Opinion

Iran makes new strait demands, UAE says ship was targeted and other Middle East news

Dubai, Aug 09: Iran issued dramatic new demands around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the United Arab Emirates said one of its ships was targeted by an Iranian missile. Yemen's military attacked the country's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. And Turkiye's Kurdish peace bill won approval in parliament. Here's a look at developments across the Middle East on Saturday. Full coverage can be found here. Iran says the strait won't open until the US corrects' its behaviour Iran's politburo-like body known as the Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States corrects its behaviour, issuing new demands that could shake up talks on a deal to manage the waterway and traffic on it. Iran's state broadcaster published the statement by the council's secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander in the powerful Revolutionary Guard. The United States must never threaten Iran again, the statement said, and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. The US must lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the area. It also must completely compensate Iran for war damage, lift sanctions and unconditionally release frozen assets. There was no immediate comment from the US, which has wanted an acceptable deal first on the strait before ending the blockade. According to the interim deal signed in June, a schedule to end sanctions and plan on compensation would be part of the final deal, and negotiations would address frozen assets. A 60-day period to negotiate a final deal will end in just over a week but could be extended. Iran has said it was close to reaching a separate deal with Oman to manage the strait, which runs between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier Saturday said they were close to reaching an agreement on navigation, specifically the determination of a transit route. But the waterway's reopening is contingent on other conditions, he said in remarks shared on social media, and blamed the situation on what he called the US violation of the interim deal. Oman, a mediator Gulf Arab country which has said relatively little on the talks, said in a statement Saturday that the discussions were ongoing in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and condemned attacks on ships on the strait. The strait, crucial to global supplies of oil and natural gas, had been considered an international waterway before the war. Ship transits remain low. Iran attacks a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE says A vessel owned by Abu Dhabi's state-owned ADNOC oil and gas company was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Emirati authorities said earlier Saturday. The Foreign Ministry said Iran fired the missile as part of attacks on commercial shipping. ADNOC in a statement said there were no casualties following the attack early Saturday. The company said over a dozen of its vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones while transiting the strait since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran in February. One crew member has been killed and 20 others wounded, it said. ADNOC didn't elaborate on the attack's location or any damage. Later, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said a vessel east of the town of Khasab, Oman, had been struck by a projectile that caused a fire that was put out, with the vessel and crew safe. It was not clear whether this was the ADNOC incident. A defence deal is not aimed at any third country, Turkiye says A defence agreement that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed on Friday is not aimed against any third country, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. It says an attack on one would be considered an attack on all three. Fidan told Turkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency on Saturday that the countries do not view any state as an adversary unless it takes hostile action against them: We don't have anything written down nothing we've signed that defines a common threat. Asked how the mutual defense mechanism would work, Fidan said a member would formally request help and the two countries' assistance could range from intelligence-sharing to logistics support or the deployment of military units. The mechanism would establish a secretariat to be based in Saudi Arabia, Fidan said. He said other nations, which he did not name, have expressed interest in joining the agreement, adding that he expects Egypt, which he described as a natural partner, to participate at the next stage. Yemen's military attacks Iran-backed Houthis The attacks were in response to the Houthis' recent strikes in central and eastern Yemen. Col. Majed al-Nazili, spokesperson for Yemen's military, said the attacks targeted the rebels' sites and capabilities on multiple front lines, without elaborating. The escalation between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government and its backer, a Saudi-supported coalition, threatens to reignite Yemen's civil war following a 2022 truce. Turkiye's Kurdish peace bill wins approval in parliament A Turkish draft law aimed at advancing a peace effort with the country's Kurdish insurgents passed its first hurdle in parliament on Saturday. A committee approved the measure. It is expected to be approved in the general assembly next week. Last year, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, declared its decision to disarm and disband as part of the peace initiative aimed at ending the decades-long conflict with the Turkish state. The draft legislation defines the procedures for the group's disarmament and rehabilitation of some PKK members. The measures would come into effect once Turkiye's National Security Council confirms that the group has disbanded and surrendered all weapons. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people since it began in the 1980s. Turkiye and its Western allies consider the group a terrorist organisation.

Massive crackdown on JeI-linked network in Sopore; searches underway at 26 locations

Sopore, Aug 09: Security forces and investigating agencies on Sunday launched a massive crackdown against a suspected network allegedly linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in Sopore and adjoining areas of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. According to officials, search operations are being conducted at 26 locations in connection with a case registered under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the banned organisation. The searches are being carried out as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged activities, links and network associated with the proscribed outfit. Teams of security forces and investigating agencies have been deployed at multiple locations, where searches of residential and other premises are underway. Officials said the operation is aimed at gathering further evidence and establishing the nature of the alleged network and its activities. The searches are part of a wider investigation into individuals and locations suspected to have links with the banned organisation. Security arrangements have also been strengthened in the areas where the searches are being conducted to ensure the operations are carried out smoothly and to prevent any disruption to law and order. Further details, including the outcome of the searches and any recoveries made during the operation, are awaited.

Can Kolkata's Mughlai Paratha get the revival it deserves?

The recent food news has ignited a fresh passion in the culinary scene. Roman pizza is making a comeback, celebrated for its meticulous preparation and premium ingredients. On the flip side, the Mughlai paratha from Kolkata is grappling with decreasing popularity. However, Satyanarayan Restaurant in Beleghata serves an impeccable version. Enhancing hygiene and presentation could be the key to reviving this classic dish's former glory.

Iran President defends Irans talks with US, Europe, stresses sovereignty and regional unity

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended Tehrans decision to engage in negotiations with the United States and European countries, saying Iran is ready for dialogue to protect its national interests but will not accept demands that undermine its sovereignty or defensive capabilities, state news agency IRNA reported. In the final part of an address to the Iranian public, Pezeshkian said Iran had not started the war and that the decision to negotiate was taken to safeguard national interests and avoid unnecessary conflict. He rejected claims that his government had pressured Irans leadership into negotiations, saying major decisions were taken in coordination with the leadership and the countrys security and military institutions. Pezeshkian said Iran had reached understandings with European representatives during earlier diplomatic efforts, but accused European countries of subsequently failing to act independently and pursuing the snapback mechanism despite those understandings. He said diplomacy and military strength were not contradictory, arguing that negotiations could help protect Irans rights and interests. However, Tehran would not agree to dismantling its military or defence capabilities, he said. The Iranian president also stressed that Tehran had no intention of attacking other countries, occupying territory or expanding its borders, saying Iran sought peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. He accused Israel and the US of trying to unite Persian Gulf countries against Iran and said Tehran was working to prevent divisions among regional states. Pezeshkian said relations with neighbouring countries had improved significantly and urged Muslim countries to avoid becoming involved in conflicts with one another. He also warned that internal political divisions in Iran could be exploited by foreign powers. Rejecting reports of differences between his government, the diplomatic establishment and the armed forces over negotiations, Pezeshkian said all major decisions had been taken through the countrys national security structures and were supported by the military and security institutions. He also denied any disagreement with Irans Leader, saying his government had consistently followed the leaderships policies. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for greater unity among Irans neighbours. In a post on X, he said the time had come for countries in the region to rely on ourselves and embrace true brotherhood, adding that Irans armed forces had demonstrated their capability against what he described as the worlds most powerful military.

India, China review LAC situation, stress need to maintain peace

India and China held the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi on August 6, reviewing the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and discussing outstanding boundary issues. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Sujit Ghosh, while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides held frank discussions on the situation along the LAC and underlined that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations. India and China agreed to continue using existing diplomatic and military channels, including the WMCC and local commander-level meetings, to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the LAC. The two sides also held detailed discussions, following the 24th round of Special Representatives talks, on boundary delimitation, border management, mechanism-building and trans-border cooperation. India reiterated the need for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers and stressed the importance of sharing technical details on upstream projects.

CM Omar Abdullah unveils Kashmir Super League jersey

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday met MLA Bani Dr Rameshwar Singh and MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi at Raabita here, who apprised him of various matters concerning their respective constituencies. The Chief Minister, as per an official statement, discussed the issues raised by the legislators and assured that matters pertaining to public welfare and development would receive due consideration. Later, the Chief Minister met a delegation led by Kashmir Super League (KSL) Organiser Mushtaq Bashir, which apprised him of plans for the upcoming Kashmir Super League 2026 in Srinagar. On the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unveiled the jersey and football specially designed for the Kashmir Super League. Meanwhile, in a sperate statement issued by KSL, the official football of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai was formally launched by the Chief Minister of J&K, marking a significant milestone ahead of the second season of the much-awaited football league. Chief Minister commended Hinan Manzoor and Mushtaq Bashir, Founders and Organisers of the Kashmir Super League, for taking the initiative to establish and organise the league, appreciating their efforts towards promoting football and creating a professional platform for local players to showcase their talent. Chief Minister also assured the organisers that he would make every possible effort to grace one of the Kashmir Super League matches. His presence, the organisers said, would serve as a major encouragement for the participating players, franchises and the wider football fraternity of J&K. During the ceremony, Hinan Manzoor and Mushtaq Bashir presented a souvenir Kashmir Super League jersey to the Chief Minister as a mark of respect and appreciation. Adding further strength to the leagues professional ecosystem, NIVIA has come on board as the Official Football Partner for Kashmir Super League Season 2. NIVIA, one of Indias leading sports brands, will provide the official match footballs to be used throughout the tournament. With the official match football now unveiled, the countdown to Kashmir Super League 2026 has officially begun.

NIT Srinagar to host AI Challenge for Kashmiri Translation

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has announced KATHE 2026: AI Challenge for Kashmiri Language Translation, a national-level competition that aims to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for the preservation and advancement of the Kashmiri language. The initiative is being organised by Gaash Lab, NIT Srinagar, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), with the University of Kashmir serving as the academic collaborator and GitHub as the primary sponsor. The competition will conclude with an offline finale on August 21, 2026, at NIT Srinagar, where shortlisted teams will demonstrate their AI models during a live evaluation.

CS sets vision to transform SKIMS into Quaternary Care Hub

Marking a significant administrative milestone and providing a fresh impetus to long-pending developmental initiatives, the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, met after a gap of over five years under Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, setting a clear vision for transforming the premier medical institution into a quaternary healthcare facility and Centre of Excellence in the region. The last meeting of the Standing Finance Committee had been held in August 2021. The revival of the high-level financial and administrative mechanism is expected to accelerate critical infrastructure projects, strengthen institutional capacities and provide a renewed roadmap for the future growth of SKIMS. The meeting was attended by Shailendra Kumar, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance; M. Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education; Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS & EOSG; Prof. (Dr.) Fazal Q. Parray, Principal, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina; and a representative of the Planning Department. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary called upon the SKIMS administration to set a higher institutional benchmark by transforming the institute into a quaternary healthcare facility and a Centre of Excellence for medical institutions across the region. He assured that the Government would extend all possible support to SKIMS for upgrading its capacities in super-speciality healthcare, advanced medical technologies, medical education and cutting-edge research, in line with the original mandate and vision behind establishment of the premier institution. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for an all-round transformation of patient-care services, with SKIMS adopting the latest technologies, treatment protocols and medical practices evolving globally. He maintained that the institute has to be several notches higher in its approach, infrastructure and facilities to meet the emerging healthcare requirements of the region, emphasizing that the institution must continuously benchmark itself against the best national healthcare facilities. He directed the SKIMS administration to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening patient care, infrastructure, equipment, human resources and specialized services, with the objective of ensuring that patients from Jammu and Kashmir do not have to travel outside the region for advanced and highly specialized treatment. The Chief Secretary further emphasized strengthening SKIMS as a Centre of Excellence in medical education and research, particularly in areas such as cancer and other diseases of growing prevalence in the region. He called for greater focus on research-driven healthcare solutions and creation of a pool of highly skilled medical professionals capable of addressing emerging health challenges. He maintained that access to quaternary-level healthcare should be expanded so that people can avail advanced treatment facilities closer to their homes, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Financial Commissioner (ACS), Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar, expressed strong commitment towards supporting an institution of the stature and strategic importance of SKIMS. He emphasized the need for SKIMS to pursue administrative excellence, financial sustainability and greater institutional self-reliance, while continuously setting higher benchmarks in specialized and high-end patient care. Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department, M. Raju, appreciated the efforts of the SKIMS leadership towards strengthening the institute's performance in patient care, academics and research. He reiterated the importance of sustained institutional growth to meet the evolving healthcare requirements of the people. Earlier, Director SKIMS, Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Ashraf Ganie, presented a comprehensive vision for institutional expansion, outlining measures for strengthening tertiary and quaternary healthcare, augmenting specialized human resources, upgrading infrastructure and integrating modern medical technologies. Highlighting SKIMS's pivotal role as the apex healthcare institution of the region, he presented key performance indicators reflecting the institute's extensive service delivery, including lakhs of outpatient visits, thousands of inpatient admissions, complex surgical procedures and a large volume of laboratory and radiological investigations undertaken during the year. The Committee held detailed deliberations on a range of strategic priorities aimed at accelerating the overall development of the institution. It gave a detailed consideration to accord necessary clearances to several critical infrastructure and service-expansion initiatives, including augmentation of Emergency Services through a dedicated Emergency Block, establishment of a Trauma Care Centre and Organ Transplant Unit, and creation of a dedicated OPD Block to cater to the large number of patients seeking outpatient care at SKIMS every day. The Committee further approved the creation of requisite posts for the effective functioning of the State Cancer Institute, besides strengthening the Departments of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS), Nursing and Medical Technology. In a move aimed at strengthening professional training and practical exposure, the Committee also gave the go-ahead for introducing internship programmes for B.Sc. and M.Sc. Nursing students, providing them with structured clinical experience and opportunities to further hone their skills and expertise. The Committee reiterated the Government's firm commitment to providing requisite administrative and financial support for timely implementation of priority projects and institutional expansion plans. The meeting is expected to provide renewed momentum to the development of SKIMS and strengthen its position as a leading regional hub for advanced healthcare, medical education and biomedical research, with the long-term objective of placing the institution among the leading centres of excellence in the country.

AIP appeals to CJI for justice, expeditious bail for Er Rashid

AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi Saturday said that seven years of incarceration of an elected Member of Parliament without the trial reaching its logical conclusion was not merely a legal matter but a serious test of justice, constitutional values and human conscience. Inam was addressing a press conference and flanked by State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq and General Secretary Nazir Ahmad Khan here on the completion of seven years of incarceration of AIP President and Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Er. Rashid Speaking on the occasion, he said: Er Rashid is not merely an accused. He is the democratically elected Member of Parliament from Baramulla, representing nearly 40 percent of Kashmirs population. For seven long years, the democratic voice of his constituents has remained away from the people who elected him, Inam said. Making a humble and heartfelt appeal to the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, Inam urged that Er Rashids bail plea be considered with compassion, urgency and constitutional fairness. He said the judiciary has repeatedly emphasised the importance of personal liberty and the principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception. We are not questioning the judicial process. We have complete faith in the judiciary. Our only request is that justice must not be delayed, particularly when personal liberty is at stake, he said. Inam said that seven years cannot be returned to Er Rashid, his family or his constituents. Seven years with his family cannot be restored, seven years of public service cannot be recovered and seven years of Parliamentary representation cannot be brought back, he said. He also stressed that the consequences of prolonged incarceration were not confined to Er Rashid alone. The suffering is shared by lakhs of voters who placed their trust in their elected representative and whose voice has remained absent for seven years, he said. Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, Inam said the right to life and personal liberty was a fundamental constitutional guarantee and that prolonged incarceration and delay in trial deserved the highest judicial consideration. We are not seeking any special privilege for Er Rashid. We seek equal justice, equal treatment and the protection of constitutional guarantees available to every citizen. Our appeal is not political. It is constitutional and humanitarian, he said. Inam Un Nabi also highlighted what AIP described as a significant development in the proceedings concerning Er Rashid before the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi. According to the proceedings of July 6, 2026, Mohammad Yasin Malik, while appearing through video conferencing, personally submitted before the Court that the investigating agency had wrongly implicated Engineer Rashid by attributing to him the identity of Sheikh Abdul Rashid mentioned in an alleged email. The court proceedings record Yasin Malik as stating that there was another person named Sheikh Abdul Rashid associated with the JKLF and that the investigating agency had wrongly implicated Engineer Rashid in his place. Yasin Malik also submitted an affidavit in this regard, which the Court accepted on record and stated would be considered while passing orders on charge. Inam said this development assumes considerable significance because the attribution of Sheikh Abdul Rashid to Engineer Rashid had been one of the allegations repeatedly relied upon against him. He said the Court record now contains a specific statement from the principal accused disputing that identification. For years, Er Rashid has maintained that the Sheikh Abdul Rashid referred to in the alleged communication was not him but another individual bearing the same name. Today, that very contention has been placed before the Court by Yasin Malik himself and has been supported through an affidavit taken on record, Inam said. He, however, made it clear that the final determination rests with the Court. We are not pre-judging the matter. But if this position is ultimately accepted by the Court, it would seriously undermine one of the foundational allegations that has been repeatedly levelled against Er Rashid, he said. The report records that such a finding could lend substantial support to Er Rashids long-standing contention that he was wrongly identified in relation to this aspect of the case. Inam said the latest development further strengthens the need for the Court to examine the question of personal liberty, prolonged incarceration and the evidentiary basis of the allegations with the utmost sensitivity. While appealing to the Chief Justice of India, Inam Un Nabi said Let justice be timely. Let personal liberty receive the priority it deserves. Let the constitutional principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception be meaningfully upheld. Let compassion, fairness and justice prevail. He also remembered Er Rashids family, who, he said, had endured seven years of separation, uncertainty and emotional hardship, and reiterated AIPs faith in the Supreme Court of India and the Constitution of our country (India).

'Har Ghar Tiranga' must reach every household across J&K: Sat Sharma

J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, along with General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, addressed a series of organizational meetings at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to review preparations for the forthcoming Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and other important party programmes. MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, and BJP General Secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria, and Gopal Mahajan also addressed the meetings. The meetings focused on ensuring the successful implementation of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign across every district, constituency, Mandal, Shakti Kendra, and Booth of Jammu & Kashmir. Senior leaders directed party functionaries to intensify grassroots outreach so that the Tricolour reaches every household and the campaign becomes a true people's movement reflecting the spirit of national unity and patriotism. Sat Sharma, addressing the meetings, said that Har Ghar Tiranga is not merely a campaign but a national mission to honour the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who dedicated their lives for an independent India. He said that Bharat's freedom came after a long and determined struggle against British rule and repeated foreign invasions, making the National Flag a symbol of courage, sacrifice, unity, and national pride. He urged every BJP worker to ensure that the Tricolour flies atop every home in Jammu & Kashmir, adding that patriotism flows through the veins of every Indian and every citizen should proudly display the Tiranga with honour and respect. Ashok Koul emphasized the observance of Vibhajan Vibhishika Diwas to remind the younger generation of the tragic human suffering witnessed during the Partition of Bharat. He said lakhs of innocent people were displaced from their ancestral homes, countless families were massacred, and unimaginable hardships were endured during the country's division. Remembering this painful chapter, he said, strengthens the collective resolve to preserve national unity, social harmony, and the integrity of the nation while ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated

Mian Altaf hails Dr U Kauls writing in Greater Kashmir, saying it earned him recognition

August 9, 1953 a Black Day in J&Ks history: Dr Farooq Abdullah

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Saturday termed the events of August 9, 1953, particularly the unconstitutional arrest and ouster of then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, as a black day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Farooq called upon the Union Government to open a new chapter in the relationship between Srinagar and New Delhi, one founded on mutual trust, democratic principles and constitutional guarantees with the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir serving as the essential first step. Reflecting on the historical significance of the day, Dr Farooq said, 09 August 1953 marked the beginning of a prolonged political and constitutional assault on Jammu and Kashmirs distinctive constitutional position. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a towering symbol of selfless nationalism and patriotism, chose incarceration over submission when confronted with attempts to undermine Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional safeguards and install a pliant dispensation in Srinagar. He said the illegal and unconstitutional arrest of a sitting Prime Minister inflicted a deep and enduring wound on the collective psyche of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The political coup of 1953 shattered the peoples faith in the democratic and constitutional assurances extended to Jammu and Kashmir and sowed the seeds of a profound trust deficit between Srinagar and New Delhi. That wound remains unhealed even today. Had this rupture not taken place, Jammu and Kashmir may well have been spared the prolonged political uncertainty, turmoil and immense human suffering that followed, he said. Dr Farooq reaffirmed that the National Conference remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Jammu and Kashmirs political, constitutional and cultural identity. He said the events of 1953 fundamentally altered the relationship between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union, creating a trust deficit that successive developments only served to deepen. He observed that despite the sacrifices and sustained efforts made by the National Conference to bridge this divide, successive governments in New Delhi continued to approach Jammu and Kashmir predominantly through a security-centric prism, rather than addressing the political and constitutional aspirations of its people. Calling for a decisive reset in CentreJammu and Kashmir relations, Dr Farooq said, The present government has an opportunity to take a historic step towards healing, reconciliation and rebuilding trust by honouring its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Restoration of statehood must be the beginning of a wider process of rights restoration, justice, dignity and mutual respect. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve nothing less.

Residents seek restoration of Smart City bus service to Manigam

Srinagar, Aug 8:Residents of Manigam, Haripora, Arhama, Yarmuqam and adjoining areas have sought immediate restoration of Smart City Bus service which operated between Batamaloo in Srinagar and the Police Training School (PTS) at Manigam. A delegation of residents said the sudden withdrawal of the service has disrupted daily commuting for hundreds of people, particularly students, government employees and police personnel undergoing training at PTS Manigam. They said the Smart City Bus No. 13 had provided an important transport link between the rural areas and Srinagar city, with students relying on the service to attend morning tuition classes as well as colleges and universities. The withdrawal has forced many commuters to depend on private transport, increasing their daily travel expenses and placing an additional financial burden on families, the residents said. They appealed to the Transport Department and the Srinagar Smart City authorities to restore the service at the earliest, saying it was essential for the convenience of the public in the area.

