positions in industry bodies, including the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club, representing issues concerning tourism, investment and the hospitality sector. That experience now feeds into his plans for the Sangarmal site.The Chaya-backed consortium plans an integrated commercial and hospitality development featuring a hotel, shopping spaces, banquet facilities, exclusive retail, entertainment and leisure components. My idea is to create something big for Kashmir. It should have a hotel, shops, banquets and exclusive retail spaces. I want it to be a blend of international malls and international facilities, but with the Kashmir touch, Chaya said.The proposed project is expected to involve an overall investment of around Rs 1000 crore, including the Rs 421.75-crore bid and approximately Rs 650 crore in construction and development. A major feature planned for the development is parking capacity for around 5000 vehicles. The scale of the parking facility is expected to make the proposed destination more accessible to visitors and shoppers and address one of the key challenges associated with large commercial developments in central Srinagar. The project is also envisaged as a new shopping and leisure destination for both residents and tourists. Its location near LalChowk, Polo View, the Kashmir Golf Course and Dal Lake places it within a high-traffic commercial and tourism corridor.Chaya said the objective was to create a destination where shopping would be only one part of the experience.We want to create a destination. People should come there not only for shopping but also to spend time, eat, stay and experience something different. We want international standards, but we also want the project to reflect Kashmir, he said. The investment could also have a significant employment impact. Chaya estimates that the project could generate around 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. My aim is to create more jobs. We have seen years of peace and now people should get its dividends. Investment should ultimately benefit the people of Kashmir, he said.Asked about the broader investment environment in Kashmir, particularly with the Valley witnessing increased economic activity and investment, Chaya said both local and outside investment were necessary for sustained growth. He cited the takeover of the Centaur Hotel on Dal Lake by the Leela Group as an example of outside investment, while the Sangarmal auction represented a major investment by a locally backed enterprise.According to Chaya, the two should not be viewed as competing models. Outside investment can bring capital, expertise and new brands, while local investment can keep a greater share of economic activity rooted in the region. What matters, he said, is that both contribute to business expansion, economic activity and employment. The consortium plans to engage specialised consultants, designers and professionals with experience in large-scale commercial and hospitality developments. Chaya said the project was backed by his group and that specialised expertise would be brought in wherever required.The formal successful bidder is Parmesh Construction Company Ltd, a consortium involving Pahalgam Green Hotels and Bhutani Infra Ltd, with Chaya backing the project and driving its proposed development vision. The location is central to the project's business proposition. The site sits close to Srinagar's established commercial centre while also being within easy reach of major tourism and recreational landmarks.You have LalChowk, Polo View, the Golf Course and Dal Lake all nearby. If you develop the property properly, it can become a landmark for Srinagar, Chaya said. The Sangarmal City Centre itself has struggled to achieve the commercial activity originally envisaged for it. The complex includes commercial spaces, a Craft Bazaar, kiosks, food courts, a restaurant and office spaces, besides landscaped areas, fountains, parking facilities, lifts and escalators.Despite its strategic location, significant portions of the complex have remained underutilised.The proposed development could change the commercial character of the area by bringing together retail, hospitality, entertainment and leisure facilities in a single destination. The planned parking capacity would further expand its ability to accommodate large visitor volumes.For the local economy, the proposed project represents more than a high-value property transaction. Its success would depend on whether the planned capital investment translates into operational businesses, sustained footfall, employment and new demand for local suppliers and services. The auction itself demonstrated the premium investors are willing to pay for strategically located commercial property in Srinagar. Against a reserve price of Rs 125 crore, the final bid reached Rs 421.75 crore. The consortium is required to execute the project within the stipulated lease conditions, including a three-year construction timeline.We have to complete the construction within three years as per the conditions. We are going to start work and move ahead with the project, Chaya said.The immediate outcome of the auction is aRs 421.75-crore lease commitment. The larger proposition is the proposed Rs 1000-crore development, which could add a major new retail, hospitality and entertainment destination to Srinagar.

