Opinion

PM Modi chairs 53rd PRAGATI meeting, reviews 6 key infrastructure projects across Railway, Road and Power sectors

New Delhi, Aug 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 53rd meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, at Seva Teerth earlier today. During the meeting, Prime Minister reviewed six key infrastructure projects across the Railway, Road and Power sectors, spanning nine States with a cumulative cost of more than 30,000 crore. The projects, significant for strengthening connectivity, supporting industrial and economic activity and improving public services, were reviewed with particular emphasis on adherence to timelines, inter-agency coordination, resolution of pending issues and expeditious completion. Prime Minister emphasised that delays in infrastructure projects have consequences beyond cost escalation, as they also postpone the benefits intended for citizens, businesses and the economy. He said that infrastructure projects should be viewed and monitored as an integrated whole, rather than as isolated sections, stretches or packages. He noted that progress in individual packages should ultimately translate into timely completion and operationalisation of the entire project. Ministries and States were therefore asked to adopt an end-to-end approach, and address critical gaps that could delay the overall commissioning and delivery of benefits. He called for fostering a proactive work culture across Ministries and State Governments, with greater ownership at every level of project implementation. Prime Minister stressed the need to explore common utility corridors for infrastructure services, wherever feasible, particularly while planning major transport and infrastructure projects. He called upon Ministries and States to examine such integrated approaches at the planning stage itself, keeping in view their technical and economic feasibility. Prime Minister said that speed of execution must be accompanied by uncompromising quality. He called upon Ministries, States and implementing agencies to adopt modern technologies and strengthen quality assurance and supervision at every stage. While reviewing AgriStack under the Digital Agriculture Mission, Prime Minister emphasised the need to leverage the latest digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to derive greater value from agricultural data. He stressed that the data ecosystem should be effectively utilised across the agricultural value chain, from input planning to processing, enabling more informed interventions, better targeting and data-driven decision-making. He appreciated the efforts of the States and the Central Government in building the AgriStack ecosystem and called for further strengthening its use for delivering better outcomes for farmers. During the review of cyber fraud cases, including incidents of digital arrest, Prime Minister said that prevention must be strengthened through a sustained focus on training, awareness and education. He stressed the need for continuous and targeted public-awareness campaigns, particularly for senior citizens, youth and other vulnerable sections, to familiarise them with common fraud techniques, warning signs and safe digital practices. He also called for regular capacity-building of personnel involved so that emerging modes of cyber fraud are identified and acted upon swiftly.

Govt to sell onions at Rs 35/kg in Delhi; 1st 'Kanda Express' with 800 tn supply to reach on Wednesday

New Delhi, Aug 25: The government will sell onions at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg in the national capital, a discount of around 36 per cent from the prevailing average retail price, with the help of 800 tonnes of fresh vegetable supplies reaching here on Wednesday through the first 'Kanda Express'. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Tuesday said that onions will be retailed via Nafed, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar stores in the national capital. Bulk onions are also being transported through dedicated railway rakes to four other centres -- Chennai, Ernakulam, Madurai and Guwahati, she said on a social media paltform. The onion being transported to these consuming centres is a buffer stock maintained at Nasik, Maharashtra. The stock is being released to check price rise. The all-India average retail price of onion has jumped more than 28 per cent in a month to Rs 44.72/kg on August 25, up from Rs 34.80 per kg on July 25. A year ago, the price was Rs 28.67 per kg on the same day, reflecting a sharp 56 per cent increase. Among major cities, retail onion prices on Tuesday stood at Rs 60 per kg in Chennai (Rs 35 per kg a year ago), Rs 55 per kg in Delhi (Rs 33), Rs 60 per kg in Kolkata (Rs 32/kg), Rs 48 per kg in Mumbai (Rs 32 per kg) and Rs 38 per kg in Ranchi (Rs 25 per kg). Data maintained by the ministry shows that the average wholesale price was up 63 per cent at Rs 36.73 per kg on August 25, against Rs 22.54 per kg in the year-ago period. In a month, the wholesale prices have risen by 33.5 per cent. The Kanda Express initiative, aimed at enhancing logistical efficiency for large-scale onion movement, was launched in 2024-25 and has since been scaled up considerably. In 2024-25, 14 railway rakes carrying nearly 12,000 tonnes of onion buffer stock were dispatched to five cities. In 2025-26, this has expanded to 86 rakes carrying about 88,000 tonnes of onions to 16 major cities across the country. The onion buffer stock is the Centre's strategic reserve, built up primarily to cushion the market against price spikes when supplies tighten. The government maintains onion stocks in different producing states as part of the Price Stabilisation Fund scheme. About 1.21 lakh tonnes of onion buffer has been maintained for 2026. According to the government, onion availability remains comfortable to meet domestic demand over the coming months, supported by estimated 2025-26 production of 307.37 lakh tonnes, 'broadly on a par with 307.67 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Onion prices typically see a seasonal uptick from August-September due to festive demand, weather-related disruptions, supply chain movements, and shifting demand patterns.

Eid-e-Milad (SAW): Thousands gather at Dargah Hazratbal for nightlong prayers

NC and BJP are two sides of the same coin: Altaf Bukhari

Azad condemns rape, murder of minor girl in Chatroo

Jammu, Aug 25: Former Chief Minister of J&K, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has strongly condemned the horrific rape and murder of a minor girl from the ST community in Chatroo, Kishtwar, describing the incident as absolutely horrifying and shameful. Azad appreciated the police for swiftly arresting the culprit and said that the accused must face exemplary punishment for the heinous crime. He said, The rape & murder of a minor girl from the ST community in Chatroo, Kishtwar, is absolutely horrifying and shameful. I appreciate the police for swiftly arresting the culprit. The culprit deserves exemplary punishment. Azad further stressed that society as a whole must take a strong stand against such crimes and said, Society across the country must rise to the occasion and ensure that people with such dirty mindsets find no place in our society''. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and urged that justice be delivered swiftly and firmly in accordance with law.

President Murmu greets citizens on eve of Onam, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW)

New Delhi, Aug 25: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday greeted citizens on the eve of harvest festival Onam and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In a message, she said Onam is an occasion to express gratitude to nature on arrival of the new harvest. Onam celebrates our rich culture and spirit of brotherhood. It promotes unity in diversity. Boat races, folk dances, music and sports are important traditions associated with this festival. They showcase the culture and values of Keralam, President Murmu said. The president prayed that this auspicious festival brings happiness, peace, good health and prosperity to all, and inspire the citizens to contribute to the nation's progress, according to a statement issued by her office. On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially the brothers and sisters of Keralam living in India and abroad, she added. In another message, President Murmu said the festival of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) is an occasion to recall the preachings of Prophet Muhammad. His teachings inspire us to follow the path of pious conduct and dutifulness. May the noble ideals of Prophet Muhammad inspire us to contribute actively towards building an inclusive and developed India, the president said. She extended warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens living in India and abroad, especially the Muslim brothers and sisters, on the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

New smart technology can make diagnosis of Alzheimers disease more accessible

New Delhi, Aug 25: A novel smartphone-enabled platform employing afluorescence-responsive tiny molecule as a probe offers a simple, cost-effective, and accessible approach for the detection of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker amyloid- (A). Upon interaction with A, the tiny molecule called TZ-48undergoes changes in fluorescence intensity, which are captured and quantified using a dedicated smartphone application. This enables rapid and user-friendly detection, with potential applications in the screening and staging of AD. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioural impairment. Central to its pathology is the misfolding and aggregation of amyloid- (A), which self-assembles into fibrils and deposits as extracellular plaques that trigger neurotoxic cascades leading to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. The National Institute on Aging-Alzheimers Association (NIA-AA) framework identifies A, tau, and neurodegeneration as core biomarkers for definitive AD diagnosis across brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood. Importantly, A pathology is an early and AD-specific biomarker, making A a more reliable diagnostic indicator. Although positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide valuable diagnostic information, their high cost, need for specialized infrastructure, technical expertise, and limited accessibility restrict widespread use. Blood-based assays targeting A and tau, have emerged as promising alternatives, but are expensive and complex. These limitations highlight the need for simple, sensitive, scalable diagnostic platforms capable of early and accurate detection of A for AD diagnosis. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) has emerged as a powerful sensing modality because fluorescence lifetime is largely independent of probe concentration and photobleaching, enabling robust detection of biomarkers and enhancing diagnostic precision. Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have developed a smart fluorescence lifetime-responsive probe that enables highly selective, sensitive, and differential detection of A fibrils (Af) through turn-on fluorescence and distinct lifetime signatures. The probe called TZ-48 published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience exhibits excellent BBB permeability, robust labelling of A plaques in transgenic AD mouse brains, and compatibility with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and FLIM for quantitative mapping of A burden across disease stages. Beyond tissue imaging, TZ-48 enables sensitive detection of A in CSF and blood serum, accurately distinguishing AD from healthy mice. To facilitate clinical translation, the team of scientists consisting of Krithi K. Bhagavath, Madhu Ramesh, Yogendra Kumar, Sabyasachi Mandal, Hiriyakkanavar Ila and Thimmaiah Govindaraju developed ADxFluor, a smartphone-integrated platform leverages the fluorescence response of TZ-48 for rapid, unbiased quantification of serum A load. The system combines dual-mode brain imaging, biofluid detection, and smartphone-based quantification of A in biofluids, establishing it along with ADxFluor, a smartphone-integrated platform as a foundation for next-generation smart diagnostics for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. The integration of TZ-48 with the smartphone-based ADxFluor platform further establishes a portable, low-cost, and user-friendly point-of-care diagnostic system, representing a significant technological and translational innovation in AD diagnostics.

Study identifies uniqueness of South Asian gut microbiome, critical for lifestyle disease treatment

New Delhi, Aug 25: One of the largest and most geographically diverse investigations has found that South Asian gut microbiomes are distinct from those reported in other parts of the world and are shaped by local culture, diet, geography, and lifestyle. The findings provide an important scientific foundation for developing microbiome-based diagnostics, personalized nutrition, and precision healthcare for South Asian populations, specifically for lifestyle disorders. South Asia is undergoing rapid urbanization while simultaneously experiencing a sharp increase in obesity, diabetes, and other cardiometabolic disorders. Although urbanization is known to influence the gut microbiome, it was unclear whether these changes occur similarly across diverse South Asian populations. Until now, most microbiome research has been conducted in European and North American populations, leaving South Asia largely underrepresented despite housing nearly one-fourth of the world's population. Scientists from Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with the University of Chicago, and collaborating institutions across India, Sri Lanka, and the USA, designed a study to understand how changing lifestyles influence the gut microbiome across different cultural, dietary, and ecological settings and to generate a comprehensive microbiome resource representing the diversity of South Asia. They discovered that changes in the gut microbiome of each community follows its own unique microbiome trajectory shaped by local culture, diet, geography, and lifestyle. Researchers collected stool samples together with dietary, lifestyle, and health information from 575 healthy adults belonging to ten South Asian communities. Using the South Asian MicroBiome ARray (SAMBAR)launched for the first time in India by the scientists of BSIP, the gut microbiomes of 575 adults from ten culturally and geographically distinct communities across India and Sri Lankawe analysed. The gut microbiome was characterized using high-throughput DNA sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes, followed by advanced bioinformatic analyses. The researchers compared rural and urban individuals within each community and also compared South Asian microbiomes with global datasets. The project involved a large international collaboration among scientists from India, Sri Lanka, and the United States led by Dr. Niraj Rai, Group Head, Ancient DNA from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow. Field teams worked closely with local communities across India and Sri Lanka to recruit participants and collect biological samples and lifestyle information. A community-engaged approach was followed throughout the study, with researchers sharing study findings back with participating communities. Laboratory analyses, DNA sequencing, and computational methods were then used to characterize gut microbial diversity and identify associations with geography, diet, urbanization, and metabolic health. This approach enabled the team led by Shreya L. Ramachandran, Nagarjuna Pasupuleti, Richard J. Abdill, Niraj Rai and Maanasa Raghavan to identify both community-specific microbial signatures and common microbial changes associated with urbanization and metabolic health. The study published in the journal Gut Microbes, highlights the importance of including underrepresented populations in global microbiome research. This is the first baseline gut microbiome data from India generated from the healthy individuals in India with huge medical and evolutionary impacts. By demonstrating that different communities respond differently to urbanization, the study suggests that future microbiome-based therapies should be tailored to regional populations rather than adopting approaches developed solely from Western populations. The SAMBAR resource will also support future research on diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other lifestyle disorders that are rapidly increasing across South Asia.

Omar says no further electricity tariff hikes during current governments tenure

No further power tariff hike during my tenure: Omar Abdullah

Tangmarg, Aug 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday defended his governments decision to increase electricity tariffs, saying the hike was made out of compulsion rather than choice, while assuring people that his government would not raise power prices any further during its tenure. Addressing a gathering at Tangmarg, Abdullah also hit out at opposition parties for criticising his government over the tariff increase and questioned their record in government, particularly on development projects in the area. They are not wrong in saying that. We increased electricity prices. I accept that. We did not do it out of happiness. We were forced to do it, Abdullah said. He argued that the electricity tariff increase had come after four years, during which inflation had risen substantially across the country. Electricity rates were increased after four years, he said, adding that inflation during the period had risen by around 19 or 20 per cent. Abdullah contrasted his government's decision with previous tariff increases, saying electricity rates had been raised by about 15 per cent when the previous government was in power and by around 13.5 to 14 per cent during the PDP-BJP government headed by Mehbooba Mufti. When these people were in government, when they increased electricity rates four years ago, they increased them by 15 per cent, he said. Referring to the PDP-BJP government, Abdullah said, When the PDP-BJP coalition government was in power, whose sins we are paying for today, electricity rates were also increased when Mehbooba Mufti was chief minister. Why were they silent then? he asked. Abdullah nevertheless acknowledged the burden imposed by the latest increase and sought to assure consumers that there would be no further hikes. I assure you that I will make every possible effort that, God willing, during this government's tenure and thereafter, we will not increase electricity prices any further, he said. The chief minister also sought to counter criticism that his government and its representatives were not doing enough on the ground. He said MLAs from constituencies including Sangrama, Pattan, Baramulla, Beerwah and Uri were continuously working on projects and responding to demands from residents. There is not a single day when my honourable MLAs sitting here whether from Sangrama, Pattan, Baramulla, Beerwah or Uri are not moving around their areas for one project or another, some work or another, or in response to some demand from the people, Abdullah said. He said opposition parties had a legitimate role in criticising the government but accused them of overlooking their own record in office. Their job is to go to a place, close their eyes and say that nothing is happening, he said. Abdullah particularly questioned previous representatives over the failure to establish a fruit mandi in Tangmarg despite the land being available. I ask those gentlemen who have represented people here for 12, 16 or 18 years: if you had the opportunity, why did you not build a fruit mandi here? he said. He stressed that the land on which the mandi is being developed was already available and did not require the government to remove illegal encroachments or acquire fresh land. This land was there. We did not acquire this land. There was no illegal occupation on this land. We did not have to remove anyone from it. The land was already here, Abdullah said. He credited Farooq Shah with pursuing the project with the Lieutenant Governor and said the laying of the foundation stone represented the beginning of a long-awaited development project. Abdullah also listed a range of priorities for the remaining tenure of his government, including drinking water, schools, healthcare, roads, fruit markets and development works through panchayats. All the promises we have made to the people, God willing, over the next three-and-a-quarter years, we will fulfil all those promises and then present ourselves before you, he said. He predicted that Gulmarg-Tangmarg would emerge as one of the most developed Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir by the end of the government's term. When, after 3.5 years, you look at all the Assembly constituencies, you will find that if there is one constituency among the 90 constituencies that has witnessed the most development, the Gulmarg-Tangmarg constituency will be among them, Abdullah said. He also announced that work on a mini-secretariat in the area would begin this year. God willing, this year itself we will start work on this mini-secretariat, the chief minister said.