Minister Sakeena Itoo reviews welfare measures for leprosy patients

Srinagar, Aug 8:Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday reviewed welfare and rehabilitation measures for leprosy patients, directing officials to ensure dignified healthcare and social security for affected families. Chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Itoo reviewed issues including allotment of government quarters to eligible leprosy-affected families, reconstructive surgeries conducted during the past two years and provision of caretakers for patients without family support. She directed the concerned departments to ensure immediate allotment of residential quarters to eligible families and provide a dedicated ambulance to Leper Hospital, Bharar. Itoo also directed officials to provide free medicines, diagnostic investigations and treatment to leprosy patients at any government hospital in Srinagar, ensuring quality healthcare without financial burden.

Leopard sightings trigger panic in Baramulla residential areas

Baramulla, Aug 8:Repeated sightings of at least two leopards in densely populated areas of Baramulla town over the past 10 days have triggered panic among residents, with many avoiding travel during the morning and evening hours. The leopards have been spotted around Microwave Colony, Kanlibagh, Sangri and adjoining areas. Residents said the animals have been roaming in the area for nearly 10 days and have already preyed on at least two sheep, raising fears of an attack on people, particularly children and the elderly. The sightings have disrupted daily life, with residents reluctant to venture out during the hours when the animals are believed to be most active. Families are particularly concerned about children travelling to schools and tuition centres. There is complete panic. We are unable to move out, especially during the morning and evening hours. The presence of the leopards has also affected students who have to attend tuition centres in the morning, said Fayaz Ahmad, a resident of Microwave Colony. Ahmad said he recently spotted one of the animals on the boundary wall of his house. I saw it myself on the boundary wall of my house. It was frightening, he said. Residents said the repeated movement of the leopards through built-up areas has created a sense of insecurity among families. The leopards have been moving around residential areas for days. People are scared and are avoiding going out. The authorities need to act before any untoward incident takes place, residents said. Residents have urged the Wildlife Department to intensify surveillance, deploy teams to track the animals and capture them at the earliest to prevent any untoward incident.

50-bed new SDH Qaimoh inaugurated Minister Sakeena lays foundation

Kulgam, Aug 8:Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Saturday inaugurated the new 50-bed Sub-District Hospital (SDH) at Qaimoh and dedicated it to the public. MLA Devsar Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Shahzad Alam, health department officers and locals were present on the occasion. Congratulating the people of Qaimoh and adjoining areas, Itoo said the government would further upgrade the hospital by augmenting staff and facilities in a phased manner. The government is according special focus to upgrading healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir. All measures are being taken to strengthen hospitals and health centres, including recruitment of staff and upgradation of clinical and non-clinical facilities, she said. Itoo also directed the hospital administration to remain responsive to public concerns and ensure timely delivery of healthcare services. Feroze thanked the government for dedicating the long-awaited hospital, describing it as a major boost to healthcare access in the area. Constructed by the R&B Division Kulgam at an estimated cost of Rs 19.33 crore, the ground-plus-three-storey hospital has a plinth area of 19,900 square feet and a total carpet area of 58,000 square feet. It has 50 inpatient beds, besides OPDs, IPDs, diagnostic laboratories and dedicated spaces for patients and staff. The facility is expected to improve access to emergency, diagnostic and specialised healthcare services for residents of Qaimoh and adjoining areas. Later, Itoo laid the foundation stones for permanent restoration of the Kounserbal-Nandimarg and Batpora-Chimmer roads, besides a school building at Chimmer in the DH sub-division. She also held a public outreach camp at Chimmer, where residents raised development and welfare-related issues and sought improvements in public services. Itoo assured the gathering that the demands raised would be examined and necessary action taken. She said the government was focusing on strengthening road and educational infrastructure while improving healthcare and social welfare services. District and local officers accompanied the minister and briefed her on various development issues.

Independence Day Celebrations: CEO Shrine Board reviews arrangements

Katra, Aug 8: With a view to ensuring enhanced security for seamless pilgrimage and smooth conduct of the forthcoming National event, a comprehensive review meeting was held on Saturday chaired by Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at the Spiritual Growth Centre (SGC), Katra to take stock of the preparedness and arrangements. During the meeting, detailed discussions, as per a statement, were held on the arrangements for the Independence Day Celebrations, which will be organized at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra wherein, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB will unfurl the National Flag and inspect the parade comprising contingents of the JKP, CRPF, Shrine Security, NCC and children from different schools in the region. The meeting also reviewed the arrangements for the cultural programme to be presented during the celebrations. It was decided that the programme would be designed in keeping with the spirit of the national occasion and would also highlight socially relevant themes such as Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan.

Strength of democracy lies in constitutional values, institutions: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Aug 8:The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday graced the convocation ceremony of the 9th batch and the induction of the 10th batch of the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership (IIDL), an initiative of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Mumbai. Addressing the graduating youth, faculty members, mentors, administrators, distinguished guests, and parents, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, said the event is a convergence of two important journeys, one reaching completion, and another beginning with new energy and hopes. He congratulated the graduating students of the 9th batch, who now step into diverse fields of public life, and warmly welcomed the 10th batch, who begin their journey of learning with enthusiasm and aspirations. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the Institute would continue to enrich young leaders with constitutional values, discipline and wisdom. Highlighting the journey of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini since its establishment in 1982, the Lieutenant Governor said it made immense contribution to leadership training and capacity building. With over 60,000 parliamentarians, legislators, panchayat representatives, entrepreneurs, and youth trained, the institution has played a pivotal role in strengthening governance and entrepreneurship. The creation of IIDL further ensured that Indias democratic institutions continue to receive young leadership infused with energy and resolve for nation-building, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that Indias future depends on addressing seven key challenges: sustaining long-term economic growth; eliminating terrorism, separatism and divisive forces while strengthening national unity; promoting transparent, accountable and technology-driven governance to curb corruption; ensuring merit-based opportunities in politics; fostering national integration through shared cultural initiatives; achieving global leadership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors; and building a world-class education system driven by quality, research, innovation and skills. He emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires the collective commitment of all Indians, especially the youth, to secure a prosperous, united and globally competitive India. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor also reminded the youth that leadership is about responsibility, ethics, and service. He praised the Institutes motto, Lokahitam Mam Karaniyam - Welfare of the people is my duty- as a guiding principle for future leaders. Drawing from the Vedas and Upanishads, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised collective resolve, unity, and noble intentions as the foundation of prosperity and harmony in the society. He urged young leaders to align their thoughts and actions with public welfare, echoing Indias civilisational legacy as the Mother of Democracy. Leadership means understanding people, creating new paths for them, and serving them with humility and honesty. Sardar Patel used to say that in difficult times, cowards find excuses, but brave people find a way. I appreciate the faculty members and mentors who, with tireless effort, dedication, and patience, have inspired new leaders to find new paths, acquainted them with the principles of governance, engaged them in serious discussion on various policies, and given them the opportunity to test ideas against the real challenges of public life, he said. The Lieutenant Governor outlined four essential principles for democratic leadership- Honesty and transparency as the foundation of trust, Knowledge and wisdom as the compass guiding decisions, Sensitivity to maintain balance in democracy, and public service as the highest duty of leadership. He stressed that institutions gain strength only when infused with ethical leadership, and that true success is measured not by position but by the lives transformed. The strength of democracy lies in Constitutional values, institutions and in those leaders who are committed to the values of honesty, humility, and public service. Remember that institutions create the structure of democracy, but it is ethical leadership that infuses them with life, purpose, and energy. Without ethical leadership, even the finest institutions weaken over time, whereas honest and accountable leadership can turn even ordinary institutions into powerful engines of change and nation-building, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that India today stands at a historic turning point, where its demographic power and civilisational journey are entering a new phase. With more than 65% of Indias population under 35, the youth emerged as the nations greatest strength. It is youth's responsibility to transform this demographic dividend into a leadership dividend by building teams, empowering others, and creating roadmaps for inclusive growth, he said. The Lieutenant Governor cited the transformation in Jammu Kashmir post-2020 as an example of leadership rooted in public service and good governance. With over 30,000 projects completed through public participation, strengthened Panchayati Raj institutions, and digital governance, he said the region exemplifies how transparency and accountability can bring historic change. In your professional life, make ethics your character, public service your duty, responsibility your identity, and excellence your style of work. I believe your success will not be judged by your position, but by how many lives you changed, how much trust you earned, and how positive an impact you left on society. To realise the resolve of Viksit Bharat, young leadership must bring change into the life of the last person standing in the queue of development, the Lieutenant Governor told the youth.

The Unbroken Thread

There is a poignant, almost painful beauty in the Srinagar you remember from those early decadesa valley where the air was crisp, the seasons moved with gentle grace, and the social fabric felt whole and unshakeable. To grow up witnessing the Valley between the 1950s and 1990 is to have known a version of home defined by Kashmiriyat in its purest and most calm form. It was not a poetic concept back then; it was simply daily life. The effortless harmony between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims, the shared reverent quiet during Ashtami and Navami at Kheer Bhawani, the crowded cinema halls, and the long, sunlit summers spent in public gardensall created an atmosphere of deep trust and warmth. This bond was built on a deep, unwritten reciprocity that touched every milestone of life. Pandits and Muslims stepped into each others sacred and solemn moments without hesitationsharing in the joy of Eid, extending quiet solidarity during grief-laden observances like Muharram, and celebrating every festival in between as a collective family. When a Haji returned home from pilgrimage, the entire mohalla gathered to welcome him back with heartfelt open arms. Community care was so instinctual that if an unexpected guest arrived at a home around mealtime, neighbours would silently slip through the back door and leave extra food in the kitchen, saving the host from any embarrassment. Marriage processions (barats) were greeted with warmth and lavish hospitality by everyone in the neighbourhood, regardless of the brides religion. Those were the good timesa time when joy was shared, sorrow was halved, and humanity always came first. It is difficult to believe these days that Pandit Ustads were in great demand for teaching Persian and even the interpretation of the holy Quran. When that continuous line of memory was severed for seven long years, returning after 1997 to a transformed landscape felt like stepping into a shadow of the place you knew. The altered landscape The shift you feel today is both visible and invisible, reflecting the profound psychological and social toll that decades of unrest, displacement, and rapid socio-economic friction take on a society: The loss of everyday bonhomie during decades of trauma, conflict, and loss naturally erode interpersonal trust. When a community endures prolonged tension, open-hearted connection often gives way to suspicion, guardedness, and anxiety. The altered warmtheven within neighbourhood dynamicsis a symptom of a society carrying heavy, unhealed emotional baggage. The sudden absence of the Pandit community left an irreplaceable void in Kashmirs cultural ecosystem. For those who stayed or returned, the visible distance and unfamiliarity among younger generations can make even familiar streets feel alienating. Modernization, overcrowded streets, and economic pressures have added a layer of irritability and impatience everywhere, compounding the loss of the calm, leisurely valley of the mid-20th century. The author started an NGO Gauri Kaul Foundation in 2021, to give back to the soil where he was born and spent his younger years especially in the out-reach areas of the valley. The responses from locals have been lukewarm. It is deeply human to feel a lack of resonance or public warmth when you invest heart, energy, and resources into building health and wellness for your homeland through grassroots initiatives. When a region has lived through collective trauma and systemic disappointment, people often adopt a protective cynicism. Gratitude becomes muted, and public appreciation slow to surfacenot necessarily because your work goes unseen, but because a hurting community often struggles to express warmth or optimism freely. True restoration in a fractured land is rarely felt in immediate applause; it lives quietly in the lives touched, the suffering relieved, and the small bridges rebuilt one person at a time. Can the old days return? If the question is whether Srinagar can revert exactly to the tranquil, uncluttered paradise of the 1960s or 70s, realism tells us that time only moves forward. The past cannot be copy-pasted onto the present. However, if the question is whether warmth, shared humanity, and deep connection can grow again, the answer remains a cautious, resilient yes. Histories of conflict across the world show that while structural changes happen quickly, emotional healing happens across generations. The spirit of shared heritage in Kashmir may feel dormant or fragmented under layers of modern conflict and change, but its roots remain deep beneath the surface. Every act of service, every compassionate intervention, and every presence that refuses to give up on humanity keeps those roots alive for the future. Your doubts do not make you less of an optimistthey simply show how deeply you care for what was lost. Carrying the memory of that gentle Srinagar is itself a way of keeping its spirit alive. Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation

We are not centre of story

There are moments in life when we are forced to pause. Not because we have failed. But because something happens that reminds us how little control we actually have. We make plans. We calculate. We strategise. We seek advice. We use our intelligence. We build relationships. We work hard. And then, sometimes, something happens that was never entirely in our hands. A door opens. Or a door closes. A person who seemed indispensable suddenly becomes irrelevant to the outcome. Someone who appeared powerful is unable to stop what is destined to happen. And sometimes, what looked impossible quietly becomes possible. That is when one realises something very simple. Human beings make plans. Allah makes things happen. We often speak about merit, intelligence, qualifications, timing and hard work. All these things matter. We should never use faith as an excuse for laziness. But there is another truth. Even our intelligence is a gift. The ability to think is a gift. The opportunity to work is a gift. The people we meet are a gift. The circumstances that favour us are a gift. Even the strength to continue when life becomes difficult is a gift. We sometimes become so impressed by our own abilities that we forget where those abilities came from. We say, I achieved this. Perhaps we should say, Allah allowed this to happen through me. There is a stark difference between the two. The first can make us arrogant. The second makes us grateful. Grateful for realising all the external events and incidents that led to the achievement. Life has a strange way of teaching this lesson. There are times when everyone seems to want something to happen, yet it does not happen. And there are times when almost nobody expects something to happen, yet it happens. This does not mean effort is missing or meaningless. It means effort is not the only variable. There is something beyond our calculations: our environment, the people we call friends, the people we look up to, and the ones we compete with. For a believer, that something is Allahs will. The holy Quran reminds us that we may plan, but Allah is the Best of Planners. That thought should not make us passive. It should make us humble. Because the real test of success is not only whether we reach the destination; it is who we become after reaching it. A new position should not make us feel bigger than the people around us. A title should not make our voice louder and our heart smaller. Recognition should not make us forget those who helped us when nobody was watching. Nothing we possess is permanently ours. We are trustees for a while. And then we leave. That is why humility is awareness. Awareness that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. When something does not happen despite our best efforts, perhaps we should learn to accept it without destroying ourselves with regret. Maybe that closed door was protection. Maybe that rejection was redirection. Maybe the delay was necessary. Maybe what we wanted was simply not meant for us. And when something works in our favour, perhaps we should resist the temptation to celebrate ourselves too much. Pause. Look upwards. Say Alhamdulillah. Because the same One who opened the door could have kept it closed. Perhaps this is what humility truly meansnot thinking less of ourselves but understanding that we are not the centre of the story. We are only a tiny part of it. Bottom line is that we control very little. We choose our intentions. We choose our effort. We choose our character. However, the outcome belongs to the Almighty. And perhaps the greatest achievement in life is not reaching a high place. It is reaching that place without forgetting how small we are before the One who placed us there.

What the supreme court just settled

A trader in Srinagar buys goods worth lakhs from a registered supplier, pays the full invoice amount including GST, receives a proper tax invoice, and files his returns on time. Months later, he receives a Show Cause Notice from the GST Department: he is advised to reverse Input Tax Credit (ITC) along with interest at the rate of 18%, because the supplier never deposited that tax with the Government. The trader did nothing wrong. He had no way of knowing his supplier would default. Yet the law holds him responsible. Is that fair? Can it even be constitutional? This exact question travelled from an Assessing Officers desk all the way to the Supreme Court of India and in July 2026, the Court gave its final word. Every taxpayer, tax consultant, and departmental officer dealing with GST needs to understand what was decided and why. The provision at the heart of the dispute Section 16(2)(c) of the CGST Act, 2017 lays down one of the conditions for claiming ITC: the tax charged on a supply must have actually been paid to the Government by the supplier either in cash or through his own credit ledger before the recipient (buyer) can claim Input Tax Credit for it. Simply holding a valid invoice, having received the goods, and having paid the supplier is not enough. If the supplier pockets the GST amount instead of depositing it with the Government, the buyers ITC is denied, even though the buyer paid in good faith. For years, traders across the country argued this was grossly unfair punishing an honest buyer for someone elses default over which he has no control, since a buyer cannot see his suppliers GSTR-3B filings or bank account. How the case reached Supreme Court The case that finally settled the matter began, as most GST disputes do, at the ground level. A registered taxpayer M/s Bhandari Scrap Traders, was denied ITC by the Assessing Authority purely on the ground that his supplier has not paid tax to the Government. The demand was confirmed at the adjudication stage, and the matter moved through appellate proceedings without relief. Unable to get relief through Appellate Authority under Section 107, the taxpayer approached the Gujarat High Court by way of a writ petition, along with several similarly placed taxpayers (the lead case there was Maruti Enterprise v. Union of India). Before the High Court, the taxpayers argued that the other conditions of Section 16(2) a valid invoice, receipt of goods, and payment to the supplier already prove a transaction is genuine, and that Section 16(2)(c) should be read down to protect honest buyers, just as the Delhi High Court had once read down a similar provision under the Delhi VAT Act in the well-known On Quest Merchandising case. The Department argued that ITC is not a vested right but a statutory concession, available strictly on the conditions Parliament has laid down. It also pointed out that the buyer is not left without a remedy: under Section 41(2) of the CGST Act read with Rule 37A of the CGST Rules, once the defaulting supplier eventually pays the tax, the buyer can re-avail the credit that was earlier reversed. On 1 May 2026, the Gujarat High Court ruled against the traders. It held that Section 16(2)(c) is neither unconstitutional nor liable to be read down, distinguishing the GST framework sharply from the old VAT law. At the same time, the Court urged the Government to build a real-time, technology-driven system to verify supplier tax payments and recover dues quickly from defaulters, so honest buyers are not left in limbo. Aggrieved, the traders filed Special Leave Petitions before the Supreme Court. Interestingly, a separate High Court the Tripura High Court, in Sahil Enterprises v. Union of India had taken the opposite view just months earlier, reading down the same provision to protect bona fide buyers. This created conflicting positions across the country, making the Supreme Courts intervention necessary. What the Supreme Court decided In Bhandari Scrap Traders v. Union of India & Ors. (SLP (C) No. 23931 of 2026, decided 24 July 2026), a Bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva dismissed the batch of petitions. The Court expressed complete and respectful agreement with the Gujarat High Courts reasoning, holding that: - Section 16(2)(c) is constitutionally valid and does not need to be read down. - The GST scheme is fundamentally different from the old VAT regime, so precedents protecting bona fide buyers under VAT law cannot simply be transplanted into GST. - The buyer is not without recourse Sections 41, 73 and 74 of the CGST Act allow the Department to recover tax from the defaulting supplier, and the buyer can re-avail reversed credit once that recovery happens. - The Court reiterated that the Government should seriously consider a real-time verification mechanism so that honest purchasers are not repeatedly caught in this trap. With this ruling, the position that had been read down in Tripura effectively stands overtaken, and the field is now settled in favour of strict compliance. Why this matters For taxpayers, the message is unambiguous: paying your suppliers invoice in full, including GST, is not enough protection. Your credit depends on what your supplier does with that money afterward something outside your direct control but very much within your ability to guard against. Regularly checking GSTR-2B before filing returns, dealing only with compliant and verified suppliers, and building indemnity or tax-withholding clauses into supply contracts are no longer optional good practices they are now essential safeguards. For tax officials, the judgment removes ambiguity in adjudication and appeal. Denial of ITC under Section 16(2)(c), where the supplier has not paid tax, now rests on firm constitutional footing and need not be second-guessed on read-down arguments raised by taxpayers. Equally, officers should be mindful of the correlative duty the law places on the Department timely initiation of proceedings against defaulting suppliers under Sections 73/74, so that the reversal-and-re-availment mechanism under Rule 37A actually functions as the safety valve the Courts have relied upon to justify the provision. For the system as a whole, the ruling reinforces that ITC is a statutory concession, not an unconditional entitlement a principle the Supreme Court had earlier affirmed in Ecom Gill Coffee Trading. The real long-term fix, as both the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court have themselves suggested, lies with the Government: building the technological infrastructure for real-time, invoice-level verification of supplier tax payments, so that compliance failures by one party in the chain dont become financial punishment for another. Until that infrastructure arrives, vigilance on the buyers part remains the best protection available. The author is a JKAS Officer, presently posted as State Taxes Officer, Circle-C, Srinagar.