Crime Branch files fresh chargesheet in Rs 1.38 cr treasury fraud case in J-K's Reasi

Jammu, Sep 5: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Jammu on Saturday filed a fresh chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the alleged misappropriation and diversion of over Rs 1.38 crore from Sub-Treasury Dharmari in Reasi district, an official said. The supplementary chargesheet was presented before the Court of Reasi's Chief Judicial Magistrate, in a case registered in 2024 in connection with alleged manipulation of the Treasury-Net system and preparation and use of forged bills and vouchers under pension and National Pension System (NPS) heads, resulting in the alleged diversion of Government funds, a spokesperson of the Crime Branch said. He said the case was initially registered at Arnas Police Station based on a complaint by Reasi District Treasury Officer Qamar Rehman. Subsequently, the investigation was transferred to the Crime Branch (EOW) Jammu, the spokesman said, adding that the investigating agency conducted a detailed examination and scrutiny of the Treasury records, bank account transactions and relevant bills and vouchers pertaining to the case. During the investigation, the spokesperson said relevant bills and vouchers were subjected to forensic examination. He said the FSL report, along with other documentary and oral evidence collected, indicated that the questioned bills and vouchers were allegedly prepared by the principal accused. The investigation also examined the signatures appearing on the relevant documents and their connection with the officials concerned, he said. Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, offences under various sections of the IPC have been established against three principal accused -- Ali Hussain Shah, Balbir Singh and Ajeet Kumar, the spokesperson said. He said the investigation also established offences under relevant sections of law against seven additional accused persons -- Arshad-e-Azam, Abrar-e-Azam, Rubeena Kousar, Mohd Rafiq, Shokat Ali, Mohd Ashraf and Nasib Mohammad -- in connection with the alleged dishonest receipt and retention of government funds. The investigation remains open for tracing any further diversion of government funds and for ascertaining the involvement, if any, of other persons, the spokesperson said.

Eight HC chief justices appointed

New Delhi, Sep 5: Eight high court chief justices were appointed on Saturday, days after their names were recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium. In a post on X, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said Justice Valluri Kameswar Rao, currently a judge of the Delhi High Court, has been appointed Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. Justice Ravindra V Ghuge of the Bombay High Court will head the Calcutta High Court. Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court has been appointed Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, while Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi of the Allahabad High Court has been appointed Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. A controversy erupted following serious, unprecedented allegations levelled against Rajasthan acting chief justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma by Supreme Court judge Sandeep Mehta. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has been appointed Chief Justice of the court. Justice Krushna Ram Mohapatra of the Orissa High Court has been appointed Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court. Justice Alpesh Yeshwant Kogje of the Gujarat High Court will head the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati of the Rajasthan High Court has been appointed Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.

PM Modi says India demonstrating its strength amidst global turmoil, hits out at naysayers

