Opinion

Earthquake hits Afghanistan, tremors felt in J&K

Srinagar, April 18: An earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter Scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday morning at 8:24 am, jolting parts of Jammu and Kashmir. However, there have been no immediate reports of any kind of damage. According to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake occurred at a depth of 190 kilometres in the Zaybak area of the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan. An EMSC spokesperson said the epicentre of the quake was recorded at 36.5536N / 70.9259E. The spokesperson said the energy released by the earthquake was 2 10^12 joules. To put that into perspective, it is equivalent to 554 megawatt-hours or 477 tons of TNT.

Two flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport due to operational reasons

Srinagar, Apr 18: Two flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Saturday due to operational reasons, officials said. An airport official said that Air India flight AI 1799/1810 (Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi) and SpiceJet flight SG-161 (Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi) have been cancelled for the day. Passengers have been advised to contact the respective airlines for rebooking, refunds, and further assistance before heading to the airport, the official added. The inconvenience caused to flyers is regretted, the official said.(KNS)

Sports, awareness campaigns gain momentum in Baramulla

District Youth Services and Sports Baramulla continues to energise the district with a powerful blend of sports excellence and social awareness under the ongoing Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions and the Nasha Mukt J&K 100 Days Campaign. In an inspiring display of commitment towards a drug-free society, as per an official statement, multiple zones across Baramulla actively participated in both sporting events and awareness initiatives, engaging hundreds of students in meaningful and transformative activities. Zone Chandanwari successfully conducted Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions under the banner of Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, featuring Chess and Carrom for Under-14 boys, with an enthusiastic participation of 30 students, showcasing both skill and discipline. Meanwhile, Zone Wagoora, on the 3rd day of its ongoing competitions, organized Under-14 boys events at HSS Kreeri, where 54 students participated with great zeal and competitive spirit, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports at the grassroots level. Extending the campaign beyond playgrounds, Zone Dangiwacha organized a massive rally under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, witnessing participation from around 250 students, spreading a strong message against drug abuse across the locality. Similarly, Zone Rohama conducted a series of impactful awareness activities including rallies, speeches, poster-making competitions, and interactive sessions. Both students and teachers participated actively, reinforcing the message of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Adding to the momentum, Zone Uri also organized a grand rally under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, where hundreds of students took part, demonstrating unity and collective resolve to eradicate drug abuse from society. The dual initiative of promoting sports alongside spreading awareness is proving to be a powerful tool in channelizing the energy of youth towards constructive and nation-building activities.

Mahindra, J&K Bank ink MoU to boost EV financing access

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML) and J&K Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving access to vehicle financing for customers purchasing electric commercial vehicles. According to a press note, the partnership will enable easy and accessible financing solutions for buyers of Mahindras last-mile mobility vehicles. The initiative is expected to simplify loan procedures and strengthen on-ground engagement through J&K Banks branch network. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Indias leading electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, recently introduced its e-auto Mahindra UDO, further expanding its EV portfolio. The company had earlier crossed the milestone of selling over three lakh commercial electric vehicles by November 2025. J&K Bank, with an extensive network of 1,008 branchesincluding 835 in Jammu & Kashmir, 37 in Ladakh, and 136 across other regionswill play a key role in facilitating the financing outreach.

Hajj 2026: First batch of pilgrims set to depart from Srinagar today

Reliance Digital rolls out discount days offers

Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, Reliance Digital has announced its Digital Discount Days campaign, offering deals across a wide range of consumer electronics. Under the campaign, customers can avail up to Rs 26,000 instant discount on leading bank cards or opt for cashback of up to Rs 30,000 on paper finance. The retailer is also offering a flat 50% discount on a second product, encouraging bundled purchases across categories such as audio devices, wearables, mobile and laptop accessories, home entertainment, and small appliances. Popular brands including Marshall, JBL, boAt, and OnePlus are part of the campaign. As part of the offers, Bluetooth speakers, neckbands and wireless headphones are available at nearly half price under the second-item benefit. Entry-level speakers priced around Rs 1,699 are being offered close to Rs 850, while premium headphones in the Rs 9,999 segment are available at nearly Rs 5,000. Accessories such as wireless mouse, power banks and small kitchen appliances are also included, with prices ranging between Rs 300 and Rs 750.

SASCI reforms aim at capital growth and fiscal efficiency: Chief Secretary

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo convened a high-level meeting of the Finance Department, attended by the Administrative Secretaries, to review the progress of departmental work plans and the status of reforms under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). During the meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed expenditure trends and underscored the importance of timely and efficient utilisation of allocated resources. He emphasised the need to prioritise capital expenditure (Capex) from the very beginning of the financial year, cautioning against the tendency of last-minute spending rushes that often compromise efficiency and outcomes. Highlighting the importance of proactive planning, the Chief Secretary directed departments to ensure prompt uploading of works on the BEAMS portal to facilitate timely tendering and execution. He further stressed the need for equitable distribution of projects across districts, aligned with on-ground requirements to ensure balanced development across all regions. Reiterating the strategic importance of SASCI reforms, the Chief Secretary urged Administrative Secretaries to accord them top priority, noting their potential to bring substantial economic benefits to the Union Territory through incentive-based funding amounting to hundreds of crores. He called for their strict implementation in both letter and spirit to ensure tangible outcomes. Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar, emphasised accountability and adherence to timelines, urging all departments to finalise and upload their action plans on the BEAMS portal by April 21, 2026. He noted that while 100 percent budget allocation has been made, further financial releases, including the second installment of Capex funds will be contingent upon fulfilment of key reform conditions and demonstrable progress. The meeting also highlighted key reforms mandated under SASCI guidelines, including the adoption of end-to-end digital tendering and contract management systems under Component II. Departments such as the Power Development Department (PDD), Jal Shakti, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), and Youth Services & Sports (YSS) were directed to onboard the PWD-OMAS platform at the earliest to enhance transparency, monitoring, and accountability. Progress in critical sectoral reforms was also reviewed, including mining sector reforms, operationalisation of the Right of Way (RoW) Rules 2024, rollout of AgriStack in the Agriculture Department, and livestock sector reforms. It was emphasised that significant advancements in these areas are crucial for unlocking subsequent funding tranches. To streamline financial management, all departments were directed to establish separate Single Nodal Agency (SNA) accounts for efficient release and monitoring of SASCI funds. A detailed presentation outlined the proposed financial outlay under SASCI for the financial year 202627, totaling Rs 4023.5 Cr. This includes Rs 1406 Cr under Part I and Part II untied components, along with a substantial 2617.5 Cr available under incentive-based components linked to capital expenditure performance and reform milestones across sectors such as public finance IT infrastructure, mining, AgriStack, livestock, financial management efficiency, and compressed biogas initiatives. The meeting also reviewed allocations under the Public Health Infrastructure component, with 330 Cr earmarked to improve key health indicators, including reduction in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), attainment of NQAS certification, and reduction in TB mortality.

India joins Global Leaders Paris meet on Hormuz

India participated in a high-level international meeting in Paris on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even as the United States remained absent from the summit, highlighting parallel diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. Confirming Indias participation, Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing that New Delhi had been invited to the meeting, which brought together around 40 countries to address maritime security and energy disruptions. The conference, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was underway when Iran announced that the key shipping route would be reopened during the ongoing ceasefire. According to BBC, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait had been declared completely open for commercial vessels for the remainder of the truce. Despite being central to the conflict, the US was not part of the Paris discussions or the proposed maritime initiative. Opening the summit, Macron warned of the very severe consequences the closure of the strait had for the whole of the planet and the global economy, while welcoming recent developments and calling for the full immediate and unconditional reopening of the waterway. Starmer said leaders welcomed Irans move but stressed durability, stating the reopening must be a long lasting and workable solution. He added that France and the UK would lead a strictly peaceful and defensive international mission to safeguard navigation, with a planning conference scheduled in London next week. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was in the immediate interests of all parties to push for peace and backed a quick diplomatic agreement between the US and Iran. While welcoming the good news on Hormuz, he stressed the need for a lasting, secure and toll free arrangement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the reopening as a fundamental principle of international law, adding that ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon must be integrated into broader negotiations. She termed the proposed mission purely defensive, focused on ensuring safe passage and maritime security. The Paris meeting reflects efforts by non-belligerent countries, including India, to mitigate the global economic fallout of the crisis and restore stability to a route that carries nearly a fifth of the worlds energy supplies. While Irans announcement and Trumps reaction injected momentum, leaders emphasised that a sustained, unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. free of restrictions, remains essential for global economic stability and regional peace.

Kashmir Imams lead charge against drug menace in Friday sermons

In Kashmirs masjids on Friday, the message was clear, urgent, and unified: drugs are destroying the Valleys youth, and the community must act now. As part of the governments Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, a large-scale campaign to curb rising substance abuse, religious leaders across the region used the powerful platform of Jumuah (Friday prayers) to confront the growing crisis. From Jamia Masjid to smaller mosques in Anantnag, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian, imams devoted significant portions of their sermons to warning against addiction and urging collective responsibility. The coordinated outreach followed meetings earlier in the week between district administrations and religious scholars, where clerics were encouraged to address the issue directly with congregations. The response was immediate and widespread. Standing before packed rows of worshippers, imams spoke with urgency, grounding their message in Islamic teachings. They emphasised that all forms of intoxication are strictly prohibited and described drug abuse as a threat not only to individual health but to families, society, and faith itself. Addiction is not just a personal failingit is a social and moral crisis, one cleric told his congregation. Our duty is to guide people away from harm and remind them of their responsibility toward their bodies and their community. Across the Valley, sermons echoed similar themes: the sanctity of life, the dangers of substance abuse, and the need for early intervention. Religious leaders urged parents to remain vigilant, encouraged youth to resist peer pressure, and called on communities to support those seeking recovery rather than stigmatising them. The initiative reflects a strategic shiftleveraging mosques as centres of social influence to counter a crisis that has escalated sharply in recent years. With thousands affected, particularly among young people, authorities see faith-based messaging as a critical tool in changing attitudes and behaviours. Beyond sermons, the broader campaign includes outreach in schools and colleges, awareness drives, and rehabilitation support. But Fridays unified voice from the pulpits marked a significant momentbringing the fight against drugs into the heart of community life. In Kashmir, pertinently, a silent epidemic has taken root. Drug addiction, once a distant whisper, now grips thousands of young lives. Official surveys paint a grim picture: thousands of people in the Kashmir Valley alone are opioid-dependent, with nearly 95% hooked on heroin. This crisis has not gone unanswered. Under the banner of Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaanthe governments 100-day mass movement for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmirauthorities have turned to the most powerful platform in every Kashmiri village and town.

70 per cent population must get 70 per cent jobs:Altaf Bukhari on Reservation Policy

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President, Altaf Bukhari on Friday said reservation and job allocation in Jammu and Kashmir must be strictly aligned with population, asserting that the present system is unjust and deprives the majority of their rightful share, while launching a sweeping attack on parties like the National Conference (NC) and PDP over their decades of unfulfilled promises. Addressing a mediamen in Srinagar, Bukhari made the reservation issue the central theme of his remarks, stating that the principle of proportional representation must be followed in employment. It should be as per the population. Seventy percent population cannot get 30 percent jobs. Seventy percent population must get 70 percent jobs. What is this? he said. He questioned the logic behind the existing reservation structure and warned that such an imbalance would create further resentment. The people who live here should have jobs. We are very clear that it should be based on population or division-wise, he added, asserting that locals must not lose out within their own system. Bukhari further argued that opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir must remain with its residents and not be diluted. Why should jobs meant for the people of J&K be taken away from them? he asked, emphasising that fairness in distribution is essential for stability and trust. Highlighting his partys political journey, Bukhari said that when Apni Party was formed in 2019, it had three core agendasrestoration of statehood, protection of land, and safeguarding jobs. He claimed that his party worked towards securing protections for land and employment and raised issues such as verification of youth, amnesty, and passport clearances. He said that despite these efforts, his party could not effectively communicate its work to the public, while rivals shaped a negative narrative against it. We could not explain to people what we did and what we can do during Assembly elections, he admitted, adding that Apni Party leaders were branded unfairly during elections. Launching a sharp attack on traditional political parties, Bukhari said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly given mandates to the same parties over the past 75 years without seeing meaningful results. People gave them a massive mandate, but none of the promises have been fulfilled, he said. He questioned their credibility on core political issues, including Article 370, Article 35A, and restoration of statehood. Where is Article 370? Where is Article 35A? Where is the statehood? he asked, demanding accountability from those who had made commitments on these fronts. Bukhari also criticised post-2019 political developments, including alliances, alleging that they misled the people and failed to achieve tangible outcomes. He hinted at hidden deals behind political arrangements and said the truth should be brought before the public. He further accused rival parties of remaining disconnected from the ground and not engaging with people during difficult times, contrasting it with his partys outreach since 2019. He said when Apni Party began engaging with people at that time, others were unwilling to step out. Referring to governance and political engagement, Bukhari questioned the sudden outreach of leaders towards authorities, saying people are aware of changing political positions and must demand answers. On the humanitarian front, Bukhari strongly called for the release of detainees, saying prolonged detentions have caused suffering across families. All those who are in jailour youth, women, eldersshould be released. A prisoner is a prisoner, whether man or woman, he said. He reiterated the need for a one-time amnesty, stating that it was part of his partys manifesto and essential for reconciliation and healing in Jammu and Kashmir. He also spoke about issues faced by youth, including verification and passport-related concerns, and said these require urgent attention. Bukhari also appealed for parole to jailed MP Engineer Rashid on humanitarian grounds, urging authorities to allow him to visit his ailing father. He should at least be released on parole so that he can spend time with his father during this difficult period, he said. Addressing the youth directly, Bukhari cautioned against emotional decision-making and urged them to think pragmatically about their future. Do not get emotional. Think about how to live with dignity and respect, he said, adding that peace and stability should be the priority. He also referred to the broader political reality, saying that Jammu and Kashmirs future lies in ensuring dignity and rights within the existing democratic framework, and urged people to choose leadership that can deliver practical results rather than rhetoric.

Light rain, snow in higher reaches bring dip in temperatures across J&K

Kashmir witnessed light rainfall on Friday, while higher reaches received fresh snowfall, leading to a drop in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded 2.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Qazigund received 4.4 mm, Kupwara 6 mm, Gulmarg 7 mm and Pahalgam 5.4 mm. Higher-altitude areas experienced snowfall, with Razdan Passconnecting Bandipora with Gurezwitnessing moderate snowfall, forcing closure of the road for traffic. Snowfall was also reported at Zojila Pass, which links Ladakh with Sonamarg. Other higher reaches, including Pir Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Machil in Kupwara, as well as the Sonamarg-Minamarg axis, also received light snowfall. Parts of the Jammu division also recorded rainfall, with Banihal receiving 4.7 mm, while Bhaderwah and Batote recorded 0.9 mm each. Day temperatures dropped significantly across the Union Territory, remaining below normal at most places. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 15.9C, five degrees below normal, while Pahalgam registered 13.2C, Gulmarg 6.2C and Kupwara 13C. In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 28.8C, while Banihal and Batote recorded 16.2C. The MET has forecast partly to generally cloudy skies with intermittent light rain or thundershowers at many places till April 19, mainly during morning and evening hours. Gusty winds (4050 kmph) and isolated hailstorms are also likely. Weather conditions are expected to improve from April 20, with generally dry weather likely to prevail till April 24. A brief dry spell may continue through April 2526, although isolated light rain or thundershowers with gusty winds cannot be ruled out.

Gauri Kaul Foundation completes 5 years of service in Kashmir

The Gauri Kaul Foundation, a cardiac healthcare initiative penetrating the peripheries in Kashmir, marked its fifth foundation year today. In a relatively short span of time, the Foundation has established two well-equipped Cardiac Centres in Kashmir and delivered meaningful interventions to hundreds of lives in the remotest corners of Kashmir. Its contribution to valuable healthcare data resources, strengthening the foundation for future outreach and research, has also been remarkable. Reflecting on the journey, the Founder, renowned and respected cardiologist, Prof U Kaul, said he firmly believed that geography must not be a barrier to access to healthcare facilities. A persons life expectancy in Kashmir should not be decided by which part of Kashmir he is living in, he said. He recalled the time when, during a visit to Kupwara on, he laid the basis of GK Foundation in 2020. The first steps, he said, were getting telemedicine up and running in the border area of the district, Machil. Over these years, the Foundation has screened over 25000 patients, established the Gauri Heart Centre in Srinagar and Prasad Joo Heart Centre in Hawl, at the cusp of Shopian and Pulwama districts. In 2025, Clinic on Wheels, a fully-equipped ambulance providing non-invasive heart evaluation, including a portable echo, was put on the roads. The Clinic on Wheels, an ONGC initiative, makes it possible for patients to be evaluated in their villages, in the difficult-to-access areas of Kashmir. M Asad Pathan, former Chairman of ONGC and Co-Founder of GK Foundation, said involvement of corporations in the journey of the initiatives they fund as corporate responsibility ensures better success. He recalled the quote of JF Kennedy, Dont ask what the nation has given you, but rather what you give to the nation, while underlining the responsibility of every individual towards building a better nation. Dr Abid Hussain, Director of Gauri Heart Centre and an experienced cardiologist, said their work in the communities was yielding some fascinating scientific revelations. We have not seen any Rheumatic Heart Disease in the patients we screened, he said, while detailing how schools have been involved in medical research to provide insights into the changing disease profile in Kashmir, in addition to other data. Every screening is a second chance at life, he said. The event, held at Radisson River Front, had legislators MY Tarigami, Waheed ur Rehman Parra and Mian Meher Ali as Guests. Tarigami congratulated Prof. U. Kaul for his contribution. He said that the initiative was a sign of reverence for Prof. Kaul towards his motherland. He spoke against the commodification of healthcare and said affordable health facilities were a right of every citizen. Parra said Prof Kauls name was a healing one in Kashmirs homes. He is not just filling the gap in healthcare but the gaps between communities, he said. Mian Meher Ali, who was attending on behalf of his father, Mian Altaf, Parliamentarian, said his father had written a personal note for the fifth year commemoration, which he read out. The note conveyed the appreciation for the work of the GK Foundation. In the hostile atmosphere of Kashmir, GK Foundation has brought a ray of hope, he said. GK Foundation facilitated its supporters with plaques of recognition and honour. The awardees were MA Pathan, Co-Founder GK Foundation; Fayaz Ahmed Kaloo, Editor-in-Chief Greater Kashmir , for its support to GK Foundation; Dr Abid Hussain, Director GK Foundation, for his contribution to School Project and Syed Ishtiaq, educationist, for his support to School Project. Other dignitaries who were present at the event included Prof MS Khuroo, Prof Abdul Hamid Zargar, Khursheed Ganai, Priyadarshini Arambam, and Dr Muneer Tantri.

Hajj 2026: Special flights to carry pilgrims from India to Saudi Arabia amid tightened entry rules

The Hajj operations will begin on Saturday, with pilgrims from India and Pakistan departing on special flights for the holy city of Makkah to perform one of the most important rituals of Islam. Over 4700 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir (including Ladakh) are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia, starting Saturday in special Hajj flights. More than 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India are set to embark on the pilgrimage. The authorities have ensured regional accessibility and efficient logistics for the pilgrims to minimise inconvenience and facilitate a smooth journey. Makkah entry restrictions for non-pilgrims and holders of special permits came into full effect on April 13. Expatriates and residents without official permits will be barred from entering Makkah from Monday, April 13, under new Hajj-season regulations announced by Saudi authorities. The Hajj arrangements and procedures requiring residents to obtain entry permits came into effect on April 13. It said residents without valid permits will be barred from entering Makkah. Authorities have set April 18 (Dhul Qada 1) as the final deadline for foreign pilgrims arriving on Umrah visas to depart the Kingdom. The issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusk platform will be suspended for all categories including citizens, expatriates and GCC nationals from April 18 to May 31, according to Saudi Gazette. From April 18, entry to Makkah will also be prohibited for all visa holders except those with valid Hajj visas. Meanwhile, Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju extended his best wishes to all Hajj pilgrims and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring smooth, safe, and comfortable Hajj. More than 200 administrative staff and 350 medical and paramedical personnel will be deployed to support Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. For the first time, a shorter Hajj package of 20-25 days has also been introduced, with more than 10,500 pilgrims opting for it. Five airlines Air India Express, Akasa Air, Saudi Airlines, Flynas, and Flyadeal will operate Hajj flights between India and Saudi Arabia. Indonesia consistently sends the highest number of Hajj pilgrims globally, with a 2026 quota of 2,21,000, confirming its position as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.