From Kashmir to Nepal

The images from Jammu and Kashmir this week were movingly worrisome. Mud-choked streets, damaged homes, uprooted trees and residents watching helplessly as torrents of water carrying rocks and debris tore through mountain settlements. In Kishtwars Chatroo area, a cloudburst sent flash floods crashing through the valley. Days later, more cloudbursts struck parts of the Kashmir Valley, damaging roads, farmland, orchards and public infrastructure while forcing few families to move to safer places. For many, these appeared to be yet another set of isolated mountain disasters. But viewed against the backdrop of the entire Himalayan region, they tell a different story. From the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal and the eastern Himalayas, cloudbursts and flash floods are becoming an increasingly common feature of the monsoon. The Himalayas have always experienced extreme weather. What appears to be changing is the frequency, intensity and unpredictability of these events. Scientists say the region is witnessing longer dry spells punctuated by short periods of exceptionally intense rainfall. Instead of rain falling steadily over several days, vast quantities of water are now being dumped within a few hours over a very small area. When that happens in steep mountain terrain, rivers turn into raging torrents within minutes. The warning signs have appeared across the length of the mountain chain during this years monsoon. In June, a cloudburst in the Gurez Valley of north Kashmir damaged bridges, roads and agricultural land. In early August, Kishtwar witnessed another destructive cloudburst that inundated markets and disrupted road links. Within days, flash floods struck parts of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal, underlining how quickly weather systems can shift from one valley to another. Further east, Ladakhs Kargil district also experienced flash floods after intense rainfall, damaging roads, irrigation channels and fields. Though Ladakh is known as a cold desert, recent years have shown that even these traditionally dry regions are vulnerable to sudden cloudburst events. Himachal Pradesh has continued to witness repeated incidents of flash floods and landslides. In districts such as Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Kinnaur, heavy rainfall has washed away roads, cut off villages and damaged infrastructure. Rescue teams have had to be deployed repeatedly to evacuate people and restore road connectivity. Uttarakhands experience over the past decade is perhaps the clearest warning of what extreme rainfall can do in fragile mountain terrain. From the Kedarnath tragedy in 2013 to the Chamoli disaster in 2021, and the cloudburst incidents reported in Uttarkashi and other upper Himalayan districts, the State has seen how quickly a localised weather event can turn into a major disaster. The problem is not confined to India. Nepal, which shares the Himalayan ecosystem, has also witnessed repeated flash floods triggered by cloudbursts during recent monsoons. Rivers rising in Nepal and the Indian Himalayas eventually flow into the plains, so what happens in the mountains can have serious consequences much farther downstream. The eastern Himalayas present a similar picture. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim regularly face landslides and flash floods after intense rainfall. The swelling of Himalayan rivers also contributes to the recurring floods in Assam. While Assams floods are often treated as a separate issue, hydrologists point out that rainfall in the upstream Himalayan catchments has a major bearing on the volume and intensity of water reaching the Brahmaputra valley. Several factors are making the situation more dangerous. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture. When weather conditions trigger its release, it can come down as extremely heavy rain within a very short period. In the mountains, there is little flat land where this water can spread out or be absorbed gradually. It instead rushes down steep slopes, carrying rocks, trees and loose soil with it. Small streams can suddenly turn into torrents capable of sweeping away everything in their path. Human activity has added to the vulnerability of mountain areas. Highways have reached deeper into valleys, hydropower projects have expanded and hotels and residential settlements have come up close to rivers and streams. Hillsides are frequently cut to build roads, sometimes without adequate slope protection. Forest cover has also been lost in several areas. These activities do not cause cloudbursts. But they can make the consequences far worse when extreme rainfall occurs. The biggest problem is the lack of time available to people living in vulnerable areas. Unlike floods in the plains, which can take hours or even days to build up, mountain flash floods can develop within minutes. In some cases, residents get little or no warning before a wall of water, mud and debris reaches them. Meteorologists also caution against assuming that a below-normal monsoon automatically means a lower risk of disasters. Seasonal rainfall may remain normal or below normal, but a few very intense rainfall events can cause enormous damage. What matters increasingly is not only how much rain falls during the entire monsoon, but where and how quickly that rain falls. The floods, cloudbursts, disasters witnessed over the years point to a worrying pattern: the Leh cloudburst in 2010, the Kedarnath tragedy in 2013, the Chamoli disaster in 2021, the devastating floods in Himachal Pradesh in 2023 and repeated cloudburst incidents across Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir cannot be seen as isolated events. Taken together, they indicate a growing vulnerability across the Himalayan region. Governments have certainly improved their disaster response. Early warning systems are better than they were a decade ago, rescue agencies have greater capacity and communication networks have improved. But experts say emergency response alone will not be enough if the nature and frequency of mountain disasters continue to change. There is a need for greater investment in Doppler weather radars, more rain gauges, real-time monitoring of mountain streams and glacial lakes, and better systems to alert people in vulnerable areas. At the same time, land-use rules need to be enforced more strictly and infrastructure, material used for construction in the mountains has to be local, designed to withstand extreme weather. Development in the Himalayas cannot follow the same approach used in the plains. Every valley, riverbank and hillside cannot be treated as available land for construction. The fragile nature of the terrain has to be taken into account before roads, buildings, hydropower projects and other infrastructure are planned. The Himalayas have long been seen as a symbol of permanence and stability. But geologically, they are among the youngest and most fragile mountain systems in the world. Climate change is now making that vulnerability increasingly visible. The recent cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir should therefore not be seen merely as another episode of extreme monsoon weather. They are part of a much larger pattern stretching across the Himalayan arc, from Kashmir and Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and from Nepal to the eastern Himalayas. The challenge is no longer only about how quickly governments can respond after a disaster. It is also about understanding how the mountain environment is changing and planning development accordingly. If extreme rainfall events continue to become more intense, cloudbursts and flash floods could become an increasingly familiar threat for communities living in the worlds highest mountain range. Surinder Singh Oberoi, National Editor Greater Kashmir.

When the Heart Speaks is a love letter to Kashmir: CM Omar

Srinagar, Aug 8:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday described renowned cardiologist Dr Upendra Kauls memoir 'When the Heart Speaks' as a love letter to the land he holds dear. Speaking during the launch of the second revised edition of Dr U Kauls book, 'When the Heart Speaks: A Memoir of a Cardiologist', at Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront, Srinagar, CM Omar said the book goes beyond Dr Kaul's professional journey to capture his experiences, struggles, and commitment to society. He said the memoir was much more than an account of a medical career as Dr Kaul had brought together different facets of his life, including his experiences in the medical profession, travels, and deep attachment to his homeland. 'When the Heart Speaks' is a love letter to a land he holds dear. It is an account of lifes struggles and how to overcome them. It is also an effort to shine a light on some of the practices that go on in the medical profession, the CM said. He praised Dr Kaul for writing candidly about issues within the medical profession, saying an honest autobiography requires the writer to accept that some people may not be pleased with what is written. CM Omar said Dr Kauls writings were not confined to cardiology and that he had consistently written on diverse subjects and demonstrated his wider interests beyond medicine. He said the memoir also brings together Dr Kauls experiences from his travels and encounters across different parts of the world and such experiences were essential part of a persons life. Our lives are not sanitised and disinfected. Our lives are the experiences that come together that result in a book like When the Heart Speaks, the CM said. He also highlighted Dr Kauls contribution to healthcare saying that the cardiologist had repeatedly travelled to Srinagar to treat patients who required specialised medical care. CM Omar said Dr Kaul could have focused solely on building wealth through his profession but instead chose to contribute to the welfare of people who could not afford expensive medical treatment. He said that the centre established by Dr Kaul in memory of his late mother reflected both his gratitude towards his mother and his commitment to helping people access treatment they might otherwise be unable to afford. For everything that Prof Kaul has done as a surgeon, as a cardiologist, as a doctor, but perhaps more than that for everything that he has done as a human being in wanting to help people, we are grateful, the CM said. He expressed hope that the initiative established in memory of Dr Kauls mother would continue to provide medical assistance to people in need. CM Omar also urged Dr Kaul to continue writing. I hope that the third edition of the memoir would follow with more stories, anecdotes, and experiences, he said. The CM, on a lighter note, said that a cardiologist must live a long life because, If a cardiologist doesnt live a long life, what hope do the rest of us have. He said that he believes that to write an honest autobiography one has to boil it in two categories. Either you write the manuscript and you leave it to be published after you have left this world, because then you do not 'care what happens after you have gone. Or when you write it, knowing that you are being honest, possibly you will upset a few people, but it is a price worth paying to put what you believe, CM Omar said. He said that Dr Kaul and he were on the opposite sides of this prism. Dr Kaul has written this book and it is there for you to read. If I was to ever write a book, it would be written and published after my death so that I don't have to worry about whether I upset anybody and how many people I will have to apologise after that book has been published, the CM said. About the book he said, Dr Kaul's love for writing, also doesn't stop at this book. We have all been treated to his thoughts on subjects that have nothing to do with his area of specialisation. As I said, this book is in large part a love letter to the soil on which we sit, CM Omar said. He said he has lost count of the number of times Dr Kaul and he crossed paths in an aircraft. Either he was flying into Srinagar to treat people or flying out from Srinagar after having spent his weekend, the CM said. He said the major part of his association with Dr Kaul was sitting and chatting in the aircrafts or in the lounge in the airport.

J&K farmers receive Rs 119.67 Cr under crop insurance scheme; Rs 10.15 Cr claims still pending

Srinagar, Aug 8:Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir have received Rs 119.67 crore in crop insurance claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) between 2022-23 and 2025-26, while claims worth Rs 10.15 crore remained pending as of July 24, 2026, according to data furnished by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the Rajya Sabha. The figures were provided by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur in response to Unstarred Question No 1452, asked by Rajya Sabha member Ranjeet Ranjan. The question sought State and UT-wise details of premiums collected, claims reported, claims paid and pending claims under PMFBY since 2022. According to Annexure-I of the government reply, J&K farmers contributed Rs 53.97 crore as their share of premium during 2022-23 to 2025-26. Against this, claims amounting to Rs 129.82 crore were reported, of which Rs 119.67 crore had been paid and Rs 10.15 crore remained pending as on July 24, 2026. The data indicates that around 92.2 percent of the reported claim value had been paid, leaving approximately 7.8 percent pending. At the national level, the government reported farmer premium contributions of Rs14,623.05 crore against reported claims of Rs 70,686.44 crore under PMFBY during the same period. Of the reported claims, Rs 66,159.24 crore had been paid, while Rs 4527.20 crore remained pending. This means J&K accounted for about 0.18 percent of the total farmer premium contribution and around 0.18 percent of reported claims under the states and UTs. The government data also provides details of private-sector general insurance companies selected by State Governments through the tendering process for implementation of PMFBY. In Jammu and Kashmir, IFFCO Tokio and IndusInd General were selected for the scheme in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For 2025, the list expanded to three insurers Bajaj General, IndusInd General, and Kshema General. The data thus shows a change in the insurer mix in J&K from two participating private insurers during 2021-24 to three in 2025. The ministry has clarified that the state-wise insurer details relate to private-sector general insurance companies selected by the respective state governments for implementation of PMFBY through the tendering process. The J&K figure of Rs 10.15 crore in pending claims is considerably lower in absolute terms than the pending claim liabilities reported in several larger agricultural states. Rajasthan had the highest pending claim value in the state-wise table at Rs 890.45 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh at Rs 2,817.86 crore, Maharashtra at Rs 222.96 crore, Madhya Pradesh at Rs 118.36 crore, and Karnataka at Rs 113.62 crore. Haryana had Rs 103.11 crore pending, while Uttar Pradesh had Rs 81.06 crore. However, the absolute value of pending claims needs to be read alongside the scale of agricultural coverage and claims reported in each State. In J&K, Rs 129.82 crore worth of claims were reported over the four years, with Rs 119.67 crore already paid.

Parliamentary panel calls for integrated security system at J&K tourist destinations

Srinagar, Aug 8:A parliamentary committee has recommended the establishment of an integrated security and surveillance system covering all major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, including comprehensive CCTV coverage, centralised monitoring, regular vulnerability assessments and periodic security audits. The recommendations have been made in the 260th report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, which was presented in Parliament on Friday following the committees visit to J&K in May 2026 to assess security arrangements at key tourist locations. The panel has stressed that security arrangements at tourist destinations should be reviewed regularly, particularly ahead of the peak tourism season, in view of the growing number of visitors to J&K and the need to ensure their safety. It has recommended that CCTV cameras be installed at all important tourist sites and connected to a central monitoring mechanism to enable authorities to maintain real-time surveillance and respond quickly to any security-related incident. The committee has also called for regular vulnerability assessments of tourist destinations to identify security gaps and ensure that appropriate preventive measures are put in place. Periodic security audits have been recommended to assess the effectiveness of existing arrangements and make necessary improvements. The recommendations assume significance in the aftermath of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, including 25 tourists, were killed. The attack had raised serious concerns over the security of tourists at popular destinations in the Valley and prompted a reassessment of security arrangements at tourist sites. The parliamentary panel noted that improved connectivity, enhanced security systems, better tourism infrastructure and a revival of confidence among travellers had contributed to a sustained increase in tourist arrivals to J&K. In this context, security management at tourist destinations assumes special importance, as it directly affects the perception of safety, the quality of visitor experience and the continued growth of the tourism sector, the committee observed. The panel underlined that tourism in J&K is closely linked to the perception of safety among visitors and that any security lapse could have wider implications for the sector. It said the security architecture at tourist locations therefore needed to move beyond conventional deployment and incorporate technology-driven surveillance and coordinated monitoring mechanisms. The proposed integrated system would bring surveillance infrastructure, monitoring and security assessments within a coordinated framework, enabling authorities to identify potential vulnerabilities and strengthen preparedness before the onset of the peak tourist season. The committees recommendations came after its May visit to J&K, during which members examined security arrangements at important tourist destinations and interacted with officials concerned. The panels emphasis on periodic vulnerability checks and security audits also seeks to ensure that arrangements remain responsive to changing security threats rather than being treated as one-time measures. J&K has witnessed a major expansion in tourism infrastructure and connectivity in recent years, with authorities seeking to consolidate the regions position as a major tourist destination. Against this backdrop, the committee has stressed that sustained growth in tourist arrivals must be accompanied by robust and visible security arrangements to maintain public confidence and protect visitors. The recommendations are expected to provide a framework for strengthening security at tourist destinations through greater use of surveillance technology, centralised monitoring and regular assessment of vulnerabilities.

Amarnath Yatra to remain suspended from today

Srinagar, Aug 8:The Amarnath Yatra would remain suspended from both routes from August 9, authorities said. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg said appealed to all the yatris to adhere to the advisories issued by the competent authority from time to time in the interest of their safety and the smooth conduct of the Yatra. He said that the Chadi Mubarak will proceed via traditional Pahalgam route and mark the culmination of Amarnath Yatra on August 28. The 57-day long Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3 this year and will culminate with the event of Chadi Mubarak on August 28. The yatra commenced simultaneously from both the routes - the Chandanwari track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. More than 4.8 lakh yatris have performed darshan at the Amarnath Cave shrine so far. However, due to the recent rains, a necessity for the repair and maintenance of the yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches has been felt, which is being undertaken by Border Roads Organisation (BRO). In addition, adverse weather conditions have been predicted by IMD over next few days.

Rains lash J&K, wet spell likely to continue till Aug 17

Srinagar, Aug 8:Light to moderate rain lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as the Meteorological Department (MeT) forecast a wet spell till August 17 and warned of heavy to very heavy rain in Jammu division and parts of Kashmir from August 9 to 11. South Kashmir received most of Saturday's rain. Kokernag recorded 11 mm, Qazigund 8.6 mm and Pahalgam 5.5 mm in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning. Srinagar received 1.6 mm and Gulmarg 0.8 mm. The rain brought down daytime temperatures across Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 26.1 degrees Celsius, 3.8 degrees below normal. Qazigund's maximum of 22.6 degrees was 5.4 degrees below normal, while Pahalgam at 20 degrees was 5.7 degrees below normal. Kokernag recorded 22 degrees, 5.5 degrees below normal, while Gulmarg's maximum of 18.4 degrees was 2.3 degrees below normal. Jammu division also received moderate rain. Batote recorded 18.4 mm, Banihal 16 mm, Bhaderwah 13.6 mm, Katra 7 mm, and Jammu 4 mm during the past 24 hours. Day temperatures remained below normal at several stations. Jammu recorded 30.5 degrees Celsius, while Banihal, Batote, Katra and Bhaderwah recorded 20.9, 20.3, 27.2 and 22 degrees. For August 9 to 11, the MeT has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places, with brief intense showers at a few locations. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely in a few districts of Jammu division, while intense showers are possible in parts of Kashmir. Few spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places. Brief intense showers are also likely at a few places during this period, mostly in Jammu and parts of Kashmir, the department said. Met also warned of flash floods and landslides. Torrential rain and brief intense heavy showers may generate flash floods and landslides at vulnerable places and cause waterlogging in low-lying areas, it said People have been advised to avoid nallahs, landslide-prone areas and other vulnerable locations during intense rain, while authorities have been asked to remain alert and monitor vulnerable areas. From August 12 to 17, light rain and thundershowers are likely at many places, with brief intense showers possible at a few locations, indicating that the wet spell is likely to continue across the region.

J&K highways battered by landslides, cloudbursts in 2025-26: Centre

Srinagar, Aug 8:Jammu and Kashmirs National Highway corridors faced repeated landslides, cloudbursts, and heavy rainfall-related disruptions in 2025 and 2026, blocking carriageways and damaging infrastructure, the Centre told Parliament. In a reply to a starred question in the Lok Sabha, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) detailed multiple incidents on NH-44 and NH-244, particularly on the Udhampur-Ramban and Ramban-Banihal stretches of NH-44. On the Udhampur-Ramban stretch, cloudbursts and heavy rain triggered landslides at Bali Nallah and Tharad in 2025, while muck and slush accumulated at Karol and Kowbagh, it said. In 2026, a massive landslide near Dewal, Samroli (Km 79) blocked both carriageways and damaged a retaining wall. The ministry said restoration and clearance works were subsequently completed, the ministry said. It said that on the Ramban-Banihal stretch, a cloudburst in 2025 triggered flash-floods, and caused heavy slush and debris at Seri, muck accumulation inside Tunnel T-2 and a landslide at Kela Mor. Another landslide blocked both carriageways in 2026, following which traffic was restored after clearance operations, the ministry said. It also reported a landslide at Marog on the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44 during 2025, while multiple landslides were recorded on the Chenani-Sudhmahadev Road (NH-244) during the same year. The repeated disruptions have affected the movement of people and goods along NH-44, the main surface link between Kashmir and the rest of the country. In April last year, the highway remained closed for more than three weeks after incessant rain triggered shooting stones and rockfalls and washed away portions of the road along the Banihal-Ramban stretch. It was again shut for much of August and September as monsoon rains triggered fresh landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, rock-falls and flash floods. The closures stranded fruit-laden trucks carrying apples to markets outside J&K. Growers said large quantities of produce rotted in transit, causing losses running into millions of rupees for the regions horticulture industry. Separately, the Centre said J&K recorded one case of major structural failure on a National Highway project since 2014. The failure occurred in 2022, resulting in a penalty of 1% of the project cost and blacklisting of the Engineer Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor under the contract provisions, it said. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said action was taken against contractors where deficiencies were established. Across the country, executing agencies have imposed financial penalties, terminated contracts, suspended personnel, debarred contractors and blacklisted firms, the ministry said. The government said highway projects incorporate drainage systems and hill-protection measures, but extreme weather remains a major challenge in mountainous terrain. Extreme weather events such as cloudbursts, unprecedented rainfall and landslides can damage highway infrastructure, particularly in the Himalayan region, it said. The Centre said no flooding of low-lying areas or agricultural fields due to faulty National Highway construction was reported from J&K in the data placed before Parliament. Three such incidents were reported nationwide, involving stretches in Telangana and Maharashtra. To strengthen resilience, the government said it has introduced measures including improved slope stabilisation, mandatory quality assurance for rockfall mitigation, real-time landslide monitoring, and improved preparation of detailed project reports. It also cited collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Defence Geo-informatics Research Establishment, National Institute of Rock Mechanics, and IIT Roorkee to improve highway safety and resilience.

Iran says strait won't open until US corrects behaviour

Dubai, Aug 8: Iran's politburo-like body known as the Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States corrects its behaviour, issuing new demands that could shake up talks on a deal to manage the waterway and traffic on it. Iran's state broadcaster published the statement by the council's secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander in the powerful Revolutionary Guard. The US must never threaten Iran again, the statement said, and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. The US must lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the area. It also must completely compensate Iran for war damage, lift sanctions and unconditionally release frozen assets. There was no immediate response from the US, which has wanted an acceptable deal first on the strait before ending the blockade. Iran earlier said it was close to reaching a deal with Oman to manage the strait, which runs between the two countries. Oman, a mediator Gulf Arab country which has said relatively little on the talks, said in a statement Saturday that the discussions were ongoing in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and condemned attacks on ships on the strait.

US Vice President Vance dials PM Modi, discusses ways to expand India-US partnership

New Delhi, Aug 8: US Vice President JD Vance dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss expanding the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership, amid rising tensions in West Asia. During the conversation, the prime minister extended his congratulations to Vance and Second Lady Usha on the birth of their son. Vance's call to the prime minister came days after Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact that was widely seen as a reflection of a new regional alignment amid the West Asia conflict. Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas, Modi said on social media. Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family, he said. The American side has not yet provided any details of the conversation. It is not immediately known whether the proposed trade deal between India and the US figured in the talks. PM Modi and US President Donald Trump, during their meeting in France in June, instructed their officials to work towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and commercially meaningful trade agreement at the earliest. The relations witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India last year and Trump made assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes of May 2025 that drew sharp reaction from Indian officials. Over the next few months, the US president repeatedly and publicly claimed that he had resolved the military conflict between the two neighbours and saved millions of lives as it was heading toward a full-scale war. New Delhi stoutly maintained that the cessation of the hostilities was a result of talks between India and Pakistan and that the US had nothing to do with it. Washington's new immigration policy and its decision to increase the H1B visa fee also contributed to the slide in India-US ties. However, both sides made efforts in the last few months to repair the ties and even moved forward to firm up the trade deal soon.

Oh, those squawking yellow creatures stumbling into golden black & white

Whether yearning for a time and place you never lived through like silent-era Hollywood, or one you do remember like 80s Hindi cinema, Minions and a filmi minion were both at hand to jog some joy

Where everyones thrilled to announce: LinkedIn is where everyone succeeds and nobody ever fails

Networking platforms often paint a polished picture of professional success, celebrating achievements while glossing over shortcomings. In stark contrast, the world of stand-up comedy thrives on immediate feedback that reflects both highs and lows. Leaders who only discuss their wins forfeit crucial insights from their failures. A candid representation of ordinary struggles could pave the way for deeper understanding and development.

