Opinion

The AI race isn't about bigger modelsit's about India

India can become the world's AI deployment hub by leveraging its software engineering workforce and enterprise IT experience. Enterprises will come to India to reinvent their businesses with AI integration and transformation consulting. This opportunity encompasses AI operations, cybersecurity, governance, and managed AI services. Policymakers must invest in sovereign compute and trusted data infrastructure for responsible innovation.

Indian professionals are turning to EB-5 as decades-long green card waits make H-1Bs untenable

The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is increasingly being used by Indian professionals trapped in decades-long employment-based green card backlogs rather than by wealthy investors seeking residency.

Govt tells Rahul it is ready for debate in Parliament on NEET, accuses LoP of backtracking

New Delhi, Jul 21: The government on Tuesday said it is ready to discuss all issues relating to the NEET exam and the movement associated with it in Parliament, after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi sat on a dharna outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. In a strongly worded statement, Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh, who along with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan met Gandhi and urged him to end his sit-in, alleged that the LoP acktracked from his earlier demand for a debate and said it does not befit a leader of his stature. Singh said Rahul Gandhi did not agree to his request and instead demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must also resign. The minister also said that the Congress has not given any notice to date for a formal discussion on this serious matter (NEET issue) as per rules. For a senior leader like Shri Rahul Gandhi and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) to go back on his word is unfortunate and contrary to every norm of democracy, the minister said. The government is ready to discuss in Parliament all issues related to NEET and the associated movement... Shri Rahul Gandhi's behaviour does not align with the principles of democracy, Singh said. The MoS PMO and the Union Home Secretary met Gandhi soon after he, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and several other senior leaders sat on a dharna outside Prime Minister Modi's residence and demanded his resignation over the police action against students protesting on the NEET paper leak issue. Soon after Singh's statement, police on Tuesday evening forcibly removed and detained Gandhi and other leaders. In the statement and video message, the minister said some time ago it came to light that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and others, suddenly sat on protest near Akbar Road with their supporters. In view of the dignity of this senior delegation, the government sent me personally, along with the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, to the spot to hold talks with these senior leaders. A request was made to Shri Rahul Gandhi to end his sit-in, as this site is not meant for protests, and holding a sit-in here is causing considerable inconvenience to the general public, he said. The MoS PMO said Gandhi put forward the demand that if the government agrees to discuss in Parliament all issues related to NEET and the associated movement, he would immediately end his sit-in. Within a few moments, after taking permission from the government's top leadership, Rahul was assured that his demand has been accepted, and the government is ready to discuss in Parliament all issues related to NEET and the associated movement. When this information was conveyed to Shri Rahul Gandhi, he said that he would not agree to this alone but also sought assurance for the resignation of the Union Education Minister (Dharmendra Pradhan), he said. Singh said Gandhi then said that he now has two demands: discussion in Parliament and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. When the Congress leader was reminded that earlier he had only demanded discussion, he said that now my demands have changed. When an attempt was made to humbly explain to him that for a senior leader like him to backtrack from his word so quickly does not befit him, he said that it is his prerogative. When the Home Secretary tried to explain that this site is not suitable for a sit-in, his response was that it is also his prerogative to sit wherever he wants, the MoS said. Singh said for a senior leader like Rahul Gandhi and the Leader of the Opposition to go back on his word is unfortunate and contrary to every norm of democracy. The government is ready to discuss in Parliament all issues related to NEET and the associated movement. In contrast, the Congress Party has not given any notice to date for a formal discussion on this serious matter as per rules. Shri Rahul Gandhi's behaviour does not align with the principles of democracy, he said.

Shopping complex swept away by floodwaters in Beerwah

Rahul, Priyanka, Akhilesh detained, forcibly removed from protest site near PM's residence

New Delhi, Jul 21: Delhi Police on Tuesday forcibly removed and detained Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as well as SP chief Akhilesh Yadav from the protest site outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Rahul Gandhi along with other Congress leaders, including the chief ministers of Karnataka and Kerala, started a sit-in protest around 3.30 pm against the police action on protesting students the day earlier. As police swooped down on the site, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha could be seen lying on the ground and resisting as security personnel tried to pick him up. He was hurt in the process. An aide said he suffered an injury below the eye. There were dramatic scenes with Priyanka Gandhi hanging on the door of the police bus even after it started moving. The Congress has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament. They are also asking for justice to the protesting students.

LoP Sunil Sharma asks Omar-govt to suspend political activities, focus on rebuilding lives of calamities-hit J&K people

Jammu, July 21: Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday asked the government led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to suspend its political activities and focus on relief and rehabilitation in the natural calamities-hit people in Poonch, Rajouri and other areas of the Union Territory. It is very unfortunate to see the absence of government among the people, who are battling the fury of nature. The governments presence and response have failed to meet the expectations of the affected families. BJP tried to reach every family and person. We urge the government also to stand with the people in their hour of crisis and provide them with required succour, LoP Sharma stated, while addressing a press conference at the party headquarter in Jammu. He was joined by MLA Jammu North and former minister Sham Sharma; J&K BJP vice president and former MLC Shehnaz Ganie; MLA Mohan Lal (MLA); J&K BJP general secretary Gopal Mahajan and J&K BJP spokesperson Zorawar Singh in the presser. Sunil Sharma, in response to a question, stated that it would be unfortunate if the statehood (issue) would again be taken as a pretext by the government to hide its failure in relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by natural calamities in Jammu region. He asserted that it was not the right time to indulge in politics but to focus on relief efforts. This is no time for politics. Rising above the politics, all the political parties and individuals need to work with urgency and ensure that all possible help reaches the affected families without delay. All of us need to help the affected rebuild their lives. If the government becomes visible on the ground at this hour of crisis, we (BJP), too, as a responsible party, assure our full support to it (government) and the administration in relief and rehabilitation works. But the government should be visible first on the ground, Sunil Sharma stated. He clarified that the party did not want to politicise the issue. But at the same time, we cannot act as a silent spectator to the suffering of people, devastated by a spate of natural calamities. The peoples aspirations and expectations are linked to us (BJP) as well. We are expected to raise their voice and act as a responsible, proactive opposition party a role granted by people, LoP said. Sunil Sharma said, As our primary responsibility, BJP tried to reach the affected people. We decided to visit natural calamities-hit Poonch, Rajouri to be with our people in crisis, after postponing our Secretariat Chalo march in Srinagar to highlight very significant issues confronting people of J&K. Around 26-27 people lost their lives in flash-floods, landslides in the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch, besides two lives were lost in Raggi nullah mudslide incident in Doda district as well, he said, adding that Bhalessa, Marwah-Warwan and in Kyar area of Dachchan too were hit by similar incidents of flash-floods. Though there was no loss of life there yet the situation was worrisome, he said. With regard to the party's postponed Secretariat march, Sunil Sharma said, It was to raise voice against rising corruption and outsourcing of jobs ruining J&K youths future. We are not against outsourcing of jobs but our concern is that the job recruitment mechanism is not fixed and thus favouritism is ruling the roost. Similarly, the people of J&K had been waiting for the conduct of Panchayat polls to strengthen democracy at the grassroot level, but the Chief Minister, in sheer arrogance, declared that the conduct of Panchayat polls would be as per his whims. It simply meant that Panchayat elections would not be held in the near future. BJP wanted to express its resentment and raise peoples voice on these issues through a protest march in Srinagar on July 20, LoP explained. However, he said, the party postponed its march in the wake of devastation on account of natural calamities during the intervening night of July 18 and 19 in Surankote, proper Poonch and other areas of the district and Rajouri, claiming around two dozen lives. He said that in tandem with the responsibility of any political party in such a crisis situation to stand by the people, BJP decided that its protest march could wait, but a party delegation should visit the affected areas immediately. LoP Sunil Sharma maintained that the aim of the visit was to listen to the concerns of the affected people, understand the challenges being faced by them and conduct a detailed review of the situation on the ground. He further stressed that the concerns of the people of Poonch and Rajouri must be addressed on priority and every possible effort should be made for their recovery and rehabilitation.

Strong action taken to ensure no one plays with future of youth: PM Modi on NEET paper leaks

New Delhi, Jul 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that strong action was taken against those involved in the NEET paper leaks so that no one plays with the future of the youth, and said states should join hands with the Centre to tackle the menace in national interest. Modi made the remarks at a meeting of the NDA MPs here, a day after thousands of students led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) took part in the 'Sansad Chalo' march against irregularities in the NEET exam and to demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Briefing journalists after the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, which was named 'Mangal Milan' since it is held mostly on Tuesdays, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the prime minister told the MPs that the government acted immediately after reports of the paper leak surfaced, and 13 people were arrested and sent to jail. At the same time, the prime minister said, to ensure that students' future was not affected, the NEET re-examination was given priority, conducted successfully, and the results were declared without delay, Rijiju said after the hour-long meeting. He said the prime minister also said that strict steps have been taken to prevent such paper leaks in the future. Modi told the NDA MPs that those found involved in the paper leak racket have been arrested and jailed. The prime minister also told the ruling alliance's MPs that those guilty in paper leaks should be given the strictest possible punishment, with the support of the country's top lawyers, so that those involved in such a grave offence face exemplary action and such incidents do not recur. The prime minister said strong action has been taken to ensure that no one plays with the future of youth. The prime minister also said that to ensure that no future paper leaks take place, all state governments and the Centre must join hands irrespective of party. This is not a matter of party politics but matter of national interests, Rijiju said. Modi also stressed the need to punish the guilty and collaboratively establish a foolproof system. The parliamentary affairs minister said the prime minister gave guidance to everyone present at the meeting. He said at the outset the newly elected Rajya Sabha members, including BJP president Nitin Nabin, who was elected to the Upper House recently, was congratulated and wished success in Parliament. Rijiju said the meeting was very productive as the prime minister spoke on several important issues. The prime minister spoke about the achievements the country has made over the past few months and also briefed the NDA MPs on the free trade agreements (FTA) signed with several countries. On the FTAs, Rijiju said, Modi assured the NDA members that the interests of farmers would be prioritised and emphasised that no harm would come to them. The prime minister stressed that the welfare of farmers remains paramount in any FTA signed with any country and the government is ensuring that these agreements serve the best interests of both the farmers and the nation, he said. Rijiju said the NDA would play a constructive role during the ongoing Monsoon Session. We are united in our resolve to ensure the passage of all important bills brought forward for the nation's benefit. We also appeal to the opposition parties that while they may hold differing views, they should come forward to work together for the country, its future, and the youth, he said.

Schools in Udhampur closed for three days as heavy rains continue to lash the district

Udhampur, Jul 21: Amid continued heavy rainfall and forecasts of more inclement weather, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the closure of all government and private schools across Udhampur district for three days as a precautionary measure. According to an order issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Udhampur, on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, all educational institutions in the district will remain closed from July 20 to July 22, 2026. The closure covers schools in the tehsils of Basantgarh, Chenani, Latti, Majalta, Moungri, Panchari, Ramnagar and Udhampur. The administration stated that the decision was made in consideration of the prevailing adverse weather conditions and the potential for further heavy rainfall, which could trigger landslides, flash floods, and disruption of road connectivity in vulnerable areas. The measures were designed to ensure the safety ofstudents,, teachers and other school staff. The order has been circulated to the School Education Department, District Development Commissioner, Director School Education Jammu, Joint Director, Zonal Education Officers, and heads of all government and private educational institutions for immediate implementation. The district administration has urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas, and follow advisories issued by the Meteorological Department and local authorities until the weather situation improves.

JK: UAPA accused apprehended after being flagged facial recognition system in Anantnag

Srinagar, Jul 21: A UAPA accused was apprehended after he was flagged by the facial recognition system deployed for the ongoing annual Amarnath yatra in Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Tuesday. As part of the intensified security arrangements for the yatra, earlier, the police, with the assistance of FRS, apprehended an Over Ground Worker (OGW) on July 11 and three others on July 8. He said the individual was identified as Danish Amin Reshi, a resident of Veersaran. During verification, the FRS generated an alert indicating his involvement in a previous criminal case, the spokesman said. Upon further verification, it was found that Reshi is involved in a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Police Station Pahalgam, the spokesman added. The accused was immediately taken into custody for further legal proceedings in accordance with the law, he said. Anantnag Police continues to employ advanced technological tools, including the FRS, as part of the multi-layered security grid established for the yatra.

LG Manoj Sinha assures full support to rain-hit families, says Centre to extend all help

J-K LG Sinha says relief efforts continue in Poonch, Rajouri; Centre assures support

Srinagar, July 21: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the administration was extending every possible assistance to people affected by the heavy rainfall in Poonch and Rajouri that claimed several lives and damaged infrastructure, while assuring bereaved families that the government stood with them in their hour of grief. Speaking to reporters, Sinha said rescue and relief operations were underway with the active involvement of the administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and other agencies. He said most of the bodies had been recovered, while efforts were continuing to trace those who remained missing. I want to assure the families of those who have lost their loved ones that the government and the administration stand with them in this difficult time with complete sensitivity, Sinha said. The Lieutenant Governor said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to him and assured that the Central government would provide every possible assistance for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Sinha commended officials involved in the rescue operations, saying personnel on the ground were discharging their responsibilities with full commitment. Separately, the Lieutenant Governor said the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir' campaign had completed 100 days. During the campaign, the administration identified people affected by drug addiction and prepared a rehabilitation plan for them. He said a permanent rehabilitation policy was being formulated to ensure the anti-drug campaign continued in a sustained manner.