Protesters demand capital punishment for teacher accused in Kishtwar rape case

J&K education minister promises action on teachers grievances, RET transfer orders within days

Govt mulls drug tests for all commercial pilots

New Delhi, Aug 25: The civil aviation ministry is looking at the possibility of carrying out psychoactive substance tests for all commercial pilots round the year on a random basis. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is holding discussions with stakeholders on further strengthening the drug-testing standards of pilots. Right now, the rules say 10 per cent (drug tests) across the overall pilot network, but just like I said, DGCA is engaging (with stakeholders)... One of the opinions from our side is that everyone has to go through it (drug tests) the (whole) year at a random time. So, we have to see how all the stakeholders are going to respond to this, the minister said. The issue of possible substance use by pilots has come under spotlight after the captain of a Phuket-Delhi Air India flight, involved in a sudden altitude loss incident, was tested positive for marijuana. Currently, drug tests for pilots are done on a random basis. Under DGCA's present Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), random tests for psychoactive substances have to be done for 10 per cent of pilots and air traffic controllers, among others, annually. Naidu on Tuesday said the regulator DGCA is currently consulting stakeholders to review the existing rules and bring in a stricter policy for the future. There are multiple ways of approaching this dope test (thing), the minister said, responding to queries related to psychoactive substance testing for pilots, on the sidelines of an event in the national capital. There are more than 12,000 pilots with various commercial airlines. In the wake of the Phuket-Delhi flight incident, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on August 18, urged DGCA to consider oral fluid testing as a complementary method along with the existing urine-based screening under its drug testing framework. FIP had also sought increasing the random drug testing for pilots and other personnel to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent. Meanwhile, Air India and Air India Express have also started mandatory psychoactive substance testing of all their pilots. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing the Phuket-Delhi flight incident that occurred on August 4 as per Annexure 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It pertains to aircraft accident and incident investigation. The Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379, operated with A320 aircraft VT-EXO, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise, after which the aircraft stabilised and subsequently landed safely in the national capital.

Omar Abdullah backs teachers, says government must fix schools before expecting better outcomes

Srinagar, Aug 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said teachers cannot be made solely responsible for determining the future of the Union Territory, arguing that the government must first improve their working conditions, school infrastructure and staffing before expecting them to shoulder greater responsibility for children's futures. Addressing a gathering of teachers and office-bearers of the J&K Teachers Forum, Omar said teachers already faced an expanding list of responsibilities beyond classroom teaching, including election duties, government functions and social campaigns. It is a fact that the future of Jammu and Kashmir is our children, Omar said. What will be the future of our children? You all have a very big role in that. But if we put all our responsibility on you and say that what Jammu and Kashmir will be like in the future will be decided by our teachers, then I think that would be a great injustice to you and would put excessive pressure on you. He said the role of teachers had become considerably more difficult with the proliferation of smartphones, social media, television channels and, increasingly, artificial intelligence. Today, look at what you are competing with. You are competing with phones, social media, channels and so many other things. And now there is a new thing artificial intelligence, he said. Omar said AI had created a new challenge for teachers in assessing whether students were submitting their own work. I say, how difficult will it be for a teacher to determine whether an assignment submitted by a child, what they have written, is their own work or whether artificial intelligence helped them? he said. The chief minister also criticised the practice of continually assigning additional duties to teachers while their own service-related grievances remained unresolved. There is an August 15 function, there is a January 26 function, and the first thing we tell you is: prepare the children, organise a cultural programme, have them march past, he said. He also cited International Yoga Day, anti-drug campaigns and elections as examples of duties routinely assigned to teachers. When there is election work, we put you in booths in far-flung areas, Omar said. Whenever there is some other work, whenever we have to do something, we do not find anyone else our eyes fall on you. At the same time, he acknowledged that teachers' files did not always move with the same urgency. But when your issues come up, unfortunately, I have to say that your files do not move forward as quickly as the files that are moved when we have to post you somewhere else, he said. Omar said the government had a responsibility to resolve teachers' grievances relating to transfers, departmental promotion committees and vacancies. If you have issues concerning transfers, if you have issues concerning DPCs, if you have issues concerning vacancies, or other matters, then we have to resolve those issues with the same seriousness, he said. And I assure you that as long as Sakina is here and I am working with her, none of your issues will be ignored, he added, referring to Education Minister Sakina Itoo. The chief minister also highlighted the disparity between teachers posted in rural areas and those able to secure postings in urban schools through influence. Providing education in remote rural schools is not easy. Working there is difficult, Omar said. He said some teachers without political or social influence remained in remote schools for long periods, while those with access and influence often managed to remain in urban schools. Perhaps they have never even seen a rural school. They work only in city schools, he said. Omar also drew attention to the problem of so-called ghost schools, where students remain formally enrolled but do not regularly attend classes. He said some students enrolled in schools primarily to appear for board examinations while spending much of their time at private tuition centres. The teacher comes to school. The teacher wants to do their work. But students enrol there only for paperwork, he said. The chief minister acknowledged continuing infrastructure deficiencies, including rented school buildings, unsafe structures and inadequate access to smart classrooms. We talk about smart classrooms, but how far have we been able to take smart classrooms to our children? he said. Smart classrooms are a distant thing; even today, in some places, we are unable to provide proper school structures. Omar said responsibility for those shortcomings rested with the government rather than teachers. But these shortcomings are not your fault. They are ours, he said. Repairing infrastructure is not your responsibility; it is mine. Filling vacancies is not your job; it is mine. Strengthening your hands so that you can perform your work properly is the responsibility of me, Sakina and Nasir. He urged teachers, meanwhile, to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, saying the pace of change expected over the next two or three decades would exceed that witnessed in recent decades. We have made a lot of progress from 1947 to today, Omar said. But the world is changing very rapidly. The change that has taken place in the last 30, 40 or 50 years will happen much faster in the next 20 to 30 years. We have to prepare our children for that, he said, adding that students needed to be equipped to make a positive contribution to Jammu and Kashmir. Omar also addressed concerns over the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), saying the requirement had not originated with the Jammu and Kashmir government and that his administration had repeatedly opposed its application. This is not something that we have created. We have repeatedly tried to fight against it, he said. He linked its applicability in Jammu and Kashmir to the post-2019 constitutional and legal changes, saying that because laws applicable across the country now apply to J&K, the TET requirement had also been extended to the region. Perhaps the Supreme Court's order so far is that this has to be implemented by August 28. So, for the moment, we have time to take our campaign to the Supreme Court, Omar said. He said the government would continue to raise its objections before the Supreme Court. As Sakina has assured you, we continue to raise our voice against this here and in the Supreme Court, he said. Omar's remarks placed the government's responsibilities alongside those of teachers, arguing that better educational outcomes would depend not merely on what teachers did inside classrooms but also on whether the administration succeeded in improving the broader conditions in which they worked. You will be able to do it, you will succeed, only if we succeed, he said. If we are able to improve your conditions, if we are able to improve your infrastructure, if we are able to improve the schools, then you will be able to improve the future of the children. If we fail and then tell you, Now you go and fix everything, that will not happen, he said. Omar also acknowledged financial constraints facing Jammu and Kashmir, saying the government's fiscal position was not as strong as it would like it to be. The financial condition of Jammu and Kashmir is not as strong as we would like it to be, so there are some restrictions, he said. But he maintained that those constraints could not absolve the administration of its responsibility towards teachers. His broader message to the gathering was that teachers should be supported rather than burdened with every expectation surrounding education, social development and the future of Jammu and Kashmir. This is not your responsibility alone, Omar said.

JMC seals 46 shops in prime market place for 4-year rent default in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 25: The Jammu Municipal Corporation on Tuesday sealed 46 shops at the vegetable market in Indira Chowk for failing to pay rent for more than four years, officials said. A JMC team pasted notices and put locks and seals on the shops after they failed to clear their outstanding dues despite repeated notices, including a final notice, they said. The shopowners subsequently approached Deputy Commissioner (North), JMC, Sanjay Badyal, and assured the corporation that they would pay the rent regularly for the allotted shops, following which the sealing was lifted. The 46 allottees of the open spaces at Indira Chowk had not been paying rent for more than four years, Badyal told reporters here. Due to non-payment of rent, sealing action was carried out on the directions of the municipal commissioner, he said. Later, a delegation of affected shopowners submitted a written request offering to clear the rent dues and pay some amount in advance. After considering their request, the corporation decided to lift the sealing, subject to the payment of the outstanding rent and compliance with the agreed terms, Badyal said.

Eight over ground workers arrested in separate operations in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 25: Security forces have arrested eight overground workers in three separate operations across Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. On a tip off, police and army personnel launched a joint operation in an orchard at Imamsahib in Shopian district. During the search operation, security forces recovered one grenade, two AK magazines, four mobile phones and posters of a banned terror outfit from the orchard belonging to Nazir Ahmad Wani. The three suspected overground workers (OGWs) were identified as Ashiq Hussain Kumar, Arif Kumar, and Harris Manzoor. Security forces had also arrested three OGWs from Shopian district late on Monday night. The officials said three motorcycle-borne individuals were taken into custody after their search led to recovery of two hand grenade and some incriminating materials linked to Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit. The arrested persons were identified as Junaid Ahmad Dar, Amir Yousuf and Junaid Muzaffar. In another operation, security forces arrested two suspected over ground workers of terrorists in a forest area of Pulwama district, disrupting the terror network in the region. In a significant success towards disrupting terror networks and preventing attempts to disturb peace and security, police, Army and CRPF apprehended two terrorist associates and recovered one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and one hand grenade from their possession in the Yarwan forest area of CB Nath, Rajpora, the officials said. Acting on coordinated security inputs, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the general Yarwan forest area, the officials said. During the operation, the joint teams noticed two individuals emerging from the forest towards CB Nath village in a suspicious manner. The alert teams swiftly moved in and apprehended both individuals, they said. The apprehended individuals have been identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad. During their search, one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and one hand grenade were recovered from their possession, the officials said, adding the suspects were taken into custody. A case under relevant sections of the Arms Act and Unlawful activities Prevention Act was registered and investigation set into motion to ascertain their activities, establish the source of the recovered arms and ammunition, and identify further linkages.

'I can't send doctor sahib back empty-handed: MP Ruhullah on Farooq Abdullah's resignation call

Srinagar, Aug 25 : A day after National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah asked Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to resign from the Lok Sabha and seek a fresh mandate, the MP on Tuesday indicated that he would respond to the veteran leaders demand in the coming days, while stressing his deep respect for Abdullah. Speaking to reporters, Ruhullah was asked about Farooq Abdullahs call for his resignation. He did not directly say whether he would accept the challenge, but his response suggested that he was weighing the demand seriously. It is not possible that Doctor Sahib asks me for something and I dont give it to him. It is not possible that I send him back empty-handed, Ruhullah said. He has asked for something at this age. I respect him. I dont want him to ask me for somethingand Ireturn it to him empty-handed, he added. I will give an answer in a few days, Ruhullah said. His remarks came a day after Farooq Abdullah publicly challenged him to resign from Parliament and return to the electorate if he believedthat his 2024 Lok Sabha victory was primarily the result ofhis personal political standing. If you think people voted for you, resign and go back to them.Wewill see how many votes you get, Abdullah had said. The exchange follows a period of increasingly public differences between Ruhullah and the National Conference leadership over the partys political approach, particularly on issues including restoration of Article 370, statehood and the constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah had said Ruhullah was free to raise the issue of Article 370 in Parliament, but questioned his approach to the matter. If he thinks Article 370 can be restored, he should take up the issue in Parliament, Abdullah said. The NC president also defended the importance of party organisation and discipline, arguing that candidates contesting elections on the party ticket benefit from the support of the organisation and its workers. Ruhullah, however, has maintained that his political position reflects the mandate given to him by the people and has repeatedly argued that the fight for Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional rights remains unfinished. In recent days, he has also indicated that he could consider resigning from Parliament after taking his campaign on constitutional rights and protections to a certain stage. On Sunday, he said Jammu and Kashmir had continued to lose powers over the years and alleged that its political leadership had failed to regain them. The latest exchange has therefore raised questions about whether the disagreement will remain an internal debate within the National Conference or develop into a more serious political confrontation. Ruhullah was also asked aboutthe reopening of cases relatingto Kashmiri Pandits. He said justice should be delivered but cautioned against turning the process into an instrument of revenge. Everyone should be aware of Kashmiri Pandits. Justice should be delivered. There should be no revenge in the name of justice, he said. The statement places Ruhullahs position in the context of both accountability and reconciliation, stressing that any investigation or legal process should be aimed at delivering justice rather than settling scores.

Will respond in a day or two: Aga Ruhullah on Farooq Abdullahs resignation remark

Flyover collapses in Samba; one killed, three injured

Arms, ammunition recovered during search operation In Shopian; 3 persons detained

Srinagar, Aug 25: Security forces recovered arms and ammunition during a search operation in south Kashmir's Shopian district on Tuesday. Officials said that during a search operation at Narwani area, jointly conducted by 34 RR and SOG Imam Sahib, arms and ammunition including a grenade, four mobile phones, two magazines of AK-47 rifle and four posters of HM organisation were recovered from an orchard belonging to Nazir Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani resident of Narwani. Meanwhile, three persons have been detained in connection with the recovery as Ashiq Hussain Kumar son of Late Abdul Rashid Kumar resident of Laram Ganjipora, Kulgam, Arif Kumar son of Ghulam Rasool Kumar resident of Laram Ganjipora, Kulgam and Harris Manzoor son of Manzoor Ahmad resident of Anchidoora, Anantnag. Further investigation has been taken up. (GNS)

Fire breaks out at police Housing Corporation Headquarters in Srinagar, three rooms damaged

Srinagar, Aug 25: A fire incident was reported at the Corporate Headquarters of J&K Police Housing Corporation in Peerbagh area of Srinagar on Monday, resulting in damage to three rooms. Officials said that flames broke out on the fourth floor of the building housing the corporation's headquarters. Soon after, teams of Fire and Emergency Services department rushed to the spot and doused the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to other floors. Three rooms on the fourth floor suffered damage in the incident. No loss of life or injury has been reported. The cause of fire is being ascertained. (GNS)

Imran Khan getting same treatment he gave his opponents: Mehbooba

His passion and conviction about bringing positive change to Pakistan deeply impressed my father

Dulat factually incorrect on Article 370: NCs Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan

Govt assigns IAS officer Dr. Sagar Doifode additional charge as IG Registration, J&K

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Jammu and Kashmir government has assigned IAS officer Dr. Sagar Doifode Dattatray, Special Secretary in the Agriculture Production Department, the additional charge of Inspector General of Registration, J&K, until further orders. According to an official order issued by the General Administration Department, Dr Doifode (AGMUT: 2014), who currently serves as Special Secretary in the Agriculture Production Department and holds additional charge as Mission Director for both the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the J&K Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP), will manage this new role alongside his existing responsibilities

Pakistan, Iran discuss ways to reopen Strait of Hormuz, prevent escalation of West Asia conflict

Islamabad, Aug 25: Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has held comprehensive discussions with the Iranian leadership in Tehran, focusing on measures to prevent further escalation of the West Asia conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the army's media wing said on Tuesday. The army chief, who was accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, concluded a day-long visit to Iran as part of Islamabads diplomatic efforts to break the deadlock in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. It added that the visit was part of Pakistans diplomatic efforts to end the stalemate in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and explore ways for achieving enduring peace and a permanent end to instability in the region. The army chief called on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Mohsen Rezaei, Representative of the Supreme Leader on the Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, and Eskandar Momeni, Minister of Interior of Iran. Comprehensive discussions focused on measures to prevent further escalation, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and expedited termination of the conflict, the statement said. The Strait of Hormuz is a 55-km-wide narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, separating the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Sea. It is one of the busiest and most strategically significant shipping routes in the world, as a fifth of global oil passed through it before the conflict began on February 28. The discussions between leaders from Pakistan and Iran also covered regional peace and possible ways to reach a negotiated settlement to the disputes, the statement said. The Iranian leadership appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in facilitating dialogue, de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, according to the statement. Pakistan has been leading the push for peace and reviving its mediation efforts in the stalled US-Iran peace negotiations. In April, a ceasefire was announced with an agreement to end the US-Iran conflict. However, the peace process faltered later on and has not been put back on track. The conflict began when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian retaliation and choking the vital Strait of Hormuz and entailing a petroleum price hike. An interim peace agreement, which Pakistan signed as a guarantor, derailed last month as tensions escalated in West Asia with the US and Iran resuming military strikes. Pakistan's efforts to revive the talks have so far failed to yield results. The visit by Pakistan's leadership was part of the country's broader diplomatic efforts to help break the deadlock in the conflict and explore ways to achieve lasting peace and an end to regional instability. The visit comes as Washington ramps up pressure on Iran with an expanded round of sanctions, which US officials say are designed to cut off Tehran's economic lifeline and put the world on notice to cease doing business with the country. President Donald Trump has also warned of economic consequences for countries providing what he called any type of lifeline to Iran, as Washington seeks to intensify pressure on Iran. Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been severely disrupted, while Tehran has threatened to target unauthorised tankers attempting to transit the waterway.