From heritage to imitation, Kashmirs artisan economy at crossroads

The handicrafts sector in Kashmir, once a thriving pillar of the regions economy and identity, is facing a deep and gradual decline amid rising imitation, weak policy enforcement, and changing market dynamics. The issue has come into renewed focus following the inauguration of the 'Know Your Artisan' exhibition by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Kashmir Haat, where narratives of survival and revival were highlighted. However, experts and stakeholders argue that what is being showcased today as heritage was once a robust, self-sustaining economic ecosystem. Historically, the handicraft sector was second only to agriculture in employing in the Valley. Large sections of the population, particularly in downtown Srinagar, were engaged in crafts such as carpet weaving, shawl making, embroidery, papier-mch, and wood carving. These crafts were not merely occupations but a way of life, passed down through generations. There was a time when the handicrafts sector stood next only to agriculture as the largest source of employment in the region. In downtown Srinagar alone - within a radius of a few kilometers - the majority of the population was engaged in traditional crafts. Carpet weaving, shawl weaving and embroidery, papier-mch, wood carving, namdah, wagoo, khatamband, chain stitch - these were not niche occupations but the very fabric of economic life. This ecosystem was not built overnight, nor was it sustained by accident. It was anchored in skill, patience, and authenticity - qualities that gave Kashmiri crafts their unmatched identity in global markets. Families functioned as institutions of learning, where craft was not merely taught but absorbed as culture. That continuum, however, has been steadily eroded. The decline did not come abruptly; it crept in through years of policy indifference and a gradual disconnect between planners and the ground reality of artisans. As economic priorities shifted, the artisan was left to compete in an increasingly unregulated and distorted marketplace - without institutional protection, and without a policy framework that could preserve authenticity while enabling growth. In recent years, there has been a visible attempt to revive the sector through schemes, exhibitions, and policy announcements. Yet, a fundamental question remains: is this revival addressing the core of the problem, or merely curating its remnants? Today, crafts that once defined Kashmirs identity are increasingly being replicated through machines. Pashmina and raffal shawls, once hand-woven, are now mass-produced, blurring the line between pure and blended fibers. Kani shawls are mechanically imitated, wood carving is reduced to CNC precision, and sozni and ari embroidery are machine-stitched. Even papier-mch is now replicated through screen-printed designs on MDF - visually similar, but devoid of the crafts soul. There is, of course, no denying the place of mechanisation in a modern economy. Markets demand scale, affordability, and speed. Machine-made products have their own space, their own consumers, and their own commercial logic. The issue is not their existence - it is the absence of distinction. However, when machine-made products are passed off as handmade by unscrupulous dealers, the damage is twofold: the artisan loses his market, and the consumer is deceived - turning authenticity, once the hallmark of Kashmiri crafts, into its greatest casualty. Despite GI tagging, there is no effective market mechanism - weak enforcement, low awareness, and no reliable way for buyers to distinguish genuine from machine-made, allowing imitation to outpace authenticity. It is more troubling that the Government departments and allied agencies - meant to safeguard authenticity - are procuring and showcasing machine-made products as genuine handicrafts. Displayed in tourist infrastructure, reception centres, and even shrines and khanqahs, these imitations not only legitimise duplication but directly undermine the very artisans they are meant to support. Equally concerning is the breakdown of the traditional transmission of skills. The generational transfer of craftsmanship - once the backbone of this sector - has nearly collapsed. Younger generations, witnessing declining returns and uncertain futures, have largely moved away from traditional crafts. What took centuries to build is now at risk of disappearing within a generation. The policies governing the sector have struggled to keep pace with these realities. There is little by way of a robust framework to clearly define, protect, and promote genuine handicrafts while simultaneously regulating and categorizing machine-made products. The absence of such differentiation has created a blurred ecosystem where authenticity carries no premium and imitation falsely projected as genuine bears no penalty. Ease of Doing Business in this context cannot be reduced to procedural simplifications or digital interfaces. For the handicraft sector, it must mean creating an ecosystem where artisans are able to practice their craft with dignity, access markets that value authenticity, and operate in a system that protects rather than dilutes their identity. A credible system of authentication should have been institutionalised - one that goes beyond tagging and certification on paper, and translates into verifiable, technology-backed assurance for consumers. Each handcrafted product could have carried a traceable identity - linking it to the artisan, the craft, and the process. Such a system would not only have restored trust but also position genuine handicrafts as premium, niche products in high-value markets where quality outweighs price. Simultaneously, machine-made products must be clearly classified, labeled, and marketed - and promoted separately through export-focused incentives - allowed to grow, but not to blur into the domain of genuine handicrafts. The current trajectory, if left unchecked, risks reducing Kashmirs handicraft sector to a symbolic relic, celebrated in exhibitions, but absent in reality. The stories of survival being told today may soon become stories of extinction. The question is not whether the artisan can survive - the question is whether the system is willing to let him. Until that is answered with clarity and conviction, the narrative of 'Ease of Doing Business' will remain incomplete - because no economy can claim ease when it allows its most skilled hands to fall idle.

2023 Act comes into force yet women reservation only after delimitation

As anticipated earlier, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 to implement 33 percent women reservation in legislatures in 2029 elections failed to clear two-third majority test in the Lok Sabha on Friday. However, the Women's Reservation Act 2023 Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023- passed by the Parliament (in 2023) already came into force a day earlier (on April 16) through a notification of Union Law Ministry. In case of Jammu and Kashmir and other Union Territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued similar notifications yet in their cases, the relevant Act would come into force from April 17, 2026. Despite the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 coming into force, the reservation for women will come into effect only after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken following the conduct of the next census (2027). After the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in voting, the government did not take up - two other related bills viz., The Delimitation Bill, 2026 and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed at amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 to align the provisions relating to (33 percent) reservation for women with the constitutional framework under Article 334A and the delimitation law. Dealing with the Union Territory of J&K, The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 (coming into force from April 17, 2026) too provided for as nearly as may be, one-third of total seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to be reserved for women. The objective spelt out was to enable greater representation and participation of women as public representatives in law making processes of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As nearly as may be, one-third of the seats reserved under sub-section (7) of section 14 shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As nearly as may be, one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) shall be reserved for women in such manner as Parliament may by law determine, the 2023 Act provided. As per the 2023 Act, the provisions relating to reservation of seats for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will come into effect after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken for this purpose after the relevant figures for the first census taken after the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 have been published and will cease to have effect on the expiration of a period of fifteen years from such commencement. Subject to the provisions of section 14A, seats reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall continue till such date as Parliament may by law determine, it added. It specified that rotation of seats reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will take effect after such subsequent exercise of delimitation as Parliament may by law determine.

Hajj 2026: Amid faith, tears and hope Kashmirs first batch of pilgrims leaves for holy sojourn

Srinagar, Apr 18: Tears, prayers, and heartfelt hopes filled the air at Hajj House Bemina here on Saturday morning as Kashmirs first batch of pilgrims prepared to depart for Saudi Arabia. The departure marked the beginning of the Valleys annual spiritual journey to Islams holiest sites, with families bidding an emotional farewell to their loved ones embarking on the sacred pilgrimage. According to the details available with the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), from the early hours, hundreds of family members gathered at the busiest Haj House premises in Srinagar to bid farewell to their kith and kin and friends chosen this year for the pilgrimage. Some embraced in silence, others raised their hands in prayer, while many struggled to contain emotion as departure time drew near. The atmosphere was charged with devotion and longing, with children waved at departing elders, women wiped tears from their eyes and elderly pilgrims quietly recited verses while clutching prayer beads and travel documents. It feels like Allah has invited us to His house. We waited many years for this moment, said Ali Mohammad Mir, an elderly pilgrim from Srinagar with moments before entering the Haj house gate. A woman who had come to see off her parents said, There are tears because they are leaving us behind, but there is happiness because they are going for Hajj. This is a blessing for our whole family. Another relative, Sameer said, Every family here carries emotion today. We only pray that all pilgrims complete Hajj in good health and return safely. Executive Officer of the Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi told KNO, three flights carrying a total of 431 pilgrims are scheduled to leave from Srinagar on the first day of departures. The batch includes 230 men and 201 women. The first flight carries 79 men and 66 women, the second 78 men and 65 women, while the third has 73 men and 70 women, taking the total to 431 pilgrims, including 230 men and 201 women, he said. He added, arrangements for transportation, baggage handling, medical screening and documentation were already put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly departure process. We have made all necessary arrangements for the comfort and convenience of pilgrims. The process has remained smooth since morning, he said. For todays first flight schedule, pilgrims have been asked to report at Haj House, Bemina, Srinagar as per their allotted timings. QP-7521 (first flight) passengers should report between 06:0006:30 AM, QP-7520 (second flight) between 08:1508:45 AM, and QP-7519 (third flight) between 09:0009:30 AM. Pilgrims have been advised to strictly follow the schedule and carry their passport, visa copy, vaccination card and standard baggage only, while avoiding any banned items(KNO)

Amit Shah tears into Congress, its allies over Constitution Amendment Bill

Slamming the Congress and its allies for the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill to implement 33 percent womens quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said their mindset is neither in the interest of women, nor the country. The Congress and its allies did not allow the passage of the essential bill, which would have given 33 percent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state/UT assemblies, he said. Rejecting the bill that would grant 33 percent reservation to women, celebrating it, and raising victory cries over it was truly reprehensible and beyond imagination, Shah said in a message on X after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure two-third majority during voting in the Lok Sabha on Friday night. Today, a very strange scene unfolded in the Lok Sabha as the Congress, TMC, DMK, and the Samajwadi Party did not allow the passage of the essential Constitution amendment bill, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Now, the women of the country will not get 33 percent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was their right. The Congress and its allies have done this, not for the first time but repeatedly. Their mindset is neither in the interest of women, nor the country, Shah said in the message in Hindi. The home minister also warned the Congress and other parties which opposed the bill that this insult to Nari Shakti will travel far and wide. The opposition will have to face the wrath of women, not only in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections but at every level, in every election, and at every place, Shah said. When put to vote in the Lower House, 298 members voted in support of the bill, while 230 voted against it. Out of the 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes to secure a two-third majority required for the passage of a Constitution amendment bill in the Lok Sabha. According to the bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to operationalise the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. Seats were also to be increased in states and UT assemblies to accommodate 33 percent reservation for women.

Opposition derails womens reservation framework

In a major setback to the government, a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday, with the ruling dispensation asserting that the struggle to give the rights to women will continue. While 298 members voted in support of the bill in Lok Sabha, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes for a two-third majority. According to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to 816 from the current 543 to operationalise the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. Seats were also to be increased in state and Union territory assemblies to accommodate 33 percent reservation for women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi were among those present during the voting. This was for the first time a bill under the Modi government was defeated in Parliament. After the legislation was defeated during the voting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House for the day and announced that it would meet again on Saturday. The three-day special sitting was convened from April 16 to 18 for getting the Parliament's approval to the bill. When the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed to the Speaker that the government has no intention to move ahead with the two other bills -- the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill -- as both the legislations were interlinked with the Constitution Amendment Bill. Rijiju said the Opposition lost a historic opportunity to honour the country's women but the Modi government's struggle to give rights to women will continue. We will not take rest till we ensure that the country's women get reservation in legislatures, he said. Later, Rijiju told reporters that Congress is an anti-women party and the country's women will never forgive them. The Congress celebrated after the bill was defeated which clearly shows that it is an anti-women party, he said. After the bill was defeated, Union Home Minister Amit Shah blamed Congress, TMC, DMK, and Samajwadi Party for not allowing its passage. He said after the bill was defeated, the opposition parties were celebrating and raising victory cries which is beyond imagination and condemnable. Now, the women of the country will not get the 33 percent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was their right. The Congress and its allies have done this not for the first time, but repeatedly. Their mindset is neither in the interest of women nor of the country, he said in a post on X in Hindi. Shah said this insult to the women of the country will not stop here but will travel far and wide. The opposition will have to face the wrath of women not only in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, but at every level, in every election, and at every place, he said. Earlier, in a bid to get the bill passed, while replying to the two-day long debate, Shah assured the opposition of an official amendment within an hour mentioning a 50 percent increase in Lok Sabha seats in all states and union territories if the opposition parties support the women's reservation bill. However, the opposition did not budge. The women's reservation amendment bill will fall flat if the opposition does not vote in its favour. But women of the country are watching who the obstacle is, he said. The home minister alleged that the opposition parties are against women's reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies as well as an increase in the number of SC, ST seats. If anyone hears this discussion carefully, one will realise that nobody opposed the constitutional amendment for women's reservation. Everyone said 'we welcome this move'. But all the members of the INDIA group clearly opposed women's reservation, Shah said. The home minister said the Constitution provides for periodic delimitation and that includes provisions for increasing the SC and ST seats in proportion to their growing population. In a way, those opposing delimitation are also opposing the increase in SC and ST seats, he said in a strong rebuttal to opposition's charges of a hidden agenda behind the government's proposal of delimitation of constituencies. The home minister also said that there are 127 seats where there are more than 20 lakh voters and it goes against the spirit of the principle of 'one person, one vote and one value'. At some places, 45 lakh voters have one representative, and at some places, six lakh voters have one representative. As a result, the value of each vote is not equal across constituencies, he said, adding therefore there was a need for rationalisation of voters in every constituency. Shah also dismissed the claim that the Constitution amendment bill brought for providing women reservation in legislatures was aimed at delaying caste enumeration during census. A meeting of the Union Cabinet in 2025 decided to carry out caste enumeration along with the census exercise and the process has already started, he said. Earlier, in social media posts, Modi urged all Lok Sabha MPs to vote in favour of the bill and said the time has come to ensure that half of the nation's population receives its rightful due in decision-making. Shortly before the voting on the Constitution Amendment Bill, he urged all members not to do anything that may hurt the sentiments of women across India. I would like to appeal to all members of Parliament... Please reflect upon your conscience, remembering the women in your own families. Please do not deprive our 'nari shakti' of new opportunities, he said. While participating in the debate, Gandhi said the Constitution amendment bill has nothing to do with women's reservation and is instead an attempt to change the country's electoral map to retain power -- a shameful act. The Congress leader said the proposal does not address women's empowerment. This (bill) is an attempt to change the country's electoral map, using and hiding behind India's women, he said. Shah also said that a false narrative has been created that the southern states would be discriminated against during the delimitation exercise. I want to say that the southern states have as much right over this House as the northern states do. This country should not be divided by a North-South narrative. When we take the oath, we take it with our heart. Those who have taken the oath with the Constitution in hand are trying to create a divide between north and south. We will not allow this, he said. Shah said some members have spread the misconception that Muslim women should get reservations but he would like to clarify that the Constitution does not accept reservations based on religion. After the bill was defeated, Rahul Gandhi said if the prime minister is serious in providing women reservation in Parliament, he should bring the 2023 law and the opposition would extend its support outrightly. As I have said, it was an attack on the Constitution and we defeated that. We clearly said that this was not a women's bill, but an attempt to change India's electoral structure which we have stopped, he said.

Reasi, Kishtwar, Ramban impose curbs on inflammatory social media content

Ramban Apr 17: In a coordinated move to safeguard public order and communal harmony, district administrations in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban have issued separate orders imposing strict restrictions on the misuse of social media platforms. The directives, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will remain in force for 60 days unless modified or withdrawn earlier. Officials across the three districts cited growing concerns over the spread of provocative, misleading, and communally sensitive content on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. Reasi cracks down on online misuse In Reasi, District Magistrate Kumar Abhishek announced a comprehensive ban on the circulation of inflammatory digital content. The administration has prohibited sharing material that promotes communal hatred, spreads misinformation, or incites violence. The order also bars the circulation of morphed or misleading images and videos, online mobilization of unlawful assemblies, and content that hurts religious sentiments or disturbs public peace. Authorities warned that violations could invite strict legal action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines depending on the severity of the offence. Kishtwar emphasises monitoring and accountability In Kishtwar, District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma issued similar restrictions, stressing the need to maintain harmony in the districts diverse social fabric. The order highlights the misuse of social media for spreading false narratives and inflammatory content as a serious threat to peace. Residents have been directed to refrain from sharing unverified information and to report objectionable content to authorities. Social media group administrators have been made jointly responsible for monitoring and preventing the spread of prohibited material. The administration has also invoked provisions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, emphasizing that reasonable restrictions on free speech are permissible in the interest of public order and national integrity. District Magistrate Ramban issues preventive measures In Ramban, District Magistrate Mohammad Alyas Khan issued a parallel order prohibiting the dissemination of fake news, hate content, and provocative material online. The directive bans the sharing of content that incites communal tensions or organizes unlawful gatherings. Authorities have cautioned that offenders may face stringent punishment, including imprisonment under relevant legal provisions. Social media intermediaries have also been directed to comply with takedown requests under Section 69A of the IT Act, failing which legal action may follow. Strict enforcement across districts In all three districts, Senior Superintendents of Police have been tasked with enforcing the orders and ensuring prompt action against violators. Dedicated cyber monitoring units will operate round the clock to track and curb the spread of objectionable content, while magistrates at the sub-divisional level will oversee implementation. Citizens have been advised to verify information from official sources before sharing it online and to report any suspicious or inflammatory content to law enforcement agencies. Preventive step for peace. Officials described the measures as preventive, aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region, which is known for its cultural and religious diversity. The administrations have urged residents to act responsibly on digital platforms and cooperate in preserving communal harmony. The synchronized action across Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban underscores heightened vigilance by authorities to counter misinformation and ensure public tranquility in sensitive areas.

No place for drug peddlers in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha

Rajouri, Apr 17:Reiterating the commitment for eradication of drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir under 100 days aggressive campaign of Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that drug peddlers will not get any safe place in Jammu and Kashmir. He made these remarks while addressing vibrant village programme in Saryah LoC village in Nowshera sub division of JK's Rajouri district. We have taken up Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan and every citizen is appealed to extend cooperation to the field authorities in achieving the goal of drugs free society, said LG Sinha. He stated that Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken up fight against drug peddlers on a solid note and officers are working around the clock to achieve the aim. Referring to Pakistan, he said that our neighbour has planned since long to destroy our young generation through drugs but we have decided to dismantle drug networks in J&K. They (peddlers) will not get any safe place in J&K now. he said. Appreciating the patriotic zeal of border villagers, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that this civil population living in border villages has suffered a lot and we have taken lot of efforts and initiatives to address the issues of border population and to uplift their lives. A nation comes into existence from villages that are located on borders and I am standing in one of such village of India which gives me immense Pride. said LG Sinha. He further stated that in last 5 to 6 years, a lot of efforts have been made to fulfill the expectations of border population and to address all the issues. The national security depends both on forces as well as civil population living in border villages and thus development of border villages is also connected with national security. He added.

Under PM Modis leadership, border areas no longer nations edge but first village: LG Sinha

Rajouri, Apr 17:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nation's edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstream has taken root, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, was speaking at a public gathering during his visit to vibrant village Sariah in Rajouri, where he inaugurated the Common Service Centre and initiated several development projects. These projects include Water Conservation Works under JSJB 2.0 and development of playgrounds in vibrant villages Sariah, Pukharni, Bhawani, Chapardhara and Namban. He also paid tributes to Brig. Mohammad Usman. The Lieutenant Governor said that through the Border Area Development Programme under Vibrant Villages Programme, we are ensuring infrastructure and welfare schemes reach every border village. No map fully captures the true essence of our border villages, which reveal only lines. Within those lines, I see a vibrant society and steadfast families advancing the nation's progress, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that national security flows from soldiers at the borders and border village residents who dwell there. A road reaching a border village builds not just passage but unshakeable confidence in our defense. Electricity lighting a border village home offers not mere illumination but fresh hope. Employment for a border village youth transforms not only one life but the trajectory of an entire community. My vision is clear that border village development is integral to national security, and every border village must rank among our nation's most prosperous, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that since assuming responsibility for Jammu Kashmir in August 2020, he had prioritized border villages' aspirations. In border villages where women rise each dawn dreaming of brighter futures for their children amid challenges, where farmers toiling in their soil through hardships, and where communities stand as sentinels without uniforms, we have ignited a new dawn of progress, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon officers to achieve 100% saturation of HADP, Mission Youth, Mudra Yojana, and all welfare schemes, leaving no eligible citizen behind. Our commitment has transformed lives, and I affirm with confidence that change is tangible in Jammu Kashmir's border villages where roads now weave networks, healthcare is thriving, digital connectivity is transforming the education sector and residents now feel integrated to India's rapid growth, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said true development means equal opportunity, dignity, and instilled confidence and the Vibrant Villages Programme embodies this, advancing employment, education, infrastructure, and digital empowerment holistically. It is our moral duty to secure every citizen's brighter future. Sariah's border village residents have guarded our borders alongside soldiers; we owe them comprehensive progress, leaving none behind. Border village residents have endured much for this nation; now, they must stand at prosperity's core. A developed India demands a strong rural heartland, incomplete without its first villages. I call upon Sariah's residents to unite in realizing the Vibrant Village resolve. All officials will ensure 100% saturation of every central scheme and welfare program, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor visited the exhibition on Gyan Bharatam and inspected the stalls installed by various departments and stakeholders. He launched the Vibrant Village Anthem and handed over sanction letters and appointment letters to various beneficiaries under Mission Yuva, HADP, PM Mudra, PMAY-G and other different schemes. The Lieutenant Governor also distributed TV Sets with DTH, and felicitated TB Cured Warrior, Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan volunteers, and citizens from diverse backgrounds for their valuable contribution to society. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; senior officials of army, police and civil administration, political leaders, prominent citizens and people in large number were present.

Hajj training programme organised by Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Auqaf Jamia Masjid

Srinagar, Apr 17: A Hajj training programme was organised jointly by Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam and Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar at the Central Hall Auditorium of Islamia Higher Secondary School. The programme was attended by male and female pilgrims scheduled to undertake the sacred journey of Hajj this year, said a press release. It is noteworthy that, as in previous years, thousands of pilgrims from Kashmir will depart for the holy lands to perform Hajj and visit the Haramain Sharifain. The training session was conducted by noted Islamic scholar Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Sheikh-ul-Hadith of Darul Uloom Rahimiya Bandipora. In his detailed address, he elaborated on the virtues of Hajj and Umrah, the rituals of Hajj, and related issues, while also responding to various queries raised by the pilgrims. On the occasion, a booklet titled Ahkam-e-Hajj wa Umrah was also distributed among the participants as a gift from the Mirwaiz Foundation. In his concluding remarks, Mufti Sahib congratulated the pilgrims on embarking upon this blessed journey and conveyed greetings and best wishes on behalf of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The programme was attended by several scholars and muftis, along with the General Secretary of the Anjuman, Khurshid Ahmad; Mufti Ghulam Rasool Samoon of Anjuman Auqaf; and the editor of Nusrat-ul-Islam, Maulana M.S. Rehman Shams.