Kargil protests against NEET paper leak and in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk

10 killed in Sikkim tunnel collapse, rescue operation underway

Gangtok, Jul 21: Ten people were killed after a tunnel under construction collapsed due to a landslide in Sikkim's Namchi district a day ago, police said on Tuesday. The number of victims could go up as search and rescue operations were underway, a Namchi district official said. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the tunnel of NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Jholungey caved in due to a landslide. A total of 25 people, including project officials and workers, were trapped inside the ADIT-3 tunnel when it suddenly collapsed on Monday, he said. The CM said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him and enquired about the rescue operations. Ten bodies have been recovered till 9.30 am on Tuesday. Seven of the deceased have been identified, while three unidentified bodies were sent to the District Hospital Singtam and STNM Hospital, the Namchi police said in a statement. Of the seven identified deceased, four were from West Bengal's Jalpaiguri, one each from Assam, Punjab and Uttarakhand's Dehradun, and one was a resident of Namchi, it said. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the workers, who have lost their lives. In this hour of grief, the thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with the bereaved families, and we stand firmly by them during this difficult time, Tamang said in a statement. The chief minister said he was closely monitoring the ongoing rescue operation. The teams of the Namchi district administration, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), Sikkim Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Pakyong and Siliguri, along with other specialised agencies, were working tirelessly to recover the bodies of the remaining workers trapped inside the tunnel, Tamang said. Following the tragic incident at the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi District, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with me to enquire about the situation and the ongoing rescue operations, the chief minister said on X. Tamang also said, His (PM) words of concern and compassion for the affected workers and their families, along with his assurance of every possible assistance from the Government of India, have provided immense strength and reassurance to the people of Sikkim during this difficult hour. The chief minister said he has directed the authorities to provide every possible assistance, expedite the rescue efforts, and ensure that the highest standards of safety are strictly maintained throughout the operation. On Monday, the district officials had said around 27 workers were trapped inside the tunnel under construction after a landslide blocked its entrance and triggered a suspected gas leak in the afternoon. The rescue operation had been complicated by the presence of gas inside the tunnel, with several personnel experiencing dizziness and losing consciousness while attempting to reach the trapped workers, they said. The gas is believed to be naturally emanating from underground strata or rock formations disturbed by the landslide, they said.

FIFA Investigates Argentina Players Confronting Spain's On-Field World Cup Celebrations

Video replays showed several players involved in a scuffle, including Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes

Relentless rain batters Jammu region; all major pilgrimages suspended for third day

Jammu, Jul 21: Heavy rains lashed large parts of Jammu region on Tuesday, severely disrupting normal life and prompting authorities to maintain a high alert, officials said. At least 23 people have died and seven others are missing in rain-related incidents in Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts since Sunday, while all major pilgrimages, including Amarnath yatra, Vaishno Devi yatra, Shiv Khori yatra and Machail Mata yatra, remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to persistent downpours, landslides, and the heightened risk of flash floods. Authorities said the situation is being monitored round-the-clock, with district administrations, disaster response teams, police, and other agencies remaining on highest alert in vulnerable areas. Pilgrims have been advised to stay at designated shelters until weather conditions improve and the routes are declared safe. Despite rains, the rescue teams continued their search for seven persons reported missing in the worst-hit Poonch and Rajouri districts , where cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides have caused extensive damage over the past three days. According to meteorological department, the holy town of Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, recorded the highest rainfall of 107.1 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday. Poonch district recorded 61.5 mm of rainfall, Reasi (54.5 mm), Rajouri (49 mm) and Jammu (35 mm) during the same period. Several roads and link roads remained affected due to landslides and shooting stones, while waterlogging disrupted traffic in both urban and rural areas, the officials said, adding restoration work is underway, but fresh rainfall continues to hamper efforts to clear debris and reopen roads. Amid prediction of moderate to heavy rainfall till July 23, authorities have urged people to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from rivers, nallahs, water bodies, and landslide-prone areas. In the past two days, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has chaired back-to-back high-level review meetings to assess the flood situation, restoration works and relief measures across the Union Territory, reiterating that the safety and well-being of the people remain the governments highest priority. He directed the administration to act proactively, efficiently and with empathy so that no citizen suffers during this critical period, while ensuring speedy restoration of essential services, timely relief to affected families and effective preparedness to deal with any further weather-related challenges.

Pak intruder apprehended along IB in Jammu

Jammu, Jul 21: A 53-year-old Pakistani intruder was taken into custody by the BSF after he ventured into the Indian side from across the International Border in Akhnoor sector here early Tuesday, officials said. Mohammad Rafiq Kala, a resident of village Pindi, was noticed by the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel guarding Pragwal area of Khour. They said the questioning of Kala revealed that he had apparently lost his way while visiting his sister and crossed the border inadvertently. Nothing incriminating was recovered from his possession, the officials said.

Heavy rain triggers mudslides, shooting stones on NH-44 in Udhampur; traffic diverted through downtube

Banihal, Jul 21: Heavy rainfall lashed parts of Udhampur district on Tuesday, triggering mudslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), forcing the authorities to divert traffic through the downtube as a precaution. Traffic officials said the affected locations include Sharda Mata Mandir, Tharad, Bali Nallah and Kheri in the uptube stretch of the highway, where continuous rain caused mudslides and shooting of stones, posing a threat to commuters. As a safety measure, traffic has been temporarily diverted through the downtube while restoration work is underway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery to clear the debris and restore normal traffic movement at the earliest. Authorities have advised commuters to drive cautiously and follow traffic advisories until the affected stretches are fully cleared. Further updates are awaited.

How Spain built a soccer identity that conquered the world

New York, Jul 21: Spanish soccer has reached a level of its own. Spain's World Cup victory on Sunday added to the nation's long list of recent triumphs across men's, women's and youth competitions, highlighting the dominance of a system that has stuck to a tactical identity and the development of collective talent. The men's team is also the current European champion, the Olympic gold medalist and has reached the Nations League final twice winning it once. The women's squad is the defending World Cup champion and a two-time Women's Nations League winner. It also made it to the final of the 2025 European Championship. Spain is the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles at the same time and is the only country with two men's World Cup triumphs this century. The nation also has won several youth tournaments in recent years with both the men's and women's teams. The men's senior squad has been racking up titles since it was gradually revamped after the demise of a golden generation that won the nation's first World Cup in 2010 with the likes of Andrs Iniesta, Xavi Hernndez, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Piqu. Players such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubars, Rodri and Ferran Torres the goal scorer in the 1-0 win over Argentina in Sunday's final now are the ones representing a new generation that has taken La Roja back to the top. I'm very emotional looking back, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. We've talked about it with the players; we have won everything, it's wonderful It's a generation of players that has been an example for Spanish sports, for young Spaniards, for Spain. Together we are stronger. Spain hadn't gone past the last 16 of the men's World Cup since winning the title in South Africa in 2010. It has been in contention in nearly every competition it has played since De la Fuente's arrival in 2022 and it's 38-match unbeaten streak is the longest in men's international soccer. Collective talent Despite a very talented group of players, it has been Spain's collective performance that has impressed the most and the team hasn't had to rely on star players. It also has been thriving defensively, with a solid backline and a relentless pursuit to regain possession. We played against the best national squads in the world, but we were the best team in the world, De la Fuente said. I'm very proud of this generation of players. They have grown with this idea, they've been loyal to this idea, they have given us an example of a group, of a team, of a family. I'm very proud of them. It's been an honor. How can other teams possibly replicate the Spanish system? Go to work, former France player Thierry Henry, a commentator for Fox Sports, said after the final. Think about how you want to go about it at every level and play the same way. This is why they are dominating world football on every level, men and women, it doesn't really matter, they go about it the same way. Youth-system success The recent wave of success can be tracked to the surprise hiring of De la Fuente to replace Luis Enrique following the team's elimination against Morocco in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. De la Fuente was relatively unknown at the time, but the Spanish soccer federation knew him well. By hiring him, Spain was actually betting on its youth system as De la Fuente had been coaching Spain's younger national teams for some time. He was well versed in the soccer federation's process of instilling a tactical identity at all levels, from the bottom up and across men's and women's squads, allowing players from youth teams to go through a seamless transition to the main squads. It was the case for players such as Yamal, Cubars, Nico Williams, Pedri and Gavi, who are among the youngsters set to keep Spain's men's team thriving for some time. When you look at everything that we've gone through, you realize how this process was important, De la Fuente said. Certainly, we wouldn't have been able to do what we did today if we hadn't gone through this process with these players. And it's not something that happened during this World Cup, it has been happening for several years. Tactical identity Spain's tiki-taka style of valuing ball possession and focusing on quick passing, which led to the 2010 World Cup title and victories at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, had come under attack after the national team began to struggle. Some said the style lacked efficiency, and a few coaches made some changes to it over time. But Spain never fully abandoned the idea of controlling ball possession to dominate games. Part of De la Fuente's success stemmed from his ability to get his squad to successfully mix ball possession and efficiency. And it showed as Spain led this year's World Cup in both passing and attempts on goal. Coaching prowess De la Fuente's recent success quickly put him in the group of Spanish coaches who have been leading national teams and helping clubs thrive across the globe. Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Xabi Alonso and Roberto Martnez are among the successful coaches spreading Spanish tactics everywhere another sign of the nation's prominence in global soccer. We are exactly where we want to be, De la Fuente said. We are privileged to represent a wonderful national team with exceptional players. But the real merit we have is to seek good travel companions, people with values and principles who make our lives easier and at the same time are very talented. We'll enjoy this now, because it's historic, and then we will start thinking match by match again.

Haryana Police seal Shambhu border point as farmers head for Mahapanchayat in Delhi

Shambhu, Jul 21: Farmer leader from Punjab, Sarwan Singh Pandher, on Tuesday morning slammed the Haryana government for barricading the Shambhu border point to prevent them from heading towards Delhi to participate in the Kisan Mahapanchayat against the proposed India-US trade deal. Heavy police deployment was made at the Shambhu border point between Punjab and Haryana, with barricades erected and cemented blocks placed at the bridge over Ghaggar river. A day-long Kisan Mahapanchayat has been planned against the proposed India-US trade deal at Delhi's Kisan Ghat under the banner of Desh Bachao Morcha. Farmer leaders had earlier said that participants from several places, including Punjab and Haryana, would take part in the Mahapanchayat. Farmers from several places in Punjab have planned to move towards Delhi in buses. Pandher said farmers wanted to proceed peacefully to Delhi, but the Haryana government was stopping them at the Shambhu border. Speaking to reporters in Fatehgarh Sahib, Pandher alleged that this exposed the rue face of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who frequently visits Punjab and makes tall promises to its people. Pandher said farmers want the proposed India-US trade agreement to be completely scrapped. He added that the future course of action will be decided by consulting with other farmer leaders upon reaching the Shambhu border point. The farmers' convoy departed from Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on Thursday morning. More than 1,000 farmers spent the previous night at the sarai (pilgrims' inn) of the gurdwara. From the gurdwara, the march reached Madhopur, near Sirhind on the GT Road, and then proceeded towards Shambhu. On Monday, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni was detained by police in Kurukshetra while heading to Delhi for the Mahapanchayat. The outfit's spokesperson, Prince Waraich, had claimed that the Haryana Police was detaining a large number of its workers in an attempt to prevent their participation in the protest. Farmers claimed that the proposed India-US trade deal would allow cheaper agricultural imports into India, affecting domestic farm incomes and the country's agricultural economy. The proposed trade pact would adversely affect farmers, agricultural labourers, livestock rearers, small traders and micro industries, they claimed. Demanding immediate intervention by the Centre, farmers have urged it to abandon the proposed trade pact and safeguard the interests of farmers and the common people.

IED destroyed in controlled blast in J-K's Rajouri

Rajouri Jul 21: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found and subsequently destroyed in a controlled explosion by experts in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. The IED was noticed by an army search party in village Argi Dalhori late Monday evening, the officials said. They said a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was rushed to the scene and the explosive substance was destroyed in a controlled explosion at 10 pm, without causing any damage.

Rajouri administration issues flood advisory for vulnerable areas, urges precautionary evacuation

Rajouri, Jul 21: In view of the prevailing heavy rainfall and the possibility of a sudden rise in the water level of rivers and nallahs, Rajouri administration issues flood advisory for vulnerable areas, urges precautionary evacuation According to the advisory, the identified vulnerable areas include the CEO Office vicinity, Naban Mohalla along the riverbank, Tariq Bridge area, MLA House Colony, low-lying areas of Nowshera town, Bela area of Nowshera, including adjoining residential localities, and other habitations situated along riverbanks and flood channels. The administration advised residents of these areas to voluntarily relocate elderly persons, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and essential belongings to safer places without waiting for water levels to rise. People have also been asked to remain prepared for evacuation at short notice and cooperate fully with the Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence, Revenue Department and other emergency response agencies. The advisory further urged citizens not to venture near rivers, nallahs, bridges or flood channels to witness rising water levels. Vehicle owners have been advised to move their vehicles from low-lying parking areas and avoid unnecessary travel during the adverse weather conditions. Residents have also been asked to keep essential medicines, drinking water, dry food, important documents and mobile phones ready, while complying with traffic advisories issued by the Police and the District Administration. The administration directed the public to immediately report any incidents of flooding, landslides, breaches of embankments or stranded persons to the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), which is functioning round the clock. The emergency helpline number is 01962-295895. The District Administration said it is continuously monitoring the situation and appealed to people not to panic, avoid spreading rumours and rely only on official advisories issued by the administration, police and other government agencies.

Another tanker attacked in Strait of Hormuz as US strikes Iran for 10th consecutive night

Dubai, Jul 21: Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, forcing its crew to abandon the ship even as the United States conducted yet-another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic over control of the key waterway. The 10 consecutive nights of US airstrikes haven't compelled Tehran into loosening its grip on the strait, through which about a fifth of all crude oil and natural gas traded once passed in peacetime. Even as the US and Iran inch closer to all-out war again, Iran's interior minister traveled to Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict, for talks. However, it remains unclear just what new deal could be reached to end the fighting. The interim deal signed last month that was meant to end the fighting has crumbled. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled. And as fighting intensifies, both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks. Benchmark Brent crude traded Tuesday above USD 88 a barrel and regular gasoline in the US climbed to an average of USD 4 a gallon, keeping pressure on Americans' wallets ahead of midterm elections this fall. Meanwhile, the US military identified two soldiers who were killed in Jordan in attacks that left a third person missing. Separately, the military confirmed another death in Iraq on Saturday during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone. President Donald Trump took to social media on Monday to warn that Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over! Trump was planning to attend a ceremony on Tuesday evening at Dover Air Force Base, where at least one service member's remains were due to arrive.