Six SKUAST-K students win fully-funded Taiwan Research internships

Srinagar, Aug 08: In yet another testament to its growing global academic footprint, SKUAST-K has achieved a significant milestone with six of its students securing prestigious fully funded internships under the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP), Taiwan. The selected students successfully cleared multiple rounds of rigorous screening and highly competitive international interviews, demonstrating outstanding academic merit, research aptitude and technical competence. Their selection among applicants from across the globe underscores the quality of education and research ecosystem at SKUAST-K and further strengthens the University's international academic standing. The six selected scholars, comprising four undergraduate and two postgraduate students, will undertake research internships at three leading universities in Taiwan, namely the National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), and National Dong Hwa University (NDHU). During the internship, they will work in advanced research laboratories, interact with internationally acclaimed scientists, gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and contribute towards strengthening academic and research collaborations between SKUAST-K and Taiwanese institutions. The selected students are Dhirender and Navneet Singh from the Faculty of Horticulture, who will pursue research at NCUE; Nitish Kumar, Kartik Duneria and Fatima Jaan, who have been selected for NPUST; and Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who will undertake his internship at NDHU. Congratulating the students and their mentors, Vice-Chancellor described the achievement as a matter of immense pride for the University. He stated that international exposure equips students with advanced scientific knowledge, cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives, enabling them to emerge as competent professionals capable of addressing contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges. He reiterated the University's commitment to creating more international academic opportunities that foster innovation, research excellence and global partnerships. The University congratulates all the selected students and their mentors on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes them success in their international research journey. Their achievement not only enhances the global visibility of SKUAST-K but also reinforces its mission of producing globally competitive graduates and advancing sustainable agricultural development through international cooperation.

In the name of the mother and the son...

The Malayalam New Wave offers high-quality cinema, setting high audience expectations. Chidambaram's new film, Balan: The Boy, focuses on a mother protecting her son. While the first half builds intrigue, characterization falters as the mother exits. This script issue highlights a recurring problem in the director's earlier works. Demanding viewers are essential to prevent complacency among filmmakers.

Magam resident detained for sharing alleged radical content on social media

Srinagar, Aug 08: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Saturday detained a suspect for sharing alleged radical content on social media. He was identified as Siraj Nabi Parray, resident of Archanderhama, Magam of central Kashmirs Budgam. Officials said that during scrutiny of the account, various posts, images and other digital material having radical and anti-national overtones were noticed. The material included content relating to radical narratives, glorification and projection of individuals associated with terrorism, propagation of extremist viewpoints, and narratives capable of influencing or radicalising impressionable persons. The suspect, as per the officials was subsequently brought before the Executive Magistrate 1st Class and proceedings under U/S 126/170 BNSS were initiated against him. Thereafter, on the orders of the Executive Magistrate, the suspect has been remanded to judicial custody and lodged in Central Jail, Srinagar, for the period from 08 August 2026 to 17 August 2026. Further examination of the digital device and associated social media activity is being undertaken to ascertain the nature and extent of the online activity, sources and dissemination of the radical material, associated accounts and contacts, and any possible linkages requiring further investigation. Counter Intelligence Kashmir advised the general public, especially parents and young social-media user to remain alert and use social-media platforms responsibly. People should avoid sharing or forwarding content that glorifies terrorism, promotes extremist ideas, encourages violence or hatred or attempts to influence or radicalise. Social Media users should also avoid engaging with suspicious accounts or unknown persons who circulate such content. Moreover, any suspicious or extremist content on social-media platforms should be reported to police instead of forwarding or further circulating such material, CIK added.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah calls Prof U Kouls book a love letter to Kashmir

President Murmu confers National Handloom Award on two Kashmiri master weavers

Srinagar, Aug 08: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, has extended heartiest congratulations to two outstanding weavers, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, from Kanihama, Budgam, who have been conferred with the prestigious National Handloom Award, in recognition for their contribution in the field of Kani weaving. They were conferred with the National Award for their joint entry Chand-Daar Kani Shawl by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, during a glittering function held at New Delhi, to commemorate the National Handloom Day. In a press release issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, stated that this honour is a fitting tribute to invaluable contribution of Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, who have distinguished themselves in the indigenous art of Kani weaving. By winning such prestigious award, the master weavers have brought the Kani weaving technique on the forefront of the crafts sector, which will surely open up new vistas of business opportunities for the high value craft, the spokesman added. The award, which carries a citation and cash prize of 2.5 lakh, is for a rare form of Kani weaving technique guided by coded Talim scripts to ensure absolute precision, featuring nearly 20 distinct hues to recreate an antique masterpiece. The spokesman further stated said their exquisite craftsmanship has not only kept our centuries-old tradition alive but has also earned global admiration. They have become role models for thousands of weavers in Kashmir and the entire craft community celebrates this joyous moment with great pride, he added.

Dr U Kaul says Gauri Kaul Foundation plans to expand heart care services to Jammu

J&K wins 'Best Adventure Tourism Destination' award at TTF Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Aug 08: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism concluded its vibrant three day participation at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad, emerging as one of the major attractions for travel trade, tourism stakeholders and the visitors at the prestigious event. The participation of Jammu and Kashmir received a significant recognition with J&K being honoured with the best adventure tourism destination award, reaffirming its growing position as one of Indias most diverse and exciting adventure tourism destinations. During the three-day event, J&K Tourism showcased the region not merely as a destination of breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes but as a place where the visitors can experience its culture, traditions, hospitality, cuisine and way of life. The J&K Tourism delegation extended an open invitation to the travellers from Gujarat and across India to move beyond conventional sightseeing and come to J&K to live the life of the Himalayas. Come to Jammu and Kashmir not only to see its scenic beauty but to experience it, live its culture, connect with its people and discover the adventure that lies in every corner of the Himalayas, was the message conveyed by J&K Tourism at the fair. From trekking, rafting, skiing, mountaineering and paragliding to homestays, village tourism, heritage experiences and immersive cultural journeys, J&K offers a wide spectrum of experiences for the new-age traveller, particularly the younger generation seeking authentic, experiential and adventure-led holidays. The participation also highlighted the potential of homestays and community-based tourism in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities while enabling tourists to experience the authentic warmth and culture of Jammu & Kashmir. The TTF Ahmedabad platform provided J&K Tourism an opportunity to engage with the vibrant Gujarat travel market and strengthen partnerships with travel trade, tour operators and tourism stakeholders. The event brought together tourism boards, travel companies, hospitality brands and other stakeholders from India and abroad, providing an important platform for destination promotion and business networking.

Oil companies say E20 is safe after nationwide testing, rules out contamination

New Delhi, Aug 08: Amid recent media reports on moisture and chloride in EBMS (E20 Petrol), Oil Marketing Companies carried out a nationwide additional intensive testing covering the entire EBMS supply chain. The findings reaffirm that fuel quality remains consistently well within prescribed limits. Contrary to certain assertions being made, based on extensive random testing through scientifically designed tests, the evidence shows that there is no cause for any alarm on account of fuel contamination. OMCs would like to reassure all our esteemed customers that we treat fuel quality as a matter of highest priority and any issue that could potentially affect the vehicle performance or consumer confidence is addressed promptly through scientific investigation and corrective action. Government of India has prescribed a stringent chloride specification for ethanol used in petrol blending and has instituted a high-frequency monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance across the entire supply chain. Chloride monitoring is being done at multiple point of supply chain including refineries, distilleries, depots/terminals and retail outlets nationwide, confirming that quality is being consistently maintained throughout the supply chain. In addition to the already established quality assurance protocols, Oil Marketing Companies have further strengthened surveillance by conducting water-ingress and density tests 812 times daily at every retail outlet. Mobile fuel quality testing laboratories have also been deployed across locations, while test results are being independently validated through fuel laboratories to ensure the highest standards of quality assurance. These multipronged stepped up testing protocols across the supply chain has validated our highest fuel quality standards. MS from Refinery: Actual Chloride levels in Petrol is well within 1 ppm Over 100 additional randomly selected petrol samples tested across various refineries confirm that chloride content remains consistently low, with all samples reported at or below the 1 ppm. This reflects the continued effectiveness of quality checks built into Indias robust refining and dispatch process. Pure Ethanol ex distillery: Ethanol supplied by distilleriesthe principal blending componenthas also consistently recorded chloride levels significantly below the prescribed specification, reflecting robust quality control mechanisms at the production stage. A dedicated task force having members of OMCs & CHT has checked ethanol samples from 80 distilleries across the country in last 10 days and all samples had Chloride content less than 3 ppm. Ethanol Blended MS (E20) distributed via OMCs Marketing Infrastructure: Depots / Tank Trucks: Ethanol and E20 samples tested at depots and terminals continue to meet prescribed chloride limits, with regular monitoring at this stage ensuring that quality is maintained as fuel moves through the storage and distribution network. More than 80 samples across the nation collected from various OMC terminals showed chloride content below 3 ppm. Retail Outlets (RO): Under the intensified monitoring programme of more than 1000 samples, so far 160 test reports have been analysed for chloride content in last few days and levels are in range of 0-3 ppm contrary to the claims of several hundred ppm. The surveillance system identified only four isolated instances where elevated chloride levels were detected. These were suspended immediately, followed by detailed root-cause analysis and implementation of appropriate corrective measures before restoration of supplies. Water ingress testing: About 90,000 ROs have commenced mandatory inspection and monitoring of underground storage tanks. The underground tanks at ROs are being inspected 812 times every day and have not revealed any water ingress so far. Tabulated summary of the above tests are available on the official website of CHT @ www.cht.gov.in. This would be updated as and when more test results are available. Oil Marketing Companies wish to reassure consumers that fuel quality remains their highest priority. Quality surveillance is undertaken continuously across the supply chain, and wherever any deviation is detected, prompt and decisive corrective action is initiated. With the above, Consumers should continue to use E20 petrol with confidence, as the fuel supplied through the OMC network conforms to the prescribed quality specifications and is backed by robust quality assurance and monitoring systems designed to safeguard consumer interests at every stage of the supply chain.

Amarnath Yatra to remain suspended from August 9: Div Com Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 08: The 57-day-long Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, which commenced on July 3, will remain suspended from both routes from August 9 in view of track restoration works and adverse weather conditions. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg in a statement said that the 57-day-long Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra commenced on July 3 this year and will culminate with the event of Chadi Mubarak on August 28, 2026. He said the Yatra commenced simultaneously from both routesthe Chandanwari track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at the Holy Shrine so far. However, due to the recent rains, a necessity for the repair & maintenance of the Yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches has been felt, which is being undertaken by Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir added that adverse weather conditions have been predicted by IMD over the next few days. Hence, the Yatra shall remain suspended from both routes with effect from August 9, 2026. Chadi Mubarak shall proceed via the traditional Pahalgam route and shall mark the culmination of Yatra 2026 on August 28. He appealed to all pilgrims to adhere to the advisories issued by the competent authority from time to time in the interest of their safety and the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

PM Modi addresses 57th convocation ceremony of IIT Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 08: The 57th Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi was held today at the Institute campus in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his address, the Prime Minister congratulated the graduating students and highlighted the importance of innovation, research, and emerging technologies in shaping Indias growth trajectory. The Prime Minister noted that India was entering new frontiers and looked to its youth with great responsibility and expectations, emphasising sectors such as artificial intelligence, data centres, critical minerals, deep-sea exploration, and quantum computing as key to the nations future. He encouraged the youth to contribute towards nation-building and leverage opportunities in these cutting-edge domains. Addressing the 57th Convocation Ceremony, Union Minister for Education, Pralhad Joshi stated that Indias education ecosystem had become learner-centric, research-driven, and future-ready, asserting that the countrys youth were no longer merely competing with the world but were leading it. Joshi further highlighted that the Prime Minister had always reposed immense faith in the potential of Indias youth and regarded them as the foremost architects of Viksit Bharat 2047. The Prime Minister presented prestigious awards, including the Presidents Gold Medal, Directors Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal, and Perfect Ten Medals, to meritorious students. On the occasion, he also inaugurated the Param Pragya AI-based high-performance supercomputing and project cluster facility at IIT Delhi, marking a significant step towards strengthening advanced research infrastructure in the country.

Technology, transparency key for urban cooperative banks to stay competitive: Amit Shah

Mumbai, Aug 8: Union minister Amit Shah on Saturday urged urban cooperative banks to embrace technology, ensure transparency and modernise customer services to remain competitive. Speaking at the inauguration of the new office of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC) in Mumbai, he said ensuring the prosperity of customers will help the banks achieve growth. The Union Home and Cooperation Minister also urged all urban cooperative banks to join the NUCFDC, the apex umbrella organisation for the sector, within a year. The NUCFDC serves as the umbrella organisation and self-regulatory body for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India. Approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and headquartered in Mumbai, it provides capital, IT infrastructure and liquidity support to strengthen the cooperative banking sector. Our responsibility is to ensure that all banks become members of this organisation (NUCFDC), introduce technology, bring transparency, train staff, provide modern services to customers and sustain in the competition, he said. Shah said that of the nearly 1,400 urban cooperative banks in the country, around 690 have already become members of the organisation, and added that the remaining UCBs should also become part of it within a year. Making India prosperous requires fostering prosperity among its people, the minister said, adding that the capital market alone cannot fulfil this objective. We need to create a new system of self-employment simultaneously. Urban cooperative banks can do it and it is our responsibility, he said. Shah said the idea of cooperation to prosperity does not merely mean making banks financially stronger, but ensuring that customers become prosperous as well, which in turn would help banks grow. Speaking about the RBI's role, Shah said there was a need to bridge the perception gap between the central bank and urban cooperative banks. The Reserve Bank has a different outlook towards urban cooperative banks, and our urban banks also look at the RBI differently. We have to come out of it, he said. Drawing on his five-year experience as cooperation minister, Shah said the RBI had always extended proactive support whenever the cooperation sector approached it with confidence. Shah said while protecting depositors' money remains the RBI's responsibility, urban cooperative banks must focus on improving governance, adopting technology and enhancing customer-centric services to strengthen the sector.

CS sets in motion Population Enumeration Phase of Census-2027 in snow-bound areas of J&K

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 8: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of the Union Territory Level Census Coordination Committee (UTLCCC) to review and finalize preparations for the second phase of Census-2027, involving Population Enumeration in snow-bound and otherwise inaccessible areas of J&K. The meeting besides Director, Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Director, School Education, Kashmir; Senior functionaries of the Directorate of Census Operations, besides Deputy Commissioners from the concerned districts through virtual mode. The Chief Secretary directed the concerned district administrations to ensure timely appointment of Enumerators and Supervisors against the additional charges created for Phase-II, with preference given to personnel having the requisite technological proficiency for smooth execution of the digital enumeration process. He called for vigorous and comprehensive training of all Enumerators and Supervisors, emphasizing that the field-level workforce must be fully conversant with the prescribed questionnaire, digital applications and protocols so that the exercise is completed efficiently and without errors or omissions. The Chief Secretary further stressed the need for intensive publicity and public awareness campaigns in all areas being covered under the second phase, particularly in remote and snow-bound pockets, so that residents are well informed about the enumeration schedule, self-enumeration facility and their role in ensuring accurate and quality data collection. He also called for timely disbursement of honorarium to personnel for the work completed during the first phase and upon successful culmination of the second phase, besides putting in place an effective monitoring mechanism. He directed the Directorate of Census Operations and the respective District Administrations to maintain close coordination and undertake regular monitoring of field progress to ensure timely completion of the exercise. At the outset, Director, Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, presented a comprehensive operational blueprint for Phase-II of the Census, outlining the timelines, deployment strategy, training framework, technological arrangements and public outreach measures for ensuring accurate and inclusive population enumeration in the designated snow-bound pockets. He made out that citizens will have the facility of self-enumeration through the official Census portal from August 17 to August 31, 2026, followed by door-to-door physical enumeration from September 1 to September 30, 2026. The Census Moment will be 00:00 hours of October 1, 2026, while a revisional round will be conducted from October 1 to October 5, 2026 for final verification and rectification of omissions, wherever required. It was further elucidated that the exercise will cover 95 Administrative Charges and 4,146 tentative Enumeration Blocks spread across the snow-bound sectors of J&K. Major operational clusters include Doda with 15 charges, Kishtwar with 12, Baramulla with 12, Kupwara with 10, Ramban with 8 and Anantnag with 8 charges. The meeting wasalso informed that the Phase-II enumeration will be carried out through the official Census 2027PE mobile application, supported by the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal for real-time monitoring of field operations and progress. During the exercise, Enumerators will cover normal, institutional and houseless households through a comprehensive digital questionnaire designed to capture key socio-demographic, economic, migration, fertility and other relevant indicators. Special training modules have also been devised for personnel handling Special Charges, including Defence and Paramilitary establishments in these areas. Moreover a structured training cascade has been put in place for the successful conduct of the exercise. The UT-level Officers and Principal Census Officers Conference was held on August 7, followed by training of District/Charge Officers and Census Clerks from August 10 to 12. District Field Trainers will undergo training from August 13 to 17, while training of Enumerators and Supervisors at the Charge level will be conducted from August 20 to 29, 2026. The Directorate of Census Operations has also planned an extensive hyperlocal awareness campaign, including media outreach, community radio programmes, social media initiatives, transit branding and mobile announcement vehicles, besides targeted communication interventions to encourage maximum public participation in self-enumeration and field enumeration. The Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to work in close coordination and maintain a zero-omission approach, in these difficult and snow-bound terrains, so that every eligible household and individual is duly covered and the Census exercise culminates with accuracy, efficiency and credibility. The Government has appealed to all residents of the designated snow-bound and inaccessible areas to extend full cooperation to the Census personnel and make maximum use of the self-enumeration facility, thereby contributing to a comprehensive, accurate and inclusive Census-2027.

Crime Branch files chargesheet in state land encroachment case in J-K's Rajouri

Jammu, Aug 8: The Crime Branch Jammu on Saturday filed a chargesheet against an accused for allegedly encroaching upon more than two-and-a-half kanals of state land in Rajouri district four years ago, an official said. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed the chargesheet against Yash Paul, a resident of Bhajwal village, in the Sunderbani Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class in the 2022 state land encroachment case, a spokesperson of the Crime Branch, Jammu, said. He said the case was registered at the Crime Branch (EOW) police station on a written complaint lodged by Acharya Rajesh Kumar Prashar, alleging that Paul, in connivance with some revenue and forest officials, encroached on the state land. During investigation, mutation no 4193 dated September 5, 2018 was found to have been attested in violation of government orders and was subsequently declared null and void ab initio (from the very start) by the Sunderbani additional deputy commissioner in December 2022, following quasi-judicial proceedings, the spokesperson said, adding that the mutation was cancelled from revenue records. In this context, mutation refers to the official recording of a change in property ownership or title within government land revenue records. The spokesperson further said the demarcation of the land in question was conducted by a team of revenue officials in presence of forest officials. The demarcation report was submitted by the revenue officials and it was found that Paul encroached on state land measuring 2 kanal 11 marla (approximately 1,290 square metres) in Bhajwal village, according to the official. On the basis of the evidence collected, he said the allegations were substantiated and the investigation was concluded with the filing of the chargesheet, along with the list of witnesses and seized documents for judicial determination.

JKCSF expresses grave concern over growing unemployment, says matter demands immediate attention

Srinagar, Aug 08: Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (J&KCSF) chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani today expressed grave concern over the growing unemployment among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, and said it has emerged as a serious social and economic challenge that demands immediate attention. In a statement issued, JKCSF Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani said that thousands of educated, skilled and qualified young men and women are spending the most productive years of their lives waiting for limited government employment opportunities. He said the government recruitment remains an important avenue, it cannot absorb the ever-growing number of educated youth. The mindset that a government job is the only source of dignity, stability and social respect must therefore change. Private employment, entrepreneurship, agriculture, horticulture, tourism, handicrafts, technology, freelancing, skilled trades and small businesses can provide equally dignified and sustainable livelihoods, he said. Wani said there is a dire need to address the growing culture of inactivity among unemployed youth. Instead of spending years preparing for examinations or waiting for government engagement, young people must be encouraged to acquire new skills, undertake vocational training and explore opportunities in emerging sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, e-commerce and online services. At the same time, career counselling must become an integral part of our educational system. Schools, colleges, universities, employment departments, civil society organisations and community institutions should guide young people about changing employment trends and help them make realistic and informed career choices. Parents, too, must encourage their children to pursue skills, entrepreneurship and private employment rather than measuring success only through government employment, he said. Wani said that J&K Civil Society Forum will organise a seminar involving all stakeholders to discuss on this serious issue pertaining to our future generation so that joint strategy is formulated to help our youth to come out from this serious challenge. He said unemployment also has wider consequences for families and society, including financial dependence, delayed marriages, frustration, loss of confidence and growing social problems. The loss is therefore not merely economic; it is a loss of human potential. The youth of Jammu & Kashmir possess immense talent, intelligence and creativity. What they need is proper guidance, skill development, opportunities and a change in social attitude towards work, he said and added, every year spent waiting is a year that cannot be recovered.Waiting should never become a career. It is time to replace dependency with productivity, skills, entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Wani said that future of Jammu & Kashmir depends substantially on how effectively we utilise the energy and potential of our young generation. All stakeholders must come together to ensure that our youth are not merely waiting for opportunities, but are empowered to create them.

Multi-vehicle crash inside tunnel injures three SSB personnel in J-K's Ramban

Jammu, Aug 8: At least three personnel of the SSB were injured after three vehicles of the force collided with each other inside a tunnel along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district on Saturday, officials said. The accident occurred at Kela Morh when the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) convoy was travelling from Srinagar towards Jammu, officials said. Quoting initial reports, officials said one of the vehicles abruptly applied the brakes, following which the vehicles behind it collided with each other inside the tunnel. Three SSB personnel sustained injuries in the accident and were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, they said. The collision briefly disrupted the movement of traffic on the highway, which was lashed by moderate rains. Despite the rainfall and the brief disruption caused by the accident, traffic continued to ply on the highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, officials said.