New Delhi, Sep 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that India is not only growing at 7.8 per cent but also creating employment opportunities despite wars and disruptions, demonstrating the country's strength, and said that those responsible for pushing the economy into the fragile five cannot digest it. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), PM Modi also said that those who once spread terror have been silenced and if today Pakistan commits any misdeed, the Indian Army strikes back on their own soil. He said from Jammu and Kashmir to the Northeast, there is peace and Naxalism has been dismantled. Recalling that the country was struggling on every front in 2013, when he last addressed SRCC students as Gujarat chief minister, Modi said corruption, terrorism and inflation were unchecked, but India is now far more secure economically and socially. However, some people's frustration is increasing after seeing this, he said. For such people, I had given a homoeopathy dose from the Red Fort (during Independence Day address)... 'dimagi Naxal'. When I said 'dimagi Naxal', all such people came to the forefront and started criticising me. People who were promoting dimagi Naxalism, their true colour can be witnessed by the people, he said. The prime minister said the world was at that time worried about India's policy paralysis, but today they are talking about India's policy dynamism. Modi said that in other words, India is not only growing, but also creating employment opportunities. They once called us the 'Fragile Five'. Today, they are talking about India as the fastest-growing major economy, he said He recalled that his address at SRCC in 2013 had made a wave and even today, 13-14 years later, its impact remains intact. In 2013, when I came to SRCC, I presented a vision. Whatever I said back then was my conviction... I gave the example of a glass filled with water. Some people see the glass as half full... It was a time when the country was lacking hope. So I said, 'I see the glass as fully filled', he said. Those who saw the glass as half empty in 2013, when I had visited the SRCC, still chose to see it the same way today. India's 7.8 per cent growth has also come at a time when the war in West Asia is ongoing and when disruptions related to trade have persisted. Achieving such growth during that time demonstrates India's strength, he said, referring to GDP growth rate for April-June quarter. We all know that those responsible for pushing India into the'fragile five' cannot digest the numbers of Indias growth, he said in a veiled attack at the Congress and its allies that have questioned the credibility of the growth figures. The prime minister said in the past six years, the country has faced many challenges, be it COVID or the conflicts in West Asia, and every time, it was said that PM Modi would not be able to survive these challenges. But India has such immense capability that the wishes of those who want to see India fail are repeatedly being left unfulfilled, he said. Referring to his 2013 visit to SRCC, just before becoming the prime minister of India, Modi said that 13 years ago, the seniors of the present generation of students could not dream of doing many things, but today, the current generation is dreaming big because India has created the ecosystem to achieve those dreams. I am happy that you are all ambitious. Ambition comes from the environment around you. Today, you talk about start-ups, becoming entrepreneurs and bringing innovation to agriculture, he said. Outside the campus, the prime minister said, the students will find two types of people-- hose who positively transform the power of society into the power of the nation and the others who turn into angry uncles (naraz fufa) as soon as any work begins. He said such egative people's favourite activity is to oppose every task and they have just one dialogue - 'What is the need for this' . The prime minister said in 2013, when he talked about 'Make in India', people in that ecosystem thought it was not possible, and they still mock 'Make in India'. But now, you are witnessing the brand value of Make in India. Today, every person has a smartphone. Made in India smartphones are reaching every corner of the world. In 2014, India used to import mobile phones. Today, India is exporting mobile phones worth more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore, he said. Modi said India will have its own space station, and everyone will witness that day too. When India one day hosts such Olympics that the world will be left in awe. These are not mere words; these are resolutions, and work is underway in the country to turn these resolutions into reality, he said. The prime minister said that earlier most things for India's armed forces were bought from abroad, but he worked with the country's armed forces to make a plan, prepared a list of items and told Indian companies to manufacture all of them. Today, the country's defence manufacturing is at an all-time high. Today, India is producing defence goods worth nearly two lakh crore rupees. In 2013-14, we used to do defence exports worth 600-700 crore rupees; today, this figure has reached nearly Rs 40,000 crore rupees, he said. Lauding SRCC for shaping generations, PM referred to college alumni as OG, striking a chord with Gen Z. When a human being lives for 100 years, they are considered a person of deep knowledge and great experience. When an institution completes 100 years, it becomes an ocean of achievements. SRCC has shaped generations and connected them to a brighter future. In its 100-year journey, Shri Ram College of Commerce has shaped generations, connecting them to a bright future. Those who came, they studied; those who left, they left sculpted. SRCC alumni have been very special. In your language, they are OGs, he said. The prime minister also released a commemorative Rs 100 coin to mark the centenary celebration. Modi's visit to the SRCC comes amid the BJP's ongoing outreach to the young generation. In April this year, the prime minister met the governing body and a delegation from the college at his residence to mark the institution's 100th anniversary. He also released a special commemorative postage stamp on the occasion.

Between begging & belligerence: The psychology of getting customer service to help

The ability to persuade effectively is critical for achieving successful interactions in customer service environments. Customers frequently turn to emotional appeals or confrontational tactics when seeking help, often resulting in unproductive dialogues. Finding a harmonious balance between personal agency and authoritative influence is paramount. As AI increasingly replaces human roles in customer service, it prompts a reevaluation of future persuasion dynamics.

Politicians are emerging as India's new breed of brand endorsers

In India, politicians play a prominent role in advertisements and public campaigns, often endorsing products and government initiatives. Their visibility surpasses that of celebrities and models, adding a sense of credibility to the products advertised. It's a strategic move where businesses can exchange endorsements for political backing, thereby enhancing their market reach and influence.

Working Naam Ke Vaaste on Benami Dealings: The politics of a name

The US President's decision to rename geographical sites has ignited a fierce debate about identity and national sovereignty. This act resonates with deeply rooted cultural and historical beliefs concerning the importance of names. Critics argue that such renaming could erode international relations and national borders. The article examines the powerful influence of nomenclature within different cultures, illustrating how names can shape global perspectives and power balances.

Two dead as oil tanker plunges into gorge in Kishtwar

Jammu, Sept 5: Two persons were killed after an empty oil tanker skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said. The accident occurred in the Palmar area of Dachin when the driver of the tanker reportedly lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve, the officials said. Following the accident, locals launched a rescue operation, however, both persons travelling in the tanker were found dead on the spot, they said. The deceased were identified as Shakoor Ahmad of Doda and Abdul Majid Wani of Ramban district.