Kashmir's Tulip Garden draws half the crowd this year

Srinagar, Apr 17: Asia's largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden here, saw its visitor numbers plunge by more than half this season, marking a dramatic reversal from the record-breaking turnout it had achieved just a year ago and raising fresh questions about the fragility of Kashmir's tourism ecosystem. The garden, which drew an unprecedented 8.55 lakh visitors during the 2025 season the highest in its history could manage only 3.90 lakh visitors this year. Of these, 1,222 were foreign nationals and 2.89 lakh were domestic tourists, with approximately 1.60 lakh local residents accounting for the remainder. A senior official of the floriculture department said the drop, while significant on paper, needed to be read in the right context. Last year's numbers were exceptional and, to a degree, anomalous. This year, despite the decline in footfall, the garden performed creditably given the broader circumstances. We had significantly increased bulb density, introduced newer varieties and worked to make the visual experience richer than ever before, the official said. More than 70 varieties of tulips were on display this season, and the aesthetic quality of the bloom was among the finest we have seen. We remain committed to making this garden a world-class destination. Nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking the famous Dal Lake, the garden opened its gates to the public on March 16, 2026, featuring over 1.8 million bulbs across more than 70 varieties. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the season a full week ahead of schedule, as an unseasonably warm spell accelerated the bloom and compressed the window available for visitors. The garden welcomed visitors daily from 9 AM to 7 PM throughout the season before closing around mid-April this week. The steep year-on-year decline, however, is not without explanation. Last year's tally of 8.55 lakh a figure that stunned even seasoned tourism observers was recorded under a unique set of circumstances. The garden closed just two days after the Pahalgam terror attack, an event that sent shockwaves through the tourism industry and forced thousands of travellers to either abandon their trips midway or cancel bookings altogether. The surge in numbers before that point had been remarkable, and the final tally reflected weeks of exceptionally high footfall before the crisis struck. Placed in a longer historical frame, this year's 3.90 lakh visitors remain comfortably above the garden's performance in most previous years. Official records show 8.55 lakh visitors in 2025, 4.45 lakh in 2024, 3.75 lakh in 2023, 3.62 lakh in 2022 and 2.25 lakh in 2021. The garden remained closed through the entirety of 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Going further back, it recorded 2.59 lakh visitors in 2019, 1.90 lakh in 2018, 1.50 lakh in 2017 and 1.75 lakh in 2016 figures that underscore how far the garden has come as a tourist destination over the past decade. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was first opened to the public in 2008 on the initiative of then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, with the explicit aim of drawing visitors to Kashmir during the lean spring months before the peak summer season sets in. What began as a modest horticultural initiative has since evolved into one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the valley, routinely drawing visitors from across the country and beyond each spring.

Awareness drives held across Kupwara to create anti-drug awareness

Srinagar, Apr 17:In a significant step towards strengthening the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, the District Administration Kupwara organized mega Pad Yatras across the district to create mass awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free society. A Mega Pad Yatra was held in Kupwara which was attended by MLA Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, SSP Kupwara, Syed Al Tahir Gilani and witnessed overwhelming participation from officers, government employees, members of civil society, youth, and a large number of students. Demonstrating strong public support, the rally drew an estimated participation of around 10,000 participants. The Yatra commenced from Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Kupwara and passed through key streets and markets of Kupwara town, drawing attention from the general public and spreading the message of drug de-addiction. On the occasion, Nasha Mukt pledge was also taken by the participants for fighting against the drug menace. The rally culminated at Regipora Sumo Stand, where participants reiterated their commitment to combating the menace of drug abuse. Participants carried placards and raised slogans highlighting the harmful effects of drug addiction and the importance of collective action to eliminate the threat from society. The initiative aimed not only to sensitize the public, particularly the youth, but also to encourage community involvement in prevention and rehabilitation efforts. Similar Pad Yatras were simultaneously organized across all tehsils and blocks of the district including border areas of Karnah, Machill and Keran under the Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan. These events saw active participation from local administrations, educational institutions, and community groups, further amplifying the message at the grassroots level. The District Administration reiterated its commitment to continue such awareness drives and appealed to all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community leaders, to play an active role in safeguarding society from the dangers of drug abuse.

JD Vance's dodgy H-1B sleight of hand

US policies are impacting foreign-trained doctors. Claims of widespread H-1B visa fraud are not fully supported by government data. Recent actions have frozen work authorisations and visa processing for nationals of many countries. This is creating physician shortages in rural areas. Millions of Americans rely on these doctors for care. The situation risks patient well-being.

Targeting supply chain, creating awareness key strategy against drugs: SSP Sopore

Sopore, Apr 17:Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, on Friday said that police have intensified their crackdown against drug-related activities, registering 34 FIRs and arresting 40 individuals so far as part of an ongoing anti-drug campaign in the region. Addressing the media, SSP Talib emphasised that tackling drug abuse is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone but a collective fight involving the public and all sections of society He described drug addiction as a growing pandemic that requires a united and sustained response. He highlighted that the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign, launched under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, aims to eliminate drug abuse through a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. This initiative demands a whole-of-society approach, where not just the police but all government departments and citizens must work together to uproot this menace, he said. SSP Talib further elaborated on the dual strategy adopted by Sopore Police. On one hand, we are aggressively targeting drug peddlers to dismantle the supply chain. On the other, we are focusing on preventive measures by conducting awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and villages, he added. He stressed that awareness and education are crucial in preventing youth from falling prey to substance abuse, while strict enforcement actions will continue against those involved in drug trafficking. Reiterating his appeal to the public, SSP Sopore urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information and supporting initiatives aimed at creating a drug-free society.

Ganderbal police hold Nasha Mukt drives across district

Ganderbal, Apr 17:As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt campaign, Ganderbal Police organised a series of awareness programmes across the district on friday to highlight the dangers of drug abuse. The events were held in Ganderbal town, Gund, Kangan, Safapora, and Sonamarg, with participation from students, traders, transporters, and civil society members. Police officials spoke about the health, social, and legal consequences of substance abuse and urged youth to channel their energy into sports and skill development. In Kangan, Police on Friday initiated a strict enforcement drive against the sale and use of tobacco products in the area under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The drive was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Rajeev Raina, SHO Kangan Younis Khan, along with the Food Safety Officer Fayaz Ahmad. Authorities carried out intensive checking of distribution points, particularly in and around hospitals and schools. Several shopkeepers and distributors were fined for violating COTPA norms, including illegal sale and improper display of tobacco products. Officials stressed that special focus was laid on safeguarding public places, especially sensitive zones like educational institutions and healthcare facilities. The initiative was carried out under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aiming to curb tobacco consumption and promote a healthier, drug-free society in the region. In Gund, under the Nasha Mukt campaign, Gund Police, led by SHO Rayees Ahmad, organized awareness programmes across various areas to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse. He warned of strict action against drug trafficking and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities. Similar drives were carried out in Safapora, Sonamarg and other areas of the district.

Unsafe drinking water in Shopian prompts public health fears

Shopian, Apr 17:Residents in several parts of south Kashmirs Shopian town have been consuming turbid water for the past several weeks, raising concerns about a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases. People in Gagren, Bonabazar, Nakhasi Mohalla and other localities complained that the water supplied to their homes is muddy and unfit for consumption, particularly during the ongoing rainy spell. The water supplied to us is not fit even for doing laundry, let alone for drinking, said a group of residents from Gagren village, adding that the problem has persisted for weeks without any relief from the authorities. Many households have been forced to purchase bottled water for cooking and drinking, putting additional financial strain on families already grappling with rising costs. Abaid Hussain, a resident of Bonabazar, said that taps frequently gush out visibly contaminated water. The problem becomes worse during the rainy season. The water turns muddy and unusable, he said, expressing fears about potential health risks. Residents said they were particularly worried about the spread of water-borne diseases such as jaundice, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, which are often linked to contaminated water supplies. Officials from the Jal Shakti Department acknowledged the issue, attributing it to high turbidity levels in water sources during rainfall. During the rainy season, turbidity increases significantly and we record high NTU levels, a senior official said. NTU, or Nephelometric Turbidity Unit, is a standard measure used to assess the clarity of water, with higher values indicating greater levels of suspended particles. The official said that ongoing construction work on the Mughal Road has contributed to the problem. During rainfall, landslides from the mountains wash silt and debris into the water sources, leading to increased turbidity, he said. He added that efforts were underway to address the issue. Work on a filtration plant is in progress, and an additional water supply line from the Padpawn area is being laid to improve the quality and reliability of water supply. Authorities did not specify a timeline for completion of the projects. Meanwhile, the official advised residents to take precautionary measures before using the water for drinking purposes. He urged people to boil water thoroughly and filter it through clean cloth or household filtration systems to reduce the risk of contamination. Until the turbidity levels come down and proper filtration systems are in place, people should ensure water is treated at home before consumption, he said, adding that such measures can help minimise the chances of water-borne infections. Residents, however, urged the administration to take immediate steps to restore safe drinking water, warning that prolonged exposure to contaminated supply could trigger a public health crisis in the area.

JKCA announces packed AprilJune schedule

Srinagar, Apr 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has released a comprehensive schedule of camps, trials and selection matches across age groups for the AprilJune period, with activities split between Jammu and Kashmir divisions. According to the schedule issued by JKCA, the season will begin with the U-19 womens physical fitness and fielding camp from April 20 to 26 at Hostel Ground, Jammu. This will be followed by U-23 mens deep selection matches from April 27 to May 3 in Jammu, with the second phase scheduled from May 12 to 14 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar. The association has lined up multiple camps for women cricketers as well, including a fitness and fielding camp for U-23 and senior women (Kashmir) from April 30 to May 6 in Srinagar, and a similar camp for Jammu-based players from May 25 to 31. In the junior categories, deep selection matches for U-15 girls will be held from April 28 to May 4 at Vijaypur, while U-19 womens matches are scheduled from May 6 to 12 at Barotia Cricket Ground. Talent hunt and selection matches for U-16 boys and U-19 men will take place from May 9 to 17 and May 16 to 25 respectively at SK Stadium. The association has also announced T20 trials for senior men in Jammu from May 5 to 7, followed by Srinagar trials from May 9 to 11. These will be followed by senior mens T20 trial matches from May 15 to 20 in Jammu. For younger age groups, U-14 boys talent hunt trials and matches (Kashmir) are slated from May 19 to 24 in Srinagar, while the Jammu leg will be conducted either from May 27 to June 2 or in two phases from June 14 to 24. In June, the focus will shift to advanced camps and final selection processes. Deep selection matches for U-23 and senior women are scheduled from June 3 to 8 in Jammu, followed by physical fitness and fielding camps for U-23 men and senior men from June 9 to 15 in Jammu and Srinagar respectively. The U-19 boys fitness and fielding camp will conclude the schedule from June 20 to 26 at MA Stadium, Jammu. Meanwhile, JKCA has also clarified that trial matches for U-19 and U-16 boys have been rescheduled. While trials will be conducted as per the original plan, the trial matches will now be held on revised dates.

Once an institution of warmth and wit, parties are now an embodiment of symbol over experience

A recent party at Gwalior's Jai Vilas Palace offered a glimpse of genuine connection, a stark contrast to years of superficial gatherings. The author recalls parties hosted by Parmeshwar Godrej, Raj Salgaocar, and Roohi Jaikishan, where guests connected through shared interests and the host's charisma.

Feesalary linkage model?

Each year in Kashmir, the same argument returns with renewed intensity. Parents protest rising school fees. Schools defend themselves with rising costs. Government steps in with circulars and warnings. For a few weeks, there is noise. Then the system settles back into the same uneasy silence, until the next hike, the next protest, the next cycle. Something deeper is being missed. The crisis is not only about how much schools charge. It is about what happens to the money after it is collected. Parents pay more, yet classrooms do not always improve in the way that matters most. Teachers, who stand at the centre of learning, often remain underpaid, overworked, and uncertain. This gap between fee and fairness is where the real problem lies. We have tried controlling fees. We have tried approvals and restrictions. But controlling the price without examining the distribution has produced limited results. A system can comply on paper and still remain unjust in practice. What is needed is not another layer of control, but a shift in principle. A simple idea can do this. Link the fee a school charges directly to what it pays its teachers. Call it the FeeSalary Linkage Model. It rests on a basic expectation, if a school charges more from parents, it must pay more to teachers. Not as goodwill, not as a promise, but as a rule. To make this practical, the model can be expressed through a clear five-tier structure. Each fee bracket carries a minimum salary obligation. There is no ambiguity, no room for interpretation. For instance, if school A is charging between 600 and 800 tuition fee per month must pay each teacher at least 6,000 per month. Similarly, if school B is charging between 900 and 1,200 per month must pay each teacher at least 12,000 per month. If school C is charging between 1,300 and 2,000 per month must pay each teacher at least 20,000 per month. If school D is charging between 2,100 and 3,000 per month must pay each teacher at least 30,000 per month. And if school E is charging between 3,100 and 5,000 per month must pay each teacher at least 50,000 per month. Let this be the base fee structure starting from 2026-27 session, let it remain effective for three years. After three years, revision of fee structure shall automatically be linked to salary enhancement of teachers and also improvements in teaching-learning aids and amenities. Schools must charge only tuition fee in addition to the bus fee as applicable and measurable by way of distance travelled by a student. No other hidden heads like annual fee, maintenance fee, etc., should be allowed, parents should be aware about it. The logic of FeeSalary Linkage Model is easy to follow. Higher fee must mean higher teacher salary. It cannot mean better paint, bigger gates, or louder advertisements while the teacher remains underpaid. What makes this approach different is its clarity. Most regulations get lost in paperwork and interpretation. This one does not. It asks only two questions, what fee is being charged, and what salary is being paid? If the two do not match the prescribed relationship, the violation is obvious. It also shifts the conversation in a healthy direction. Instead of endless disputes over whether a fee hike is justified, the focus moves to whether the money is being used justly. Parents may still pay, but they pay with awareness. Teachers may still work, but they work with dignity. There is another change, less visible but more important. The model quietly alters incentives. A school that wishes to raise its fee must also prepare to raise its teachers salary bill, by way of bank transfer only, that can be verified. Growth, then, is tied to responsibility. Expansion is tied to fairness. The easiest way to improve revenue becomes the same as the right way, invest in teachers. This is not about punishing schools. It is about restoring balance. Private institutions have a role, and many of them perform it sincerely. But even the best system drifts when there is no clear anchor. Profit begins to overshadow purpose. Presentation begins to overshadow substance. A simple rule can bring the system back to its centre. Some will say that such a model interferes with autonomy. That argument would carry weight if education were an ordinary market activity. It is not. A school does not sell a product; it shapes a future. The moment it collects fees from families, it enters a space of public trust. Fair wages for teachers are not an intrusion into that space, they are part of its foundation. Others may worry about smaller schools. This structure already answers that concern. A school is not asked to do what it cannot afford. It is only asked to remain consistent within its own level. If it chooses a lower fee bracket, it carries a lower obligation. If it moves higher, the responsibility rises with it. The present system creates a quiet distortion. Fees move upward with confidence. Salaries move upward with hesitation. Over time, the distance between the two becomes normal. That normal must be questioned. A teacher who is worried about basic expenses cannot give their best to a classroom. A system that underpays its teachers cannot expect excellence from its students. These are not abstract ideas; they are daily realities. The FeeSalary Linkage Model does not promise perfection. No policy does. But it offers something the current system lacks, a direct line between payment and purpose. It ensures that the first claim on a schools income is not expansion or image, but teaching itself. In the end, the issue is not technical. It is moral. When a parent pays a fee, a part of that money must carry a guarantee. A fair share of it must reach the person who teaches their child. Kashmir does not need louder debates on school fees. It needs a quieter, firmer principle that everyone can see and understand. Link the fee to the salary. Keep it visible. Keep it simple. Once that connection is restored, much of the conflict will resolve on its own. Let this model become a policy, starting from new academic session 2026-27.

Indian Ocean Community

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in Mauritius earlier this week to participate in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference. It has been Indias endeavour to foster an Indian Ocean consciousness and on that foundation an Indian Ocean Community. This attempt has not remained confined to Indian governments but has also been promoted by Indian think tanks. Specifically, Indian Ocean Conferences have been organised at the initiative of the India Foundation. Jaishankar rightly commended the efforts of this organisation in his address at the Mauritius Conference. The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water in the world. Along with its seas, bays and gulfs it extends from the Arab/Persian Gulf and the Red Sea in the north to Australia and the Southern Ocean in the south and from the east coast of Africa in the west to some of the countries in ASEAN in the east. India is between the Indian Oceans Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. In Indias south lies the Indian Ocean. The fact that India gives its name to the Indian Ocean indicates this countrys importance for it. Indeed, India is the only country whose name has been given to an ocean. ASEAN forms the bridge between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. The Indian ocean caught the imagination of some Indian thinkers especially in the last decades of the last century. With the end of the cold war and the liberalisation of the Indian economy in the 1990s the Indian government turned its attention eastwards. That gave rise to the Look East policy. India also began to more purposefully think of the ties which bound it in the ancient past to the countries on the Indian Oceans littoral and the interruption of these relations by colonialism. The Modi government sought to transform Look East to Act East. A caveat though must be mentioned. While the outlook of the Indian people who inhabited the coastal areas was outward looking and looked beyond the waters, that of the people who lived in the plains and mountains of the north and northwest parts of the country was continental. Thus, the masters of the great empires based in the northern plains did not think of the oceans at all. That was a strategic situation which rendered the country vulnerable to the seafaring European nations whose powers beginning with the 18th century were augmented by the Industrial Revolution. Jaishankar rightly drew the attention of the members of the Indian Ocean Community to current global disruptions which cannot but impact Indian Ocean states. He cautioned Global trends are a reality that cannot be ignored. The world is more competitive, fractured and inward looking than in the past. The benefits of globalization are today overshadowed by the temptation to leverage and the temptation to weaponize. As a result, we are all in a quest for greater resilience and are seeking more trusted partners. Arising from this caution he advised the need for deeper cooperation amongst nations of the Indian Ocean. In many ways, it is a Global South Ocean. Whether it is food, fuel or fertilizer shortages, whether it is responding to natural disasters, whether it is addressing the consequences of conflicts, the answer is increasingly in collective resilience. There can be no quarrel with either Jaishankars caution or advice. He was also right in focusing on the fact that most Indian Ocean states belong to the Global South. This thought is captured in his saying that the Indian Ocean is a Global South Ocean. For India the point however is where does it go from there? It is here that India has a problem because it is the largest state in the Indian Ocean area and naturally it has valid ambitions. How will it pursue these ambitions? This question acquires salience because the Indian Ocean area has now become one of great contestation. The overarching competition is between the US and China. Neither are natural Indian Ocean powers because the waters of this great ocean do not wash their shores. Yet both have a great and assertive presence in it. Today the presence of the US is there in a shooting war in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. No one can disagree with Jaishankar that All of us are deeply concerned about the conflict and would like to see an early return to normalcy. We firmly oppose the targeting of civilians, of infrastructure and of commercial shipping. It is essential that navigation remains safe and unimpeded. The relevant point here is that each one of us has felt the economic impact of this conflict very deeply. The Iran war has not only impacted the Indian Ocean region but the entire globe, but the real point is that like the rest of the world the Indian Ocean countries have not been able to do anything to stop it. None of the Indian Ocean intergovernmental organisations have not even raised their collective voices to ask the parties to this war to end it. That shows the great power differential between the littoral states of the Indian Ocean and the US. It is small comfort that most of the world is in the same boat as the Indian Ocean littoral states. Russia and China have been the exceptions because they have criticised the war and also the US blockade. The Indian Ocean has three choke points. The closing of one of themthe Strait of Hormuzhas had a terrible global economic impact. It is therefore necessary for the Indian Ocean states to consider what should be done to prevent future closing of the choke points. It would be appropriate for the India Foundation to devote a full conference on this troubling issue.

Seat Expansion or Salary Grab?

In the corridors of power, the Narendra Modi government is preparing to fast track a constitutional cum delimitation package that will increase Lok Sabha strength from the current 543545 seats to around 815850 and expand state assemblies by roughly 50% on a prorata basis. On paper, this is framed as a decisive step toward 33% womens reservation in Parliament and state legislatures by 2029, bypassing the earlier first census after 2026 timeline that could have deferred it to 2034. Beneath this progressive veneer, however, lies a less discussed reality: the taxpayer is being asked to permanently fund a significantly larger political class, with almost no debate on the fiscal and tax implications. The Stated Case From a representational standpoint, the justification for expansion is not entirely without merit. Indias population has grown unevenly since the last major delimitation freeze after 1976. Northern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar now have far more people per MP than southern states; expanding and redrawing constituencies using the 2011 Census can partially correct this imbalance. Smaller constituencies, in theory, may also make MPs and MLAs more accessible to constituents, especially in large, densely populated districts that have long been represented by a single elected member regardless of massive population growth. The political class has also wrapped the package in the language of empowerment. By tying the seat expansion to womens reservation, the move acquires a progressive halo that is difficult to oppose in public. The logic is clear: more seats mean more opportunities for women candidates, more visibility for marginalized voices, and a broader bench of lawmakers. Parties across the spectrum, including regional outfits, quietly welcome the prospect of more tickets, more offices, and more patronage. Expansion, therefore, arrives as a politically convenient consensus. The Flawed Structural Architecture Yet the design of the package raises serious structural concerns. The mere addition of seats does not guarantee higher quality legislators. Data already show that a large share of MPs face criminal cases and that the overwhelming majority are multi-crorepati. Simply adding more seats may dilute the standard of representation rather than raising it, spreading the same concentration of unaccountable power across a wider canvas. Parliamentary efficiency is another casualty. Indias legislative business is already conducted in truncated sessions, with bills often passed in minutes. A larger Lok Sabha and bigger state assemblies risk making debates more chaotic and logjamming legislative work further. The promise of more representation may translate, in practice, into more noise and less scrutiny. The choice of the 2011 Census instead of the yet to be conducted post 2026 Census also reopens the North South demographic federal divide. States that did better at population control may find themselves relatively under-represented, while high fertility states gain more MPs per capita. This could deepen regional resentment and feed narratives of unfair seat sharing, not just in the south but in sensitive regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, where demographic and identity sensitivities are already volatile. The Fiscal Elephant in the Room What is almost entirely absent from public discourse, however, is the fiscal burden that this expansion will impose on the taxpayer. Each MP is estimated to cost the exchequer roughly 44.5 crore per year, once salary, allowances, staff, travel, and perks are bundled together. If Lok Sabha strength rises by roughly 270310 seats, the additional direct annual cost of new MPs alone could easily run into thousands of crorerupees per year, even before accounting for infrastructure, security, and office expenses. State assemblies, whose total strength may rise from about 4,100 MLAs to around 6,000+, will add another multi-thousand crore annual tab for salaries, staff, and allowances. Every MP and MLA also controls discretionary fundssuch as MPLAD style constituency development allocations of about 5 crore per year. With Lok Sabha expanding to 800+ seats, the total MPLAD type pool could rise to over 4,000 crore per year. These funds are important for local projects, but their utilization is patchy, poorly monitored, and vulnerable to political favouritism rather than planned, transparent development. The long term liability is equally worrying. MPs and MLAs who serve one term are entitled to life time pensions, free travel, medical care, and often heavily subsidized housing. As the size of the political class grows, so does this deferred burden on future generations of taxpayers. Additional offices, staff, security, and upgraded parliamentary and assembly infrastructure will further inflate the recurring cost. This is not a onetime expenditure; it is a structural commitment written into the budget, funded by the same tax base that already struggles to finance schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The Tax Burden on the Salaried Class The most sensitive question is who ultimately pays for this. Direct incometax payersthe salaried middle and uppermiddle class in metro and tier 2 citiesalready contribute a disproportionate share of direct tax revenue. When taxpayers file their ITR or pay advance tax, they are rarely told that a non trivial portion of their dues will fund not highways, not hospitals, but the salaries, bungalows, free flights, MPLAD funds, and lifetime pensions of thousands of politicians. In effect, the political class is voting itself a permanent increase in size and privilege, financed by the very voters who have little say in the design of the bill. No party has a genuine incentive to oppose expansion, because every increase in seats means more nominations, more offices, and more patronage. This consolidates the perception that politics is a selfserving business rather than a publicservice vocation. Implications for Governance and Federalism Beyond the fiscal arithmetic, the move has deeper implications for governance and federalism. With more MPs and MLAs to monitor, media and civil society may become more fragmented, and scrutiny less focused. Voters may feel even more atomized and disconnected from a political class that is physically closer but institutionally more opaque. In Jammu and Kashmir, where every rupee of public spending is scrutinized through the lens of fragile stability and contested identity, this expansion demands particular care. The region has recently undergone structural changesArticle 370, bifurcation, and new delimitationraising questions about whether an even larger, more expensive political class will enhance governance or deepen transactional politics. The risk is that symbolic representation will be prioritized over substantive development and accountability. A Balanced Path Forward The expansion is not inherently irrational, but it should not be approved as a silent, semi-permanent structural increase in the size of the political class. At the very least, India needs a transparent fiscal responsibility framework for representation. A mandatory annual cost of representation annex to the Union and state budgets could spell out how much of the common tax pool is spent on legislators versus other public goods. Performance linked conditions on perks and allowancesattendance, questions asked, committee participation, and MPLAD utilization metricsshould be tied to a portion of the benefits. Stricter sunset and scaling rules for lifetime pensions and extravagant travel allowances could also prevent the automatic inheritance of perks by new MPs. The move should be accompanied by a review of parliamentary and assembly efficiency, to ensure that expansion does not translate into mere logjam. A parliamentary level committee tasked with periodically reviewing whether the expanded Lok Sabha and Assemblies have actually improved lawmaking, oversight, and public service outcomes could provide some accountability. In conclusion, the Lok Sabha and assembly expansion is being sold as a progressive step toward womens reservation and updated representation, but it is, in practice, a long term fiscal commitment to a larger political class, financed by the taxpayer. For readers in Jammu and Kashmir, this expansion must be treated not as a neutral technical adjustment, but as a constitutional fiscal decision with deep implications for governance, equity, and federal balance. Expansion is acceptable only if it is paired with a contracting culture of entitlement and a transparent accounting of the cost of representation.