Group shifting police-seized bovine animals attacked in J-K's Ramban, FIR lodged

Jammu, Aug 8: A man and his four associates who were taking police-seized bovine animals through a hilly track were allegedly attacked by cow vigilantes in a remote area in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving several persons injured, officials said on Saturday. Police have registered an FIR against 17 persons for the alleged attack on Tuesday and launched efforts to arrest them. This was the second such reported attack by cow vigilantes in Ramban in the past five months. A man died trying to flee his alleged attackers in April. Shakeel Ahmad, a resident of Maitra village of Ramban town, told PTI on phone that he was handed 23 bovine animals seized by the police at Kariya Post to take them to Ramban. On August 4, I was taking them on foot through a hilly track along with four workers when a large group of cow vigilantes, armed with sticks, encircled and attacked us at Bilawat village around 8 pm, accusing us of bovine smuggling, he said. Ahmed said they showed the cow vigilantes documents issued by the police and pleaded with them to speak to the concerned police officer to verify the details. But the group refused to listen, he said. Ahmed alleged that they snatched two mobile phones and assaulted them with sticks, resulting in injuries to him and his workers. Gafoor (20) suffered serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, while two others, Altaf and Ishtiyaq, tried to intervene but were also allegedly beaten up, he said. Ahmad alleged that the attackers were led by Surjeet and his brother Tilak Raj and they were left unconscious after the assault while they did not know what happened to the animals. We were taken to the hospital by some locals. The next day, I went to Ramban police station and lodged a written complaint against the accused, he said, demanding stern action against those responsible, justice for the victims and measures to restore peoples confidence in the system. Officials said police registered an FIR under relevant sections of law including sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 115(2) (voluntarily causing simple physical hurt), 307 (theft with violence preparation), 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 351(3) (aggravated criminal intimidation) and 191(2) (rioting) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation of the case is underway and efforts are on to arrest the accused, the officials said. Earlier, on April 12, Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, a youth from Mundkhal Pogal, lost his life after allegedly jumping into a stream while fleeing a group of cow vigilantes who had reportedly chased and assaulted him in the Ramsoo area as he was taking a milch cow and two calves from Jammu to his home. Chopans body was recovered from the stream nearly a month after the incident following an extensive search. Police subsequently arrested four persons in connection with the case.

From Players to Developers: Can Kashmirs Next Digital Generation Build Its Own Games?

Young people in Kashmir are already closely connected with the digital world. Smartphones, online videos, social media and mobile games have become part of everyday life for students and young adults, yet gaming is still discussed mostly as a form of entertainment. There is another side to it that deserves more attention: the possibility that some of the young people who enjoy playing games today could also learn how to develop them. Game development is no longer limited to large companies or professional studios located in major technology centres. With online courses, tutorials and easily available development tools, students can now begin learning programming, animation, 3D design, sound, interface design and other skills from home. A capable computer, regular practice and patience are enough to start experimenting with small projects, which creates an interesting opportunity for Kashmirs young generation. From interest to practical skills Game development is often associated mainly with coding, but even a simple game usually requires a combination of different skills. Programming is needed to make the game function, while artists may work on characters, backgrounds and environments. Other parts of the project can involve animation, sound, level design, menus, user interfaces and testing, which means that students with different interests can find a place within the same field. This makes game development particularly useful for young people who are still trying to understand which area of technology or digital design suits them best. A student who begins by learning programming may later discover a stronger interest in animation or 3D modelling, while someone who enjoys visual design may move towards user-interface work. Others may eventually take these skills into software development, graphic design, architecture, visualisation or other parts of the digital economy. The value of learning game development therefore does not depend entirely on becoming a professional game developer. Building a game also teaches something that is difficult to learn only through books or tutorials: how to take an idea, work through problems, make decisions and finally complete a usable project. That experience can be important for students who have theoretical knowledge but little practical work to show. Signs of interest are already visible There have already been examples of young people in Kashmir taking an interest in coding, apps and game development. In September 2025, Srinagar hosted Daydream Srinagar, a two-day game jam for students aged 13 to 18, where participants attended beginner-friendly workshops, formed teams and built their own games. The event was affiliated with Hack Club and was described by the organisers as Kashmirs largest student-led coding event of its kind. There are other signs of interest as well. TechKnow 2025 at Delhi Public School Srinagar brought together students from more than 30 schools across the Valley for workshops covering areas such as artificial intelligence, app development, programming, web development, graphic design and game development. These examples may still be limited, but they show that there is already a base of young people in Kashmir who are willing to explore technology beyond normal classroom learning. The next step is to make students more aware that such skills do not have to remain limited to competitions, workshops or school projects. A student who develops one small game can improve it, work on another project and gradually build practical experience. Over time, what begins as an experiment can become a useful skill and, for some, even the beginning of a career. Kashmir can also become a place for digital development A large part of the digital content consumed in Kashmir is created outside the region, and games are no different. Young people regularly play titles developed in other parts of India and across the world, but there is no reason why Kashmiri developers cannot become part of the same industry. A game created by someone in Kashmir does not necessarily need to be about Kashmir. A local developer may choose to create a racing game, a puzzle game, a sports game or something completely fictional for players anywhere in the world. At the same time, there is also room for original ideas inspired by the Valley itself. Kashmir has its own landscapes, winters, architecture, stories, traditions and everyday experiences, all of which could provide inspiration for developers who want to create something rooted in the region. One of the biggest advantages of digital products is that the market is not restricted to the place where the product is created. A game developed in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla or any other part of Kashmir can be played by someone sitting thousands of kilometres away. For young people in the region, this means that location does not have to decide the size of the audience they can eventually reach. Creating a game is only one part of the journey For beginners, one of the biggest difficulties often appears after the game has been completed. A student may successfully create a small project but still have no clear idea where to publish it or how to put it in front of people beyond friends and classmates. This is where online gaming platforms can become useful. Browser games, in particular, offer a practical route for new developers because an HTML5 or WebGL game can run directly in a web browser and can be submitted to platforms that already have an audience. One such option is the browser gaming platform Y8 , which allows individual developers as well as established studios to submit their games for review. For a beginner, this is important because the developer does not need to already operate a large company or have a long record of successful games before submitting a project. If a game meets the platforms technical, quality and content requirements, it can be published and made available to real players. A project that previously existed only on a students computer can therefore become something that people from different countries are able to open and play. Published games can become a portfolio For students, the value of publishing a game may go well beyond immediate earnings. A young developer who continues to work on new projects can gradually build a public portfolio that shows not only what they have learned, but what they have actually completed. On Y8, for example, developers can create studio profiles where their published games are displayed together, allowing them to build a public game development portfolio that can later be shared while applying for internships, freelance work or jobs. A student may mention knowledge of Unity, JavaScript, 3D modelling or game design on a CV, but a playable project provides much stronger evidence of those abilities because an employer or collaborator can directly see the result of the developers work. The first game does not have to be highly polished or commercially successful. What matters is that the developer has taken an idea through the process of building, testing and publishing it. As more projects are completed, the portfolio can also show improvement over time. A second game may have better controls, another may show stronger design, while later projects may demonstrate a better understanding of players and presentation. For someone who does not yet have professional work experience, this kind of visible progress can become useful when applying for a job or trying to enter the industry. Real players bring a different kind of learning Publishing a game also gives developers access to something that classroom projects usually cannot provide: feedback from real users. Friends and classmates may support a project because they know the person who created it, but unknown players behave differently. They may leave the game if the controls are confusing, discover bugs that were missed during testing or struggle with a level that the developer believed was simple. This kind of feedback can help young developers understand how people actually use the things they build. Learning to observe users, identify problems and improve a product is valuable not only in game development but across the wider technology sector. Earnings can come later There is also a possibility of earning from successful games, as platforms such as Y8 provide monetisation opportunities for approved developers. For beginners, however, income should probably not be the first measure of success. The more important steps are learning the skills, completing a game, publishing it, reaching real players and building a portfolio that can support future opportunities. Even a modest amount earned from a self-developed project can give confidence to a young developer because it shows that a digital skill can have real value, but the larger benefit lies in the experience gained along the way. A student who learns how to complete and improve projects may later use those skills for employment, freelance work or independent development. A career does not always have to begin outside Kashmir Technology careers are often associated with moving to larger cities where major companies and studios are located. That may still be necessary for some opportunities, but digital work has reduced this dependence considerably. A student can learn in Kashmir, develop projects in Kashmir and publish them for an audience outside the region, while a strong portfolio can also be shared with companies or clients located elsewhere. Not everyone who experiments with game development will eventually work in gaming, and that should not be seen as a failure. Some may move towards software engineering, animation, design, 3D art or other technical and creative fields. The experience of building games can still help because it brings several skills together around a finished product and requires students to solve practical problems rather than only study them in theory. From players to developers Kashmir already has a generation of young people who are comfortable with digital technology. The next stage should be to encourage more of them to understand how the products they use every day are actually made and to consider creating something of their own. Game development can offer one such path because it combines technology with creativity and allows students to turn their skills into practical projects. Platforms such as Y8 can support this process by giving independent developers a place to submit games, reach real players and build a public portfolio of their work, with the possibility of monetisation as they progress. For some young people, game development may remain a hobby, while for others it may become the first step towards a professional career. What matters is that games should not be seen only as products created elsewhere for Kashmiri youth to consume. With the right skills, patience and opportunities to publish their work, some of the players of today can become the developers of tomorrow.

Lost huge political capital due to non-restoration of statehood to J-K: Omar Abdullah

New Delhi, Aug 8: Voicing deep frustration over the delay in restoration of promised statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that the anger and disappointment over the issue in the Union territory is not only against the Modi government but he himself has lost huge political capital because of it. Abdullah said the prolonged delay in restoring statehood has led to public disappointment in J-K, which extends beyond the Centre, while acknowledging that his own political credibility has taken a severe hit because he continues to pay the price for sins that are not mine. The chief minister said that his initial strategy of building a constructive working relationship with the Union government in hopes of securing early restoration of statehood has severely eroded his political capital among the local constituents. I put a huge amount of my own political credibility at stake for this. I know for a fact that I've eroded a large part of it, Abdullah told journalist Karan Thapar in an interview for The Wire. I will pay the price for sins that are not mine, and again, I will carry that cross because it's mine to bear, he said. Criticising the Centre's undefined timeline of restoring statehood to J-K at an appropriate time, the chief minister likened the process to a moving target, saying, It's like running a marathon. Instead of completing it in 42 km, every time you reach near the finishing line, they keep shifting it. He urged the Centre to define clear parameters so his administration has a concrete goal. Abdullah also rejected an argument in certain power corridors that statehood cannot be restored until terrorism is completely eradicated, saying that his elected government exercises no control over the security apparatus functioning in the Union territory. The problem with this argument is that you're effectively punishing a government that has no role in this. Militancy does not exist in Jammu and Kashmir because there's an elected government. In fact, we have absolutely nothing to do with the anti-terror mechanism that is in place in J-K right now, he said. He argued that by saying so, you are effectively saying that when Pakistan stops sponsoring terror, you will restore statehood effectively transferring the decision from our capital to Islamabad. Highlighting administrative paralysis under the Union territory framework, Abdullah called a Union territory with an Assembly an abomination, and added that key institutions, including the JK Power Development Corporation and the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, remain under the lieutenant governor's authority. There is no worse form of government than a Union territory with an Assembly. Please, by all means, have Union territories, but don't give them assemblies, he said, noting that his Cabinet lacks the authority to select even its own administrative secretaries or appoint an advocate general. Responding to critics who argue that he has muted his stance on Article 370, Abdullah said that statehood is a legal prerequisite for any division of constitutional powers. Article 370 was basically the division of powers between the Union government and the state government. How can you have a state list when you are not a state? Statehood has to come before (Article) 370 can be restored, he said. Speaking on the Modi government's pledge, Abdullah noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally backed the commitment to restore statehood during his visits to the region, explicitly terming it a Modi Ka Wada rather than a routine political assurance. The prime minister put his personal credibility behind it. He said the restoration of statehood is not just any other promise, it's a 'Modi Ka Wada'. Obviously, he holds that promise to a higher standard, giving it greater weightage, Abdullah said, adding that the continued delay brings into question the Union government's accountability. Admitting that he has personally lost huge political capital by trusting the Centre's assurances and seeking a constructive working relationship, Abdullah said that the sense of disappointment in Jammu and Kashmir is palpable and urged the Modi government to stand by its commitments made to Parliament, the judiciary, and the people of the region. Abdullah also said that his government would continue to raise the demand for restoration of statehood through political dialogue, street protests, and demonstrations in the national capital.

People now realising we were right six years ago: Rafi Mir

Crime Branch Jammu registers FIR in overseas visa, job fraud case

Jammu, Aug 08: The Special Crime Wing (SCW) of Jammu's Crime Branch registered an FIR on Saturday in connection with an alleged overseas visa and employment fraud involving multiple accused persons, an official said. The case stems from a joint written complaint filed by several residents of Doda district. They alleged that Bilal Ahmad, a resident of Kishtwar's Dachhan area currently based in Dubai, induced them with promises of arranging visas and employment in Dubai, a SCW spokesperson said. Acting on these assurances, he said the complainants transferred substantial sums of money into the bank accounts of different individuals as instructed by the accused. During the preliminary enquiry, it surfaced that the funds were routed through the bank accounts of Yasir Arfat, Ashiq Hussain, and Moin Khan, who allegedly acted in coordination with the main accused, the spokesperson said. He said the evidence prima facie indicated a well-planned criminal conspiracy involving multiple people to cheat innocent job aspirants under the guise of providing overseas employment. Accordingly, the spokesperson said a formal case was registered on Friday against the accused persons under the relevant provisions of law, adding that the investigation will focus on tracing the money trail, identifying the role of each accused, and securing justice for the victims. The SCW advised the public to exercise utmost caution while dealing with individuals or agencies offering overseas jobs or visa services. It urged people to verify the credentials of such entities through authorised government channels before making any payments and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or helpline.

Azi tae Fazi hund izzat: Sakina Itoo chants 370 slogan, taunting BJP over womens dignity.

Sakina Itoo says NHM workers honorarium hike proposal sent to Centre

DIG Maqsood Ul Zaman reviews Independence Day parade preparations at Zewan

Srinagar, Aug 08: Deputy Inspector General of Police Maqsood ul Zaman, IPS, Overall Supervisory Officer for Independence Day Parade-2026, reviewed the arrangements and preparations for the ceremonial parade during a meeting at APC Zewan on Friday. The meeting was attended by subordinate supervisory officers and nodal officers from various departments associated with the Independence Day Parade-2026, who discussed the arrangements to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event. During the meeting, the chair was apprised of the status of preparedness by the concerned officers. All aspects related to the conduct of the ceremonial parade were reviewed in detail and inter-departmental coordination issues were discussed threadbare. The DIG issued necessary directions to all stakeholders to ensure the successful, smooth and colorful presentation of the Independence Day Parade. Emphasis was laid on ensuring comfortable accommodation and timely refreshments for all parade contingents. The chair also stressed the need for maintaining high standards of turnout, effective coordination among participating units and achieving precision and synchronization in drill to uphold the dignity and ceremonial excellence of the event.

Amarnath Yatra suspended from Jammu amid bad weather; 1,202 pilgrims move down from Baltal

Banihal, Aug 08: The Shri Amarnath Yatra was suspended from Jammu on Saturday amid rains and inclement weather conditions prevailing in Ramban district and parts of Kashmir, officials said. No fresh Yatra convoy was allowed to leave the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Saturday as a precautionary measure in view of the prevailing weather and road conditions. Meanwhile, the 28th batch of 1,202 pilgrims who had completed darshan at the holy cave and were staying at the Baltal base camp was allowed to proceed towards Jammu in a down convoy of 44 vehicles, according to the Joint Police Control Room, Baltal. The returning pilgrims include 867 males, 251 females, one child, 79 sadhus and four sadhvis. The convoy comprises 28 heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), one medium motor vehicle (MMV), 11 light motor vehicles (LMVs) and four trucks. Authorities are closely monitoring the weather and road conditions before allowing further movement of pilgrims from Jammu. The suspension has been ordered as a safety precaution amid rainfall and the possibility of landslides, shooting stones and other disruptions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Yatra routes.

Two houses gutted in devastating fire in Akhran area of Sub division Banihal

Banihal, Aug 08: Two residential houses were gutted in a devastating fire that broke out in the Akhran area of Khari tehsil in Ramban district on Saturday morning, leaving two poor families with heavy losses. The houses belonging to Fareed Ahmed Qazi, son of Ghulam Qazi Gujjar, and Shabir Ahmed Gujjar, son of Noor Mohammad Gujjar, both residents of Akhran, were engulfed in flames. Locals said the fire initially went out of control as Akhran is located far from the main road, making it difficult to bring firefighting equipment to the spot. Local residents joined efforts to douse the flames using water pots, but their efforts proved insufficient due to the intensity of the fire. The firefighting operation was further hampered by a shortage of water, as the existing water supply line in the area had already been disconnected. Khari tehsil also lacks a Fire and Emergency Services station, a facility that residents have been demanding for more than two decades. Fayaz Ahmed Surukh, a local resident, said rainfall in the area later helped bring the fire under control. However, by then, the blaze had caused extensive damage to the houses and belongings of the two families. Meanwhile, SHO Banihal Ashiq Hussain Lone said police teams and QRT Khari volunteers had been rushed to the spot. He said the Akhran area is situated on a hilltop in a far-flung location and lacks proper road connectivity. The SHO said all family members were safe and unharmed.

CIK conducts searches at five locations across Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 8: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Saturday conducted searches at five locations across four districts of the Kashmir Valley in connection with an ongoing investigation into a case registered at Police Station CIK, Srinagar. According to officials, the searches were carried out in Baramulla, Anantnag, Shopian and Bandipora in connection with FIR No. 03/2023, registered under Sections 505 and 153-A of the IPC and Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The searches were conducted on the basis of warrants issued by the competent court as part of the ongoing investigation, officials said. During the searches, investigators recovered and seized electronic devices, digital storage media and other material suspected to be relevant to the case. The seizures were made in the presence of independent witnesses and in accordance with prescribed legal procedures. Officials said the seized material would be subjected to detailed forensic examination to establish its relevance and assist investigators in taking the probe forward. The searches form part of the CIK's ongoing investigation into the 2023 case. Further action will follow based on the findings of the forensic examination and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

NASA astronauts complete over 6-hour spacewalk aboard International Space Station

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon successfully completed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), concluding a mission that lasted six hours and 27 minutes, according to NASA. The spacewalk ended at 3 p.m. EDT on Thursday and marked the first spacewalk for Menon and the sixth for Meir. During the mission, the astronauts completed their primary objective of preparing the stations 3B power channel for the future installation of International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA). NASA said the new solar arrays will provide additional power to the orbiting laboratory, helping support critical onboard systems and the stations safe, controlled deorbit in the future. According to NASA, the mission was the 281st spacewalk conducted in support of the assembly, maintenance and upgrading of the International Space Station.

NHRC seeks report from MP govt over students risking lives to cross Betwa river

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report about school students in Madhya Pradeshs Vidisha district risking their lives by hopping across exposed check-dam pillars to cross the Betwa River on their way to school. According to the report, nine students, including five girls, from Kakraua village cross the river this way every day. The dangerous route cuts their journey from about 13 km by road to just 1.5 km. The NHRC said that if the report is true, it raises serious concerns over violation of the childrens human rights. It noted that Article 21A of the Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education to children aged six to 14 years, while the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, makes education a right for children in the same age group. Referring to the Supreme Courts 2009 judgment in Avinash Mehrotra v. Union of India, the Commission said the right to education necessarily includes the right to a safe school and safe infrastructure. The NHRC observed that the absence of a safe means for children to reach school amounts to denial of their fundamental right to education with dignity. It has therefore issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report within two weeks. A media report published on August 4 said a video showing the children perilously crossing wide gaps between exposed check-dam pillars had gone viral on social media. Villagers reportedly said they were unable to accompany their children to a distant school as they had to work in the fields, leaving families with the choice of either stopping their childrens education or allowing them to take the dangerous route. The report also said a student had failed her final examinations after missing school because she was unable to cross the pillars due to her short height. The District Education Officer has visited the site and informed the District Collector, but no timeline has reportedly been given for constructing a safe passage across the river.

US judge orders Meta to pay additional $567 million over child safety failures

A US judge has ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million for failing to adequately warn the public about the risks its social media platforms pose to children, taking the total penalties against the company in the New Mexico case to $942 million, the BBC reported. Judge Bryan Biedscheid ruled on Thursday that Metas platforms constitute a public nuisance, comparing the company to a factory whose products generate widespread social harm. He directed the social media giant to create a fund to help reduce future harm to children. The latest order comes on top of an earlier $375 million penalty imposed in the same case. According to the BBC, the ruling is the largest financial penalty against Meta over child safety issues and is believed to be the first time a social media company has been declared a public nuisance by a US court. The lawsuit, filed by the State of New Mexico in 2023, alleged that Metas recommendation algorithms exposed children to sexually explicit content and contact with sexual predators. During the first phase of the trial, the court found that the company had repeatedly violated the states Unfair Practices Act by steering young users towards harmful content. Judge Biedscheid said the harm caused by Metas platforms extends beyond the internet and places a broader burden on children, families, schools, hospitals and law enforcement. He ordered that $420 million from the new fund be used to finance treatment programmes and behavioural health services for affected children, while the remaining amount will support awareness campaigns and training for teachers and healthcare professionals. The court also directed Meta to introduce a series of child safety measures, including preventing adult users from messaging minors or receiving recommendations for accounts belonging to users under 18, blocking the exchange of nude images involving minors, introducing a one-strike policy against adults involved in child sexual exploitation, removing like counts for users under 18, restricting push notifications during night-time and school hours, and limiting minors to 90 hours of combined monthly use across Facebook and Instagram. Meta said it disagreed with the ruling and would appeal. In a statement quoted by the BBC, the company said it remains committed to protecting young users and argued that the judgment misrepresents its efforts to identify and remove harmful content. According to the BBC, Meta also faces thousands of similar lawsuits across the United States, with another major child privacy trial due to begin in California next week involving attorneys general from nearly three dozen states.

