Opinion

Delayed AIIMS Awantipora races to meet 2026 target

Srinagar, Apr 26:Multiple deadlines have lapsed for AIIMS Awantipora since 2019, when this project was announced. The new timeliness included starting OPD Services in March-April, and full operations by the end of this year. With a history of falling behind in progress, will AIIMS Kashmir, located in Awantipora catch up in the next seven months? AIIMS Kashmir was conceived under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), and site identified at Awantipora. New AIIMS are aimed at making world-class tertiary and super-specialty healthcare accessible to people across India. However, years after the announcement, the project tells a story of logistical hurdles, unanticipated security situations and according to some, the gross error in selection of site. AIIMS are centrally funded Central Sector projects, their ownership, funding and policy control lying with the Centre. These were announced as part of the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP) for J&K, with Central Public Works Department (CPWD) as executing agency. The civil works are being carried out by NCC Limited. Coming up in Awantipora in Pulwama, AIIMS Kashmir remains mired in delays, year after year. In February 2026, the institute was reported to have progressed to 70 percent completion, a figure unchanged from the previous year. There reportedly are significant cost overruns. The project has suffered delays due to a combination of factors, including security-related objections that led to revisions in the master plan at the begining of site preparation. Further delays took place due to additional land acquisition for the site and access-related issues due to absence of any motorable road to the hilltop where it is coming up. The land for the road was acquired and a macademised road has now connected the site with the main road. In addition, administrative disruptions, as well as pandemic- and weather-related slowdowns affected construction activity and labour availability. Some experts believe the site-specific logistical constraints have also contributed to the project missing successive timelines. AIIMS Awantipora physical progress is stalled at 70 percent. In January 2026, J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said that the delays stem purely from execution snags. He said that the project will be complete by the end of 2026. The first batch of MBBS students was expected to be taken in mid-July, while OPD services were anticipated to start in April 2026. However, there is no news of any such progress being made. Kashmir is geographically isolated by the Pir Panjal range and prone to harsh winters. The absence of a functional AIIMS means denial of access to better healthcare. The delay in making this Institute operational, progresses from an administrative matter to become a matter of life and health as it turns into prolonged suffering, expensive detours, and delayed treatment for critical conditions including cardiac emergencies, neurological disorders, oncology, and neurosurgery. For patients requiring super-specialty interventions, there is no other option than to turn to overburdened SKIMS Srinagar or SMHS Hospital. The load of patients on these facilities often results in chronic delays as per the patients. Kashmirs far-flung geography amplifies the hardship. With many districts inaccessible or partially accessible through snow-bound roads in winter, the sheer distance from Srinagar to Delhi for faster interventions is a cruelty. A senior specialist working in J&K Medical Education said, AIIMS Jammu has begun fulfilling the promise of decentralised super-specialty care, and advanced medical education while for Kashmir, the promise remains on the horizon. He said it was imperative that the 2026 deadline be met to finally bring equitable, timely treatment to people of Kashmir.

In J&K, 8 out of 10 people rely on Govt hospitals: National Survey

Srinagar, Apr 26:A fresh set of data has reaffirmed the near-total reliance of Jammu and Kashmir populace on public healthcare system, and how this system shields households from higher medical expenses. J&K's out-of-pocket expenses on illness spells requiring hospitalisation remain in control despite the private healthcare costs in upper quadrant. According to the latest Household Social Consumption Health report released by the National Statistical Office, 80.5 percent of hospitalisations in J&K take place in government hospitals. This places J&K among states and UTs with the highest dependence on public healthcare in the country. Only Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded a higher share of hospitalisation in public sector hospitals. This reliance appears to be helping moderate treatment costs. The average out-of-pocket expenditure per hospitalisation in J&K is Rs 23,079, a mid-range figure nationally. This is in mid-range despite high treatment costs in private hospitals. Patients spend an average Rs 10,549 per hospitalisation in government hospitals in J&K. The costs are Rs 50,467 in private facilities of J&K. The gap in expenditure underscores the financial protection public hospitals offer to households. This is more significant in a scenario when a large majority of patients depend on them for inpatient care and treatment of conditions requiring multiple admissions in hospitals. The pattern is also visible in treatment-seeking behaviour. The report reveals that in rural J&K, 62.9 percent sought treatment at government facilities, and only 7 percent used private hospitals. In urban areas of J&K, 31.3 percent sought care in government facilities, while 17.2 percent used private hospitals. In addition, 48.6 percent utilised the service of private practitioners. The report estimates 25 persons per 1000 population in J&K required hospitalisation the 365-day period surveyed. Significantly, the OPD care, treatments not requiring admission, J&Ks average expenditure stood at Rs 1820 per episode. This is higher than almost all states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The findings are significant in the context of hospitalisation coverage under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and SEHAT Scheme. The scheme does not cover OPD costs of treatment but is a major relief in terms of financial protection for admitted patients. The data in the report amply shows that private healthcare in J&K remains on the expensive side, while non-medical costs linked to hospitalisation are also significant. In this scenario, the public sector acts as a crucial buffer against catastrophic health expenditures. While J&K public healthcare sector is mired by staffing challenges, it continues to be helping keep healthcare accessible and relatively affordable for the majority.

Organ, cornea, kidney donors are society's true role models, heroes: LG Sinha

Jammu, Apr 26:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the organ, cornea, and kidney donors were the true role models and heroes of the society. Attending 'Naman Diwas', an event dedicated to honor organ donors and their families, LG Sinha paid his gratitude to organ donors and their families and said they had brought happiness in the countless lives. Because of you, someone is able to read today. Because of you, someone is seeing the colors of the world for the very first time. Because of you, someone is experiencing hope, freedom, and joy anew. I must emphasize with great responsibility that no award from the government or any institution can ever truly capture the value of your gift, he said. Addressing the gathering of cornea donors families and kidney donors, the LG said that no award could ever truly capture the value of organ donation and cornea as well as kidney donors who are the true role models and heroes of our society. In life, we often ask what is humanitys greatest gift? Across centuries, philosophers, poets, and thinkers have arrived at the same truth that the measure of life is not in what we accumulate, but in what we give. Those we honor today have given the most precious gift of all, the gift of organs, the gift that sustains life itself, he said. The LG also observed that in our culture, organ donation is regarded as one of the noblest and most sacred acts. I appeal to every citizen to take the pledge for organ donation today. Let society remember that each one of us is a potential donor. Each one of us holds the extraordinary power to save lives even after we are gone, he said. LG Sinha commended the work of State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation of J&K (SOTTO J&K) and said the team has worked with deep commitment to raise awareness across communities. He said SOTTO J&K through its campaigns, hospital partnerships, collaborations with NGOs, and training of medical professionals to sensitively identify and manage brain-dead donor cases, has become a movement of compassion and humanity. The LG urged the SOTTO J&K team to increase registrations and pledges through dialogue and outreach. He had pledged for Organ Donation last year by registering himself on Ayushman Bharat Organ Donation Registry of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. LG Sinha also asked the SOTTO J&K's representatives to spread the message of organ donation through every social network, every community meeting, every school and college, every place of worship, and every workplace. To those who hesitate due to cultural or religious concerns, I wish to remind you that our traditions affirm the sanctity of life and the virtue of selfless giving. Speak to any spiritual guide, family members and community elders and you will find that this gift of life is not only respected across faiths but celebrated as a blessing. Throughout history, organ donation has been recognized as one of the most profound expressions of compassion across the civilizations. A person whose earthly journey has ended can still give new life. Through cornea donation, that same person can restore sight, dignity, and the simple joy of seeing a childs smile or a sunrise, he said.

Indian Hajj pilgrims reach Makkah from Madinah, accorded warm reception

Makkah, Apr 26:Indian Haj pilgrims arriving in the holy city of Makkah were accorded a warm reception after completing their stay in Madinah, officials said. According to information shared by the Indian mission in Saudi Arabia and visuals posted on social media, Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri received the first batch of Indian pilgrims on their arrival in Makkah via the Haramain High-Speed Railway. The pilgrims had reached Madinah on April 18 and spent eight days there before proceeding to Makkah as part of the Hajj pilgrimage. Glimpses from the reception showed officials interacting with the pilgrims and overseeing arrangements to ensure a smooth transition between the two holy cities. The movement of pilgrims between Madinah and Makkah through the Haramain High-Speed Railway - a modern rail network connecting the two cities - is aimed at providing faster and more comfortable travel, significantly reducing transit time. Earlier, the first batch of Indian pilgrims was also received in Madinah by Ambassador Khan and Consul General Suri, marking the beginning of Indias Hajj operations for the season. Every year, thousands of Indian pilgrims undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, with authorities coordinating logistics, accommodation and transport to facilitate their journey across the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

Heatwave alert for 5 Jammu districts

Jammu, Apr 26:Plain areas in five districts of Jammu region - Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur may experience heat wave like conditions in the next couple of days. The plain areas of Jammu, during the past couple of days have seen mercury spiralling up with several areas facing heat-wave like condition. Director Meteorological Department Mukhtar Ahmed stated, Jammu regions hill stations, Katra in Reasi and adjoining areas in Udhampur have been facing gruelling summer heat for the past few days. The hot and dry weather will continue in Jammu and adjoining areas. Besides, the heat wave may be experienced in the isolated pockets of Samba, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur. The trend may persist during the next four days. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Jammu recorded the maximum temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius while on Saturday, it registered 40.2 degrees Celsius, five-seven notches above the normal. Amid persisting hot and dry weather conditions, people have been advised to avoid venturing out during peak noon hours to avoid direct heat. They have also been asked to increase intake of water and other traditional drinks like Lassi, lemon water etc., besides ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) to prevent dehydration and other heat-related ailments.

El Nio to tighten its grip on Kashmir weather from June

Srinagar, Apr 26:An emerging El Nio event expected by mid-2026 is likely to influence Kashmirs weather, bringing below-normal precipitation, higher temperatures and added pressure on water resources, experts said. The World Meteorological Organization has indicated that El Nio conditions may weaken the southwest monsoon across large parts of India. El Nio is expected to bring below-normal precipitation during the 2026 southwest monsoon over many parts of India. Its effect will also be felt in Jammu and Kashmir, though not significantly in Ladakh, said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department. El Nio and La Nia are opposite phases of the El NioSouthern Oscillation, a large-scale ocean-atmosphere system that shapes global weather patterns. El Nio involves unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, while La Nia is marked by cooler conditions. Riyaz Ahmad Mir, a hydrologist at the National Institute of Hydrology in Jammu, said such conditions generally bring warmer-than-normal seasons to Kashmir. This accelerates snow and glacier melt at higher elevations, leading to higher river discharge early in the season and reduced flows later in summer, Mir said. The shift increases water stress and heightens risks such as flash floods, rain-on-snow events, slope instability and forest fires, while also affecting agriculture and ecosystems. Sonam Lotus, a climate expert, said multiple global and national models point to a likely El Nio during the upcoming monsoon. Most major weather models, including ECMWF, NCEP and MMCFS (India), indicate the possible development of a strong El Nio during the 2026 monsoon season, Lotus said. The India Meteorological Department, in its latest long-range forecast, has projected rainfall at around 92 percent of the long period average, which raises concerns as El Nio is often linked with deficient rainfall and above-normal temperatures, he added. Lotus said the impact in Jammu and Kashmir could vary due to its complex terrain. The plains of Jammu receive about 77 percent of their annual rainfall during the monsoon, whereas the Kashmir Valley typically receives only around 17 percent, he said. Near-normal rainfall and snowfall during March and April have ensured good snow accumulation over higher reaches, which is beneficial for water availability, Lotus added. He cautioned that forecasts remain uncertain at this stage. Given uncertainties in long-range forecasts, clearer projections are likely by mid-May to June as El Nio and the Indian Ocean Dipole evolve, he said. While there is no immediate cause for alarm, it is important to closely monitor developments for any signs of potential drought-like conditions, which are too early to assess with certainty, Lotus added. Globally, the phenomenon recurs every two to seven years and typically lasts nine to 12 months, often triggering drought in parts of South and Southeast Asia while increasing rainfall elsewhere. In India, it is usually linked to weaker monsoon rainfall. Kashmir has already experienced a prolonged dry spell this winter. Between November and February, the region recorded just 106.7 mm of precipitation against a normal of 320.1 mm, a deficit of 67 percent, categorized as large deficient. February remained particularly dry and warm before western disturbances brought some relief beginning around March 10. Despite intermittent wet spells, precipitation remained below normal. In March, the Union Territory recorded 100.7 mm rainfall against a normal of 115.9 mm, the official said, adding that April is also expected to end with a shortfall, though not huge. Officials attributed the winter precipitation deficit to warming sea surface temperatures associated with El Nio, which disrupted weather systems and reduced rainfall and snowfall across the Himalayan region. The declining precipitation and shrinking reserves could affect agriculture, horticulture and hydropower in the near term, while posing longer-term risks to groundwater recharge and glacier health, a Met official said. With conditions expected to evolve by mid-June, experts said authorities will need to closely track weather patterns and prepare for possible stress on water resources across the Valley.

LG Ladakh calls for integrated push to promote Ladakhi pashmina globally

Leh, Apr 26:Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena visited the Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi, reiterating the administrations vision to position Ladakh as a global hub for premium Pashmina wool and strengthen livelihoods linked to the sector. During the visit, Saxena emphasised the need to enhance value realisation for local farmers and artisans by improving processing, branding and market linkages. He stressed minimising wastage of raw wool and promoting value-added utilisation of by-products to boost income for farmers, artisans and self-help groups engaged in Pashmina-related activities. Officials informed the Lieutenant Governor that Ladakh produces some of the finest Pashmina wool globally, known for its softness and quality. The Upshi farm alone produces around 150 kg of raw Pashmina annually. Extracted through traditional combing methods, the wool is processed at a dehairing plant in Leh, yielding about 35 per cent fine Pashmina from raw fibre. The fibre diameter typically ranges between 13 to 15 microns, with baby goat fibre as fine as 12 microns. The farm, which also functions as a green zone with over 50,000 willow and poplar trees and around 2,000 quintals of alfalfa fodder, is one of three such facilities in Ladakh supporting Pashmina production. Highlighting its tourism potential, Saxena called for developing the farm into a visitor destination with guided tours to promote awareness about authentic Ladakhi Pashmina and counter misinformation. He also directed the creation of basic amenities, including a canteen, and integration of the farm into Ladakhs tourism circuit. The Lieutenant Governor assured full administrative support to promote Ladakhi Pashmina as a globally recognised brand. He also visited the Changluk Breeding Farm and the Intensive Fodder Development Farm at Stakna to review efforts aimed at strengthening livestock and fodder resources in the region.

No LPG shortage despite West Asia crisis: Govt

New Delhi, Apr 26: The Government of India on Sunday said there is no shortage of LPG or other petroleum products in the country despite the evolving situation in West Asia, assuring that supply chains remain stable and adequate measures are in place to meet demand. In an official statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said more than 51.8 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered on April 25, with no dry-outs reported at distributorships across the country. The government urged citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official information. The advisory comes amid concerns linked to the geopolitical situation around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Authorities said 100 per cent supply is being maintained for domestic LPG, piped natural gas (PNG), and compressed natural gas (CNG), while priority allocation has been ensured for essential sectors including hospitals, education, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. To stabilise supply, the government has increased refinery production, extended LPG booking intervals, and made alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal available. It has also encouraged citizens to adopt PNG and electric cooking solutions to ease pressure on LPG demand. Officials said strict monitoring mechanisms are in place to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Over 2,100 raids were conducted nationwide, with penalties imposed on 310 LPG distributorships and 70 suspended for violations. The government also highlighted a significant push towards PNG adoption, noting that over 5.45 lakh connections have been activated since March, while more than 42,500 consumers have voluntarily surrendered LPG connections. Infrastructure for an additional 2.62 lakh PNG connections has also been created. On the supply front, commercial LPG availability has been raised to about 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, with special provisions for migrant labourers through increased distribution of 5 kg cylinders. Meanwhile, retail fuel outlets across the country are operating normally, with adequate stocks of petrol and diesel. To cushion consumers from rising global crude prices, the Centre has reduced excise duty on fuel, while also increasing export levies to ensure domestic availability. The government said coordinated efforts with states and Union Territories are ongoing under the Essential Commodities Act, with control rooms and monitoring committees activated to ensure smooth distribution and prevent misinformation. In addition to energy security, the Centre also reviewed maritime and diaspora-related measures. More than 2,764 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated from the Gulf region so far, including 24 in the last 24 hours, while around 12.96 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India since February 28. The government reiterated that it remains fully prepared to manage the evolving situation, emphasising that citizens should conserve energy and cooperate with authorities to maintain stability.

From 200 yaks at 16,600 feet, this Ladakhi farmer built a globally celebrated business

Srinagar, Apr 26: Seven kilometres from Changla Pass, a winding mountain road climbs to Tsokar-like highland pastures in Tsoltak, a remote, windswept plateau in Ladakh perched at over 16,600 feet. Here, amid thin air and stark beauty, young entrepreneur Thenlay Nurboo tends to a herd of nearly 200 yaks central animals not just to survival in this cold desert, but now, unexpectedly, to global culinary recognition. Nurboos yak milk churpi, a traditional Himalayan cheese, has won a gold medal at the 4th edition of the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, placing Ladakh on the world cheese map for the first time. Yak churpi has never gone outside Ladakh before. This is the first time it has received such recognition, Nurboo said. He said that he had sent his product to the Brazil-based competition through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Produced at his farm, the soft churpi stood out among global entries judged for taste, texture and aroma. For Nurboo, the award is not just personal, but it signals the arrival of a deeply local food tradition onto an international stage. I am very thankful to the Department of Animal Husbandry for extending all possible support, he said. Churpi is known for its long shelf life and unique texture. In Ladakh, it is inseparable from the pastoral lifestyle, where yak milk richer and more resilient than cows milk is turned into butter, curd and cheese to sustain communities through long winters. For communities in remote areas, these products are not only a dietary staple but also a means of preserving milk for long winters, said Dr Satnazin Rabgais, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Leh, pointing to the cultural and practical value of such foods. He said, adding that the recognition is significant not just for Ladakh but for the wider cheese industry. India, making its debut at the global event, won four medals in total, including a Super Gold for a Brie-style cheese from Mumbai-based Eleftheria. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as an impressive debut and said such achievements strengthen Indias artisanal dairy sector globally.

Centre clears major small hydro push, J&K among key beneficiaries

New Delhi, April 26: The Union government has approved a Rs 2,584.60 crore Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme to strengthen Indias energy security and expand clean power generation, with a strong focus on hilly regions such as Jammu & Kashmir. Cleared by the Union Cabinet for the period 202627 to 203031, the scheme aims to add around 1,500 MW of small hydro capacity nationwide, improving electricity access in remote and difficult terrains while advancing the countrys transition to a sustainable energy mix. Officials said small hydro projectsdefined as installations of up to 25 MWprovide reliable, round-the-clock power, unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind. The initiative seeks to promote decentralised energy generation by harnessing locally available water resources, reducing dependence on conventional fuels and long-distance transmission networks. Indias total small hydro potential is estimated at 21,133.61 MW across more than 7,000 sites, of which about 5,171 MW has been developed so far. A substantial share of the untapped potential lies in northern and northeastern states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, making them central to the schemes rollout. To improve project viability, particularly in challenging geographies, the scheme offers targeted financial incentives. Projects in northeastern states and international border districts will receive central assistance of up to Rs 3.6 crore per MW or 30 per cent of the project cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs 30 crore per project. For other regions, support will be up to Rs 2.4 crore per MW or 20 per cent of project cost, capped at Rs 20 crore. Additionally, Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for preparing Detailed Project Reports for at least 200 projects to ensure a steady development pipeline. The initiative is expected to attract investments of around Rs 15,000 crore and promote the use of indigenous equipment, supporting domestic manufacturing and the broader goal of self-reliance. During the construction phase, the scheme is projected to generate approximately 51 lakh person-days of employment, with further long-term opportunities in operation and maintenance, particularly in rural and remote areas. Officials emphasised that small hydro projects are environmentally sustainable due to their minimal land requirements, low ecological impact and long operational life. Many operate as run-of-the-river systems, generating electricity without the need for large dams. The government underscored the strategic importance of small hydro in ensuring grid stability and resilience as India expands its renewable energy capacity. With a significant portion of potential located in mountainous regions, the scheme is expected to benefit areas like Jammu & Kashmir by enhancing local energy access, reducing transmission losses and supporting regional development. The scheme forms part of broader efforts to diversify Indias renewable energy portfolio and accelerate progress towards a low-carbon, self-reliant energy future, while delivering socio-economic benefits to underserved regions.

BJP will end 'goonda raj', 'syndicate raj' if it comes to power in Bengal: Amit Shah

Kolkata, Apr 26:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the BJP will end goonda raj and syndicate raj in West Bengal if the party comes to power in the state. Addressing a public rally at Tehatta in Nadia district, Shah also claimed that voters wiped out the Mamata Banerjee government in the first phase of the assembly polls itself. The BJP has already won 110 seats in the first phase of polls held on April 23, he said. There will be an end to 'goonda raj' and 'syndicate raj' in West Bengal if the BJP assumes power in the state. Do not be afraid to step out and cast your votes, as the Election Commission has made ample arrangements. Nobody will be able to stop you from voting, Shah said. He said if the BJP is voted to power, it would identify infiltrators hiding in the state and take necessary action against them. The senior BJP leader had to cut short his speech because of sudden heavy rainfall despite a large gathering at the venue. Later, speaking at another gathering in Ranaghat in the same district, Shah alleged that most of the cattle smuggling takes place through Nadia. After forming the government in West Bengal, we will form a special squad to stop cattle smuggling, Shah said, lambasting the Mamata Banerjee dispensation for allegedly helping the crime flourish. Shah promised that women and unemployed youth would get a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 and said that women would also get free rides in all state transport vehicles after the BJP assumes power in the state. Shah said if the BJP is voted to power in West Bengal, it would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), end polygamy and enforce the ban on triple talaq.

Urdu may face challenges, but it wont die, we will keep it alive: MLA Baramulla

Baramulla, Apr 26: Amid growing concerns over the declining reading habits among youth in the age of social media, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig Sunday said he will utilize his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to revive library culture and promote book reading habits among students in government schools of his constituency. Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of a function organised by the Baramulla Writers Forum at Dak Bungalow here, MLA Baramulla highlighted the need to safeguard intellectual traditions in the face of rapid technological advancement. Every era presents its own challenges. The current age is marked by the dominance of technology, which, if left unchecked, could outpace social wisdom, he said. He said that technology will take over if the socially wise people do not come together and keep their intellectual and political wisdom alive. Highlighting the role of literary platforms, MLA described the Baramulla Writers Forum as a respectable initiative striving to preserve literary culture. About the demand of the forum to establish an auditorium and a well-equipped library while expanding its outreach, particularly to rural areas, MLA Baramulla every possible help will be done in this regard. He called for grassroots movement to revive reading habits and stressed the importance of taking literary activities to villages and schools. We have to develop this culture through books. Seminars should be held in schools besides local writers and intellectuals must be encouraged to organise such events, he said. MLA Baramulla however expressed concern over the fading culture of reading and cautioned that abandoning books would lead to a superficial understanding of knowledge. If the culture of reading dies, it will not lead you to knowledge but to artificial intelligence, artificial poetry, and artificial prose. Everything will become artificial, he said. He urged students to engage with diverse literature beyond religious texts and reflect that knowledge in society. On the issue of inadequate library infrastructure in government schools, MLA acknowledged the issue saying that library culture remains weak and outlined a roadmap to address the gap. I have started visiting government schools and will ensure that books are provided from my Constituency Development Fund, he said. He added that efforts are underway to create a participatory reading environment by encouraging students to share their learnings with elders and involving parents through regular meetings. I intend to work round the clock in this regard, he said. MLA said he has already initiated steps to promote reading and called for active participation from civil society as well. Where my role ends, civil society must begin. If society plays its part, we will not let books die, he said. He warned that the decline of languages, particularly Urdu, could have far-reaching consequences, reflecting on the broader cultural implications. Invoking literary greats like Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, and Mir Taqi Mir, MLA Baramulla said their depth and brilliance comes from a rich literary tradition that must be preserved. Urdu may face challenges, but it will not die. People may die, but languages endure. We will keep it alive, he said. He said that the survival of literature and language was essential to preserving cultural identity.