Scores of protestors, security personnel injured, several protestors detained during Sansad Chalo march

Dozens of protesters and security personnel were injured on Monday after police resorted to a baton-charge and fired tear gas to disperse thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters attempting to march towards Parliament, triggering violent clashes and chaotic scenes in the heart of central Delhi on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Several CJP leaders, student activists and opposition politicians were temporarily detained during the day as security forces prevented demonstrators from breaching multiple barricades erected around Parliament Street and adjoining high-security areas. Reports also suggest that police are filing FIR against some of the protestors. The protesters, who had assembled at Jantar Mantar since last night for the Sansad Chalo march, were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and student suicides. According to official reports by national media and news agencies, the confrontation escalated around 11.30 am when groups of protesters attempted to push through several layers of barricades leading towards Parliament. A scuffle broke out after police tried to stop the march, leading to much commotion with both demonstrators and security personnel sustaining injuries. As the crowd swelled, police used batons to push back protesters and later fired tear gas shells near the Press Club and Constitution Club to disperse demonstrators who refused to retreat. Eyewitnesses said panic briefly gripped the area as people ran to escape the police action, with several protesters stumbling over one another before security personnel regained control. Despite the police action, many protesters managed to topple barricades and advance towards Patel Chowk, where they staged a sit-in before being stopped again by security personnel. Authorities subsequently closed the gates of Patel Chowk Metro station as a precautionary measure, while large numbers of demonstrators were also seen inside Rajiv Chowk Metro station. Heavy security arrangements had been made in central Delhi in view of the protest and the commencement of Parliaments Monsoon Session. Delhi Police deployed a large contingent of personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other paramilitary units. Multiple layers of barricades were erected on all roads leading to Parliament, while senior police officers monitored the situation on the ground. The protest coincided with the first day of the Monsoon Session, during which Opposition parties sought to corner the government over the alleged examination controversy and several other issues, leading to repeated disruptions and adjournments in both Houses. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi strongly criticised the police action against the protesters. There are massive issues. You are not even ready to discuss them, but you are firing tear gas at children and beating them up. For what? These are our children, she told reporters at Parliament. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge termed the police action an attack on democracy. Lathi-charge on students is an attack on democracy. This government is not capable of staying in power, Kharge said, while also accusing the government of avoiding discussion on key public issues in Parliament. The Samajwadi Party condemned the detention of its Lok Sabha MP Dimple Yadav, who had joined the protest, and described the alleged lathi-charge on students as undemocratic and condemnable. AAP leader Manish Sisodia also joined the march and demanded the resignation of the Education Minister. Visuals from the protest site showed Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar Azad, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, actor Shabana Azmi and several civil society activists participating in the demonstration. Meanwhile, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said he and party leader Ashutosh Ranka met BJP president and Union Minister J.P. Nadda after the government initiated talks with the protest leaders. After waiting for more than two hours, Ashutosh Ranka and I met J.P. Nadda for about 10 minutes. We submitted our written demands, and he assured us that he would discuss them internally. There is news of mass detention, Das said in a post on X. Earlier in the day, Das had said the government had reached out for talks while maintaining that the partys demands remained unchanged and that thousands of young people had gathered to press for justice. During the protest, demonstrators raised slogans against the government, accusing it of suppressing dissent instead of addressing the concerns of students and unemployed youth. In a symbolic development, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after an appeal from Sonam Wangchuk, who remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Dipke broke his fast by drinking juice, saying the movement would continue through democratic means. Three student activists associated with the All India Students Association (AISA) also ended their 23-day hunger strike during the day. The protests prompted authorities to further tighten security around the Parliament complex. Parliament gates were briefly shut following the adjournment of both Houses, while access to several roads in central Delhi remained restricted for hours. The CJP has vowed to continue its nationwide agitation until the government accepts its key demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a comprehensive investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak and accountability for what it describes as the governments failure to protect the interests of students. With the Opposition expected to raise the issue repeatedly in Parliament, Mondays confrontation has set the stage for a stormy Monsoon Session in the days ahead.

KCCI seeks technical audit of Srinagar drainage network after heavy rains

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of 18 precious lives in the flash floods and landslides that struck parts of the Jammu region, particularly Rajouri and Poonch districts. The Chamber conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expresses solidarity with all those who have suffered loss of life, property and livelihood due to this natural calamity. The devastating flash floods once again highlight the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the urgent need for disaster-resilient infrastructure, improved early warning systems and comprehensive mitigation measures across vulnerable regions of Jammu and Kashmir. While Srinagar did not witness flooding, the Chamber is seriously concerned over the widespread waterlogging and inundation witnessed across many parts of the city following heavy rainfall. Several commercial areas and markets remained submerged under stagnant rainwater for hours, severely disrupting business activities and causing considerable financial losses to traders and shopkeepers. Numerous businesses suffered damage to merchandise, furniture, electrical installations and other assets as rainwater entered shops and commercial establishments. Besides direct financial losses, prolonged waterlogging disrupted customer footfall, transportation and normal commercial activity, adversely affecting the local economy. KCCI observes that despite substantial investments made under the Smart City programme and other urban development initiatives, the recurring problem of waterlogging in Srinagar points towards critical engineering shortcomings in the planning, design and execution of the citys stormwater drainage network. The objective of these projects was to create a resilient urban infrastructure capable of addressing such challenges, yet repeated inundation of roads and commercial markets after every spell of intense rainfall indicates that significant loopholes remain. The Chamber believes that these deficiencies require immediate engineering rectification rather than temporary measures. Scientific evaluation of drainage capacity, hydraulic flow, road gradients, outfall connectivity, pumping mechanisms and natural drainage channels must be undertaken to ensure that the infrastructure performs effectively during periods of heavy precipitation. KCCI urges the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar Smart City Limited, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and all concerned departments to immediately commission a comprehensive technical and engineering audit of the citys stormwater drainage infrastructure. The audit should identify design flaws, inadequate drainage capacity, blocked channels, improper gradients and other structural deficiencies, followed by a time-bound programme for corrective action. The Chamber further recommends the preparation of an integrated urban water management strategy based on scientific hydrological studies, regular desilting of drainage channels, restoration of natural watercourses, installation of modern pumping infrastructure where necessary, and periodic maintenance before every monsoon season. Representatives of the business community should also be consulted while identifying chronic waterlogging hotspots affecting commercial activity. KCCI also calls upon the administration to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses suffered by traders due to rain-induced waterlogging and consider appropriate relief measures for affected businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises that bear the brunt of repeated disruptions. The Chamber reiterates that climate resilience must become a central component of future infrastructure planning. Urban development projects should not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city but must also deliver robust engineering solutions capable of protecting lives, livelihoods and economic activity. KCCI also urges the Government to desist from converting open spaces, green belts, playgrounds and other permeable land into buildings or covered infrastructure in the name of development. Such spaces play a vital role in absorbing rainwater, reducing surface runoff and preventing waterlogging of roads, streets and commercial areas. Equally important is the protection and restoration of wetlands, flood basins, lakes and their natural channels, which have historically served as Kashmirs natural flood buffers. Continued encroachments and unscientific alterations of these vital ecosystems have diminished their water retention capacity, exacerbating urban waterlogging and increasing the citys vulnerability to extreme weather events. The Chamber stresses that future urban planning must integrate sound engineering with environmental conservation to build a resilient and sustainable urban landscape.

Medicinal plant-based enterprises hold vast potential in J&K: Experts

The Regional Cum Facilitation Centre, Northern Region-II (RCFC NR-II), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, SKUAST-K, on Monday organised a Training-cum-Awareness Programme on Opportunities in Cultivation of Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Valley at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kupwara. The programme aimed to promote the scientific cultivation, conservation and commercialisation of high-value medicinal plants native to the Kashmir Valley while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers, youth and other stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) GM Bhat, Head, KVK Kupwara, highlighted the importance of medicinal plants in ensuring livelihood security and emphasized their immense potential for commercial cultivation both as sole crops and intercrops. Dr Sofi Imtiyaz Ali, Project Manager, RCFC NR-II, delivered a detailed lecture on conservation strategies, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), market linkages and value addition of commercially important medicinal plants of the region. He stressed the need to shift from unsustainable wild harvesting to scientific cultivation in farmers fields to reduce pressure on natural habitats. He also highlighted the prevailing market demand and price trends of key medicinal plants and underscored the vast potential for medicinal plant-based enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. He further outlined the ongoing initiatives of RCFC NR-II to promote conservation, cultivation and commercialisation of medicinal plants across the region. Addressing the participants, Er. Falak Jan, Technical Officer, RCFC NR-II, spoke on value addition and entrepreneurship development, encouraging farmers, youth and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore medicinal plant cultivation as a viable source of income and self-employment. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs, youth and other stakeholders, besides scientists and technical staff from KVK Kupwara and the RCFC NR-II team. The programme concluded with an appeal to participants to adopt scientific cultivation practices, explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the medicinal plants sector, and make effective use of the technical guidance and institutional support provided by RCFC NR-II to build sustainable livelihoods.

Recurring waterlogging disrupting trade, KTA seeks drainage overhaul in Srinagar

The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has expressed serious concern over the recurring waterlogging in several markets and commercial areas of Srinagar following recent heavy rainfall, stating that the situation continues to disrupt business activities, inconvenience shoppers, and expose deficiencies in the citys drainage infrastructure. In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Ahmad Shahdhar said there is an urgent need to address the persistent problem of waterlogging through a comprehensive and long-term strategy rather than temporary measures. He said the repeated inundation of roads and market areas not only disrupts normal business but also allows rainwater to enter shops, causing extensive damage to goods and resulting in substantial financial losses for shopkeepers. Shahdhar noted that many of the citys small sewerage drains are either clogged, damaged, or in need of immediate repair, significantly reducing their capacity to drain rainwater. He urged the concerned departments to undertake proper desilting, repair damaged drainage channels, and ensure their effective and scientific utilisation so that rainwater is discharged efficiently. He further appealed to the authorities to carry out regular maintenance of the drainage network, remove encroachments obstructing the natural flow of water, and strengthen stormwater management systems to prevent the recurrence of such situations during periods of heavy rainfall. The Kashmir Trade Alliance expressed hope that the administration would take prompt and effective measures to upgrade Srinagars drainage infrastructure and provide lasting relief to traders, residents, and visitors, while safeguarding commercial establishments from repeated losses caused by waterlogging.

International tourist arrivals increased from 1.31 crore in 2014 to 2.06 crore in 2024: Govt

International tourist arrivals (ITAs) in India increased from 1.31 crore in 2014 to 2.06 crore in 2024, registering a growth of 56.93 per cent, the government informed Parliament on Monday. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the data in a written response to a query in Lok Sabha. Also, according to the latest UNs World Tourism Barometer, Indias global share of international tourist arrivals has seen an increase from 1.15 per cent in 2014 to 1.41 per cent in 2024, he said. According to data sourced from UNs World Tourism Barometer 2026, the ITAs for the top five countries in 2024 stood at -- France (102 million), Spain (93.8 million), the US (72.3 million), Turkey (60.6 million) and Italy (57.7 million), the government said in its response. The government said the Ministry of Tourism maintains the data on ITAs and domestic tourist visits (DTVs) as provided by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) and states and UTs, respectively. The ITAs increased from 1.31 crore in 2014 to 2.06 crore in 2024, registering a growth of 56.93 per cent. Similarly, the DTVs have also increased from 128.28 crore in 2014 to 294.53 crore in 2024 thereby registering a growth of 129.60 per cent, the minister said . The data indicates substantial improvement in tourist footfall during the last decade. Further, in the World Economic Forums (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, India improved its position significantly, ranking 39th globally out of 119 countries (up from 65th in 2013) and holding the first position among SAARC countries, Shekhawat said. To conduct comparative assessments and identify structural barriers, the Ministry of Tourism has undertaken a detailed analysis of the TTDI 2024 edition to identify data gaps, methodological limitations, and areas requiring policy and institutional interventions, he said.

GCC calls rain disasters as another wakeup warning

The Group of Concerned Citizens J&K (GCC) has yet again raised alarm at rampant vandalisation of forests , mountainous terrains, water bodies and other natural resources in the name of infrastructure projects. In a statement here today the Group said: Frequent rain disasters of the kind witnessed in Rajouri and Poonch over last two days are yet another reminder to stop the environmental vandalism let loose in the name of development and daily life activities. The nature is coming back hard to warn of more serious fall-outs in future. That we in Jammu and Kashmir specifically , and other Himalayan states generally, have continued to disturb the natural balance of our mountains, robbed forests, disturbed the course of rivers, encroached water bodies and wetlands and carried on with unplanned constructions everywhere are some of the main reasons responsible for the devastation. If no corrective steps are taken and no course correction made, the future is likely to be more dangerous and uncertain GCC has expressed its frustration over the inaction of the government when it comes to Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA) of development projects before execution , prevention of environment unfriendly activities of the public at large and protection of the natural assets. That the Himalayan ecosystems have reached a breaking point needs to be acknowledged by the Governments in the Himalayan states including Jammu and Kashmir, as also by the Central Government , to put an end to the unabated vandalisation of these natural ecosystems. The Group believes that approval to execution of any development project in and around tourism sites, eco fragile Zones and other enviro-sensitive areas should finally depend on the outcome of Environment Impact Assessment. We urge the UT and Central Government to make sure that EIA is not dispensed with in any case whatsoever. The recent flurry of 15 Cloudbursts over 14 days-- 12 in Chenab Valley , 3 in Aawora Reshwaeri/ Dewathu in Anantnag , besides incidents of flash floods/ mudslides and land erosion in Bhalesa , Thathri, Tuleil and Gurez should be indication enough of a larger disaster awaiting eruption on some other trigger .