Sangarmal project to transform Srinagars business landscape: Mushtaq Chaya | GKTV

An auction for a 45-kanal land parcel around Sangarmal City Centre, located in the heart of Srinagar, has fetched the J&K government a whopping Rs 421.75 crore. The highest bid was jointly submitted by Parmesh Construction Company Ltd, Pahalgam Green Hotels and Bhutani Infra Ltd. In an exclusive interview with Greater Kashmirs Saqib Malik, CMD of Mumtaz Group of Hotels, Mushtaq Chaya said the project, with an estimated construction cost of Rs 600 crore, will feature sprawling shopping and leisure amenities. Chaya said the project is expected to be completed within the next three years and will transform Sangarmal City Centre while turning the area into a major hub of business activity in Srinagar. He added that the completed project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. Host: Saqib Malik Camera: Mohammad Syed Nayak - Murtaza Bilal

We hope promise of statehood made to people of J&K will be fulfilled: Dy CM

Jammu, Sept 5: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday expressed hope that the Centre would fulfil its commitments on restoration of statehood and said the chief minister had raised this and several other issues during his recent meeting with the Union home minister. Whenever Omar (Abdullah) Sahib goes to Delhi, whether he meets the home minister, the prime minister or any other Union minister, he discusses all the development-related issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, Choudhary said, talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here. The deputy chief minister said that during the chief minister's meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, issues, including restoration of statehood, rationalisation of reservations, finalisation of business rules and the upcoming first international filmfare festival in Srinagar, were discussed. We hope that following Omar's meeting, the home minister will fulfil the promise he has made in Parliament, the promise made before the Supreme Court and the promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said, referring to the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. By not fulfilling this promise, the BJP is not merely betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir; it is also betraying Parliament and the judiciary, he said. On the strike by MBBS interns protesting over the alleged disparity in their monthly stipend since August 31, Choudhary said the government was considering the matter comprehensively. If it were just one issue, we would have announced it here and moved on. But we are looking at the matter in its entirety because these are our doctors, and they are treating our people. After God, if anyone is given the second-highest place, it is doctors, he said. On the September 2 anti-government protest by BJP in Srinagar, the deputy chief minister termed it drama staged by the opposition party at Lal Chowk and claimed it was meant to divert public attention from issues confronting the people of Jammu. He challenged the opposition party to answer questions over representation of local officers, academics and professionals in key positions in the Union territory. Lal Chowk in Srinagar is a historic symbol of democracy, and the BJP leadership had gone there merely to shed crocodile tears and fool the people, he said, accusing the BJP of lindfolding the people of Jammu by diverting attention from their problems. Jammu is suffering from within. There is pain in the hearts of the people. Whether it is transporters, hoteliers, industrialists or unemployed youth, everyone is troubled, he said. He challenged the BJP leadership to address these concerns at Jammu's own 'Ghanta Ghar' at Shalimar Road instead of holding protests at Lal Chowk. Why don't you go there and, standing under the statue of Maharaja Sahib, answer the people of Jammu? he asked. The deputy chief minister also questioned the appointment of senior officers from Jammu and Kashmir to important positions outside the Union territory while local officers, according to him, were not being given similar opportunities. If officers from Jammu and Kashmir can be appointed as DGs in other states or in Ladakh, why can't officers from Jammu and Kashmir be appointed as DGs here? he asked, adding that several local IPS officers were capable of holding such positions. He also raised questions over appointments in universities and other premier institutions, asking why sons of the soil from Jammu could not be considered for positions such as directors and vice-chancellors. Choudhary said the issue was also about the aspirations of young professionals and employees. Look at the records. Our officers are being sent from Jammu and Kashmir to different parts of the country, to different states and Union territories. But why can't our own officers be appointed here? Why can't they be appointed as deputy commissioners here? Is this not discrimination? he asked.

Drug peddler jailed under PIT-NDPS Act in J-K's Kathua

Jammu, Sep 5: A drug peddler was jailed in Kathua district under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act on Saturday, officials said. Jasbir Singh, a resident of Chak Drab Khan village, was named in three FIRs registered at Police Station Kathua under various provisions of the NDPS Act in 2018, 2022 and 2026, police said. A police spokesperson said to prevent his illegal activities, a dossier was prepared against him and sent to the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, for his detention under the PIT-NDPS Act. Accordingly, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, issued a detention warrant against Singh. He said the warrant was executed, and he was lodged in jail. Police arrested another drug peddler and recovered seven grams of heroin from him at Galak in the Ramkot area of Billawar in Kathua district early Saturday. Police intercepted Arjun after he was found moving under suspicious circumstances, leading to the recovery of the narcotic substance. He said the peddler was booked under the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway.