Numbing down of America: What the attack in 'non-hellhole' US points to

America faces a deluge of crises. Protests erupt, yet public response wanes due to 'compassion fatigue'. Airstrikes, immigration agent shootings, economic instability, and government failures overwhelm citizens. This constant stream of shocking events numbs people, disconnecting their feelings from action.

Intellectual property is acknowledgment of human intellect: Senior SC Lawyer Ashok Bhan

Srinagar, Apr 26:Speaking at a Lawyers Forum of India function in Delhi, Ashok Bhan, noted senior Advocate of Supreme Court of India said that on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day, we gather to reflect on the profound significance of intellectual property rights in shaping a just, innovative, and progressive society. At its core, intellectual property is an acknowledgment of the human intellectthe originality of thought, the labor of creation, and the courage to innovate. In a knowledge-driven world, ideas are not merely abstract concepts; they are valuable assets that deserve both recognition and protection under the rule of law. Bhan said: As a member of the legal fraternity, I have witnessed how intellectual property law has evolved into a cornerstone of modern jurisprudence. Whether it is copyright, patents, trademarks, or designs, these legal instruments ensure that creators and innovators are rewarded for their contributions. More importantly, they create a structured framework that encourages investment in research, creativity, and enterprise. In the absence of such protections, innovation would risk stagnation, and originality would be overshadowed by imitation. Bhan added: However, the discourse on intellectual property cannot remain confined to protection alone. It must equally address the question of access and equity. In a country like India, where vast sections of society still struggle with access to education, healthcare, and technology, the challenge lies in balancing proprietary rights with the larger public interest. The law must serve as an instrument of both protection and inclusionensuring that knowledge and innovation ultimately benefit society as a whole. The legal eagle said: Furthermore, in the age of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the contours of intellectual property are being constantly redefined. The emergence of new technologies raises complex legal and ethical questionsabout ownership, authorship, and accountability. It is imperative that our legal systems remain dynamic, responsive, and forward-looking, capable of addressing these challenges while safeguarding the fundamental principles of justice and fairness.

Branching out just got easier for NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India has eased branch opening rules for NBFCs. This move helps gold loan NBFCs expand their reach. It allows them to provide timely credit to small businesses, farmers, and households. This reform strengthens India's credit architecture. It supports inclusive growth and economic momentum. Access to credit is crucial for these segments.

Ganderbal schools suffer staff shortages as rationalisation lags behind

Ganderbal, Apr 26:Ganderbal district schools are grappling with persistent Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) imbalances as the concerned department has failed to implement staff rationalisation for the 2025-2026 academic session, unlike other Kashmir districts that completed the process by February. Sources told Greater Kashmir that Education Zones like Kangan and Hariganiwan, boasting the district's highest student enrollment suffers acutely from staff shortages that strain teaching capacity and violate PTR norms. Under the National Education Policy 2020, maintaining a healthy pupil-teacher ratio is key to ensuring learning outcomes. However, on the ground in Ganderbal, the same hasnt been implemented yet. Staff rationalisation, a key J&K education directive since mid-2025, redistributes teachers from surplus to deficit schools to balance PTRs and boost learning outcomes. Sources said that Districts like Kupwara kicked off efforts early, addressing over 1000 vacancies through mergers and reallocations by session start, while others finalized adjustments in February 2026 for optimal operations. In stark contrast, Ganderbal lingers without orders into late April. The fallout hits hardest in high-enrollment Hariganiwan, where elevated student numbers clash with limited faculty, eroding academic quality. Another institution head warned that mid-session rationalisation now risks further disruption, insisting it's the eed of the hour to salvage the year amid DSEK's ambitious calendar and NEP 2020 alignment. They have urged the administration to expedite the process before the mid-term exams, so that academic loss to students can be prevented. When contacted, CEO Ganderbal, Oneel Kumar Bhat said that the process of rationalisation will be started soon. We have approved it and will be completed shortly to ensure balanced staff deployment across the district CEO told this newspaper.

8 zones, 15 Hr secondary, 61 high schools headless in Baramulla

Srinagar, Apr 26: The delay in the fresh recruitment and continuous retirements of the officers has thrown up a major challenge for the School Education Department (SED). The department has key positions vacant, affecting day to day affairs of the offices and the schools throughout Kashmir. Baramulla is one such district in north Kashmir which is facing a acute shortage teaching staff while a huge number of schools are also headless. The key positions are also lying vacant in the district, affecting day to day affairs of the department at grass root level. As per the official figures, the district has eight out of 18 zones without permanent ZEOs while the District Institute of Education and Trainings (DIET) is also without a principal as well. The district also has 15 higher secondary schools out of 61 without principal and the charge has been given to the equivalent rank officials. As per the figures around 61 out of 140 high schools are without fulltime headmasters. In the district, the rural schools are facing acute dearth of teachers while the urban schools are having surplus staff. Talking to Greater Kashmir , minister for education Sakina Itoo said that there were lot of vacancies at the time of the formation of the government. A lot of work has been done since we took over. We also held several DPCs and promotions were ordered as well, she said. She however said that there has been no recruitment in the education department since 2019 which she attributed to the difficulties being faced in the department. As there was recruitment for these years, so many people retired from the department due to which vacancies got created with each passing year, she said. The minister however said that the department somehow managed the crisis by way of rationalisation of the staff. Even we filled some of the vacancies during the last one and a half year but it is a continuous process because people retire every year which again creates vacancy in the department, she said. She said the department was still working on the issue and efforts were made to fill all the vacancies. We have done a lot of work on this. If there are vacancies anywhere we will post the staff there. If someone has retired, new people will be sent to those positions, she said.

HDFC Bank exit spotlights board failures; from Satyam Computers to Tata Trusts, governance gaps hit corporates and nonprofits alike

Corporate and social sector boards face governance challenges. Recent events highlight the need for competent, diverse, and cohesive boards. Failures in oversight have led to scandals and organizational collapse. Non-profit boards often lack engagement and regulatory knowledge. Training and careful selection of members are crucial for effective governance and organizational well-being.

Political interference skews teacher postings, rural schools hit hard

Srinagar, Apr 26: Persistent political influence in teacher deployments is severely affecting the functioning of rural schools in Jammu and Kashmir, with staff shortages continuing despite repeated promises of reform in the education sector. Successive governments have pledged to streamline the School Education Department, particularly in ensuring a balanced pupil-teacher ratio (PTR). However, officials acknowledge that these efforts have largely remained on paper, with little visible impact on ground realities. The issue was raised several times in the Legislative Assembly since last year, and even before that, several orders were issued for streamlining PTR in schools. But all these initiatives remained confined to only speeches and papers. The official statistics not only raise eyebrows but also expose the crippling system. According to officials, the leaders raising their voices about the lopsided PTR in schools are managing the deployment of teachers from rural to other schools located in cities and towns. The schools located in rural areas have a good number of students enrolled, while the city schools, except a few, depict a grim picture of the system. While the rural schools are craving for adequate staff, in most of the schools located in towns and city areas, besides other easily accessible locations, the teachers are haphazardly posted, irrespective of the requirement. All these schools have surplus staff, and in some cases, teachers somehow outnumber the students. But nobody takes action on it officially because all of them are influential, a top official told Greater Kashmir . Amid this, there are dozens of those teachers who were transferred to very hard zones for one or two years, but are now stuck there without any intervention from the government. The teachers who were actually recruited in these far off areas to serve the community are deployed in city and town schools, the official said. He said the schools in urban areas do not have any shortage of teachers despite meagre enrollment but the rural schools continue to struggle with inadequate staff. The basic reason for this is the gap between the issuance of orders and their implementation on the ground. Whatever is claimed in speeches or in papers is contrary to the ground reality, he said. In the recently concluded budget session of the Legislative Assembly, some legislators raised the issue about the dearth of teachers and lecturers in the schools of their constituency. But, according to officials, the same MLAs are seen issuing letters to the ministers and pleading for deployment of teachers from far off areas to towns. Recently, the education minister was heard telling MLAs that if all the teachers are to be deployed in towns and cities, then who will run the schools in villages? the official privy to the development told Greater Kashmir . Recently, MLA Gurez raised the issue about the dearth of lecturers in his constituency and sought action from the government. The education minister, Sakina Itoo, outrightly informed the Assembly that dozens of teachers and lecturers from Gurez were working on deployment in Bandipora and Srinagar. I will send them back to their original place of postings, provided I don't see any political interference in it, she said. Her response hinted towards the political interference. Talking to Greater Kashmir , Minister for Education Sakina Itoo said that it has become a herculean task for the department as everybody wants to serve in urban areas. But the system cannot work like that. We are not entertaining any recommendations for deployment of teachers. Only those cases are reviewed or considered which have health issues, she said.

Security grid in J&K gets a major boost with enhanced response, preventive measures

Srinagar, Apr 26: Army and other security agencies have significantly upgraded the security grid across Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on both immediate response mechanisms and long-term preventive strategies. The major boost came almost a year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. The attack, which exposed vulnerabilities in tourist-heavy zones such as Baisaran Valley, triggered a comprehensive overhaul of J&Ks security architecture. Officials said the changes include enhanced troop deployment, advanced surveillance technologies, better intelligence coordination, and proactive anti-infiltration measures. In the aftermath of the attack, security forces conducted a detailed audit of tourist destinations across the Valley. Out of nearly 87 locations reviewed, around 49 were temporarily closed to visitors due to security concerns. Troop deployment was recalibrated, with forces repositioned to vulnerable hinterland areas. The Army also implemented dynamic deployment strategies in higher reaches to counter infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control. Increased patrolling, area domination exercises, and search operations became a regular feature, particularly during the summer months when infiltration attempts typically rise. Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) were established and intensified, allowing troops to operate in sensitive areas for 72 to 96 hours at a stretch. These bases have enabled forces to extend their reach into remote zones and conduct sustained anti-terror operations. Over the past year, security agencies have focused on strengthening the anti-infiltration grid through technology-driven solutions. Additional surveillance cameras, night-vision devices, and smaller drones have been deployed along the LoC and infiltration routes to detect suspicious movements in real time. Sources in the security establishment said vulnerable gaps in border fencing are being reinforced, while likely infiltration routes into the hinterland are under constant watch through both aerial surveillance and ground patrols. TOBs continue to be set up at strategic points to maintain pressure on terrorist networks. Efforts have also been made to improve human intelligence by increasing the presence of police and paramilitary units, including the Central Reserve Police Force, in sensitive areas. Clear demarcation of operational responsibilities and improved lateral communication between the Army and local units have reduced response time during incidents. A major shift in strategy has been the increased reliance on drones and advanced surveillance systems. The Army has procured a range of drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to monitor remote and vulnerable areas. Some platforms are also capable of carrying payloads, including grenades, enhancing operational flexibility. The deployment of counter-drone systems has also been scaled up to neutralise aerial threats, a key lesson drawn from recent operations such as Operation Sindoor. Integrated Command and Control Systems are being introduced, combining surveillance cameras, AI-enabled drone deployment, and strengthened border fencing for real-time monitoring and rapid response. Additionally, all-terrain vehicles have been inducted to ensure faster troop movement in difficult terrains, especially in mountainous and forested regions. Security forces have intensified seek and destroy missions, targeting terrorist hideouts in remote areas. Special Forces have been deployed in higher reaches to conduct combing operations, flush out militants, and dismantle their support infrastructure. These operations aim to deny terrorists safe havens and force them into the open.

1st Digital Census in 2027: Amit Sharma calls for citizen involvement

Jammu, Apr 26: Amit Sharma, Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director of Census Operations (DCO), Ministry of Home Affairs, on Saturday outlined the roadmap for Census 2027, describing it as a transformative national exercise aimed at strengthening data-driven governance. Speaking as Chief Guest at a health talk organised by Rotary Club Jammu City in association with Fortis Hospital Gurugram, Sharma said the upcoming Census will be Indias first fully digital and paperless enumeration, designed to generate accurate, real-time and granular data for policy planning. He said the Census in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in two phases. The House Listing Operations (HLO) and Housing Census will be carried out from June 1 to June 30, 2026, preceded by a self-enumeration window from May 17 to May 31. The Population Enumeration (PE) phase is scheduled for February 2027, while snow-bound areas will be covered earlier in September 2026. Elaborating on the digital framework, Sharma said data collection will be conducted through mobile applications with in-built validation checks to ensure accuracy and consistency. He added that citizens will also be able to participate directly through a dedicated self-enumeration portal, making the process more inclusive and transparent. Highlighting the significance of Census data, Sharma said it forms the backbone of governance and is critical for policy formulation, targeted delivery of welfare schemes and efficient allocation of resources across sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and social development. He said preparatory work, including freezing of administrative boundaries, development of digital platforms and training of field staff, has already been completed to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise. On data security, Sharma assured that robust safeguards, including end-to-end encryption, secure transmission protocols and certified data centres designated as critical information infrastructure, have been put in place to ensure confidentiality under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. He advised citizens not to share sensitive personal information such as bank details, PAN or Aadhaar numbers beyond the prescribed Census questions. Calling for active public participation, Sharma urged citizens, particularly members of Rotary networks across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, to spread awareness and cooperate with enumerators. Census 2027 will play a crucial role in shaping Indias development trajectory and strengthening evidence-based governance, he said. The Rotary Club Jammu City also honoured Sharma for his address and efforts to raise awareness about the Census process.

How 2 Anantnag youth built a business from what others threw away

Anantnag, Apr 26:Two youths from a village in south Kashmirs Anantnag district have set up a plastic recycling unit, converting plastic scrap into a source of income while strengthening local waste management and sustainability efforts. Imtiyaz Ahmad, a 10+2 pass, and Javaid Ahmad, a graduate, both in their mid-30s from Turka-Tachloo village, started their venture, MA Brothers in 2021 with an investment of Rs 15 lakh. Coming from humble backgrounds, the duo built the enterprise through years of groundwork, including working as scrap collectors themselves. We used to go village to village collecting plastic scrap. Even today, we dont hesitate to do labour when needed, Imtiyaz said. Our aim is to reduce plastic scrap and make it useful, he added. The recycling unit also procures scrap through a network of collectors and small dealers. The material is brought to the unit, where it is sorted by colour and type before processing. We keep scrap in separate sheds based on colour. Even a small mismatch can damage the final product, Imtiyaz said. After segregation, the plastic scrap is ground into granules and packed for transport outside Kashmir, where it is used in manufacturing items such as buckets, pipes and other products. The recycling unit also compresses bottles and containers to reduce their volume. Compressed scrap is sent for further processing. Some of it is converted into fibre used in clothing, Imtiyaz said. The recycling unit employs around 10 people, each earning close to Rs 10,000 a month. This work helps keep our surroundings clean and gives us income, Javaid said. Officials estimate that Jammu and Kashmir generates over 51,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with nearly 31,000 tonnes from the Kashmir Valley. The recycling unit processes over 100 tonnes of plastic scrap each month and earns a profit of more than Rs 80 thousand, according to the entrepreneurs. This job helps me support my family, said Adil Ahmad, a worker at the unit. Youth should look at entrepreneurship, especially in waste management, Javaid said. It also contributes to sustainability.

On behalf of Kashmiri Pandits

Shriman ji, Namaskar....! On the occasion of their new year day, Kashmiri Pandits - the victims of genocide in Kashmir acknowledged the warm Navreh greetings from you, MoH Amit Shah and the President of BJP Nitin Nabin. Many other important dignitaries also conveyed their congratulations and greetings on the occasion mostly through the regular media and the social media. It goes to the credit of those who conveyed their greetings and also to the credit of those who acknowledged them with graciousness though undergoing their 37th year of exile. The Kashmiri Pandits are living as refugees in their own country continuously for 36 years now. About them, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) declared in its decision in June 1999 that acts akin to genocide were committed against the Kashmiri Pandits......and a genocide type design may exist in the minds and utterances of the militants and terrorists in Kashmir. The Commission added that the Kashmiri Pandits have not been given due understanding and relief that they deserved. The Delhi High Court in its judgement referred to their displacement as Ethnic Cleansing. The J&K High Court in an important judgement described the displacement of the Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir due to terrorism as a migration that cant be compared with any other migration. It was an unparalleled migration. The Amnesty International, Global Human Rights Defence and several other human rights bodies expressed their disappointment with their displacement due to religious bias, terrorism and violence aimed at them. The unfortunate part of the story is that they were neglected by their own governments in the state and also at the centre. Though they received a lot of attention, consequent upon their forced mass exodus, by the organizations like RSS, VHP, BJP and other nationalist organisations, however this attention was limited to humanitarian support and assistance. What was lacking was the support at a political level, media and narrative level and also helping them to get support for their survival issues. Their human rights issues were consciously and deliberately given a twist by their own governments, political parties, the so-called intellectuals and human rights activists and a wrong & vicious narrative was created and spread about them, their life in the valley of Kashmir and the genocide that they were made victims of by the terrorism in and outside the valley. It was viciously spread and propagandised during the 1990s that their displacement due to terrorism was just a migration and they were officially called as migrants that continues till date. No government showed any willingness to make corrections and call them the displaced officially though people in the government would call them so by word of mouth. The NHRC was about to pass an order of recommendation to the government of India during the hearing of the genocide case that this author had filed with them to change their nomenclature to the displaced. But the governments council sought time to get the governments response to the suggestion which never came up before the NHRC Court. True to the NHRCs recommendations that the Kashmiri Pandits have not been given due understanding and relief they became the victims of the State too. They faced not only the displacement due to their genocide, they also faced dispersal and thus the dismemberment also as an indigenous community of Kashmir. They had to move from pillar to post for anything and everything connected with their survival and existence. It goes to the good fortune of the displaced community that some committed activists among the community itself strived hard to carry on the struggle of survival and the struggle of existence for the last almost four decades and they continue to do the same despite difficulties, age and lack of resources. While it is great to know that you have Kashmiri Pandit community in your thoughts particularly on the occasion of Navreh -the new year day festival of Kashmir that the indigenous people of Kashmir -the Kashmiri Pandits have been celebrating unabated for the last thousands of years of their civilization and history, there is also an urgent need to take up some important issues of concern. This is particularly so when the greetings have also come from the Home Minister and the President of the ruling party -the BJP too. Despite the constitutional and parliamentary sanction, the government has omitted to nominate 2 members from the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community to the J&K Assembly for the last one and a half years. The government in this regard should have been guided by the Supreme Court judgement in regard to the nominations to the Puducherry Assembly. Moreover, no court of the country has stayed the nomination process in Jammu and Kashmir yet there is silence on the issue. There is absolutely no thinking and action going on at any level in regard to the implementation of the parliamentary sanction of the provisions of the relevant Act. Silence in this regard speaks of apathy, neglect and biased mindset against the displaced community in J&K who stand unrepresented in the Assembly despite parliamentary approval to the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2023. The Kashmiri Pandit community though are electorally insignificant due to their forced displacement from their homeland, however, they continue to be a very important political issue which many vested interests would like it to be diluted from the socio-political map of the J&K UT. Secondly, it is important to remind yourself about your solemn promises made during the election campaigning in September-2024 to the displaced community. You promised to enhance the monthly relief to the relief-holders but that promise stands unfulfilled till date. Now the issue is pending for the last eight years and the matter has also been recommended by the J&K government to the MHA for final approval which requires action on behalf of the Home Minister. We appeal to you for your kind intervention in the matter. Similarly, after a long struggle of one and a half years by the Delhi based displaced community, the Delhi government took decision in regard to streamlining the AMR to the relief holders in Delhi. Now again the matter is pending before the MHA for the last eight months and there is no headway seen in this context. People who depend upon the AMR havent received the relief for almost two years now. A simple decision at the MHA level is taking months and the sufference continues. Reminders after reminders have failed. Even the Delhi government and its administration have been following the issue but there is no result forthcoming. Kindly look into the matter for its solution at the earliest. The PM Package employees in the Kashmir valley face apartheid in their own departments for no fault of theirs. They seem to be the children of lesser gods. Over the last 36 years of exile of the community, various governments kept talking to the displaced community through their authorised representatives. In regard to the issue of Genocide, there is no word from the government on it. There has been complete silence for the last one decade in this connection. There should now be an open dialogue with the community in regard to all issues including their resettlement in the valley of Kashmir directly by the government of India and we appeal to you Modi Ji in this context to take such initiative so that new vistas are opened. The community looks up to you with hope and expectation. They also look up to HM and the BJP President in this context. The other issues also need urgent attention from the government/s and it is expected that both the central government and the UT government take appropriate initiatives. The J&K Administration for the benefit of the displaced population should implement all central schemes in favour of the displaced community in Jammu and Kashmir. In this respect, effective measures need to be taken in consultation with the respective quarters in the government/s. Consultation processes should also be encouraged at the department level by the JK administration. On the occasion of their new year day this time, the displaced community of Kashmiri Pandits have been greeted by a number of intellectuals, authors, film-makers, politicians and prominent activists too. This is a welcome change from the earlier scenario when many among the elite class would either ignore them or castigate them for no reasons. Prominent author-intellectual cum scientist Anand Ranganathans tweet on X regarding Navreh is a poignant message focusing on the continued displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community rather than a celebratory greeting. It said on 20 March, 2026: Dear Kashmiri Hindus, I want to wish you happy Navreh but every time I think of you, I think of the hollowness of my wishes, I think of how we failed you, I think of how 700,000 of you still cannot return to your homes, and so please accept not my wishes but my apologies. Sorry. This is indeed tantamount to recognising the pain of the forced exile and expressing anguish for what we as a nation failed to do what we could have done for the last four decades. We still have time to learn lessons and both the government as well as the society need to work jointly to address the long pending issue of Kashmiri Pandits. However, the government holds the primary key to take the initiative and it also holds accountability to its people who day in and day out support it out of turn. By people here, the author means the Kashmiri Pandit community -the indigenous people of Kashmir....! Thanks and best regards. The author is a senior BJP and KP leader.