J&K Educational Conclave to bring education leaders together

Over 200 school owners and principals, along with more than 300 educators and education stakeholders, will come together at the J&K Educational Conclave 2026 on July 25 at Hotel Golden Leaf, Hyderpora. Organised by Infonet Technologies in association with Education World and the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir, the conclave will feature distinguished education leaders and speakers from across the country, along with 15+ exhibitors showcasing emerging educational solutions. Held under the theme Lets Shape the Future of Education Together, the conclave aims to provide a platform for learning, dialogue and collaboration among the education community of Jammu and Kashmir. The future of education cannot be shaped in isolation. It requires educators and school leaders to come together, share experiences and learn from one another. This conclave is an effort to create that shared space for meaningful dialogue and collective progress, said Kaiser Bhat, Founder, Infonet Technologies

JKSA thanks EAM Dr Jaishankar for securing release, return of Kashmiri youth from Saudi

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday expressed its gratitude to the Union External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for their timely intervention, sustained diplomatic engagement, and efforts that culminated in the safe return of Kashmiri youth Amjad Ali, a resident of Baramulla district, who had remained in a Saudi jail for nearly three months. National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that Amjad, a healthcare professional employed in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, was reportedly taken into custody by the Saudi Civil Defence authorities in March 2026 while at his workplace. According to Amjad, several security officials arrived at his office and informed him that he was required for questioning, assuring him that the process would take only a couple of hours. He cooperated fully and accompanied the officials to the police station, where his passport and identification documents were confiscated. He was asked to sign an acknowledgement before being questioned over a Facebook post he had shared on March 5 expressing condolences over the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Amjad maintained that it was merely a condolence message and nothing more. Khuehami said Amjad was subsequently shifted to a jail facility, where he remained confined for nearly three months without being formally informed of the charges against him. The prolonged silence and uncertainty plunged his family into immense anxiety and emotional distress. Concerned over the absence of Concerned over the lack of communication, the Association took up the matter with the Government of India and wrote to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking urgent diplomatic intervention. It urged the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with the Saudi authorities, direct the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to establish contact with Amjad, ensure consular access and legal assistance, and make every effort to secure his early release if no substantial charges were established. The Association also informed the Ministry that Amjad had no history of unlawful or extremist activities and had travelled to Saudi Arabia solely to earn a livelihood and support his family. Khuehami said that, following sustained diplomatic engagement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Amjad was released on June 25, following which the Saudi authorities facilitated his return to India. He has now safely reached his home in Baramulla and has finally been reunited with his family after enduring nearly three months of uncertainty, separation, and emotional trauma. The reunion has brought immense relief to the family after months of anguish. The Association expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar for his prompt attention and humanitarian approach, stating that his leadership has consistently ensured that the welfare and safety of Indian nationals abroad remain a top priority. Association said the Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to extending timely consular assistance and diplomatic support to Indians facing distress overseas, and that Amjad's safe return stands as yet another testament to that commitment. The Association noted that the Ministry's sustained diplomatic efforts and constant engagement played a decisive role in bringing this sensitive humanitarian matter to a successful conclusion. JKSA also acknowledged the constructive role played by sections of the media in highlighting the family's concerns and ensuring that the matter received due public attention.

Mehbooba Mufti discusses outreach with youth PDP leaders

President of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti Monday Monday Interacted with the district youth office bearers from across Kashmir Province at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The meeting focused on understanding the pressing challenges confronting the youth, particularly rising unemployment, shrinking employment opportunities, and the need for meaningful engagement in the socio-economic and political development of Jammu & Kashmir, said a press release. A detailed discussion was held on formulating a constructive roadmap to address these concerns and strengthen the role of young people in shaping the region's future. Addressing the participants, Mufti reaffirmed the party's unwavering commitment to the aspirations of the youth, stating that empowering young people and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making will remain a top priority for the JKPDP. She urged the youth office bearers to remain closely connected with the people at the grassroots level, understand their issues, and continue working with dedication to uphold the party's vision of peace, dignity, justice, and inclusive development The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening the party's youth outreach and building a platform that effectively represents the hopes and aspirations of the younger generation across Jammu & Kashmir. Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti Monday held a meeting with the party's General Secretary for Youth North Kashmir, Advocate Azad Parwaz and recently nominated Youth District President Kupwara, Reyaz Ahmed Mir to discuss strengthening the party's youth wing in the district. According to Advocate Azad Parwaz, the meeting focused on youth affairs, organisational strengthening and enhancing the participation of young people in the party's activities across Kupwara. The leaders discussed strategies to empower youth workers, expand the party's grassroots network and encourage greater involvement of young people in organisational and public outreach programmes.

Book release ceremony of Rahim Shah's Aayeena held in Pulwama

The Kashmir Markaz-e-Adab-o-Saqafat organized a grand literary function at Dangarpora, Pulwama, during which the latest book Aayeena by Faqeer Rahim Shah was formally released. The function was presided over by renowned Kashmiri poet Ghulam Hassan Ghamgeen, while Dr. Ishan Shalimari was the Chief Guest. Noted Kashmiri Poet and writer Inayat Gul presented a thought-provoking paper on the book and its literary significance. The event also featured a Sama Mehfil (Sufi musical performance) organized by the Cultural Academy, followed by a Mushaira (poetic symposium). Poets including Shaukat Firrar, Ghamgeen Hassan, Shamima Rahim, Saima Ashraf, Mohi-ud-Din Tamlihali, and Bilal Saqi recited their poetry before an appreciative audience. Rich tributes were paid to Faqeer Ash Deed in recognition of her literary and spiritual contributions. On the occasion, Faqeer Rahim Shah was also honoured for his contribution to literature. The gathering was attended by Fayaz Wani, Feroz Mir, Khalil Dar, Asadullah Bhat, along with several prominent social personalities, intellectuals, and devotees. Besides Aayeena, two other publicationsArni Gund, Noor Nabi, were also formally released during the ceremony. The programme concluded with Shamima Rahim presenting the poetic verses (Kalaam) of Shah Rahim, adding a spiritual and literary touch to the event.

AHPI inaugurates J&K Chapter to advocate for regional healthcare ecosystem

The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), the apex representative body of healthcare providers across the nation, officially inaugurated its Jammu and Kashmir Chapter today in Srinagar. The milestone launch event, hosted by the AHPI J&K organizing team, marks a strategic expansion aimed at realigning universal health coverage including strengthening healthcare infrastructure, fostering public-private dialogue, and streamlining clinical delivery networks across the Union Territory, said a press release. The inaugural session was convened in the presence of esteemed national leadership, including Dr. Girdhar Gyani, National President of AHPI, and the Director General of AHPI. Joining the national leadership was Dr. Amandeep Kaur, Patron of AHPI, emphasizing the institutional integration of the new chapter into the broader northern healthcare framework. The event witnessed robust, enthusiastic participation from institutional leaders, medical directors, and administrators representing private and corporate hospitals from across the entire Kashmir valley. The assembly served as a vital forum for regional healthcare stakeholders to articulate systemic operational bottlenecks and align on strategic resolutions. A major focal point of the chapter's maiden session was an open, candid deliberation on the structural and financial challenges currently confronting local hospitals. Key issues tabled by participating healthcare providers included necessity for standardizing timelines and resolving prolonged delays in the clearance of outstanding claims under the various government schemes, highlighting the need for a simplified regulatory framework with a demand for a cohesive, unified platform to represent the collective grievances of healthcare facilities before state administrative bodies, it added. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Girdhar Gyani emphasized that the J&K Chapter will serve as a resilient bridge between healthcare providers and regulatory authorities, ensuring that administrative policy is informed by ground-level operational realities with that our core focus will be the professional development and upskilling of paramedics, recognizing them as the vital backbone of emergency response and patient care delivery across Jammu & Kashmir . The Jammu and Kashmir Chapter will be lead under leadership of Dr Imran Muzzafar and associate Dr Pervez Ahmad Sofi, Dr Sandeep Mengi ,Dr Murtaza Habib, Dr Ubaid Hamid . The overwhelming response and active participation from Kashmir's medical community underscore a collective optimism and a shared anticipation for tangible, structural reforms within the region's healthcare architecture. With the formal establishment of the J&K Chapter, AHPI reinforces its commitment to championing the sustainability of healthcare providers while ensuring the delivery of accessible, high-quality, and equitable medical services across Jammu and Kashmir, it further said.

Aakash Institute Srinagar excels in NEET UG on state, national level

Aakash Institute Srinagar has continued its legacy of producing toppers by showing a remarkable performance in NEET UG 2026. The institute, with a distinction of securing AIR 10 in NEET UG 2022, has once again not only secured the state rank first but also bagged an impressive All India Rank of 99, said a press release. Hadiya Nisar, a student from the classroom course of the Institute, hailing from Dialgam, Anantnag, has scored an outstanding 690 out of 720, with a 99.9931 percentile. She achieved the impressive score and All India Rank of 99 in her very first attempt. Hadiya attributed her success to her parents and teachers at Aakash who mentored her throughout her two-year journey of rigorous preparations. I feel short of words to express the feeling of elation of getting the coveted rank. I am indebted to my parents and teachers for their constant support, she said. My teachers have always been there to support, encourage and mentor me in the best possible manner. When asked about the study plan NEET aspirants should follow, she said an aspirant should stick to a plan that works best for them, and that it isn't necessary to imitate what a topper has to say. It is better to listen to and follow teachers who can better guide you, she added. But there is no alternative to hard work in the right direction. Zaidan Wani, also from Anantnag district and a classroom student, has secured second rank in J&K and an AIR of 124. For him, the mantra was simple: consistency and conceptual clarity. Aakash played a pivotal role in my conceptual clarity. In a competitive exam like NEET, you don't just need hard work, you need clarity and consistency, he said. The Director, Aakash Institute Srinagar, Junaid Yousf, while speaking at the felicitation ceremony, said that over the last 10 to 12 years, the state topper is usually from their institution, and yet another two-digit rank is a remarkable feat. Yousf said that this year the top ten state ranks have been secured by Aakash, and out of them, eight are from Aakash Srinagar and two from Jammu. It is a great feat for all of us, for the students, their parents, teachers and non-teaching staff of the institution, he said. I always say that it is years of consistent and concerted efforts, dedication and hard work on the part of everybody that we produce toppers besides hundreds of selections every year. He said a girl topper from the institute also has a socially transforming impact as it can inspire other girl aspirants who dream of cracking competitive examinations. What makes this year's results more profound is that the topper is a girl. Her remarkable achievement will have a ripple effect and inspire a generation of girl students in Kashmir to dream bigger and aim higher, he said. The felicitation ceremony ended with the Institution honouring the rank holders with mementoes and awards.

Planet E consultancy launched in Srinagar

A new overseas education consultancy, Planet E, was inaugurated in Srinagar on Monday, with speakers at the event stressing the need for credible career counselling, transparent admission processes and legal compliance in facilitating higher education opportunities abroad. The consultancy was inaugurated by Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central J&K) Masrat Hashim in presence of its founders-Haamid Mufti and Aijaz Ul Qayoom. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration function Masrat Hashim said parents seeking overseas education for their children often struggle to identify trustworthy consultants, making credibility and integrity the most important factors in the sector. He expressed confidence in the professional integrity of the founders of the consultancy. He acknowledged that the consultancy was a commercial venture said the facilitators would work in the best interests of students and help secure their academic future. Speaking on behalf of the consultancy, one of the founders Hamid Mufti said the organisation would place trust and credibility at the centre of its operations and would treat every student as its own while guiding them for overseas education. He said the consultancy's focus would be on helping students identify careers suited to their interests and abilities before choosing institutions abroad. The students and parents should explore the range of academic opportunities available globally rather than limiting themselves to conventional career choices, he said. The founder also said the firm had applied for clearance to operate placement services and would undertake such activities only after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Labour Ministry. Whatever we do, we will do it legally, he said. Another founder Aijaz Ul Qayoom said Kashmir had witnessed a significant change in societal attitudes towards education, with families now placing greater emphasis on ensuring quality education for their children, even at personal financial sacrifice. The region had long lacked structured career counselling and described timely and professional guidance as essential for students planning higher education, he added. Expressing confidence in Planet E, he said the consultancy's international linkages would help students pursue professional courses, including medicine and engineering, while facilitating scholarships and other support available to eligible candidates. He said proper mentorship at the right stage would enable Kashmiri students to make informed academic and career decisions and wished the new venture success.

First-ever 4-day AHA accredited ACLS, BLS Instructor Course begins at KMCH Sempora

Kashmir Medical College & Hospital (KMCH), Sempora on Monday commenced the first-ever two-day American Heart Association (AHA) accredited ACLS & BLS Instructor Course, marking a significant milestone in advancing emergency and life-support training in the region. The programme aims to develop certified instructors equipped to train healthcare professionals in high-quality Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), strengthening emergency response and patient care across Jammu & Kashmir. The workshop was inaugurated in presence of Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi, Principal KMCH Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan, Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Mubashir, HoDs, Padma Shree Faisal Ali, Organizing Secretary of the Workshop Mohd Rafiq Matoo (Former Director Planning), senior faculty members, doctors, administrative staff and staff members. The instructors of the workshop included Dr Paresh Navalkar, Regional Training Centre Faculty AHA, Director, Lifesupporters Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Mumbai and Dr Pallavi Yadav, Training Centre Faculty, LIHS Mumbai. While addressing the gathering, Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, appreciated all the stakeholders for organizing such vital workshops. He extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the course and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to promoting continuous professional & medical education development. We are committed to organizing more such programmes to enhance the knowledge, clinical competencies, and teaching skills of our faculty members and healthcare professionals, he said. Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi said, the institution is proud to host Jammu & Kashmir's first American Heart Association (AHA)-accredited ACLS and BLS Instructor Course, describing it as a landmark step towards strengthening advanced medical training in the region. She said that until now, doctors from J&K had to travel to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi etc. to attend such international instructor and provider courses, which was both time-consuming and expensive. For the first time, we have brought this internationally AHA accredited course to the doorsteps of our healthcare professionals of Jammu and Kashmir at KMCH. We are proud to be the first institution in the region to organise it, she said. Reaffirming the institution's commitment to academic excellence and professional development, Qazi said KMCH remains dedicated to continuously enhancing the skills and competencies of its doctors, faculty members, and other healthcare professionals. Principal KMCH, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan, highlighted the remarkable progress made by Kashmir Medical College & Hospital in a short span of time, stating that the institution has rapidly emerged as one of the leading healthcare and medical education centres in the region. He said KMCH is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern lecture theatres, well-equipped demonstration rooms, advanced laboratories, and a spacious central library housing more than 700 books along with a wide collection of national and international medical journals to support academic learning and research. Prof. Khan further said that patient footfall is increasing steadily due to the availability of quality healthcare services. He added that out of the total, 100 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds have been established, with 30 ICU beds already fully operational and catering to critically ill patients. He also informed that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) are fully functional and equipped with modern facilities to provide specialised care for newborns, infants, and children. Prof. Khan reiterated that the institution is equally focused on excellence in medical education, research, and patient care, while regularly organising academic activities, workshops, and skill-development programmes to ensure that its faculty members and healthcare professionals remain updated with the latest advancements in medicine. The workshop is part of a series of internationally recognized training programs with three provider workshops and one instructor workshop already conducted at KMC Sempora helping build a resuscitation education ecosystem and training culture in Jammu and Kashmir.