Muslims gather for rain prayers in Indonesia's wildfire-hit South Sumatra

Palembang, Aug 25: Authorities in Indonesia's South Sumatra, the province with the highest number of wildfire hot spots, turned to spiritual measures on Tuesday as huge blazes in central and western regions scorched wide areas of forests and peatland, creating a choking haze that blanketed some cities in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. The prayer gathering initiative comes as the province faces prolonged dry weather that has heightened the risk of forest and peatland fires. The latest satellite data from the Environment Ministry showed South Sumatra recorded the highest number of hot spots nationwide with 1,429, followed by West Kalimantan with 1,226 and Central Kalimantan with 811. Forestry Ministry data indicated that nearly 940 square kilometres (363 square miles) were burned in July alone, including over 20 square kilometres (8 square miles) in South Sumatra province. About 3,000 residents gathered in Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra province, to perform a special Islamic prayer for rain, known as salat istisqa. They prayed shoulder to shoulder in the courtyard of the governor's office as thick smoke shrouded roads, buildings and public facilities, reducing visibility and forcing motorists to drive with their headlights on during the day. We have done everything we can and worked closely with all relevant parties, South Sumatra Gov. Herman Deru said before the prayer. As people of faith, we are also praying to God to send rain so that life can return to normal. He also said the public prayer would complement ongoing firefighting and drought-mitigation measures and serve as a moment for residents to unite in confronting the environmental challenges facing the province. Emergency services have been battling fires driven by an intensifying El Nino pattern and a prolonged dry season, generating dense smoke that crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. Indonesia is actively intensifying weather-modification operations to help firefighters combat wildfires by inducing rainfall through the dispersal of salt particles into suitable clouds, with 30 aircraft for cloud-seeding and water-bombing operations over Kalimantan, and another 22 helicopters covering Sumatra. Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting some of the forest and peatland fires, while four companies are under investigation for allegedly using fire to clear land at low cost. Plantation owners and traditional farmers often start fires to clear land for farming, triggering hazardous haze that reduces visibility, disrupts land and air transportation and threatens public health. Fires are a regular problem during the dry season in Indonesia, and the haze they generate has periodically drawn diplomatic complaints from neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia.

15 pc decline in Indian students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in US: Report

Washington, Aug 25: 15 pc decline in Indian students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in US: Report A report, representing over 1,100 institutions, released by the Common App, shows that although application volume for undergraduate admission in the upcoming 2026-27 academic year rose overall, the number of international applicants through March 1 fell 10 per cent, the steepest decline on record. The report by a non-profit organisation recorded a 15 per cent decrease in applicants from India -- the top source for international students in the US. India is the largest source of international students in the US, with over 3.63 lakh enrolling for different courses in the 2024-25 academic year. According to the report, international students contributed USD 41.77 billion to the local economy in the Fall 2025-26. The same number is projected to be 38.37 billion in 2026-27. Earlier, a report by an organisation of educators said that stricter visa rules and uncertain policy are expected to lead to up to 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations at US colleges and universities in Fall 2026. According to a report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International, international student registrations in Fall 2025-26 were estimated at 11.69 lakh, down this year to 10.57 lakh. In July, the US government announced new rules eliminating the traditional duration of status for student and visitor visas, capping stays at 4 years, which is the usual duration of an academic course. The US is also considering a USD 100,000 fee on foreign students who wish to use the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme to work in the US after their graduation. OPT allows foreign nationals who enter the United States on a student visa to work in the US for 12, or in some cases 24, months. It also allows students to transition to an H-1B visa sponsored by employers. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

EOW Kashmir chargesheets man for allegedly cheating cancer patients family

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against a man accused of cheating the family of a cancer patient by promising to provide medicines at a cheaper rate. The chargesheet has been filed before the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar, in FIR No. 25/2026, registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused has been identified as Afaq Ahmad Thug, son of Ghulam Qadir, a resident of New Colony, Hazratbal, near Shiwala Mandir, Anantnag, presently residing at 10-Green Enclave, Barmuni Road, Sunjwan, Jammu. According to the EOW, the case originated from a written complaint alleging that the accused cheated the complainant after offering to arrange medicines for his wife, who was suffering from cancer, at a comparatively lower price. The accused allegedly induced the complainant to pay lakhs of rupees for the medicines but subsequently failed to supply them as promised, the agency said. Following the complaint, an investigation was initiated. The EOW said its probe prima facie substantiated the allegations levelled against the accused. Interestingly, the investigation also revealed that the accused and the complainant had been schoolmates at a boarding school more than four decades ago, the agency said. After completing the investigation, the EOW presented the chargesheet before the court for judicial determination in accordance with law. The Crime Branch has advised members of the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and to report suspicious activities to the SSP, EOW Kashmir. Complaints can also be lodged with the EOW through email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.

J-K covers digitisation of 70 lakh land parcels, 13 lakh discrepancies rectified

Srinagar, Aug 24: Jammu and Kashmir is accelerating the digitisation and updation of nearly 70 lakh land parcels as part of efforts to modernise revenue administration and prepare a verified land database for integration with the Centre's AgriStack framework, officials said. The officials said that more than 13 lakh rectifications have been completed following discrepancies detected during verification and grievances received from the public. The exercise is being undertaken by the revenue department in collaboration with BISAG-N under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), with more than 2,500 revenue field functionaries provided role-based access for data entry, verification and approval, they said. In a major step towards modernising land administration and creating a more transparent, citizen-centric system of Revenue and Agricultural services, Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated the digitisation and updation of land records while simultaneously preparing the verified land database for integration with the AgriStack framework, they added. They said that the exercise, being undertaken by the revenue department in collaboration with BISAG-N, covers nearly 70 lakh land parcels, with more than 2,500 Revenue field functionaries having been provided role-based access for data entry, verification and approval. Officials said the exercise goes beyond scanning or digitising old records and involves updation, verification, public scrutiny and authentication of land records. A dedicated software platform has been developed for village-wise management of land records through a structured database, enabling systematic searching, validation, monitoring and authorised updating. Under the three-tier maker-checker-approver mechanism, the Patwari enters the record, the girdawar and naib-tehsildar verify it against the source revenue record, and the tehsildar provides final approval, they said. The system creates an electronic audit trail at every stage, helping check transcription errors, omissions, incorrect shares and other discrepancies while fixing responsibility for entries and approvals. District-level mentors and prabhari officers have also been deployed to monitor progress and quality, while district committees are undertaking cross-tehsil verification, they added. As part of public scrutiny, more than 6,800 village-level camps have been organised for public reading of jamabandis, allowing landholders to identify discrepancies relating to names, shares and mutations, they said. Digitised land records have also been made available for public viewing through the JK Zameen Sudhaar portal. More than 13 lakh rectifications have been completed following discrepancies detected during verification and grievances received from the public. The government has simultaneously incorporated around seven lakh backlog mutations into the digitised Record of Rights after verification and approval, they said. The verified database is now being transformed to support AgriStack under the digital agriculture mission of the central government. The framework envisages an integrated digital architecture comprising the Farmers Registry, geo-referenced village maps and Crop Sown Registry, they added. A key requirement is to accurately associate farmers with their landholdings. As traditional jamabandis may contain multiple co-owners in a single khasra, the transformation process captures the precise extent attributable to each recorded owner in machine-readable form. So far, 31.26 lakh khasra records have been converted into the required owner-extent format, officials said. Under the farmer-validation process, landholders authenticate through e-KYC, view their landholding particulars and claim the appropriate landholding group before providing voluntary electronic consent. A Farmer ID is generated after completion of the prescribed verification and approval process. Officials said the digitisation exercise would make Records of Rights more accessible and reduce the need for repeated visits to patwari and tehsil offices. For farmers, the AgriStack and Farmer ID framework is expected to facilitate more efficient delivery of eligible schemes, subsidies, agricultural inputs, credit, insurance, procurement-related services and disaster relief. The initiative is aimed at creating a trusted, verified and farmer-validated digital land information ecosystem to make revenue administration more transparent and improve delivery of agricultural services across Jammu and Kashmir.

Two suspects apprehended with pistol, grenade In Pulwama

Srinagar, Aug 25: Two persons were apprehended along with arms and ammunition during a search operation in Pulwama district. Officials said that during the intervening night of August 24 and 25, a Search and Destroy Operation (SADO) was launched by joint teams of Police Pulwama, Army 44RR and 183 Bn CRPF in general Yarwan forest area of village CB Nath Rajpora. During the search, two individuals who were coming from the forest area towards CB Nath village in a suspicious manner were apprehended tactfully. The duo has been identified as Latif Ahmed Deedad son of Ghulam Mohammad Deedad resident of Lassi Daban and Aijaz Ahmed Bajad son of Nazir Ahmed Bajad resident of Bun Kha Bamnoo. On their search, one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and one hand grenade were recovered from their possession. Both suspects along with the recovered arms and ammunition have been taken into custody. Meanwhile, search operation in the area is going on. (GNS)

Canada will announce retaliatory tariffs against US on Tuesday, official tells AP

Toronto, Aug 25: Canada will announce retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday, an official familiar with the plans told The Associated Press, escalating a trade fight that has sharply worsened since negotiations with the Trump administration collapsed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the plans publicly. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that Canada may need to move away from matching US tariffs dollar for dollar and instead use more targeted retaliation aimed at protecting Canadian workers and businesses. President Donald Trump escalated the dispute again Monday, telling Canadian leaders to fall in line or face consequences far WORSE than tariffs already imposed and threatening new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel. Carney accused Washington of trying to subordinate Canada and said US trade demands had confirmed Canada's fears that the United States was seeking to dismantle major Canadian industries. An attitude at the negotiation table that Canada is a subsidiary of the United States is not something we're going to accept, Carney said. Carney was even more blunt in French. We learned during the negotiations that the Americans want to destroy our major industries, including autos, steel and aluminium, Carney said. That was one of the main reasons we said no. It was a bad deal. The fiery words from both sides show how US-Canada relations have deteriorated since Carney walked away from trade negotiations with the Trump administration late Friday, triggering the president's threatened 50 per cent tariffs the next day on about USD 20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Carney cast doubt on the US's reliability as a partner, saying Canada was finding reliable partners everywhere in the world, except in the United States. Except in the United States. And Russia. Trump unleashes personal attacks on Canadian leaders On Monday, Trump came back with further tariffs, warning that he would impose them on Canada's auto industry beginning next year. Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years, Trump wrote on social media, criticising what he called the country's ridiculously high tariffs on American farmers. Carney said Washington's auto-sector proposals would gradually have the effect of dismantling Canadian production. This is the most successful automotive partnership in history, Carney said, referring to the deeply integrated Canada-US industry. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unleashed his own tirade. In an interview with The Associated Press, he said Trump had underestimated Canadians' willingness to endure economic pain rather than give in to US pressure. We're all in, Ford said. Up here, we're at a fever pitch; everyone's in for an economic war. They know they're going to have to sacrifice. Trump responded in a social media post by attacking Ford personally, calling him the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford, and once again referring to Canada's prime minister as Governor Carney. Ford dismissed the insults: If you think an insult from him hurts me? Well, bring it on, buddy, I'm ready. Ford is a Progressive Conservative whose party differs from that of Carney, a Liberal, but the two underscore broad political unity in Canada over the trade fight with Trump. Ford threatens critical minerals and electricity Ford said everything is on the table if the dispute worsens, including cutting off electricity and critical minerals from Ontario. Critical minerals are increasingly important to US national security and manufacturing. The Pentagon has sought more secure supplies of minerals used in military aircraft, missiles, munitions and electronics as Washington tries to reduce reliance on China, which dominates the mining or processing of several strategically important minerals. Ford said Canada should also consider increasingly severe retaliation if Trump continues targeting Canadian industries, including oil and potash, while Ontario could raise electricity prices or stop sending power south. We power 1.5 million homes and businesses, Ford said. Everything's on the table. I'll do whatever it takes. Ford has used electricity as leverage before. During an earlier phase of the dispute, Ontario imposed a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exported to Michigan, Minnesota and New York. Trump responded by threatening to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium before both sides backed away. Auto industry becomes a central battleground Ford accused Trump of not simply seeking a better trade deal but aiming to hollow out Canadian industries and move production south. Ford said Trump wants to make Canada a vassal state. He wants to bleed out every single sector and bring them down to the US, Ford said. The auto sector is especially important to Ontario, the centre of Canada's vehicle manufacturing industry. Plants and suppliers in Ontario are tightly integrated with factories in Michigan and other US states, with parts routinely crossing the border multiple times during production. Automakers including Ford, General Motors and Stellantis operate major assembly plants in Ontario, and the wider supply chain supports tens of thousands of jobs. Trump's new threat of a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian vehicles and parts puts that sector directly at the centre of the escalating dispute. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Monday that the only reason Canada has auto production in the first place was because of the 1960s Auto Pact, under which Canada used access to its market to encourage vehicle production north of the border. Ford says he opposed preliminary deal Ford also disclosed that he had opposed the preliminary agreement Carney was considering before Canada walked away from negotiations, and that he was unwilling to restore American liquor to Ontario store shelves as part of an agreement. I wasn't going to put the booze back on the shelves, Ford said. I was ready to go out there and call a press conference and say I'm not buckling over. Ford said he understood Washington had sought language late in the negotiations that would have restricted Canada's ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries without US approval. Carney has called that demand unacceptable and a question of Canadian sovereignty. Carney said the dispute also exposed a deeper divide over language and culture, saying protections for French and Canadian culture that Washington views as trade irritants are considered fundamental rights in Canada. Who does he think he is? Ford said of Trump. You gotta be kidding.

President Droupadi Murmu to confer National Awards to teachers on September 5

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2026 on 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions (HEIs) and polytechnics at Vigyan Bhawan here on September 5, the Ministry of Education said. The awardees include 12 teachers from central higher education institutions, five from state universities and colleges, including three government and two private institutions, and four faculty members from polytechnics, equally divided between government and private institutions. Nominations for the awards were invited online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal from May 26 to July 20. The process allowed self, institutional and peer nominations as part of the governments Jan Bhagidari initiative. The awards recognise teachers and faculty members for exemplary contribution to education. Selection is based on parameters including teaching-learning effectiveness, outreach activities, research and innovation, sponsored research, faculty development programmes and consultancy teaching. The selection is carried out in two stages. A Preliminary Search-cum-Screening Committee first shortlists nominees, following which a Jury Committee selects the final awardees. The National Awards to Teachers were expanded in 2023 to include teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics. Earlier, the awards were limited to school teachers. The expansion was aimed at supporting the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for incentives, rewards and recognition to promote a culture of excellence across the education ecosystem.

Bake My Cake Kashmir unveils new website, eyes stronger digital presence

Bake My Cake Kashmir on Monday launched its new website at SSM College of Engineering, Parihaspora Pattan, marking a step towards strengthening its digital presence and making its products, services and business information more accessible to customers and stakeholders. The website was virtually inaugurated by Director Employment, J&K and Managing Director, Mission Yuva, Harvinder Singh. The launch event was attended by students, entrepreneurs, professionals and other distinguished guests. Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of Bake My Cake Kashmir, Mudasir Naqshbandi, said businesses need to adapt to changing technology as the world increasingly moves towards digital platforms. Today, people want information instantly and businesses need to be accessible beyond physical boundaries. Through our website, we are making it easier for people to reach us, learn about our products and services, understand our journey and stay informed about our future plans, he said. Naqshbandi said the website was not merely a digital platform but part of the companys efforts to build a more accessible, transparent and digitally connected business. He added that Bake My Cake Kashmir would continue to invest in technology, innovation and young talent while creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in J&K. Harvinder Singh appreciated the initiative and congratulated Bake My Cake Kashmir for embracing digital technology and strengthening its online presence. He highlighted the potential of Jammu and Kashmirs youth and encouraged them to make effective use of emerging technologies, government initiatives and new opportunities to build sustainable businesses and generate employment. The launch reflects Bake My Cake Kashmirs focus on digital transformation, innovation and strengthening its engagement with customers and the wider community.

Dr Sajjad Hussain presents IFS SIG roadmap

Dr Syed Sajjad Hussain, National Convenor of the Indian Fertility Society Special Interest Group (IFS SIG) and Managing Director of MED AGE IVF Centre, Srinagar, delivered a presentation at the Mid-Term Meeting of the Indian Fertility Society (IFS) held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Dr Hussain presented the vision, ongoing initiatives, academic activities and future roadmap of the IFS Special Interest Group, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, multidisciplinary collaboration and advancements in reproductive medicine. The presentation outlined the groups efforts to strengthen academic engagement and promote collaborative research and professional development in the field of reproductive healthcare. His participation underscored Kashmirs growing contribution to specialised healthcare and its active engagement with leading national professional forums.