The Can(e) and the Able

In the brutal, Darwinian ecosystem of Indian politics, there are two distinct species of players. There is the Can(e). The crutch, the symbol of authority, the keeper of structure, hierarchy, and control. And then there is the Able. The talent, the strategist, the orator, the one who can actually energize a base and expand a partys imagination. The tragedy across parties, from Delhi to Srinagar, is not just that the Can(e) fears the Able. It is that it fears something even more dangerous: conviction. The story of Raghav Chadha and the evolving situation around Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi are not identical, but they are deeply connected. One is about ambition mishandled. The other is about morality mishandled. Both, however, expose the same institutional insecurity: parties that cannot metabolize strong internal forces without turning them into threats. Raghav Chadhas exit from the Aam Aadmi Party was not triggered by a wedding, a trip, or any singular controversy. Those were props in a larger drama. The real issue was structural: AAP had no space left for someone like him to grow without unsettling its internal power balance. Chadha had outgrown the role of a spokesperson. He had become a national face, articulate, sharp, media-savvy, and politically ambitious. In a party that once promised internal democracy but evolved into a tightly controlled command structure, that kind of upward momentum becomes destabilizing. So, the system did what such systems do. It clipped. By converting a personal matter into a disciplinary spectacle, AAP sent a clear signal: loyalty is not about contribution; it is about compliance. The result was predictable. Chadha chose exit over erosion. On one level, his move to the BJP is entirely rational. He is young, positioned, and unwilling to spend the next two decades waiting for permission to matter. The BJP offers scale, reach, and the possibility however uncertain of executive power. In pure career terms, it is a logical escalation. But logic has layers. Because what Chadha has walked into is not just a bigger party, it is a system that absorbs individuality. The BJP is not designed to showcase imported talent unless that talent brings immediate electoral capital. Otherwise, it standardizes, disciplines, and eventually flattens. So, while Chadha is right to leave a ceiling, he may have stepped into a structure where he disappears. Not defeated, just diluted. That is the paradox of his move: he escaped suffocation only to risk invisibility. Kashmir: Not Ambition, But Conscience Now shift to Kashmir, where a very different but equally consequential dynamic is unfolding within the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference. To treat Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi as a parallel to Chadha purely in terms of ambition would be a misreading. His situation is not about seeking office, rank, or proximity to power. It is rooted in something far less negotiable in politics: a moral premise. Ruhullah represents a strain of politics that is increasingly rare, one that is grounded in ideological clarity, emotional authenticity, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, even within ones own party. His politics is not transactional; it is declarative. And that is precisely why he is difficult to manage. The friction between Ruhullah and the JKNC leadership is not about distribution of power, it is about direction of purpose. He believes, with some justification, that the party has drifted from certain foundational positions, diluted its voice, and become overly cautious at a time when clarity is demanded. He has a case. Not a perfect one, not an uncontested one but a legitimate one. The real failure of the JKNC is not that it disagrees with him. Parties can and should have internal disagreement. The failure is that it has chosen tocontainrather thanchannelhim. The Mishandling of a Moral Asset Every political party benefits from having a high rebel someone who speaks with moral intensity, who can energize the base, who can articulate dissent without abandoning the larger structure. These figures are not liabilities; they are pressure valves. They keep the party honest, alive, and connected. Ruhullah fits that role almost perfectly. He has grassroots legitimacy, a strong personal following, and the ability to frame political questions in moral rather than purely electoral terms. In a region like Kashmir, where politics is deeply intertwined with identity and sentiment, that matters enormously. What the JKNC should have done is simple, though not easy: give him space. Not unchecked freedom, but meaningful space. Let him be the voice that pushes boundaries while the party maintains institutional balance. That duality can be powerful. Instead, the party appears to have taken his assertiveness as defiance. Rather than integrating his energy, it has responded in ways that risk isolating him. This is not just a tactical mistake; it is a strategic one. Because isolating a figure like Ruhullah does not neutralize him. It amplifies him. It turns internal critique into public confrontation. It converts a moral voice into a political flashpoint. The Emerging Crisis If this trajectory continues, the JKNC risks walking into a slow-burning internal rupture. Not necessarily a dramatic split overnight, but a steady erosion: A widening gap between leadership and a segment of its own support base, a narrative that the party suppresses internal conviction and the transformation of a respected insider into a symbol of dissent. And unlike Chadhas case, where the exit led directly into another party, Ruhullahs path is less predictable and therefore more volatile. He is not, at least by current signals, positioning himself as someone seeking entry into another political machine. That makes the situation more complex. A morally anchored political figure operating outside or at the edge of a party structure can reshape discourse in ways that are harder to control or absorb. For the BJP, this kind of internal churn in regional parties is always advantageous. It does not need to immediately absorb such figures. It benefits simply from fragmentation, from weakened opponents, from the erosion of coherent political narratives. The Core Lesson: What links AAP and JKNC is not ideology, geography, or scale. It is a shared institutional weakness: an inability to accommodate strong internal forces without perceiving them as threats. In AAP, that force was ambition. In JKNC, it is conviction. Both are forms of strength. Both can be assets if managed with confidence. And both become liabilities when handled with insecurity. Raghav Chadha was pushed out because he was becoming too big within the system. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is being strained because he is too grounded in something the system finds inconvenient. The irony is sharp. Parties spend years trying to create leaders who can connect, articulate, and mobilize. And when such leaders emerge, they are often the first to be constrained. The difference between AAPs story and JKNCs unfolding situation is that the latter is still reversible. Chadhas exit is done. The consequences will play out over time. With Ruhullah, there is still a window. The JKNC can choose to recalibrate, to recognize that dissent rooted in belief is not disloyalty, that a morally driven leader is not a destabilizing force but a legitimizing one. It can choose to engage rather than isolate, to absorb rather than resist. If it does not, it risks creating exactly what it fears: not just an internal critic, but an external force. And in a place like Kashmir, where political space is already fragile and heavily contested, that is not just a party problem. It is a structural one. The deeper pattern remains unchanged. Political systems often prefer the dependable over the dynamic, the compliant over the convicted. The Can(e) is safe. The Able is unpredictable. But the real danger is not the Able walking away. It is the system that makes that departure inevitable. AAP learned that lesson too late. JKNC still has time but not much. Because when conviction is cornered, it does not disappear. It either breaks or it breaks the structure that tried to contain it.

One Skin, One Health

Human dermatology and veterinary dermatology, while historically regarded as separate medical fields, are deeply intertwined through common biological principles, disease mechanisms, and treatment strategies. The skin, being the largest organ in both humans and animals, acts as the primary barrier against environmental threats, infectious agents, and allergens. Therefore, gaining insights into skin diseases in animals not only enhances animal health and welfare but also offers significant understanding of human dermatological issues. This interrelation is fundamental to the One Health concept, which highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. A notable illustration of this relationship is found in allergic skin disorders. Canine atopic dermatitis closely resembles human atopic eczema in terms of its genetic foundation, immunopathogenesis, and clinical manifestations. Both ailments are characterized by a compromised skin barrier and an overactive immune response to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and specific food ingredients. Dogs afflicted with atopic dermatitis frequently display symptoms of itching, redness, and recurrent infectionssymptoms that are remarkably similar to those seen in affected humans. Due to these parallels, dogs are considered valuable natural models for investigating allergic skin diseases, aiding in the advancement of innovative treatments such as targeted immunomodulators and biologics. Parasitic and infectious skin diseases further exemplify the intersection of veterinary and human dermatology. Scabies, which is caused by mite infestation, serves as a quintessential example that affects both humans and animals, resulting in severe itching and distinctive lesions. Likewise, dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection that is zoonotic, indicating its potential to transmit between animals and humans. These conditions highlight the significance of veterinary dermatology in public health, as veterinarians frequently play a crucial role in detecting and managing diseases that could otherwise threaten human populations. Autoimmune skin disorders also connect these two domains. Conditions such as pemphigus and lupus erythematosus are found in both humans and animals, especially in dogs. These disorders occur when the immune system erroneously targets the bodys own skin tissues, causing chronic inflammation, blistering, and ulceration. Investigating these conditions in animals offers vital insights into their pathogenesis and aids in the creation of innovative immunosuppressive therapies that are advantageous to both veterinary and human medicine. Diagnostic methods utilised in both veterinary and human dermatology are fundamentally similar. Techniques such as skin scrapings, cytological assessments, biopsies, and allergy tests are commonly applied in both disciplines. Recent technological innovations, like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have significantly improved the capacity to accurately detect pathogens and the root causes of skin disorders. These common diagnostic methods underscore the potential for knowledge and advancements to be effectively adapted across different species. Treatment methodologies also exhibit considerable similarities. Numerous medications employed in human dermatologysuch as corticosteroids, antihistamines, antifungals, and antibioticsare extensively utilised in veterinary medicine. In recent times, the introduction of biologic therapies has transformed the treatment of chronic skin conditions. Monoclonal antibodies that target specific inflammatory pathways are now being utilised to manage atopic dermatitis in both humans and dogs, illustrating a collective progression in precision medicine. Environmental factors significantly influence dermatological health in both human and animal patients. Urbanisation, pollution, and climate change have led to a rise in the occurrence of skin disorders across various species. Pets frequently inhabit the same environments as their owners, which exposes them to the same allergens and irritants. As a result, trends in dermatological issues observed in animals can sometimes serve as early warning signs of similar problems in humans, highlighting the necessity of integrated health monitoring. The exploration of the skin microbiome is another promising field of convergence. The skin is home to a diverse array of microorganisms that are vital for its health. Disruptions in this microbial equilibrium, referred to as dysbiosis, have been associated with numerous dermatological conditions in both humans and animals. Comparative studies on the skin microbiome are paving the way for innovative treatments, including probiotic and microbiome-based therapies, which have the potential to enhance skin health across species. Despite these parallels, significant differences are present. Variations in skin structure, hair coverage, and species-specific immune responses can affect how diseases present and respond to treatment. In animals, the presence of fur may conceal early signs of illness, while the inability of animals to verbally express symptoms necessitate the veterinarians to depend heavily on clinical observation and behavioural indicators. Furthermore, treatment choices in veterinary dermatology may be swayed by economic factors and the role of the animal, in contrast to human medicine, which is predominantly focused on the patient. Translational research has further solidified the connection between veterinary and human dermatology. Naturally occurring skin diseases in animals, especially in dogs, offer realistic and dependable models for investigating human conditions. These models provide considerable advantages over artificially induced laboratory settings, allowing for more precise evaluations of dermatological health. Bottom line Human dermatology and veterinary dermatology are closely related fields that enhance and enlighten each other. The common comprehension of disease mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies highlights the importance of collaboration between veterinarians and human healthcare professionals. Embracing this synergy not only expands scientific understanding but also fosters a comprehensive approach to health. As the One Health concept lingers to gain momentum, the unification of veterinary and human dermatology will increasingly be crucial in enhancing the welfare of both animals and humans.

Wings Lying Stagnant!

The world feels louder than ever, filled with uncertainty, conflict, and constant change. Every day brings new challenges. People are dying, hurt, and in pain. Conflicts, achievements, and each breaking news item have become our trademarks. We are defined by them. We discuss them. We pity them. And we go on. Theres nothing wrong with it. The misery deepens when the question of belongingness arises: the phases of life painfully nibbling at your psyche. Thoughts revolve around personal failures, longings, and hope. Something paralyzing enough to numb the affairs of the outside world. Silent struggles follow like a shadow. The world that lives inside many of us isnt even a safer place to be: thoughts rising like mist, shaped by opinions, unfulfilled aspirations, and dreams. We process them and we writhe in pain. We lament the past long gone. We dread the future prospects. And we feel more like sandwiched between the two; one saddening, other worrying. Expectations thrust upon you without your consent weaken your agency and individuality. Humans, unfixed and unpredictable, cant just rule out aberration just for the sake of fulfilling the hunger of the people, however much sense or nonsense they make. One reason why many Western countries have advanced rapidly is their greater respect for autonomy and personal space. In this part of the world, we often turn irrational, bringing havoc upon each other and ripping apart individual originality. When we are conditioned to live a life built on social cohesion but weak individual independence, the byproducts are rarely promising: we fear judgment and rejection, choose careers for others happiness, we follow paths we least want to tread, and we become more of a robot eventually than an individual with wings to fly. No financial security can compensate for whats truly yours: freedom! Imagine this: how can wars, pandemics, and economic crises matter to you when you work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where both life and death exist at the same time? Your role remains unchanged. You cant seem to contribute to the world in different ways. You cant seem to contribute to your own life either. The agents, constructs and values people impose at a personal level subconsciously reinforce individual incapability. Free yourself, and you can do wonders. But where do you find the other fragments of your conscious being? When you live alone far from your family, the circumstances dont let you belong anywhere; and the days keep passing while you struggle to escape, to belong. Irony arises when you act more like a gentle liar in order not to dishearten your loved ones: justifying living away from home while craving connection, providing excuses for not responding to calls, assuring your parents that you are doing fine and had every meal of the day even if you missed lunch or dinner, or secretly calculating the days before meeting family again. Conflicts are rife! This is where a sharp rupture grows between the world inside you and the world outside! This is no drama or complaint or sympathy-seeking games. Nor is it mere questioning. It is a serious issue corroding many of us from within. Instead of having free will and making a choice, we are constrained by the circumstances. We wait for the right shape of words and sentences to frame our arguments. We get confused. We leave it aside. We repress it. We become dysfunctional, as it were. We dont fit in. We undervalue ourselves. We shrink. The world appears unappealing. The mirror reflects nothing. The void remains. You live with it. And one day, you die. Postscript: No clear exit is in sight. Resolve becomes abstract and hypothetical. Yet hope remains. Hope of reviving the wings now lying stagnant. Hope in what God may have in store does some good. A growing realization that mysteries do not always need to be written off. Acknowledge the good people with whom you feel secure and who encourage you. They are a few, but worth investing in. Love yourself, regardless. Or in the words of Zakir Khan, Self-pity is the best luxury a human can have.

Safeguard trees, save environment

What difference it will make to the environment if trees are felled for constructing roads! This is a notion nurtured surprisingly by authorities to undertake works for so-called development. The difference between felling trees for development is destruction! It takes decades for a Chinar tree to grow and a day to destroy it! It was evident when a mighty Chinar tree was recently felled to pave way for road widening in Kralgund area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district. Another case surfaced during axing of mulberry trees at Rawalpora canal road for widening without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). These cases of environmental vandalisation reflect lack of planning to strike balance between development and environment. How ruthlessly centuries old chinar trees are being felled seriously raises questions on the governments policy of environmental conservation. Unplanned development are gradually killing Chinars. The majestic tree flourished during the Mughal rule in Kashmir. Dogra rulers ensured conservation of Chinar by imposing blanket ban on its felling. However successive regimes failed to take measures for preserving Chinars. In the race for road expansions, Chinars have been bearing the brunt in Kashmir. Around 75 Chinar trees were felled along the Srinagar-Qazigund Expressway during execution of the project. Authorities measured the loss of Chinars through monetary means and collected Rs 28.17 lakh by selling these majestic trees. The question is can the loss of Chinars or other trees be compensated by money? No way. Loss of even a tree is irreparable. It is stated that 42,000 Chinars existed in Kashmir over 50 years ago. As per a census by the Forest Research Institute (FRI), 18,000 Chinar trees were found in the valley with at least one third of these diseased or damaged. It has warned that these trees may be lost in the next decade. Adding insult to injury, authorities gave existing Chinars digital identity cards on the pattern of Aadhar cards. A digital plate with a QR code affixed to Chinars provides information about age, height, girth, canopy, health status, ecological threat and pest presence of Chinars trees. Though scientific measures to treat diseased and decaying Chinars are missing on the ground. Besides Chinars, trees in forests are too facing an onslaught of so-called development. It is alarming that 82,000 trees have been felled in forests for multiple infrastructure projects without prior fulfillment of mandatory compensatory afforestation requirements in Kashmir. Countless trees were felled for construction of35-km HandwaraBangus Road project in Kupwara district which passes through an ecologically sensitive forest area. More than 1 lakh trees of Apple, Chinar, Walnut, Mulberry have been flattened to pave way for construction of Srinagar Ring Road. Around 6000 trees were felled wantonly in 2015 for setting up 1,115 pylons and 1,200 power towers inside forests to lay a 414-km transmission line via Mughal road, between Shopian and Poonch. During construction of the 220-kV Alastang-Leh transmission line spreading 320 kms, 150 hectares of forest land including areas of Sindh Forest Division in Sonamarg were handed over to Power Grid Corporation of India. More than 14,600 lush green and towering conifers in the Daruder forest belt were razed to the ground to pave way for laying transmission lines. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently stated that the Government will not allow indiscriminate felling of walnut trees saying the Union Territory is contributing nearly 3.5 lakh tonnes, over 90 per cent of the countrys total walnut production. Omar opposed a private members bill moved by a National Conference legislator seeking amendment in the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, to grant owners the free will to cut Walnut trees on their land. Omar maintained that while land and trees may belong to individuals, restrictions on cutting them exist for valid reasons, including conservation and long-term economic interests. The CM, who is a nature lover, had stated that similar to protections extended to Chinar trees, several other species are safeguarded under existing frameworks. But there is a need to translate protection of trees on the ground. We must have strict legislation on felling to protect trees. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken on record a response from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) stating that no permissions for tree cutting or removal have been issued within its jurisdiction over the past five years for large-scale felling of trees at Amar Singh College in Srinagar. But the trees are gone now and the loss is irreparable! Even if a tree comes in road alignment to pave way for expansion, why cannot we transplant it at another spot. There are advanced technologies to facilitate transplantation of trees instead of felling these natural assets. We had success in 2022 when two decayed Chinar trees in the iconic Char Chinar (four Chinars) Island in the middle of Dal Lake in Srinagar were restored with the transplantation of two grown-up trees. This was the first-of-its-kind transplantation of Chinar trees in Kashmir. Since then, the process has halted and trees falling under road widening red zones are being felled extensively. Government must make it mandatory for road construction agencies to transplant trees. We need to go for sustainable development. We have lost too much of tree cover, the famous green alley of popular trees on Srinagar-Baramulla road is gone too. Amid climate change and global warming we cannot afford to lose more trees and need to maintain ecological balance. We can build skyscrapers, not trees. Even the presence of a tree matters for our environment and loss too! Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir

Lights, camera, Kashmir

Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs interaction with filmmakers in Bengaluru is part of a welcome government effort to bring back film-makers to Kashmir in greater numbers. Jammu and Kashmir and Indian cinema share a long, emotional and culturally rich relationship, one that deserves to be revived with renewed energy. For decades, Kashmir has been the favoured location of Hindi cinema, and to a lesser extent for the movies from South. Its lakes, gardens, meadows and mountains gave Indian films some of their most memorable imagery. From Raj Kapoors Barsaat in 1949 to the romance-filled musicals of later decades, Kashmir was not just a backdrop. It became part of the storytelling itself. Generations of Indians first encountered the Valleys beauty through the silver screen. That relationship was disrupted after militancy erupted in 1989. As security concerns grew, filmmakers moved elsewhere. Switzerland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and foreign destinations replaced Kashmir. Films about Kashmir continued to be made, but often focused on conflict rather than everyday life, culture and beauty. A place once associated with romance became tied to headlines of unrest. Today, circumstances have changed. Security has improved, infrastructure has expanded, and the government has introduced policies that make shooting easier. Major productions featuring stars such as Shah Rukh Khan and directors like Rohit Shetty have already returned to the Valley in recent years. Their positive experiences should encourage others to follow. The return of filmmakers is not only about nostalgia. It makes strong economic sense. A film shoot creates jobs for local drivers, hoteliers, caterers, craftsmen, technicians and transport operators. It also boosts tourism. When audiences watch songs filmed on Dal Lake or scenes shot in Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, they see a welcoming Kashmir. Tourism numbers often rise when destinations are featured on screen. Yet attracting filmmakers requires facilitation from the government in addition to the local facilities. These can help transform Kashmir from an occasional location into a regular filmmaking hub. And to this end, the CMs meeting with South Indian filmmakers is a welcome outreach effort. With better infrastructure, simpler clearances and active promotion, Kashmir can attract filmmakers in far greater numbers in the years ahead.

Notorious gangster's associate injured in fire exchange in Jammu: Police

Jammu, Apr 26: Police said that a notorious gangster's associate was injured in an exchange of fire in Miran Sahib area of Jammu district on Sunday. An official said that acting on a specific intelligence regarding the movement of a known gangster/ drug smuggler Abhineet singh @ Nagi along with his associates, a specialized team from Police Station Miran Sahib laid a strategic trap near the designated area. He said Abhineet @ Nagi, a hardcore history-sheeter wanted in over 13 pending FIRs - ranging from attempt to murder and rioting to arms smuggling - attempted to break the naka. However upon being challenged, the accused and his associate riding one motorcycle tried to break the Naka and also opened fire at the police party. In the meantime driver also lost the control on the vehicle, official said. He also said that in a calibrated response for self-defense and to prevent public harm, the police team retaliated and both the accused left the motorcycle and tried to escape from the spot taking the advantage of darkness. However the police party chased them. Later on upon the search one of the accused was found in injured condition in the cannal. He was taken to the hospital while other managed to escape from the spot. Police party is in continued search. Further details will follow, official added.

West Asia crisis: Govt ensures fuel supply, maritime safety, support for Indians abroad; urges no panic buying, says Centre

New Delhi, Apr 26: In light of the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India remains actively engaged in ensuring preparedness and continuity across key sectors through coordinated response measures. The following update outlines the steps being taken with regard to energy supply, maritime operations, and support to Indian nationals in the region: Energy Supply and Fuel Availability The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in the context of the ongoing situation involving the Strait of Hormuz. As per Ministry: Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG. Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information. LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors. Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops. All citizens are urged to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation. Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport). For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals, educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrant labour is also doubled based on avg. daily supply on 2nd and 3rd March 2026. The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply. Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand. The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to allot additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers. States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers. Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing. Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs. The Government of India vide letters dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability. Regular review meetings are being held with States/UTs. In this context, meetings were convened on 02.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG) and on 06.04.2026 (Chaired bySecretary, MoPNG along with Secretaries of I&B and Consumer Affairs), wherein the following was emphasized: To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories. To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media. To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs. To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels. To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability. All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing. Many states/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs. Enforcement and Monitoring Actions Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Yesterday, more than 2100 raids were conducted across the country. PSU Oil Marketing Companies have strengthened surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 310 LPG distributorships and suspended 70 LPG distributorships till yesterday. LPG Supply Domestic LPG Supply Status: LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation. Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritized. No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships. Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to about 98%on an industry basis yesterday. Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to about 94% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer. On 25.04.2026, more than 51.8 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered. Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures: Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation. The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders are at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Since 1st April 2026, more than 19.44 Lakh - 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold. Yesterday, about 82,000 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold across the country. Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 8950 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 1,42,000 - 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold. Yesterday, 3846 5 Kg FTLs were sold through more than 190 camps. A three-member committee of Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution in the States/UTs. During the month of April-26 (till 25.04.26), a total of 1,64,655 MT (Equivalent to more than 86.66 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold. On 25.04.2026, 9131 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to about 4.80 Lakh - 19 Kg cylinders) was sold Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport. The overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants has been enhanced to approximately 95% of their six-month average consumption. Additionally, gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through CGD networks, is enhanced up to 80%. CGD entities have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens across all their GAs, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG. CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections. States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks. The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG. 22 States/UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.26 has adopted an Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure with reduced timelines as a special for 3 months to process applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure on priority. The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing Indias gas-based economy. PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion. To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, the Government of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy. The model policy is intended to serve as a comprehensive flexible guiding framework to enable States to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for CBG development. Those States which opt for this, will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG. MoEFCC vide order dated 07.04.2026 has directed CPCB to issue necessary directions to SPCB/PCCs for granting consent to establish or consent to operate within 15 days for CGD network/infrastructure. Since March 2026, about 5.45 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.62 lakh connections taking the total to 8.07 lakh connections. Further, about 6.14 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections. Till 25.04.2026, more than 42,500 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website Crude Position and Refinery Operations All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption. An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT). Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1000 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies. Since 9th April 2026, more than 7600 MT of propylene has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai and Mathura refineries to the Chemical and Pharma Industry. Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures Retail outlets across the country are operating normally. The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by 10 per litre. Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 11.04.2026 has increased the export levy on diesel to Rs. 55.50 per litre and on ATF to Rs. 42 per litre, to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market. Panic Buying is observed at certain Retail Outlets due to rumours. It is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Regular Retail Prices for Petrol and Diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs Retail Outlets. Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States/UTs over and above regular allocation. 18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement. Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations Necessary measures have been put in place to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region, by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The Ministry stated that: The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafare welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations. All Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours. The DG Shipping Control Room has handled 7,755 calls and more than 16,518 emails since activation. 57 calls and 192 emails have been received in the past 24 hours. DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,764 Indian seafarers so far, including 24 in the past 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region. Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported. Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focussed efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that: Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local Governments. Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support our community. Indian Missions remain actively engaged with the Indian community including the various associations, organizations, professional groups, Indian companies and other stakeholders in the region. Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to the Indian crew members on vessels in the region including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance and facilitating requests to return to India. Since 28 February, around 12,96,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected today between UAE and India. Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights to various destinations in India. Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have resumed limited flight operations from Kuwait to India. Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India. Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. Iran airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to Iran and those already there in Iran are urged to leave via land border, with our Embassys support. So far, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,445 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes. Israel: Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.