How to Get the Best Used Car Deal Under Rs 5 Lakh in India

Getting the perfect used car under 5 lakh in India depends less on finding a rare cheap listing and more on knowing where true value lies in this budget, which car brings what to the table and which platform gives you complete peace of mind both before and after the purchase. Buyers who get this right usually end up with a used car that checks all the boxes. And the journey to bringing home that perfect car takes you through a mix of channels in a bid to narrow down a platform that offers the best in terms of both choices and quality. So if you are in the market to bring home a used car under a 5 lakh budget, here is how you can approach your search. Is 5 Lakh Enough for a Good Second-Hand Car in 2026? For buyers with the right expectations, 5 lakh can comfortably cover reliable used hatchbacks that are 3 to 5 years old, or slightly older compact sedans, or even a compact SUV with moderate kilometres on the odometer. However, what the budget wont get you is a near-new premium SUV or a used car with very low mileage. Trying to bring in similar expectations within the price band means compromising either on the condition or documentation. Therefore, a realistic sweet spot within this range is a used car that is mechanically sound, has a clean ownership history and comes with verifiable inspection records. Chasing the absolute lowest price, merely to grab a deal that seems astonishing, is usually a mistake buyers should avoid, as it is often the fastest route to hidden repair costs down the line. This is also the reason why organised used car platforms like Cars24 are often considered the go-to platform, especially for first-time buyers on a tight budget, for its ability to offer reliable used car options with verifiable inspection records, comprehensive warranty plans and a hassle-free post-purchase experience. Best Car Models Available Under 5 Lakh: Hatchbacks, Sedans, and Compact SUVs Buyer Need Best Choice Lowest maintenance Swift, Alto K10 Family use Dzire Highway driving Amaze Better road presence EcoSport First car Grand i10 While there might be a lot of cars that make the cut under the 5 lakh budget, a few categories of models consistently offer the best value-to-reliability ratio: Hatchbacks : Among used hatchbacks, the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Alto K10 and Hyundai Grand i10 are popular options that are cherished for their low maintenance costs and strong resale value Sedans : Among reliable pre-owned sedan options, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire as well as older variants of the Honda Amaze are considered to be good for buyers wanting more boot space and highway comfort Compact SUVs : Older Hyundai Venue models and the Ford EcoSport are both good picks for buyers prioritising road presence over fuel efficiency When comparing options within a budget like that of 5 lakh, the right pick depends on your individual usage. City commuters usually benefit from hatchbacks because they are easier to park, more fuel efficient, and generally cheaper to maintain, while frequent highway trips make a sedan or compact SUV worth the trade-off in mileage. When shortlisting, it is advisable to choose organised used car platforms like Cars24 that offer one of the largest pools of quality-checked used cars in India with both inventory-owned options and direct seller listings. The more the choice, the better the deal. Where to Look for the Best Deals Under 5 Lakh: Online Platforms vs Local Dealers When narrowing down used car options under the 5 lakh budget in India, most of the deal hunting happens across two broad routes: Organised Used Car Platforms Online used car platforms like Cars24 let you filter by budget, year, and kilometres instantly, and typically show a fixed, non-negotiable price backed by a verifiable inspection report. This saves significant time compared to visiting multiple local dealers, and it's a big reason why organised used car players have become a default starting point for budget-conscious buyers: buyers can shortlist five or six cars in an evening instead of wasting multiple weekends scavenging deals from the offline market. Another big reason why organised platforms are gaining popularity is because of the peace of mind they offer. Cars24, for instance, offers in-depth quality checks and flexible financing solutions for all used car listings along with a 30-day (up to 1,500 km) repair assurance, an easy 30-day ( up to 999 km) return policy, a 12-month extended warranty and an optional Lifetime Warranty plan with select inventory-owned listings, helping buyers experience a hassle-free and confident ownership journey. Local dealers and classifieds While local dealers and online classified platforms like OLX Autos and Quikr can occasionally undercut online pricing, especially with individual sellers looking for a quick sale, at this budget, the savings are often marginal once you factor in the time spent verifying documents, negotiating, and arranging your own inspection; something that organised platforms typically bundle into the price already. A sensible approach therefore is to use an organised platform to establish a fair benchmark price for the exact model and year you want, then treat any local or classifieds listing as a comparison point against that benchmark rather than a starting point in isolation. The ultimate decision, however, should be based on not how cheap a platform is, but how seamless the entire ownership journey will be. Negotiation Tips to Get More Value in This Budget Even on fixed-price platforms, there's room to extract more value, and this has nothing to do with haggling on the sticker price. Ask about exchange or scrappage bonuses if you are exchanging an old vehicle Check for seasonal or festive discounts and special campaigns which organised platforms run periodically to save a little extra Compare the same model across two or three listings before finalising, as pricing for identical year/kilometer combinations can still vary by a few thousand rupees Negotiate on add-ons, not the base price, as extended warranty, insurance bundling, or free accessories are often more flexible than the car's quoted price With individual sellers, direct price negotiation is more common, but it also demands more confidence in judging the car's actual condition, something a documented inspection report removes the guesswork from. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For: RC Transfer, Insurance, Loan Charges The quoted price on any platform is rarely the final number. Before you commit to any deal under 5 lakh, factor in your budget for: RC transfer fees, which vary by state Insurance transfer or a fresh policy, especially if the existing one has lapsed Loan processing fees, if you're financing part of the purchase Pending challans or dues on the vehicle, which can surface after the deal is done if not checked upfront This is precisely where organised platforms earn their reputation. Cars24, for example, typically handles RC transfer and offers financing assistance as part of the purchase process, which removes a layer of paperwork that individual sellers usually leave entirely to the buyer. Bringing home the used car you love Getting the best used car deal under 5 lakh isn't about finding the single cheapest listing. It is about comparing fairly priced, well-documented cars quickly, understanding the hidden costs upfront, and choosing a purchase route that matches how much time and risk you are willing to take on yourself. For buyers who want speed and certainty, organised platforms like Cars24 are usually the more efficient starting point. For those willing to negotiate directly and verify everything themselves, local and classified listings can occasionally shave off a little more. Either way, benchmark before you buy, and you'll know a genuinely good deal when you see one.

Sarthal Devi Yatra in Kishtwar suspended indefinitely

Ramban Jul 20: The District administration Kishtwar has temporarily suspended the movement of pilgrims towards the annual Shri Sarthal Devi JiYatra in view of adverse weather conditions and the possibility of rain-related disasters. According to a public advisory issued by Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and District Magistrate Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, the decision has been taken following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of moderate to heavy rainfall across the region and in continuation of the weather advisory issued on July 18. The administration said the suspension has been ordered as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees, as prevailing weather conditions may trigger landslides, shooting stones, flash floods, overflowing streams and other weather-related hazards along the pilgrimage route. The advisory states that no pilgrim will be allowed to proceed towards the Shri Sarthal Devi Ji shrine until further orders. Devotees have been urged to postpone their pilgrimage plans and strictly follow the advisories issued by the district administration and other competent authorities. The District Magistrate has also directed all concerned departments, including Police, Civil Administration and local authorities, to ensure strict implementation of the advisory. The administration appealed to devotees, local committees and the general public to extend full cooperation in the interest of public safety, adding that the suspension will remain in force until weather conditions improve and further orders are issued.

JKAJA urges CM to introduce social security measures for journalists, reconstitute accreditation committee

Jammu, Jul 20:The Jammu and Kashmir Accredited Journalists Association (JKAJA) has urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to take immediate steps to establish a comprehensive social security framework for working and retired journalists by implementing a Journalists Welfare Fund Scheme. The Association also urged the Chief Minister to introduce a monthly pension scheme, constitute a Jammu and Kashmir Media Commission and also constitute a fresh accreditation committee. In a statement issued here on Monday, July 20, Ashwani Kumar, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Accredited Journalists Association (affiliated to Press Association, New Delhi), said, While journalists have dedicated their lives to strengthening democracy and serving society through fearless reporting and public service, a large number of media professionals, particularly retirees, continue to face severe financial hardship, health challenges and institutional neglect. He said journalism was not merely a profession but one of the fundamental pillars of a constitutional democracy. A free and independent press was indispensable to an informed citizenry, and safeguarding the welfare of journalists was essential for preserving press freedom and democratic values, he asserted. Ashwani Kumar said that the condition of retired journalists in Jammu and Kashmir was deeply concerning. Once they leave active employment, many are left without any structured pension, health insurance or institutional support. Unlike several other professions that provide retirement security, senior journalists often struggle with declining incomes, rising medical expenses, family responsibilities and age-related health problems, he pointed out. JKAJA president further expressed concern that, in recent years, journalists increasingly faced legal intimidation, harassment and professional insecurity while performing their constitutional duty of reporting in the public interest. Such circumstances, he said, made it imperative for the government to create an institutional mechanism to protect the dignity, welfare and security of media professionals. The Association has appealed to the Chief Minister to introduce a State Journalists' Pension Scheme with a minimum monthly pension of Rs 20,000 for retired accredited and working journalists to ensure financial security and a life of dignity. It has also sought inclusion of journalists in a subsidised government healthcare scheme on the lines of the MEDISEP model implemented in Kerala, enabling retired journalists and their spouses to access affordable medical treatment. The Association has further demanded the establishment of a Jammu and Kashmir Journalists Welfare Fund to provide financial assistance during medical emergencies, housing distress and other unforeseen hardships. This scheme was prepared during Mehbooba Mufti government and Rs 2 Cr were sanctioned by the then government but later on the government fell. To create a sustainable corpus for the fund, it has suggested earmarking 10 per cent of the government advertisement budget released through the Information Department until media organisations establish comprehensive social security mechanisms for their employees. Ashwani Kumar also urged the government to constitute a Jammu and Kashmir Media Commission, headed by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India, on the pattern of judicial wage boards. The proposed Commission should include representatives of journalists, retired media professionals, media managements and the government to undertake a comprehensive study of the structural challenges confronting the media sector and recommend long-term policy reforms, including social security measures for journalists. He said that despite the vital contribution made by journalists to democratic governance and public accountability, there had been little institutional effort to study or address the hardships faced by retired media professionals. The continued neglect of journalists after retirement reflects poorly on our collective commitment to democratic values and freedom of the press. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir must act decisively to ensure that those who devoted their lives to public service are able to live with dignity, security and respect, Ashwani Kumar added.

District level volleyball tournament inaugurated in Ramgarh

Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan on Monday inaugurated the Inter-Block District Level Volleyball Tournament 2026 at Government Higher Secondary School, Ramgarh under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Organised by the district administration Samba, the tournament, as per an official statement, aims to promote sports as a healthy lifestyle and encourage youth to stay away from drug abuse through the message Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said sports play a vital role in shaping the personality of young people by instilling discipline, teamwork and self-confidence. She urged participants to play with dedication, uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and contribute towards building a drug-free society and encouraged youth to become ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The tournament commenced with the inaugural match between Ramgarh and Bari Brahmana at Government Higher Secondary School, Ramgarh. The Bari Brahmana team emerged victorious, with players from both teams displaying strong competitive spirit that set an energetic tone for the tournament. The remaining league matches will be held as per schedule at designated venues across the district. A large number of district officers, officials, sports enthusiasts, students and locals were present and cheered the participating teams.

Army uses helicopter to retrieve flash flood victim's body from swollen river in Rajouri

Rajouri/Jammu, Jul 20:The Army on Monday used a helicopter to retrieve the body of a flash flood victim that had remained trapped among rocks in the middle of a swollen river for more than 20 hours, officials said. The body, later identified as that of 20-year-old Mohammad Javed, was first spotted in the fast-flowing MunawarTawi River in the Nowshera area Sunday evening, prompting a joint operation by the police, SDRF and local volunteers. Despite repeated efforts, rescuers were unable to recover the body because of strong currents and rising water levels, making it unsafe to reach the location safely, they said. With all ground-based efforts failing, the Army pressed a helicopter into service following a requisition by the district administration. In a carefully coordinated aerial operation, the body was successfully retrieved from the river, bringing the prolonged rescue mission to an end, the officials said. They said the deceased had reportedly been washed away during recent flash floods. Police later shifted the body for legal formalities, including postmortem. The helicopter-assisted operation highlighted the Army's crucial role in carrying out difficult rescue missions in hazardous terrain and adverse weather conditions where conventional methods prove ineffective, officials said. Javed went missing from his rented accommodation in the Malik Market area of Rajouri, which witnessed flash floods early Sunday. So far, three bodies, including that of Javed, have been retrieved. A search is underway for a missing Jal Shakti employee.

J&K Sports Council launches swimming training programme for junior swimmers in Jammu

The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council has announced the commencement of swimming classes for junior swimmers at M.A. Stadium Swimming Pool, Jammu. The programme, as per a statement, is designed for beginner to advanced level swimmers and aims to provide structured, professional training to young aspirants across the region. The coaching is designed to build foundational swimming skills while offering pathways for advanced trainees to refine their technique. The initiative reflects the Councils continued focus on grassroots sports development and providing quality infrastructure and coaching access to junior athletes across Jammu and Kashmir. Interested candidates can register for the swimming classes at M.A. Stadium Swimming Pool, Jammu. For registration and further details, candidates may contact 7006954001.