Cantabil expands retail presence with new store in Pulwama

Cantabil Retail India Ltd., an apparel manufacturer and retailer, has expanded its retail presence in J&K with the opening of a new store in Pulwama. Spread across 1,185 square feet, the new outlet is located at Shop Nos. 3, 4 and 5, Muzamil Mini Mall, New Colony Road, Pulwama. The store offers a range of mens casual, party and formal wear, along with accessories, catering to customers seeking contemporary and mid-premium fashion. Commenting on the launch, Director of Cantabil Retail India Ltd. Deepak Bansal said the company was pleased to open its new mens and accessories store in Pulwama. We are excited to introduce our new men and accessories exclusive store in Pulwama. Cantabil has garnered immense appreciation in the mid-premium segment, resonating with customers. Our new store will showcase an extensive range of fashion-forward apparel for men and accessories. With a strong presence across India, we are committed to further expanding our retail footprint in the coming years, he said. The company said the new outlet was part of its ongoing expansion strategy and its efforts to strengthen its presence across markets.

JKHARA announces 21 elected Executive Committee members for 20262028

The Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association (JKHARA) has announced 21 members elected to its Executive Committee (EC) for the 20262028 term following the completion of the election process at Hattrick Banquet Hall, Rajbagh, Srinagar. A total of 25 nominations were received for the Executive Committee, of which four candidates subsequently withdrew. The remaining 21 candidates were unanimously declared elected for the new term. The election proceedings were conducted under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner G.N. Var. The proceedings were attended by JKHARA Founding President Showkat Chowdhary, Past President Adil Hussain, Patron Khazir Sahib and Advisor Sheikh Shaukat Sahib. The newly elected Executive Committee members include Sheikh Imran, Babar Chowdhary, Dr Lateef Ahmad Lone, Mohammad Shafi Beigh, Imran Majeed Hamza, Mushtafa Badyari, Amir Kaloo, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Muneer Ahmad Guroo, Irfan Rashid Malik and Shahzadi Simon. Others elected to the committee are Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh, Gh. Qadir Lone, Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, Abid Hamid Tantray, Ayesha Saleem, Sajad Ahmad Bala, Mohammad Amin Shah, Bashir Ahmad, Farooq Amin and Nasreen Ansari. The JKHARA leadership extended its congratulations to all the newly elected members and expressed confidence that the new Executive Committee would work with dedication, integrity and a spirit of service to strengthen the organisation and advance its objectives. The association said the successful completion of the election process reflected its commitment to democratic participation, institutional continuity and responsible leadership. The new Executive Committee will serve for the 20262028 term.

MP Chowdry Ramzan visits Fruit Mandi Handwara, assures growers of support

Member of Parliament (MP) and National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Monday visited the Fruit Mandi Handwara and interacted with fruit growers, dealers and members of the Fruit Growers and Dealers Association. During the visit, representatives of the Handwara Fruit Mandi Association apprised Ramzan of various issues confronting the horticulture sector and sought his intervention in addressing their demands. Ramzan listened to the concerns raised by the representatives and assured them that their issues would be taken up at the appropriate platforms. Speaking to media persons after the visit, Ramzan said he was pleased to see the Fruit Mandi Handwara witnessing good business activity and providing livelihoods to thousands of families. Recalling his contribution to the horticulture sector, he said that during his tenure as Agriculture Minister nearly two decades ago, more than 15 fruit mandis were established across J&K. On the shortage of cold storage facilities in Kupwara district, Ramzan said the government was offering subsidies of more than 50 per cent for establishing such units. I urge entrepreneurs and individuals in Handwara and Kupwara to come forward and establish cold storage units. I assure them of my support in taking these initiatives forward, he said. Fruit Mandi Handwara President Mohammad Amin Wani thanked Ramzan for visiting the mandi and listening to the concerns of growers and dealers. Wani said Ramzan had assured the association that he would work towards resolving the issues faced by the fruit trade community.

FCIK delegation meets Chief Secretary, pushes for review of power tariff hike

The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to seek review and reconsideration of the recent electricity tariff order before the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), J&K, besides seeking interim relief against its implementation pending such review. A delegation of FCIK led by Head of its Advisory Committee Shahid Kamili called on the Chief Secretary and discussed at length the impact of the tariff increases on an already stressed industrial sector. The delegation pointed out that while the DISCOMs had sought an increase of around 5 per cent, the tariff increase ultimately approved for industry was substantially higher even without any stakeholder consultation. FCIK submitted that the increase had come at a difficult time when existing enterprises were already grappling with weak markets, industrial sickness, delayed payments and mounting regulatory costs. It urged the Government to take into account the cumulative impact of prolonged disruptions and adverse business conditions faced by enterprises in J&K before burdening them with additional power costs. The meeting was held on the advice of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a follow-up to FCIKs recent interaction with him on the immediate problems confronting existing industry pending finalisation of the Revised Industrial Policy. Besides the power tariff issue, the Federation discussed with the Chief Secretary four priority areas that had also been taken up with the Chief MinisterEase of Doing Business, public procurement, revival of sick and stressed units, and raw-material availability for mineral-based industries. On Ease of Doing Business, FCIK sought a genuine trust-based regulatory regime providing for self-certification, automatic renewals, deemed approvals, single-window clearances, digitisation and rationalisation of recurring permissions, fees and charges. The Federation stressed that routine regulatory processes should facilitate legitimate enterprises rather than consume their time and resources. On public procurement, FCIK pointed out that many local units established to supply Government departments were starved of orders even as substantial procurement continued from outside J&K. It clarified that local industry was not seeking higher prices or any relaxation in quality, but purchase preference at competitively discovered L1 rates. FCIK proposed strengthening SICOP for identified locally manufactured items, MSME-friendly tendering and segregation of industrial supplies from works contracts. It also offered to furnish examples of GeM tenders carrying conditions that effectively disadvantage otherwise capable local manufacturers. On industrial sickness, the Federation sought early announcement of power and other amnesties to enable stressed units to clear legacy liabilities. It also presented the Chief Secretary with a copy of the SBI OTS Scheme of 2020, seeking a similar transparent and uniform settlement opportunity from banks operating in J&K, particularly J&K Bank. FCIK submitted that relief at least comparable to that extended under the SBI scheme to borrowers across the country should be available to J&K enterprises, if not on more favourable terms, considering the exceptionally difficult business conditions they have endured for over three decades. The Federation also highlighted the acute shortage of raw material faced by mineral-based industries, particularly Plaster of Paris processing and stone-crushing units, because of delays in finalisation or renewal of extraction arrangements. It sought an immediate lawful interim mechanism for regulated supply, cautioning that disruption could force units to close and adversely affect employment and developmental works, particularly during Kashmirs limited working season. The discussions were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere. The Chief Secretary acknowledged the practical difficulties brought to his notice and assured the delegation that the issues raised would be examined on priority with the concerned departments and authorities. He also assured FCIK of his full support and facilitation in mitigating the immediate problems confronting the existing industry.

Sopore Bar Association strike enters sixth day

The Bar Association Sopore continued its strike for the sixth consecutive day on Monday, protesting alleged misconduct by a Tehsildar during an incident involving an advocate at the Tehsil office. According to a spokesperson for the Bar Association, the incident took place on August 19 when Advocate Mohammad Waseem visited the Tehsil office in connection with a case involving his clients and to attend proceedings before the Tehsildar. The spokesperson alleged that the concerned official used highly objectionable and abusive language against the advocate during the interaction. The Bar further alleged that the official questioned the advocates presence in the office and made derogatory remarks against him as well as the legal fraternity. The association also alleged that the official threatened to send the advocate to the lock-up and warned him of dire consequences. The Bar Association has termed the alleged conduct a serious affront to the dignity of the legal profession and an interference with the professional independence of advocates. The use of abusive, threatening and derogatory language against an advocate while discharging professional duties is condemned in the strongest terms, a Bar representative said. The association has urged the competent authorities to inquire into the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with law. It also called for measures to ensure the dignity, safety and professional independence of advocates are protected while they discharge their duties.

Education sector holds key to progress: Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo today addressed the Foundation Day celebrations of Maple Grove Education Institute Rawalpora here. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that education remains the most important sector for the overall progress and development of society, adding that no amount of discussion on the subject can be considered enough given its far-reaching impact on individuals and communities. She underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister said that both government and private educational institutions are making sustained efforts to provide quality education to students, with several private institutions making a significant contribution to the education sector. There are some private institutions whose contribution is so remarkable, she observed, while appreciating institutions that have consistently demonstrated commitment towards academic excellence. Sakeena Itoo said that while a number of government schools, including middle, high and secondary schools, are performing exceptionally well, there is always scope for further improvement. She emphasised that the government and private sectors must continue working together to strengthen the educational ecosystem and provide better opportunities to children. The Minister further said that education must contribute to the holistic development of children by nurturing not only their academic abilities but also their values, character and sense of responsibility. Emphasising the importance of equality and inclusiveness in education, Sakeena Itoo said that every child must be treated equally irrespective of social or economic background. For us, children are one. We should never discriminate. Every child deserves equal opportunity to learn, grow and realise their potential, she said. Referring to an interaction with students during the programme, the Minister said she was particularly encouraged by the aspirations expressed by the children about their future careers. She noted that while some students expressed their desire to become doctors, others aspired to enter public life and become ministers. This is a very encouraging sign. Our new generation is not only dreaming of professional success but is also conscious of its role in public life and governance. Their aspiration to become political leaders and ministers reflects their confidence and belief that they too can contribute to society, Sakeena Itoo remarked. The Minister said that such aspirations need to be nurtured through an education system that encourages children to think freely, dream ambitiously and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. She called upon educational institutions to continue creating an environment where academic excellence, ethical values, inclusiveness and leadership qualities grow together, saying that the children of today will shape the social, economic and democratic future of Jammu and Kashmir. Director School Education Kashmir, other senior officers of School Education department, management and teachers of Maple Grove Education Institute, large number of students and their families were also present on the occasion.

Convention of pensioners, senior citizens, civil society held in Kulgam

A one-day Convention of pensioners, senior citizens and members of civil society was held today at Kings Palace, Kulgam under the chairmanship of Shri Lenin Sampat, State President. The District President of Kulgam, Abdu Hamid Mir, and District General Secretary, G. M. Parwana, extended a warm and cordial welcome to the State President, State General Secretary Gh. Mohi-ud-din Bhat, senior trade union leaders, and pensioners from across District Kulgam. Chief Patron of the Central Body, Nisar Ali Mir, addressed the gathering. He paid rich tributes to the late Shri Sampat Ji for his dedication and hard work, and urged all present to carry forward and complete his unfinished mission. Several dignitaries addressed the Convention, including Ab. Majid Dar (District President, Anantnag), Mr. Yayah Shafi (Namaji) (District President, Ganderbal), Mansoor Ahmad Magray (District President, Shopian), Malik Gh. Hassan (District Budgam), G. Nabi Bhat (Khanyari) from Srinagar, and Nisar Ahmad Tarfarosh from Srinagar. State President Lenin Sampat and State General Secretary Gh. Mohi-ud-din Bhat assured the pensioners that their legitimate demands would be pursued vigorously. These include: Enhancement of Medical Allowance at par with the Union Territory of Ladakh Enhancement of pension by 5% at the ages of 65, 70, 75 and 79 years respectively Immediate release of 18 months DA withheld during the COVID-19 period Provision of Vaqar houses in all districts of Jammu & Kashmir The Convention also expressed strong resentment over the non-release of balance leave salary of pensioners of J&K Industries (JKI) from 2023 onwards by the present Managing Director, despite repeated requests. The organisation warned that it would be left with no option but to launch a protest if the genuine dues of JKI pensioners continued to be ignored. Members of civil society further demanded a reduction in electricity charges, recalling the assurance given by the Honble Chief Minister during the election campaign. The Convention concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Ab. Gani of Frisal, Yaripora.

JK Cinema Guild meets CM, seeks Film Industry push

A delegation of the J&K Cinema Guild Srinagar, comprising noted artist and art promoter Waheed Jeelani and renowned actor and film director Umar Imtiyaz, called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence and held an extensive discussion on the cultural and creative landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation presented a comprehensive project report and proposal for establishing and developing a vibrant regional film industry in Jammu and Kashmir, on the lines of successful regional film industries in other parts of the country. The delegation strongly urged the Chief Minister to initiate steps for the revival and effective implementation of the existing J&K Film Policy, with greater opportunities for local filmmakers, actors, technicians, musicians and other creative professionals. The delegation also drew the Chief Ministers attention towards the urgent need to revive and strengthen local cultural institutions, particularly Akashwani stations, Doordarshan stations, DD Kashir and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, and make them vibrant platforms for young and emerging artists. The Guild urged the Chief Minister to take up these issues at the highest level with the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Union Minister for Culture, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, so that Jammu and Kashmirs rich cultural and cinematic potential receives the institutional support it deserves. The delegation also invited the Chief Minister and other senior ministers to participate in the Artists Convention proposed to be held in September 2026, which will bring together leading artists, politicians, policymakers, filmmakers, musicians, actors and cultural practitioners to deliberate on the issues & future of the creative sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured that the issues raised would be looked into and taken care of. He emphasised that our artists and performers are our assets, underlining the importance of nurturing and supporting the regions creative community. The J&K Cinema Guild expressed hope that the Chief Ministers assurance will translate into concrete policy initiatives and renewed institutional support, paving the way for a strong, self sustaining and professionally organised regional film and cultural industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Secretary reviews drug abuse rehab programme

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for implementation of the Phase-I Pilot of the Rehabilitation & Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, being coordinated by the Social Welfare Department. The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, H&ME; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; DC, Srinagar; Head, IMHANS, Srinagar; Director, Health, Jammu/Kashmir and other concerned officers. Deputy Commissioners from outside districts along with the Institution heads connected with the meeting through video conferencing. The meeting reviewed the readiness of the identified pilot institutions and districts, availability of human resources and infrastructure, capacity-building initiatives, inter-departmental coordination and the development of a dedicated digital mechanism for end-to-end monitoring of beneficiaries. The Phase-I pilot is proposed to be implemented at IMHANS Srinagar, ATFs at Jammu, Kathua, and in Budgam district. The pilot is aimed at testing the rehabilitation model on the ground, identifying operational gaps, refining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and generating the necessary learning for its subsequent expansion across the Union Territory. Taking stock of the preparedness in the pilot districts, the Chief Secretary reviewed the availability of infrastructure and manpower at each location and stressed the need for focused training and capacity-building of Medical Officers, Counsellors, Case Managers, ASHA workers and SHG members so that each stakeholder is adequately equipped to discharge the role assigned under the rehabilitation framework. The Chief Secretary directed the Social Welfare Department to coordinate the implementation of the programme and ensure its commencement at the earliest. He further directed the Department to simultaneously identify the requisite human resources and infrastructure for extending the rehabilitation mechanism to other districts, so that the pilot exercise facilitates a smooth transition towards wider implementation. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the capacity-building initiatives undertaken by IMHANS Srinagar for Medical Officers, Counsellors, Case Managers, SHG members and ASHA workers. He directed IMHANS to continue conducting such training programmes across all districts so as to create a sufficiently large and skilled pool of human resources capable of supporting the rehabilitation programme as it expands. On this occasion the Head, IMHANS Srinagar, Dr Arshad Hussain, briefed the meeting about the interventions undertaken so far by the Institute and the facilities covered under the pilot. He also highlighted certain areas requiring focused attention at the participating health facilities. Dr Hussain informed that training modules for different categories of personnel have been developed and several batches have already been trained. He expressed confidence that the ongoing capacity-building exercise would create adequate trained manpower within the next two to three months to satisfactorily operationalise the rehabilitation centres in accordance with the approved policy framework. It was further elucidated that the first phase of the Circle of Care training module has already been completed, with more than 300 frontline workers, including ASHA workers, NRLM/SHG representatives and teachers, trained across Kashmir Division.