Srinagar meet charts roadmap for Indias sports future: Mansukh Mandaviya

Lieutenant Governor pays gratitude to organ donors, their families at Naman Diwas in Jammu

Jammu, Apr 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended 'Naman Diwas' an event dedicated to honor organ donors and their families. The Lieutenant Governor paid his gratitude to organ donors and their families and said they have brought happiness in the countless lives. Because of you, someone is able to read today. Because of you, someone is seeing the colors of the world for the very first time. Because of you, someone is experiencing hope, freedom, and joy anew. I must emphasize with great responsibility that no award from the government or any institution can ever truly capture the value of your gift, the Lieutenant Governor said. Addressing the gathering of cornea donors families and kidney donors, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that no award can ever truly capture the value of organ donation and Cornea as well Kidney donors are the true role models and heroes of our society. In life, we often ask what is humanitys greatest gift? Across centuries, philosophers, poets, and thinkers have arrived at the same truth that the measure of life is not in what we accumulate, but in what we give. Those we honor today have given the most precious gift of all, the gift of organs, the gift that sustains life itself, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also observed that in our culture, organ donation is regarded as one of the noblest and most sacred acts. I appeal to every citizen to take the pledge for organ donation today. Let society remember that each one of us is a potential donor. Each one of us holds the extraordinary power to save lives even after we are gone, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor commended the work of State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization of J&K (SOTTO J&K) and said the team has worked with deep commitment to raise awareness across communities. He said SOTTO J&K through its campaigns, hospital partnerships, collaborations with NGOs, and training of medical professionals to sensitively identify and manage brain-dead donor cases, has become a movement of compassion and humanity. He urged the SOTTO J&K team to increase registrations and pledges through dialogue and outreach. The Lieutenant Governor had pledged for Organ Donation last year by registering himself on Ayushman Bharat Organ Donation Registry of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The Lieutenant Governor also asked the SOTTO J&K's representatives to spread the message of organ donation through every social network, every community meeting, every school and college, every place of worship, and every workplace. To those who hesitate due to cultural or religious concerns, I wish to remind you that our traditions affirm the sanctity of life and the virtue of selfless giving. Speak to any spiritual guide, family members and community elders and you will find that this gift of life is not only respected across faiths but celebrated as a blessing. Throughout history, organ donation has been recognized as one of the most profound expressions of compassion across the civilizations. A person whose earthly journey has ended can still give new life. Through cornea donation, that same person can restore sight, dignity, and the simple joy of seeing a childs smile or a sunrise, the Lieutenant Governor said.

Ladakh To Emerge As Global Hub For Finest Pashmina Wool: LG Saxena

LEH, Apr 26: Ladakh has the potential to become a global hub for finest Pashmina wool, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on Sunday and stressed the need to maximise returns for farmers and artisans through value addition and better market access. To strengthen and promote Ladakhi Pashmina and position it as a global brand, Saxena visited the Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi. The visit underlined the administrations commitment to establishing Ladakh as a premier hub for world-class Pashmina wool, [] The post Ladakh To Emerge As Global Hub For Finest Pashmina Wool: LG Saxena appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

DIG calls for heightened vigilance, robust security grid along IB in J-Ks Kathua

Jammu, Apr 26: Strategic sensitivity of border areas calls for strict vigilance and heightened alertness along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shridhar Patil has said. He made the remarks while chairing a comprehensive security and crime review meeting with all supervisory officers at the District Police Lines in Kathua, a police spokesperson said on Sunday. He asked the officers to maintain strict vigilance and heightened alertness to effectively foil any evil designs of anti-national elements. Officers were also instructed to ensure robust checking, increased patrolling and seamless coordination with other security agencies to ensure a strong security grid along the border, the spokesman said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohita Sharma, gave a detailed presentation outlining the functioning of District Police Kathua, along with a comprehensive overview of the districts crime and security scenario. A detailed crime review was also conducted during which the DIG, JSK Range, examined cases registered across Kathua, their investigation status and disposal, and stressed expediting pending investigations while ensuring timely disposal in accordance with the new criminal laws to deliver speedy justice, the spokesman said. He also reviewed the status of inquest proceedings, absconders, history-sheeters and gangsters, and directed officers to maintain 360-degree surveillance over criminal elements. He said there was a need to take measures to curb criminal activities, particularly those of organised crime syndicates, to ensure offenders face the full force of law and the public feels safe and secure, the spokesman said. The DIG also reviewed the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and directed strict legal action against drug smugglers and peddlers to curb the menace.

Tiranga bike & car rally held in Ramban to promote drug-free society

Ramban, Apr 26: In a significant initiative under the Nasha Mukti Abhiyaan, the Maitra Company of 23 Rashtriya Rifles on Sunday organised a Tiranga bike and car rally in Ramban district to spread awareness about a drug-free society. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from local youth, school children, government officials, and personnel from the army and police. It was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan in the presence of senior officials. The rally commenced at 11:00 AM from Dak Bungalow Ramban and passed through key locations including Jhula Bridge, Maitra Company Operating Base, Jaswal Bridge, Karool, and Ramban Market. Participants carried the national flag and displayed banners and placards highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse. The event aimed to sensitise the youth about the dangers of narcotics and encourage collective efforts to eliminate drug addiction from society. The initiative also reflected the Indian Armys continued efforts to strengthen ties with the local population while promoting social awareness and youth engagement in the region. The rally concluded with a strong appeal to the youth to actively support the Nashamukti Abhiyan and contribute towards building a safer, healthier, and drug-free Ramban.

MHA To Convene Sub-Committee Meeting On Ladakh Dialogue On May 22: LG

JAMMU, Apr 26: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue on Ladakh on May 22, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on Sunday. The LG said the meeting will carry forward the process of constructive democratic dialogue with key stakeholders of Ladakh and pave the way for an enduring solution to address the aspirations of the people of the Union Territory. The proposed meeting is part of the Centres ongoing engagement [] The post MHA To Convene Sub-Committee Meeting On Ladakh Dialogue On May 22: LG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Woman dies, man injured in Charar-i-Sharief accident

Budgam, Apr 26: A woman was killed while a man sustained injuries when a car they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a deep nallah near Charar-i-Sharief in Central Kashmirs Budgam district on Sunday. An official said that the driver of the vehicle lost control near Zinpanchal village which led to the ill-fated vehicle plunging into the nallah. In the mishap, a woman died on the spot due to severe injuries. The driver of the vehicle sustained injuries. He was initially shifted to a nearby hospital from where he was referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment. Police have taken cognizance of the incident. Further details are awaited. (KNO)

J&K Police urge public to dial 112 for immediate assistance during emergencies

Srinagar, Apr 26: Jammu and Kashmir Police urged general public to actively utilize the services of Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)-112 for immediate assistance in case of any emergency, police officials said on Sunday. The ERSS helpline 112 is a 247 integrated emergency service, providing prompt response for incidents such as accidents, law & order situations, medical emergencies, fire incidents, and distress calls, including those involving women and children. The helpline system is manned by professional call takers, including trained women staff, to effectively assist and support members of the society in distress, a police spokesperson said in a statement. He said the service can be accessed by dialling 112 from any mobile or landline, sending alerts via SMS or SOS/panic buttons (available on 112 India App) on smartphones, and through ERSS-based digital platform (jk.erss.in). Swift response teams are promptly deployed through GPS-enabled Emergency Response Vehicles to ensure timely assistance. General public is requested to extend cooperation to the J&K Police and make responsible use of this facility, he said. He warned that misuse of the emergency helpline by making false or prank calls is a punishable offence under law. J&K Police reiterated its commitment towards ensuring a safe & secure society, and seeks active participation of citizens in this collective effort.

Govt orders transfers and postings of 4 DSPs in Jammu

Jammu, Apr 26: Jammu and Kashmir Police have ordered the transfer and posting of 4 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) in the Jammu region with immediate effect in the interest of administration. According to an order issued by Police Headquarters Jammu, Tahir Amin Sheikh, DSP DAR Jammu has been transferred and posted as SDPO Domana, while Dheraj Singh Katoch, SDPO Border Kathua, has been transferred and posted DSP DAR Jammu. Similarly, Mudassar Hussain, SDPO Domana, has been transferred and posted as DSP 4 JKAP and will join after expiry of his earned leave, while Karan Kumar, who was serving as DySP CID CI Jammu (JIC), has been posted as SDPO Border Kathua

Six border villages in J-K's Kathua brought under Centre's Vibrant Village Programme-II

The villages Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, and Gujjar Chak along the International Border were identified at a meeting chaired by Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma on April 25, says officials

Fit India Cycle event in Srinagar; Mansukh Mandaviya, Satish Sharma join

India Achieves Major Milestone In Wind Energy; Capacity Now 56 Gigawatts: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, Apr 26: India has achieved a major milestone in wind energy, with the countrys wind energy generation capacity exceeding 56 gigawatts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. In his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, Modi also said the country must save electricity and adopt clean energy. India recently achieved a major milestone in wind energy. Indias wind energy generation capacity has now exceeded 56 gigawatts. In just the past year, nearly 6 gigawatts of new capacity [] The post India Achieves Major Milestone In Wind Energy; Capacity Now 56 Gigawatts: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Omar Abdullah runs Bengaluru 10K, praises event organization, flags humidity challenge

Bengaluru, April 26: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in the TCS World 10K held in Bengaluru on Sunday, describing the race as a world-class event marked by high enthusiasm and strong participation. Speaking to reporters after completing the run, Abdullah said the event stood out for its organization and energy. Amazing event, world-class event, enthusiasm fantastic, he said, reflecting on his experience at one of Indias premier road races. He added that while he began the race at a strong pace, the weather conditions posed a challenge during the run. I started a bit fast, but the humidity of Bengaluru then caught up with me, Abdullah said, pointing to the physical demands posed by the citys climate. The TCS World 10K marathon is among the most prominent long-distance running events in India, drawing elite athletes, amateur runners, and public figures from across India and abroad. The event is known for its international standards and large-scale participation. Abdullah has been an active participant in marathon events in the past as well, having earlier taken part in runs held in Srinagar and Jammu, reflecting his continued interest in fitness and public sporting events. Sundays participation added to the growing presence of political leaders in public sporting platforms, often used to promote health awareness and community engagement. [KNT]

Amit Shah to embark on two-day visit to Ladakh from April 30

Srinagar, Apr 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Ladakh on April 30 for a two-day trip to review ongoing development projects in the Union Territory. He will also pay his respects to the holy relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and share his thoughts on the spiritual significance of the sacred exposition being held in Ladakh from May 1 to 14, official sources said on Sunday During his visit, Shah is expected to chair a high-level meeting with senior officers of the UT administration, Army, ITBP, and Central Armed Police Forces to assess the overall security situation. Sources said the Home Minister will also take stock of key infrastructure projects including border roads, mobile connectivity, and the status of Vibrant Villages Programme in forward areas of Eastern Ladakh. It gives me great pleasure in sharing that Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah ji will be arriving in Leh on 30th April for a two day visit. On 1st May, he will pay his respects to the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha on the occassion of Buddh Purnima and share his thoughts on the spiritual significance of the sacred exposition being held in Ladakh from 1-14 May, the LG Ladakh said in a post on X. Home Ministers visit underscores the commitment of Government of India for the development of Ladakh. Notably, the visit assumes significance as it comes ahead of the tourist season and in the backdrop of continued talks the LEh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance over statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. This will be Amit Shahs second visit to Ladakh as Home Minister after the Union Territory was carved out in 2019.

J&K Minister bats for strict action against drug addicts, calls them 'traitors'

Fit citizens will lead to a healthy society, developed India: Mandaviya

Srinagar, Apr 26: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Sunday said fitness of citizens is essential for a prosperous nation, asserting that a healthy society alone can build a developed India. Speaking on the third day of a three-day Chintan Shivir organised by his ministry on the banks of Dal Lake here in the summer capital city of Srinagar, the Union Sports Minister said a Sunday on Cycle event was held along the lake to promote fitness. If any country wants to become prosperous, its citizens need to be fit. Fit citizens lead to a healthy society, and only a healthy society can build a developed India, the minister said. He said the conclave was welcomed by the people of Kashmir. Union Minister Mandaviya informed that over 16,000 cycle rallies are being organised every Sunday across the country to further the Fit India message. From today, every Sunday, the youth of our country will cycle in Srinagar to spread this message, he added. (KNS)

Trump rushed out of White House Correspondents Dinner after gunfire scare; suspect held

US President Donald Trump was rushed out of the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday night after multiple gunshots were reported near the venue, triggering panic among attendees. The US Secret Service later confirmed that the President, the First Lady, Vice President and all other protectees were safe. Officials said a suspected shooter has been apprehended, reports BBC. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos inside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton, where the annual event was being held. Journalists and guests ducked under tables as security personnel moved swiftly to secure the area. We all crawled under our table for what felt like a long time, a BBC journalist present at the event said. According to reports, the disturbance began around 8:30 pm local time, when loud noises, initially mistaken for breaking glass, were heard. Within moments, Secret Service agents evacuated the main stage and began ushering attendees out, declaring the venue a crime scene. The presidential motorcade was seen leaving shortly after, and a heavy security cordon was placed around the hotel. In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that all senior officials were in perfect condition and announced that the dinner would be postponed and rescheduled within 30 days. He is expected to address the media shortly from the White House. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect or the motive behind the incident.

UAEIndia strategic ties, PakistanSaudi defence pact widen rift between two nations

PakistanUAE ties are showing visible strain over Abu Dhabis strategic and economic engagement with New Delhi, Islamabad s defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and its overt support for Iran during the recent conflict. These important issues have further complicated the matters between the two countries The relationship has deteriorated further on the economic front. The UAEs decision not to extend the repayment deadline for a $3.5 billion loanoriginally provided to help Pakistan navigate a severe financial crisishas added to Islamabads woes and signalled a cooling of financial support. Together, these factors have contributed to a sharp downturn in bilateral ties, which were once marked by close strategic alignment and robust economic cooperation. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has profoundly strengthened strategic ties with India, culminating in a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a bilateral trade volume reaching US$ 100 billion in FY 2024-25. Through frequent high-level visits, including in January 2026, the leaders have deepened cooperation in defence, energy, technology, and economic sectors Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed paid an official visit to India in January and held extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and two leaders acknowledged bilateral defence and security cooperation as a core pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic The bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE further deteriorate when the Emirates expressed displeasure over Pakistans neutral stance in regional conflicts involving Iran and Islamabads prioritization of Saudi Arabia and Iran over the UAE Pakistan also supported the Kingdom on the Yemen issue, The UAE was compelled to withdraw its troops from the troubled Yemen after Saudi Arabia gave it 24-hour ultimatum. UAE leadership reportedly communicated to Pakistans Army Chief, Asim Munir, that they felt Pakistan did not show the same level of solidarity with the UAE as it did with other regional partners during the recent conflicts. The strained ties highlight deeper discomfort in Islamabad regarding the growing strategic and economic partnership between the UAE and India, particularly the I2U2 grouping. Despite these strains, both countries officially continue to emphasize their long-standing partnership, with ongoing discussions to convert some debt into investment, though the immediate financial demands point to a significant, at least temporary, cooling in bilateral ties. Pakistans Iran tilt in the West Asian war seems to have further fractured the ties. The UAE came under missile attacks from Tehran during retaliatory strikes against the U S and Israel. Pakistans mediation effort appeared to give too little weight to Emirati security exposure, despite the supposedly close relationship and broader security understandings between the two sides, he said. There are over 1.8 million Pakistani workers who live and work in the UAE, and these migrant workers could face uncertainty if the disagreements between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi worsen and the diplomatic tensions escalate. Kristian Coates, a Middle East fellow at Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy, warned that a new regional alignment of Turkey and Pakistan drawing closer to the Saudi position, and Israel and the US remaining closely associated with the Emiratis could yet return and that UAE policymakers were likely to continue pursuing their own vision of national and regional interests once the war ended.

ED raids against Raheja Developers in home buyers fraud case

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday conducted fresh searches against real estate company Raheja Developers as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraud with home buyers, officials said. They said about seven premises in Delhi-NCR are being covered as part of the action. The agency had raided the company, its promoters and some others in June 2025 too as part of a similar investigation. The latest searches are being conducted in the matter of alleged fraud with the home buyers and non-delivery of flats in its project Raheja Revanta, according to the officials.

Trader fined Rs 6.29 lakh for GST violations in Udhampur

The enforcement team on Saturday imposed a penalty of Rs 6.29 lakh on a trader for violation of GST norms in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, a spokesman of the Sales Tax Department said. The action was initiated after the trader was found attempting to manage the movement of goods without proper documentation, in clear contravention of GST regulations, he said. He said the trader was under surveillance for approximately 12 days based on specific intelligence inputs from reliable sources. The interception was successfully carried out with the assistance of RFID tracking, enabling effective monitoring of goods movement, the spokesman said. He said the enforcement operation was conducted by a team headed by Inspector Anil Parihar, along with Sub-Inspectors Sanjay Shan, Vikas Kumar, Kanwaljeet Shan and guard Ajay Kumar. The operation was supervised by State Tax Officer Sahida Akhtar and executed under the overall guidance of Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes Enforcement, Jammu North (HQ Udhampur), Anil Kumar Chandail, the spokesman said. Commissioner, State Tax Department, Jammu & Kashmir P K Bhat and Additional Commissioner, Jammu Namrita Dogra, appreciated the efforts of the enforcement team and emphasized the need for continued vigilance and similar proactive interceptions in the future to ensure strict compliance with GST laws.

Startup India FoF 2.0 guidelines issued to streamline funding, boost capital access

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released detailed operational guidelines for the Rs 10,000-crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0), aimed at improving capital deployment efficiency and widening funding access for startups. The scheme will operate through investments in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which will subsequently channel funds into DPIIT-recognised startups. Officials stated that this indirect investment model is intended to promote disciplined capital allocation, attract private participation, and ensure broader sectoral and geographic coverage. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has been designated as the initial implementation agency. It will manage fund deployment through a structured mechanism involving the selection and monitoring of AIFs. DPIIT is also expected to onboard an additional implementation agency to expand outreach and strengthen institutional capacity. Under the framework, FoF 2.0 is positioned as a catalytic fund rather than a direct investor, with a clear mandate to mobilise private capital and generate a multiplier effect within the startup ecosystem. The guidelines introduce segmentation of AIFs into specific categories, including deep-tech funds, micro venture capital funds targeting early-stage startups, funds focused on technology-led manufacturing, and sector-agnostic funds. Each category will function under defined parameters such as corpus size, limits on government contribution, tenure, and minimum private capital requirements, aimed at ensuring targeted and efficient fund utilisation. A two-stage selection process has been outlined for AIFs. The implementation agency will carry out initial screening and due diligence, followed by evaluation by a Venture Capital Investment Committee comprising experts from industry, academia, and the innovation ecosystem. The committee will assess proposals based on fund management expertise, past performance, and investment strategy. The guidelines also provide for co-investment opportunities with ministries, government departments, and institutional investors in priority sectors. Additionally, provisions have been included to allocate a portion of returns towards ecosystem development initiatives such as mentorship programmes and shared infrastructure. Officials indicated that the framework has been designed to remain adaptable to evolving market conditions while maintaining transparency and accountability in fund deployment. The Startup India FoF 2.0 is expected to strengthen domestic venture capital, support innovation-driven enterprises, and enhance Indias position as a global startup hub by leveraging private investment and improving access to growth capital.

PM internship scheme widens net, includes final-year students

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has expanded the eligibility criteria of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), allowing final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students to apply for paid internships in leading companies across India. The move, announced during the pilot phase of the scheme, aims to provide early industry exposure to students and strengthen their employability before completion of formal education. The decision was taken in consultation with the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. Under the revised guidelines, final-year students aged between 18 and 25 years are now eligible to apply, subject to existing criteria. Applicants will be required to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective institutions, confirming that participation in the internship will not affect their academic commitments. The NOC must be issued by authorised officials such as Heads of Department, Deans, Principals or Training and Placement Officers. The MCA said the changes are aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasises experiential learning, industry engagement and skill development as key components of higher education. Officials noted that enabling students to undertake structured internships during their academic programmes would help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations, while equipping them with essential workplace skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. The Prime Minister Internship Scheme is a flagship initiative aimed at providing structured, paid internship opportunities to youth across the country. Interns under the scheme receive a minimum financial assistance of 9,000 per month. More than 300 companies have participated in the pilot phase, offering internships across multiple sectors. The third round of the pilot is currently underway, with companies continuing to post opportunities on the PMIS portal. Eligible candidates can apply through the official portal to explore internship opportunities aligned with their interests and career goals.