Div Com, IGP Jammu visit flood-hit areas

Rajouri, Jul 20: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu BhimSenTuti on Monday visited the flood-affected area of Bella in Rajouri to assess the ground situation following the recent flash floods. During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner and IGP, as per an official statement, directed the officers and field functionaries deployed on the spot to expedite restoration works, including clearance of damaged road stretches and restoration of essential services so that normalcy is restored at the earliest. They also visited the Relief and Rehabilitation Centre established at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Rajouri, where they reviewed arrangements made for the affected families. Interacting with the Nodal Officer and displaced residents, they directed the district administration to ensure adequate availability of safe shelter, food, drinking water, medical care, clothing and other essential facilities without inconvenience. Talking to the affected families, the Divisional Commissioner assured them that the government stands firmly with them during this difficult time and that every possible assistance would be extended to ensure their safety, comfort and well-being until the situation returns to normal, directing all departments concerned to remain responsive and provide the best possible services. Later, the Divisional Commissioner and IGP chaired a review meeting to assess the flash flood situation and the preparedness and response of departments concerned. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner took a detailed overview of response measures undertaken by different departments and called for close coordination to ensure timely relief, restoration of essential services and effective disaster management. The Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police were directed to identify vulnerable flood-prone hotspots for shifting residents to safer locations during emergencies; the district administration to make effective use of public address systems and sirens to alert people about rising water levels and facilitate timely evacuation; the Chief Planning Officer to coordinate with the Power Development Department for early restoration of power supply in affected areas; the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to keep flood-control machinery in readiness and maintain continuous monitoring of water levels through the gauging system and the Chief Medical Officer to ensure availability of medicines, medical staff, ambulances and other healthcare facilities at the block level. The Divisional Commissioner directed all departments to remain on high alert, maintain round-the-clock coordination and ensure swift response to any emerging situation to safeguard lives and minimise the impact of flash floods. Among those present were Deputy Commissioner RajouriAbhishek Sharma, SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar, ADDC Malik ZadaSherazUlHaq, ACR Mohd Jahangir Khan, SE Jal Shakti Rajouri Sunil Kumar, CMO Dr ManoharLalRana and other officers concerned.

RTO Kashmir blames roadside parking for traffic congestion in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jul 20:Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Qazi Irfan, on Monday attributed Srinagar's worsening traffic congestion largely to improper roadside parking, saying the authorities were working through a multi-department committee to decongest the city and improve traffic flow. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Qazi Irfan said motorists often fail to use designated parking spaces or park vehicles improperly, leading to traffic bottlenecks across the city. The major issue we have identified is wrong parking. People either do not use parking facilities or do not park properly, which has become one of the key reasons for congestion, he said. He added that traffic violations, including overspeeding, also contribute to the problem. He said the administration was creating additional traffic spaces and implementing measures to ensure smoother vehicular movement. We hope the situation will improve in the coming days, he added. Referring to the multi-department committee constituted to address traffic congestion in Srinagar, RTO Kashmir said the panel is holding regular meetings and has already implemented several measures. He said no-rickshaw zones have been notified on parallel routes, including Residency Road, designated bus stands have been identified, and traffic black spots were being mapped for corrective interventions to reduce congestion. On the issue of school bus safety, Irfan said vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates would not be allowed on the roads. The school buses whose fitness certificates have expired cannot legally operate. If any such violations are reported, strict legal action will be initiated against the vehicle owners, he said. On a query regarding public transport, RTO Kashmir said the government was working to increase the number of Smart City buses operating across Srinagar. Smart city buses are currently plying on multiple routes and more vehicles will be added to the fleet to improve connectivity and reduce pressure on private vehicles, thereby helping ease traffic congestion, he said. He said smart city buses are plying during odd times and cover all the routes. Qazi Irfan also congratulated the founders of Planet E consultancy Services, Haamid Mufti and Aijaz Ahmad while expressing hope that the initiative would guide students towards quality educational opportunities and successful careers abroad.

Director SKIMS inspects waterlogged SKIMS Medical College Hospital

Srinagar, Jul 20: Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, today conducted an extensive inspection of SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina, following heavy waterlogging caused by incessant rainfall and inclement weather. During the visit, Director SKIMS assessed the situation on the ground and reviewed the impact of waterlogging on patient care and hospital services. He expressed deep concern over the inconvenience caused to patients, attendants and healthcare workers, and directed the Principal, SKIMS Medical College, along with the Medical Superintendent, to ensure immediate restoration of normalcy. The Director instructed the Engineering Wing to deploy adequate dewatering pumps and mobilize all available resources for the immediate evacuation of accumulated water from the hospital premises. Emphasising that uninterrupted healthcare delivery is of paramount importance, Prof. Ashraf stated that recurring waterlogging in the flood-prone hospital campus requires a comprehensive and sustainable solution rather than temporary measures. He directed the Principal, SKIMS Medical College, to submit a detailed report within one week outlining the causes, immediate interventions and long-term mitigation strategies. The Director also announced the constitution of a high-level committee to formulate a sustainable flood mitigation plan for the hospital. He said the recommendations of the committee would be taken up with the higher authorities to ensure permanent infrastructural measures are implemented to safeguard the functioning of the hospital during adverse weather conditions. Director SKIMS reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted patient care remains the highest priority and assured that every possible measure will be taken to prevent recurrence of such situations in the future.

Commissioner SMC reviews waterlogging situation

Srinagar, Jul 20: In view of the persistent rainfall and the resultant waterlogging in several parts of Srinagar, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb, today conducted an extensive tour of vulnerable areas and key public establishments to assess the prevailing situation and review the Corporations dewatering and emergency response measures. He was accompanied by the Joint Commissioner (Administration), Nuzhat Qureshi; Executive Engineers of the Drainage Circle, and other senior officers of the Corporation. During the visit, the Commissioner inspected several waterlogging-prone locations, including Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Eidgah, Khanyar, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) and other low-lying areas across the city. The Commissioner reviewed the functioning of dewatering stations, mobile pumping units, stormwater drainage infrastructure, and the deployment of field teams engaged in round-the-clock operations. He directed the concerned officers to ensure uninterrupted functioning of all dewatering facilities, maintain continuous surveillance of vulnerable locations, and respond promptly to reports of water accumulation, particularly around hospitals, major roads, commercial hubs, and other critical public infrastructure. Emphasising the importance of proactive field management, the Commissioner instructed officers to intensify monitoring during the ongoing spell of inclement weather, strengthen coordination among all engineering wings, and ensure that pumping stations, drains, and stormwater drainage networks remain fully functional to facilitate the swift discharge of rainwater and minimise inconvenience to the public. The Commissioner also reviewed the preparedness of emergency response teams and directed officials to keep adequate manpower, machinery, and mobile pumping units readily available for immediate deployment wherever required. He stressed that uninterrupted civic services and public safety must remain the Corporations foremost priority during the prevailing weather conditions. The Srinagar Municipal Corporations 247 Control Room continues to remain fully operational to receive and address public grievances related to waterlogging and other civic emergencies. Citizens have been advised to report incidents of water accumulation, blocked drains, or related issues through the SMC Helpline Numbers: 0194-2474499, 0194-2470465, or the Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-180-7038. Dedicated emergency response teams have been deployed across the city to ensure timely intervention and effective grievance redressal. Reaffirming the Corporations commitment to public welfare, the Commissioner stated that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation remains on high alert and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard public safety, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential civic services throughout the ongoing rainy spell. He also appealed to citizens to make use of the 247 SMC Helpline for the prompt reporting and redressal of waterlogging-related issues.

KPDCL issues public safety advisory, puts field machinery on high alert

Srinagar, Jul 20: In view of the India Meteorological Departments (IMD) forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, the Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), has issued a comprehensive advisory for the general public and directed all field functionaries to remain on high alert to safeguard public life, protect electrical infrastructure and ensure continuity of essential power supply services. The advisory stated that adverse weather conditions may lead to uprooting of trees, landslides, waterlogging and flooding, which could damage overhead power lines, distribution transformers, electric poles and other power infrastructure. It further noted that temporary interruptions in power supply may be necessary at certain locations to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency restoration works. The general public has been strongly advised not to touch or approach electrical conductors, poles, transformers, feeder pillars or any other electrical installations during inclement weather, as these may become live due to leakage of electric current. Every fallen conductor or damaged pole should be treated as live and dangerous. People have also been advised to avoid waterlogged areas where electrical installations or overhead power lines are present and not to cross flooded locations containing electrical infrastructure. Residents have been cautioned against attempting any electrical repairs during rainfall or while standing on wet surfaces. In case water enters residential or commercial premises, consumers should switch off the main electrical supply only if it can be done safely. The advisory has urged residents of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, as waterlogging, soil erosion, falling trees and landslides may damage electrical infrastructure. Citizens have also been advised to maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines while operating machinery, pruning trees or undertaking outdoor activities, and to avoid taking shelter beneath electric poles, transformers or overhead lines during thunderstorms and lightning. The public has been requested to immediately report any damaged electrical installation, sparking, snapped conductor, leaning pole or any other hazardous condition to the nearest KPDCL office. Consumers have also been urged to cooperate with KPDCL restoration teams and facilitate unhindered access to electrical installations to ensure prompt restoration of power supply. Meanwhile, all Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Sub-Divisional Officers and field staff of KPDCL Distribution have been directed to maintain continuous monitoring of the distribution network throughout the period of adverse weather. Emergency response teams have been instructed to remain fully prepared with adequate manpower, vehicles, tools, safety equipment, poles, conductors, transformers and other restoration materials. The advisory also directs that priority be given to restoring power supply to hospitals, healthcare institutions, water supply installations, communication facilities, security establishments and other essential services. Field officers have been instructed to carry out preventive inspections of vulnerable feeders, substations, transformers and overhead line corridors while strictly adhering to electrical safety procedures during restoration works. They have also been directed to maintain close coordination with the District Administration and other line departments in case of road blockages, landslides or tree falls affecting electrical infrastructure. All subordinate offices of KPDCL Distribution have been asked to coordinate with the designated Nodal Officer, HashmatRasool Raina, and ensure hourly updates on feeder status during the period of inclement weather. Any major breakdown, prolonged outage, collapse of electrical infrastructure or public safety incident is to be reported immediately. KPDCL has further directed that consumers be kept informed about prolonged outages, restoration activities and safety precautions through all available communication platforms. The Corporation has appealed to the public to remain vigilant, strictly follow official safety advisories and extend full cooperation to KPDCL personnel engaged in restoration of power supply. All officers and officials have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the advisory until further orders.

Flash floods ravage several areas of Kargil, causing widespread damage

Kargil, Jul 20: Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and a possible cloudburst caused extensive damage to property, agricultural land, livestock and public infrastructure across several parts of Kargil district in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Monday. No loss of life has been reported so far. The worst-affected areas include Budgam, Karkitchoo, Choskore, Silmo and YokmaKharboo, where floodwaters inundated villages, damaged houses, washed away agricultural fields and uprooted trees. Silmo was among the worst-hit areas, with significant damage reported to public infrastructure, including irrigation canals, roads and other essential facilities. Residents told Greater Kashmir that the flash floods left several families homeless, swept away livestock and caused extensive damage to private property and road connectivity, severely affecting normal life. We urgently need restoration of essential services, particularly road connectivity. Health teams should also be deployed to the affected villages to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, a resident said. Former Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Feroz Khan, urged the administration to expedite restoration works. Silmo has suffered extensive damage to public infrastructure, irrigation canals and roads. The authorities must immediately restore essential services and undertake a comprehensive assessment of the losses to public property, Khan said. Prominent social activist and politician Sajad Hussain Kargili described the flash floods as a major disaster and appealed to the Ladakh administration to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to affected families. I am deeply saddened by the widespread devastation caused by the flash floods in Sangra, Karkitchoo and Silmo. Homes, private property, irrigation canals and other critical infrastructure have been severely damaged, causing immense hardship to farmers and local residents, Kargili said. He urged the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to order a comprehensive damage assessment, restore the damaged irrigation network and ensure adequate compensation and relief for all those affected. Officials said assessment teams had been deployed to the affected areas to evaluate the extent of damage and coordinate relief measures. Restoration of essential services, including road connectivity and irrigation infrastructure, has also been initiated in the worst-hit villages.

Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Safapora

Ganderbal, Jul 20: Heavy rainfall on Monday triggered flash floods in the Safapora area of Ganderbal district, inundating residential areas and agricultural fields while causing panic among residents. Locals said an intense spell of rain, coupled with a suspected cloudburst in the upper reaches, led to a sudden rise in the water level of local streams and drainage channels, resulting in flood-like conditions. The overflowing water inundated low-lying areas and damaged local roads, disrupting normal life. Local civil society member Muhammad Sidiq said flash floods entered several houses and damaged large tracts of agricultural land along with standing crops. He alleged that illegal soil extraction in the area had aggravated the flooding by disrupting the natural drainage channels and demanded an immediate ban on the practice. The incident comes amid an active monsoon spell across Jammu and Kashmir. Ganderbal recorded more than 46 mm of rainfall during the 24 hours ending Monday morning, while several neighbouring areas also witnessed heavy precipitation. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast widespread rain and thundershowers across Kashmir till July 23 and advised residents, particularly those living near nallahs, hill slopes and flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and follow official advisories. The district administration said emergency teams had been kept on alert and control rooms were monitoring water levels in rivers and tributaries across central Kashmir.