India's influenza surge seasonal, not new or deadlier strain: Dr Saumya Swaminathan

The current rise in influenza cases across parts of India is a routine seasonal uptick rather than the emergence of a novel or more dangerous virus, former Director ICMR Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has said. Speaking to media, Dr Swaminathan said that India is recording a seasonal influenza uptick, and this happens every year. The doctors feel that this year it has started a little earlier, but normally in India, we do have a monsoon seasonal increase in influenza cases, and then it continues into winter, she stated while dismissing need for alarm. Dr Swaminathan, who has also served as Chief Scientist at WHO highlighted the improved monitoring as a contributor to a clearer picture of circulating viruses. Thanks to better surveillance through the government ICMR viral laboratories throughout the year, we actually now know which viruses are circulating, which are predominant. And we can also correlate with clinical presentation, with severity, and with hospital admissions. This is a very good resource, she said. She said the predominant driver of the present increase is an H1N1 influenza A virus of the Michigan strain. The current increase in cases is because of H1N1, a Michigan strain. Its an influenza A virus, she said. She assed that the same strain that has been circulating since the pandemic in 2009 and this years Virus is very similar to what was last year. She reassured people that this is not a new strain. I think theres a lot more awareness, more testing, more diagnostics being performed, she said. She added that more cases are being reported from many hospitals in Delhi, Bengaluru, and other cities due to increased testing. People might tend to panic, thinking that, you know, there are suddenly thousands of cases. Its just better testing, she said. The clarification comes amid a rise in H1N1 cases, particularly in Delhi. Over 1,777 H1N1 cases had been reported by August 20 out of 2,392 Influenza A cases this year. ICMR scientists have said the H1N1 viruses currently circulating in India are similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain. They also said the circulating influenza strains are well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere. Indias National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) continues to maintain seasonal influenza surveillance. It provides technical guidance on H1N1, including patient categorisation, home care, mask use, clinical management and laboratory testing.

Jagmohan had no role in exodus of Kashmiri Pandits: Ashok Koul

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ashok Koul on Monday said targeted killings would continue in the Valley but would become meaningless if communal brotherhood prevailed. The Kashmiri Pandit community will continue its struggle to live safely in the Valley and will remain here if the administration provides all necessary facilities, Koul told reporters in south Kashmirs Shopian district after paying obeisance at the Kapal Mochan shrine. He said there was no completely safe place in the world, citing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. You know what is happening in Ukraine and Russia, and what America, Israel and Iran are doing. Targeted killings will continue, but when there is brotherhood, they will not have much meaning, he said. Koul was responding to the recent targeted killings and purported online threats to the community members. He said that Jagmohan had no role in the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley. Before Jagmohans arrival, Kashmiri Pandits had migrated from the Valley because of some external elements who drove the community members out of the Valley, he said. Koul claimed that it was equally true that some members of the majority community also helped such forces. But I am happy to see the minority community members coming here and performing pooja at the Kapal Mochan Shrine, he said. Koul said that the day was not far when all the community members would return to the Valley. The three-day Kapal Mochan pilgrimage began on Sunday, and the shrine has a particular significance for Shradh rituals performed for people who died in accidents. The annual pilgrimage had remained suspended for nearly two decades following the outbreak of militancy in the Valley in the 1990s. It was revived in 2008 with the support of members of the local Muslim community.

Chowdry Ramzan rejects Dulats Article 370 claim

Member of Parliament and National Conference Additional General Secretary Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Monday rejected former RAW chief A.S. Dulats remarks on Article 370 as factually incorrect and accused Peoples Conference chairman and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone of failing to deliver on key development issues in the constituency. Ramzan was speaking to media persons at his residence in Handwara after concluding a three-day visit to the constituency. Reacting to Dulats remarks at a recent seminar organised by MP Aga Ruhullah in Delhi, where the former RAW chief reportedly said that Article 370 was automatically abrogated following the accord between Sheikh Abdullah and the Centre, Ramzan said the claim did not reflect the constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir at the time. Article 370 and Article 35A were part of the special status and constitutional arrangements of Jammu and Kashmir at that time. They were meant to safeguard the special position of the erstwhile state, he said. Ramzan also responded to criticism by Sajad Lone that issues concerning MLAs were being raised in Parliament for political purposes, asserting that he had raised matters beyond conventional developmental concerns. Let me remind Sajad Lone that I have raised issues in Parliament which perhaps no other MP has dared to raise. I have not confined myself to developmental issues but have also raised issues concerning Muslims across India, Ramzan said. Referring to his intervention in Parliament on Vande Mataram, Ramzan said he had highlighted concerns of Muslims regarding what he described as religious references in the song. Following my speech on Vande Mataram, renowned Islamic scholars, including scholars from Deoband, visited and thanked me for speaking about the issue in Parliament, he said. Ramzan also criticised Lone over the pace of development in Handwara, alleging that several works remained pending during his tenure as MLA. Citing the new bus stand as an example, Ramzan said the facility had not been macadamised during Lones tenures as MLA. He said he had subsequently brought Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary to Handwara, following which the macadamisation work was announced. When the work started, Sajad Lone arrived to inaugurate it. But he must remember that he failed to macadamise the bus stand during both his first and present tenure as MLA, Ramzan said. On railway connectivity, Ramzan said he had recently taken up the demand for extending the railway line to Kupwara with the Railway Minister. I recently met the Railway Minister and requested him to extend the railway line up to Kupwara. He assured me that the demand would be taken forward, he said. On the controversy surrounding the proposed site of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, Ramzan said he would oppose any move to shift the project outside the constituency. I will not allow GMC Handwara to be shifted anywhere else whatsoever, he said.

Congress opposes power tariff hike, demands immediate rollback

J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra has strongly opposed the recent hike in electricity tariffs announced by the J&K Government, terming it unjustified and an additional burden on consumers. Karra said the decision came at a time when households were already facing rising prices and mounting economic pressures, and argued that the government should have provided relief to consumers instead of increasing their electricity bills. People of J&K were expecting the government to announce relief and curtailment in electricity bills, not an increase in the per-unit tariff. For an ordinary household, every additional rupee on the electricity bill directly affects the family budget. This decision is insensitive to the economic hardships being faced by our people, Karra said. He demanded that the government immediately review and withdraw the tariff hike and introduce measures to reduce the electricity burden on domestic consumers, particularly economically weaker sections. The government must remember that electricity is not a luxury; it is an essential service. The people of J&K deserve affordable and reliable power, not ever-increasing bills. The Congress will stand firmly with the people and oppose every measure that places an unjustified financial burden on them, he said. Karra urged the government to reconsider the decision in the larger public interest and restore relief to consumers, saying essential utilities should not be allowed to become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary households.

6.83% power tariff hike: PDP stages protest, demands withdrawal

Senior leaders and workers of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Party General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam, on Monday staged a protest against the 6.83 per cent electricity tariff hike, describing it as an additional burden on consumers. The protest was attended by former minister Asiya Naqash, Anjum Fazili, Iqbal Tramboo, Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Qayoom Bhat, Syed Tajamul, Shokia Qureshi, Arif Laigroo, Altaf Tambakoo, Bashir Beigh, Sheikh Sabah, Khalid Mir, Umar Dar, Shafi Kundangar and Fayaz Reshi, besides a large number of party workers. Addressing media persons, Alam condemned the tariff hike, saying people had voted for change and relief but were instead facing rising costs. People voted for this government with the hope of relief, but today they feel looted by rising tariffs and increasing costs. The government has failed to honour the expectations of the people who placed their trust in it. At a time when families are struggling with inflation and unemployment, increasing electricity tariffs is completely unjustified, he said. Former minister Asiya Naqash said the government should provide relief to households rather than increase their financial burden. Electricity is a basic necessity, and the government must understand the difficulties being faced by common people. This tariff hike will disproportionately affect poor and middle-class families who are already struggling to meet their daily expenses. The decision should be rolled back immediately, she said. PDP spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo said the hike reflected the governments failure to address the concerns of electricity consumers. People are already burdened with high electricity bills and the rising cost of essential commodities. Adding another 6.83 per cent to the tariff will further squeeze household budgets. The government must withdraw this anti-people decision and provide immediate relief to consumers, Tramboo said. PDP leader Arif Laigroo said the tariff hike would further aggravate the difficulties faced by families across Jammu and Kashmir. At a time when people are demanding affordable electricity and relief from mounting expenses, another tariff hike is unacceptable. Electricity is an essential service, not a luxury. Instead of imposing additional burdens on consumers, the government should focus on improving power supply, reducing wastage and ensuring accountability in the power sector, he said. The PDP leaders demanded immediate rollback of the 6.83 per cent tariff hike, asserting that electricity is an essential service and should not become an additional source of financial pressure on households. The party said it would continue to raise public concerns and oppose policies that, it alleged, adversely affect the economic well-being of people in Jammu and Kashmir.

8 injured in Rajouri road accident

Atleast eight people sustained injuries, three of whom are having multiple injuries, after a bus and a car collided with each other at Dalian village of Nowshera in Rajouri district. The accident happened when a bus and a car collided head-on at Dalian on Jammu Rajouri Poonch National Highway. Eight passengers sustained injuries in the collision who all were shifted to Sub District Hospital Nowshera where five were declared as normal an fine while three people were having multiple injuries. Police is said to have taken up investigation and necessary legal proceedings into the matter.

White Knight Corps Commander reviews operational preparedness in Poonch sector

General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lt Gen PK Mishra on Monday reviewed the operational preparedness and evolving security dynamics during his visit of forward locations of Line of Control (LoC) in areas of Poonch sector. He was accompanied by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen Manoj Raran. Lt Gen PK Mishra visited forward areas in the Poonch sector to review operational preparedness and the evolving security dynamics. The Corps Commander during the visit interacted with field troops and various stakeholders and commended their high morale, professionalism and operational readiness. The Corps Commander also highlighted the need to maintain high standards of operational preparedness, continuously enhance capabilities and remain ready to meet emerging challenges.

Kounsarnag Vishnu Sarovar Yatra concludes

The annual Kounsarnag Vishnu Sarovar Yatra has concluded peacefully after hundreds of devotees completed the arduous pilgrimage to the high-altitude sacred lake, with pilgrims now making their way back towards Reasi under tight security and comprehensive arrangements. The annual Shoba Yatra commenced on August 21, with devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir participating in the pilgrimage. The yatra witnessed the participation of around 590 pilgrims, including 466 males, including Sadhus, and 124 females.

Prof Sanjeev Sinha takes over as new Executive Director AIIMS Jammu

Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha on Monday took over as the new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu. With this leadership transition, the tenure of Prof (Dr) D N Sharma as Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu ended. The appointment of Prof Sinha as Executive Director, AIIMS Jammu, has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge, or until attaining the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. With his assumption of charge, AIIMS Jammu is entering a new phase of leadership as Prof Sinha, who is joining AIIMS Jammu on deputation from AIIMS New Delhi, is bringing a rich blend of clinical expertise, academic experience and research orientation to the institution. As Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi, Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha has a distinguished academic and clinical background, with experience spanning patient care, teaching, medical training and research. His expertise is expected to bring valuable academic and scientific perspective to AIIMS Jammu, said an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, hoping, Under his leadership, AIIMS Jammu shall be expanding and strengthening clinical services, enhancing the quality of medical education, promoting high-quality research and innovation, encouraging interdisciplinary academic collaboration and creating greater opportunities for faculty and students to engage in impactful research. Prof Sinhas leadership, spokesperson has stated, is also expected to contribute towards building a strong culture of evidence-based clinical practice, academic excellence and research-driven healthcare, while further strengthening AIIMS Jammu as a centre of excellence. Speaking on the leadership transition, the AIIMS Jammu fraternity expressed its appreciation for the contribution of Prof (Dr) D N Sharma and conveyed its warm welcome to Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha. Prof Sharma had assumed charge of AIIMS Jammu on January 10, 2026 and served the institution during an important phase of its development. AIIMS Jammu fraternity acknowledged his valuable contribution and leadership during his tenure and conveyed its best wishes for his future endeavours. Welcoming Prof Sinha, it expressed confidence that his experience and vision would provide fresh impetus to the institutions journey towards greater excellence. The transition reflects the continuity of AIIMS Jammus institutional journey building upon the contributions of its leadership while embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation and excellence, it added.

SIA pastes proclamation notices at houses of 2 Bandipora men

Srinagar, Aug 24: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Monday pasted proclamation notices at the residential properties of two Bandipora men allegedly involved in terror-related activities, officials said. The notices were pasted at the houses of Jameel Sheergojri, son of Abdul Ahad Sheergojri, a resident of Quilmukam, Bandipora, presently residing at Naz Colony, Bandipora, and Hashir Rafiq Parray, son of Mohammad Rafiq Parray, a resident of Patushay, Bandipora. According to the SIA, both men travelled to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on valid passports and subsequently joined terrorist ranks there. The agency said Sheergojri travelled to PoK in May 2016, while Parray travelled there in 2018. Both allegedly subsequently became involved in terrorism. The proclamation notices were issued in connection with FIR No. 13/2021 registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir under Sections 121 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 13, 17, 18, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The action forms part of the SIAs ongoing investigation into cases concerning alleged militant activities and their support networks. The pasting of proclamation notices is a legal measure through which investigating agencies call upon accused or proclaimed persons to appear before the competent court in connection with a case. Further legal proceedings in the matter will follow in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.

Srinagar schools, madrasas told to hand over students only to parents, authorised persons

Srinagar, Aug 24:Authorities have issued a child-safety advisory to schools and madrasas across Srinagar, directing them to ensure that students are handed over only to their parents or authorised drivers and attendants after classes. The advisory calls for heightened vigilance during the dispersal of students and instructs educational institutions not to release children into the custody of unauthorised individuals. Young children have also been advised not to leave school or madrasa premises on their own. Parents have been urged to ensure that younger children are accompanied while travelling to and from educational institutions and to take necessary precautions for their safety. The advisory comes amid heightened security concerns following the reported escape of two undertrial prisoners facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act from the high-security Central Jail Srinagar. The two accused have been identified as Farman Khan, son of Abdul Gani Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujar, also referred to as Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, son of Mohammad Rafiq, a resident of Chittergul in Anantnag district. Both were facing trial in separate cases registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act, with FIR Nos. 19/2026 and 20/2026 respectively. According to police, the undertrials allegedly escaped after scaling the front wall of the jail. A manhunt has been launched, while cases have been registered in connection with the jailbreak. Security has also been stepped up in and around the facility, with search teams deployed and alerts issued to neighbouring areas.

Dr Farooq asks dissenting Aga Ruhullah to resign, seek fresh mandate

Srinagar, Aug 24:National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit back at party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over his recent public statements, asking him to resign from the Lok Sabha and return to the electorate if he believed his victory was secured on the strength of his personal support. Reacting to Ruhullahs positions, Abdullah said the Srinagar MP was free to raise issues such as the restoration of Article 370 in Parliament, but questioned his approach to the matter. If he thinks Article 370 can be restored, he should take up the issue in Parliament, Abdullah said. The NC president also challenged Ruhullah to test his claim of having secured the Lok Sabha mandate through his own political standing. If you think people voted for you, resign and go back to them. We will see how many votes you get, he said. Abdullah said party members were expected to abide by decisions taken by the organisation, particularly during elections, and cited the Budgam poll to underline the importance of party discipline. He said NC workers could not reasonably have been expected to campaign against a candidate officially nominated by the party. On speculation about differences within the NC, Abdullah said disagreements were common in political organisations and should not automatically be construed as a revolt against the leadership. He also maintained that the party and the government had separate roles, saying that as NC president he did not want to unnecessarily interfere in the administration. Abdullah recalled the sacrifices made by generations of NC leaders and workers, saying the organisation had endured because of the commitment of its grassroots cadre. Asked about Ruhullahs political direction, Abdullah advised the Srinagar MP to seek guidance from the Quran, while reiterating his view that he was currently taking the wrong path.

LG Sinha celebrates Raksha Bandhan with DPS Baramulla students

Srinagar, Aug 24:Lok Bhavan Jammu and Kashmir on Monday hosted a special Raksha Bandhan celebration for students of Delhi Public School (DPS), Baramulla, in Srinagar. As part of the celebration, the students tied Rakhis to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and exchanged greetings with him. The Lieutenant Governor urged the students to carry forward the true spirit of Raksha Bandhan and encouraged them to spread the message of peace, love, unity and harmony. With Raksha Bandhan scheduled to be celebrated on August 28, the event provided the students an opportunity to interact with the Lieutenant Governor ahead of the festival. Dr Shashwata Shiva, Principal of DPS Baramulla, along with the schools coordinators, teachers and office-bearers, accompanied the students during the visit.