HADP gains pace: 1.11 lakh units set up, Rs 368 Cr revenue generated in J&K

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday reviewed the progress and implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), noting significant gains in unit establishment, revenue generation and employment creation across J&K. The programme has so far facilitated the establishment of over 1.11 lakh units, generating an estimated 368 crore in annual revenue and creating more than 2.45 crore man-days of employment, officials said. Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed key performance indicators, including financial returns, district-wise outcomes and conversion rates from approvals to operational units. He observed that the programme demonstrates strong financial viability, with a government subsidy of around 450 crore expected to be recovered within approximately 2.6 years through enhanced farm incomes. He directed officials to intensify outreach and ensure wider inclusion of eligible farmers, particularly in districts with lower coverage. Dulloo stressed the need for a data-driven, district-specific strategy to improve the current conversion rate of about 25 percent from approvals to unit establishment. He also called for enhanced training and capacity-building efforts to boost productivity and sustainability. Highlighting HADPs transformative potential, he urged departments to maintain momentum through effective convergence, stronger monitoring mechanisms and time-bound grievance redressal. The Chief Secretary also directed faster processing of applications, improved farmer registration and eKYC completion, and scaling up of high-value agricultural activities. On Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs), he called for strengthening service delivery by expanding licensing and integrating banking and digital services. Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, informed the meeting that the programme has benefited 74,589 farming families across all 20 districts, though overall coverage remains at around 8.1 percent of the PM-Kisan beneficiary base, indicating scope for expansion. Managing Director, J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, presented a roadmap focusing on digital integration and stakeholder onboarding to enhance efficiency and outreach, assuring full institutional support. MD HADP, Dr Sagar Doifode Dattatray, said the programme has generated an estimated annual profit of 173 crore at the beneficiary level, translating into an average income increase of about 25,000 per family. He added that over 92.9 percent of units are functional and nearly 99 percent have been physically verified. District-wise review showed better performance in Kulgam, Ganderbal and Shopian, while Poonch, Kishtwar and Reasi were identified for focused intervention. Officials also noted that large-scale projects such as integrated farming systems, mechanisation and fodder development are driving growth, while high-value sectors like dairy and agri-marketing require further scaling. The meeting was informed that 1,807 Kisan Khidmat Ghars are currently operational across the Union Territory, serving over 8 lakh farmers and generating a combined monthly revenue of 43.52 lakh. HADP, comprising 29 integrated projects across agriculture, horticulture and livestock sectors, aims to enhance sustainability, profitability and resilience by providing financial incentives, skill development and improved market linkages.

CM Omar pitches J&K as premier filming destination during Bengaluru outreach

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today interacted with filmmakers in Bengaluru, showcasing Jammu & Kashmirs scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage as an ideal destination for cinema. A delegation of leading film producers and representatives of major production houses met the Chief Minister to explore opportunities for film production and collaboration. The Chief Minister assured full support and a friendly, enabling environment for artists, reiterating the Governments commitment to making filmmaking in J&K easier and more accessible. The interaction formed part of the Jammu & Kashmir Governments focused outreach in South India, aimed at building stronger connections with key stakeholders in the regions tourism and film industries. Recognising South India as a major hub of cinema, creativity, and outbound tourism, the initiative seeks to position J&K as a preferred destination for both filmmakers and travellers. During the engagement, the Chief Minister highlighted J&Ks unparalleled natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, ranging from serene valleys and snow-clad mountains to vibrant traditions and local craftsmanship. He also underlined recent policy measures introduced to facilitate film production in J&K, including streamlined permission processes, logistical support, and incentives for production houses. Assuring full cooperation, the Chief Minister said that the Government is committed to providing a safe, supportive and enabling environment for artists and filmmakers. He added that continuous engagement with the film fraternity will help address their requirements and strengthen collaboration. The Chief Minister also emphasised the role of cinema in boosting tourism, noting that films shot in J&K can significantly enhance its visibility and inspire travel, thereby generating economic opportunities for local communities. The interaction was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, and other concerned officials.

Modi Govt accelerated integration of Kashmir with improved connectivity: Dr Jitendra

Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh Saturday reiterated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritised infrastructural development in J&K and his government Modi govt accelerated integration of Kashmir with improved connectivity including rail network. He was speaking to the media after presiding over the launching ceremony of the Jammu and Kashmir chapter of the Dr Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce here in an event at Jammu University. Announcing that the Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar would commence from 30 April, he informed, The number of coaches in the train has also been increased to 20 instead of the current 8. Dr Jitendra expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that while the rail network had reached Jammu in 1962, expansion remained stalled for several decades. Renewed efforts in recent years have accelerated progress, resulting in improved connectivity and integration of the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, he said. Earlier Dr Jitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences besides being the MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, launched the J&K chapter of the Dr Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce. He called for developing entrepreneurship mindset and an investment-oriented approach among Scheduled Caste (SC) community and other weaker sections of society to avail benefits of schemes rolled out by the Narendra Modi government. Addressing the gathering in Jammu University, Dr Jitendra stated that the government created a wholesome system for weaker sections, including SCs and STs for handholding and supporting them right from the early age. He underlined that members of marginalised sections should move beyond reliance solely on government employment and actively explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and enterprise development. Highlighting the initiatives of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that a series of targetted schemes were introduced with a central focus on the upliftment of weaker sections of society. He termed Jan Dhan scheme as a financial inclusion initiative and described MUDRA loan scheme as a transformative step in enabling access to credit. He also referred to the Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at preserving traditional crafts while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Dr Jitendra stated that statistical evidence reflected the positive impact of these schemes on the socio-economic advancement of Dalits and other marginalised groups. He noted a visible rise in aspirations among these communities, pointing out that candidates from humble backgrounds were increasingly succeeding in competitive examinations, including civil services. He also referred to the elevation of an Adivasi (Scheduled Tribe) woman as the President of India, a reflection of social empowerment. The Union Minister emphasised the importance of creating greater awareness about government welfare schemes to ensure maximum outreach and benefit. He highlighted initiatives such as Vigyan Jyoti, aimed at promoting scientific temper and innovation among girls. Referring to regional efforts, Dr Jitendra mentioned Khadi promotion camps organised in Udhampur district, where subsidies amounting to Rs 50 Cr were distributed in a single day. He noted that beneficiaries largely came from the Kashmir valley and stressed the need to expand awareness about such opportunities. Dr Jitendra Singh further listed several schemes supporting marginalized communities, including pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for SCs, STs and OBCs, Dr Ambedkar scholarships, National Fellowship for OBCs in biotechnology, inclusivity grants under the National Research Foundation (Anusandhan), Rozgar Melas providing employment opportunities, Venture Capital Fund for SCs and OBCs and the Ambedkar Innovation and Incubation Mission. He also highlighted region-specific initiatives such as the Aroma Mission, which provided alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities and Science Technology Innovation Hubs, where a significant proportion of beneficiaries were from SC communities.

LoP must answer to people over statehood delay: Deputy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Surinder Choudhary on Saturday said the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma will have to answer to the people for the delay in restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the demand reflects the aspirations of the people and a promise made by the BJP. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a programme in Jammu, Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary said that both he and LoP Sunil Sharma come from a remote area and it is blessing of almighty that both are at good position in Jammu and Kashmir and this opportunity should be used for welfare of people. In a recent statement, LoP Sunil Sharma made high voltage remarks against Abdullah family which should be avoided and we must not make remarks, he said. Taking a dig at LoP Sunil Sharma, Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary said that the demand for restoration of statehood is not only by National Conference but it is the demand of people of J&K and it was also a promise made with the people by BJP. He is also answerable before the people and should always remember that BJP promised the people of J&K for restoration of statehood and he (LoP) will be answerable before public for this. he stated. Surinder Choudhary claimed that development in Jammu and Kashmir has gained immense pace since Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led Government took over and work on all the pending buildings, road projects, bridges is going on at war scale and these works will be inaugurated shortly after completion.

When memories come in swarms, emotions flow like cascade

It was a cascading flow of emotions built around cherished memories, both sweet-n-sour spanning decades. Memories were coming in swarms as a towering persona in the realm of broadcasting, literature and cultural activism across the country and even abroad, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi was delineating self and his illustrious literary journey. Sopore, known for its vibrant political history, dominated the discourses, yet pleasantly only for its literary connection as Dr Masoodi traced his (literary) journey from his native place, i.e., serene Dangiwacha of Rafiabad, to his prestigious alma mater JNU and then across the length and breadth of the country. Friendly banters among old pals, colleagues amused the gathering bound by delicate literary thread in the programme organised by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) on its former Secretary Dr Rafeeq Masoodi under the series Meet the Eminent at Abhinav Theatre on Saturday. The event, focused on Dr Masoodi, a retired officer of the Indian Broadcasting Service (IBS), titled Main Aur Meri Sahityik Yatra (Me and My Literary Journey) witnessed the participation of eminent literary personalities, scholars and enthusiasts. For the illustrious audience also, it was an interesting sojourn to explore different facets of former Additional Director General of Doordarshan (Dr Masoodi) as a poet, writer, administrator, philanthropist and above all a witty human being. Earlier, at the outset, Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kaur, formally welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. In her address, she elaborated on the Academys sustained efforts to nurture literary culture, promote meaningful dialogue and provide a vibrant platform for writers and scholars. She particularly underscored the importance of documenting and celebrating the literary journeys of distinguished personalities like Dr Masoodi, whose contributions enriched the cultural and intellectual landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The recorded messages of Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma and the former Principal Secretary Suresh Gupta eulogising the contribution of Dr Masoodi towards the expansion of JKAACL and growth of culture and literature in J&K during his (Dr Masoodis) tenure (in various capacities) too were played during the event. Notably, Dr Masoodi is the patron of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, the literary and linguistic organisation in J&K, also. In his keynote address, Dr Agnishekhar presented a deeply engaging and reflective discourse about his pal (Dr Masoodi). He fondly recalled his early association with Dr Masoodi, sharing personal anecdotes that highlighted his intellectual depth, literary sensibilities and administrative acumen. Our association dates back to the days in Government Degree College (GDC) Sopore in 1971 or 72 when Rafeeq (Dr Masoodi) joined Hindi classes in PUC at the insistence of Prof Ghulam Rasool Bacha. Prof Bacha had entrusted the responsibility of teaching him Hindi to me and our other friend Vinod Chadha. To everyones bewilderment, he (Rafeeq) cleared Hindi exams too while a Pandit student failed. It was Rafiqs perseverance which worked in his favour, Dr Agnishekhar reminisced. For many among the audience, the transition of Kuldeep Sumbli to the litterateur Dr Agnishekhar (pen-name) was also a revelation amid the cascading flow of memories. Another interesting nugget in the literary discourse was how Rafeeq was given the pen-name of Rafeeq Das following the analogy of Surdas, Kabir Das etc. Most significant aspect of Rafeeq, who has carved his niche as a multi-dimensional personality, is genial nature devoid of any ego, Dr Agnishekhar asserted, while recalling many cherished moments. His speech eloquently portrayed Dr Masoodi as a creative writer and a dedicated public servant, whose works reflected both sensitivity and social commitment. On the occasion, Nisar Azam presented a comprehensive and well-researched paper on Dr Masoodis literary oeuvre, with specific focus on his poetry in Kashmiri. He critically examined the thematic richness, stylistic nuances and socio-cultural relevance of his poetry, drawing appreciation from the audience for his scholarly insight and analytical depth. Dr Masoodi with his simplicity weaved in poetry compels the readers to pause and reflect upon the deep sensibilities. The most significant aspect of his poetry is that he introduces Maun (silence) evocatively and in the most eloquent manner, Nisar Azam stated. In his address, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi shared an illuminating account of his literary journey, interwoven with experiences from his public service. He fondly recalled his childhood friends Prem Nath Prem and Chaman Lal and Sopore college days where he was literally dragged out of his class by Prof Bacha to make him study Hindi, though against his (Rafeeqs) wish. Prof Bachas assertion was he wanted to repay what my father invested in him, Dr Masoodi reminisced. He profusely quoted incidents, cherished moments related to Dr Agnishekhar (then Kuldeep Sumbli), Vinod Chadha, Vijay Mohini Kaul who taught them, eminent broadcaster Shanta Kaul, Shehnaz Rashid, Aziz Hajini among others. Prof Bacha, renowned linguist Dr Namvar Singh and geographer of international repute Prof Moonis Raza shaped me into what Im today. They chiselled my persona, Dr Masoodi poignantly remembered, while sharing a treasure of memories. While reciting nuggets of poetry, he also remembered his father, mother and wife. Dr Masoodi spoke about the evolving literary environment, the challenges faced by contemporary writers, and the pressing need to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity. He emphasised that institutions like the Academy could play a pivotal role in fostering creativity, encouraging young writers and safeguarding the regions literary heritage. Dr Masoodi did not show any inhibition in mentioning the vigilance case filed against him as he disclosed that facts would find a glimpse in his upcoming book Tainted Me. The programme was presided over by prominent (bureaucrat-turned) Punjabi and Urdu litterateur Khalid Hussain, who, in his presidential remarks, highlighted the transformative power of literature in shaping societal values and fostering critical thinking. He remarked that such programmes served as vital forums for intellectual exchange and cultural continuity. A significant observation in Khalid Hussains engaging discourse was that while post-partition literature depicted shared pain, agony with humanistic approach and satire, post-90 literature bordered on divisive narrative. Politics of hatred never serves any purpose, he said, while sharing poignant moments from his personal life related to his son. The occasion also marked the release of Dogri translation of Dr Masoodis book My Pain, My Affliction. Among the distinguished attendees were prominent litterateurs Dr Jitendra Udhampuri, Prof (Dr) Lalit Magotra, Professor Rajkumar, Dr Naseeb Singh Manhas, Baljeet Singh Raina, Sonali Arun Gupta, Additional Secretary, JKAACL and Dr Javaid Rahi, Chief Editor, Gojri whose presence added to the significance of the occasion. Dr Jitendra Udhampuri, Prof Lalit Magotra, Dr Nasib Singh Manhas and Dr Javaid Rahi in their brief addresses acknowledged the significant contribution of Dr Masoodi as a litterateur and an administrator. The proceedings were efficiently conducted by Dr Chanchal Sharma, ensuring smooth flow and engagement throughout the event. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Lal Chand, who expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers and the audience for making the event a meaningful and memorable literary gathering.

Trump cancels US envoys Pakistan visit

New Delhi, Apr 25:US President Donald Trump has cancelled the proposed visit of his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks on the US- Iran conflict, dealing a setback to already fragile diplomatic efforts, according to US media reports. Speaking to Fox News , Trump said he had called off the trip at the last moment, asserting Washingtons strong negotiating position. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but youre not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing, he said. The cancellation comes amid growing indications that there is little convergence between the US and Iran on key issues, including sanctions and the blockade of Iranian ports. The proposed US delegation was already seen as low-key, with Vice-President JD Vance only on standby and not scheduled to participate initially. The scrapping of even this visit signals widening gaps between the two sides. Meanwhile, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had travelled to Islamabad as part of regional consultations yesterday has already left for Muscat in Oman, though Pakistani officials expect him to return in the coming days. During his visit, Araghchi held talks with Pak Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. Sharif described his interaction with the Iranian minister as warm and cordial, adding that both sides discussed regional developments and bilateral ties. Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the meeting lasted around two hours and emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to ensure regional peace and stability. According to the BBC, Araghchi conveyed Tehrans views and considerations on ending the conflict and expressed readiness to continue Pakistans mediation efforts. However, Iran has maintained that no direct talks with US officials are planned, with spokesperson Esmail Baqaei reiterating that engagements in Islamabad were strictly bilateral. Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, attempting to bridge the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran. While the US has claimed Iran is seeking face-to-face negotiations, Iranian officials have denied this, underlining the lack of even a basic agreement on the format of talks. For now, Pakistans role appears limited to facilitating indirect communication, as both Washington and Tehran continue to hold firm on their core positions. The diplomatic impasse persists despite a temporary two-week ceasefire, agreed upon to allow space for negotiations after earlier talks collapsed over the US blockade of Iranian ports. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier expressed hope for positive developments, but the latest move suggests momentum has stalled. The situation is further complicated by the growing strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have escalated, with both sides accused of imposing restrictions. Analysts say the emergence of this new flashpoint indicates that a long-term resolution remains distant. Meanwhile, domestic pressures are mounting in Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged citizens to conserve electricity amid continuing economic strain, saying external pressure was aimed at fuelling public discontent.

Harness sports for social transformation: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Apr 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday urged sports ministers and sports administrators to provide physical teachers in schools and resources required to support nurture talent. Addressing national Chintan Shivir (contemplation camp) on sports at Srinagar, LG Sinha emphasised the importance of nurturing a sports culture at the grassroots, beginning in villages and local communities. True champions rarely emerge solely from elite academies; they are discovered in small towns, neighbourhoods, and local clubs, where academies later refine their raw talent, he said. The LG said that sports must become woven into everyday life, extending beyond stadiums and competitions to thrive in neighbourhoods, streets, and open fields, becoming part of daily routines. He also urged sports ministers and sports administrators, participating in the event to provide physical teachers in schools all the resources they require to support and nurture talents. Physical education teachers in schools are often undervalued compared to their counterparts in science or mathematics. This mindset must change. Every Physical Education teacher plays a vital role in Indias journey toward becoming a sporting superpower. They deserve respect, recognition, and resources to identify and nurture young talent, LG Sinha said. He said that beyond medals, sports must be harnessed as a force for social transformation. Infrastructure alone is not enough; it must be aligned with purposeful initiatives. Schools, communities, local administrations, and families must collaborate to create ecosystems where every young athlete finds a platform, whether on a running track, football field, basketball court or swimming pool to discover their potential, the LG said. Our strength lies in harmonizing national vision with local execution, ensuring central schemes reach villages brimming with talent. He said that best practices from one state must be freely shared and replicated across others. We must establish systems that identify and propel rural youth talent, supported by scientific, accessible, and unbiased mechanisms. Sports infrastructure must be fully and efficiently utilised, LG Sinha said. He called upon the corporate sector to support in building a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem, which the government alone cannot achieve. The LG said that corporates, with their resources and social responsibility, must step forward not merely as sponsors but as co-architects of this national mission. I urge sports councils, federations, administrators, experts, industry leaders, and officials from across the country to craft a strategic development plan aligned with international events. India is rich with gifted athletes. Our responsibility is to bridge the gap between gifted talent and opportunity. Strengthening grassroots sports ecosystems is not merely an aspiration but a duty, he said. The three-day event organised by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports focuses on key policy challenges in sports, strengthening Centre-States and UTs coordination and charting a comprehensive roadmap to transform India into a global sporting superpower. The event is being attended by sports ministers from various states, sports administrators, principal secretaries from states and representatives from national sports federations.

Sports promoting national integration in J&K: Union Sports Minister

New Delhi, Apr 25: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said sports serves as a transformative tool, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration. Addressing the inaugural session of the Chintan Shivir (contemplation camp) of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories that commenced in Srinagar with focused deliberations on strengthening Indias sports ecosystem through coordinated action, systemic reforms, policy convergence, and grassroots execution, Mandaviya, set the tone for the deliberations by emphasising that Indias sporting ambitions will be realised through execution on the ground. Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream, he said. The Union Sports Minister called upon states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems. Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation, he said. Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between State Governments and Sports Federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline. Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem. If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation, Mandaviya said. Addressing systemic gaps, he called for regular certification and upgradation of coaches, scientific training of athletes, and capacity building in sports administration. Emphasising the importance of a seamless ecosystem, the Union Sports Minister said, When infrastructure, talent identification, and trained manpower come together as one unbroken chain, Olympic podiums will follow. He highlighted the need to connect grassroots participation with elite performance through a structured pathway. Mandaviya also launched the YES-PE (Young Engagement in Sports and Physical Education) programme by Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, for students between 9th-12th standard for promoting sports participation, sportsmanship and leadership. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also attended the Chintan Shivir and applauded the vision of making India a powerhouse of sports. Addressing the gathering, Secretary Sports, Hari Ranjan Rao, who welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action. Outlining the importance of the Chintan Shivir, he said, This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment. The Chintan Shivir saw thematic sessions focusing on medal strategy, policy coordination, clean and safe sport, and talent identification and development. Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities including Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang, attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders, reflecting a collective commitment towards strengthening Indias sports ecosystem and advancing collaborative policy dialogue. Sports ministers from various states appreciated the initiative to build a consensus around an athlete- and player-centric approach. They emphasised that this model can be replicated across different regions of the country to strengthen and develop a robust sporting ecosystem in India. The deliberations emphasised strengthening infrastructure, enhancing coaching systems, improving Centre-State convergence, ensuring ethical and safe sporting environments, and building a scientific, technology-driven talent pipeline integrated across schools, academies, and elite training centres. These sessions also underscored the importance of structured pathways and institutional convergence to ensure continuity in athlete development, from identification to high-performance training. Participants also highlighted the need for consistent monitoring, evaluation, and sharing of best practices across states to ensure that policy intent translates into measurable, on-ground impact. The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of a unified and coordinated approach involving the Centre, states, and all stakeholders to build a robust, inclusive, and future-ready sporting ecosystem, aligned with Indias long-term vision of emerging as a global sporting powerhouse.

District admin Srinagars Rolling Trophy event for 1st inter-college debate competition organised

Srinagar, Apr 25:Srinagar district administration on Saturday organised the district administration Srinagars 1st inter-college debate competition-2026 under the youth engagement and empowerment programme here at the Amar Singh College on Saturday. The programme was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, AkshayLabroo. The event was attended by Chief Planning Officer Srinagar, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges, Seema Naaz, Principal, Amar Singh College, Ajaz Ahmad Hakak, besides, enthusiastic participants from students and faculty members of various City Colleges, fostering intellectual and critical discourse among students. In his address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the initiative as part of a comprehensive 12-month youth empowerment plan aimed at fostering academic excellence, critical thinking and active youth participation in sports. He emphasised the need for structured academic and extracurricular interventions to prepare young individuals for emerging challenges. The Deputy Commissioner said that the Rolling Trophy Debate Competition is a key component of the Districts Youth Development and Empowerment Plan and reflects the administrations commitment to nurturing intellectual discourse among students. The DC underscored that such initiatives are instrumental in protecting youth from social evils like drug abuse and channeling their energies towards positive and constructive societal roles. He said that such events also safeguard youth from the menace of drug abuse and fostering responsible participation in society. The debate centered on the theme, Skill development and not the delivery of formal degrees should be the priority of the government today, which generated insightful and engaging discussions. Students from various colleges across the city presented well-reasoned arguments both for and against the motion. At the conclusion of the event, the Deputy Commissioner felicitated the winners in recognition of their outstanding performance. Earlier, Principal, Amar Singh College in his welcome address highlighted the significance of such academic platforms in nurturing analytical thinking and public speaking skills among youth. He emphasised the importance of aligning education with contemporary societal needs, particularly in the context of employability and skill enhancement.