Omars flood assessment visit nothing but drama: Sunil Sharma

Rajouri, Jul 20: Leader of Opposition (LoP) and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Monday termed Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs visit from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir to review the flood situation as nothing but a drama, alleging that the elected government was not serious about addressing the hardships of people affected by the recent flash floods. Speaking to reporters during his visit to flood-hit areas of Rajouri district, where he assessed the damage caused by the recent rains and flash floods, Sharma questioned the purpose of the Chief Ministers return from Delhi if the review meeting with officials was held virtually. The Chief Minister came from Delhi only to stage a drama of reviewing the flood situation. He chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat while all officers attended virtually. If the meeting had to be held online, what was the need for him to return from Delhi? Sharma asked. Referring to the devastation caused by the floods in Rajouri, Sharma said the district had suffered widespread losses, with 17 to 18 deaths reported, and alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir government had failed to respond adequately to the crisis. It is unfortunate that the elected government is not standing with the people. Instead of being on the ground, its leaders are sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi and indulging in political rhetoric over the restoration of statehood, he alleged. The LoP further claimed that the government was more interested in enjoying power than ensuring relief and restoration in the affected areas. He also alleged that legislators of the ruling coalition and Independent MLAs supporting the government were absent from the flood-hit areas. All MLAs of the ruling alliance and supporting Independents are missing from the ground. Only the BJP MLA from Kalakote has been among the people, Sharma claimed. His remarks drew a sharp response from Congress MLA from Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmed, who accused the BJP leader of politicising a humanitarian crisis. Sunil Sharma always finds an opportunity to play politics, even during disasters. From day one, I have been in Rajouri, visiting affected areas and working to restore essential services. The LoP is trying to mislead people through false statements, Ahmed said. The Congress legislator urged the Leader of Opposition to focus on securing financial assistance for flood victims instead of making political allegations. Instead of indulging in politics over the tragedy, he should approach the Centre and seek a comprehensive relief package for the affected families, Ahmed said.

LoP-led BJP delegation visits Poonch, Rajouri

Jammu, Jul 20:Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by the Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Monday visited the flood-affected areas of Poonch and Rajouri districts and met the families impacted by the unfortunate disaster. The BJP delegation took stock of the situation and interacted with the affected families in the worst-impacted areas of Surankote, Dharara, Sangala and other affected villages in Poonch, followed by Rajouri town and adjoining flood-affected localities. The delegation, besides LoP, comprised former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina, MLA and former minister Sham Lal Sharma, J&K BJP vice president and former MLC ShehnazGanie, J&K BJP general secretary Gopal Mahajan, MLA Mohan Lal (MLA), J&K BJP ST Morcha president Abdul Gani and J&K BJP spokesperson Zorawar Singh. During the visit, Sunil Sharma listened to the concerns of the affected people, understood the challenges being faced by them and conducted a detailed review of the situation on the ground. He expressed concern over the hardships faced by the affected families and assured them of continued support and assistance. The LOP directed the district administration to work with urgency and ensure that all possible help reached the affected families without delay. He emphasised the importance of efficient rescue operations, immediate relief assistance, restoration of essential services and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to help people rebuild their lives. Sunil Sharma further stated that a detailed report of the situation in Poonch and Rajouri, including the extent of damage, losses suffered by the people and requirements for relief and rehabilitation, would be submitted to the central government. He said that the concerns and demands of the affected families would be brought to the notice of the appropriate authorities so that necessary assistance and support could be ensured at the earliest. He added that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi always stood with the people during times of crisis and that all possible support would be sought through proper coordination with concerned agencies. Sharma stated that, in this difficult time, all agencies must work in close coordination with sensitivity and commitment so that affected families could receive timely support and relief. He further stressed that the concerns of the people of Poonch and Rajouri must be addressed on priority and every possible effort should be made for their recovery and rehabilitation. The devastating flash floods and landslides triggered by incessant heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday, claimed 18 precious lives, left several persons missing and caused widespread destruction to residential houses, roads, bridges, agricultural land and public infrastructure across Poonch and Rajouri districts. In Rajouri, the delegation, accompanied by BJP district president Dev Raj Sharma and former MLC VibodhGupta, visited the flood-affected localities including Bus Stand, Rampur, Bela, ShivalayMandir, Anandpur Ashram and the slum areas near Dussehra Ground. They interacted with affected families, traders and local residents to assess the extent of damage caused by the flash floods. Later, the delegation held a meeting with BJP party workers and prominent citizens to take stock of the extensive financial losses suffered by the business community and residents of Rajouri town. The leaders assured them that their concerns would be strongly projected before the appropriate authorities to ensure adequate compensation, early restoration of infrastructure and comprehensive rehabilitation. The delegation urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to immediately launch a comprehensive relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction programme, ensuring adequate ex-gratia assistance, financial compensation, temporary and permanent shelter, uninterrupted supply of food, drinking water, medical care, restoration of road connectivity, electricity and all other essential civic amenities. They emphasised that every affected family must receive relief without discrimination and without delay. The leaders also called upon the UT government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the losses suffered by affected households, farmers, traders and small businesses and ensure prompt disbursement of compensation. The BJP leaders appreciated the relentless efforts of the Indian Army, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Civil Administration, Fire and Emergency Services and local volunteers, working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to rescue stranded residents and restore normalcy. Taking serious note of the advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued rainfall with heavy showers until July 22, the delegation urged the district administrations and all concerned departments to remain on high alert and take all necessary precautionary and preventive measures. They emphasised the need to strengthen emergency response systems, pre-position rescue teams and machinery at vulnerable locations, ensure the availability of essential supplies and make adequate arrangements for evacuation, shelter and medical assistance in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to prevent any further loss of life or property. The delegation, however, criticised the National Conference-led UT government for its inadequate presence on the ground during one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in recent years. The leaders observed that while the people were battling the fury of nature, the governments presence and response had failed to meet the expectations of the affected families. They urged the government to personally monitor relief, rehabilitation and restoration works and ensure that every affected household receives timely assistance. The BJP delegation also demanded a comprehensive relief, rehabilitation and infrastructure restoration package under the ongoing SASCI (Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment) for the flood-affected districts of Poonch and Rajouri. The leaders sought immediate financial assistance for the reconstruction of damaged houses, roads, bridges, schools, healthcare institutions, irrigation facilities, drinking water infrastructure and other public assets. They further urged the Government of India to sanction additional developmental works under SASCI to strengthen disaster-resilient infrastructure, undertake flood protection measures and safeguard the vulnerable border districts against future natural calamities. The visiting delegation reiterated its commitment to standing with the people of Poonch and Rajouri and assured that every possible assistance and support would be extended to the affected families. Their concerns would continue to be raised before the concerned authorities to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation.

Flash floods hit Pulwamas Patalbagh, damage crops, inundate homes

Pulwama, Jul 20:Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in Patalbagh village of south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Monday, damaging orchards and vegetable fields, inundating residential houses and prompting the district administration to launch damage assessment and relief measures. The flash flooding occurred after an intense spell of rain sent a sudden surge of water through the village, submerging agricultural land, streets and several residential houses. Sajad Ahmad Dar, a farmer whose family depends on agriculture for its livelihood, said the flash flood caused extensive damage to his vegetable fields and orchard. A sudden gush of water devastated my vegetable farm and orchard. Cultivating vegetables is my primary source of income, Dar said, adding that floodwater also entered his house. Another resident, Irshad Ahmad Dar, said the sudden influx of rainwater created panic as it quickly spread through the village. The water submerged the streets and entered residential houses and other structures, leaving residents worried about further damage, he said. Residents said the flooding occurred within a short span after heavy rainfall, leaving them with little time to move household belongings or protect standing crops. Several vegetable fields remained covered with silt and mud after the water receded, raising concerns over significant losses to this seasons harvest. Officials said no loss of life or injuries had been reported. However, an assessment of damage to crops, agricultural land and private property was underway. The district administration deputed officials to the affected village immediately after receiving information about the flash floods. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Awantipora, visited the area to assess the situation and oversee relief and restoration measures. Officials said teams were closely monitoring the situation and carrying out a detailed survey of the affected areas. The administration also interacted with affected residents and assured them that the losses would be assessed in accordance with established norms and that all eligible assistance would be extended as per government provisions.

Crores spent on Smart City drainage, yet Srinagar waterlogged again

Srinagar, Jul 20:Barely 24 hours after heavy rainfall exposed Srinagars fragile drainage network, another intense spell during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday once again submerged large parts of the city, crippling normal life, disrupting healthcare and commercial activity, and renewing questions over the effectiveness of the Smart City stormwater drainage infrastructure. The nearly two-and-a-half-hour downpour inundated several localities across Srinagar, with Downtown bearing the brunt for the second consecutive day. Kamangarpora, KadiKadal, SarafKadal, Nallahmar Road, Sakidafar, Nowpora, Khanyar, Kawdara and Babdemb remained submerged for hours. Similar scenes were witnessed in Dalgate, Foreshore Road, Eidgah, Hazratbal, Bemina and several other uptown localities. Roads disappeared beneath muddy water, traffic crawled across major routes, and several two-wheelers broke down after getting stranded in flooded stretches. In Babdemb, authorities pressed a JCB into service to cut through a section of a footpath to create an outlet for stagnant water, while local volunteers stood knee-deep in water to push stranded vehicles and guide commuters through submerged roads. Residents said the second consecutive day of flooding had left them frustrated and exhausted. We spent the entire night trying to save our belongings instead of sleeping. Water entered our house again for the second day. If this is the condition after just a couple of hours of rain, what will happen during prolonged rainfall? said Altaf Ahmad, a resident of Downtown.Another resident questioned the functioning of the citys dewatering infrastructure.Every year we hear about crores being spent on drainage and dewatering pumps. But whenever it rains, the pumps either stop working or fail to handle the water. People deserve answers on where this money is being spent, he said.In Kawdara, residents said floodwater entered the ground floor of a shrine, soaking carpets, while several houses suffered damage to wooden flooring, panelling and household belongings. We couldnt even step out to buy bread in the morning. Every lane around the shrine was submerged and water was gushing out of manholes like fountains. It was impossible to tell where the road ended, and the drains began, said a resident.The fresh spell of rain also disrupted healthcare services. Entrances and parking areas of JVC Hospital Bemina and SMHS Hospital were inundated, forcing patients, attendants and healthcare workers to wade through water.It was painful to watch elderly patients and those on wheelchairs struggling through water to reach the hospital. Hospitals should be the last places to face such problems, said Mushtaq Ahmad, an attendant outside JVC Hospital.Residents of Dalgate alleged that despite the presence of dewatering pump stations, they failed to function efficiently, leaving roads, mosques and residential areas inundated. The pumps should remain on high alert during such weather. Instead, we continue to witness repeated failures while entire neighbourhoods remain submerged, a local resident said. A senior official of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) acknowledged that pump stations in the Dalgate area had been overwhelmed due to heavy inflow and a blockage in the system.Our senior officers and field staff immediately reached the spot. The blockage is being cleared on priority. Continuous rainfall overwhelmed several pumping stations across the city, and our teams are working round the clock despite immense pressure, the official said.The rainfall also dealt a severe blow to commercial activity. Water entered shops in Downtown, Goni Khan, Sarai Bala, Lal Chowk and several other markets, damaging electronic goods, perishable items and other merchandise worth lakhs of rupees. My electronics shop has suffered losses worth several lakhs. We had barely recovered from yesterdays flooding when todays rain caused even more damage. We need compensation because small traders cannot survive repeated losses like this, said a shopkeeper in Downtown Srinagar. President of the Shehar-e-Khaas Traders Association, Nazir Ahmad Shah, said the association had taken up the issue with the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar.We have requested the administration to conduct an immediate assessment of the losses suffered by traders. The Deputy Commissioner has assured us that the damage will be assessed. At the same time, a permanent solution to the drainage crisis is the need of the hour because businesses cannot continue to suffer after every spell of rain, Shah said. Many commuters described Monday mornings commute as hazardous. The roads had completely disappeared under water. You couldnt see potholes, open manholes or uneven surfaces. I nearly lost control of my scooter before some volunteers helped me cross, said Farhan Ahmad, a commuter from Eidgah.Residents demanded accountability from the engineers and agencies responsible for executing the Smart City drainage works, arguing that despite substantial public expenditure, the citys vulnerability to urban flooding appeared to have worsened.Responding to the criticism, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner FazlulHaseeb said the city had experienced an exceptionally intense spell of rainfall that exceeded the designed carrying capacity of the drainage network.There was a sudden burst of rainfall lasting nearly two to two-and-a-half hours, much higher than what the drainage system is designed to handle, Haseeb said. He said SMC teams had been on the ground since early morning and had identified nearly 60 waterlogging hotspots, where men and machinery were deployed to drain stagnant water and restore normalcy.