Monsoon Masters Jammu Pickleball Tournament concludes

The J&K Pickleball Association (JKPA) successfully concluded the Monsoon Masters Jammu JKSPR 500, held on 22nd and 23rd August 2026 at Isle of Ball, Wazir Farms, Rani Bagh, Jammu Cantt. The two-day state-ranking tournament, as per a statement issued on Monday, saw 50+ players compete across multiple age groups and Open categories for valuable points towards the J&K Pickleball State Rankings. In the tournament results, Aman Sharma clinched the 30+ mens singles title, finishing ahead of Pankaj Singh, while Nabeel Shah secured third place. Ramanuj Mahajan emerged champion in the open mens singles category, with Deepanshu Arora finishing runner-up and Rohit Choudhary taking third place. In the open mens doubles, Raksham Gupta and Deepanshu Arora claimed the title, followed by Ramanuj Mahajan and Taresh Baru in second place. Ajay Vaid and Rohit Choudhary finished third. Sidhani Singh won the open womens singles title, while Ridhi Kawatra finished runner-up. Ridhi Kawatra and Sumit Sharma emerged winners in the open mixed doubles, defeating the pair of Sidhani Singh and Indu Bushan, who finished second. In the 30+ mens doubles, Aman Sharma and Pankaj Singh secured first place, followed by Anurag Singh and Taresh Baru, while Gul Yazdan and Nabeel Shah finished third. Sumit Sharma won the 40+ mens singles title, with Upender Singh finishing second and Indu Bushan securing third place.

CM Omar sets deadline for probe into Kishtwar schoolgirl incident

Srinagar, Aug 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed the School Education Department to complete its inquiry into the incident involving a schoolgirl in Kishtwar within one month, stressing the need for a thorough and time-bound investigation. The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the inquiry is completed expeditiously and all necessary steps are taken to bring the matter to its logical conclusion. He stressed that the matter must be dealt with firmly and that stringent and exemplary action be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and prevent any delay in the process.

5th Canon C.E. Tyndale-Biscoe Invitational Football Tournament | Iqbal Memorial, Tyndale-Biscoe, SRM Welkins register wins on day-2

Day 2 of the 5th Canon C.E. Tyndale-Biscoe Invitational Football Tournament, sponsored by Genius Career Consultancy, witnessed some outstanding football, remarkable goal-scoring displays and intense competition among the participating school teams. The day, as per a statement, began with an emphatic performance by Iqbal Memorial Institute, who registered a convincing 60 victory over Linton Hall School. The winners displayed excellent attacking football, with Mueen emerging as the standout performer after scoring twice and being adjudged Man of the Match. In another impressive encounter, Tyndale-Biscoe School produced a commanding 60 victory over The Legend School. TBS dominated proceedings with excellent ball possession, attacking movement and clinical finishing. Baris was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant hat-trick and earning the Man of the Match award.

Chief Minister reviews roadmap to strengthen senior secondary education in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting of the School Education Department at the Civil Secretariat here to review a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening access to senior secondary education and improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the higher secondary level in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting discussed a phased plan to upgrade 714 High Schools into K-12 composite schools, with focus on requirements of teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure, laboratories and other essential facilities. The proposed upgradation is aimed at ensuring continuity in school education, expanding access to Classes XI and XII and reducing dropouts at the critical transition after Class 10, particularly in underserved and geographically remote areas. The meeting also deliberated on better utilisation of existing human resources, strengthening academic facilities and improving the overall school network. The roadmap envisages a planned and requirement-based approach to expansion, besides coordination with the Government of India for necessary support under centrally sponsored schemes. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised the need for a focused and need-based strategy to expand senior secondary education, with particular attention to accessibility and ensuring better educational opportunities for students across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, ACS PWD Anil Kumar Singh, ACS Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring, R Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Mission Director Samagra, Director Education Kashmir and other concerned officers.

Srinagar Premier League: Al Muqeet FC secures 71 victory over ARCO FC

Al Muqeet Football Club produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat ARCO FC 71 in an entertaining Srinagar Premier League encounter at the TRC Ground, Srinagar, on Monday. The match, as per a DFA statement, began with both teams showing attacking intent, setting the tone for what would become a high-scoring contest. Al Muqeet FC opened the scoring in the first half, putting ARCO FC under early pressure. However, ARCO responded strongly and found the equaliser before the interval to ensure the teams went into half-time level at 11. The opening 45 minutes were competitive, with both sides creating opportunities and battling for control in midfield. Al Muqeet looked dangerous going forward, while ARCO FC showed determination to stay in the contest after conceding first. With the score tied at 11, the second half promised to be decisive and Al Muqeet FC delivered a remarkable attacking display. The visitors came out with renewed intensity after the restart and quickly began to take control of the game. Their attacking movement, finishing and sustained pressure created significant problems for the ARCO FC defence. Al Muqeet FC went on to score six goals in the second half, turning a closely fought 11 contest into a comprehensive 71 victory. ARCO FC struggled to contain Al Muqeet's attacking momentum as the second half progressed. Despite their efforts to respond and regain control, they were unable to prevent Al Muqeet from extending their advantage. The result highlighted the difference between the two teams' second-half performances. While ARCO FC had competed well during the opening period and entered the break on level terms, Al Muqeet FC demonstrated greater attacking efficiency after the restart. The final whistle confirmed a convincing 71 victory for Al Muqeet FC, who walked away with an impressive result and an important three points.

PM Package employees seek enhanced security after fresh online threat

Srinagar, Aug 24:Employees recruited under the Prime Ministers Rehabilitation Package have sought enhanced security and protection following the circulation of another online threat targeting Kashmiri Pandits. In a letter addressed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday, the All PM Package Employees Forum sought a comprehensive review of security arrangements at their workplaces, residences and transit routes. The Forum said a fresh threat poster, purportedly issued by a militant outfit, had surfaced on social media and reportedly contained threats against Kashmiri Pandit employees, along with personal details such as names, addresses and vehicle registration numbers. Security agencies have yet to verify the authenticity of the poster. The employees body expressed concern over the repeated circulation of such threat communications, particularly those containing sensitive personal information. It said the matter had been brought to the notice of the concerned police and security agencies for verification and necessary action. The latest development comes a day after another threat communication targeting Kashmiri Pandits surfaced online, nearly two weeks after a similar message warned community members working in the Kashmir Valley to change their ways. Officials and community representatives have noted that the recent communications have reportedly included specific personal details of employees, including house numbers and street names. The Forum said the threats had created a deep sense of fear and insecurity among PM Package employees and their families. It sought immediate verification of the latest threat and identification of those responsible for circulating it. It also demanded immediate protection for employees whose names, addresses or vehicle details may have appeared in the alleged threats, along with necessary security advisories. The Forum urged the government to treat the matter with seriousness and take immediate measures to ensure the safety and confidence of PM Package employees and their families.

Srinagar Indoor Taekwondo Academy finishes 2nd runner-up at Chenab Open

Srinagar Indoor Taekwondo Academy clinched the second runner-up trophy at the Chenab Open Taekwondo Championship after its athletes won 17 medals, including eight gold, four silver and five bronze. As per a statement issued, the gold medal winners included Suvaid Ahmad, Abbas Khursheed, Aleena Nisar, Hafida Rafiq, Ajiya Nasir, Aayat Jan, Mehreen Jan, Seerat Ayub and Zain Nazir. Zaheeb Javaid, Essa Bin Sajid, Aiman Bashir and Suvaid Ahmad secured silver medals, while Mohammed Musineen, Mohammed Eesa Bhat, Aftab Malik, Zunaira Fatimah and Aleena Nisar won bronze medals in their respective events. In the Poomsae event, Suvaid Ahmad and Aiman Bashir secured silver medals, while Aleena Nisar won bronze. The academy team was led by international Taekwondo player and coach Zain Nazir, who is currently coaching at the Taekwondo Centre, Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh. Coach Zain Nazir congratulated the athletes on their performance and lauded their determination and hard work.

J&K Sports Council conducts football trials

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Monday conducted and concluded a series of sporting activities across the Union Territory, including Sub-Junior Football trials, the J&K Thang-Ta Championship and the District Budgam Badminton Championship. The divisional-level Sub-Junior Football trials, as per a statement, were concluded at TRC Srinagar and Mini Stadium, Parade, Jammu. A total of 46 girls were selected for the Union Territory-level trials, scheduled to be held in Srinagar from August 26, 2026. In Budgam, the two-day District Badminton Championship is underway at the Indoor Sports Hall. The championship was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Guest Bashir Ahmad Ganie, Chief Education Officer. A total of 150 players and 10 officials are participating in the championship, while around 100 spectators witnessed the inaugural proceedings. The events are part of the J&K Sports Council's continued efforts to provide competitive platforms to young sportspersons and promote sporting activities across the Union Territory.

Arrangements finalised for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) at Hazratbal

Srinagar, Aug 24:Ahead of the observance of auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and the Friday following, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo today conducted an on-site review of the arrangements at Hazratbal Shrine and took stock of the facilities being put in place for devotees. During the visit, the DC reviewed the arrangements related to availability of drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation and cleanliness measures, traffic management, parking, transportation, healthcare, fire safety, security and other essential services required for the smooth conduct of the auspicious occasion. While chairing a meeting at the Shrine, the DC took a department wise comprehensive review of the arrangements from the Officers of the concerned departments and the DC directed the Officers to ensure that all necessary facilities are put in place well in advance to cater to the large number of devotees expected to visit Hazratbal for prayers. Emphasizing the importance of meticulous coordination, the DC called upon all concerned departments to work in close synergy to ensure adequate facilities for devotees and seamless observance of auspicious occasion. He directed the concerned agencies to put in place a comprehensive traffic management plan to facilitate smooth movement of devotees and emergency vehicles. Adequate parking arrangements and effective regulation of vehicular movement around the shrine were also emphasized. In order to assist and facilitate senior citizens, specially abled visiting the shrine, the DC instructed officials from Transport department to arrange e-Rickshaw services from designated parking areas to the shrine during their visits to the Hazratbal shrine on the auspicious occasion. The DC stressed on ensuring uninterrupted power and adequate drinking water supply at the shrine and other congregation points so that devotees do not face any inconvenience. The DC also directed the Health Department to ensure adequate medical arrangements, including deployment of medical teams, availability of essential medicines, first-aid facilities and deployment of critical care ambulance services at the Shrine to respond promptly to any medical emergency. The SMC authorities were further directed to maintain proper sanitation and cleanliness within the shrine premises and along the adjoining roads and congregation areas. In addition, the directions were also passed for deployed of sufficient men, machinery, and Mobile Toilet Units at the venue. Special attention was sought to cleanliness before, during and after the observance. The DC also reviewed security and fire-safety arrangements and directed the concerned agencies to remain vigilant and ensure adequate preparedness to deal with any eventuality.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calls for mission-mode action to address Srinagars stray dog menace

Srinagar, Aug 24:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called for a focused, coordinated and humane response to the growing stray dog menace in Srinagar, directing the concerned departments and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to accord the issue top priority and work towards tangible results. Chairing a review meeting on the issue, the Chief Minister observed that the stray dog menace has emerged as one of the foremost practical concerns for residents of Srinagar, with the issue affecting the daily lives and sense of security of citizens across the city and beyond. The Chief Minister noted that the progress in addressing the issue in Jammu through better handling of sterilisation coverage needs to be replicated in Kashmir division. He questioned why the relatively better implementation of Animal Birth Control being followed in Jammu has not been implemented efficiently in Kashmir. Within the same territory, we have success of having achieved around 80 per cent sterilisation in Jammu, while Srinagar has not been able to make comparable progress. If we have demonstrated that it can be done in Jammu, we should be able to replicate that success in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said. Seeking a clear assessment of the requirements of the concerned departments in terms of veterinary surgeons, paravets and other support staff needed in Kashmir division, Omar Abdullah assured full government support for the resources needed to undertake the work in a sustained manner and directed to immediately engage the requisite staff and take immediate action on ground to address the issue of dog menace including measures for quick disposal of garbage dumps so that dogs do not thrive on road side piles of food waste. CM exhorted SMC and JMC to deal with garbage disposal within municipal areas in quick time, which is seen as a major hazard by the public as giving rise to dog menace and giving an impression of polluted cities. He directed that a dedicated team be constituted within SMC to address the issue in mission mode, with emphasis on substantially increasing the number of trained dog catchers, scaling up sterilisation operations and strengthening the availability of veterinary doctors and trained personnel. The Chief Minister stressed that the response must be humane and in accordance with established procedures, while remaining focused on effectively controlling the stray dog population and addressing the concerns of citizens. He called for greater coordination among the Housing & Urban Development Department, Health and Medical Education Department, SMC and other concerned agencies to ensure that the measures adopted translate into measurable improvement on the ground. The Chief Minister said the objective should be to develop a sustainable and effective mechanism for addressing the stray dog issue not only in Srinagar but across Jammu and Kashmir. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary Health & Medical Education M Raju, Commissioner Secretary Education, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation and other concerned officers attended the meeting. Jammu based officers took part in the meeting through video conferencing.