194 JKBOSE Wallah students score over 90% in class 10, 12 Summer Zone results

Srinagar, Apr 25: Education platform Physics Wallah (PW) on Saturday said that 194 students from its JKBOSE Wallah programme have secured 90 percent and above marks in the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Class 10th and 12th Summer Zone Results 2026. According to the company, 49 students from Class 12 and 145 students from Class 10 achieved scores above 90 percent, placing them among the top performers across the Union Territory following the declaration of results earlier this week. In Class 12, Ayushi Sharma secured the top position with 99.40 percent, followed by Chitvan Mahajan and Rajveer Singh, who both scored 99.20 percent to share the second rank among high achievers. Among Class 10 students, Niyati Dutta topped with 99.80 percent, while Aliya Malik, Mohit Kumar, and Pari Sharma secured 99.40 percent each. Mehak Pathan was also among the top scorers with 99.20 percent. Sharing her experience, Ayushi Sharma said that discipline and consistent revision played a key role in her preparation. PWs JKBOSE Wallah lectures helped simplify concepts, while the support from teachers and family kept me motivated, she said. Niyati Dutta, reflecting on her Class 10 journey, said that regular study and conceptual clarity were crucial. She credited her success to her teachers and family support, adding that structured learning through the Kohinoor batch helped her stay on track. Founder and CEO of PhysicsWallah, Alakh Pandey, congratulated the students on their performance, stating that their results reflect dedication and sustained effort. He also encouraged students who did not meet expectations, saying that one examination does not define their future. The company said the results underline the importance of structured preparation, continuous assessment, and academic support in achieving strong outcomes. It added that JKBOSE Wallah will continue to assist students through lectures, practice sessions, revision modules, and mentorship programmes. Founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari, PhysicsWallah has expanded from a YouTube-based initiative into a multi-platform education provider, offering online, offline, and hybrid learning solutions across various academic segments.

KU holds workshop on digital tools for science education

Srinagar, Apr 25:The University of Kashmirs (KU) Allama Iqbal Library (AIL) held a one-day workshop on 'JoVE in Action: Revolutionising Teaching, Learning and Scientific Discovery' at the Main Campus. The workshop was organised in collaboration with JoVE, a leading video-based scientific platform. It aimed at introducing faculty members, research scholars, and students from the Schools of Sciences and Technology to the use of visual and interactive digital resources in teaching and research. Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message, said, Integrating innovative digital tools into teaching and research is essential for improving the quality of higher education. Platforms like JoVE can help bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering accessible and engaging scientific content. Librarian, AIL KU, Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Lone appreciated the active participation of the scientific community and encouraged faculty and students to make effective use of the JoVE platform to support their academic and research work. The workshop saw participation from around 180 attendees and included live demonstrations, hands-on training sessions, and guided exploration of JoVEs video-based scientific content, covering laboratory techniques, and experimental methods across disciplines. JoVE experts Ms. Ekkta Vij and Solani Verma led the sessions, enabling participants to understand the platforms practical applications in classroom teaching and research environments. The workshop was attended by several faculty members from the Main Campus. Participants described the workshop as useful and informative, noting that it enhanced their understanding of contemporary digital learning tools.

Srinagar to host mega anti-drug rally on May 3

Srinagar, Apr 25: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for the upcoming Mega Nasha Mukt Pad Yatra, scheduled to be held on May 3 in Srinagar. The event will be flagged off by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners and Heads of Departments of Kashmir Division. During the review, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized the need for broad-based participation from all sections of society to ensure the success of the rally and to effectively raise awareness about the growing drug menace. He underscored the importance of involving social organisations, NGOs, professionals, students, progressive farmers, associations, public representatives, institutions, government departments, sportspersons, and other stakeholders to deliver a strong and unified message against substance abuse. To facilitate large-scale participation, the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned authorities, including SRTC, Transport Department, and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), to make adequate transportation arrangements for participants. He also instructed the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to ensure the availability of drinking water facilities along the route and at the venue. Further, the Hospitality and Protocol Department was tasked with arranging refreshments for participants.

Overloading in e-buses irks passengers

Srinagar, Apr 25:While Smart City buses have significantly strengthened Srinagars public transport network, the growing issue of overloading, particularly during peak hours, has emerged as a major concern for commuters, with female passengers bearing the brunt. Passengers said every morning and evening, when office-goers, school students, and the general public rely heavily on these e-buses, scenes of overcrowding have become routine. Passengers are often seen crammed inside, with many standing uncomfortably close to one another, while in extreme cases, some even hang near the doors as buses continue to move through busy routes. Passengers said the situation has reportedly worsened after the government introduced free rides for women last year, leading to considerable increase in female ridership. While the initiative has been widely appreciated for improving accessibility, commuters say the lack of a corresponding increase of passenger footfall has resulted in severe congestion. It gets very uncomfortable and, at times, even scary. We are cramped in the overloaded bus and there is barely any space to stand properly. There should be proper monitoring to ensure that buses are not overloaded, said a female passenger from Downtown. Passengers also pointed to safety risks, noting that bus doors are often unable to close due to overcrowding. Many expressed concern that such conditions could lead to accidents, while also increasing vulnerability to incidents like pickpocketing and theft, which have been reported in the past. A male passenger echoed similar concerns, stating that the rush makes daily travel exhausting. There is no proper system during peak hours. People just push their way in, and conductors dont seem to regulate the number of passengers. It becomes chaotic and unsafe, he said. Apart from Smart City buses, commuters highlighted that overloading is also rampant in cab services, particularly in sumos and mini-0busses operating across Srinagar. Passengers said that middle seats meant for three people are often forced to accommodate four, adding to discomfort and safety concerns. With these vehicles serving almost every route, the issue has compounded the overall public transport crisis in the city. Commuters have urged authorities to introduce additional buses during peak hours and ensure strict adherence to timetables to ease the pressure. They also called for regular inspections and enforcement drives to curb overloading. A traffic police official said that authorities have been actively carrying out drives against overloading, especially in downtown areas. Our teams are inspecting vehicles and taking action where violations are found. We are also entering buses to monitor the situation on the ground, the official said. Earlier officials said that the situation is expected to improve as the government plans to expand the fleet by introducing more buses on various routes, including inter-district services.

KMCH organises Medical Camp for gym trainers, athletes in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 25: Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Saturday organised a special medical camp in Srinagar for gym instructors, bodybuilders, athletes, and salon employees in response to recent incidents of deaths reported at some gym centres across Kashmir. As per a statement issued, Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi, and Medical Superintendent KMCH, Prof. Dr Syed Mubashir, along with senior faculty members, specialist doctors, paramedical staff, students, and a large number of participants including gym instructors, bodybuilders, athletes and salon employees were present on the occasion. During the camp, participants underwent health screening and were sensitised about essential precautions to be taken before joining or engaging in rigorous gym activities. OPD services were provided in Physiotherapy, General Medicine, Dermatology and Orthopaedics, with senior KMCH doctors offering free consultations and expert advice. Participants from different parts of Srinagar attended the camp and benefitted from personalised guidance on fitness safety, injury prevention and overall health management. Medical kits werealso distributed among the participants. The camp was organised in view of increasing reports of sudden deaths during exercise in gym centres and related incidents in various parts of Kashmir, raising serious concerns about fitness safety and preparedness during emergencies. Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi, said that in the recent past several incidents have been reported in which physically fit youth died in gym centres, and the programme was aimed at creating awareness about precautionary measures. We are trying to create awareness, and this initiative was aimed at educating gym instructors, bodybuilders and other stakeholders, particularly the youth, about the precautions needed before going to gym centres, she said. Health experts at KMCH stated that sudden cardiac arrest during exercise can occur due to undiagnosed heart conditions, arrhythmias, excessive exertion and electrolyte imbalances. They emphasised that even physically fit individuals may be at risk if underlying health issues remain undetected. They advised people to undergo proper medical screening, including cardiac evaluation, before engaging in intense workouts and to remain alert to warning signs such as chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. They also stressed the importance of ensuring that gyms are equipped with basic emergency response systems and that trainers are trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR. Doctors also noted that common complaints observed among gym instructors and bodybuilders during the camp included neck and back issues, often resulting from improper posture or overexertion. Before going to gym centres, it is advisable to undergo basic screening, such as a cardiac examination. Trainers should be trained in BLS, which is crucial in handling emergencies, said a senior KMCH doctor.

Cosco Cricket tournament commences in Shopian

Shopian, Apr 25: To promote a drug-free society through constructive youth engagement, the District Administration Shopian on Saturday inaugurated a Cosco Cricket Tournament under the banner of Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan at YSS Stadium Shirmal Shopian. The inaugural match, as per an official statement, was played between Civil Administration Shopian and Police Department Shopian. Batting first, the Police Department set a target of 85 runs. In response, the District Administration team fell short by 8 runs. Mohammad Ashraf (Dy.SP DAR) was adjudged Man of the Match for his batting performance. The tournament, organised by the District Administration Shopian through the Department of Youth Services & Sports, Shopian, aims to channel the energy of youth towards sports and positive activities, thereby discouraging substance abuse. A total of 16 teams from across the district are participating in the tournament, ensuring representation from all blocks of the Shopian district. Besides YSS Stadium Shirmal, matches are being held at multiple venues across the district, including sports fields at Kathuhallan, Sedow, Lathanthora, and Tilwani Wuder. The event was formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, and SSP Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary in presence ASP Shopian, Rameez Rashid Bhat, Dy.SP Hqrs, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, DYSSO Shopian, Sunil Kumar and officers of the district administration.

Kashmirs Iron Walker who turned trekking into a movement

Srinagar, Apr 25:At dawn in Srinagar, when the city is still stretching awake, Manzoor Mir has already covered miles. Not metaphorical miles, but real ones. By the time most people sip their first cup of tea, he has walked, jogged, and climbed through nearly half a marathon. And by the time the city settles into routine, he has often logged over 30 kilometres. At 57, his mornings are not defined by rest but by relentless motion. Where It All Began Long before endurance challenges and Himalayan trails, there was a young boy walking through the bustling heart of Lal Chowk. A student of Tyndale Biscoe School, Manzoor did not begin walking out of ambition but necessity. Pocket money was scarce, just 25 paise. Ten paise for this, ten paise for that, he recalls. We had no money left for transport. So we walked. What began as compulsion soon became habit. What became habit slowly turned into passion. And over time, that passion shaped a life. A Routine Built on Discipline Today, decades later, that same habit has evolved into an extraordinary routine. His day begins before sunrise, with prayers, followed by a carefully structured diet and then the walk. From his home in Nishat in Srinagar, he covers nearly 10 kilometres before even reaching his regular walking circuit near the Polo Ground. There, surrounded by a circle of friends, the real workout begins. Together, they push another 1213 kilometres. In total, his daily distance ranges between 25 and 30 kilometres, a figure that would challenge even seasoned athletes. This takes around four hours every morning, he says. And he does it every day. Fuelling Body, Training Mind Unlike many endurance athletes, Manzoor keeps his diet remarkably simple. No non-vegetarian food. No excess. Instead, he relies on eggs for protein, black chickpeas soaked overnight, figs, raisins, almonds, lentils, and salads. I eat less, but I eat right, he says. It is not just about physical strength, its about consistency. The Social Side of Solitude. Despite spending hours walking, Manzoors routine is far from lonely. His morning circle, 40 to 50 regular walkers from different professions, forms an ecosystem of conversation, debate, and companionship. That is my motivation, he says. I go not just for walking but to meet them. In an age dominated by screens, he prefers real conversations over virtual interactions. On social media, you take in things. But here, you discuss, you argue, and you learn. For him, walking is not just exercise, it is engagement. Family, Sacrifice, and Support Such discipline comes with trade-offs. Manzoor rarely attends social gatherings. Even weddings are avoided. I dont eat there. People might feel bad, he says. But behind this lifestyle stands a strong support system. His son manages most of the family business. His daughter and wife handle social responsibilities. I am thankful to my children, he says. They have made this possible. The Trekker Who Built Trekkers Over the years, Manzoor has quietly transformed into more than just a mountaineer, he has become a guide, a mentor, and an enabler. From recommending trails in Uri, Rafiabad, to encouraging beginners to explore the 360-degree trail around Shankaracharya Hill, he has made adventure accessible. If you dont have the desire, he tells youngsters, create it. His philosophy is simple, start small, stay consistent, and stay real. Mountains, Milestones, and Memories His journey across decades is marked by both quiet achievements and formidable climbs. Starting his mountaineering journey in 1978, he has scaled peaks across Kashmir and beyond. He has also explored remote crash sites in the mountains, climbing peaks connected to aviation tragedies from the 1960s, not once but twice. Even during the years of the 90s in Kashmir, when trekking slowed down, he found ways to continue. We had that sorrow in us, he says, smiling. Some people have cricket, some have football. For us, it was mountaineering. The Ultimate Test: 113 Kilometres All of this led to one defining moment, the Surya Dev Bhoomi Challenge 2, a gruelling 113-kilometre endurance event hosted with the support of the Indian Army. Held in the high-altitude terrains around Badrinath, the challenge pushed participants to their limits over three days. Manzoor completed it with the 147th rank across India and 14th in his age category But for him, the achievement was never about rankings. It was about proving something deeper. A Message Beyond Mountains Ask him what he would tell todays generation, and he doesnt hesitate. Life is not on the screen, he says. You have to move on roads, in gardens, and in mountains. He urges people to step out, build routines, and find purpose beyond digital spaces. Give your mind a reason, he says. A reason to wake up. Still Walking, Still Leading Even today, his phone rings with parents and youngsters seeking guidance. Where to go. How to start. What it takes. And every time, he answers. Because for Manzoor Mir, the journey was never meant to be walked alone. It was always meant to create a path for others to follow.

PSAJK announces reorganisation of MEERC Committee

Srinagar, Apr 25: On the recommendations of the State Executive Council of PSAJK, and with the formal approval of the State President, Baba Nazrul Islam, the reorganisation of the MEERC (Moral Education, Environmental, and Rehabilitation Committee) has been finalized. In this regard, it has been resolved that Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of Bilaliya Educational Institute, shall serve as the Chairman of the MEERC, as per a press release. The committee will comprise the following esteemed members: Khursheed Thokar, Former District President, Kulgam; Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Chairman, Maki Memorial School, Chadoora Budgam; Parvaiz Ahmad, Coordinator, Central PSAJK; Rahi Reyaz, Chairman, Ahsaan Foundation J&K; Divisional Warden, Civil Defence; Mohammad Shafi, Chairman, Noorul Isa, Anantnag; Mir Sulaiman, Chairman, AIIMS Handwara.The reconstituted MEERC Committee is expected to play a vital role in strengthening initiatives related to moral education, environmental awareness, and rehabilitation efforts across the region. PSAJK remains committed to fostering holistic development within the educational ecosystem and addressing key societal challenges through such dedicated committees, it added.

J&K integrates 17,500 Migrant Ration Cards into NFSA, extends April ration distribution to May: Principal Secretary DDMRR&R

Srinagar, Apr 25: Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Chandrakar Bharti, today convened a meeting to review implementation of the ration distribution in terms of the Special Relief Ration Scheme for Kashmiri/Jammu Migrants and extension of benefits of social sector schemes to the eligible migrants. The meeting was attended by Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Directors Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Jammu/Kashmir, Director Social Welfare Jammu, Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner(M), J&K, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu and senior officers of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction. It was observed that more than 17,500 migrant ration cards have already been punched into NFSA database and the process of integration of about 8,000 migrant ration cards is in pipeline. Besides, the ration distribution in terms of the Special Relief Ration Scheme for Kashmiri/Jammu Migrants has been started on 18-04-2026, from the migrant camps and the directions have been issued for ration distribution from all the designated 32 ration depots in Jammu district in a hassle free manner and that migrants can avail ration from any nearest ration depot. Similarly, the ration distribution shall be done from the designated ration depots in other districts of Jammu Province. Worthwhile to mention here that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, in-terms of S.O 392 and S.O. 393 of 2024, both dated 13.08.2024, has made necessary amendments in the Jammu & Kashmir Food Security Rules, 2021 and the Targeted Public Distribution (Control) Order 2023 for integration of the Migrant Ration Cards into National Food Security Act(NFSA) database, to enable the migrants to avail the benefits of various government schemes. Further, the administration in terms of Government Order No. 27-JK(DMRRR) of 2025 dated 16.05.2025, has clarified that the existing scale of ration distribution to the migrants registered under the relief category and norms/procedures for inclusion, deletion, bifurcation, conversion and corrections etc will continue as per the norms of Relief Organisation. This has also been clarified through number of public notices and jingles issued through Department of Information & Public Relations. It was also conveyed that all relief ration card holders(irrespective of categorization into PHH, NPHH or Special category) will continue to receive 11 Kg free ration per person per month and 1Kg sugar as per the extant scale of ration distribution. Besides, those registered with the Relief Organisation under the non relief category (Pensioners etc) and categorized into NPHH category will also receive ration on the government approved rates as per their entitlement under NFSA. It was decided that a one time extension in the distribution period of ration against the migrant ration cards for the month of April 2026 into May 2026 (in addition to ration of May 2026), shall be given, since the extension is imperative to ensure that migrant beneficiaries are not deprived of their entitled ration.

I desire for 50% of what CM gives to his constituency: MLA Javid Baig

Baramulla, Apr 25:MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig on Saturday flagged infrastructural and civic deficits saying that he expects that 50 percent of the development done by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to his own constituency must be given to Baramulla constituency. MLA Javid Baig was addressing a gathering during the inauguration of a newly constructed Science Block at Government Degree College for Women Baramulla. He sought greater intervention from the government, particularly in addressing long-pending projects and educational infrastructure gaps. People have reposed trust in CM Omar Abdullah and that must be reflected on the ground. The real test will be when Baramulla needs practical support and guidance, Baig said. I only desire half of what has been given to Ganderbal. I will not ask for more than that, but it should come. He urged the education minister Sakina Itoo, present at the function, to prioritise the districts unresolved issues in the upcoming years. I am a junior in the party but you (Sakina Itoo) being the senior can talk about the issue, he said. He however acknowledged certain initiatives and he was satisfied to some extent, crediting the health and education minister for sanctioning key facilities including an MRI unit, a cath lab and a special school under the social welfare sector. Many projects have come and more are expected, he said. He however highlighted gaps in certain sector which he said continue to undermine development of his constituency. He flagged the delay in approval of a sewage treatment plant as a major concern and questioned how a district like Baramulla could function without such a critical facility. If Baramulla does not have a sewage treatment plant, then what can be done? he asked. The MLA also raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure in educational institutions saying that many schools lack adequate facilities in the town. He proposed optimising existing land resources and strengthening school infrastructure to reduce pressure on colleges and improve access to higher education for girls. MLA Baramulla called for a long-term vision and urged authorities to upgrade the womens college into a full-fledged university exclusively for women. It will be a great favour that would significantly boost womens education in the district, he said. On the issue of higher education expansion, he questioned delays in the establishment of cluster university in the district. He recalled the earlier decisions to set up a Cluster University in Baramulla and also hinted at past political decisions that, according to him, altered original plans regarding the location of a cluster university. That time it was decided that a cluster University will be established in Baramulla but the decision was hushed up later, he said. He reiterated his political stance and said his priority remains public service over electoral politics.

Students performance wins Education ministers applaud

Baramulla, Apr 25: A student from a modest background emerged as the highlight of a function held at Government Degree College (GDC) for Women Baramulla. Narsha, a class 5th student of Government Middle School (GMS) Deewan Bagh, captivated the audience as the lead dancer in a group performance presented during the function at GDC Women, Baramulla. Her confident stage presence and performance drew widespread appreciation, including from Education Minister Sakina Itoo, who stood up to acknowledge the effort. The minister personally interacted with the group, shaking hands and applauding the young performers. The act drew applause from the audience and added to the significance of the moment. Narsha, who is enrolled in GMS Deewan Bagh, said the minister's gesture made her happy. I liked her way of appreciating me and my other group members, she said.

Constructive dialogue always welcome; disrespect, abuse have no place in our culture: Sakina Itoo

Baramulla, Apr 25:Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo on Saturday said that the constructive criticism has been always acceptable and encouraged in a democratic society, but disrespect and abuse particularly on social media have no place in our culture. Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of a newly constructed Science Block at Government College for Women Baramulla, Sakina Itoo highlighted the importance of maintaining decency in public discourse and cautioned against the growing misuse of online platforms. She was indirectly referring to the remarks of the opposition leaders regarding her educational qualification and the hype given to the issue on social media. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but the kind of abusive language used online is unacceptable and reflects poorly on society, she said. Speaking about the developmental initiatives in Baramulla, the minister said significant progress has been made over the past one and a half years, with projects across key sectors including education, roads, and healthcare being initiated and funded as well. She said around 10,000 projects have been approved under various government schemes, adding that work on all these projects was ongoing despite challenges. She further said that women are increasingly making their mark in administration and governance, including in top decision-making roles in Jammu and Kashmir. She meanwhile lauded the Principal of the college and whole staff for maintaining high standards and effective institutional management. Indirectly reacting to the criticism over her educational qualifications, Sakina Itoo said she had completed her higher secondary education and also enrolled for MBBS, which she could not complete due to personal circumstances following the death of her father. She credited former J&K chief minister and president of the J&K National Conference Dr. Farooq Abdullah for mentoring and guiding her in her political journey. Farooq (sahab) Abdullah raised me like her daughter. He guided me all the time since I started my political journey, she said. About the issue of gender bias, the education minister said women in public life often face disproportionate scrutiny and unnecessary criticism.

Use redressal mechanism, not violence: Health Minister on GMC Anantnag incident

Baramulla, Apr 25: Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday denounced the vandalism that followed a recent incident at GMC Anantnag, where the family of a deceased woman accused doctors of negligence. Speaking to reporters during her visit to Government Medical College Baramulla, the minister said that while an inquiry has been initiated into the alleged negligence leading to the womans death, taking the law into ones own hands is unacceptable. She stressed that a proper grievance redressal mechanism is already in place and should be utilised instead of resorting to violence or assaulting medical staff. Despite having a redressal system, resorting to violence and thrashing doctors or paramedics cannot be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those involved in such incidents, she said. The minister made these remarks while laying the foundation stone of a Drug De-addiction Centre and a mortuary block, besides inaugurating a digital radiology X-ray facility at Government Medical College Baramulla. Itoo reiterated that the government will not shield anyone found guilty of negligence. If any doctor is proven negligent, action will be taken as per rules, she added. Highlighting the governments focus on the health sector, the minister said that since the National Conference assumed power, significant efforts have been made to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. She said that GMC Anantnag is now equipped with key facilities, including a cath lab, MRI services, and specialist doctors across various departments. On similar facilities for Government Medical College Baramulla, she said that the installation of a cath lab and MRI has already been sanctioned and will be made operational soon. Addressing concerns about the absence of specialists during evening hours, Itoo said duty rosters are prepared by the concerned authorities and any deviation will be dealt with strictly. She also cautioned against generalising allegations against doctors, stating that the majority of healthcare professionals are working tirelessly. Doctors are working round the clock, treating thousands of patients daily. While complaints are addressed, their efforts also deserve appreciation, she said. Reacting to criticism over infrastructure gaps in newly established Government Medical Colleges, the minister said these institutions were set up without adequate initial resources. However, she maintained that the government has, over the past one and a half years, worked to improve facilities and ensure sufficient funding so that patient care is not compromised.