Between appearance and essence

What unfolds in this poem is not merely a sequence of reflective couplets, but a sustained and penetrating meditation on the contradictions that define human conduct. It is a work that interrogates the uneasy relationship between Zahir the outward expression of civility, refinement, and social graceand Batin , the inner landscape of intention, impulse, and moral truth. The poem does not confine itself to addressing an individual; rather, it expands into a broader social commentary, exposing a condition where cultivated speech often coexists with a troubling harshness of heart. In doing so, it becomes both a mirror and a critique, revealing the fractures that lie beneath the carefully maintained surfaces of human interaction. At the very outset, the poem establishes its central tension through a striking juxtaposition. The figure it presents is khush-go and shaista , one who speaks with elegance and carries the outward markers of refinement. Yet this cultivated demeanour is immediately undermined by the revelation that the dil ki nazarat remains zalim . This contrast is not merely ornamental; it forms the philosophical backbone of the poem. It suggests that language, despite its beauty, can become a tool of concealmenta polished exterior that masks an interior devoid of compassion. The poem thus raises a fundamental question: can civility in expression be trusted when it is not rooted in sincerity of feeling? In this inquiry lies a profound critique of performative morality, where appearances are meticulously curated while inner truths remain neglected or suppressed. This thematic concern with misalignment between appearance and essence deepens in the poems reflection on human attitudes toward effort and perseverance. The figure who once kudhta rehta tha at anothers koshish is ultimately confronted with that individuals sarfarazi . The emergence of the term aazim is particularly significant here, for it conveys not merely determination but a sense of purposeful resolve, almost as though the individual is guided by an inner calling. The transformation from ridicule to recognition reveals not only the triumph of perseverance but also the inadequacy of superficial judgment. The poem exposes the human tendency to underestimate what it does not immediately understand, reminding the reader that true resolve often operates quietly, beyond the reach of those clouded by envy or cynicism. The exploration of language continues as the poem turns its attention to the nature of zabaan . Described as narm o mulaim , it is presented as a divine endowment, inherently inclined toward gentleness and harmony. Yet this ideal stands in stark contrast to the reality depicted within the poem, where speech becomes sangin , as though transformed into stone. This shift is deeply symbolic. It reflects not only the misuse of language but also a broader moral deterioration, where the very faculties designed to nurture connection are employed to inflict harm. Words, in this context, are not neutral; they carry ethical weight, and their distortion signals a deeper imbalance within the human psyche. Among the most evocative images in the poem is that of the goonga pathar , the silent stone that nonetheless guides the traveler toward the manzil . This metaphor resonates with profound philosophical depth. It suggests that truth does not depend solely on articulation; guidance can emerge even in silence, even from the most unassuming forms. In stark contrast stands the figure of the waiz and nazim , those entrusted with the responsibility of guidance, yet rendered be-zabaan in their inability to articulate truth. The irony is both subtle and piercing: those who possess the authority to guide fail in their purpose, while even inanimate objects fulfill this role with quiet integrity. Authority, the poem suggests, is not validated by position or title, but by authenticity and alignment with truth. The poems critique extends beyond individual behaviour into the realm of systemic dysfunction. The metaphor of sprinkling remedy upon the leaves while neglecting the roots encapsulates the futility of superficial interventions. It reflects a condition in which appearances are prioritized over substance, where energy is expended in maintaining external order while internal decay goes unaddressed. The presence of the chooha at the rootsimultaneously muhafiz and khatim introduces a striking paradox. It suggests a system in which the very entity entrusted with protection becomes the agent of destruction. This duality reflects a deeper crisis of trust, where roles and responsibilities are inverted, and where the boundaries between guardian and adversary b ecome dangerously blurred. The exploration of tahammul introduces another layer of philosophical reflection. The image of the matka filling with water until it inevitably overflows serves as a powerful metaphor for the limits of endurance. Patience, though often exalted as a virtue, is not without its boundaries. When accumulation exceeds capacity, chhalakna becomes unavoidable. This moment of overflow is not depicted as a failure, but as a natural consequence of excess. It acknowledges the inevitability of rupture in the face of sustained imbalance, suggesting that suppression, whether emotional or social, cannot be maintained indefinitely. The poem thus recognizes the delicate balance between endurance and expression, between restraint and release. A particularly compelling redefinition of courage emerges in the contrast between the cheel wahshi and the murghi maa . The former, emblematic of predatory strength and dominance, is juxtaposed with the latters quiet yet resolute bravery. In defending her choozay , the murghi embodies the essence of being aasim , a protector whose courage arises not from aggression but from care. This inversion of conventional hierarchies challenges the readers understanding of strength, suggesting that true valor lies not in the ability to dominate, but in the willingness to protect and nurture in the face of threat. It is a subtle yet powerful affirmation of moral courage over physical might. In its concluding movement, the poem turns toward the domain of faith, raising questions about the nature and scope of spiritual practice. It interrogates the qaida governing acts of worship such as namaz, and critiques the reduction of religious life to mahdood roza . This narrowing of spiritual expression reflects a broader tendency to compartmentalize faith, confining it to specific religious duties while neglecting its ethical and transformative dimensions. Stylistically, the poem derives its strength from a remarkable balance between simplicity and depth. Its diction is accessible, yet its imagery is layered with meaning, allowing each line to resonate beyond its immediate context. The use of familiar elements pathar , patte , matka , and parinday grounds the poem in everyday experience, making its philosophical reflections both relatable and profound. At the same time, the structure of the poem, with its sequence of self-contained yet interconnected couplets, creates a rhythmic coherence that enhances its thematic unity. The poems reliance on contrast as a central device is particularly noteworthy. The interplay between narmi and sakhti , speech and silence, surface and depth, authority and authenticity, creates a dynamic tension that drives the poem forward. These contrasts are not merely stylistic choices; they reflect the inherent dualities of human existence, where opposing qualities coexist and often define one another. Through this interplay, the poem illuminates the complexities of moral life, revealing how easily balance can be lost when one aspect is privileged at the expense of another. Ultimately, the poem stands as a quiet yet powerful critique of contemporary sensibility. It invites the reader to reflect on the disjunction between what is spoken and what is felt, between outward conformity and inner truth. Its scope is expansive, encompassing personal behavior, social dynamics, institutional integrity, and spiritual practice. In doing so, it presents a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which authenticity is compromised and the consequences that follow. What lends the poem its enduring resonance is its refusal to offer simple answers. It does not prescribe solutions or moral directives; instead, it presents a series of observations that provoke thought and encourage introspection. It recognizes the complexity of the human condition and allows its insights to unfold gradually, leaving space for the readers own engagement. In essence, the poem becomes a meditation on the fragile balance between zahir and batin, a call to reconcile the outward with the inward. Through its evocative imagery, measured tone, and philosophical depth, it transcends the brevity of its form, leaving behind an echo that lingers, urging a return to authenticity in both word and being. Sanjay Pandita, Poet, Columnist and Critical Analyst

Shielding Workers, Securing Futures

Employee compensation under the Code on Social Security, 2020 (Code) forms a crucial part of Indias labour welfare framework, ensuring financial protection to employees in cases of workplace injury, occupational disease or death. It lays down clear principles governing employer liability, compensation and procedural safeguards, reflecting a strong commitment to social security and worker protection. What is required when a fatal accident or serious bodily injury occurs at the workplace? (a) Where any law requires that notice of an accident resulting in death or serious bodily injury be given by or on behalf of an employer, the person responsible for giving such notice must, within seven days of the occurrence of death or injury, send a detailed report to the competent authority explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident. (b) However, if the State Government has specified otherwise, the report may be sent to the authority already designated for receiving such notice instead of the competent authority. (c) Serious bodily injury refers to injuries involving permanent loss or impairment of any limb, permanent damage to sight or hearing, fracture of any limb, or injuries that compel the employee to remain absent from work for more than twenty days. (d) The State Government may also extend this requirement to other classes of premises and specify who must submit such reports. These provisions do not apply to establishments covered under the Employees State Insurance scheme. When is an employer liable to pay compensation to an employee? (a) An employer is liable to pay compensation when personal injury is caused to an employee due to an accident or occupational disease arising out of and during the course of employment. (b) However, the employer is not liable in cases where the injury does not disable the employee for more than three days. Further, no liability arises if the injury, not resulting in death or permanent total disablement, is directly attributable to intoxication, wilful disobedience of safety rules, or deliberate removal or disregard of safety devices by the employee. Can compensation still be claimed if the employee acted against instructions or law? Yes, compensation may still be claimed if the accident would have otherwise arisen out of employment and the act was done in connection with the employers business. Even if the employee acted in contravention of instructions or law, compensation may still be payable provided the act was related to the employers work. How are occupational diseases treated for compensation purposes? If an employee working in a specified employment contracts a disease peculiar to that employment after at least six months of continuous service, such disease is treated as an injury caused by accident. It is presumed to have arisen out of employment unless proven otherwise. Are commuting accidents covered? Yes, accidents occurring during commuting between residence and workplace are treated as arising out of employment if a clear connection exists between the accident and the employment in terms of time, place, and circumstances. Can governments modify employment categories and diseases? Yes, both Central and State Governments can modify or add categories of employment and specify occupational diseases applicable to them through notifications after giving prior notice. When is compensation not payable? Compensation is not payable unless the accident or disease is directly attributable to employment, except in cases specifically covered under exceptions such as occupational diseases or commuting accidents. Can an employee pursue both compensation and a civil suit? No, an employee cannot claim compensation if they have already filed a civil suit for damages. Similarly, once compensation proceedings are initiated or an agreement is reached, no civil suit can be maintained. What happens in case of death or injury due to collapse of employer-provided housing in plantations? (a) If a worker or their family member dies or is injured due to collapse of employer-provided housing, the employer must pay compensation unless the collapse was solely due to occupant fault or natural calamity. (b) A worker includes persons employed for hire in various capacities, including contract workers working more than sixty days annually, but excludes certain categories like managerial staff or high-wage employees. How is compensation calculated in different situations? (a) Compensation varies based on the nature of injury. In case of death, it is based on a percentage of monthly wages multiplied by a relevant factor or a notified minimum, whichever is higher. (b) For permanent total disablement, a higher percentage applies. (c) For permanent partial disablement, compensation depends on loss of earning capacity. (d) For temporary disablement, periodic payments are made based on a percentage of wages. (e) Medical expenses are reimbursed, and funeral expenses must also be paid in case of death. What happens if compensation is not paid on time? Compensation must be paid as soon as it becomes due. If the employer defaults for more than one month, interest becomes payable, and additional damages up to fifty percent may be imposed if there is no justification for delay. How are monthly wages calculated for compensation purposes? Monthly wages are calculated based on the employees earnings over the preceding twelve months, or by averaging wages of similar employees, or by multiplying daily wages depending on the duration of service prior to the accident. Can compensation payments be reviewed? Yes, half-monthly payments may be reviewed upon application supported by medical evidence showing change in the employees condition. Payments may be increased, decreased, continued, or converted into lump sum. Can periodic payments be converted into lump sum? Yes, by agreement or through decision of the competent authority after at least six months, periodic payments can be commuted into a lump sum. How is compensation distributed among dependants? Compensation in death cases must be deposited with the competent authority, who distributes it among dependants after inquiry. Payments to women or persons under disability are regulated and may be invested for their benefit. What are the requirements for filing a compensation claim? Notice of accident must be given as soon as practicable, and the claim must be filed within two years. Exceptions exist where sufficient cause is shown or the employer already had knowledge of the accident. What special provisions apply to employees working outside India? Special provisions apply to seamen, aircraft crew, and employees working abroad. Notices and claims can be served on designated representatives, and relaxed timelines apply in certain cases. What are the rules regarding medical examination? An employee must undergo medical examination if requested by the employer within a prescribed time. Refusal may suspend compensation unless justified. Compensation may also be adjusted if the employee neglects medical advice. What happens when work is carried out through contractors? The principal employer remains liable to pay compensation to employees engaged through contractors, though the employer can recover the amount from the contractor. Can employers recover compensation from third parties? Yes, if a third party is responsible for the injury, the employer or indemnifying party can recover compensation from that person. What happens if the employer becomes insolvent? If the employer becomes insolvent, the employees rights against insurers transfer directly to the employee. Compensation dues are treated as priority debts in insolvency proceedings. What powers does the authority have in fatal accident cases? The authority may require employers to submit statements regarding fatal accidents and indicate liability. If dependants lack resources, legal assistance may be provided. Are compensation agreements required to be registered? Yes, agreements must be registered with the competent authority. Unregistered agreements may lead to the employer being liable for full compensation without deductions. Who decides disputes regarding compensation? All disputes regarding liability, amount, or duration of compensation are decided by the competent authority, and civil courts have no jurisdiction. Who can act as a competent authority? The State Government appoints qualified individuals such as judicial officers, advocates, or experienced officials to act as competent authorities. Where should proceedings be initiated? Proceedings may be initiated where the accident occurred, where the employee resides, or where the employers office is located, subject to certain procedural requirements. What is the procedure for filing applications? Applications for compensation may be made electronically or otherwise, subject to prescribed forms, fees, and procedural timelines. What powers does the competent authority have during proceedings? The authority has powers similar to a civil court, including summoning witnesses, taking evidence, and compelling production of documents. Can parties be represented in proceedings? Yes, parties may appear through legal practitioners, insurance officials, trade union representatives, or other authorized persons. How is evidence recorded? The authority records a memorandum of witness statements, and medical evidence is recorded as closely as possible word-for-word. Can questions of law be referred to higher courts? Yes, the authority may refer questions of law to the High Court and must decide in accordance with its decision. Is there a right to appeal? Appeals lie to the High Court in specified cases involving substantial questions of law and subject to monetary thresholds and procedural requirements, including deposit of awarded compensation in certain cases. In essence, the Code provides a comprehensive and balanced mechanism to address employment related risks. By ensuring timely compensation and establishing an effective dispute resolution process, it upholds fairness, accountability and the broader objective of social justice for employees and their dependants. Muneeb Rashid Malik is an Advocate. He tweets @muneebmalikrash.

Govt orders inspection of 1742 high, higher secondary schools across J&K

Srinagar, Apr 17: In a latest development, the J&K government has ordered comprehensive inspection of all the high and higher secondary schools across Jammu and Kashmir. In this regard, the government has also nominated officers to conduct inspection of the schools allotted to them. The order in this regard has been issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). As per the order, around 1742 high and higher secondary schools- 939 in Jammu division and 803 in Kashmir division have been identified and have been allotted to the visiting officers. As per the GAD order, each officer has been allotted one school for inspection. The officers will assess all parameters objectively and record observations with supporting evidences wherever required, the GAD order reads. The visiting officers will identify gaps, deficiencies and best practices adopted by the school, observed during the inspection. Each officer will furnish comprehensive inspection reports to the respective Directorate of the School Education, uploading the same on the Sarvekshan Platform (Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) J&K within 60 days positively, the GAD order reads. During the inspection, the officer will assess whether the school is functioning in the government owned building and besides availability of and functional smart classrooms in the schools for the students. Each visiting officer, will assess availability of ICT laboratory functional in the school besides, the order reads. The officers will also assess if the schools have toilets available and functional for the convenience of the students. The officers will also assess availability of separate functional toilet for girls, the order reads. The officers will also assess availability of ATL, vocational labs, drinking water facility, power supply, working internet connection and availability of playground for the students. The officers shall also furnish report regarding the availability and vacant positions of principals, lecturers, masters besides the non-teaching staff in these schools, the GAD order reads. Besides assessing infrastructural facilities and human resource, the visiting officers will also assess the academic parameters including streams offered by the HSS, subject offered, total enrollment, vocational skill education and students enrolled in vocational courses. The visiting officers should also put forth their suggestions of about the schools allotted to them, the GAD order reads.

Gauri Kaul Foundation marks 5th Foundation Day in Srinagar; political leaders, civil society attend

Constitution Amendment Bill to tweak women quota law defeated in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Apr 17: A Constitution Amendment Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated on Friday in the Lower House. While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority. According to the Constitution Amendment Bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to operationalise the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. Seats were also to be increased in states and Union Territory assemblies to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women.

Lieutenant Governor visits Sariah in Rajouri, inaugurates several development projects

Rajouri, April 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nation's edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstream has taken root, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a public gathering during his visit to vibrant village Sariah in Rajouri, where he inaugurated the Common Service Centre and initiated several development projects. These projects include Water Conservation Works under JSJB 2.0 and development of playgrounds in vibrant villages Sariah, Pukharni, Bhawani, Chapardhara and Namban. He also paid tributes to Brig. Mohammad Usman. The Lieutenant Governor said that through the Border Area Development Programme under Vibrant Villages Programme, we are ensuring infrastructure and welfare schemes reach every border village. No map fully captures the true essence of our border villages, which reveal only lines. Within those lines, I see a vibrant society and steadfast families advancing the nation's progress, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that national security flows from soldiers at the borders and border village residents who dwell there. A road reaching a border village builds not just passage but unshakeable confidence in our defense. Electricity lighting a border village home offers not mere illumination but fresh hope. Employment for a border village youth transforms not only one life but the trajectory of an entire community. My vision is clear that border village development is integral to national security, and every border village must rank among our nation's most prosperous, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that since assuming responsibility for Jammu Kashmir in August 2020, he had prioritized border villages' aspirations. In border villages where women rise each dawn dreaming of brighter futures for their children amid challenges, where farmers toiling in their soil through hardships, and where communities stand as sentinels without uniforms, we have ignited a new dawn of progress, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon officers to achieve 100% saturation of HADP, Mission Youth, Mudra Yojana, and all welfare schemes, leaving no eligible citizen behind. Our commitment has transformed lives, and I affirm with confidence that change is tangible in Jammu Kashmir's border villages where roads now weave networks, healthcare is thriving, digital connectivity is transforming the education sector and residents now feel integrated to India's rapid growth, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said true development means equal opportunity, dignity, and instilled confidence and the Vibrant Villages Programme embodies this, advancing employment, education, infrastructure, and digital empowerment holistically. It is our moral duty to secure every citizen's brighter future. Sariah's border village residents have guarded our borders alongside soldiers; we owe them comprehensive progress, leaving none behind. Border village residents have endured much for this nation; now, they must stand at prosperity's core. A developed India demands a strong rural heartland, incomplete without its first villages. I call upon Sariah's residents to unite in realizing the Vibrant Village resolve. All officials will ensure 100% saturation of every central scheme and welfare program, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor visited the exhibition on Gyan Bharatam and inspected the stalls installed by various departments and stakeholders. He launched the Vibrant Village Anthem and handed over sanction letters and appointment letters to various beneficiaries under Mission Yuva, HADP, PM Mudra, PMAY-G and other different schemes. The Lieutenant Governor also distributed TV Sets with DTH, and felicitated TB Cured Warrior, Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan volunteers, and citizens from diverse backgrounds for their valuable contribution to society. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Ms R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; senior officials of army, police and civil administration, political leaders, prominent citizens and people in large number were present.