Putin orders 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv as US envoys visit Russia, Ukraine

Moscow, Sep 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv, the Kremlin said Saturday, as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow to try to revive a stalled push to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin has ordered that no strikes be carried out against Kyiv for three days, starting at midnight today, presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russia's Tass news agency. He said the decision was tied to preparations for Witkoff and Kushner's planned visit to the Ukrainian capital, which Kyiv has said will take place on Sunday. The envoys' trip comes as both sides escalate aerial attacks, some 4.5-years after the Kremlin's invasion of its neighbour. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Ukraine would halt airstrikes during the envoys' visit and urged Moscow to do the same. Washington's push to end the fighting, now in its fifth year, has lost momentum as US attention has been focused for the last six months on its war with Iran. The last known visit to Moscow by Witkoff and Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, was in January, when they met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. They have never previously visited Kyiv. The envoys were met at the airport by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, Tass reported. Dmitriev shared photos of him meeting the US delegation as they disembarked, alongside the caption, Welcome to Moscow Peacemakers. With peace efforts stalled, Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv and other cities with relentless bombardments recently stretching into daylight hours, taking advantage of Ukraine's shortage of air defensive systems. On Friday, a Russian drone hit one of the most important government buildings in Kyiv -- the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service, known as the SBU, which is one of the agencies involved in carrying out deep-strike operations inside Russia. The long-range strikes by Ukraine have hit Russian military facilities, oil refineries and e-commerce hubs, seeking to undermine the Kremlin's war effort and economy, as well as make ordinary citizens feel the consequences of the war. Zelenskyy links Russian strikes to envoys' visit The air war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified as troops have struggled to make progress along the 1,250-kilometre front line. Russia has recently been using fast-flying, jet-powered drones, and the recurring wail of air-raid sirens has become part of daily life in Kyiv. In a social media post on Saturday, Zelenskyy said that Russia had carried out overnight strikes on Kyiv and Boryspil international airports, and linked the attack to the planned US visit. Clearly, these Russian strikes on the airports are a reaction to the discussions and preparations for the possibility of the US side using an aircraft to travel to Ukraine, he said. We have taken note of this Russian move, and next week we will adjust our operation accordingly regarding Russian airspace, which has become dangerous because of our drones and missiles in the sky. Of course, there are and will be no threats to diplomacy from our side. Strikes kill 5 at Ukrainian industrial site Russian attacks killed five people and wounded five more at an industrial facility in Ukraine's southern Dnipropetrovsk region, local military administration head Oleksandr Hanzha said. He described those killed as employees at the site. A locksmith, an electrician, a plumber and a machinist. People of peaceful professions. They were simply working their shift. They were doing their job when enemy missiles cut off their lives, he said. A 62-year-old man was wounded and several homes and an apartment building were damaged in a separate attack on the region's Nikopol district, Hanzha said. In a statement Saturday, Russia's Ministry of Defence said it had carried out strikes on two metallurgical plants in the region, describing them as major suppliers of metal products for Ukraine's military production. A further two people were wounded in an overnight Russian attack on Ukraine's Kyiv region, said Tymur Tkachenko, head of the regional military administration. In the Boryspil district, a fire sparked by a strike partially destroyed a nine-story residential building. Russian forces also repeatedly struck a shopping centre in the southern Mykolaiv region with drones overnight, damaging retail premises and sparking fires, Ukraine's state emergency services said. A 72-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were hurt. Emergency crews responding to the incident were repeatedly forced to withdraw to safety because of the threat of further strikes, returning whenever conditions allowed, the emergency services said. Russia launched ballistic missiles from its Rostov and Voronezh regions and deployed 167 attack drones overnight, Ukraine's air force said. The drones included Shahed-type aircraft -- around half of them jet-powered -- as well as Geran and decoy drones. Ukrainian air defences shot down or suppressed 128 drones, according to the air force. Elsewhere, Ukrainian attacks wounded three people, including a 14-year-old girl, in Russia's border region of Belgorod, local officials said. In a statement, Russia's Ministry of Defence said that its forces had shot down 53 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Education Minister to introduce assembly resolution on TeT issue

Srinagar, Sep 5: Education Minister, Sakina Itoo Saturday said that the government will introduce a resolution in legislative assembly against the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). According to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), the minister said, The matter of TeT is pending with the supreme court and Jammu and Kashmir Education department is continuously approaching the apex court wherein we are seeking reconsideration of the decision. She said, The teachers of J&K are mentally disturbed with regard to this matter and with this constant issue they cannot teach the students with full concentration. Our teachers are preparing lakhs of students for exams and they are efficient enough to qualify any test but as far the TeT is concerned, it isnt a matter of test only but the respect and dignity of the teachers, the minister said. Itoo said, The respect of teachers is important for the government and to keep their integrity, we will introduce a resolution in upcoming legislative assembly and will pass it so that the teachers will come out of this disturbances.