Jharkhand job exam irregularities: opposition BJP creates ruckus, House adjourned

BJP MLAs on Friday created a ruckus in the Jharkhand Assembly over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams in the state, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for the day. The opposition MLAs trooped into the well of the House, raising slogans like CM Hemant Soren quit office, as soon as the proceedings started on the second day of the Monsoon Session. They demanded a CBI probe under a court-monitored committee into the alleged irregularities in the job exams. Amid the ruckus created by the saffron party legislators, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato urged them to go back to their seats. When his repeated appeals went unheeded during Question Hour, he adjourned the House till 12.30 pm. The uproarious scenes were witnessed even after the House proceedings resumed. Unable to run the House, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for the day. The Assembly proceedings will resume on August 10. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Babulal Marandi, demanded a CBI probe under a court-monitored committee into the alleged irregularities in job exams, while the Congress claimed that the Central Bureau of Investigation has already lost its credibility and become the Centres tool. Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav said, We are also concerned over students issues. The CID is investigating the matter. You (opposition) are demanding a probe by CBI, but the central agency has already lost its credibility and is acting as a tool of the Centre. Jharkhand Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar said the government is aware of the oppositions concern and wants to resolve the issues. Kumar took a jibe at the opposition MLAs, saying that they should also recall the irregularities in the Jharkhand PSC 1 and 2 examinations and alleged that the BJP leaders relatives then secured jobs. Meanwhile, the students protest against the alleged irregularities in recruitment exams entered its 14th day on Friday with six demonstrators on a hunger strike. Two student unions also announced that they would hold a march to the state assembly during the day. The announcement comes as the stalemate continues, with protesting students and job aspirants alleging that no formal invitation was received from the state government to discuss their demands and resolve the issues. The demonstrators have been demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment test either by the CBI or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state. They also stressed comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

JKEDI organises high-impact startup mentoring, orientation session

The Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) organised a high-impact orientation and mentoring session for startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and young innovators at its Main Campus, Pampore. The session, organised from August 5 to August 7, was conducted by Prof. Sunil Handa, Founder of the Eklavya Foundation, alumnus of BITS Pilani and IIM Ahmedabad, and a distinguished entrepreneur and startup mentor who has guided thousands of ventures across India. As part of the programme, Prof. Handa conducted intensive one-on-one mentoring sessions with 43 emerging startups from across J&K. During these personalised interactions, he provided practical guidance tailored to the unique challenges and growth aspirations of each startup. Drawing upon his rich entrepreneurial experience, he shared actionable insights on business strategy, customer acquisition, market positioning, scaling operations, and building sustainable enterprises. The mentoring sessions enabled participating startups to critically evaluate their business models, refine their growth strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of the practical realities of entrepreneurship. Addressing the participants during the orientation session, Prof. Handa emphasised that startups from J&K should broaden their outlook beyond regional markets and strategically position themselves to cater to national and global customers. Through practical examples and real-world case studies, he highlighted the evolving dynamics of the startup ecosystem and underscored the importance of understanding market trends, customer behaviour, and industry structures for building competitive and sustainable businesses. He further encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on solving real-world problems through innovation and value creation. Stressing the importance of clarity, commitment, and disciplined execution, he advised participants to pursue one objective at a time rather than dispersing their efforts across multiple ideas. According to him, sustained focus, consistent execution, and a strong problem-solving mindset are fundamental to entrepreneurial success. Prof. Handa also urged young innovators to embrace calculated risks, stating that informed risk-taking is essential for driving innovation, fostering business growth, and creating long-term value. He encouraged participants to remain resilient, continuously learn from their experiences, and adapt proactively to changing market dynamics. The session proved highly enriching, providing participants with valuable insights into innovation, customer-centric thinking, market expansion, and entrepreneurial leadership. The programme reaffirmed JKEDIs commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir by facilitating meaningful engagement between emerging entrepreneurs and accomplished industry leaders, thereby fostering innovation-driven and sustainable enterprise development.

J&K auto retail sales rise 17.3% in July, festive demand expected to sustain momentum

Automobile retail sales in Jammu and Kashmir registered a robust 17.30 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in July 2026, driven by strong demand across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), J&K. Overall vehicle retail sales in the Union Territory stood at 21,124 units in July 2026, compared with 18,009 units during the corresponding month last year. However, retail sales declined by 4.03 per cent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis from 22,013 units sold in June 2026. Among vehicle categories, two-wheelers recorded sales of 12,354 units in July, registering a 13.23 per cent increase over 10,911 units sold in July 2025. Passenger vehicles posted a 22.55 per cent growth, with sales rising to 5,870 units from 4,790 units a year earlier. Three-wheeler sales surged 32.04 per cent to 1,599 units, compared to 1,211 units in July last year, while commercial vehicle sales increased by 25 per cent to 912 units from 724 units. The construction equipment segment recorded the highest growth among all categories, more than doubling to 48 units from 23 units in July 2025, reflecting a 108.70 per cent increase. The tractor segment was the only category to register a decline, with retail sales slipping 2.57 per cent to 341 units. Commenting on the performance, FADA J&K Chairperson Sanjay Aggarwal said the July figures reflected resilient consumer demand across most automobile segments despite the slight month-on-month decline. The 17.30 per cent year-on-year growth clearly indicates that consumer demand remains strong across most vehicle categories. Passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles have all posted healthy growth, which is encouraging for the automobile sector in Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Aggarwal, however, said the 4.03 per cent month-on-month decline warranted close monitoring. While monthly fluctuations are normal in the automobile industry, sustained demand and a stable business environment are essential to maintain the current growth momentum. The marginal decline in tractor sales also suggests that rural and agricultural demand needs to be watched carefully, he said. Looking ahead, Aggarwal expressed optimism that the upcoming festive and marriage seasons would provide fresh momentum to vehicle sales across the Union Territory. These periods traditionally witness higher consumer spending and increased demand for personal mobility, particularly in the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments. We expect the festive sentiment to translate into stronger retail sales in the coming months, he said. He added that the marriage season is another key demand driver, particularly for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, while commercial vehicles and three-wheelers are also expected to benefit from increased business activity during the festive period. Aggarwal said automobile dealers across Jammu and Kashmir are preparing for higher customer footfall with attractive product offerings, financing schemes and festive promotions. He also noted that July 2026 marked a milestone for the automobile industry nationwide, with all six vehicle categories recording their best-ever July retail performance. National auto retail sales touched 25,91,138 units during the month, registering a 25.89 per cent year-on-year growth.

National Handloom Day celebrated with focus on aesthetic packaging, GI labelling

Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, today organised an exhibition of high-value textile products made by the finest artisans and weavers from Kashmir, to commemorate the National Handloom Day. The exhibition was inaugurated by Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, at S. K. Park, here. Development Officer, Textiles, Arjumand Yaqub, AD Srinagar, Sadia Ahmed, PEO, Riyaz Ahmad Kawoosa and other senior officers were also present on the occasion. In a press statement issued here today, a spokesperson of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir stated that every year on August 7, a fervent appeal is issued to the buyers and art lovers to join the Be Vocal for Local campaign, which goes a long way in making our artisans and weavers self-sustained. It is very pleasing to note that a large number of visitors turned up at SK Park to buy famous handcrafted Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls made by the golden hands of artisans and weavers from Kashmir, he added. Earlier, the Director went around the stalls and interacted with the artisans and weavers and encouraged them to get their products tested and labelled at Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), CDI Srinagar. Apart from Vocal for Local campaign, our Department urges tourists and buyers to insist on QR Coded GI products to overcome the serious challenge posed by the counterfeit products, sold in the garb of genuine handmade products, he added. The Director also highlighted the importance of aesthetic packaging of high-value Pashmina and Kani Shawls so that its brand value is enhanced. Towards this, the Department under RAMP is soon organising capacity building workshops with Indian Institute of Packaging, New Delhi, he added. The National Handloom Day also provided an opportunity to give traction to Srinagar citys unique distinction of having been notified as a Craft City by World Craft Council and UNESCO City under its Creative Cities Network.

LG Manoj Sinha greets weavers, craftspeople on National Handloom Day

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday extended greetings to weavers and craftspeople across Jammu and Kashmir and the country on the occasion of National Handloom Day, paying tribute to their contribution in preserving Indias rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. In a message shared through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on X, Sinha highlighted the creativity, dedication and skill of handloom artisans, describing their work as a reflection of Indias vibrant cultural identity and centuries-old traditions. On National Handloom Day, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, creativity and craftsmanship of our weavers and craftspeople. Let us acknowledge and admire their invaluable contribution and resolve to preserve our handloom traditions while empowering the artisans who keep them alive, the Lieutenant Governor said. He underscored the importance of protecting the countrys handloom legacy while ensuring the economic empowerment and welfare of artisans whose craftsmanship continues to sustain the traditional handloom sector. The Lieutenant Governor said the handloom industry serves as a vital source of livelihood for thousands of families and remains a symbol of Indias cultural richness and artistic excellence. He also urged people to support local weavers and promote indigenous handloom products to help preserve traditional crafts and strengthen the sector. National Handloom Day is observed across the country every year to recognise the contribution of weavers and raise awareness about the importance of the handloom sector in Indias cultural heritage and economy.

National Handloom Day |Reach of handloom products in global markets can be expanded through e-com platforms: President

The countrys handloom sector offers significant employment opportunities, and the reach of these products in global markets can be expanded through e-commerce platforms, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday. Speaking at the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations here, she said about 35 lakh people are engaged in the sector and out of that over 25 lakh are women. The President also exuded confidence that the sector will serve as a robust foundation for the countrys inclusive growth and self-reliance. She also conferred the prestigious Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The President also said the appropriate use of new technologies is essential for the sustainable development of this sector. Market access can be made more effective through modern digital solutions, she said. Moreover, the reach of Indian handloom products to global markets can be significantly strengthened through e-commerce platforms, she said adding many talented young entrepreneurs, equipped with technology and innovative designs, are entering this sector. She said that there should be proactive hand-holding of the youth through government schemes and institutions so that their enthusiasm and skills can ensure long-term, multifaceted success of this sector. Young entrepreneurs, designers, and startups can create new opportunities in this field by linking traditional crafts with modern trends, brands, and global value chains, the President added.

J&K Judicial Academy concludes Induction Training for 39 Civil Judges

The J&K Judicial Academy, under the patronage of Acting Chief Justice High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Sanjeev Kumar and the guidance of Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Chairman, Governing Committee, J&K Judicial Academy, today concluded the academy-based phase of the Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme for 39 Trainee Civil Judges (Junior Division), Batch-2026. The programme was graced by Acting Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, M K Sharma and other Judicial Officers of the registry. In an engaging interactive session, the Acting Chief Justice congratulated the trainee Civil Judges on successfully completing the Academy-based phase of the induction programme. He said that the training had equipped them with the knowledge, skills and values essential for discharge of judicial functions effectively. He emphasized that the office of a Judge is not merely a position of authority but a solemn constitutional trust, requiring the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, patience, humility and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, the Acting Chief Justice exhorted the trainee officers to consciously guard against every form of bias, whether personal, social, cultural or unconscious. He asked them to ensure that every judicial determination is guided solely by the Constitution, the law and the evidence placed on record. The Acting Chief Justice further highlighted the contemporary challenges confronting the justice delivery system, including inadequate judicial infrastructure, shortage of judicial officers, among other challenges. He observed that these challenges call for greater efficiency, resilience and commitment from judicial officers while reaffirming that they should never compromise the quality or fairness of justice. He urged the trainee officers to remain fearless and independent in discharge of their judicial duties, courteous and compassionate in their conduct. He impressed upon to embrace technology as an aid to justice and pursue continuous learning and self-improvement to effectively meet the evolving demands of judicial service. Appreciating the dedicated efforts of the Director, Resource Persons, officers and staff of the J&K Judicial Academy in successfully conducting the induction programme, the Acting Chief Justice expressed confidence that the newly appointed Civil Judges would uphold the highest traditions of the Indian judiciary and discharge their constitutional responsibilities with courage, wisdom, integrity and compassion. In his special address to the trainee officers, M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, described their appointment as the acceptance of a solemn constitutional responsibility. Emphasizing that the office of a Judge is a public trust, he exhorted them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, patience, humility and diligence in the discharge of their judicial functions. He urged them to treat every litigant with dignity, remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law without fear or favour and continue enriching their legal knowledge through constant learning and technological advancement. Stressing that public confidence in the judiciary is earned through fairness, competence and exemplary conduct, he encouraged the officers to discharge their duties with courage, wisdom and compassion. He also appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Academy, its Resource Persons and staff in successfully conducting the induction programme. Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, expressed his gratitude to Chief Justice for his continued encouragement to judicial education. He said that the academy-based phase had equipped the trainee Civil Judges with a sound foundation in law, judicial skills, court administration, technology-enabled justice delivery and the core values of the judicial office. He informed the trainees that the forthcoming Court Attachment would provide them with valuable practical exposure to court proceedings and judicial administration, enabling them to translate classroom learning into courtroom practice. Urging the officers to approach the attachment with sincerity, discipline and keen observation, he encouraged them to learn from experienced judicial officers and make the most of this formative phase of their training. He also expressed gratitude to Justice Rajnesh Oswal, the Members of the Governing Committee, M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, all the Resource Persons and the officers and staff of the Academy for their constant guidance, support and contributions towards the successful conduct of the programme. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Saiqa Sharief Khan, Trainee Civil Judge, while the proceedings were moderated by Priyanka Bhardwaj, Trainee Civil Judge. The academy-based phase of the Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme concluded with the trainee officers poised to commence their Court Attachment, marking the next phase of their journey towards judicial service.

Rawalpora Khansahab taps run dry

Water pipes and taps in Rawalpora Khansahab in Budgam district have reportedly run dry. The residents have alleged that they are facing an acute shortage of drinking water, forcing families to endure daily hardships in securing water for their basic household needs. According to the residents, the prolonged scarcity has hit women, children and the elderly the hardest, with women allegedly travelling long distances every day to fetch potable water. This was reported by Kashmir News Trust. The villagers expressed resentment over what they described as official apathy, claiming that repeated representations to the concerned authorities have failed to yield any concrete results. Residents further alleged that the Jal Jeevan Mission water supply scheme has failed to ensure a regular supply of drinking water to the village. They claimed that in the absence of timely official intervention, locals themselves repaired damaged water pipelines in an attempt to restore the supply. The villagers also alleged that the area lacks an adequate water storage reservoir and proper infrastructure required to ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water. Appealing for urgent intervention, the residents urged the administration and the Jal Shakti Department to conduct an on-the-spot inspection, restore regular water supply and take immediate steps to resolve the crisis before the situation worsens. The allegations have been made by local residents. The response of the concerned authorities could not be obtained immediately.

One arrested for impersonation, assault and extortion in Sopore

Sopore Police has achieved a major breakthrough in a case involving impersonation of police officials, assault and extortion by arresting one of the accused allegedly involved in the crime, while efforts are underway to nab another suspect. According to police official, Police Post Bus Stand received a complaint from Nazir Ahmad Lone, son of Ali Mohammad Lone, a resident of Shahgund Naidkhai in Bandipora, alleging that he was intercepted, assaulted and threatened by two unknown persons who falsely introduced themselves as police officials. The accused allegedly extorted Rs 10,000 from the complainant before fleeing from the spot, official said. Acting promptly on the complaint, Police Station Sopore registered FIR No. 194/2026 under Sections 308(5), 351, 131, 126, 319(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. During the course of investigation, police teams conducted sustained efforts and gathered vital evidence, leading to the arrest of one of the accused, identified as Junaid Ahmad Gojree, son of Nazir Ahmad Gojree, a resident of Model Town-D, Sopore. Police said the accused was arrested for his alleged involvement in the offence and further investigation is continuing. Officials added that another accused involved in the case is still absconding, and raids and search operations are being carried out to apprehend him at the earliest. Sopore Police reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against criminal acts such as impersonation of police personnel, extortion and intimidation. The police appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any individual attempting to threaten, intimidate or demand money while falsely claiming to be a police official. Police said further investigation into the case is in progress, and additional legal action will be taken as the probe advances.

A Sub-district Hospital (SDH) without USG

Kupwara, Aug 7: The shortage of specialist doctors and lack of an ultrasonography (USG) facility at the recently upgraded Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Vilgam in Ramhall area are affecting patient care to a large extent, thus subjecting people particularly pregnant women to visit Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara or SDH Kupwara for consultations and diagnostic tests. Locals said that the hospital which caters to over hundred villages was functioning without a gynaecologist and several other specialist doctors. The lack of USG facility has further compounded the problems of patients, especially expectant mothers who require periodic ultrasound scans during pregnancy, socio-political activist Nadeem Ahmad Khan told Greater Kashmir. While X-ray services are available at the hospital, they remain functional only during office hours, leaving emergency patients with no access to diagnostic imaging during evenings and nights. We welcomed the upgradation of the hospital with the hope that specialist doctors and essential diagnostic facilities would be made available here, however there is no gynaecologist or USG facility with the result patients continue to suffer, Ajaz Manzar a local from Kukroosa told this correspondent. The pregnant women are among the worst sufferers. They are forced to travel to Handwara or Kupwara for routine ultrasound examinations. Besides due to lack of specialist doctors, patients are subjected to severe hardships interms of visiting SDH Kupwara, GMC Handwara or take consultation from doctors at private clinics, he added. The residents said that the upgraded hospital should be equipped to meet the healthcare needs of the local population instead of compelling patients to travel outside the area. The residents urged the Health and Medical Education Department to post a gynaecologist and other specialist doctors at SDH Vilgam, install a USG machine and ensure round-the-clock X-ray services so that patients can access timely healthcare closer to their homes. Reacting to the concern, BMO Ramhal Dr Ghulam Raheem said that although this hospital has been upgraded to SDH level but creation of posts for specialised doctors was yet to be. I hope that creation of posts will be made soon, following which people will have services of specialised doctors at SDH Vilgam, he added. We have only one X-ray technician at the hospital so keeping the facility available round the clock was impossible, he added.

Commissioner SMC launches online Community Hall Booking Portal

In a significant step towards strengthening e-governance and enhancing citizen-centric municipal services, the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb, today inaugurated the Online Community Hall Booking Portal at the SMC Headquarters, Karan Nagar. The newly launched portal has been developed to provide a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly digital platform for the online booking and management of SMC community halls. The initiative aims to simplify the booking process, eliminate unnecessary manual procedures, improve operational efficiency, and ensure greater transparency, accountability, and convenience in the allotment of community halls. Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner stated that the launch of the portal reflects Srinagar Municipal Corporations continued commitment to leveraging technology for improving governance and delivering efficient public services. He observed that the adoption of digital platforms is essential for building a responsive, transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly urban administration. The Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure the effective implementation, smooth operation, and regular monitoring of the portal to provide hassle-free services to the public. He also emphasized the importance of conducting widespread public awareness and outreach initiatives so that citizens are well informed about the online booking facility and can conveniently avail themselves of its benefits. Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, the Commissioner remarked that the portal is fully aligned with the Governments objective of promoting digital governance and transforming public service delivery through technology-driven solutions that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and transparency. The launch of the Online Community Hall Booking Portal marks another significant milestone in SMCs digital transformation journey and reaffirms the Corporations commitment to delivering modern, accessible, efficient, transparent, and technology-enabled municipal services to the citizens of Srinagar. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, including the Joint Commissioners, Informatics Officer, and other senior officers.

Access to Srinagars major healthcare institutions to be more convenient for patients, attendants

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, today inspected the newly created alternate entry gate and additional parking space at Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla. The DC also took an onsite review of the ongoing Sunner Kul Bund road development works being executed to streamline traffic movement around SMHS Hospital and Super Specialty Hospital. The inspection was undertaken as part of the District Administration's sustained efforts to improve traffic management and strengthen infrastructure around major healthcare institutions to ensure hassle-free access for patients, attendants, healthcare workers, ambulances and other emergency services. At Bone & Joint Hospital, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the newly developed alternate entry gate along with the connecting link road and associated infrastructure aimed at facilitating smooth entry and exit of vehicles. He also inspected the additional parking space created to address parking constraints and reduce congestion around the hospital premises. The alternate entry and parking facility would significantly ease vehicular movement, particularly during peak hours, besides ensuring uninterrupted passage for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Later, the Deputy Commissioner visited the newly developed Sunner Kul Bund road behind Super Specialty Hospital, Shreen Bagh and inspected the progress of the road development works undertaken to provide an alternate traffic corridor for the SMHS Hospital and Super Specialty Hospital area. He took onsite stock of the status of road construction, allied infrastructure works and measures being implemented to improve connectivity and facilitate smooth traffic flow. The DC stressed the need for timely completion of the remaining works while maintaining quality standards and directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure early operationalisation and efficient utilisation of the facilities. On the occasion, the DC said that the road development forms part of the broader mobility improvement and traffic regulation plan along the Nawab BazarKaksaraiDarish Kadal corridor aimed at streamlining vehicular movement through the Sunner Kul route. He said the Bund road, along with the dedicated parking facility being developed around the high-priority healthcare zone comprising SMHS Hospital, Super Specialty Hospital and the Dental Hospital, would help prevent roadside congestion and facilitate smoother access for patients, attendants, healthcare workers and emergency vehicles through the Sunner Kul corridor. The DC further added that the ongoing initiatives, including alternate access routes, expanded parking facilities and improved traffic management are expected to significantly improve vehicular movement and make access to major healthcare institutions more convenient for patients and attendants. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner also visited Paediatrics Hospital, Bemina and inspected the initiation of work of Foot Over Bridge near the hospital aimed at improving mobility in and around the Hospital.