JKCA fund misappropriation case: Court stays proceedings against Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Apr 25: A Sessions Court here on Saturday put in abeyance the trial courts proceedings against former Chief Minister of J&K, Farooq Abdullah in a case related to alleged multi-crore fund misappropriation in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). The Court of Additional Session Judge Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Bhat put on hold two orders one passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar on March 2 and the other on March 30, 2026. In terms of the order of March 2, the Court dismissed Abdullahs plea for discharge in the case registered against the three-time J&K Chief Minister and other accused persons by the CBI. By virtue of an order dated March 30, the Court framed charges against the 88-year-old former chief minister in the case. The operation of the Impugned Order dated 02.03.2026, and the subsequent proceedings dated 30.03.2026 (framing of charges), conducted by the trial magistrate, shall remain in abeyance exclusively as they pertain to the revisionist Dr. Farooq Abdullah till the next date of hearing, the Court said. The Court stayed the operation of the orders after noting that Farooq has raised a substantial question of law specifically whether Presidential Authority can be equated with Legal Entrustment or Actual Dominion under Section 409 of RPC in the absence of a direct money trail. Moreover, the court pointed out whether the addition of Section 109 RPC (Abetment) without a specific overt act of instigation amounts to a mechanical exercise of judicial power. Further, the content of the applicant (Farooq) deserves consideration as to whether a senior citizen should be subjected to the rigors of a protracted trial based on a remote administrative act from 2008, the court said. The trial court had framed charges against Abdullah under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) and 109 (abetment) of the Ranbir Penal Code. In his plea, seeking the courts intervention to stay the operation of the two orders, Abdullah contended that the trial court failed to properly appreciate the facts while rejecting his discharge application. He argued that as President of the JKCA, his role was largely honorary and that day-to-day financial management and control over funds rested with the associations Treasurer and General Secretary. The former Chief Minister raised the plea that his role was limited to a routine administrative signature on a 2008 resolution, which, according to him, does not establish criminal liability. The case pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the functioning of the JKCA, which was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI has filed a chargesheet accusing Abdullah and several others of siphoning off more than Rs 43 crore from grants provided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to the association. On March 2 this year, the CJM court observed that the essential ingredients of offences under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant) of the Ranbir Penal Code were prima facie made out against him. Besides Abdullah, the accused include Mohammad Saleem Khan (then general secretary of JKCA), Ahsan Ahmad Mirza (then treasurer), Manzoor Gazanfar Ali, Bashir Ahmad Misgar (an executive with Jammu & Kashmir Bank), and Gulzar Ahmad Beigh. On the allegations of misappropriation of funds in JKCA, the Police Station Ram Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, had registered an FIR No 27/2012 dated March 10, 2012, under Section 120-B, 406 and 409 of RPC. During the investigation by the Police and on the intervention of the High Court, the investigation of the case was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In July 2017, the CBI filed a charge sheet before the CJM Srinagar in the case

Mehbooba seeks support to take people out of 'uncertainty, distress, tribulations'

Anantnag, Apr 25: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday urged people to bring Kashmir out of uncertainty, distress and tribulations, while accusing the National Conference (NC)-led government of having failed on every front. Addressing a workers convention here, the former chief minister invoked the PDPs 2002 rise to power under her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. In 2002, you pledged to change the atmosphere of uncertainty and gave my father only 16 seats and saw the results yourself. In only three years of his Chief Ministership, people got rid of repression, and all issues were addressed -from unemployment to opening of bus service and trade to Muzaffarabad to launching of schemes helping the apple industry grow, including market intervention, cold storage and high-density, she said. Contrasting that period with the Farooq Abdullah-led government (19962002), Mehbooba alleged that despite 67 seats, there was more repression and even a ban on government jobs. Even with Article 370 then, what did he do except securing a ministry for his son, Omar Abdullah, in the BJP-led government at the Centre? she asked. Targeting the present dispensation led by Omar Abdullah, she said, You again gave them 50 seats. It has been one and a half years - this government has failed on every front. Youth is in depression due to unemployment. Daily wagers are waiting to be regularised. She urged party workers to give space to young candidates in upcoming Panchayat and urban local body elections. Bring forward sincere and committed youth. Only they can understand the pain of fellow youth, she said. Criticising the NC for sabotaging PDPs people-friendly measures, Mehbooba referred to a bill aimed at regularising eight Marlas of state land for poor families. We wanted to regularise the eight Marlas of state land where the poor have built houses and are living there for decades, but NC termed it a bill for land grabbers while BJP called it a land jihad bill, she said. NC brought a bill for hoteliers, which is good. But what about poor people? Hoteliers can go to courts - where will the poor go? She alleged that the NC would regularise a few daily wagers, mostly their own, when elections are near and then seek votes on that. Our bill to create more districts like Handwara and Uri was also not allowed to pass. We created new districts in our tenure and will do so again, once we get a chance, to ease sufferings of people, she said. Mehbooba also recalled that her father secured land from the Armys Victor Force in Awantipora for the construction of AIIMS and for Kashmir Universitys south campus at Anantnag in 2004. Union Territory or state, it depends on who is leading you and what is his will, she said. Calling for organisational strengthening, she asked party workers to work hard to reach out to people and be resilient like the people of Iran, referring to past struggles, including when Jammu and Kashmirs special status was abrogated in 2019. She also criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for not condemning alleged US and Israeli actions against Iran. The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution condemning the attack on Iran, but our assembly couldnt, she said. On law and order, Mehbooba condemned the booking of six Sopore youths under the Public Safety Act (PSA) following protests over an alleged molestation of a schoolgirl by a teacher. We cant justify stone pelting and vandalism. But what will become of their lives? Filing FIRs means they will face difficulty in getting jobs and passport verification, she said, adding that during her tenure she revoked FIRs of around 12,000 youth and ensured minimum use of PSA. Yes, bullets and pellets were fired when youth attacked army camps and torched police stations. God forbid, had I booked people under PSA, thousands would have been in misery today. Look at those ruling today, she said. Separately, PDP leader Iltija Mufti told reporters that the NC-led government didnt go for rationalisation of reservation and removed Urdu from revenue records. The government failed to provide jobs or regularise daily wagers and is blaming the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for wrong decisions, she said. Our party is going through a tough time and we urge workers to stand with the party, she added. Senior PDP leaders, including Abdul Rehman Veeri, Abdul Gafar Sofi, Mehboob Beg, Peer Mansoor, Muhamad Ashraf Malik, Dilawar Mir, Javed Ahmad Sheikh, Farooq Andrabi, Gulzar Ahmad Wani, Shabir Siddiqi and Choudhary Talib Hussain, were present.

LG notifies terms, conditions of service of Shantmanu as SEC delineates

Jammu, Apr 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has notified the terms and conditions of service of former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Shantmanu, as State Election Commissioner (SEC) for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Over two months after his (Shantmanus) appointment as SEC, the terms and conditions have been notified by the LG Sinha on April 24, 2026, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 36A of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 read with notification S O 42 of 2026, dated February 17, 2026. On February 17, 2026, the Lieutenant Governor had appointed Shantmanu as SEC for Jammu and Kashmir, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. February 17 notification had stated that the terms and conditions of his appointment would be notified by the government subsequently. As per the April 24, 2026, notification issued by GAD Commissioner Secretary M Raju on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor, SECs salary would be equivalent to the last pay drawn at the time of his retirement from the earlier service less by the amount of the pension, including commuted value thereof, plus D A as applicable. As regards his tenure of appointment, it has been notified that Shantmanu will hold office for a period of five years from the date on which he enters his office or till he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier. Provided that the State Election Commissioner, may at any time, by writing under his hand, addressed to the Lieutenant Governor resign from his office or he may be removed in the manner provided in section 36B of the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. This Travelling Allowance (TA), residential accommodation, medical facilities and telephone charges will remain same as were admissible to him at the time of his retirement from the previous servic . With regard to terms and conditions about the provision of leave, it has been notified that he will be able to avail leave as was admissible to him at the time of his retirement from the previous service. The power to grant or refuse leave to the State Election Commissioner and to revoke or curtail leave granted to him shall vest in the Lieutenant Governor, it has been specified. On February 21, 2026, Shantmanu made and subscribed to the oath of office, before the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, as the State Election Commissioner (SEC), at a ceremony held in the Lok Bhavan Jammu. Before his (Shantmanus) appointment, the post of SEC had been lying vacant since April 27, 2025, after the completion of tenure by B R Sharma at the age of 65 as per the terms and conditions of service notified on October 19, 2023 in his (Sharmas) case. Immediately after his appointment, he initiated the process for Panchayat polls. Currently, SEC is reviewing (ongoing) special summary revision of Panchayat electoral rolls 2026 in different districts of J&K. The revision process began on March 27 across J&K. The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and for the conduct of all elections under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act 1989, Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act 2000 and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act 2000 is vested in the State Election Commission. Panchayats and BDC terms in J&K expired on January 9, 2024 while the DDC term expired on February 24, 2026. Srinagar Municipal Corporation's term expired on November 5, 2023 and Jammu Municipal Corporation term expired on November 14, 2023. Further terms of all Municipal Councils and committees expired between October and November, 2023.

From aspirant to ROC J&K: Haamid Bukharis journey through setbacks, strategy and civil services success

In a country where the civil services examination remains one of the most fiercely competitive pursuits, Haamid Bukhari's journey stands out not just for its success, but for the clarity of purpose that drove it. Born and raised in Malangam, Bandipora district, Bukhari set his sights on the IAS as early as Class 6, navigated his way through IUST Awantipora, BBA, and eventually the prestigious corridors of JNU, before cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his third attempt at the age of 24. As the newly appointed Registrar of Companies (ROC) in Jammu & Kashmir, he brings with him a sharp focus on corporate transparency, enforcement of the Companies Act, and dismantling the infrastructure of shell companies. In this candid conversation with Greater Kashmir's Mukeet Akmali , Bukhari traces his formative years, shares the lessons learned on the long road to success, and outlines his vision for a compliant and accountable corporate ecosystem in J&K. MA: Could you share a bit about your early life and upbringing? Haamid Bukhari: My father belongs to the district of Ganderbal, erstwhile Srinagar, and my mother is from Bandipora. I am born and brought up in my maternal family at Malangam Bandipora, where I completed my matriculation from a local village school, namely Ummar Public Secondary School. Since both of my parents were in Govt services working in Srinagar, i shifted to Srinagar and got my admission in DPS Srinagar for class 11th based on my excellent score in matriculation. I completed my 10+2 in the Science stream from DPS Srinagar in 2009 and scored excellent marks, around 89%. Thereafter, I always aspired to study diverse subjects and wanted to pursue a Bachelor's in Arts. However, the timing of the CBSE results in the month of May 2009 compelled me to get admission in IUST Awantipora, as the admission session started in the month of August, 2009. Though IUST did not provide any courses for BA, I instead chose BBA (Bachelor's in Management). MA: What factors influenced your academic journey in the initial years? Haamid Bukhari: Since class 6th, I was clear that there is no career path for me but the Civil Services. The IAS exam as it was known back then, and even now it is called so, was my Career goal. The eligibility to appear in the civil services exam is a graduation from any field. So I wanted to pursue a three-year degree, preferably BA, to become eligible to sit in the exam and crack it as one of the youngest candidates in the country at the age of 21. Also, had the idea of a myriad syllabus of the civil services exam requiring an interdisciplinary approach cutting across the subject matter content from both Humanities and Science, suited me well to opt for Science at +2 in DPS and later Management. However, I opted for Political Science and International Studies as my optional Subject for the Civil Services Exam in 2015. This made me to appear for the entrance to get admission in the Master's course in Politcal Science from JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia. I was among the toppers at both universities. I chose JNU and enrolled myself in the MA Course (Politics and International Studies) called MA PISM. MA: Were there any defining moments that shaped your ambitions? Haamid Bukhari: Not exactly. However, during the course studies in JNU, I got more inclined towards academics and Foreign Policy. I even opted for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) as my top priority over other services. Though I couldnt get a rank sufficient to get me allocated to the Foreign Service. Got into the Indian Corporate Law Service. MA: Where did you complete your schooling and higher education? Haamid Bukhari: As already stated, I completed my 10th from Ummar Public Secondary School, Malangam, located in District Bandipora. I did my +2 from Delhi Public School, Srinagar. Thereafter, completed a BBA from IUST Awantipora. Enrolled myself in MA Politics in International Studies at JNU and during my Second year, I cleared UPSC All India Civil Services Examination in 2016. During my training and probation, I was also conferred a Post-Graduation Diploma in Business and Allied Laws by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU Bangalore). MA: Which subjects interested you the most and why? Haamid Bukhari: It was always Political Science and International Relations. The subject matter appeared fascinating, practical and easy to relate to the news and surroundings. Had inculcated a habit of keeping a track of current affairs, reading newspapers, watching Doordarshan, BBC, etc. MA: Were there any mentors or experiences that shaped your aspirations? Haamid Bukhari: Since my parents, in particular my dad, were working in the State Government and mostly got his postings in the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar. Through him, I got an opportunity to meet extended family and friends. There were many IAS/IPS/KAS officers around, whom i knew personally and got opportunities to socialise. The experiences gave me a lot of exposure and somehow shaped my aspirations. With the Shah Faesal Sir, Rayees bhai clearing the civil services exam in 2010, my ambition of getting into civil service appeared closer. One person whom I call my mentor for Civil Services is Mr Shoaib Noor, JKAS Officer. MA: What inspired you to pursue the UPSC examination? Haamid Bukhari: Childhood dream, Bollywood movies depicting IPS officer characters, etc., were childhood inspirations. However, the real purpose of being in public service I realised years later while pursuing the preparations for Civils, is the impact you create with your work. MA: How did you approach your preparation strategy and routine? Haamid Bukhari: I joined Jamia Hamdard Residential Coaching Academy (JHRCA) to get an environment to customise my preparations and keep it specific to civil services. The routine was 6-8 hours of study per day in the in-house library of Jamia Hamdard University. Plus was privileged to find good companions during preparation like Bilal Mohiddudin Bhat IAS, Shahnawaz Bhat IFS, Shakeel Maqbool ICAS, Prof Shaveta Chandwani, Navjot Simmi IPS, etc. MA: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Haamid Bukhari: Couldnt clear the exam in my first two attempts, primarily for the reason that I couldnt complete the papers in MAINS exam. The challenge appeared to remain relevant with the exam-oriented content and to present it in the exam concisely. In the third attempt, wrote 4-5 test papers before writing the final examination. MA: How did you stay motivated during difficult phases of preparation? Haamid Bukhari: My parents used to say that you have burned all of your boats. I had perceived that i have nothing to fall back upon. This made me realise that clearing UPSC Civil Services Exam should be a do-or-die for me. This kept an ideological sword hanging over my head. I was fortunate to have cleared it in my third attempt at the age of 24. MA: What do you think was the turning point in your journey? Haamid Bukhari: The turning point was shifting to Jamia Hamdard, where i could get an opportunity and the environment that made me dedicated to having an exclusive focus on the exam. MA: What key lessons did you learn throughout this process? Haamid Bukhari: Thorough understanding of the subject matter with clear basics lay the foundational plinth, plus following your daily routine with strict discipline on a consistent basis, patience, and perseverance are the cardinal virtues. MA: Looking back, what would you do differently? Haamid Bukhari: If given a chance, would have studied mu Bachelors as well as Masters from JNU. JNU is an institute of excellence for Social Sciences. MA: How do you see your role in public service? Haamid Bukhari: Public Service to me means governance at the footsteps of citizens. It is like facilitation to create a fulfilling business environment. However at the same time, my public service mandate is to enforce the laws, regulate corporate sector and create an enabling environment to achieve the goal of a developed India. MA: Which areas of governance are you most passionate about? Haamid Bukhari: Economic Security architecture, Market Intelligence, Enforcement action for violation of laws, formalisation of more and more business structures and complete dismantling of the Ecosystem and Infrastructure of Shell companies. MA: What changes would you like to contribute to at the policy or ground level? Haamid Bukhari: To enforce Companies Act on the ground in both letter and spirit and all the 8000 companies in my jurisdiction should be complaint companies including the Government Companies. Wont hesitate taking actions any deviations and flouting of laws. ROC (Registrar of Companies) Functioning & Corporate Governance MA: Could you briefly explain the role and functioning of the Registrar of Companies (ROC)? Haamid Bukhari: ROCs have the mandate to function as Registry for all the corporate structures incorporated within its jurisdiction mainly companies and Limited liability partnerships. ROC acts as the Regulator for companies, right from the birth of the company to the death/winding up. There is a huge and elaborate Companies Act, 2013 that ROCs have to enforce within its jurisdiction. ROC has the power to conduct Investigations and Inspections, file prosecutions for deviant companies and violations. There are dedicated specialised courts in each state for dealing with the matters of Chargesheets filed by ROCs. ROC is empowered with Search and Seizure powers besides filing prosecutions in the courts. Also ROC functions as Adjudicating Officer for certain offences and can levy penalties as high as above 2 Crore. MA: How important is ROC in ensuring corporate transparency and compliance? Haamid Bukhari: Whatever companies do, they have to report everything to ROC electronically and get the documents registered with ROC. The examples are like Board meetings, filing of financial statements, Balance-sheets, CSR filings, taking of loans and its usage, deposits, disclosures of Related parties, significant beneficiary ownership etc. Inshort everything a company does, has to be reported to the ROC and in most of the matters, have to take approvals from the Regulator. To ensure compliance, ROC is empowered by the law to impose penalties. ROC can strike off companies permanently in certain cases. ROC can file prosecution in designated special courts against the companies. MA: What are the common challenges faced by businesses in dealing with ROC procedures? Haamid Bukhari: May be in J&K, there was not much awareness about ROC offices. In 2019, Ministry of Corporate Affairs made the Srinagar office effectively operational and the office started creating awareness programs, with a laser like focus. The business community was also made aware about the laws and enforcements that ROC does. ROC office struck off some 800-1000 companies. Srinagar office made an outreach with business community and made them aware about the mandatory compliances. ROC Office also imposed penalties worth Lakhs on some companies for violation of companies laws. MA: In your opinion, how can ROC processes be simplified for small businesses and startups? Haamid Bukhari: It is very simple. Registration of company is totally automatic process and one gets the company incorporated within 6-8 hours instantly through the establishment of Central Registration Centre. There are numerous exemptions for smaller businesses and startups and these exemptions are evolving in nature. MA: How effective has digitization been in improving ROC services? Haamid Bukhari: MCA21 is the first successful e-gov project in the Government of India, and i feel privileged that Ministry of Corporate Affairs and its field offices like ROCs are 100% digital. The digitisation mode is implemented in ROCs for more than 15 years now. MA: What reforms would you suggest to strengthen corporate governance through ROC systems? Haamid Bukhari: Let me begin the work first. Have joined the office this week only. Reforms would come while having the interaction with all the stakeholders, strengthening the feedback loop in the system. I am very clear on the aspect of enforcement, regulation as well as developmental role my office should play, in shaping the good corporate governance. Advice for Aspirants MA: What advice would you give to UPSC aspirants, especially those from smaller regions? Haamid Bukhari: Sky is the limit. If you really aspire to clear UPSC Civil Services, keep a track of developments around and inculcate a habit of reading newspapers. This exam requires a repository of knowledge, and one needs to be well-read and well-informed. There is plenty of free material available on the Internet. MA: How should aspirants balance consistency and mental well-being? Haamid Bukhari: By staying in close contact with the family and loved ones. This exam exhausts you mentally. It is very important to be emotionally charged positively. MA: What common mistakes should they avoid? Haamid Bukhari: Dont study too many books. Read the basic NCERT Books as prescribed. Read the single standard book for each of the subjects of General Studies. Be an expert in your optional Subject. Do keep a track of current affairs of the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Read the newspaper daily. Practice any one test series available in the market. Message to Youth MA: What message would you like to share with the youth of Kashmir and the country? Haamid Bukhari: Pursue your dreams in whatever field you aspire for. Dont be limited to Civil Services. Sky is the limit. MA: How can young people contribute meaningfully to nation-building? Haamid Bukhari: By innovative ideas. By implementing them institutionally.

Political battle with interesting overtones

There are many firsts to the credit of the current central dispensation, both in its governance and political formats. Mostly the firsts, for the purpose of claiming credit, are related to success and Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi leads from the front to claim credit and rightly too. What about the first of a different variety, a failure? The unfavourable outcome of the Constitution (131 st Amendment) Bill, 2026, related to the tricky issue of Womens Reservation in the legislatures but focused on equally contentious delimitation of constituencies, in Lok Sabha has sprung surprise across the board. The Congress-led opposition, which has been at the receiving end both inside and outside Parliament for the last over a decade, suddenly tasted a victory and a sweeter one. However, the bigger story is about the strategy of the ruling party (read government) and its subsequent failure-behind the episode beginning with convening of the special session and subsequent fiasco on the floor of the Lower House, causing consternation in the BJP camp. Although it is still to be seen how the Womens Reservation issue in its latest manifestation unfolds in the ongoing set of assembly elections, it has given rise to a vital question about the veracity of strategy behind the episode. And also, who had planned the entire issue. Even if the BJP wins, dislodging Ms Mamta Banerjee in West Bengal (the mother of all contests in this phase), one must come to know about the real intent and name of the strategist or group of strategists. Surely and true to his style Mr Modi will lead from the front in claiming credit for victory against her. However, the story will take a different twist if despite an all-out effort BJP fails to defeat Trinamool Congress. In such an eventuality in the now Modi versus Mamta contest that is dominating the poll narrative in the state, the possibility is either look for a scapegoat or simply gloss over the issue through maintaining golden silence which has been the part of BJPs strategy during the last decade or so. The former option is a possibility but the latter has no chance as the galvanized opposition particularly Ms Banerjee will directly target Mr Modi and is not going to rest whatever be the outcome of the assembly elections. The Congress and the BJP are ideologically diametrically opposite and are apart like north and south poles. The only commonality between the two brands is the mystery on who the strategists or advisors to their top leaders are. Who are the advisors of Mr Rahul Gandhi or the party strategists? Who is advising Mr Modi? These questions are often heard in Delhis political and power circles but without any clue or answer. This mystery is a shift from the past Indira Gandhi era to later Vajpayee regime. All through, particularly during the Prime Ministership of these two towering leaders the line-up of advisors and political strategists was well-defined and in the public domain. But not now. In case of Mr Gandhi, at times, serious doubts arise whether he has any advisors at all or the Congress has any strategy at all? There, though, is a small distinction on this issue between the two parties. Home Minister and former BJP president Mr Amit Shah is publically known as the chief strategist and enjoys the sobriquet of Chankya. The Congress does not have even such a thing. Clearly, outcome of the special session of Parliament has shifted the focus from opposition (read Congress- though the party found overwhelming mention In Prime Ministers special address to the nation, thereby giving rise to another controversy) to the BJP and more so on Mr Modi as he inimitably was the master of ceremonies. As an immediate follow up he lost no time in raking up the issue, of opposition ditching the women on Reservation issue, in his poll campaign and the women cadres lost no time in hitting the road. Whosoever was the strategist, the following questions will haunt him or her in the days come. 1. Why need for a special session of Parliament when the Budget Session was already on? 2. What was the logic of moving the Constitution Amendment Bill when the BJP-led alliance was way short of two-thirds majority, a prerequisite to get a Constitutional Amendment Bill passed? 3. Did the strategists take the Congress and other opposition parties far-granted assuming that they will fall in line on the gender-sensitive issue, particularly in the midst of elections, at the cost of ignoring the attached more contentious delimitation proposition? 4. Was any understanding arrived at with parties such as Trinamool Congress, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT) or Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) which misfired at the logical moment? 5. Was attaching the delimitation condition to the already passed Womens Reservation Bill in 2023, a miscalculation or a case of over-confidence? 6. Or was it a calculated move to further hold back the Womens Reservation issue in line with the thinking of many in the Sangh Parivar knowing well that the Bill could be defeated? 7. Why a knee jerk reaction in notifying the 2023 unanimously passed Womens Reservation Bill in the dead of night after defeat of the Constitutional Amendment Bill? 8. Why was the Bill held back from notification for nearly two years? Replying to these questions will be an acid-test for the ruling dispensation or its strategists as the divided opposition has been delivered an opportunity on platter to rejuvenate themselves. A win or loss in the five state assembly elections, in this backdrop, will definitely provide a handle to the Congress and its regional allies to set their future course ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections provided their leaders keep their inflated egos under check and resist allurements and threats from the central dispensation. The defeat of the Constitutional Amendment Bill is certainly a loss of face for the BJP-led alliance and particularly the Narendra Modi dispensation. This is also the first of its kind for them since 2014, ever since the Modi juggernaut went on the roll using variety of weapons in its armoury, to have lost a legislative battle. Whether it is a miscalculation or a case of over-confidence, both these factors were alien to the combo of Modi-Shah as all their missions were perfected to the last detail till the fall of this Constitutional Amendment Bill. It will be interesting to know the details of the plan and whether it was based on the premise to turn the defeat on the floor of Lok Sabha into victory. It became evident in the immediate protests by the BJPs leaders and women activists targeting Congress and other opposition parties. The fact remains Congress has been their prime target in this operation, indirectly giving credit to Mr Gandhi for this victory.