Concerns on delimitation must be addressed: Waheed Para

NC MPs meet Defense minister, express gratitude for Machil-Keran, Gurez tunnel approval

New Delhi, Apr 17: MPs Chowdry Mohd Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi, along with MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, met today with the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, at Parliament House, New Delhi, and took up various public concerns and developmental demands pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for the approval of MachilKeran & Gurez Tunnel, while urging that the work on the project be expedited in view of its immense strategic and public importance. The delegation also emphasized the importance of the HandwaraWadderbalaBangus road, a vital route for local connectivity and tourism, particularly for visitors to Bangus Valley. They demanded that the road be brought under the supervision of the Border Roads Organisation (Beacon) for better maintenance and development. Other key demands, they urged that the SumbalGurez road be declared and accorded the status of a Strategic National Highway. They also demanded the opening of the DrasGurez road for traffic to ease the hardships faced by local residents. The delegation pressed for early execution of critical infrastructure projects including the construction of the LolabBandipora Tunnel, KishtwarPadderZanskar road, and BadoabSonamarg road, all of which are essential for improving connectivity, boosting tourism and strengthening regional development. They apprised the Honble Minister that the military camp at Zachaldara, Handwara, was established during the early 1990s when the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was extremely challenging. The camp undoubtedly played a significant and commendable role during the turbulent period of militancy, particularly in maintaining law and order. However, with the passage of time and expansion of civilian habitation, the camp is now situated in the middle of a densely populated market area, surrounded by Schools, Mosques, health centres and other essential public institutions, causing inconvenience to residents, restricts movement especially during evening hours and creates difficulties during medical emergencies. They demanded the relocation of the camp to a more suitable alternate site in the area where both security and civilian convenience can be ensured.

IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Arrangements Ahead of Forthcoming Events

SRINAGAR, Apr 17: Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi-IPS, chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to evaluate and finalize security arrangements for the forthcoming events in the Kashmir Valley. The meeting primarily focused on review of security arrangements in anticipation of the forthcoming events. Deliberations emphasized the need to further strengthen the existing security framework, and optimize deployment of personnel at critical and sensitive locations. IGP Kashmir directed officers to intensify surveillance on anti-national elements and [] The post IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Arrangements Ahead of Forthcoming Events appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz completely open during ceasefire period

New Delhi, Apr 17: Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to commercial shipping for the remainder of the ongoing ceasefire, according to a report by BBC. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the waterway had been declared completely open for the duration of the truce. In a statement posted on X, he said, In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire. He added that shipping would continue on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran. The announcement comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

Lok Sabha | MP Mian Altaf speaking on Delimitation Bill 2026

Anti-drug rally held in Handwara to mark 100 days of LGs campaign

Farooq Abdullah questions intent behind delimitation bill, says people worried

LG Manoj Sinha Flags Off Shobha Yatra in Jammu

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off a Shobha Yatra from Chanakya Chowk Parade in Jammu to mark Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti. The procession was organised by the Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha to commemorate the life and teachings of Bhagwan Parshuram, regarded as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid []

CM Omar Abdullah unveils Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Club jersey, releases wildlife publication

Jammu, Apr 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today unveiled the jersey of Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Club (SCC) at a function held here. The event was attended by Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and members of the club. Appreciating the clubs contribution to promoting cricket, the Chief Minister said that the government is committed to extending all possible support to encourage sports activities and nurture young talent across Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, SCC President Aman Cheema highlighted the clubs achievements, noting that it has participated in and won several tournaments. He added that the club is playing a positive role in engaging youth and steering them away from negative influences such as drug abuse by channelizing their energy into sports. Earlier, the Chief Minister also launched a wildlife magazine titled Checklist of Mammals of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A delegation of wildlife ecologists led by Muzaffar Kichloo briefed him on their ongoing and upcoming projects. The Chief Minister commended their efforts and emphasized the importance of scientific research and conservation in preserving the regions rich biodiversity.

BJP, opposition spar over Womens Reservation Act; delay in notification sparks row

New Delhi, Apr 17: The BJP and opposition parties on Friday accused each other of playing politics over the implementation of the Womens Reservation Act, with the ruling party backing the move as a historic step, while the opposition said the government was sleeping over issuing a notification over the law. Opposition parties also alleged that the government is using the womens reservation to push an unconstitutional delimitation exercise. The Womens Reservation Act, 2023, which provides for a 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, was brought into force on Thursday to operationalise amendments currently being discussed in Parliament. An official explained that bringing the law into force was essential as its proposed amendment will not have come into effect without that. The constitution amendment Bill became a law but did not become part of the Constitution as the government did not bring it into force. If a law does not come into force, how can its proposed amendment be implemented. Hence it was brought into force with effect from April 16, the official explained. The 2023 act was notified with effect from April 16 in the midst of the debate in Parliament to amend the same law for its implementation in 2029. The three Bills the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 are being debated in the Lok Sabha to enable implementation of the quota by 2029. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma hit out at the opposition, alleging its resistance is politically driven. The opposition has only one agenda -- opposition for the sake of it. The intent is only to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he told reporters in Parliament House complex. As far as delimitation is concerned, it can be passed by a simple majority. It is not a constitutional amendment of the kind being projected. The opposition is free to express its views, but on womens reservation, they should support it, he said. BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi defended the governments move, rejecting allegations of delay or political motive. The arguments about delay by the opposition or some southern states are completely wrong, he said. Due to reasons such as the Census, it cannot be implemented immediately. A proper mechanism has been worked out for implementation by 2029. There is no politics in this, Tripathi added. BJP MP Maya Naroliya termed the move a historic moment and credited Prime Minister Modi for giving women their due rights. Quoting the prime minister, she added, Those who did not support the fight for womens rights will not be forgiven by women. Congress MP K C Venugopal raised the delay in issuing the notification, calling it an evidence of the governments lack of sincerity. The Womens Reservation Bill was passed with consensus in 2023, but it was notified only Thursday night. They talk about womens empowerment, but a constitutional amendment passed in 2023 was brought into force only now. What technicality is this? Venugopal said. At least when you move an amendment, it is the duty of the government to ensure proper notification. On which legislation are you moving the amendment? he asked. He demanded wider consultations on the other bills under discussion and sought their withdrawal. Withdraw the bills, call an all-party meeting and arrive at a consensus. We are ready to support one-third reservation within the existing 543 seats, he said. Questioning government assurances in Parliament, he added, We have seen such assurances in the past as well. They are made on the floor of the House, but are not reflected in law. That is why we are asking if the government is serious, why dont you put it in the legislation? Congress MP Hibi Eden said the party supports the law but opposes linking it with delimitation. We supported the government unanimously in 2023. But we are not supporting the delimitation process being coupled with it.This is a blatant attack on the Constitution. Why this urgency now? Eden asked. JMM MP Mahua Maji too questioned the timing of the move. Why this special session now? The bill was passed unanimously in 2023 and everyone supported it. This looks like a political stunt. Elections are underway in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and many leaders are engaged in campaigning. In such a situation, why this sudden urgency? Maji asked. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar alleged that the government was misusing the issue. We support womens reservation, but why is it being used to hamper the interests of southern states? he said. When the basis of delimitation is the Census, and that process is yet to be completed, why is the government pushing it in this manner? Why is it creating a divide between northern and southern states? Kumar asked. TMC leader Kirti Azad also criticised the governments approach, alleging that it does not seem to know what it is doing. The bill was passed in 2023 with provisions for Census and delimitation. How can seat allocation be decided without following that process? What they say today, they contradict tomorrow. Such an important constitutional exercise cannot be handled in this manner, Azad added.

Posting doctored videos, hate speech to attract 3-year jail: DM Jammu

Posting doctored videos, hate speech, or communally inflammatory content on social media platforms in Jammu district will attract a jail term of up to three years, officials said on Friday. District Magistrate Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, IAS, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning the posting, sharing, or forwarding of such content for 60 days, reported news agency KNS. The order, which came into force with immediate effect, applies to all persons within the territorial jurisdiction of District Jammu, regardless of the platform used or the physical location from which the content is posted, if it affects public order within the district, officials added. The directive explicitly prohibits seven categories of online activity, including: posting content promoting enmity between communities on grounds of religion, race, caste, language, or region; circulating morphed, doctored, or out-of-context images and videos; spreading rumors related to law and order; and organizing mob violence through social media, they said. The order covers all major digital platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram, officials said. Violations will attract simultaneous action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, they added. According to the order, promoting enmity between groups under Section 196(1) BNS carries up to three years' imprisonment or a fine, or both. Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India under Section 152 BNS can lead to imprisonment of up to seven years or a life term, along with a fine. Administrators and moderators of WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Facebook pages, and YouTube channels operating within or targeting residents of District Jammu shall bear joint responsibility for ensuring no prohibited content is circulated, the official said. Social media intermediaries have been directed to act expeditiously on takedown requests via the government's Sahyog platform, failing which they will lose safe-harbor protection under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, officials said. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, has been directed to ensure prompt registration of FIRs against violators, they said, adding that the Cyber Crime Unit, Jammu, shall undertake 24x7 surveillance of social media platforms to proactively identify prohibited content. Special Social Media Monitoring Cells shall be constituted at the sub-divisional level under the supervision of respective Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), the official said. All residents have been directed to refrain from forwarding inflammatory content and to promptly report such material to the nearest police station or the Cyber Crime Unit, officials added. The order shall remain in force for 60 days from the date of issuance, unless extended, modified, or revoked earlier, the official further said. (KNS)

Gautam Adani becomes Asias richest man, surpasses Mukesh Ambani in latest billionaires ranking

Srinagar, Apr 17: Gautam Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to become Asias richest person, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index update. As of April 17, 2026, Adanis net worth stands at $92.6 billion, narrowly edging past Ambanis $90.8 billion. The two Indian billionaires have been closely competing for the top spot, with rankings shifting frequently due to market fluctuations and business valuations. Despite the change in positions, both Adani and Ambani remain among the worlds top 25 richest individuals, highlighting Indias growing presence in global wealth rankings. Globally, tech giants continue to dominate the rich list, led by Elon Musk, followed by Larry Page and Jeff Bezos. In India, Adani now tops the list, with Ambani in second place, followed by leading industrialists across sectors, reflecting the countrys expanding billionaire landscape.

Why ICE and EV SUVs Will Coexist Longer Than Expected

The automotive industry is clearly moving toward electrification. Governments are promoting electric vehicles (EVs), automakers are investing heavily in new platforms, and buyers are becoming more aware of the long-term sustainability benefits. Yet, despite this momentum, internal combustion engine (ICE) SUVs are far from disappearing. In fact, vehicles like the Mahindra XUV 3XO and the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara show why ICE and EV SUVs are likely to coexist for much longer than expected. The Strength of ICE SUVs ICE SUVs continue to offer a level of convenience that is hard to replace. Cars like the Mahindra XUV 3XO are designed for everyday versatility. With multiple engine options, strong torque delivery, and features tailored for both city and highway use, they provide a well-rounded ownership experience. More importantly, ICE vehicles benefit from: A vast fuel station network Quick refuelling times Established service infrastructure This makes them highly practical for a wide range of users, especially in regions where EV infrastructure is still developing. The Rapid Rise of EV SUVs On the other hand, EV SUVs are redefining what modern mobility looks like. The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara represents this new direction. Built on a dedicated electric platform, it focuses on efficiency, advanced technology, and a futuristic design philosophy. Key advantages of EVs include: Lower running costs Silent and smooth driving Advanced digital features and connectivity These factors make EVs increasingly attractive, especially for urban buyers. Infrastructure: The Key Limiting Factor One of the biggest reasons ICE vehicles will continue to exist is infrastructure. While EV charging networks are expanding, they are not yet as widespread or convenient as fuel stations. Even though the e Vitara is supported by a growing charging ecosystem with thousands of charging points and route-planning features, accessibility can still vary by location. For many buyers, especially those who travel long distances, this remains a critical concern. Different Use Cases, Different Strengths ICE and EV SUVs serve different purposes. ICE SUVs like the XUV 3XO are ideal for: Long-distance travel Unpredictable driving patterns Users who prefer flexibility EV SUVs like the e Vitara are better suited for: Daily city commutes Predictable driving distances Users with access to home or workplace charging Because these use cases differ, both types of vehicles continue to remain relevant. Cost Dynamics: Present vs Future Cost is another reason for this coexistence. ICE vehicles: Lower upfront cost Higher fuel and maintenance expenses over time EVs: Higher initial investment Lower running and maintenance costs For many buyers, the decision depends on how long they plan to keep the car and how frequently they use it. This difference in cost structure ensures that both ICE and EV SUVs appeal to different buyer segments. Technology Evolution vs Proven Systems EVs are often seen as the future because of their advanced technology. The e Vitara integrates features such as connected systems, smart charging, and digital interfaces, making it more software-driven . However, ICE vehicles benefit from decades of refinement. Systems in cars like the XUV 3XO are proven, reliable, and widely understood by both users and service networks. This contrast between innovation and reliability is another reason why both will continue to coexist. Buyer Mindset and Transition Speed The transition to EVs is not just about technologyit is also about mindset. Some buyers are: Early adopters who embrace new technology Willing to adapt to charging routines Others prefer: Familiar systems Minimal change in usage habits This difference in mindset slows down the transition and ensures that ICE vehicles remain relevant for longer. Policy Push vs Ground Reality While policy support for EVs is strong, real-world adoption depends on multiple factors: Infrastructure readiness Cost accessibility Consumer awareness Until these factors align completely, ICE vehicles will continue to play a major role in the market. Role of Digital Platforms in Buyer Decisions As buyers navigate this transition, online car-buying platforms like ACKO Drive help them compare ICE and EV SUVs, understand ownership costs, and evaluate real-world usability. This allows buyers to make decisions based on their lifestyle rather than just market trends. Final Thoughts The shift to electric mobility is inevitablebut it is not immediate. Vehicles like the Mahindra XUV 3XO highlight the continued relevance of ICE SUVs, while models like the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara showcase the potential of electric mobility. For the foreseeable future, both will coexistserving different needs, preferences, and use cases. Rather than replacing one another, ICE and EV SUVs are likely to evolve side by side, giving buyers the flexibility to choose what works best for them.

Army commanders' conference concludes in New Delhi; emphasis on modernisation

New Delhi, Apr 17: The biannual Army Commanders Conference (ACC), chaired by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), which commenced on 13 April 26, culminated on 16 April 26. Besides COAS, the conference was attended by apex military leadership and was addressed by senior functionaries in the government including the Cabinet Secretary, Chief of the Defence Staff, Defence Secretary and Chairman NSAB besides Chief of the Naval Staff. Aligned with the vision of evolving into a Future Ready Force, the Indian Army has designated the year 2026 as the year of Networking and Data Centricity. The conference discussed a wide array of issues pertaining to modernisation, technology infusion in combat operations, doctrinal and training requirements besides networking and data centricity to enhance operational readiness and address emerging security challenges. Based on the lessons learnt from Operation Sindoor, and in keeping with the current operational dynamics globally, senior army leadership also focussed on operational capability requirements including employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). The distinguished speakers highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape and emerging global, regional and internal security dynamics. With specific reference to lessons emerging from global conflicts, the speakers alluded to the need for Hard Power for Guaranteed Protection of Indias strategic and security interests while emphasising on inter ministerial coordination, enhanced synergy between civil and military institutions and a whole of nation approach for a coordinated national response to complex security challenges. During the discussions. it emerged that there is an urgent need to accelerate indigenous production capabilities, for strengthening self-reliance in defence and ensuring long-term strategic resilience in view of current supply chain crisis.

Where is Article 370, where is statehood? : Apni Party Chief Altaf Bukhari slams NC, PDP, says PAGD dust in peoples eyes.

Delimitation will turn out to be 'political demonetisation': Tharoor slams govt

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the government's move to link women's reservation with delimitation, calling it political demonetisation. He argued that this approach holds women's aspirations hostage to a complex administrative exercise. Tharoor asserted that women's reservation is ready for immediate implementation based on existing parliamentary strength, warning that delimitation could damage federalism.

Altaf Bukhari visits ailing father of incarcerated MP Er Rashid; Urges PM Modi, Shah to grant him parole

Srinagar, April 17: The President of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Altaf Bukhari on Friday visited ailing father of Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, at Sher-i-Kashmir Medical College Hospital (SMHS) in Srinagar. Terming his condition extremely serious, Bukhari said Khazir is battling a critical illness and is on ventilator support. He said his family is passing through an incredibly difficult and distressing time. The Apni Party chief requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to grant parole to the incarcerated leader. I request Honble Prime Minister @narendramodi and Honble Home Minister @AmitShah to consider granting parole to the incarcerated Member of Parliament, Engineer Rashid, so that he can be with his ailing father and distressed family members, Bukhari posted on X. The decision to allow him to be with his family in this time of crisis, he said, would be a humane and dignified decision and would be appreciated by one and all in Jammu and Kashmir, In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with them and pray to Almighty Allah to bless Khazir Sahib with Shifa-e-Kamila and the strength to overcome this grave condition, Bukhari said, praying for the ailing father and expressing solidarity with the family I visited Khazir Mohammad Sheikh Sahib, the ailing father of Engineer Rashid Sahib, at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where he is battling his critical illness and has been placed on ventilator support. His condition is extremely serious, and his family is passing through an pic.twitter.com/C150WO1zEo Altaf Bukhari (@SMAltafBukhari) April 17, 2026

Anticipating the inevitable: What India must learn from prepared economies in an age of recurring crisis

Global markets are reacting to the expectation of disruption. Countries that prepare for crises in calm times fare better. China and Russia show how foresight builds resilience. India must embed anticipation into policy. This crisis is a warning for a volatile world. Strategic resilience is cultivated before shocks arrive. The test of statecraft is the discipline to be less surprised.

MeT predicts rain, gusty winds in J&K till April 19; improvement from April 20

AI-armed founders disrupting venture capitalism?

Indian venture capitalists hold billions, but the traditional funding model faces disruption. Founders now build and scale businesses with less capital due to AI and lower costs. This shift reduces founder dependence on venture capital. The industry's future hinges on its ability to adapt to this evolving landscape.

Strongly urge early restoration of freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz: India at UN

India reiterated that the targeting of commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding the freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable

Strongly urge early restoration of freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz: India

India has called the targeting of commercial shipping in the West Asia conflict deplorable and urged the immediate restoration of safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over energy security and global trade.

US military says will target Iran-linked ships worldwide, broadening scope beyond blockade

Washington, Apr 17: The US military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran's ports to allow its forces around the world to stop any ship tied to Tehran or those suspected of carrying supplies that could help its government, from weapons to oil, metals and electronics. Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, specifically pointed to operations in the Pacific, saying the US would be targeting vessels that left before the blockade began earlier this week outside the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for energy and other shipments. US forces in other areas of responsibility will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran, he told reporters at the Pentagon. The military also detailed an expansive lists of goods that it considers contraband, declaring that it will board, search and seize them from merchant vessels egardless of location. A notice published Thursday says any goods that are destined for an enemy and that may be susceptible to use in armed conflict are subject to capture at any place beyond neutral territory. The expansion of US military efforts to target Iranian shipping is another pressure point for Tehran and comes as a ceasefire is set to expire in mere days. Mediators are pressing for an extension to a truce that has paused almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the US and Iran. US military details items that could be seized from Iran-linked ships The military's new list of banned materials includes products such as weapons, ammunition and military equipment that are classified as absolute contraband. However, it also lists items such as oil, iron, steel, aluminum and other goods as conditional contraband that it argues can be used both for civilian and military purposes. Otherwise innocuous items like electronics, power generation equipment or heavy machinery can be seized if circumstances indicate intended military end-use, the notice says. More than 10,000 American troops are helping enforce the blockade on Iranian ports. While no ships have yet been boarded, defence leaders say the military is warning Iran-linked ships that it could fire warning shots or escalate to other force if they try to outrun the Navy. In the first three days of the military action, 14 ships have turned around rather than confront the naval blockade, according to US Central Command, which oversees the Iran war. Some Iran-linked or sanctioned vessels that left through the strait have appeared to halt their movements, turn off their radio transponders or head back toward Iran's coast, shipping data firms say. Ships near the blockade face US warnings Vessels that approach the blockade, which is being enforced in Iran's territorial seas and international waters and not in the Strait of Hormuz, get a warning, Caine said. Any ship that would cross the blockade would result in our sailors executing pre-planned tactics designed to bring the force to that ship. If need be, board the ship and take her over, he said. US Central Command has released a recording of a radio broadcast sent to vessels in the region that said the military was ready to use force if needed to compel compliance. Vessels will be boarded for interdiction and seizure transiting to or from Iranian port, the message said. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that less than 10 per cent of America's naval power is being used to enforce the blockade. The Navy has 16 warships -- 11 destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, an aircraft carrier and a littoral combat ship -- in the Middle East out of a battle force of roughly 300 total warships. Also supporting the blockade are a series of aircraft as well as surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence operations designed to give the Navy the latest information on the vessels it is encountering. The Navy is likely tracking ships linked to Iran through satellites, drones and other forms of surveillance as well as each commercial vessel's past history, said Kevin Donegan, a retired vice admiral and former commander of the Navy's Fifth Fleet, which is based in Bahrain. It's a pretty complex operation to make work, said Donegan, who spoke Thursday during a webinar hosted by the Middle East Institute. Not just from the intelligence standpoint, but positioning all the ships in the right way to make the intercepts if you have to. Donegan stressed that the blockade is only one pressure point on Iran and that it will not end the conflict on its own. For it to be most effective, this military tool is added to the other operational tasks that were being done and paired with. Hopefully, diplomacy, Donegan said. And if those two are scripted together in the right way, we can potentially get the outcomes we want. US Central Command chief appears at the Pentagon As Hegseth and Caine discussed the blockade, Adm Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command, made a rare appearance in the Pentagon briefing room. He said that before the ceasefire took hold, American service members and troops from allied countries in the Persian Gulf had fought together side by side. In creating the largest air defense umbrella in the world across the Middle East, we embedded specially trained US military air defenders alongside our partner nation soldiers, Cooper said, adding that Bahrain's king and crown prince knew American soldiers by name.