Open garbage dumps on roads emerge as stray dog hotspots in Srinagar

Open garbage dumping sites across several parts of Srinagar have become breeding grounds for stray dogs posing risk to commuters Residents of various areas said garbage is routinely dumped at designated collection points as well as other locations on main roads where the garbage remains exposed until lifted by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). They said the uncovered garbage mounds attract dozens of stray dogs throughout the day, turning many stretches into high-risk zones. Areas in the Hazratbal outskirts, including Tailbal, and Batpora, are among the worst affected, according to locals. Residents of Tailbal said the roadside garbage collection points along the main road connecting Tailbal with Shalimar and the city centre frequently witness packs of stray dogs feeding on waste. At times, two to three dozen dogs can be seen around these dumping spots. They often chase two-wheelers and pedestrians, making the road unsafe, especially during early morning and evening hours, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Tailbal. Locals from Batapora and adjoining areas echoed similar concerns, saying the situation has become increasingly alarming due to the rising stray dog population in the city. Residents of various Downtown locality also expressed concern over open dumping of garbage on roads. Morning walkers said they have either altered their walking routes or started carrying sticks for safety. After sunrise and particularly after sundown, the fear of dog attacks keeps many people indoors. Students travelling on foot, bicycles and scooties are the worst affected, said Zahid Ahmad, a morning walker from Zakura. Residents said while four-wheeler occupants can protect themselves by rolling up their windows, pedestrians and two-wheeler riders remain vulnerable to dog attacks. Apart from safety concerns, residents said the dogs scatter garbage across roads while searching for food, leaving the surroundings littered and emitting a foul smell. They warned that the exposed waste could also become a breeding ground for diseases besides tarnishing the city's appearance. They pointed out that similar concerns have surfaced in downtown localities, where open garbage dumps continue to create inconvenience for residents. In uptown Srinagar, residents also referred to garbage scattered along the link road near the Nowgam Bypass and Railway track, an issue recently highlighted by this newspaper. Demanding a permanent solution, residents urged the authorities to replace open dumping points with covered containers and identify safer waste collection sites away from busy roads and residential areas. An SMC official said the corporation has been lifting garbage from collection points at the earliest possible time and has installed covered waste containers at several locations across the city. The public also has an important role. Residents should avoid dumping waste in the open and instead hand over household garbage to the designated door-to-door waste collection service, the official said.

HC quashes Shopian mans PSA detention

The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Friday quashed the detention of a man from Shopian under the Public Safety Act (PSA), saying that he had nearly undergone the period he was booked for. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani quashed the detention of Ubaid Yousuf Kuttay while allowing his appeal against Single Judges decision dated November 8, 2025, which had dismissed his plea. Kuttay had been detained in terms of a detention order dated September 12, 2024, issued by the District Magistrate, Shopian, under PSA on the ground of security of the State. After examining the facts and legal circumstances of the case, the division bench allowed Kuttays appeal that he had filed through his counsel advocate B A Tak. In response to the appeal, the court set aside the single benchs judgment. We are also of the opinion that it is not the number of acts that are determined for detention of an individual but it is the impact of the act which is material and determinative, the division bench said. It observed that the impugned detention order appeared to have been passed on vague, unverifiable and bald allegations unsupported with any evidence or material. It is unsafe to consider such vague allegations as constituting a past act for deriving any inference about the future course of probable conduct on the part of detenue. Quashing the detention order, the court directed that Kuttay, a resident of Chotipora, Shopian, be released from preventive detention provided he was not involved in any other case.

Recruitment irregularities: JKSA's Nasir Khuehami seeks intervention from CPI(M), CPI MPs

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) National Convenor, Nasir Khuehami, on Friday held a detailed meeting with Left parties Members of Parliament K Radhakrishnan (CPI(M)) and K. Subbarayan (CPI) in New Delhi during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament to apprise them of the pressing concerns confronting the youth and students of Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, Khuehami presented a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing students, job aspirants and unemployed youth across the Union Territory. He stated that seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, it is imperative to undertake an objective assessment of whether the promises of transparent governance, employment generation, institutional accountability, educational advancement and democratic empowerment have translated into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary people. He informed that the aspirations of educated youth continue to be constrained by rising unemployment, delayed recruitment processes, administrative inefficiencies and declining public confidence in recruitment institutions. Khuehami informed the Members of Parliament that unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir. Despite repeated assurances of transparent, merit-based recruitment, thousands of educated young people continue to remain unemployed owing to prolonged delays in public recruitment, repeated examination cancellations, paper leaks, recruitment scams, procedural irregularities, outsourcing controversies and prolonged litigation. He said these recurring failures have not only denied deserving candidates fair employment opportunities but have also inflicted severe academic, financial, psychological and emotional distress on an entire generation of aspirants. Drawing attention to major recruitment controversies in recent years, Khuehami referred to examinations conducted for the Jammu and Kashmir Police Sub-Inspector (JKPSI), Finance Accounts Assistant (FAA), Junior Engineer (Civil), Fire and Emergency Services and several other recruitment processes that have faced allegations of paper leaks, manipulation, procedural lapses and administrative failures. He pointed out that many candidates have spent years preparing for these examinations only to see recruitment processes cancelled or indefinitely delayed, while numerous aspirants have crossed the upper age limit awaiting justice and completion of the recruitment process. He emphasised that government employment in Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a career option but a source of livelihood, dignity, social mobility and economic security for thousands of families. However, recurring examination irregularities, the absence of a predictable recruitment calendar, inadequate institutional accountability and delays in concluding investigations into recruitment scams have significantly eroded public trust in recruitment agencies and weakened confidence in the fairness and credibility of public institutions. Khuehami urged the Members of Parliament to raise these concerns forcefully during the ongoing Monsoon Session and advocate comprehensive reforms to restore transparency, accountability and credibility in the recruitment system. He called for a time-bound annual recruitment calendar, expeditious completion of all pending recruitment processes, strict accountability for those responsible for examination irregularities and paper leaks, stronger safeguards against recruitment fraud, greater parliamentary oversight of recruitment institutions and the adoption of a transparent, technology-driven recruitment mechanism to prevent future malpractice. Responding to the issues raised, CPI(M) MP K. Radhakrishnan and CPI MP K. Subbarayan gave a patient and detailed hearing to Khuehami's concerns. They acknowledged the seriousness of the issues relating to unemployment, recruitment irregularities, examination scandals and the growing uncertainty confronting educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir. They assured him that the matters highlighted during the meeting would be raised during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament and pursued with the concerned Union Ministries, recruiting agencies and other competent authorities. They further emphasised the need to strengthen transparency, institutional accountability and fairness in public recruitment, assuring that every effort would be made to ensure that the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir receive due attention at the highest levels of government.

Er Rashid meets Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, urges priority for fruit trucks on NH-44

Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi Friday said that Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Er Rashid called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in his chamber at Parliament and raised several key infrastructure and public welfare issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir. Inam Un Nabi said that MP Er Rashid strongly urged the Union Minister to establish a dedicated Green Corridor for fruit-laden trucks on National Highway-44 during the ongoing harvesting season. He highlighted that repeated traffic disruptions at Qazigund, Banihal and other regulated stretches of NH-44 are causing heavy losses to fruit growers by delaying the transportation of highly perishable produce. MP Er Rashid informed the Minister that the horticulture sector is the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir's economy, sustaining nearly seven lakh families, and that delays in transportation result in deterioration of fruit quality, lower market prices and increased transportation costs. He urged the Ministry to ensure priority movement of fruit trucks through a dedicated Green Corridor and establish an effective coordination mechanism involving the NHAI, Traffic Police, Civil Administration and the Horticulture Department for uninterrupted movement during the harvesting season. The MP also raised the issue of the proposed alignment of NH-701A (MagamBeerwahArizalDoodhpathri Highway) and requested the Minister to retain and upgrade the existing BRO-maintained alignment instead of constructing a new bypass. He submitted that the existing alignment could be upgraded with minimal widening, reducing land acquisition, displacement and project costs while protecting fertile agricultural land and orchards. He said the proposal enjoys the support of local residents and would strengthen connectivity to Beerwah, Doodhpathri and Yousmarg. Er Rashid further requested the Union Minister to expedite the development and upgradation of the 8-kilometre road from Paharthan to Kralnewah Crossing via Chotribaal, stating that the project is vital for improving connectivity and meeting the long-pending transportation needs of the local population. According to Inam Un Nabi, Nitin Gadkari gave a patient hearing to all the issues raised by Er. Rashid and assured him that the Ministry would examine them on priority. The Minister also informed Er. Rashid that the concerned R&B Department is presently working on the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the proposed Lolab-Bandipora and Lolab-Sopore roads, an important step towards their future development. The AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the party remains committed to raising issues concerning farmers, infrastructure, regional connectivity and public welfare through democratic and institutional means, and will continue to pursue the genuine aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

BJP suspends 9 functionaries over derogatory slogans during Anantnag rally

Amid outrage over defamatory slogans by BJP leaders and workers, the party has suspended the primary membership of nine of its functionaries in Anantnag and removed them from all organisational posts. However, no action has been taken against former MLC and senior BJP leader Sofi Yousuf. Sofi was leading the Tiranga rally in south Kashmir on August 5, in which the BJP leaders and workers used derogatory slogans targeting Kashmiri women. In an office order issued by BJP Anantnag district president Rakesh Koul, the party said the rally was organised at Housing Colony Khanabal without the requisite permission from the district administration or authorisation from the BJP district unit. The party also took serious note of the slogans raised during the procession, describing them as contrary to its values, organisational discipline and principles. Following consultations with senior party functionaries, including BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, State General Secretary (Organisation) Lal Mutha, State spokesperson and district in-charge Altaf Thakur and district president Rakesh Koul, the party ordered disciplinary proceedings against those found responsible. The nine functionaries facing action are Nisar Ahmad Bhat of Wangam, Shangus; Khursheed Ahmad Sofi of Hassanpora, Bijbehara; Aabida Rafiq of Achabal; Irshad Ahmad Malik of Gopalpora, Mattan; Mohammad Maqbool Ganie of Achabal; Waheed Ahmad Itoo of Hassannoor, Ashmuqam; Nisar Ahmad Hakeem of Dehwatoo, Pahalgam; Feroz Ahmad Hajam of Kherchi, Larnoo; and Sabroza Akhtar of Tajiwara, Anantnag. The order said their removal from party posts and suspension of primary membership would remain effective immediately, pending completion of the inquiry. The BJP also clarified that Alveer Ahmad Dar of Batengoo, Anantnag, and Fancy Akhter of Hangulund, Kokernag, were not associated with the BJP District Unit Anantnag in any capacity and did not hold any organisational position in the party. The controversy erupted after a video of the procession circulated widely, with participants allegedly raising slogans referring to popular Kashmiri names Aazi and Fazi. The slogans were criticised for allegedly mocking the dignity and honour of Kashmiri women, triggering public outrage and political condemnation. On August 6, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the remarks made by some individuals could not be attributed to the party as an organisation and asserted that the BJP did not endorse defamatory or derogatory comments against anyone. The party has always upheld the dignity and honour of women, Thakur said, pointing to the BJPs support for womens political participation and the 33 per cent reservation for women as evidence of its commitment to womens empowerment. He said the partys policies and public conduct were guided by respect, democracy and constitutional values, adding that action would be taken against those responsible for the controversial slogans. The BJPs subsequent disciplinary order has now formally followed up on that assurance, with the party initiating action against its own functionaries and ordering an inquiry into their alleged role in the rally. The controversy also drew sharp criticism from the ruling National Conference, which rejected the BJPs clarification as inadequate. NC leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq said the slogans were not merely directed at individuals but amounted to an insult to Kashmiri society and its cultural identity. Aazi and Fazi are not just names; they are our mothers, our sisters, our identity, Sadiq said, demanding a public apology from BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma. The episode has added a political controversy to the already charged atmosphere surrounding August 5, which marked the seventh anniversary of the Centres 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 and reorganise the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. While the BJP observed the anniversary as a celebration of what it calls the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union, opposition parties continued to oppose the 2019 decisions and raise demands including restoration of statehood.

Grand Mufti calls for collective fight against drugs during Beerwah congregation

Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, on Friday called for a collective campaign against moral degradation, drug abuse and other social evils, saying every section of society has a responsibility to safeguard the moral fabric of the community. Addressing a large Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid Beerwah in central Kashmir's Budgam district, the Grand Mufti said religious scholars, families, educational institutions and society at large must work together to confront the growing challenges facing the younger generation. He maintained that remaining silent on issues affecting society would amount to shirking responsibility, as per KNT. Referring to his earlier statements regarding the alleged sale of prohibited meat (pork) in Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said fresh reports had reached him suggesting that such activities were continuing at a franchise outlet in the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar. He urged the concerned authorities to verify the allegations and take appropriate legal action if any violation of the law is established. The Grand Mufti reiterated that his intervention was guided by public concern and emphasized that issues affecting the moral and social well-being of society must be addressed without fear or favour.

Dr Farooq receives Forum for Human Rights in J&Ks report 'Seven Years Under Union Rule'

The Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, led by Radha Kumar, Kapil Kak Friday presented its annual report, Seven Years Under Union Rule With a Special Section on Ladakh & Pakistan-held Territories of Jammu and Kashmir (August 2025July 2026), to Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha. The presentation was attended by the Party's General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, several legislators, in-charges of various parent and youth wings, members of the media and other party office bearers. During the interaction, the members of the Forum gave a detailed presentation on the key findings and observations over the last seven years contained in the report, highlighting issues, concerns across Jammu and Kashmir. The occasion also witnessed an in-depth exchange of views between the Forum members and the party's legislators and office bearers on issues relating to governance, democratic institutions, human rights, and the overall socio-political situation in the region. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Farooq Abdullah thanked the members of the Forum for presenting the report and appreciated their efforts in documenting developments in the region. He said the National Conference would study the report in detail, adding that such independent reports play an important role in presenting objective and unbiased findings, thereby contributing meaningfully to informed public discourse.

J&K Govt promotes 28 JKAS officers, assigns key administrative roles

The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday approved the promotion of 28 officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) to the Super Time Scale, Special Scale and Selection Grade through three separate orders issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). According to Government Order No. 1374-JK(GAD) of 2026, Pawan Singh Rathore has been promoted to the Super Time Scale of JKAS in Level-14 (Rs 1,44,2002,18,200). The order states that the promotion has been granted notionally with effect from September 26, 2025, while it shall take effect on a regular prospective basis. The government has clarified that the promotion will remain subject to the outcome of writ petitions pending before competent courts. In another order, Government Order No. 1375-JK(GAD) of 2026, the government promoted nine JKAS officers to the Special Scale in Level-13 (Rs 1,23,1002,15,900). The officers promoted are Dr. Sunil Sharma, Zahoor Ahmad Magray, Syed Sajad Qadri, Masarat Hashim, Sonali Arun Gupta, Atul Gupta, Ritu Mahajan, Mohammad Anwar Banday and Dr. Mohammad Tanvir. As per the order, Dr. Sunil Sharma has been granted notional promotion with effect from May 15, 2026, while the promotions of Zahoor Ahmad Magray, Syed Sajad Qadri, Masarat Hashim, Sonali Arun Gupta, Atul Gupta, Ritu Mahajan, Mohammad Anwar Banday and Dr. Mohammad Tanvir will take effect on a regular prospective basis. Consequent upon their promotion, Dr. Sunil Sharma, Sonali Arun Gupta, Ritu Mahajan and Mohammad Anwar Banday have been designated as Special Secretaries in their respective departments. Zahoor Ahmad Magray, Syed Sajad Qadri, Masarat Hashim, Atul Gupta and Dr. Mohammad Tanvir shall continue at their present places of posting until further orders. Meanwhile, under Government Order No. 1376-JK(GAD) of 2026, the government promoted 18 JKAS officers to the Selection Grade in Level-12 (Rs 78,8002,09,200) on a regular prospective basis. The officers promoted are Akhil Sadotra, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Mumtaz Ahmad Pir, Rachna Sharma, Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Piyush Dhotra, Vikas Sharma, Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh, Masood Ahmad Wani, Shafqat Majeed Bhat, Tariq Ahmad Reshi, Deepak Kumar, Suheel Ahmad Lone, Shoaib Noor, Javid Ahmad Rather, Musharraf Ali, Shakoor Ahmad Dar and Mohd Jahangir. Following the promotions, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Rachna Sharma, Vikas Sharma, Masood Ahmad Wani, Suheel Ahmad Lone and Shoaib Noor have been designated as Additional Secretaries in their respective departments. The remaining officersAkhil Sadotra, Mumtaz Ahmad Pir, Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Piyush Dhotra, Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh, Shafqat Majeed Bhat, Tariq Ahmad Reshi, Deepak Kumar, Javid Ahmad Rather, Musharraf Ali Haf, Shakoor Ahmad Dar and Mohd. Jhangirwill continue at their existing places of posting until further orders. The GAD has stated that all three promotion orders have been issued with the approval of the competent authority. It also clarified that the promotions in all categories shall remain subject to the outcome of writ petitions pending before competent courts of law. The orders were issued by the General Administration Department (Services), Civil Secretariat.

Shopian apple growers count losses after windstorm, hailstorm devastate orchards

Shopian, Aug. 7: Distressed apple growers across nearly two dozen villages in south Kashmir's Shopian district spent Friday gathering fallen fruit from their orchards, a day after a powerful windstorm and hailstorm caused extensive damage to the crop. Farmers said the storm, which struck on Thursday afternoon, flattened orchards in around 25 apple-growing villages, including Kachdoora, Vehil, Bemnipora, Check Nowgam and Hanjipora, all known for producing premium-quality apples. The strong winds knocked fruit off trees, while marble-sized hailstones bruised and damaged much of the remaining crop. In several orchards, trees laden with apples were uprooted or suffered broken branches under the weight of the fruit. Since early Friday, growers were seen collecting fallen apples with little hope of recovering their losses. It was a huge devastation. The calamity has left almost nothing for us, said Tufail Ahmad, an orchardist from Bemnipora. Many farmers said the scale of destruction appeared far worse than they had initially estimated. Yesterday, I could not assess the exact damage. I thought the losses would be around 40% to 50%, but after gathering the fallen apples today, I realised they exceed 80%, said Ghulam Mohammad, another farmer. Several growers said the fruit that remained on the trees had also been bruised by hailstones and would fetch much lower prices in the market. I have never witnessed such devastation in my life, said Nazir Ahmad. The fallen apples will now have to be sold at throwaway prices, while the fruit still on the trees has also been damaged by the hail. Zahoor Ahmad Rather, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Apple Farmers' Federation, said the organisation's teams visited several affected villages and found widespread damage. Our preliminary assessment suggests that growers have suffered massive losses. In many orchards, the damage is severe, he said. Rather criticized the government for failing to introduce a crop insurance scheme despite repeated demands from the horticulture sector. It is unfortunate that the government has yet to roll out a comprehensive crop insurance policy. Farmers are left to bear the losses on their own every time a natural calamity strikes, he said. The federation urged the administration to conduct an immediate assessment of the affected orchards and provide adequate compensation to growers who have suffered heavy losses. Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami said that a windstorm accompanied by hailstones has spelt doom for hundreds of apple orchards across more than two dozen villages in Shopian, leaving thousands of horticulture-dependent families suffering heavy losses. In a statement posted on X, Tarigami said that the government must immediately assess the damage, provide adequate compensation to every affected grower. Tarigami demanded the introduction of a comprehensive crop insurance scheme without further delay.