Kashmirs Invisible Minority

On a recent summer afternoon, I shut my laptop, bunked off work a bit early, downed a mug of virgin-mojito and began the walk to Simrans study space. Simran has grown used to the offensive jokes and slurs. They came at school, at university and more recently, at work. It is dressed as harmless teasing but it is not. Her pronouns are She/they. Simran is pansexual. She remembers being bullied, threatened and physically hurt because of her sexual orientation. Yes, I was treated unfairly at school, college and now at work,she says. We leave their home after a brief chat and sit under a cluster of chinars near a popular eatery in the uptown locality of Srinagar. The conversation is not easy. There are long pauses, moments when she appears to search for the safest way to describe something that has been part of her life for years. Simran occupies a complicated space in Kashmir. She is queer, disabled and devout Muslim. None of these identities exist in isolation. Each affects the way the others are understood by the people around her. In this part of the globe, sexuality is rarely discussed openly and disability is still frequently approached through pity and protection, being both queer and disabled can mean living under layers of scrutiny. Add faith, family expectations and the realities of living in a region shaped by over three decades of turmoil, and even ordinary things like friendship, intimacy, privacy, can become difficult negotiations. For many transgender Kashmiris, invisibility is not a metaphor. It is a survival strategy. I do not want to be misread but the truth is that for a community that remains largely unseen, there is little visible queer infrastructure in Kashmir. There are few spaces where transgender people can meet openly, few dedicated support systems and limited access to professionals equipped to understand the particular pressures associated with sexuality and gender identity. Mental-health services are already stretched, while conversations around queer identities remain limited. For a disabled queer person, the gaps are even wider. The informal networks that do exist often work with limited resources. Queer support groups may not be equipped to address disability. Disability organisations have little space in their work for questions of sexuality, gender or intimate relationships. This leaves people like Simran moving between two worlds without belonging completely to either. We can now answer questions that were genuinely a no-go thirty years ago but today, we can talk about the woes of Kashmirs invisible gender minority. The problem is not simply the absence of a physical centre or support group. It is the absence of a place where someone can walk in without having to explain every part of themselves separately. Judgemental looks from my colleagues almost on a daily basis hurt me the most. Simran says. DISABILITY BRINGS MORE SURVEILLANCE Disability itself can bring intense family supervision. All eyes on me. That statement rings true for me. I feel watched, monitored and controlled all the time. Why is everyone awkwardly looking at me? Why dont they mind their own business. In conservative households, a disabled woman, for instance, is already seen as someone who needs protection. Marriage, mobility and independence can become subjects of family concern. Her movements may be watched more closely. Her phone may be checked. What is described as care can therefore become surveillance. You know why that happens? Because they rob you off of your own agency. Simran concludes. For a queer person, this creates another layer of difficulty. The very restrictions imposed in the name of safety can make it harder to develop a private life or form relationships away from family scrutiny. In Kashmir, families and neighbourhoods often remain closely connected, privacy is difficult to come by even without these additional pressures. People know where their neighbours live. Relatives know one anothers routines. Questions about marriage, relationships and family reputation are rarely considered intrusive. For a queer person, however, an apparently ordinary question can carry a very different weight. Why arent you married?, Who were you with? , Why are you going there?, Why are you always on your phone? The questions may sound familiar. The consequences of answering them honestly are not. FAITH IS NOT THE ENEMY There is a tendency to assume that a queer Muslim must choose between faith and sexuality. For many queer Kashmiri Muslims, the reality is more complicated. Faith can be a source of comfort rather than conflict. Prayer can provide a private space in which a person does not have to explain themselves to anyone. The relationship with God can be deeply personal, even when the social interpretation of religion feels restrictive. For Saqib, Simrans best-friend, faith does not necessarily cancel out queerness. The two can exist together, even when society insists they cannot. This reconciliation is rarely public. It happens privately, through prayer, reflection and an attempt to understand ones identity without surrendering another part of oneself. Family, however, can be harder to negotiate. True, that family reputation carries considerable weight. Marriage is not viewed simply as an individuals decision. It is tied to parents, siblings and the standing of the household. A persons choices can be perceived as affecting the prospects and reputation of other family members. For someone who is queer, coming out may therefore not be a single conversation. It can instead become a lifetime of omissions. A relationship that is never mentioned. A name that is never spoken. A photograph that is kept hidden. A question that is answered with silence. The person remains present, but an important part of their life is kept outside the family narrative. WHAT DOES SAFETY MEAN? For people living at the intersection of disability and queerness, safety cannot simply mean the absence of physical violence. It can mean having a room where nobody asks questions. Do we have those safe social spaces here? The answer is no. It can mean being able to make a phone call without lowering your voice. Does society respect privacy? Not really. It can mean having one person who knows the truth and does not leave. Do you have reliable people whom you can bank upon? I have seen snakes. Simran answered this question. It can mean finding a doctor who does not treat sexuality as a problem to be corrected. But you always find people who think disability is a medical problem and look at you with pity and they assume not being straight means it is wrath from God. It can mean being able to travel somewhere without calculating who might see you. That is impossible. And sometimes, safety can simply mean being allowed to exist without explanation. These systems were not designed to address the safety concerns of queer or disabled people. THE MISSING INFRASTRUCTURE The absence of support is perhaps most visible in the lack of intersectional services. A queer person may find a small support network. A disabled person may find a disability organisation. But someone who is queer and disabled may have to explain their needs twice. Disability networks face their own challenges and frequently operate within a framework centred on rehabilitation, welfare and assistance. Questions of sexuality and desire can remain almost completely outside that conversation. The result is a person who is constantly translating themselves. In one space, they are asked to explain their disability. In another, their sexuality. In another, their faith. Very rarely are they allowed to simply be all three. Official recognition of transgender people in Jammu and Kashmir remains limited. The last census, now fifteen years old, recorded around 4,000 people in the region under the third gender category. But numbers cannot tell us how many people remain invisible because they are afraid to disclose their identity. They cannot record the person who has never told their family. They cannot count the relationship that exists only through messages. They cannot measure the psychological cost of constantly editing ones life. And they cannot capture people who have learned that being visible can carry a price. Even language can become a barrier. Derogatory terms such as laanch or chakke continue to be used for transgender people, reducing complex human lives to insults. The state has also not created adequate rehabilitation homes or meaningful income-support structures for the community. Apart from a monthly pension of around Rs 1,250, the support available remains limited. There are also questions about representation. There is no Kashmiri on the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTE). These absences matter. You are a human being, an Indian citizen but the state and the society you live with treats you indifferently. Why does that happen? Arent we created by the same creator? Simran asks as evening melted into night. RESPECTING OUR AGENCY What does it take to live as a queer Muslim in Kashmir with a disability? It is a loaded question but has a simple answer. Simran beautifully answers it. Do not dictate what faith means? We know it really well. We are also highly connected to God. Allow us to use Khan-e-Khoda (Allahs Abode) and do not judge how we walk or talk. Just because you are straight doesnt mean you will take high moral ground and start policing us. Most of us are not accepted in our own families, so the only option left with us is to leave our homes and live in rented accommodation and we find it difficult to get housing. Does any welfare organization come forward to help us find a safe and dignified space? Being disabled doesnt mean we are incapable. People around us, unfortunately, do not understand this. OUTRO Kashmirs queer community remains so difficult to see. It is not absent. It is everywhere yet nowhere. And behind that invisibility are people negotiating the same things as everyone elselove, faith, family, work, loneliness and the simple desire to live without having to divide themselves into acceptable pieces. For someone living at the intersection of queerness and disability, as Simran puts it, being yourself is the most radical form of resistance. [Note: This work is funded by Queerbeat and Keshav Suri Foundation]. (Names in the article may not be real)

Agha Ruhullahs Rebel Arithmetic

Every generation in Kashmir produces a politician who mistakes applause for arithmetic. Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament from Srinagar, is the latest to conflate the two in public. He styles himself a rebel for a cause, accuses his own National Conference leadership of ideological drift, and insists the party is reneging on a mandate it once campaigned to secure. It is theatre of a high order, but not, by itself, a strategy for political permanence. Before Kashmir anoints another custodian of its conscience, it is worth interrogating what such dissidence actually purchases and what history has done to everyone who attempted it before him. Dissent without departure Ruhullahs censure of his own party has been unusually indiscreet for a sitting MP within a ruling coalition. He has accused the National Conference of normalising the post-2019 status quo, claimed the party is abdicating a mandate for constitutional restoration and complained openly of exclusion from internal deliberations. He has demanded that coalition allies apologise for their complicity in the abrogation. This is a rebuke landing as forcefully on his own alliance as on the opposition. This is not the idiom of a contented party man. It is, however, the idiom of a man who has never once threatened to leave. That omission is the entire story, since Kashmirs political ledger is crowded with ambitious men who spoke like insurgents and discovered what insurgency without institutional scaffolding is worth. The graveyard both parties built If we begin with the National Conference itself. When Ghulam Mohammad Shah engineered his 1984 defection with Delhis blessing and briefly occupied the chief ministers chair, it appeared, momentarily, to herald a genuine challenge to Abdullah hegemony. It collapsed within two years and Shah lapsed into irrelevance. This is an objective lesson that patronage-fuelled secessions cannot manufacture the street legitimacy that took the original party decades to accumulate. Sajad Lone chose a more autonomous exit and has endured but endurance is his ceiling and not his floor. His Peoples Conference remains, decades on, a modest, Handwara-centric outfit but never a genuine claimant to power across the Valley. Even Omar Abdullah, the partys dynastic inheritor, forfeited the familys Ganderbal citadel within weeks of assuming the NC presidency in 2002. This was a humiliation that ought to have retired the fantasy that popularity is a birth-right. The PDPs record is, if anything, more instructive. After the 2019 abrogation and Mehbooba Muftis prolonged detention, the party haemorrhaged nearly its entire senior leadership. Altaf Bukhari, once its finance minister and a formidable power centre, departed to construct the Apni Party. Years later, that party remains peripheral and its own founders have since abandoned it too. They have found none of the durability they had bargained for. Imran Raza Ansari, scion of an influential Shia political dynasty, rebelled against Mehbooba Mufti and forecast a tsunami that would engulf her leadership. It never materialised; he drifted instead into Sajad Lones smaller house. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, a founding member of the PDP and its former deputy chief minister, quit in 2020, joined the Peoples Conference. He was then expelled from it and rejoined the PDP at Mufti Sayeeds grave, then publicly disowned it again weeks later after a perceived slight over seating at a BJP rally. A man instrumental in founding a major regional party ended his second act quarrelling over a chair. The pattern across both parties is uniform and unsentimental. Kashmirs electorate does not transfer allegiance from institution to individual, however eloquent that individual proves on a given evening. Cadre and generational goodwill remain with the party. The leader who departs discovers he owns nothing beyond his own voice. The cost of departure In the near term, an exit would almost certainly be politically ruinous for Ruhullah. His 2024 victory in Srinagar was built upon the National Conferences organisational apparatus. It was not a personal following assembled independently. When stripped of that apparatus, what remains resembles Ansari after his revolt or Bukhari after his own: a charismatic figure without the machinery to convert charisma into seats. This is precisely why Ruhullah dissents loudly from within rather than departing outright. It lets him accrue the reputational dividends of defiance while the partys infrastructure still carries him electorally. It is a shrewd calculation. It is not a principled one. A promise no one intends to honour Here candour is unavoidable: Article 370 is not returning and framing its restoration as an achievable objective is either a serious misreading of constitutional arithmetic or a deliberate strategy of keeping an old wound lucrative. The Supreme Court affirmed the abrogation in December 2023. Its reversal would demand a two-thirds parliamentary majority no plausible coalition, including one led by the Congress, has any realistic prospect of assembling. This is where Ruhullahs positioning reveals its essential hollowness. Even a Congress-led government in Delhi would be unlikely to expend national capital reopening a question the country has largely filed away as settled. Congress governments have historically subordinated regional constitutional restitution to national electoral calculus once the courts have spoken, and nothing in the partys contemporary conduct suggests Kashmir would be the exception. To construct a political identity around a pledge that no plausible government intends to redeem is not idealism. It is a calibrated method of keeping grievance perpetually serviceable and insulated from ever being tested. The likely reckoning Can Ruhullah convert present visibility into mass support that survives beyond a single electoral cycle? The raw materials exist: fluency in the vernacular of grievance, a national profile unmatched by most NC leaders outside the Abdullah lineage and a willingness to provoke his own leadership that reads as authenticity to a disenchanted electorate. What remains unproven is whether this popularity extends beyond Srinagar and central Kashmir or survives the transition from parliamentary commentary to the compromises of governance. If this is Judged against every predecessors record in both major parties, two outcomes seem most probable and neither is triumphant. He is gradually reabsorbed into the NC mainstream once the leadership judges him more useful inside than outside thereby trading rebellion for office. Or he eventually departs and discovers, as Bukhari, Ansari and Baig discovered before him that insurgency without institutional backing contracts rather than expands. Kashmir has shown remarkable consistency here for four decades. It rewards parties. It punishes men who wager everything on their own voice. Whether Agha Ruhullah becomes the exception depends on something his rhetoric has not yet evidenced: an organisation capable of outlasting his popularity, rather than one merely lending it to him for the present. Malik Daniyal is an economics graduate from Delhi University. He writes at the intersection of economy, politics and policy issues of valley.

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US message on Kashmir

Last week, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gors wordsthat This (Jammu and Kashmir) is an important part of Indiamade headlines across the country, and Pakistan of course found it as its duty to challenge the statement, reinforcing the divide that the two countries have on the status of this Union Territory. The cheerleaders of this important part of India are delirious, as if the American envoy had brought the moon to their homes , forgetting the reality that J&K has been an integral part of India since October 1947. These leaders and cheerleaders in the Indian media had a reason to celebrate the moment, the place, and the words: the US, as a superpower , had hesitated in acknowledging this reality. Contrary to this, Washington had been active in creating hurdles. It had challenged the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India and even suggested solutions which fit hostile frames to the Indian thinking and stand. In that sense, it is a diplomatic victory. And, of course, Pakistan has always been a protagonist of Kashmir being a disputed territory. So there is nothing new about the way Pakistans Foreign Office reacted. The biggest shock for Islamabad was that the US, which has been its ally ever since it was born in 1947, endorsed the Indian stand for Jammu and Kashmir. In diplomacy, stands are taken in national interests, they are not driven by emotions. America is a ruthless player in diplomacy. Gors words, too, were diplomatic. He used, This is an important part of India, that too in Srinagar the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It clearly implied that he was talking of J&K on this side of the LoC. In fact, he had calibrated his statement when he referred to Kashmir as incredibly beautiful, with a hint to dilute the travel advisory. Washington has recognized the reality of Kashmir being an integral part of India. Coincidentally, this has come at a time when J&K entered its eighth year since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, making it natural to link the two developments. Some quarters have welcomed Gors statement as the ultimate truth born out of the changed realities of Kashmir since 2019. That is an inescapable reality. Pakistan, by no stretch of imagination, could have echoed what Sergio Gor said in Srinagar, nor could it have kept silent over the words that dismantled its core stance on Jammu and Kashmir. Its statement reads: While appreciating President Donald Trumps offer to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in the aftermath of Marka-e-Haq, the US side was urged to ensure that its public statements should remain consistent with the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. Two major points need to be reflected upon: first, the US effected a realistic change in its attitude by looking at the ground situation; second, viewing such diplomatic statements strictly through the binary of gains and losses is unhelpful in engineering future changes to consolidate stability in this region. In October 1993, there was a time Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Robin Raphel, said : We view Kashmir as a disputed territory. We do not recognize the instrument of accession as meaning that Kashmir is forever an integral part of India. That was an era of Kashmiri youth fired by the imagination of liberating their motherland. This statement resonated with them; they felt it was precisely what they had been saying. In the mid-1990s, Frank D. Wisner, the US Ambassador to India, became a familiar face in Kashmir. He struck up good terms with all sides in Kashmir politicsthe electoral mainstream and separatists whose words had institutionalized anti-India sentiment. Wisner was the one who redefined the term mediation and portrayed America as a facilitator for India-Pakistan talks on Kashmir. There was another theory: Kashmir resolution should reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state, implying that the elections in Kashmir were not a manifestation of the will of the people. Today, the change is that the US itself has hailed the vibrancy of Indian democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah is the face of it, notwithstanding how the very people in the country who lauded the polls and the outcome as historic are working to undermine the mandate. It is bizarre that these elements do not comprehend the very essence of establishing the sanctity of the vote and its value in Kashmir during the 2024 elections. Sergio Gors statement on Kashmir proves that when the internal situation is stable, the world views it through that prism alone. This should serve as a pivotal lesson: stability on the ground must be strengthened to resonate with the urges and aspirations of a people who have undergone difficult times for generations. Indeed, since the 1980s, three generations have witnessed severe hardships. They want real change in their lives, not political rhetoric. Progress must move beyond both the claims of absolute triumph and the rigid demands that nothing short of a return to the pre-August 5, 2019 status of Jammu and Kashmir is acceptable. These two extremes represent hyper-political rhetoric that only creates a new trap of confusion in the minds of the youth. Seen in its proper perspective, the US ambassador has delivered a profound message for Gen Z in Kashmir: that they are Indian citizens and their country alone can resolve their issues. This message should be embraced and broadcasted, but not without actively involving the youth in the opportunities they seek. Gen Z in Kashmir is unique. They have experienced personal and collective trauma that their counterparts elsewhere in the country cannot even imagine. Their childhoods have been shaped by profound disruptions and troubling scenes. There is an urgent need to course-correct, rather than decry or mock them. It is deeply concerning when an emotional outburst from this group is targeted by an army of internet trolls who fail to understand their agitation. Times are changing, and if genuine success is to be achieved, the concerns of this generation must be directly addressed. Mocking or denouncing them will not help. This generation needs to be constructively engaged to achieve the ultimate goal of lasting peace and to transform J&K into a land of true opportunity.

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Trump moves toward levying new tariff on China for flooding market with cheap goods, AP sources say

Amit Shah calls for AI-driven analysis of intelligence data to counter national-security challenges

New Delhi, Aug 24: Directing security agencies to strictly deal with infiltration, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday called for an artificial intelligence-driven analysis of intelligence data to counter various national-security challenges. Inaugurating the two-day ninth National Security Strategies (NSS) Conference-2026, Shah also laid emphasis on training for the implementation of the anti-terror policy developed by his ministry called the PRAHAAR scheme, according to a government statement. The home minister also asked the agencies to expedite trial by bringing back fugitives, using trial-in-absentia provisions and undertaking a comprehensive and integrated approach while investigating anti-terror cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the statement said. The Home Minister directed that an AI-based analysis of information available on MAC (Multi Agency Centre) platforms should be done to create SOPs to counter various national security challenges. Union Home Minister directed all the agencies to take strict measures against infiltration, it added. The conference, being held in a hybrid mode, is being attended by 850 senior security and police officers from across the country, besides Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Mahesh Dixit, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood and Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Parag Jain, among others. Several security officials and domain experts, deputy national security advisors, heads of paramilitary forces and directors general of police (DGPs) of state police forces are also participating in the conference, the statement said. On the first day of the conference, discussions focussed on critical aspects of national security, including response to counter-terrorism challenges, fusion, analysis and operationalisation of intelligence through the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), vision document on narcotics control, detection and deportation of illegal migrants, a policy framework to combat cyber-crime and proxy warfare by Pakistan, it said. Before inaugurating the conference, Shah laid a wreath at the Martyrs' Column in remembrance of the Intelligence Bureau personnel who died in the line of duty while safeguarding national security and integrity. The deliberations on the second day will continue on threats from sub-aerial systems and countermeasures, securing the blue economy, information warfare and its implications for national security, and the need for a bio-security framework. Pursuant to the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NSSC is being held in a hybrid format every year since 2021. The objective of the conference is finding solutions to major national-security challenges, using the extensive experience of officers working at the grassroots level in collaboration with domain experts.

The devils of Loudun

Jesuit colleges have long been a beacon of humane discipline and structured education, enriching young minds with both classical Latin and contemporary studies. Mothers were drawn to these institutions for their nurturing approach, while scholarly uncles appreciated the emphasis on solid principles and eloquence. Meanwhile, fathers recognized the value in the focus on governance principles and the promising career paths offered to students.