Gusty winds wreak havoc in Srinagar; roofs blown off

Strong gusty winds that swept across Srinagar on Thursday evening caused widespread disruption, damaging property and triggering panic in several parts of the city. Reports from multiple areas including Harwan, Hazratbal, Downtown localities, and the city center, said that the high-velocity winds uprooted tin roofs of several houses and shops, sending debris flying across roads and residential compounds. In the Dara Harwan areas, residents said that several rooftops were lifted and flung away, causing damage to nearby structures. In a matter of minutes, the winds intensified, and we saw tin sheets flying in the air. It was terrifying, said Maroof Ahmad, a resident of Harwan. At Ilahi Bagh, a major incident was reported when the roof of a residential house was blown away and landed on electric wires, sparking panic among locals. We rushed out of our homes as the roof came crashing onto the wires. It could have been disastrous, said a local resident. The strong winds also disrupted normal business activity, particularly in Lal Chowk and other commercial hubs. Street vendors were seen scrambling to collect their scattered goods as protective polythene sheets were torn apart. Everything was blown away in seconds. We had to run to save whatever we could, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a vendor. Traffic movement was also affected as dust-laden winds reduced visibility on several roads. Two-wheeler riders were seen halting along roadsides, seeking shelter to avoid being hit by flying debris. I had to stop my bike because I couldnt see anything ahead. It was too risky to move, said a commuter. The situation was equally tense in Dal Lake, where strong winds caused Shikaras to sway violently, creating panic among tourists. Officials said that SDRF teams and quick response units were immediately pressed into service. Our teams responded swiftly, and several boats were deployed to ensure the safety of tourists. All were rescued safely, an official said. Meanwhile, power outages were reported from several parts of Srinagar as the winds damaged power lines and infrastructure, plunging many areas into darkness. Adding to the concerns, a fire broke out in the upper reaches of the Zabarwan hills, visible from the Harwan side. Locals said the intensity of the blaze appeared to increase due to strong winds.

Defunct drainage system irks Rangpora residents

Residents of Madina Colony, Rangpora, Ellahi Bagh Srinagar have expressed concern over defunct drainage system in the area. The locals said that the concerned department had constructed the drain nearly 15 years ago, but instead of providing relief, it has now become a major nuisance. They alleged that the drain frequently overflows, and water accumulates on the roads through the manholes, making movement difficult for pedestrians. At times, dirty water from the drain also enters residential courtyards, creating unhygienic conditions and foul smell in the area. The situation becomes worse particularly during rains, when the entire locality faces waterlogging, residents said. According to the locals, they have repeatedly approached the concerned authorities and even held a meeting with the Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development. Despite assurances and directions issued, no concrete action has been taken so far, they said. The residents urged the concerned authorities to take immediate notice of the issue and undertake renovation and repair work of the drain at the earliest, so that the people of the area can get relief from the persistent problem.

BOPEE invites online applications for GNM, ANM courses

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations has invited online applications from eligible candidates for admission to GNM and ANM courses for the academic session 2026. According to a notification issued by BOPEE, candidates seeking admission to government and private colleges across the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh will have to appear in a Common Entrance Test (CET), the date of which will be notified separately. The application process will commence from April 16 (11:30 AM onwards), while the last date for submission of online forms has been fixed as April 29 (midnight). Applicants are required to pay a fee of Rs 1000 through online modes, including debit card, credit card, or net banking. The Board stated that admissions will be governed by the provisions of the J&K BOPEE Act, 2002, along with relevant reservation laws and rules as amended from time to time. The detailed syllabus, eligibility criteria, and other guidelines have been made available in the e-Information Brochure hosted on the official website of BOPEE. Candidates have been advised to thoroughly read the information brochure before filling out the application form, as the Board will not be responsible for any errors or omissions made during the submission process. The Board has also urged applicants to regularly visit its official website for updates regarding the examination schedule and other important notifications.

Jammu College student falls from bus on way to picnic, dies

In a tragic incident, a student of Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar Jammu died when she accidently fell from a moving bus, on the way to Patnitop for a picnic, on Thursday morning. The student has been identified as Anjali Choudhary, a 4th semester student of Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu. Police, after taking cognizance of the incident, initiated investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Meanwhile, the Minister for Higher Education, Sakina Itoo, while sharing her grief over the tragic incident, expressed her condolences to the grieving family, friends and the entire college fraternity and asked the concerned authorities to extend all possible assistance to the bereaved family. Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic death of Anjali Choudhary, a 4th semester student of Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu, who lost her life in a tragic accident near Udhampur this morning while proceeding with fellow students on a picnic to Patnitop. She reportedly fell from the bus around 10.30 am, about one kilometre before Udhampur. My heartfelt condolences to her grieving family, friends, and the entire college fraternity. I have directed the concerned authorities to extend all possible assistance to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace, Itoo posted on her X handle. The Higher Education Department, Jammu & Kashmir, has expressed profound grief and heartfelt sorrow over the untimely demise of Anjali Choudhary. A young life, full of promise and aspirations, has been lost far too soon, leaving the entire academic community in deep shock and mourning. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being ascertained, the department said in a statement. Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, along with Director Colleges, Nodal Principals, Principals, Faculty Members, students, and the entire academic fraternity, expressed profound sorrow and solidarity, extending sincere sympathies to the grieving family. The Department stands in unwavering solidarity with the bereaved family, sharing in their grief and remembering the departed as a bright and cherished young student. It remains in close coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure that all possible support is extended during this time of immense loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace, and may the family find strength and solace in this hour of grief, the statement added.

Kargil Police organise orientation programme for SI aspirants

District Police Kargil organised an orientation programme for Sub Inspector aspirants appearing in the upcoming Ladakh Police Recruitment written examination. The programme, held at Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall, Kargil, was attended by SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav, ASP Kargil Ishtiyaq Ahmad Kacho, DySP DAR Tundup Dorjay, police officials and a large number of Sub Inspector aspirants. The programme commenced with a welcome speech by Tundup Dorjay. He welcomed all participants, including resource person Mehboob Elahi and SI Mehdi Khan. He briefed about the two-day orientation program and stated that the Orientation Programme is being conducted on the directions of the DGP UT Ladakh, Mukesh Singh and under the supervision of SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav to provide aspirants with an understanding of the examination pattern for Constables and Sub Inspectors. SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav interacted with the participants and said that he noted the participation of aspirants during the session. He stated that vacancies are limited and the number of aspirants is high, and advised them to work hard and prepare well. He said that the police department is a visible force requiring discipline and dedication, and that public expectations from uniformed personnel are high. He conveyed his best wishes to all aspirants and thanked everyone who contributed to the conduct of the two-day orientation programme. ASP Kargil Ishtiyaq Kacho inspiring the aspirants highlighted the role and responsibilities of police personnel. He stated that wearing a khaki uniform is an honor and pride. He said that Service and Courage is the motto and urged aspirants to prepare for the examination to secure selection and serve the nation. Resource person Mehboob Elahii spoke on preparation for the examination. He covered study plan, examination overview, subject-wise weightage, syllabus, and the importance of mock tests, revision and practice of previous year questions. He also informed about an application Roam Prep, developed for Ladakhi students and aspirants of KSSRB, LSSRB, LSSSSB, Constable and Sub Inspector examinations, and gave a demonstration. Sub Inspector Mehdi Khan delivered a presentation on eligibility criteria, mode of recruitment, selection process, and the advantages of NCC certification and other deserving certificates. An interactive session was held during which aspirants asked queries and responses were provided by the panel. Questions were also posed by the panel and answered by the aspirants. Correct answers given by aspirants were provided Ladakh Academy preparation books.

House panel flags poor JJM implementation in Rajouri

The high powered House Committee constituted to examine implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) across Jammu and Kashmir has picked poor work execution with members of committee concerned over delayed completion of schemes. The Chairman of Committee has also expressed displeasure over implementation saying that majority of the schemes are lying incomplete despite expenditure of heavy amount. The House Committee headed by Former Justice and MLA Hasnain Masoodi and comprising of thirteen MLAs as members is currently on visit of Rajouri and Poonch districts with an aim to examine implementation of this prestigious scheme. Local MLAs of these twin districts are also accompanying the house committee which visited atleast half a dozen JJM sites in Rajouri and is now visiting sites in Poonch. MLA Poonch Haveli, Ajaz Jan, who is also member of this committee, has expressed serious concern on overall implementation saying that field situation is completely contrary to the figures claimed on paper by the department. Department shows healthy percentage in terms of work done so far but on field only pump rooms have been constructed, general pipes have been laid and some water reservoirs have been built with rest of the work is pending. Ajaz Jan said who stated that implementation is completely unsatisfactory. I am surprised to know that many scheme sites have also been shifted without following procedure which shows bureaucrats mended scheme in their own way. Jan said. MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, who was accompanying the team during visit, also took a dig at JJM implementation saying that lot of efforts need to be put in for taking works to conclusion. Almost all schemes in my constituency are incomplete and it is quite unfortunate that despite after so heavy funding, works have not been completed and people are yet to get even a single drop of water. said MLA Khan. Chairman of House Committee, Hasnain Masoodi also expressed displeasure over poor implementation saying that over 6000 crores have been utilised so far but things are unsatisfactory. Projects costing over 12000 crores were sanctioned and 6000 crores have been utilised but I am surprised that implementation is very poor. MLA Hasnain Masoodi said. Meanwhile, contractors who executed works under JJM have decried soaring liabilities and delay in payments saying that release of wanted amount and clearance of liabilities will help resumption of work which will be completed within two months. We are left to starve as we have used all our savings in executing the work done so far and our liabilities are very high. said contactors who met House Committee in Rajouri. They said that pending works will be completed in just two months if liabilities are cleared and wanted payments are released.

KCCIAxis Bank meet focuses on expanding credit access in Kashmir

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) today hosted an interactive session with the leadership of Axis Bank at the Chamber office. The Axis Bank delegation was led by Reynold D'Souza, President and Head, Branch Banking North & TASC Business, along with his team. The meeting followed a preliminary interaction with the CEO/MD Axis Bank, Amitabh Chaudhry on 14th of April 2026. Axis Bank team, led by President & Head Branch Banking Reynold DSouza, Circle Head Kanwalbir Singh, Cluster Head Gowhar Sheikh & Adil Shah particpated in the session which was attended by the members of the Executive Committee, members of the Chamber and representatives of the business organisations, who held detailed deliberations on improving easy access to finance on competitive rates and strengthening banking outreach in J&K. Welcoming the delegation, KCC&I President Javid Ahmad Tenga highlighted Kashmirs strong economic potential and noted that increased participation of banks enhances competition and provides greater choice to customers. He pointed out that the region maintains NPAs below 2 percent, reflecting a strong and trustworthy credit culture. The President of KCCI asked Axis Bank to expand its presence by opening more branches, across Kashmir including the Shahre-e-Khas, and to extend greater support to key sectors such as horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, Traders/shopkeepers and exports. He stressed on the need of awareness about many beneficial schemes, often unknown to borrowers. He emphasised the need for facilitating loans under CGTMSE at reasonable rates and introducing artisan credit schemes. The participants further stressed the importance of launching customised schemes for women entrepreneurs, improving access to education loans, and significantly increasing lending under the priority sector. They observed that private banks generally have a lower Credit-Deposit Ratio (CDR) in the priority sector in the region and called for corrective measures to ensure adequate credit flow to deserving sectors. Former President A.M. Matto emphasised the need for banks to strengthen their grassroots presence, deliver quality services, and appoint local staff to better serve the business community. Prominent hotelier Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya highlighted the need for easy credit availability, competitive interest rates, and simplified financing processes to support businesses across sectors. Responding to the suggestions, Reynold D'Souza thanked KCC&I for facilitating the interaction and stated that Axis Bank is leveraging AI-driven customised solutions to enhance customer experience. He added that the bank is continuously training its workforce, (mostly locally employed), to provide efficient, responsive, and relationship-oriented services. He said the Axis bank will ramp up its lending in the priority sector, particularly focusing on horticulture, handicrafts and exporters, and assured that the suggestions put forth by the participants would be duly considered. He further informed that a team from Axis Banks head office will visit the region again in the last week of April, adding that the bank will continue its engagement and interaction with the business community on a sustained basis. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, and a shared commitment to deepen collaboration between the banking sector and the business community to promote inclusive growth and economic development in J&K.

J&K Police warn of sophisticated cybercrime networks exploiting job seekers

Amid a sharp rise in fraudulent overseas job offers, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has issued a warning about sophisticated cybercrime networks targeting job seekers with deceptive employment opportunities. Officials say these scams have evolved into a highly organised and dangerous operation, exploiting aspirations of working abroad while exposing victims to financial fraud and potential human trafficking, prompting urgent concern among law enforcement agencies. In an advisory, the Jammu and Kashmir Police highlighted how scammers are systematically targeting individuals seeking employment abroad, often leading to severe financial losses and, in some cases, human trafficking. According to officials, these scams frequently rely on deception tactics that exploit trust. Fraudsters use familiar language, known contacts, or fabricated references to create a sense of legitimacy. However, the job offers themselves typically lack essential details such as company credentials, defined roles, or transparent payment structures. This ambiguity allows scammers to manipulate victims over time, impairing judgment and increasing vulnerability. The problem has grown significantly across India, with reports suggesting a surge of over 25% in such cases in 2025. Many victims are lured by promises of high salaries for low-skill jobs in Southeast Asian countries. Upon arrival, some have reported having their passports confiscated and being forced into illegal online activities, including financial scams targeting others. Authorities emphasize that certain warning signs consistently appear in these fraudulent schemes. Offers that seem too good to be true, demands for upfront payments under the guise of visa processing or travel arrangements, and communication through informal channels like WhatsApp or Telegram are major red flags. Additionally, legitimate employers rarely use generic email services and do not pressure candidates into making quick decisions without due verification. To combat this growing threat, officials urge job seekers to verify recruitment agents through the governments eMigrate portal and to avoid engaging with unverified intermediaries. Vigilance and skepticism are considered key defenses against falling victim. In cases where individuals suspect they have been targeted or defrauded, immediate action is critical. Victims are advised to file complaints through the national cybercrime reporting platform, cybercrime.gov.in, or contact the helpline number 1930. Authorities also recommend reaching out to Indian embassies in the destination country and reporting incidents to local police. Law enforcement agencies stress that timely reporting can significantly improve the chances of intervention, potentially preventing further harm. As these scams grow more sophisticated, public awareness remains a crucial line of defense against exploitation.

US-Iran talks productive but uncertainty looms over next round

The United States and Iran held productive talks through an intermediary, but key differences still persist. The two rivals have yet to reach an agreement on key contentious issues, particularly over Tehrans nuclear programme and other strategic concerns. However, both have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to extend the fragile ceasefire for a few more weeks, allowing additional time for diplomacy. foreign media reports stated. The ongoing mediation efforts are aimed at sustaining the truce and creating space for further negotiations toward a broader settlement. Pakistans Army Chief Gen Asif Munir, who reached Tehran last evening along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, held a series of high-level meetings with Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and other senior leaders to firm up the agenda for the second round of talk, Iranian media reports stated. Earlier, it was expected that the second round of talks would be held on the weekend in Islamabad. Even President Trump indicated about it and stated that there has been a broad understanding between the two sides on major issues During these discussions, he expressed cautious optimism that both sides would adopt a more flexible and pragmatic approach to bridge their differences and move towards a lasting resolution of the contentious issues. According to reports, the Army Chief also met senior functionaries of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as well as influential clerics, seeking their backing for the proposed framework of negotiations. These engagements were aimed at ensuring internal consensus within Iran ahead of the next phase of dialogue. The upcoming round of talks is widely seen as critical, as it could determine whether the diplomatic process gains momentum or slips back into stalemate. With regional tensions still high, there is a growing expectation that both sides will show greater willingness to compromise and avoid further escalation. Meanwhile, the White House spokesperson stated that Islamabad is currently the only active mediator between the United States and Iran in the ongoing negotiations Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that despite interest from several countries, Washington has chosen to maintain a single, streamlined channel through Pakistan to avoid confusion and ensure continuity in dialogue. She noted that the next round of talks is very likely to be held again in Islamabad, The White House has also described the ongoing discussions as productive and ongoing, indicating cautious optimism that Pakistans mediation could help narrow differences, particularly on contentious issues like Irans nuclear programme and regional security concerns. At the same time, officials acknowledge that the upcoming round of talks will be crucial.

Iran ravaged by massive destruction

Iran has suffered extensive economic losses estimated at around 145 billion dollars in the six-week war with Israel and the United States, says Iranian Red Crescent Society(IRCS) chief Pir Hossein Kolivan. Besides massive damage to its infrastructure and residential buildings and hospitals, the conflict is believed to have caused significant military damage to Irans naval assets, ballistic missile program, nuclear infrastructure, and personnel, reports the western media, quoting U S intelligence sources Kolivan said that 125,630 non-military facilities were damaged during the war. This included around 100,000 residential units, some completely destroyed and others partially damaged, as well as about 23,500 commercial units. He added that 339 medical facilities including hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, health centres, and emergency units were also damaged. Around 339 medical facilities, such as hospitals, pharmacies, emergency centers and laboratories were damaged in the airstrikes, he said. Furthermore, 32 universities were hit while 857 buildings belonging to schools and other educational institutions were specifically targeted. More than 3,000 people were killed throughout Iran during the war, a US-based rights group HRANA said 3,636 people have been killed since the war erupted. It said 1,701 of those were civilians, including at least 254 children. The Iranian military said at least 104 people were killed in a US attack on an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka on March 4. Earlier, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that 15 US soldiers have been killed and over 400 wounded since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28. It also stated that six Air Force died in a non-hostile, the crew of a KC-135 refuelling aircraft who died in Iraq while supporting air operations Many injuries are reported as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), burns, and shrapnel wounds, or caused by strikes by Iran on the US bases in the region. The U.S. claimed that Iran sustained approximately 2,076 fatalities and around 26,500 injuries. More than 66% of missile and drone production facilities, as well as shipbuilding infrastructure, were reportedly destroyed. In addition, between 160 and 190 ballistic missile launchers were eliminated, with hundreds more rendered inoperable, reports media quoting U S intelligence. Meanwhile, the Red Cross and Trkiyes Red Crescent dispatched an emergency humanitarian aid to Iran, as the organisation warned of a desperate humanitarian situation in the country. Humanitarian needs in Iran are extremely high, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) spokesperson Scott Craig The humanitarian situation in Iran is desperate, Craig said. He added that large-scale damage to infrastructure had compounded the crisis, with severe psychological and mental health impacts on the population. The convoy includes around 200 trauma kits containing emergency medical supplies for bombing casualties. The Turkish Red Crescent has also sent four trucks carrying 48 tons of aid, including emergency shelters for displaced families, hygiene kits and first-aid supplies. According to Turkish Red Crescent president Fatma Meric Yilmaz, roughly 3.6 percent of Irans 90 million people have been displaced, while 62,000 homes and more than 20,000 businesses have been destroyed. She said the Iranian Red Crescent had also suffered severe losses, with 17 of its centers and nearly 100 ambulances damaged. Meanwhile, India and several other nations have sent emergency humanitarian aid to Iran to help the authorities provide medical relief to the injured persons. India dispatched multiple shipments of essential medical aid and life-saving medicines to Iran to support relief efforts amid the intensifying regional conflict. The aid, including surgical supplies, was delivered to the Iranian Red Crescent Society in Tehran. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has dispatched 171 metric tonnes of essential relief items containing 171 metric tonnes of medical supplies, tents, blankets, generators, and water pumps, with additional shipments planned, while Azerbaijan also sent 200 tonnes of aid that included medical supplies. South Korea announced half a million dollar humanitarian assistance. These efforts aim to assist the estimated 3.2 million people displaced during the conflict.

Mega Shikara rally held on Dal Lake to promote drug-free society

DIPR, Tourism Dept join hands under Nasha Mukt J&K campaign Srinagar: In a unique initiative, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), in collaboration with the Tourism Department, organized a mega anti-drug Shikara rally on the iconic Dal Lake under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. The initiative was a part of []

Six yrs later, migrant workers still trapped in a cycle of exploitation

Migrant workers are again facing hardship. Protests erupt over low wages and poor conditions. Government policies lag behind rising costs. Welfare programs show limited impact. Housing schemes struggle with implementation. New labor codes bring uncertainty. Rural distress looms. The migrant worker remains in a difficult situation.

Without Special OTS, J&Ks industrial revival remains elusive

Srinagar, Apr 16:Growing concern over mounting financial stress in Jammu and Kashmirs industrial sector has triggered fresh calls for a comprehensive, region-specific Special One-Time Settlement (SOTS) framework to address legacy debt and revive struggling enterprises. With a new industrial policy in the pipeline, stakeholders warn that the absence of a structured debt-resolution mechanism continues to undermine the viability of existing units, even as policy focus remains tilted towards attracting new investments. This is where the role of the lead bank becomes central. J&K Bank, by virtue of its deep regional presence, deposit base, and credit exposure, occupies a unique position in the economic architecture of the Union Territory. A substantial portion of its deposits originates from within the regionmobilized at one of the lowest costs in the banking systemwhile a dominant share of its lending is also deployed locally. In effect, the regions economic ecosystem sustains the bank, just as the bank sustains the regions enterprise base. Yet, when it comes to addressing stress within this very ecosystem, the response has remained narrowly structured. The One-Time Settlement scheme introduced in 2024, though a step in principle, fell short in scope and impact. By imposing upper thresholds and restrictive eligibility conditions, it excluded a significant segment of borrowersparticularly those with larger exposuresmany of whom represent established enterprises with substantial employment and asset bases. These are precisely the units whose revival carries the greatest economic multiplier effect, yet they remain outside the ambit of relief. This selective approach has, in effect, created a paradox: those most in need of resolution remain least covered. The urgency of a renewed and expanded Special One-Time Settlement (SOTS) framework, therefore, cannot be overstated. Such a framework must move beyond conventional limits and thresholds, and instead recognize the exceptional context of Jammu & Kashmir. The financial stress carried by a large number of enterprises in the region is not the outcome of routine commercial cycles, but of prolonged and extraordinary disruptions that impaired their operational continuity. Equally important is the question of cost. For years, borrowers in the region have serviced credit at rates significantly higher than prevailing national benchmarksoften justified under market risk considerations. This differential, sustained over long periods, has compounded the debt burden and contributed materially to the stress now reflected in NPA accounts. When viewed alongside the fact that the banks deposit strength is overwhelmingly drawn from the same region, the case for calibrated concessions within an SOTS framework becomes not only logical, but necessary. A region-specific SOTS must, therefore, be designed with a clear developmental perspectiveone that acknowledges past realities rather than applying uniform templates. It must be comprehensive in coverage, non-discriminatory in access, and free from rigid ceilings that defeat its very purpose. The objective cannot be revenue maximization alone; it must be resolution, restoration, and reintegration of enterprises into the economic cycle. The need for urgency is equally compelling. With a new industrial policy on the anvilone that is expected to prioritize revival alongside new investmentsthe absence of a parallel debt-resolution mechanism would render the exercise incomplete. It is difficult to envision a credible revival roadmap when a large segment of enterprises continues to remain financially impaired, with no viable exit or restructuring pathway. There is also a larger institutional dimension that merits reflection. While regulatory frameworks may justify uniform treatment of borrowers across geographies, they do not preclude context-sensitive interventionsparticularly in regions that have experienced prolonged disruptions. The distinction between willful default and circumstantial stress must inform policy design, especially in a region where enterprise continuity itself has been a challenge. The continued delay in introducing a meaningful SOTS framework raises uncomfortable questionsnot about intent at the highest levels, but about prioritization and initiative within the system. It is difficult to assume that the broader leadershipwhether at the Union level or within the Union Territorywould remain indifferent to the plight of existing enterprises, had the issue been pursued with the urgency and clarity it demands. At its core, this is not merely a banking issue; it is an economic reset waiting to happen. A well-structured, region-specific SOTS offers the possibility of clearing legacy stress, restoring confidence among borrowers, strengthening the banks balance sheet, and aligning the financial system with the broader objective of industrial revival. It provides an honorable exit where required, and a fresh beginning where possible. The question is no longer whether such an intervention is justifiedthe realities on the ground have already answered that. The question is whether the system is prepared to act with the scale, sensitivity, and urgency that the moment demands. Until then, the narrative of Ease of Doing Business will remain incompleteanchored in new beginnings, but disconnected from unresolved pasts.