Altaf Bukhari seeks withdrawal of FIR against Iltija Mufti

Hajin (Bandipora), Aug 7: Apni Party president Syed Altaf Bukhari on Thursday appealed to the authorities to withdraw the FIR registered against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, saying she should be forgiven in the same spirit as other young people in Kashmir who have faced police action. Speaking to reporters after addressing a party convention in Hajin area of Sonawari in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, Bukhari refrained from commenting on the political aspects of the FIR. Instead, he described the issue from the perspective of youth and compassion. Responding to a question on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's remarks describing the FIR against Iltija Mufti as a fixed match, Bukhari said he did not view the matter through a political lens. Omar Sahib and she may have a political fight, but I do not see it politically. I look at her as a child. She is just a girl and like a daughter to me. What comment can I possibly make? Young people make mistakes, he said. Drawing a parallel with Kashmiri youth who have previously faced police cases, Bukhari urged the administration to adopt a compassionate approach. Just as I ask for forgiveness for all our other youths, I say this girl should also be forgiven. Emotions run high, youth is impulsive, and such things happen at that age. Didn't our own boys pick up stones in the past? he said. Bukhari also reflected on the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A on August 5, 2019, describing the development as a ragedy for Jammu and Kashmir. Defending the Apni Party's decision to engage with the Centre in the aftermath of the constitutional changes, he said the party had adopted a new political approach aimed at safeguarding the interests of the people. We stepped forward for the people with a new narrative. We said that while Article 370 and 35A had been taken away, at least guarantees should be provided to protect our land and jobs, and our youth should be left alone, Bukhari said. The Apni Party president also criticised National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over a recent dialogue on Article 370 held at the Constitution Club, saying he had expected the parliamentarian to offer fresh ideas on resolving the Kashmir issue. I expected him to come up with some out-of-the-box ideas, but instead he returned to routine political rhetoric, Bukhari said. He, however, asserted that several regional political parties were now pursuing issues that the Apni Party had raised six years ago. Bukhari said his party remained open to the idea of a joint political platform, provided such an initiative emerged through mutual consultation. Otherwise, he said, the Apni Party would continue to pursue its political agenda independently and work for the rights and interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Apni Party has a vision and will ensure J&Ks lost rights, dignity is restored: Altaf Bukhari

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said that Apni Party is coming forward with a new vision and strategy to ensure that Jammu & Kashmirs lost dignity, status, and respect are restored, and that a brighter, more prosperous, and dignified future for its youth is secured. He made these remarks today while addressing a workers convention in Hajin Sonawari in Bandipora district. The event, which was attended by a large number of peoplemen and women, young and oldwas organised by the partys in-charge for the Sonawari constituency, Imtiyaz Paray. The partys Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Provincial President for Kashmir, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, and several other leaders also addressed the convention. Addressing the gathering, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that he feels pained to see the helplessness of people, especially the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, I wonder how long our people will have to suffer. How long will FIRs continue to be registered against our youth, and how long will they be repeatedly summoned to police stations? On the one hand, our youth are living under a sense of insecurity; on the other, they are grappling with the lack of livelihood opportunities and rising unemployment. Our youth deserve a life of dignity, security, and hope for the future. Taking a dig at the National Conference for making people suffer by repeatedly changing its political positions and slogans over the past seven decades, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, In 1947, the National Conference leadership took a decision and was rewarded with power. But just six years later, when that power was taken away, the same leadership backtracked from his own earlier decision. Then, another 22 years later, in 1975, it made yet another U-turn. For decades, this changing politics and constant political wandering came at a heavy cost to the people. They were left to suffer while the party kept changing its positions and slogans according to the political situation. But the story did not end there. Even after 1975, the NC continued to raise different slogans, at one time demanding autonomy and at another time taking a different position. At the same time, it did not hesitate to support New Delhi in gradually weakening Article 370, which had provided Jammu and Kashmir with special constitutional status, he added. He also lashed out at the PDP, saying that another family-based party later came up with a different slogan, calling it Self-Rule. He said that over the years, these family-based parties built political empires for themselves and enjoyed power, while the people were left to suffer. How long will the people continue to suffer? he asked. Speaking about the Apni Partys vision, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, We want to give solace to the people and help them come out of this miserable situation. People are made to suffer every now and then, and this must end. Apni Party is coming forward with a new vision and strategy to restore Jammu and Kashmirs lost dignity, status and respect, and to secure a brighter, more prosperous and dignified future for its youth. Talking about the 2024 Assembly elections, he said, Apni Party could not make it in these elections because, unlike other parties, we did not lie to the people. Our politics is rooted in truthfulness and integrity. Despite the fact that August 5, 2019, will remain a black day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and despite the wounds inflicted on us by New Delhi, we have maintained that the solutions to our problems will also come from New Delhi and not from anywhere else. We will continue to say this. He said that traditional political parties have always misled the youth with deceptive slogans and continue to push them towards the same path that brought misery and bloodshed in the past, simply because such politics serves their political interests and yields electoral dividends. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari explained how and why the Apni Party was established. He said that after the events of August 5, 2019, when the entire J&K was under continuous lockdown, thousands of people were detained in jails, and traditional political parties chose to remain silent during those challenging times, we, like-minded leaders, decided to come forward and stand by our people. At that time, people were frustrated and deeply distressed, especially as their children were being arrested. Orchardists were equally worried because their fruit-laden trucks were not being allowed to move on the highways, and their produce had started to rot. We stepped forward, spoke to the Government of India, and worked to secure relief for the people. As a result, fruit-laden trucks were allowed to move towards mandis outside J&K, more than 3,000 youth were released from jails, and we also worked to ensure that the people of J&K retained their exclusive rights over land and jobs, he said. He further said that traditional political parties chose to remain silent at that time, just as they have recently chosen to remain silent after the violent incidents in south Kashmir, when thousands of people were called to police stations and detained. These parties have once again chosen to remain silent on the issue, he said. On the occasion, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also highlighted the local issues faced by people in Hajin and the adjoining areas. He urged the administration to take concrete measures to improve basic public infrastructure. He said it was unfortunate that people were still being denied basic amenities such as a reliable water supply and uninterrupted electricity, while hospitals continued to lack adequate infrastructure and the required professional manpower. He said that once the Apni Party comes to power, it will ensure that the residency requirement for obtaining a domicile is increased from the existing 15 years to 50 years. He also said that the Apni Party will ensure that local people who have traditionally earned their livelihood through the manual extraction of minerals from rivers are given this right back, instead of allowing outsiders to extract minerals worth millions of rupees from these rivers. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari reiterated his appeal to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country to fulfil their promise of engaging with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, in a meaningful dialogue to understand and address their issues and concerns. He said, The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve the same constitutional rights as people in any other part of the country. It is imperative for the Honble Prime Minister and the Honble Home Minister to fulfil their promise of engaging with the people, especially the youth, through a meaningful dialogue aimed at understanding their genuine concerns and finding ways to address them. Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Hassan Mir lashed out at the government for its failure to address the growing unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, Two years have passed since they took over the government. Can they point to a single project or any concrete initiative undertaken by this government to create employment opportunities for our youth? They sought peoples votes by making a number of promises, including a commitment to provide jobs to unemployed youth, but they have miserably failed to deliver on those promises. I want to tell this government that it has miserably failed on every front to provide effective governance. The ruling party misled the people with false promises during the 2024 election campaign. Now, it should be prepared for the consequences. The very youth who trusted you and gave you their mandate, believing that you would fulfil your promises, will hold you accountable and vote you out of power. Mir also accused the government of depriving people of their democratic right to choose their representatives at the grassroots level by delaying the ULB and Panchayat elections. He said that by failing to hold these elections, the government was effectively disempowering people and denying them their right to participate in local democratic governance. He appealed to the people to free themselves from traditional political parties like the NC, which have been exploiting them for decades. Addressing the gathering Mohammad Ashraf Mir said that those who have remained at the helm of affairs for years and decades have failed to fulfil their responsibilities towards Jammu and Kashmir and its people. Had they been sincere and genuinely committed leaders, the people of J&K would not have been facing the situation we are grappling with today. Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Ghulam Hassan Mir and Mohammad Ashraf Mir, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included District President Ganderbal Javaid Mir, State Secretary Irshad Wani, Senior Vice District President Bandipora Ghulam Mohammad Mir, District Vice President Bandipora Abdul Raheem, Joint Secretary Bandipora Mir Muzaffar, Youth District President Bandipora Shiraz Wani, Senior Leader Bandipora Constituency Naseer Ahmad Mir, Party Leader and Former Chairman Municipal Committee Bandipora Bashrat Najar, Zonal President Sonawari Habibullah Sheikh, Block President Ajas Manzoor Ahmad, Block President Hajin Ghulam Mohammad Dar, Block President Nowgam Sajad Ahmad Dar, Block President Ganistan Muzaffar Ahmad, Block President Naidkhai Abdul Qayoom, Vice Block President Hajan Farooq Ahmad Dar, Former DDC Hajin (B) Nazia Begum, Former DDC Hajin (C) Farzil Ahmad Dar, Former BDC Nahidkah Ghulam Nabi Ganaie, Former Vice Chairman MC Hajin Waseem Yusuf Paray, Block President Youth Ajas Mohammad Iqbal, Block President Youth Sumbal Ishfaq Ahmad, Dice In-charge Sarfaraz Ahmad Paray, Nasir Ahmad Mir, office In-charge Sonwari Fayaz Ahmad, and others.

Peaceful protest is a democratic right, not a privilege: Iltija Mufti after Police questioning

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Friday said she would fully cooperate with the police investigation into the case registered against her, while asserting that campaigning for the restoration of Article 370 was a constitutional and democratic right that her party would continue to pursue. Iltija made the remarks after being questioned for nearly two hours at Police Station Kothibagh in connection with an FIR registered following the PDP's August 4 protest in Srinagar against the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. Addressing reporters after the questioning, she said she had responded to the investigators' queries and was prepared to cooperate whenever required. I have no hesitation in cooperating with the inquiry. If the police want to question me again, I will cooperate. I am neither the first nor the last Kashmiri woman to be summoned by the police, she said. Maintaining that the case against her would not alter the party's political position, Iltija said the PDP's campaign was centred on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status and was not driven by personal considerations. This is not my personal fight. It is about the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking about Article 370 is not illegal. As an Indian citizen, I have every right to peacefully seek its restoration, she said. A large number of PDP workers gathered outside the police station while Iltija was being questioned and later accompanied her to the party headquarters. The PDP leader claimed her party had consistently opposed the abrogation of Article 370 since August 2019 and alleged that it had faced sustained political pressure because of its stand. For the last seven years, the PDP has continued to raise the issue of Article 370. Every year we have tried to protest peacefully, and every year we have faced action. Our party has been targeted and weakened because we refused to abandon this issue, she said. Reiterating the party's position, Iltija said the PDP would continue peaceful protests until the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, its Constitution and its erstwhile flag. Peaceful protest is a democratic right, not a privilege. If one political party can celebrate the abrogation of Article 370, others should also have the freedom to peacefully oppose it, she said. Recalling the events of August 2019, Iltija said she entered active politics after several mainstream political leaders, including her mother Mehbooba Mufti, were detained following the constitutional changes. There was no one left to raise these issues. That is why I entered politics. Many Kashmiris continue to remain in prisons, and if legal action is taken against me, I am prepared to face it, she said. She also rejected suggestions that the demand for restoration of statehood alone was sufficient, saying the PDP would continue to seek the restoration of Article 370 alongside other constitutional safeguards. The government wants us to settle only for statehood, but our position remains unchanged. We will continue our peaceful struggle for the restoration of Article 370, the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir and its flag, she said. Iltija argued that Jammu and Kashmir's separate flag had earlier coexisted with the national flag under the framework of the Indian Constitution, adding that advocating its restoration did not amount to anti-national activity. I am not anti-national, nor am I committing sedition. I am only exercising my democratic right to peacefully demand the restoration of Article 370, she said. Responding to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's remarks describing the FIR against her as a fixed match, Iltija said she did not attach much significance to his comments. She accused the National Conference of no longer actively pursuing the issue of Article 370 despite raising it before the Assembly elections. Omar Abdullah spoke about Article 370 during the election campaign, but today he does not raise the issue. The PDP has paid a political price for consistently opposing its abrogation, and that is why I do not take his remarks seriously, she said. Police have registered a case against Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti and several PDP workers under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging assault on a police officer and other offences during the August 4 protest. The investigation is continuing, with police indicating that more participants may be questioned in the coming days.

Jail won't deter PDP's fight for Article 370: Mehbooba Mufti

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday alleged that she and her daughter, Iltija Mufti, were being targeted for raising their voice on Article 370 and urged party workers to continue the peaceful and democratic struggle for the resolution of the Kashmir issue even if both of them were jailed. Addressing party workers at the PDP headquarters here, a day after she and Iltija were named in an FIR registered in connection with a protest in Srinagar, the former chief minister said the party should remain committed to the vision of PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Iltija has been called to Kothibagh police station. She will go. If they call me tomorrow, I will also go. But remember one thing: whether I or Iltija are inside or outside, you must not abandon Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's vision and roadmap for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. Article 370 is a part of that, Mehbooba said. She alleged that the Centre had rampled the Constitution by abrogating Article 370 and expressed confidence that a time will come when the decision would be corrected. Urging party workers not to lose courage, Mehbooba said the PDP would continue to pursue the restoration of Article 370, which was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019. If you have to save the real Jammu and Kashmir, its land and resources, you have to remain steadfast. I am here today; I may not be here tomorrow. Whether I or Iltija are here or not, the PDP will continue its peaceful and democratic struggle for the restoration of Article 370, she said. The PDP chief alleged that her party continued to face political targeting. Our party was broken and new parties were created. Those parties defended the abrogation of Article 370. The targeting of the PDP continues. Why was there no action against the National Conference, Congress or others? Talking about Article 370 has become a crime, she said. Mehbooba thanked party workers for participating in protests on August 4 and August 5, saying they had demonstrated that Articles 370 and 35A live in the hearts of the people. Claiming that the PDP was the only political party to protest specifically for Article 370, she said other parties had focused primarily on the restoration of statehood. There is no other issue bigger than Article 370. The National Conference, Congress and Apni Party also held protests, but they protested for statehood. The PDP is the only party which protested for the resolution of the Kashmir issue along with Article 370, she said. Referring to the FIR registered against her and other PDP leaders following the August 4 protest, Mehbooba questioned the police action and alleged selective treatment. She also defended Iltija Mufti, who appeared before police on Friday after being summoned for questioning. My daughter had neither a weapon nor a stone in her hand. She reacted to the way she was treated. A woman officer asked a constable to drag her away. Should a man lay hands on a girl? They are now alleging that she assaulted the police. When someone grabs a girl by the collar, how will she respond? Mehbooba said. The PDP president also referred to a BJP rally held on August 5, alleging that no action had been taken despite what she described as derogatory slogans against Kashmiri women. Police have registered an FIR against Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti and several PDP workers in connection with the August 4 protest in Srinagar, invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to assault, rioting and obstruction of public servants. The investigation is ongoing, and police have indicated that more participants in the protest may be questioned.

Modern household tools that save time

Life is busy, and time feels like a luxury. Between work, family, and personal stuff, theres often not much left for the endless list of household chores. Luckily, modern tech offers plenty of smart tools to help you get things done faster, giving you back precious hours in your day. From smart devices that clean on their own to powerful gear that makes yard work easier, upgrading your home tools can significantly reduce the time and effort you spend keeping things tidy. Many of these tools aren't expensive luxuries anymore; they're affordable solutions for most homes. The trick is figuring out which chores eat up most of your time and then finding the right tool for them. Every home needs some basic tools for new homeowners for small repairs and everyday tasks, but adding a few modern, time-saving gadgets can truly change your daily routine. Lets look at some of the most effective tools making a real difference in homes today. Smarter Cleaning Inside the Home Cleaning is one of the biggest time-sinks in home maintenance. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping can feel like a never-ending job. Thats why robotic helpers have become so popular. You can set a robot vacuum to clean your floors every day; itll move around furniture and go back to its dock to charge. Newer models even mop, giving you a two-in-one solution that keeps your hard floors shiny with minimal effort. Just set a schedule in your phone app and let it do its thing, whether youre home or out. Beyond floors, cordless stick vacuums have also changed how we do daily cleanups. Theyre light, powerful, and super versatile. Instead of dragging a heavy vacuum up and down stairs, you can quickly grab a cordless one to clean up crumbs in the kitchen, pet hair on the couch, or dirt tracked in from outside. Theyre easy to maneuver, reaching under furniture and into tight spots, turning a big chore into a quick two-minute job. These vacuums often come with different attachments for upholstery, tight corners, and even dusting, making them a key tool for keeping the whole house neat. Revolutionize Your Yard Work Keeping up with a yard can be both rewarding and exhausting. Raking leaves, trimming hedges, and clearing debris often take up whole weekends, especially in spring and fall. Modern outdoor power tools are designed to drastically reduce this manual labor. For example, what used to take hours with a rake can now be done in minutes with a strong electric or battery-powered leaf blower. These tools are not just faster but also much less physically demanding. Many of these devices are now multi-functional, offering even more value and saving storage space. A tool that combines a blower, mulcher, and leaf vacuum can clear your lawn of leaves and then shred them into nutrient-rich mulch for your garden beds, all in one go. Similarly, battery-powered hedge trimmers and string trimmers are lighter and easier to handle than gas models. Without mixing fuel or dealing with annoying cords, you can quickly and efficiently tackle overgrown bushes and tidy up lawn edges. These improvements make yard care less of a chore and more of a manageable task, freeing up your weekend to relax and enjoy yourself. The Kitchen: Your New Efficiency Hub People often call the kitchen the heart of the home, but it can also be a huge time suck. Meal prep, cooking, and cleanup can easily take several hours each day. Luckily, there are tons of tools designed to speed up every part of the process. Multi-cookers, for instance, can work as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and steamer all in one. You can saut ingredients and then pressure-cook a full meal in under 30 minutes, or set it to slow-cook while you're at work and come home to dinner ready to eat. Besides big appliances, smaller gadgets also save a lot of time. An immersion blender lets you blend soups and sauces right in the pot, so you don't have to transfer hot liquids to a traditional blender and end up with more dishes to wash. A good food processor can chop vegetables, shred cheese, and mix dough in seconds. You don't need to spend a fortune; there are many budget-friendly time-saving tools that make a huge difference. The goal is to invest in multipurpose kitchen tools that can handle several jobs, cutting down on both prep time and the pile of dishes in the sink. Automated Maintenance and Home Protection Preventive maintenance is often neglected until a costly, time-consuming breakdown occurs. Installing smart home monitors takes the hassle out of tracking your homes essential systems. Smart leak detectors placed under sinks or near water heaters send immediate alerts to your smartphone at the first trace of moisture, stopping major water damage before it starts. Additionally, smart thermostats learn your daily routine to automatically optimize HVAC efficiency, adjusting temperatures when you leave for work and reducing energy bills without requiring manual input. Offloading these ongoing checks to smart sensors protects your home while freeing up your time. By thoughtfully adding a few of these modern tools to your home, you can get your time back for the things that truly matter. Its not about getting rid of all chores, but about working smarter, not harder. Small Gadgets That Make a Big Difference Not all time-saving tools are big or expensive. Sometimes, its the small, clever gadgets that make the biggest difference in your daily routine. For example, a smart plug can turn any regular appliance into a smart one. Plug your coffee maker into a smart plug and schedule it to start brewing a few minutes before you wake up. Use them for lamps to make it look like someones home when youre away, or to turn off devices that are hard to reach easily. Another simple but effective tool is a handheld steam cleaner. Using only water, it can sanitize surfaces, remove stubborn grime from grout, clean windows, and even freshen upholstery without harsh chemicals. It heats up fast and is perfect for deep-cleaning tasks that would otherwise involve a lot of scrubbing. These small investments are part of a broader set of essential time-saving strategies that can give you back precious hours each week. Even something as simple as a good-quality knife sharpener can save you time and frustration in the kitchen by making chopping faster and safer. By thoughtfully adding a few of these modern tools to your home, you can get your time back for the things that truly matter. Its not about getting rid of all chores, but about working smarter, not harder.

Water supply project for Udhampur, sewage treatment for Reasi strengthened

Udhampur, Aug 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday laid the foundation stones for two major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 140 crore aimed at strengthening drinking water supply and sewerage management in the districts of Udhampur and Reasi. The projects, as per an official statement, include the Rs 124.19 crore Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme for Udhampur Town under AMRUTthe Rs 16.33 crore Used Water Management Project, including construction of a 3.0 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Reasi under SBM 2.0. The Udhampur water supply project is designed to address the towns long-standing drinking water requirements by augmenting and modernising the existing infrastructure. On completion, it will ensure a sustainable supply of safe and quality drinking water, cater to the towns growing population and support planned urban development. The Chief Minister also virtually laid the foundation stone for the Reasi sewage management project, which will significantly improve wastewater treatment and sanitation infrastructure in the district. Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA ReasiKuldeep Raj Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, Mandeep Kaur, Deputy Commissioner UdhampurMinga Sherpa, senior officers from the civil administration and the Jal Shakti Department, and a large gathering of local residents were present on the occasion. The Chief Minister received a warm welcome on his arrival at Riwayat Hall, Udhampur.

Upgraded Residency RoadHigh Street inaugurated in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the upgraded Residency RoadHigh Street in Jammu, a landmark urban infrastructure project executed by Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) under the Smart City Mission at a cost of 9.18 crore. The project has transformed nearly 1.2 kilometres of the Residency RoadHigh Street corridor, covering the stretches from RaghunathjiMandir to CM House, VivekanandChowk to RaghunathMandirChowk, and Vir Marg Chowk to VivekanandChowk. As part of the upgradation, an underground communication corridor has been constructed and communication cables have been shifted underground to streamline utility infrastructure and enhance the areas visual appeal. The project also includes the development of new paver-block footpaths, a bituminous concrete road surface and RCC drains, significantly improving civic infrastructure along the corridor. The upgraded corridor, as per an official statement, is expected to enhance pedestrian convenience, improve traffic movement and utility management, and contribute to a cleaner, more organised urban environment while lending a renewed aesthetic character to one of Jammu citys key commercial and civic corridors. MLA Jammu East YudhvirSethi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, Chief Executive Officer, Jammu Smart City Limited, DevanshYadav, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

Artificial Intelligence should be harnessed to improve governance: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Aug 7:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday launched the J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and dedicated Project Phoenix, an AI-enabled digital commerce platform at IIT Jammu. The initiatives, as per an official statement, are aimed at promoting technology-driven governance, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding economic opportunities through the adoption of emerging technologies and enhanced digital market access. Addressing faculty, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and officials, the Chief Minister said Artificial Intelligence should be harnessed to improve governance and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Artificial Intelligence must ultimately translate into better outcomes for people. The Centre of Excellence will help us build more efficient, responsive and citizen-centric governance, while Project Phoenix will create new opportunities for artisans, self-help groups, startups and MSMEs to access wider markets, he said. Highlighting the practical applications of AI, the Chief Minister said the technology should be deployed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and disaster management to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve public service delivery. Referring to recent cloudbursts in Rajouri and Poonch, he stressed the need for AI-enabled early warning systems capable of identifying localised risks and saving lives through timely alerts. He also said AI could assist farmers and horticulturists by providing timely information on crop diseases, treatment and scientific use of agrochemicals. The Chief Minister said Project Phoenix would complement the Governments flagship Mission YUVA initiative by strengthening market access, mentorship and incubation support for startups and local enterprises. He called for close collaboration between the Government and IIT Jammu to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem capable of generating employment and attracting investment. The J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, established at IIT Jammu with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and the Information Technology Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, will serve as a hub for AI research, solution development, benchmarking, technology evaluation and deployment support. The Centre will work with government departments, academia, startups and industry partners to develop AI-enabled solutions for real-world challenges across sectors including governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management. Project Phoenix is designed to connect artisans, self-help groups, cooperatives, startups, brands and MSMEs from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with national and global markets through a digital commerce platform offering simplified onboarding, product discovery and market access. Earlier, Director IIT Jammu, Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, said that the institutes commitment to translating research into solutions with tangible societal impact and strengthening collaboration with the Government, industry and startups to build an innovation-led ecosystem for inclusive development. The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology Department SaurabhBhagat, senior officers, faculty members, students, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.