Ethanol is not the whole story behind Indias sugar price surge

Sugar prices have significantly increased due to production shortfalls and rising demand. Government data shows a substantial decline in expected sugar production for the season. International market trends and domestic supply issues also contribute to the current price situation. Ethanol diversion is a factor, but not the sole cause of the sugar price surge. Policymakers are addressing broader supply and inventory concerns with import decisions.

In praise of Jomo, the joy of missing out

Jomo, the joy of missing out, offers a serene alternative to constant engagement. This practice allows individuals to cultivate their networks by strategically declining invitations. It represents an inverted opportunity cost, gaining peace by not spending time poorly. Psychologists view Jomo as mindfulness with a touch of playful defiance. Missing out is presented as the new way of keeping up with modern life.

Agnipath reforms: Why Agniveers need longer service, higher retention and better career prospects

The Agniveer scheme, initiated in 2022, is under scrutiny as discussions continue about its framework. As the government assesses input from various services and state authorities, concerns arise over the four-year service limit, which may hinder soldiers' skill development and team integration. Proposals suggest extending service to eight years to foster better retention and, ultimately, improve the operational effectiveness and morale of the armed forces.

CASO in Sopore; AK-47, grenades, IED recovered

Sopore, Aug 24: Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a joint search operation in Manzseer area of Sopore in North Kashmir on Monday. Senior Police official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the operation was conducted by the SOG Sopore in coordination with 52 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF 177 Battalion and CRPF 179 Battalion, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Tarzoo. During the search, the forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 72 rounds of ammunition, four hand grenades and one improvised explosive device from an abandoned house, the officer added.

Few minutes of nothingness

The passage argues that constant multitasking and busyness leave people mentally drained, making them long for holidays to recharge. It suggests a simpler solution: take a five-minute break every day to do absolutely nothing.

Less chips chipping away at AInfra? Nvidias server price hike signals rising costs

Nvidia plans server price increases due to a global chip shortage. This shortage is expected to persist beyond the year 2027. Chipmakers are prioritizing AI-grade chips, impacting consumer electronics production. Rising server costs will increase AI model training and deployment expenses. Businesses face higher capital needs for extensive AI infrastructure development.

India-US ties are looking up, but the Russia and Iran sanctions bill, FCRA & BRICS will test reset

US-India ties have improved at the working level, particularly in defence, with a new 10-year framework and Javelin missile sales, while Indian exports to the US rose 5.5% to nearly $60 billion in the first nine months of FY26. However, uncertainty remains over Washingtons broader India policy.

Farooq Abdullah asks dissenting Ruhullah to resign, seek fresh mandate

Srinagar, Aug 24: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit back at party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over his recent statements, asking him to resign from the Lok Sabha and return to the electorate if he believes his victory was secured on the strength of his personal support. Reacting to Ruhullahs public positions, Abdullah said the Srinagar MP was free to raise issues such as restoration of Article 370 in Parliament, but questioned his approach to the matter. If he thinks Article 370 can be restored, he should take up the issue in Parliament, Abdullah said. The NC chief also challenged Ruhullah to test his claim of having secured the Lok Sabha mandate through his own political standing. If you think people voted for you, resign and go back to them. We will see how many votes you get, he said. Abdullah said party members were expected to stand by decisions taken by the organisation, particularly during elections, and cited the Budgam poll to underline the importance of party discipline. He said NC workers could not reasonably have been expected to campaign against a candidate officially nominated by the party. On speculation about differences within the NC, Abdullah said disagreements were common in political organisations and should not automatically be construed as a revolt against the leadership. He also maintained that the party and the government have separate roles, saying that as NC president he did not want to unnecessarily interfere in the administration. Abdullah recalled the sacrifices made by generations of NC leaders and workers, saying the organisation had endured because of the commitment of its grassroots cadre. Asked about Ruhullahs political direction, Abdullah advised the MP to seek guidance from the Quran, while reiterating his assessment that he was presently taking the wrong path. (KNS)

Amid rising drowning incidents, Ganderbal admin issues public advisory

Ganderbal, Aug 24: Amid the rising incidents of drowning in Nallah Sindh the Ganderbal administration on Monday issued advisory, urging youth and tourists to exercise extreme caution near fast-flowing water bodies like Nallah Sindh, especially during summer months when water levels and currents remain unpredictable. The district administration issued a public advisory asking people to remain alert. In view of the risks associated with bathing/swimming in Nallah Sindh and other nallahs and water bodies across District Ganderbal, resulting in the loss of precious human lives in the recent past, people living in nearby areas are advised to avoid bathing in the stream and remain extra vigilant. As per the advisory, the parents and guardians are advised strictly prevent children from entering or bathing in Nallah Sindh and other nallahs/water bodies. Keep children under close supervision, particularly during holidays and leisure hours and explain to children the dangers of deep, fast-flowing and unpredictable water bodies. Discourage children from swimming or bathing at unprotected and unsafe locations. Ensure that children do not go near water bodies without responsible adult supervision, reads an advisory.

ISRO, private industry writing India's next space chapter: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi, Aug 24: The BJP on Monday hit back at Congress over its charge that the Modi government is pursuing an aggressive privatisation agenda in the space sector, asserting that the expansion of private participation is enabling ISRO to focus on frontier missions while industry scales up manufacturing and launch capabilities. The remarks came after Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh accused the government of strangulating and emasculating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pursuing an aggressive privatisation agenda for the space programme just as it has for nuclear energy. Ramesh claimed recent reports about ISRO's future role in India's space programme raised legitimate concerns, given the capabilities built by the organisation over six decades. MoS (Space) Jitendra Singh rejected Ramesh's criticism, saying India's space programme is ot being scaled back, but being scaled up, with ISRO focusing increasingly on frontier missions such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, as well as future missions to the Moon, Venus and Mars. Under PM Narendra Modi, India's space sector has taken a global trajectory by expanding from a predominantly government-led programme into a wholesome ecosystem integrating ISRO, industry and space startups. India's space programme is not being scaled back. It is being scaled up, he said in a post on X. At the same time, as India moves towards an ambition of 50 launches a year, industry has to become the manufacturer at scale, while ISRO develops the next generation of technologies and missions. This is the natural evolution of India's space programme, Singh added. He accused Ramesh of unning down Indian achievements and casting doubt on every step forward. Citing the growth of the space sector and the emergence of private players, Singh said the number of foreign satellites launched by ISRO has risen from 35 before 2014 to 430 today, while the number of space startups has grown to around 440 from just a handful in 2014. He cited Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 reaching orbit on July 18 this year as the first privately developed Indian rocket to do so. If India is to build a USD 44-billion space economy, we need many things happening simultaneously: ISRO research in the frontier technologies, private rocket factories, satellite manufacturing facilities, dedicated assembly, integration and testing infrastructure, commercially operated launch facilities, and a much deeper supply chain, Singh said. He noted that Sriharikota will remain at the heart of ISRO's major launch programmes, including PSLV, LVM3 and human spaceflight, while Kulasekarapattinam will add capacity for the growing small-launch sector. That is not ISRO versus industry. The model is ISRO and industry together. Together, they are writing the next chapter of India's space story, Singh said. BJP national spokesperson and national media co-in-charge Pradeep Bhandari also defended the government's space sector reforms, saying the opening up of the sector has enabled private companies and startups to move from being suppliers to developers of rockets, satellites and complete space systems. From a largely government-driven programme to an emerging national space ecosystem. That is not the weakening of ISRO's legacy. It is the expansion of India's space ambition, Bhandari said in a post on X. He said private investment in the sector had risen from USD 100.5 million in 2021-22 to USD 618.5 million by March 2026, while NewSpace India Limited's revenue had increased from Rs 321.77 crore in 2021-22 to around Rs 3,000 crore in 2024-25. Bhandari cited Chandrayaan-3's soft landing near the Moon's south polar region and the development of LVM3 and SSLV as milestones in India's space programme. ISRO gave India a formidable technological foundation over decades. The Modi government's reforms have sought to build on that legacy by enabling ISRO, private industry, startups and investment to grow together, he said. Jairam ji, I understand your frustration with India's remarkable journey in space. But the numbers tell a story that is difficult to ignore, Bhandari said.

Sajad Lone slams CM Omar over his power tariff hike remark, says comparisons were not made during elections

Srinagar, Aug 24: Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Monday slammed chief minister Omar Abdullah over his remark on recent power tariff hike in which the latter stated that he never promised that rates wouldnt increase. Lone highlighted that chief minister didnt make such comparisons during elections when he sought votes from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, chief minister Omar Abdullah while replying to the queries of reporters said that his government had never promised that power rates would not rise. CM Omar reiterated that the governments commitment was to provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households. I repeatedly explained in the Assembly that under the free electricity scheme, we would use solar panels to deliver this benefit to people, he said. Taking on CM Omar heavily for his remarks, MLA Handwara Sajad Lone wrote on X: Power tariffs in J&K cannot be suddenly compared to tariffs in other states at the pleasure of CM sahib. Power tariffs in J&K will be compared with tariffs in J&K in the past. What is this selective comparison. You didnt make these comparisons during elections. And CM sahib has made a statement that he never said that he will not increase tariffs. To rejig CM sahibs memory I am attaching the relevant page from NC election manifesto. The increase of 6.8% translates into an increase of more than 500 crores. This money has to be borne by the consumers. And these unsuspecting consumers were waiting for free 200 units of power per month, as promised by CM sahib in his Partys election manifesto. This is not the first increase. In the non-metered areas, electric load per household was increased, thereby increasing the bill by about 10%. We did not hear a word about tariffs in other states during elections. And all we heard was the free 200 units of power per month. You had promised this free power for all. Once in power you said only AAY ration card holders will get it. That should be 200000 families approximately. CM sahib you have been in power for 22 months. You owe each consumer ( 22*200) 4400 units of power. Thats equal to 11000 rupees. And for 200000 AAY households that is equivalent to 2200000000, which is 2200 crores. CM sahib owes 2200 crores to the people and has the audacity to put a burden of 500 crores. Have some shame. Pay up. These are the poorest of the poor souls in J&K. You lied to them through your teeth. And on the basis of those lies rode to power.

NSA Doval arrives in Beijing for talks with Chinese FM Wang Yi on boundary issue

Beijing, Aug 24: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived here on Monday for a two-day visit to take part in the Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary question with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The talks scheduled to be held here on Tuesday assume significance as they come amid uncertainties over Chinese President Xi Jinpings much-anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit on September 12-13. They also come at a time when differences over the border and Arunachal Pradesh continue to figure prominently in India-China bilateral ties. The ties between New Delhi and Beijing came under severe strain after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh. But both sides have since taken steps to stabilise relations. Announcing the Special Representatives (SR) talks at a media briefing here on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Doval and Wang will have an in-depth discussion on the boundary question as well as other bilateral, regional and international relations. The China-India SR talks are the main channel for negotiations between the two countries on the boundary issue, said Lin, adding that it is also an important platform for communication between the two sides on issues of mutual interest. In August last year, China and India successfully held the 24th round of talks, during which the two sides had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on the boundary question and reached a number of common understandings, he said. During this round of talks, which will be the 25th round, the two sides will continue the in-depth communication on the boundary question in the spirit of the common understandings between leaders of the two countries to jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil, he said. The two sides will also exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues, Lin said. Both Doval and Wang are the designated SRs for the boundary talks mechanism, which was established in 2003 to comprehensively address the dispute of the India-China border spanning 3,488 km. While success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard the structured mechanism as a useful tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries on various fronts. Besides attending the SR talks, Doval will call on China's Vice President Han Zheng, the External Affairs Ministry said in a press release on the NSA's visit. Lin, on Monday, skirted questions about Xis much-anticipated visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit next month. While there is no official confirmation about Xi's visit yet, officials on both sides are optimistic about the Chinese leader's participation, which could provide an opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit to discuss initiatives to take forward bilateral ties. Modi and Xi last met in August 2025 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. Ahead of Doval-Wang talks in Beijing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated that peace and tranquillity along the border areas are a prerequisite for good relations with China. His comments came amid reports of aggressive posturing by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri region in recent weeks. I think we went through a particularly bad patch between the summer of 2020 and the autumn of 2024, and that was primarily an outcome of the situation in the border areas, Jaishankar said at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in New Delhi. On the reports of stepped-up Chinese military activity near the Arunachal Pradesh border, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on August 12 that the China-India border situation is generally stable at the moment. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on August 11 said that India considers matters relating to border areas with China as most serious and asserted that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control is of utmost importance, as the state of the frontier will govern the overall trajectory of bilateral ties. Earlier, New Delhi also trashed Beijing's criticism of its decision to formally identify 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names, emphasising that the state is an inalienable and integral part of India and nothing can change this indisputable reality. China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet, has been releasing its set of names for the region since 2017. India termed the Chinese move as vain and preposterous, asserting that such actions will not alter the undeniable reality that the state was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India.

NC leader booked over alleged provocative remarks against BJP in Ladakh

Leh, Aug 24: Police have registered an FIR against a senior National Conference (NC) leader over his alleged derogatory and provocative remarks against the BJP in Drass district of Ladakh a few days ago, officials said on Monday. The complainant, BJP district president, Drass Fayaz Ahmed Qari, alleged that NC territorial vice president Ghulam Rasool Nagvi described the BJP as a eligion and referred to its workers as Yazidi qaum during the August 21 press conference. The complaint alleged that the remarks were provocative and could create communal tension and disturb public peace and law and order in Ladakh, officials said. Yazidi refers to Yazid ibn Muawiya, the ruler who killed Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at Karbala in 680 CE. He is known as an oppressor. They said the complainant also submitted video clips of the press conference as supporting material and sought investigation and legal action against the accused. Officials said the case has been taken up for investigation. According to the FIR registered at Police Station Drass, the case was registered on August 22 under Sections 196, 352, 353 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which are invoked for hate speech, public provocation, and malicious insults to religion.

PDPs Para demands immediate rollback of revised power tariff, dubs it anti-poor

Srinagar, Aug 24: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Monday criticised the government over burdening people with more tariffs and taxes; and demanded immediate rollback of revised power tariff. Terming the recent power tariff hike anti-people and anti-poor, PDP leader advised government to step out of its lavish corridors and face the harsh ground reality of Kashmir. In a post on X, Para said: J&K government needs to step out of its lavish corridors and face the harsh ground reality of Kashmir before burdening people with more tariffs and taxes. The 6.8% hike in electricity tariff is outright anti-people and anti-poor. It must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. He said: At a time when jobs are vanishing, businesses are on the verge of collapse, economic distress & youth anxiety is at its peak, Kashmir cannot bear any more taxes. You cannot tax people when you have completely failed to empower, socially and financially. Instead of providing relief, you hike electricity tariff by 6.8%? This is not governance, this is open punishment of the poor.

6.83% Electricity Tariff Hike Is No Big Durden, Says Former Advisor Khursheed Ganai | Interview

Power hike a compulsion, never promised rate wont increase: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said there was no crisis in the government and maintained that any cabinet reshuffle would be carried out when he deemed it necessary, while defending the recent electricity tariff hike and calling for a thorough investigation into fresh threats to Kashmiri Pandit employees. There is no crisis in the government. Our work is going on, Abdullah said when asked about a possible reshuffle in his government. He said he had only ruled out a reshuffle before August 15 when asked about it earlier, and had not committed to carrying it out immediately afterwards. I only told you that it would not happen before August 15. When it will happen and under what circumstances, leave that to me, he said. On criticism from opposition parties over the increase in electricity tariffs, Abdullah said his government had never promised that power rates would not rise. He reiterated that the governments commitment was to provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households. I repeatedly explained in the Assembly that under the free electricity scheme, we would use solar panels to deliver this benefit to people, he said. Abdullah argued that the tariff increase was separate from the free-power scheme and said the government had raised rates by only 6 per cent after four years. We are not celebrating the increase in electricity rates. It was a compulsion for us, he said, adding that lower power-sector losses would reduce the need for such measures in the future. On fresh threats reportedly targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees, Abdullah described the issue as a serious concern and urged the police and intelligence agencies to investigate their source. Threats should not be coming at all, he said, adding that the law-and-order and security agencies should not take these things lightly. He recalled that Pandit employees had been targeted under similar circumstances two to two-and-a-half years ago, saying the government had suffered a great deal of loss as a result. Keeping all our employees safe and protecting them is a very major responsibility of the police, Abdullah said. He also clarified that law and order was not his direct responsibility, saying the matter was handled by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. My advice to the law-and-order administration would be not to take this lightly. There should be a full investigation, he said.