Military conflicts can't solve any problem: PM Modi

New Delhi, Apr 16:The world is going through a very tense situation impacting all nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, pitching for bringing lasting peace to Ukraine and West Asia as military conflict cannot solve any problem. PM Modi made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Austria's Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker that focused on significantly ramping up bilateral ties in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure. In their talks, PM Modi and Stocker extensively deliberated on the consequences of the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine on global economy and vowed to work jointly to mitigate them. The Austrian Chancellor landed in New Delhi on Tuesday on a four-day trip. It is Stocker's first official trip outside Europe. The entire world is going through a very serious and tense situation today. And it is affecting all of us, PM Modi said in his media statement. In such a tense global environment, India and Austria are unanimous that military conflict cannot solve problems. Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable, and lasting peace, he said. We also agree that reform of global institutions is essential to address growing global challenges. And eradicating terrorism is our shared commitment, the PM said. Following the Modi-Stocker talks, the two sides signed six agreements including one on setting up a setting up a fast track mechanism to help Indian and Austrian companies wanting to invest in each other's economies. Another pact was signed on cooperation on military matters. The letter of intent on military cooperation will provide an institutional framework for promoting cooperation building on the momentum of the India-EU defence and security partnership signed in January. In his remarks, PM Modi said Stocker's visit is extremely significant and referred to involvement of Austrian companies in numerous engineering projects in India including in railways as well as clean energy initiatives. Following the historic India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, a new golden chapter has begun in relations between India and the EU. With Chancellor Stocker's visit, we are also taking India-Austria relations into a new era, he said. PM Modi said the Chancellor's visit will inject new energy into bilateral trade and investment ties. We are delighted that he has come to India with a broad vision and a large business delegation. By combining Austria's expertise with India's speed and scale, we will ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the entire world, he said. We will also strengthen our partnerships in defense, semiconductor, quantum, and biotechnology, PM Modi said.

NDA, Opposition leaders spar over women's reservation, delimitation bill

New Delhi, Apr 16:NDA leaders on Thursday defended bills to amend the women's quota law and set up a delimitation commission, saying women have waited for years for reservation, while opposition leaders alleged the way the government was proceeding with it could undermine the country's federal and democratic structure. According to a bulletin issued on April 15, the 'Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House on Thursday. The three-day sitting of Parliament, during which amendments to the Nari Shakti VandanAdhiniyam, commonly known as the Women's Reservation Act, mandating 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, will be brought for passage so that it can be implemented by 2029. BJP MP Giriraj Singh expressed confidence that the amendments to the Women's Reservation Act for its early implementation will receive broad support in Parliament. I have full confidence that when they come to the House, they will develop sensitivity towards women. Women have been waiting for years, and now their patience is running out. This will be passed collectively, Singh told reporters inside the Parliament House complex. He rejected the opposition's concerns on the delimitation exercise as unfounded. There will be no discrimination against anyone or any state. There will be no loss to the southern states and no one needs to worry, he added. BJP MP Sandhya Roy termed the move historic and said it would significantly boost women's participation in governance. I believe everyone will support this Bill. It is a historic opportunity for women's empowerment and a defining moment for the country. By 2029, women will have a strong share in the nation's participation and progress, she said. According to the draft Constitution amendment bill, the number of Lok Sabha seats will be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to operationalise the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. Seats will also be increased in state and Union territory assemblies to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women, and the seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies shall be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a state or Union territory, the draft bill circulated among Lok Sabha members said. JD(U) MP Lovely Anandcriticised the opposition for raising objections. Why is the opposition against delimitation when nothing has happened yet? This is in favour of women -- half the population is finally getting its due. The opposition is worried because it sees the ground slipping beneath its feet, she said. Opposition leaders expressed concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise. Congress leader K Suresh said his party supports women's reservation, but opposes the delimitation plan linked to it. We are not against the women's reservation bill. We are totally opposing the delimitation bill, he said. Congress MP Hibi Eden said he has moved a procedural notice against the proposal. We have given notice under the relevant rules of procedure to oppose this. The delimitation bill is a direct attack on the Constitution. It takes away the rights of southern states and is an attack on the cooperative federal structure of the country, he said. There is concern over the proposed increase in seats and the imbalance it may create between northern and southern states. Proper discussion and consultation with state governments are needed, he added. It also affects the democratic and secular nature of the country. Southern states have performed better in population control and delimitation based on population will penalise them, Eden said. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said his party supports reservation for women, but is opposed to the manner in which the government is proceeding with it. We are not against women's reservation, but we oppose the haste and the way it is being brought. Without a fresh census, relying on 2011 data will not ensure accurate representation, he said. If a census is conducted, there will be a demand for a caste census and appropriate reservation. This is not real empowerment but symbolism, Yadav added. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant spoke in the same vein. We are not against women's reservation, but we have reservations about the delimitation bill. There are concerns about how such exercises are carried out, he said. DMK MP T R Baalu said, Yesterday, our leader M K Stalin burnt the draft Bill at a public rally in Salem, which shows that we have to oppose it. The total strength of the ruling NDA in the Lok Sabha stands at 292, while the major opposition parties have 233 MPs. For the Constitution amendment bill to be passed, it requires a two-thirds majority of those present in the House at the time of voting. Centre using women's quota as smokescreen: Left parties Left leaders on Thursday criticised the Centre's move to link women's reservation with a fresh delimitation exercise, calling it a devious and efarious attempt to alter India's political balance in the guise of a pro-women reform. CPI-M General Secretary M A Baby said the current proposal departs from earlier efforts that had already laid a clear roadmap for implementing women's reservation in legislatures. Referring to the Geeta Mukherjee Committee report, Baby said that it was very clear about how we should go about ensuring representation for women.

No reduction in southern seats: Amit Shah

New Delhi, Apr 16:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday sought to allay concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting that the number of parliamentary seats in southern states will not be reduced even as the Centre moves to significantly expand the Lok Sabha. Addressing concerns surrounding the ongoing delimitation process, Shah said the exercise would be carried out strictly in accordance with existing legal provisions. The Delimitation Commission law is strictly in accordance with the existing (old) law. There is no change. It will not impact the ongoing elections, he said. Shah said that the proposed expansion of the Lok Sabha from the current 543 seats to 816 represents a nearly 50 percent increase, aimed at better representation of the population without disadvantaging any region. The number of seats in the southern states will not be reduced, Shah said, amid apprehensions from several states over a possible shift in political balance. He said that a completely false narrative was being spread that the representation of southern states would go down in the Lok Sabha after its strength is increased to 816 seats following the implementation of women's reservation and delimitation of constituencies. Intervening in the debate in Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendment of the women's quota law and to set up a delimitation commission, Shah said the fact is that the number of seats will go up and power will grow. He said the number of Lok Sabha seats in the five southern states will go up from the present 129 to 195 seats while the percentage of power will increase from 23.76 per cent to 23.87 or almost 24 percent. Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka will increase to 42 from the present 28; in Andhra Pradesh, the number of Lok Sabha sets will increase to 38 from 25; in Telangana, it will be 26 from present 17; in Tamil Nadu, the number of Lok Sabha seats will go up to 59 from the present 39; and in Kerala, it will be 30 seats from the present 20, he said. Shah strongly rejected the opposition suggestion that the government will indulge in some kind of mischief during the delimitation exercise, saying the NDA government has not made any changes in the existing law. The delimitation bill is exactly like the previous law brought by your government. There is no change, not even a comma or a full stop, he said. Explaining how the total number of seats in the new Lok Sabha is fixed at 816, the Home Minister said it is exactly 50 percent more than the current total seats. On the issue of caste enumeration, the Home Minister said that the government had already taken a decision to conduct a caste census as part of the ongoing population census exercise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet has decided to conduct a caste census. The ongoing census is being conducted on the basis of caste enumeration. There is no need to spread confusion, he said. Shah said on that Muslims will not be given reservation on the basis of religion as such a quota would be unconstitutional. The question of providing reservation to Muslim women on the basis of religion does not even arise. Our Constitution does not allow at all to give reservation on the basis of religion. I want to make it clear our government's resolve that Muslims will not be given reservation on the basis of religion. Such reservation is unconstitutional, he said after the Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav spoke in favour of giving a quota to Muslims. The Home Minister said the Samajwadi Party members were saying that they would place the demand for a caste census but he would like to inform them that the government had already taken a decision to carry out the caste census and it would be carried out along with the population enumeration. Right now, the counting of households is underway and the households do not have any caste. If the Samajwadi Party had its way, they would determine the caste of households as well, he said. Shah also said if the Samajwadi Party gives all its tickets to Muslim women, where do we have any objection, we have no objections at all. He said that during the population enumeration, the census authorities would keep a provision for caste enumeration, which I personally want too. I want to make it clear that this census will be conducted along with caste enumeration, the Home Minister said. Shahs remarks come at a time when the Centres proposed delimitation plan and census-related announcements have triggered widespread political debate, particularly over representation, federal balance, and data transparency. The government has maintained that both exercises are aimed at strengthening democratic representation and ensuring equitable policy planning based on updated demographic data. (With PTI inputs)

Empower half the nation, build a developed India: PM Modi

New Delhi, Apr 16:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the country has a historic opportunity to empower women Addressing the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said that including women in decision making was key to building a developed India. Acknowledging that the discussion on the important bill had commenced early in the morning, he said that many colleagues had effectively touched upon crucial issues while relying on facts and logic. Observing that crucial moments arrive in the life of a nation, the PM said that the societal mindset and leadership capability of the time capture such moments to forge a strong national legacy. Affirming that the current juncture represents a similarly historic moment in India's parliamentary democracy, he said that this idea should have been fully implemented 25 to 30 years ago to reach maturity by today. Highlighting India's identity as the mother of democracy, PM Modi said that all House members had received an auspicious opportunity to add a new, reformative dimension to a millennia-old legacy. Reaffirming that making half of the country's population active participants in policy-making was an incredible privilege, he urged all Members of Parliament not to let this vital opportunity slip away. Focusing strictly on the transformative effort underway, the PM said that all Indians together were preparing to infuse the governance system with deep sensitivity to determine the future condition of the country. We stand at such a crucial turning point where the nectar emerging from this churning will decide the nation's direction, he said. Acknowledging the new self-confidence of India in the 21st century, PM Modi said that the entire nation was currently experiencing widespread global acceptance, making it a moment of immense pride tied to the resolution of a developed India. He said that his vision of a developed India transcends superior infrastructure and requires the meaningful integration of the 'SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas' mantra into policy-making. Emphasising that making 50 percent of the population a part of policy formulation was an urgent demand, the PM pointed out that despite past delays, no party opposed the bill in principle during his extensive private consultations. Stating that history proves collective action ultimately favours the nation's democracy rather than individual political entities, he said that the credit belongs to the entire House rather than just the treasury benches or himself. Therefore, I feel there is absolutely no need to give this a political color, as everyone's true benefit lies in supporting it, PM Modi said. Reflecting on his past as an organisational worker outside formal governance, he said recalled prevalent corridor discussions questioning the selective ease with which reservations were granted at the Panchayat level. The PM said that leaders were comfortable allocating quotas in Panchayats simply because they did not fear losing their own immediate positions or power. Pointing out the deep-seated reluctance of higher officials to implement quotas that threatened their own stakes, he said, This protective mindset allowed local reservations to successfully reach 50 percent without affecting the Parliament. Warning against underestimating historical shifts, PM Modi said that unlike 25 or 30 years ago, opposition to women's rights today resonates deeply below the political surface. Pointing out that a profound political consciousness has developed, he said that the millions of women who have won Panchayat elections have evolved from silent observers into highly vocal grassroots opinion makers. Acknowledging that these experienced women have deeply managed public grievances, the PM said that they are now highly agitated and demanding inclusion in the primary decision-making processes of the Legislative Assemblies and Parliament. Advising all ambitious politicians to recognise this shift, he said that these millions of female leaderswoulf now heavily influence future electoral outcomes across all constituencies. PM Modi urged the House to place complete trust in the understanding of the nation's women. He said that once the 33 percent representation is achieved, female legislators will be perfectly capable of deciding further sub-allocations for different classes and groups without requiring patriarchal oversight. Acknowledging his own roots in an extremely backward community, the PM said that his paramount constitutional duty is to take every section of society along. He said that the constitution remains strictly supreme for him, highlighting it as the very force that allowed a marginalised individual to assume such a massive national responsibility. Why do we doubt their capabilities; let the women come forward and decide, PM Modi said. Observing the phenomenal achievements across all spheres of life, he said that women power is nowhere behind in elevating the pride and hoisting the flag of the nation. The PM said that mothers, sisters, and daughters are making immense and outstanding contributions that allow the entire country to hold its head high with pride. Questioning the rationale behind expending so much political energy to block such a highly capable demographic, he said that integrating women into legislative bodies would exponentially increase the nation's overall capacity. PM Modi appealed to the lawmakers to evaluate this monumental step based on national interest rather than petty electoral calculus. I appeal to you not to weigh this on the scales of politics, he said. Highlighting the immediate task at hand, the PM said that the current opportunity demands unified thinking to secure women's participation in building a developed India with an open mind. He reiterated that while the entire nation will analyse the final legislative decision, the female electorate would scrutinise the underlying intentions even more closely. Warning the assembly of the consequences of political malice, PM Modi said that any deliberate flaw in their intentions will face severe backlash. The women of this country will never forgive any flaw in our intentions, he said. Recalling the unanimous and joyous acceptance of the act in the new Parliament building in 2023, the PM said that it successfully generated a positive, non-partisan atmosphere nationwide. Addressing concerns regarding census data and delimitation, he said that historical timelines and the massive disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic clearly explained the implementation delays. Stating that extensive discussions in 2023 highlighted a widespread urgency to act quickly, PM Modi said that while immediate implementation was impossible before 2024, missing the 2029 opportunity would permanently shatter public trust. He said that endless delays would make it impossible to convince the female demographic that the political establishment is truly committed to their empowerment. Noting that comprehensive structural and informal consultations have been held with political parties and activists, the PM said that these dialogues are crucial to formulating a viable path forward. It is the absolute demand of the time that we do not delay this any further, he said. Issuing a stern reminder of constitutional duties, PM Modi sais that no member sitting in the House has the right to view the country in fragmented pieces or make geographically divided decisions. He said that whether it was Kashmir or Kanyakumari, the sacred oaths taken by parliamentarians dictate a fundamental responsibility to act exclusively as one unified nation. Strongly condemning the baseless political whirlwinds created through absolute falsehoods, the PM said from the floor of the House that the new delimitation processes will absolutely not discriminate against any state or region. He said that the demographic proportions established during previous governments would be strictly maintained, ensuring that seat increases occur fairly without any detrimental alterations. Asserting his total sincerity, PM Modi said that he is fully prepared to use the strongest words of assurance, including regional terms in Tamil, to eliminate any need for political wordplay. This decision-making process will absolutely not do injustice to anyone, he said. Addressing the lawmakers, the PM said that no one should operate under the arrogant illusion that they are magnanimously 'giving' something to the women of India, as it is their right. He said that the entire political establishment is collectively guilty of withholding this right for decades, making this bill a necessary act of atonement. Pointing out the historical hypocrisy where politicians feigned support while systematically sabotaging the bill with technical caveats, PM Modi said that the era of openly opposing the reservation is long gone. He said that the women of the country could no longer be deceived by complex procedural excuses to delay progress. Urging the members to abandon their blockades, the PM argued that three decades of obstruction using various technical tangles is more than enough time to reflect on past failures. You have stopped it for three decades, now you must finally do it, he said. Declaring a complete disinterest in claiming personal or party credit, PM Modi said that a unified approach transforms the narrative entirely and neutralises partisan gains. Elevating the philosophical context of the bill, he said that women's participation in parliamentary democracy transcends mere statistical adjustments and represents India's profound cultural commitment as the Mother of Democracy. The PM said that this very commitment successfully established 50 percent reservation in Panchayats across more than 20 states, yielding incredibly positive results. Reflecting on his extensive tenure as a Chief Minister, he shared that his firsthand experience with grassroots women's leadership revealed their highly effective and sensitive approach to problem-solving. PM Modi said that female leaders consistently acted as vital catalysts in accelerating the broader journey of developmental progress through empathetic governance. Affirming that introducing this massive demographic into the House will infuse national policymaking with new strength, he said that combining lived experience with factual logic multiplies legislative capability exponentially. Their voices will become a powerful new strength and deeply enrich the House, the PM said. He said that there is an absolute abundance of highly experienced and capable women power in the country ready to serve. PM Modi said that placing firm trust in these women will guarantee exceptional and highly beneficial contributions to the nation's governance. Acknowledging the female representatives already serving, he said that they consistently present well-articulated and profound perspectives whenever given the floor. They have already enriched the House wonderfully with their capable contributions, the PM said. Providing concrete data to support his stance, he said that nearly 275 women are currently leading over 650 district panchayats, managing massive responsibilities and budgets that often exceed those of a central cabinet minister. PM Modi said that out of approximately 6700 block panchayats, more than 2700 are successfully functioning under the direct and capable leadership of women. Pointing out their urban influence, he said that women are powerfully directing local bodies, serving as Mayors and standing committee heads in over 900 cities. The PM said that passing the reservation bill is a critical opportunity for the nation to gratefully acknowledge and repay the profound debt owed to these grassroots leaders for the country's rapid progress. When this vast administrative experience joins the House, it will multiply our strength immensely, he said. PM Modi said that the current moment demands breaking free from past limitations to courageously ensure the active participation of women power in national development. Firmly urging the House to advance the legislation with total unanimity, he said that a collective co nsensus generates positive pressure on the treasury benches to honor everyone's rights without harm. We get many exceptional results from collective strength, the PM said. Concluding his primary arguments, he reiterated that half of the population possesses an undeniable right to sit in the House. Addressing debates regarding seat numbers, PM Modi said that expanding the total seats accommodates the 33 percent quota smoothly without displacing existing members or violating established rights. He said that the new Parliament building was specifically pre-planned to house this additional legislative strength.

Year on, Machail Mata Yatra resumes, but silence lingers in Chisoti

Srinagar, Apr 16: A year after flash floods devastated Chisoti village in Kishtwars Paddar region, the Machail Mata Yatra has resumed on a subdued note, with fewer pilgrims halting and many residents still struggling to recover. On the opening day, April 14, the idol of Machail Mata was taken in a procession from a local priests house to the main temple in Machail village. Chisoti, once a key halt on the route, would come alive during the four-month yatra, with families setting up food stalls, tents and transport services. This year, activity remains minimal. Only two tea and eatery stalls have been set up so far, Akshay Kumar, a resident told Greater Kashmir over the phone. Pilgrims are not stopping here like before. Most go directly to Machail. The decline follows the August 14 tragedy, when a cloudburst triggered flash floods that swept through the village, destroying homes, shrines and temporary structures. Over 70 people were killed and dozens went missing, mostly devotees. Nothing remained -everything was swept away, Kumar said. Nearly 2,500 pilgrims were present in the area at the time, while thousands more were on the route. Many were near the riverbank when the floods struck. Among those affected is 23-year-old Sawant Singh, who earlier earned a living ferrying pilgrims on his motorcycle to Hamori, the last motorable point before a six-kilometre trek to Machail. On the fateful day, his sister Sangeeta and mother Kamlesha Devi were running their food stall when lightning struck after a cloudburst. Within minutes, floodwaters surged through the area. They were at the stall. I was at home for lunch, Singh said. I survived, but they were swept away. Nineteen houses were damaged, several were completely washed away. Singhs home was among them, and he is still rebuilding. We are trying to recover, but the loss is permanent, he said. My sister was supposed to get married. He has not resumed work this season. Without a proper house, I can neither set up a stall nor ferry pilgrims, he said. His father, a labourer, survived as he was away at work, though the family lost several relatives. Located about 20 km from Gulabgarh-Paddar town and 85 km from Kishtwar district headquarters, Chisoti lies along the BhotNalla stream, a tributary of the Chenab River. Since 1987, it has depended on the pilgrimage season, which supports around 200 households. The floods disrupted this fragile economy. With maize as the primary crop, residents rely on the yatra for income through food stalls- selling indigenous maize roti with vegetables, Dal, tea, and snacksand offering tent services and transport. Those months sustain us for the entire year, Kumar said. Without that income, it becomes very difficult. The disaster also destroyed three shrines dedicated to Kali Mata and Nag Dev, where pilgrims traditionally offer prayers. Two priests managing these shrines were among those killed. Reconstruction work has just started, Kumar said. Residents expect pilgrim numbers to increase from June, when the yatra typically peaks, and some families are preparing to resume work on a smaller scale. For now, Chisoti remains quiet as rebuilding continues. The yatra has resumed, Singh said, but for us, nothing is the same.