Kashmirs Commercial Floriculture

Kashmir has a great potential for the commercial floriculture. This segment of business activity can boost our local economy but what is required is a vibrant policy that has its ears to the needs and requirements of the local growers. Pertinently, the department of Floriculture in Kashmir is playing good role in promoting and expanding the floriculture industry in the region; presently nearly 278 gardens and parks spread over more than 10600 kanals are maintained by the department. Flower cultivation, nursery development and seed production are some of the key functions of the Department of Floriculture. In recent years, commercial Floriculture has emerged as a promising sector in the region, offering opportunities, enhancing tourism, and contributing to the agriculture economy. This sector has witnessed remarkable growth over past some time with flower cultivation transforming into viable source of income for numerous growers through innovation. The department has played a pivotal role in promoting scientific flower cultivation expanding floriculture infrastructure, establishment of modern poly-houses, distribution of high-quality planting material and regular training workshops for growers in and outside the valley on scientific floriculture practices. The J&K government has been actively endorsing commercial floriculture in the region, identifying its potential to uplift the local economy and provide employment opportunities to people. The J&K government has approved Rs 39 crore mega project to boost commercial floriculture, expected to provide direct employment to 2,000 people and create 330 new enterprises. commercial Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) like MIDH, RKVY and ATMA are being implemented to promote Commercial Floriculture, providing training and financial assistance to farmers. Under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) the flower growers are provided financial subsidy for the components viz ornamental nurseries, aromatic (Lavender) units, water resources and vermicompost units, tubular polyhouse, tubular shade net house, purchase of high value plant material viz Gerbera, Carnation, Rose, Lilium, cultivation of aromatic plants etc., for livelihood generation and promotion of commercial floriculture in Kashmir division. Under Agriculture Extension (ATMA) Scheme the department is organizing and providing regular comprehensive trainings programs /exposure visits to growers and entrepreneurs within and outside Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrations, kissan goshties and district level exhibitions for the registered flower growers, in order to make them aware with the modern scientific practices in fast growing floriculture sector. Commercial floriculture Kashmir has changed the quality of lives of flower growers including women flower growers in whole of Kashmir division with many switching to lavender farming under the Aroma Mission or Purple Revolution. Farmers have reported increased income and employment opportunities with some hiring additional manpower to meet growing demand. The mission promotes cultivation of aromatic crops for essential oils which are in high demand. The commercial floriculture provides 50% of financial assistance and subsidy for various activities including construction of polyhouses to create a controlled environment for growing high value flowers and other crops, shade nets to provide protection from excessive sunlight and improve crop quality, tube wells to ensure a reliable water supply for irrigation, vermicompost to promote organic farming practices and improve soil fertility, plant material to support the cultivation of high quality flowers and other crops. These incentives aim to raise commercial floriculture productivity and increase income of flower growers in the region. In order to get registered with the Directorate of Floriculture Kashmir as a registered flower grower for availing the financial assistance/subsidy from Government it is mandatory to meet the requirements as provided under the policy. In conclusion, the department aims to further expand commercial floriculture through advanced cultivation technologies, improved market access and additional flower grower participation ensuring sustainable growth of the sector that can transform livelihoods and strengthen the economy. Royal Spring Golf Course, Srinagar

When war travels home

Thousands of people from Kashmir have come back from Gulf countries, including Iran. Most of them are students, businesspeople, and workers. Now that they are home, they are praying for peace so they can go back to their studies, jobs, and businesses. The missile and drone attacks may have stopped, but the uncertainty is still there. After nearly 40 days of heavy conflict that started on February 28, a weak ceasefire is now in place in parts of West Asia. However, this ceasefire has not brought full relief. In fact, tensions are still high. Problems in the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global markets and supply chains. Travel and transport in the region have also been badly hit. Shipping routes are disrupted, insurance costs have risen, and both sea and land transport are under pressure. Air travel has also been affected, making For India, these problems are not far away. Their impact is being felt directly by families and businesses. The war may have paused, but its effects are still growing. A key issue behind this situation is that a large number of Indians abroad are based in the Gulf. According to data from Indias Ministry of External Affairs, as reported by The Week magazine, more than 3.43 crore Indians live abroad, and over 1.71 crore of them are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Around 56% of these NRIs live in the Middle East, mainly in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. This has been a strong point for Indias economy for many years, but now it is also becoming a risk. As oil markets are still unstable and economies in the region are working under uncertainty even after the ceasefire, early signs of trouble are now visible in Gulf job markets. Construction projects are getting delayed, tourism has reduced, supply chains are not running smoothly, and hiring in the private sector is slowing down. For millions of Indian workers, especially those who are semi-skilled or working in sectors that depend heavily on economic conditions, this means there is growing fear about job security. Remittances, which have historically served as a lifeline for several Indian families,are beginning to show early signs of strain. families back home are anxious.for many, the gulf is not just a workplace; it is the foundation ofintergenerational mobility. a prolonged period of instability, even withoutactive fighting, risks breaking that ladder. the uncertainty is not confined to workers alone. indianentrepreneurs and investors who had set their sights on gulf markets are nowrecalibrating. property investments in cities like dubai are being deferred.business expansion plans are on hold. the gulf dream, once seen as stable andpredictable, is suddenly fragile. indias dependence on west asian energy makes the situationeven more precarious. the strategic strait of hormuz, through which asignificant portion of the worlds oil supply passes, remains under disruption.the lingering blockade and heightened security risks have kept shipping flowsuncertain. many indians sailors are working for merchant ships across theglobe. they are professionals and perhaps most affected. back home, families areworried about the vulnerability they face at sea in the present circumstances. india imports nearly 80% of its crude oil, and a large shareof it passes through this narrow route. so far, the government has managed tokeep fuel prices under control with the help of subsidies and strategicreserves. however, this is putting pressure on government finances. inflationis now starting to show across sectors such as transport, food and electricity.for common people, the impact is gradual but steady. transport costs are goingup. small businesses are finding it difficult to handle rising expenses.families are cutting down on spending. the war may have slowed for now, but itseconomic impact is still being felt. Jammu & Kashmir: Where the Impact Cuts Deepest If the national impact is significant, the consequences forJammu & Kashmir are particularly severe. The regions economic structure,deeply intertwined with Gulf remittances, exports, and migration, makes ituniquely exposed. Thousands of families in the Union Territory depend directlyon income sent from relatives working in the Gulf. As fears of job losses grow,so does anxiety back home.

Maachh, Mandate & Missing Names: Bengals voter list goes off the menu

Voter lists in West Bengal have seen many names removed. This has caused anger and accusations of conspiracy. Many believe this is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters. However, the author suggests this is due to administrative errors. The process has affected millions across India. The focus remains on the upcoming Kolkata vote.

In the age of noise!

We live in a time where silence has almost disappeared. Someone is always speaking, on screens, in rooms, across timelines, and much of what is said doesnt just pass by; it sticks. A stray remark can sit in the mind for hours. A casual judgment can follow you into the night. Slowly, without noticing, we begin to carry voices that were never meant to stay. This is where a harder question must be asked: who has earned the right to occupy your inner space? Not every word deserves that privilege. Not every opinion should be allowed to echo in your head long after it is spoken. If we fail to draw that line, we end up living not by conviction, but by accumulation, of comments, criticisms, and borrowed anxieties. For a believer, the starting point is not uncertain. The words of Allah, as preserved in the Quran, do not clutter the mind; they clear it. They do not weigh the heart down; they return it to balance. In the same way, the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was never meant to confuse life, but to make it liveable with dignity and restraint. These are not voices you carry as burden, they are what help you put burdens down. Then come parents. Their words are not always easy, and not always perfectly expressed, but they are rarely empty. Behind them sits a lifetime of concern that cannot be outsourced or replicated. You may disagree, even resist, but to treat their voice as just another opinion in the crowd is to misunderstand its weight. A spouse enters a different kind of space, not above, not below, but alongside. Here, words are not distant observations; they are part of shared living. What is said within a marriage has consequences that cannot be brushed aside. Yet even here, the aim is not to accumulate hurt or replay every sentence, but to engage, resolve, and move forward without letting the mind become a storage place for unresolved fragments. Outside this circle, the world opens up, and with it, the real test begins. Friends, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers, and now entire digital crowds, everyone has something to say. Some of it may be useful. Much of it is not. The mistake we often make is not in listening, but in holding on. We give permanence to passing words. We grant emotional authority to people who have no real stake in our lives. A comment made in seconds can sit in the mind for days, not because it was profound, but because we allowed it in without question. This is how unnecessary weight builds up. Not through great tragedies, but through small, repeated acts of unfiltered acceptance. There is also a quieter misunderstanding that needs correction. To say that children are not yours is not to reduce their value, but to restore proportion. They are a trust, not an extension of ego. You care for them, shape them, and learn from them, but you do not hand over your inner balance to every word they speak. Affection does not require surrender of judgment. What, then, does it mean to live wisely in such a world? It means learning to hear without collecting. To engage without absorbing. To respect others without allowing them to define your inner state. It means recognizing that the heart and mind are not public spaces, they are private domains, and entry should be earned, not assumed. This is not detachment. It is discipline. Because once you begin to carry every voice, you slowly lose your own. And when that happens, even silence feels crowded. Obeida Ashraf is a teacher by profession

Mar-a-lagoman can say whatever he wants, but Iran is so the epicentre of cool

Iran's rich history and cultural contributions are highlighted. Ancient Persia boasted advanced civilizations. Iranian language and cinema have deeply influenced India. Iconic dishes and influential figures originate from Iran. The nation's legacy extends globally, shaping art, culture, and everyday life for many.

Mary Jane shoes return: Comfort meets power dressing in 2026

The Mary Jane shoe, traditionally viewed as a practical choice, has undergone a stylish transformation. Now, it embodies a blend of sophisticated design and all-day comfort, pivotal in redefining contemporary attire. This evolution echoes the shifting landscape of formal fashion, where the boundaries between elegance and ease blur.

A4 Age

Popular Turkish author, Elif Shafak, believes that we are living in the age of three As Anxiety, Anger and AI . It is hard to disagree. Look around. Anxiety is everywhere. Tacit. Persistent. It lives in notifications, deadlines, uncertainty. It hums in the background of everyday life. For Anger, we see it as louder. It spills into conversations. Into social media. Into homes. People react faster than they reflect. Making anger more lethal. And then there is AI. Fast. Efficient. Expanding. It writes. It responds. It predicts. It changes how we work. How we learn. How we relate. So, these 3As are three strong forces. All powerful. All shaping how we feel and how we behave. But Elif Shafak adds a fourth A. Less visible. More dangerous. Its Apathy. Not loud like anger. Not restless like anxiety. Not disruptive like AI. Apathy is silent. It does not shout. It withdraws. It is when suffering becomes just another passing headline; when we stop caring; when we stop feeling deeply; and when injustice becomes routine. Apathy is when the heart goes numb. And that is where the real danger begins. Because a society driven by anxiety can still seek help. A society filled with anger can still debate, even if harshly. A world shaped by AI can still question. But what about a society consumed by apathy?!! It stops responding. It scrolls past pain. It ignores loneliness. It normalises neglect. And slowly, without noise, it becomes frigid. We are already seeing signs of it. A child struggling is called normal. A senior sitting alone is expected. A person in distress is not our problem. We have explanations for everything, but empathy for very little. The speed of life has reduced the depth of feeling. We react. We move on. We forget. This is where something unexpected begins to matter again. Its Literature. Not as a subject. Not as an exam. But as resistance. To read is not just to gather information. It is to pause. To enter another mind. To feel without interruption. Reading slows you down. And in slowing down, it brings you closer; closer to yourself and to others. When you read, you cannot remain indifferent. You meet people you have never known. You experience pain that is not yours. You understand lives you would never live. And something shifts. You begin to feel again. In a world pushing you to react quickly, reading asks you to stay. To sit with discomfort. To think beyond yourself. It keeps you breathable. That is a powerful word. Breathable means alive. Able to absorb. Able to respond. Apathy, on the other hand, makes you rigid. Closed. Unaffected. Distant. Literature breaks that rigidity. It reminds you that behind every statistic is a story. Behind every label is a person. It reconnects you to the human condition. And perhaps, more importantly, it reminds you that you are not alone. In anxiety, you feel isolated. In anger, you feel divided. In the presence of AI, you feel replaced. But in reading, you feel connected. Across time. Across geography. Across experience. You realise that others have felt what you feel. Faced what you face. Survived what you fear. That quiet reassurance matters. Especially now. Because the real crisis is not just technological or emotional. It is relational. We are losing connection. With others. With ourselves. And when connection fades, apathy grows. So what do we do? We do not fight AI. We learn to use it. We do not deny anxiety. We learn to manage it. We do not suppress anger. We learn to understand it. However, we must resist apathy. Deliberately. Actively. And one of the simplest ways to do that is to read. To grab a book. To pulse the pages. To stay with a story. To allow yourself to feel. Because in the end, the future will not just be decided by technology or politics. It will be decided by whether we continue to bother. Whether we remain capable of empathy. Whether we choose to stay human. In the age of anxiety, anger and AI, the real question is not what we are building. It is what we are becoming. And if, in the midst of all this maddening noise, we still have the guts to feel and behave like humans.

Lieutenant Governor Assents to Private Universities Bill

The Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Manoj Sinha, has given assent to The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 , passed by the Assembly on April 14, 2026. This has paved the way for the Ministry of Education to frame rules for the establishment of private universities. Reportedly, the government has already received proposals from various bodies for setting up universities. This is an opportune time for concerned citizens and thoughtful sections of society to deliberate on issues basic to the governance of universities in general, and private universities in particular. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has justified the bill by envisioning Jammu and Kashmir as an education hub, which is indeed a very high aspiration. Developing the region as a hub would require adopting models similar to Pune or London in terms of educational governance. It is therefore essential to catalogue the issues that policymakers must consider to ensure the success of private universities in J&K where people previously experienced the best of the welfare state model of development. Context The issue of private universities has emerged at a time when we are witnessing the erosion of the degree as the sole marker of a students career path. We live in an era where outcomes matter more than optics, and impact carries greater weight than mere expansion. Universities and colleges are now judged by graduate readiness and the ability of students to navigate a complex world shaped by emerging technologies. About 70 percent of IT companies have already integrated AI into their recruitment processes. Management gurus claim that universities are no longer one-time degree providers but continuous talent development platforms that prioritize intellectual growth, skills, and lifelong learning. In these changing times, higher education for youth should revolve around key dimensions: Degree, Dignity, Delivery, Dreams, Determination, and Discipline. Several concerns that have engaged the attention of this author over time merit deeper discussion. Grammar of Governance Peninsular states in India, such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have taken an early lead in the privatization of higher education and have laid a strong foundation for quality institutions. Notable examples include Vellore Institute of Technology, Azim Premji University, and SRM University. These institutions have contributed to creating a favourable policy environment for private higher education. In Jammu and Kashmir partners and stakeholdersincluding institutions and policymakersmust approach this sector with openness and a willingness to learn about the regions unique social and economic context. Some leading academics argue that public higher education institutions have atrophied and turned into intellectual dead zones while producing graduates oriented toward limited government employment. Professor Apoorvanand describe public universities as expanding deserts. There is thus significant scope for both learning and unlearning as we move toward experimenting with new models of private universities. It is important to study best practices from across the world while designing a new academic architecture. The private and foreign universities are entering India at a time when countrys higher education market is currently valued at Rs 6.2 lakh crore as per Niti Aayogs 2025 report. A BSc course at the university of Southampton is priced at around Rs 80 lakh to Rs one crore in UK campus but about Rs 40 lakh in an Indian campus. The high fees charged by private universities remain a point of contention. Private institutions justify these costs by citing the need to attract top faculty and build modern infrastructure. In China, government authorities often accuse private institutions of manipulating policy for profit, while the institutions, in turn, argue that they are denied sufficient autonomy to operate effectively within market conditions. The debate over whether higher education is a public or private good continues to dominate academic discourse, with huge literature being produced on the subject. In recent decades, a market-driven model of development has led to a growing policy preference for treating higher education as a private good. Consequently, government investment in higher education has declined, even as private players are encouraged to expand access. As the state gradually withdraws from direct involvement, it simultaneously promotes private participation to develop the education sector. Human resource expert Richard Hopper notes that in Bangladesh, many privileged individuals believe taxpayer money should not fund higher education, as its benefits accrue primarily to individuals rather than society. Similarly, in Romania, following the collapse of communist regimes, even public institutions saw a rise in tuition fees, as observed in many countries adopting neoliberal governance models. Increasingly, privileged sections also question the link between equity and higher education, treating equity as a diminishing concern. This has led to pressure on public universities to introduce self-financed courses and generate their own resources. In some cases, administrators have even considered unconventional revenue models, such as commercial ventures within campuses. Scholarships for Students The provision of scholarships is crucial to the very conception of a good private university. A robust scholarship system ensures inclusivity and fosters a vibrant academic environment. This requires a multifaceted approach that combines institutional funding with external sources. The key strategies include establishing endowed scholarships through alumni contributions, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants. It is noteworthy that the number of higher education institutions in India has increased from 51,534 in 201415 to over 70,000 in 202526, according to the latest Economic Survey of the Government of India. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) stands at 29.5% (202223). For students across social backgrounds, the primary consideration for admission to top private universities is access to scholarships. Institutions must develop innovative scholarship frameworks by collaborating with national and global organizations. Even for students admitted to globally renowned universities such as Harvard or Princeton, the availability of financial aid is often a decisive factor alongside institutional prestige. For instance, Ashoka University provides full scholarships to about 20% of its students, while nearly half receive some form of financial assistance. The Indian School of Business (ISB) has built a donor-supported scholarship ecosystem, awarding 250280 scholarships annually. Similarly, Shiv Nadar University offers various merit-cum-means scholarships based on academic performance and financial need. First-generation learners without backlogs may receive up to a 75% fee waiver, while others may receive up to 50%. Financial aid provisions are also available at institutions like O.P. Jindal Global University, which offers a wide range of scholarships across disciplines. The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship (2026) provides merit-cum-means support to Indian students from Class XI through postgraduate and PhD levels, with a focus on underprivileged sections. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees partially or fully and may also include living stipends. Conclusion There are additional issues that require serious attention from policymakers and institutional leaders involved in establishing private universities. It is essential that individuals with a sense of mission and commitment play a central role in shaping these institutions. As an old Chinese saying goes: If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if you think in terms of ten years, plant a tree; if you think in terms of a hundred years, educate people. Prof Gull M Wani is a Kashmir based Political Scientist

Trump tells Fox News he's no longer sending Witkoff, Kushner to Pakistan for Iran talks

Islamabad, Apr 25: President Donald Trump says he told top US envoys not to travel to Pakistan to negotiate with Iran, telling Fox News that hey can call us anytime they want. In a brief phone interview Saturday, Trump told Fox News that he told US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner you're not going to be making any more 18 hour flights to sit around talking about nothing. Trump also said of the US side we have all the cards. His comments came after the White House said Friday that Witkoff and Kushner would be heading to Pakistan for another round of negotiations with Iran.

Lieutenant Governor attends national 'Chintan Shivir' on Sports in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 25: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed national Chintan Shivir on Sports at Srinagar. The three-day event organised by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports focuses on key policy challenges in sports, strengthening Centre-States/UTs coordination and charting a comprehensive roadmap to transform India into a global sporting superpower. The event is being attended by Sports Ministers from various states, sports administrators, Principal Secretaries from states and representatives from National Sports Federations. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of nurturing a sports culture at the grassroots, beginning in villages and local communities. True champions rarely emerge solely from elite academies; they are discovered in small towns, neighbourhoods, and local clubs, where academies later refine their raw talent, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also stated that sports must become woven into everyday life, extending beyond stadiums and competitions to thrive in neighbourhoods, streets, and open fields, becoming part of daily routines. The Lieutenant Governor also urged Sports Ministers and Sports Administrators, participating in the event to provide physical teachers in schools all the resources they require to support and nurture talents. Physical education teachers in schools are often undervalued compared to their counterparts in science or mathematics. This mindset must change. Every Physical Education teacher plays a vital role in Indias journey toward becoming a sporting superpower. They deserve respect, recognition, and resources to identify and nurture young talent, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said that beyond medals, sports must be harnessed as a force for social transformation Infrastructure alone is not enough; it must be aligned with purposeful initiatives. Schools, communities, local administrations, and families must collaborate to create ecosystems where every young athlete finds a platform, whether on a running track, football field, basketball court or swimming pool to discover their potential, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that our strength lies in harmonizing national vision with local execution, ensuring central schemes reach villages brimming with talent. He also observed that best practices from one state must be freely shared and replicated across others. We must establish systems that identify and propel rural youth talent, supported by scientific, accessible, and unbiased mechanisms. Sports infrastructure must be fully and efficiently utilized, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also called upon the corporate sector to support in building a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem, which the government alone cannot achieve. He said Corporates, with their resources and social responsibility, must step forward not merely as sponsors but as co-architects of this national mission. I urge sports councils, federations, administrators, experts, industry leaders, and officials from across the country to craft a strategic development plan aligned with international events. India is rich with gifted athletes. Our responsibility is to bridge the gap between gifted talent and opportunity. Strengthening grassroots sports ecosystems is not merely an aspiration but a duty, the Lieutenant Governor said.

GOC Northern Command reviews operational preparedness at forward posts in Ladakh

Ladakh, Apr 25: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-Chief) Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma today reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed at forward posts in Ladakh. He was briefed about the prevailing security situation and ongoing developments in the region. The GOC commended the troops for their grit, resilience, and unwavering commitment while operating in extreme conditions, motivating all ranks to persist in their pursuit for excellence in safeguarding the nations frontiers in one of the most challenging environments.