Max Hospital Saket doctors restore mobility of patient from Kashmir through bilateral knee replacement

Srinagar, Apr 16: Doctors at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, successfully performed a bilateral total knee replacement on 60-year-old female patient from Srinagar, who had been suffering from severe knee pain for over three months, significantly affecting her mobility and quality of life. As per a press release, she was diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis accompanied by varus deformity, a condition in which both legs become bow-shaped at the knees, making even routine daily activities increasingly difficult. The patient first consulted D Sujoy Bhattacharjee, presenting with persistent pain in both knees and difficulty in walking. Clinical evaluation revealed advanced joint degeneration with a pre-operative pain score of 8 out of 10. Given the severity of the condition and the functional limitations it imposed, the medical team recommended bilateral total knee replacement as the most effective solution to restore mobility and alleviate pain. The surgery was performed the very next day, said a press release. Speaking on the case, Dr. Sujoy Bhattacharjee, Chairman & Chief Max Institute of Robotic Joint Replacement, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, Delhi, said, Bilateral total knee replacement is an effective solution for patients with advanced osteoarthritis affecting both knees. In this case, the deformity and cartilage damage had progressed to a stage where conservative treatment was no longer effective. The procedure involved replacing the damaged joints with artificial implants, correcting alignment, and restoring function. With careful surgical planning and advanced techniques, both knees were replaced in a single sitting, enabling faster recovery and reducing the need for two separate surgeries. The surgery was completed successfully without complications. Post-operatively, she showed significant improvement and was mobilised early under expert supervision. During follow-up, patient reported a substantial reduction in pain, with her score improving from 8/10 before surgery to 2/10 after the procedure. She is now able to walk comfortably and is gradually returning to her normal daily routine. Dr. Sujoy, further added, With advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and post-operative care, patients today can experience reduced pain, quicker rehabilitation, and improved joint function. Timely intervention in such cases is important to prevent further joint deterioration and help patients regain mobility and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. At Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, we are successfully performing Day Care Robotic Arm-Assisted Total Knee Replacement surgeries with excellent clinical outcomes. This advanced approach enables greater surgical precision, improved implant alignment, and faster recovery, allowing patients to be discharged within a short duration. Additionally, the reduced hospital stay helps minimise the risk of hospital-acquired complications such as infections, gastritis, vomiting, and other post-operative concerns, ensuring a safer and more comfortable recovery for patients. At Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, patients have access to advanced orthopaedic care, including minimally invasive joint replacements and robotic-assisted surgeries. Supported by experienced specialists and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the hospital continues to deliver high-quality treatment, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Govt extends tenure of Chairman FFRC by 1 month

Srinagar, Apr 16:In a latest development, the Jammu and Kashmir government has extended the tenure of Chairperson Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) of Private Schools Justice (Retd) Sunil Hali for one month or till a new incumbent is appointed, whichever is earlier. The notification in this regard has been issued by commissioner Secretary School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Sharma. In exercise of the powers conferred under rule 4(3) of Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools (Fixation, Determination and Regulation of Fee) Rules, 2022 the Government hereby extends the term of Hon'ble Justice (Retired), Sunil Hali, as Chairperson of the Committee for Fixation, Determination and Regulation of Fee of Private Schools, from the date on which his previous term expires i.e. 31.03.2026, for a further period of one month or till a new incumbent is appointed, whichever is earlier, the notification reads. The extension has been granted under Rule 4(3) of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools (Fixation, Determination and Regulation of Fee) Rules, 2022. The terms and conditions of the office shall remain unchanged as per the earlier notification S.O. 168 dated March 24, 2023, it reads. As already reported, Justice (Retd) Sunil Hali was appointed as chairman FFRC on March 25 of 2023 for a period of three years. The appointment was made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 20-A of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002, read with Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools (Fixation Determination and Regulation of Fee) Rules, 2022

India-China energy cooperation doesn't require warm relations, or lofty civilisational rhetoric

India and China face a new opportunity in energy markets. Past cooperation in Africa, despite challenges, shows potential. Both nations seek stable energy imports, bypassing geopolitical risks. This shared need can drive future joint ventures. New energy projects in Africa could form a strong foundation for collaboration. This pragmatic approach is vital for securing energy supplies.

J&K Govt abolishes CUET for admission to FYUGP in colleges this year

Srinagar, Apr 16:In a latest development, the Higher Education Department (HED) has done away with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admission to Four Year Under Graduate Programmes (FYUGP) in colleges for the current academic session. The decision has been taken in wake of the restoration of the November session for schools. The result of class 12th J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) exams was declared in January this year following which the qualified students have been waiting for the commencement of the admission process in the Degree Colleges across Kashmir. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Director Colleges J&K Prof Sheikh Aijaz Ahmad said that this year Higher Education Department will offer non CUET admission in all the 144 colleges this year. Earlier we used to do CUET admission in only 39 colleges but this year all the colleges will offer admission on the basis of class 12th qualification, he told Greater Kashmir. This newspaper earlier reported that the students who qualified class 12 examination in Kashmir were in a dilemma due to a widening transition gap between the academic calendars of the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) and the Higher Education Department (HED). As per the academic schedule, class 12 results were declared in January 2026, while the new academic session in colleges was supposed to begin only between July and August in line with CUET. This misalignment would leave qualified class 12 students with an idle period of nearly six to seven months before they can enter college. To address the issue, the HED has now decided to offer non CUET admissions in all the colleges. In this regard, an official notification has been issued by the Director Colleges J&K informing students about the announcement of the admission process for Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUGP) and Integrated Postgraduate Programmes for the academic session 202627. The admission process will commence shortly across all Government Degree Colleges in the Union Territory, the notification reads. As per the notification, admissions for the upcoming session will be conducted on the basis of 10+2 merit, doing away with the CUET-based process. The department has further clarified that all undergraduate admissions shall be granted purely on the basis of marks obtained in the Class 12 examinations. The decision has been taken to streamline the admission process for which the authorities have introduced a centralised admission system for the aspiring students. All aspirants will be required to register through a Centralised Admission Portal, the link and detailed guidelines for which will be notified separately, it reads. The notification further reads that students will have to submit their preferences for colleges and courses through the portal. The allotment of seats will be carried out on the basis of merit and the preferences indicated by the candidates, ensuring a transparent and structured admission mechanism, the notice reads. As per the notification, the students have been informed that the detailed admission schedule, including dates for registration, preference filling, seat allotment, and fee submission, will be announced later through a formal notification. As of now, the department has issued an early advisory to help students and parents prepare in advance. Students who have passed or appeared in the Class 12 examinations from JKBOSE, CBSE, or any recognised board are advised to explore the academic programmes offered by various Government Degree Colleges across J&K, the notice reads. Authorities have also encouraged students and parents to visit college campuses to gain a better understanding of course structures and interact with faculty members as well. To facilitate the admission process, counselling and facilitation cells have already been established in all Government Degree Colleges. These cells are currently functional and are expected to assist students in choosing courses, understanding eligibility criteria, and addressing admission-related queries, the notice reads. The department has also urged students to familiarise themselves with the key features of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, under which the FYUGP framework operates. These include multiple exit option, certificate after the first year, diploma after the second year, degree after the third year, and honours or research degree after the fourth year along with provisions for major-minor combinations and enhanced academic flexibility. The students have been further advised to visit the official website of the Directorate of Colleges, J&K for further details regarding courses and programmes offered in colleges . The formal admission notification, along with the registration link and complete schedule, will be released in due course through the official portal and print media, the notice reads.

Crores spent, lakes lost: CAG exposes Kashmir's wetland rot

Srinagar, Apr 16: Kashmir's legendary lakes are dying. And according to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the death is not entirely natural it is being administered, slowly and methodically, by institutional neglect, administrative apathy and a shocking absence of scientific rigour in conservation efforts that were, on paper at least, generously funded. The CAG's reports on Hokersar and Wular two of the most ecologically significant water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir make for deeply uncomfortable reading. They sketch a portrait of governance failure that is as comprehensive as it is damning, raising questions not merely about competence but about intent. At Hokersar, the numbers tell their own grim story. Around 2,528.10 kanals of lake area has been encroached upon for construction, plantations and agricultural activities. Despite issuance of notices, authorities were unable to ensure eviction of encroachers, the CAG report states, in language that barely conceals its exasperation. The wetland, notified as far back as July 1945 and later declared a Conservation Reserve, has been surrendered piece by piece to encroachers while the authorities watched. The ecological consequences of this surrender are now starkly visible in satellite data. Between 2014 and 2020, the open water area decreased by seven per cent, while scrub area increased by 1,157 per cent, siltation by 104 per cent, river area by 103 per cent, built-up area by 102 per cent and aquatic vegetation by 42 per cent, the report recorded, attributing the transformation to anthropogenic pressure and inadequate conservation. These are not gradual, natural changes. They are the statistical signature of an ecosystem collapsing under human pressure. At the heart of the problem, the CAG identifies a planning vacuum. No comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan had been prepared for the lake. Instead, the Wildlife Protection Department relied on annual plans which failed to address core issues such as changes in hydrological regimes, pollution and loss of biodiversity. Annual plans, by their nature, are reactive. They address symptoms, not causes. Without a long-term, science-backed strategy, the lake was left to deteriorate between one budget cycle and the next. The pollution crisis has been compounded by unchecked urbanisation in the lake's catchment. Analysis of satellite imagery and Google Earth Pro data from 2005 to 2022 revealed rapid expansion of built-up areas in Haji Bagh, Soibug and HMT (Zainakot). The lake continues to receive inflows from these areas, aggravating pollution levels, the report noted, adding that research studies have indicated the disappearance of native aquatic species, invasion of non-native plants and declining dissolved oxygen levels due to nutrient loading. Perhaps the most damaging finding concerns the fate of public money. Between 2018 and 2022, Rs 46.29 crore was spent on channel construction, dredging and slope protection. Yet the flood spill channel at PadshahiBagh, designed to carry 17,000 cusecs of water, has seen its capacity reduced to 6,000 cusecs due to siltation and accumulation of debris. Meanwhile, key components such as hydraulic gates, silt retention basins and sewage treatment plants were not executed, affecting water regulation and quality. Money was spent. Infrastructure was not built. The lake continued to suffer. The CAG was equally scathing about the quality of conservation work that was carried out. Expenditure on these works lacked scientific basis, with no vegetation mapping, bathymetric surveys or impact assessments conducted, it observed. Crores were disbursed for de-weeding and dredging without any baseline data to measure against, any methodology to guide the work or any assessment to evaluate its impact. It was conservation in name only. When confronted with the audit findings, the forest department offered little by way of reassurance only that a policy to maintain the ecological character of wetlands was under consideration and that efforts were underway to remove unwanted vegetation. After years of documented decline, the response amounted to an acknowledgement that the authorities had yet to begin thinking seriously about the problem. At Wular Lake, 35 kilometres from Srinagar and among the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, the CAG found a different but equally serious dimension of failure: institutional paralysis. Due to non-constitution of monitoring bodies, the conservation and management programme of Wularlake had suffered as policy matters of Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) could not be decided. Without a functioning oversight structure, the conservation authority drifted, rudderless, while the lake aged around it. This institutional vacuum carried a direct financial penalty. The failure to produce a detailed conservation plan resulted in J&K being denied central government funding for Wular's rejuvenation an act of administrative negligence that compounded ecological damage with fiscal loss at the same stroke. The afforestation record at Wular reads like a catalogue of abandoned commitments. Under the 13th Finance Commission, against a target of 2,620 hectares, only 1,725 hectares were covered a shortfall of 34 per cent. Under the CAPEX action plan for 2020-21, the failure was far more severe: against target for afforestation of 1,870 hectares of land at a cost of Rs 8.53 Cr, Rs 2.42 Cr was spent (28 per cent) to cover 235 hectares (shortfall 87 per cent). Between April 2016 and March 2020, no plantation was carried out in degraded forest areas at all. No physical verification was done to check whether earlier plantations had even survived. The consequences were predictable and predicted. Shortfall in achievement of targets resulted in insufficient afforestation in degraded forests resulting in increase of siltation in the lake by 201.54 hectares between 2016 and 2020 and consequently contributing to hastening ageing of the lake, the CAG noted. Forests are a lake's first line of defence against siltation. When they are neglected, the lake pays the price. WUCMA's defence, when it came, was extraordinary. The authority argued that much of the bare catchment was naturally dominated by shrub growth, that allied departments had supplemented its efforts, and that since 80 per cent of water enters the lake through the Jhelum river, attributing siltation to inadequate afforestation was unfair. The CAG dismissed each argument in turn. The reply that WUCMA need not carry out afforestation plans contradicts the provision of afforestation activities under the CAPEX action plan. Further, it is pertinent to note that even the planned targets under the action plan could not be achieved, which was indicative of failure of implementation of the catchment conservation activity, the report observed with pointed precision. On dredging, the numbers are perhaps the most stark illustration of the gap between expenditure and outcome. Although Rs 185.05 Cr was spent (2011-22) on dredging of lake, only 4.5 sq. km (17 per cent) of 27 sq km of severely silted area has been dredged as of March 2022. What happened to the dredged material was, if anything, worse. Dykes for dumping of dredged out material were not identified and dredged out material was dumped in the auxiliary basins of the lake which remained seasonally submerged. The solution, in effect, became part of the problem. Taken together, the CAG's findings on both lakes reveal something more troubling than isolated administrative failures. They reveal a pattern of targets set and abandoned, of funds spent without accountability, of bodies constituted on paper and paralysed in practice, of scientific recommendations ignored and ecological warnings unheeded. Kashmir's water bodies have survived centuries of history. Whether they survive another decade of this calibre of stewardship is a question the CAG has now placed, with considerable force, before the administration and before the public that depends on these waters for its ecology, its economy and its identity.

Gusty winds sweep Kashmir, wreak havoc, damage property

Srinagar, Apr 16: Strong gusty winds swept across Kashmir on Thursday, causing widespread damage to property and disrupting normal life. Winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph began around 3:30 p.m. in north Kashmir and gradually spread to central and south Kashmir, uprooting trees, blowing away rooftops and damaging shops, makeshift stalls and other infrastructure. The impact of the windstorm was particularly severe in Srinagar and Pulwama districts. The gusty winds rattled Srinagar city and caused severe disruptions to daily life, an official said, adding that traffic movement was affected in several areas. In Srinagars outskirts, including Nagbal, Dara and Harwan, rooftops of at least half a dozen houses were blown away. Shopfronts, signboards and temporary vendor setups were also damaged in LalChowk and other market areas, with street vendors suffering losses as goods were scattered. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched rescue operations in Dal Lake after strong winds disrupted boating. Following the sudden storm, SDRF teams acted swiftly in Dal Lake. Tourists and locals onboard shikaras were safely rescued and brought ashore, preventing any major mishap, an official said. In south Kashmirs Pulwama district, similar damage was reported, with rooftops of several houses blown off. In Pampore, the winds caused damage to several parked vehicles and motorcycles after tin sheets and debris were blown onto roads and parking areas. Tree branches also fell, disrupting movement in some localities. The windstorm triggered power outages in several areas, including parts of Pampore, after electricity lines were affected. Power Development Department teams were pressed into service to restore supply. In some places, the winds were accompanied by rain and isolated hailstorms. The Meteorological Department had issued a nowcast warning earlier, predicting gusty winds, rain and thundershowers across parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities advised people to stay away from electric poles, old trees and loose structures, and suspended boating activities until conditions stabilize. The MET has forecast a wet spell across Kashmir from April 17 to April 19, with generally cloudy skies and light rain or thundershowers expected at many places. On April 17 and 18, light rain or thundershowers are likely during the morning or forenoon hours. On April 19, scattered areas may receive brief spells of light rain or thundershowers, mainly in the afternoon. The department has also warned of gusty winds and possible hailstorms at a few places over the next three days. Dry weather is expected to prevail from April 20 onward, officials said.

War preparedness: Why India must spend smarter, not just more

India's journey towards a modernized defense sector is fraught with obstacles. While military budgets are on the rise, the country's over-dependence on foreign equipment stifles local innovation and fosters economic vulnerabilities. Additionally, outdated strategic frameworks impede progress. To enhance its martial readiness and combat efficiency, India must embrace unconventional strategies and ramp up internal manufacturing initiatives.

Roar of KPL turns Kangan Stadium into cricket carnival

Kangan, Apr 16:The Sheikh-ul-Alam Stadium in Kangan is wearing a festive look these days, with chants echoing across the Sindh valley as the Kangan Premier League transforms the venue into a vibrant hub of cricket and community celebration. From a local tournament to a valley event, what began a decade back as a small knockout between a few Mohalla teams is now J&Ks in particular Ganderbal district's, most watched summer fixture. In a region where youth often wrestle with limited opportunities, KPL gives structure to their summer. The support from the local elected representatives to civil and police administration, besides local cricket enthusiasts and volunteers, makes it more interesting. The 2026 edition has 20 teams, players from across central and north Kashmir, and sponsors ranging from local traders to youth clubs. Matches are livestreamed on social media, with commentary in Kashmiri and Urdu. The tournament organised by the Kangan Cricket Board (KCB) is marking a significant boost to sports activities in the region. However, the board has engaged several unemployed youth to manage the matches, be it crowd management, keeping score or umpiring in games, and in return they are paid a remuneration for their services, indirectly helping in employment generation and engaging youth in sports. Although many well-known cricketers from the valley part of different teams are playing here, there are challenges on the field. Players and locals say infrastructure remains basic. The outfield is patchy, dressing rooms are makeshift tents, and a sought development of playfield and infrastructure is here. Notably, the first edition of the Kangan Premier League 2026 began with much fanfare at the Sheikh-ul-Alam Stadium on Wednesday. The inaugural match drew large crowds as local cricket enthusiasts turned up to cheer for their teams. The inaugural match of the tournament was played between Royal Goodwill and Valley Stars Ganderbal. A total of 20 teams are participating in the league, promising an exciting series of matches. The inaugural ceremony was attended by MLA Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali, SDPO Kangan Rajeev Raina, SHO Kangan Younis Ah Khan, and President of Kangan Cricket Board Peerzada Ashraf, along with other officials and sports lovers. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Mian Mehar Ali reiterated his commitment to promoting sports in the constituency, stating that he will continue to support initiatives aimed at boosting sports activities and nurturing young talent. Organisers said the tournament aims to promote young sporting talent from across the Ganderbal district and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills. Meanwhile, KCB President Peerzada Ashraf expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and emphasised the importance of such tournaments in providing a platform for emerging players from Kangan. The opening ceremony was attended by local officials, community leaders, and former cricketers who lauded the initiative for engaging youth in positive activities.

Govt committed to promote sports at grassroots level: Satish Sharma

Khour, Apr 16:Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma on Thursday inaugurated a state-of-the-art synthetic volleyball court at Government Higher Secondary School Datyal, Khour, marking a significant step towards strengthening the sports infrastructure in the region. The modern facility, as per an official statement, has been developed by the Department of Youth Services and Sports at a cost of Rs 20 lakh and is expected to greatly benefit the students and local youth by providing them with quality training infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the governments firm commitment to promote sports at the grassroots level, ensuring equitable access to the modern facilities across the rural and far-flung areas. He emphasized that sports play a crucial role in overall development of youth by instilling discipline, teamwork and a spirit of healthy competition. Development of sports infrastructure in rural areas remains a key priority. Facilities like these will help in identifying and nurturing the local talent and providing them opportunities to compete at district, UT and national level, the Minister said. Satish Sharma also interacted with the students, sportspersons and the local residents, encouraging them to make optimum use of the newly created facility. The Minister directed the concerned to ensure proper maintenance of the court and facilitate regular coaching and sports activities so that the facility is fully utilised. The local representatives, officers of the Youth Services & Sports Department, school staff and a large number of students and sports enthusiasts were present on the occasion. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community, reflecting the growing interest in sports in the area.

J&Ks Rasikh Salam shines bright in IPL 2026

Srinagar, Apr 16:Amid the early-season buzz surrounding Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who is still searching for impact in IPL 2026, another fast bowler from the region has surged into the spotlight. Rasikh Salam Dar announced himself in emphatic fashion, delivering a game-defining spell to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a convincing win over Lucknow Super Giants. Rasikh returned with of 4/24, ensuring LSG were bowled out for a modest 146. In 16th over when Rasikh removed the well-set Ayush Badoni (38). A cleverly disguised slower delivery induced a top-edge, safely collected behind the stumps, halting LSGs momentum at a crucial juncture. He then delivered the knockout blow at the death, picking up two wickets in the final over, including Avesh Khan, to wrap up the innings with precision and composure. The spell now stands as the best bowling performance by an RCB bowler against LSG in IPL history. While Auqib, who earned a high-value contract with Delhi Capitals after a standout domestic season, has featured in just one match without leaving a mark, Rasikh has quietly built a strong case for himself with performances that combine control, variation and game awareness. IPL Career Snapshot Rasikhs IPL journey has been one of gradual evolution. Having represented multiple franchises, RCB, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Mumbai Indians, he has featured in 15 matches so far, bowling claiming 15 wickets. His career-best figures of 4/24, achieved against LSG. Despite a relatively high career economy rate of 10.06, his 2026 numbers signal a significant turnaround. In just two matches this season, he has picked up 5 wickets at an impressive average of 9.40, with an economy of 6.88, making him one of the most effective bowlers early in the tournament. Rising with Recognition His recent performances have drawn praise from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan and former J&K skipper Samiullah Beigh, who highlighted his tactical awareness and ability to read match situations. Having moved to Baroda in 2025 after securing an NOC from JKCA, Rasikhs domestic exposure appears to be paying dividends. His ability to mix pace, execute slower balls, and deliver under pressure is now translating into tangible success on the IPL stage. As IPL 2026 unfolds, Jammu & Kashmirs fast-bowling pipeline continues to draw attention. But for now, it is Rasikh Salam Dar who has taken centre stage, stepping out of the shadows and making headlines with a spell that could define his season.