Democracy Behind Barricades

There are moments in politics that expose far more than a disagreement over policy. They reveal how power responds when citizens demand what they believe is rightfully theirs. The events in New Delhi today were one such moment. A peaceful march demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood was met not with dialogue, but with barricades, restrictions and tear gas. The images spoke for themselves. An elected Chief Minister, Members of Parliament, legislators, senior political leaders and ordinary citizens assembled to press a constitutional and democratic demand. Yet they found themselves being treated as though seeking the restoration of democratic rights was an act of defiance rather than an exercise of democracy itself. Statehood is not a concession to be granted at convenience. It is a constitutional commitment repeatedly acknowledged by the Union Government itself. Demanding its restoration cannot be portrayed as unreasonable when even those in power have publicly stated that statehood would eventually return. If that promise exists, then asking for its fulfilment is not confrontation. It is accountability. What made todays events particularly striking was not merely the police response but the contrast it created. Jammu and Kashmir is simultaneously battling devastating floods that have left families displaced, homes damaged and communities struggling to rebuild. Omar Abdullah has spent time moving between flood-hit areas, reviewing relief operations and ensuring that administrative machinery remains focused on those affected. Yet even amid a humanitarian crisis, he travelled to the national capital because leadership sometimes demands balancing immediate governance with long-term constitutional responsibility. Relief for todays victims cannot come at the cost of abandoning tomorrows democratic aspirations. A Chief Minister has a duty to both govern and safeguard the political rights of the people he represents. Those responsibilities are not mutually exclusive. They exist side by side. Critics sitting comfortably behind social media accounts questioned his presence in Delhi. It is always easier to compose tweets than to stand behind barricades. It is easier to comment from a distance than to walk under the scorching July sun, shoulder to shoulder with workers and supporters, for a cause one claims to believe in. Politics ultimately judges leaders by what they are willing to stand for when circumstances become uncomfortable. Perhaps the most powerful image of the day belonged to Dr. Farooq Abdullah. At ninety years of age, he walked alongside workers and colleagues, leading from the front rather than observing from afar. Age did not diminish his resolve. If anything, it amplified the symbolism. While many younger political voices chose commentary over participation, the veteran leader demonstrated that conviction is measured not by rhetoric but by presence. The participation of the Chief Minister, senior leaders, former parliamentarians and dozens of elected legislators underscored another important point. This was not a symbolic gathering organised merely for headlines. It reflected a political organisation prepared to invest its entire leadership in a cause it considers fundamental to Jammu and Kashmirs democratic future. The use of tear gas against such a protest inevitably raises uncomfortable questions. Democracies derive their strength not from suppressing peaceful political expression but from accommodating it, even when the message challenges those in power. Governments confident in their constitutional position should not fear peaceful demonstrations. When elected representatives seeking to articulate a constitutional demand encounter restrictions instead of engagement, it invites debate about the space available for democratic dissent. For the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, however, todays protest carries significance beyond the immediate events. It signals that the campaign for statehood is entering a new phase. This is no longer a matter confined to speeches inside legislative chambers or memoranda submitted to officials. It has become a movement that seeks to mobilise public opinion and remind the nation that constitutional promises cannot remain indefinitely suspended. For many supporters of the National Conference, statehood is also viewed as the beginning of a broader constitutional journey. Restoring an elected governments full authority is the first step toward reopening conversations about stronger constitutional protections for Jammu and Kashmir. Whether one agrees with that political vision or not, it reflects a long-held position within the party rather than a bargaining chip to be exchanged for temporary political accommodation. In that sense, the demand for statehood is presented not as the destination, but as the foundation upon which future constitutional debates may rest. Todays heat was relentless. Temperatures soared, exhaustion was visible and every step demanded perseverance. Yet neither the weather nor the barricades altered the central message carried by those who marched. Political movements are rarely defined by the comfort of their participants. They are remembered for their willingness to persist despite discomfort. History often remembers the first day of a movement differently from those living through it. At the time, it appears to be one protest among many. Later, it comes to represent the moment when silence gave way to sustained resistance. Whether todays demonstration ultimately proves to be such a turning point remains to be seen. But for those who participated, one thing was unmistakable: this was not intended to be a one-day event. If the objective behind restrictions was to discourage the demand for statehood, the outcome may well be the opposite. Barricades can halt a march for a few hours. Tear gas can disperse a crowd. Neither can extinguish an idea whose time, its supporters believe, has come. For the National Conference, todays message was clear. The movement for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood has entered a new chapter. It is rooted in the belief that democracy requires both representation and dignity. It is sustained by the conviction that constitutional commitments must eventually be honoured. And if todays events demonstrated anything, it is that the struggle has not ended before it began. It has only begun. Adv Shriya Handoo, Research Head, Spokesperson, JKNC

A strategic necessity

Jammu and Kashmir needs an independent think tank to guide society on drawing up guidelines for governments at the Centre and Srinagar to make decisions that can help them in winning hearts and minds in the land which sits at a strategic crossroads in one of the most crucial geopolitical regions.This kind of think tank, involving policy-making experts, researchers, scholars, and brains behind the social media outreach, is a strategic necessity. At the moment, there is a peculiar situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where the two main regions are competing toset their own narratives. In truer sense, the Kashmir Valley and parts of the hilly regions of the Jammu province have aligned themselves with a particular narrative. They hold reservations on several issues, which the other side - Jammu plains and a few hilly pockets - describes as the ultimate definition of the current situation. The decisions of August 5, 2019 - the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, and the bifurcation of the State into two Union Territories - have immensely impacted the region. This has given rise to a new narrative: part of it stems from people discovering the pleasures of a normal life, while the rest stems from the constant refrain that Kashmir has changed. This has not been able to reverse the wholeperception. No one has summoned the courage to describe the happenings for over three decades from the 1990s onwardsin the terms they should have been described. Softer terms like turmoil and turbulence are used to describe the darkest chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. There, however, is no condemnation for what had happened all these years. Delhi should understand the underlying meaning of it. There is still a sentiment that prevents them from stating the obvious. Proficiency in exploiting the science of sentiments and extra-national social links and state vulnerabilities isused in day-to-day narration to advance their political aims. This land is full of talent, new ideas, and a fair knowledge of history and political developments across regions within the country and outside of it. This talent needs to be utilized in healthy policymaking for the land and its people. This becomes all the more necessary because J&K has diverse geography, ethnic identities, and, of course, multiple aspirations. Another fact that must be taken into consideration is that it is a political, psychological, and ideological battlefield. This region has also witnessed contests between various forms of nationalism. This can be interpreted as a weakness or otherwise, but the fact remains that this is an inescapable reality. One cannot shut ones eyes to it. This is important at this point of time and can be explained by the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir. There is one school of thought that it can be treated exactlyas some people desire, whileothers believe that the place should have its natural identity and expression. The second school of thought is of the view that expressions and aspirations within prescribed limits should not be restricted. J&K has been cursed by its history. The Himalayan territory witnessedunprecedented upheavals before and after Independence, and matters have been complicated by contradictory interpretations. Kashmir felt important becausePakistan waged three and a half warsfor the territory. This gave an extraordinary sense of being a pivot in international affairs. Though true to some extent, it was a misplaced perception too. Happenings sincethe 1990s haveproven that such narratives lead to imminent disasters. This disaster was man-made. The public utterances of our political leaders regarding statehood and the exalted status that J&K had prior to the abrogation of Article 370, Article 35 A, and the bifurcation of the State into two Union Territories, have convinced me that the political leadership has unprecedented intelligence at its command. The leaders have an in-depth knowledge of history, its twists and turns, and what happened at different stages. To be honest, it was a lesson in political educationof the global standards. Politicians articulate what they observe and experience within the societies they inhabit and represent. What we heard in Kashmir, ahead of protests for statehood to J&K, can impress even international experts. All the leaders from across the political spectrum spoke eloquently and with profound logic. Those who criticized the ruling National Conference for reducing its protest to the restoration of statehoodand not touching the issues of Article 370, Article 35A, and political prisonersalso had tremendous arguments to advance. This makes it all the important for J&K civil society members intellectuals, political scientists and foreign policy experts, and seasoned bureaucrats to set up a think tank, to prepare and circulatepolicy documents. Kashmir cannot be allowed to drift like this. As political leaders and parties dont want to be seen on a single platform even for the issues on which they have broader agreement, such anexercise is a mustto navigate the contradictions in narratives, as discourses that challenge the system are potentially catastrophic. A decades-long armed conflict forced successive governments to continuously deploy security forces to counter terrorism. The sheer intensity of this conflict, along with the narratives it generated, embedded profound illusions that were accepted as everyday realities. The Modi government took certain historic decisions to shatter these illusions , compelling the people to see and feel the reality as it is.This was necessary because more than seven decades of independence were not enough to wake the nation - the people of Jammu and Kashmir, in particular, - to the reality that Delhi is the sole decision-maker for the territory. There is a need for a bridge, an unbiased thought process and policymaking. To say there is trust deficit between Srinagar and Delhi is a gross understatement . That throws up the necessity of having the people who can think constructively to provide a clear path for building bridges. A credible think tank can perform this task, and its worth a try.

Womens decision making

Neuro economics is an interdisciplinary branch of economics that integrates economics, psychology, and neuroscience to understand how people make choices and economic decisions. It emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s with advancements in brain imaging technologies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Electroencephalography (EEG). These technologies allow researchers to observe brain tasks while women make choices involving risk and other aspects. It provides a powerful mechanism for understanding how women make economic decisions by clubbing perceptions from tripartite areas of economics psychology and, neuroscience. Conventional economic models often assume that agents are rational and always try to maximize the utility. Nonetheless, neuroeconomics highlight that economic decision making is highly influenced by cognitive processes, emotions, neural frameworks, and social experiences. These factors are particularly relevant in knowing the choices of women regarding healthcare, education, household management employment, savings, consumption, and investment. The economic decisions of women are by and large governed by multiple duties including family welfare, caregiving, financial stability, budgeting, and long run planning. Neuro economic research studies suggest that these decisions include interactions among brain areas responsible for emotional regulation, reasoning, reward processing, and social cognition. Therefore, it is very important to develop a good interface among these brain areas. A woman can make a good economic decision only when she is emotionally sound, highly appreciated cum rewarded, supported by good reasoning, and has stable social cognition. A proper tuning among these four factors are important for good decision making by women. Rather than viewing these influences as limitations, nueroeconomics recognized them as adaptive line of action or strategies developed in response to socio-economic environments. Women are always expected to give their best once they are found in their best social and economic setting. Under such circumstances, it is expected that all brain areas concerning her fundamentals of life will work properly. Accordingly, her decision making gets constructive and meaningful. In the context of Jammu and Kashmir, neuroeconomic outlooks can play a pivotal role in strengthening womens economic participation and decision-making. Women in the valley often balance household tasks with education, agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, entrepreneurship, and other livelihood activities while simultaneously coping with socio-economic risks. Prolonged exposure to conflict, limited employment opportunities, financial instability, and social constraints can affect emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and risk insights, thereby influencing economic choices. Policies that promote education and health care, emotional well-being, mental health, financial inclusion, sustainability, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and self-help groups can create a conducive environment where women make more informed and confident economic decisions. Reinforcing these supportive factors will not only improve womens individual welfare but also contribute to household adaptability, community development, and the inclusive and sustainable economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir. Neuroeconomics therefore, offers a valuable ground for understanding and designing policies that empower women as dynamic agents of economic transformation in the society. Dr. Binish Qadri, Lecturer, Cluster University Srinagar

A Project Frozen in Time

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A partially built structure at the outlet of Wular Lake in north Kashmir has stood frozen since 1987, which is a mute testimony to the decades of restraint India exercised in the name of goodwill and friendship vis-a-vis Pakistan. The Tulbul Navigation Project, a modest navigation lock on the Jhelum at the lakes outfall, was suspended when India halted construction in good faith following Pakistans objection. Fourteen rounds of bilateral talks produced no resolution; Pakistan consistently chose obstruction over agreement. This article, in two parts, exposes four decades of willful deadlock engineered by Pakistan through the systematic misuse of the Indus Waters Treaty and its enduring cost to Kashmirs economy, waterways, and livelihoods. The costs fall entirely on Kashmir: collapsed navigation, degraded fisheries, and stunted tourism. BACKGROUND For four decades, a partially completed structure has stood at the outlet of Wular Lake in north Kashmir: a monument, unfortunately, not to engineering ambition but to the costs of excessive accommodation. The Tulbul Navigation Project has become an enduring symbol of how the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 has been weaponised by Pakistan to hamper development that touches the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris. THE JHELUM RIVER The Jhelum is the Kashmir Valleys sole natural waterway with viable inland navigation potential. Rising from a spring at Verinag on the valleys southeastern rim, it flows through Khanabal, Anantnag, and Srinagar before emptying into Wular Lake at Baniyari. The lake receives inflows from several streams but drains through a single outlet at Ningli, from where an outfall channel continues to Baramulla. The gentle gradient over this 170 kms stretch between Khanabal and Baramulla has historically made it well suited for navigation. These waterways have long served as Kashmirs commercial lifelines. Before Independence, roughly 70% of the valleys cargo moved by river aboard large wooden boats called khachus, each carrying up to 15 tonnes. As Kashmirs horticulture sector boomed after Independence, especially around Sopore, freight volumes grew sharply, and mechanised river transport gradually replaced the oar-driven khachus. Wular Lake once guaranteed year-round navigability through sustained winter discharge. That changed in the 1960s when, to reduce flooding in Sopore, authorities dredged 20 kilometres of the river channel between Ningli and Baramulla. The intervention achieved its objective, providing much needed relief to the people of Sopore, but produced an unintended consequence: the lake began draining prematurely each winter, cutting discharge to levels too shallow for commercial boats between October and February. Year-round navigation was effectively lost. A PROJECT PAUSED MID-CONSTRUCTION The Tulbul Project was conceived only to restore what had been lost through dredging. A navigation lock and flow-regulation structure at the Wular Lake outfall on the Ningli channel would ensure navigable depth across the critical 20-km stretch to Baramulla throughout the year. Beyond restoring navigation, the project promised flood moderation during the monsoon, reduced road congestion, and a measurable cut in truck emissions along the Jhelum corridor. India began construction in 1984. Pakistan objected almost immediately, characterising the structure as a storage work on the Jhelum, a Western River over which the IWT grants Pakistan dominant allocation rights. India maintained, with considerable technical justification, that the project was neither a dam nor a reservoir but a navigation lock impounding a negligible quantum of water well within permissible limits. Six meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission between May 1986 and July 1987 yielded no agreement. Pakistans objections were purely theoretical and in clear conflict with the fundamental object and purpose of the Treaty, i.e., to attain the most complete and satisfactory utilization of the waters of the Indus system. The Pakistani position, taken to its logical conclusion, would mandate the rapid depletion of Wular Lake without benefit to any stakeholder while imposing lasting navigational harm on the Jhelum. This destructive approach militates against basic common sense and rationality, as well as universally accepted principles of sound water resource management. What followed is among the longest diplomatic standoffs in the Treatys history. When Commission-level talks failed, the matter was escalated to Secretary level. At Pakistans insistence, and as a goodwill gesture to facilitate resolution at the governmental level, India suspended construction on 2 October 1987 even though no provision of the Treaty obligated it to do so. The suspension was initially for three months. Following two rounds of Secretary-level talks, India agreed to an additional three-month suspension and subsequently granted two one-month extensions of the work suspension through June 2, 1988. After five rounds of negotiations, India acceded to Pakistans request for an indefinite suspension pending an amicable settlement. As always, India demonstrated its commitment to the spirit of goodwill and friendship that undergirds the Treaty and made a concession not mandated by the Treaty. Pakistans conduct reveals a consistent purpose: not to resolve, but to prolong and to defeat through delay. The project has remained suspended ever since, a deliberate outcome that serves Pakistans strategic interest in keeping Kashmirs water resources infrastructure perpetually incomplete. Pradeep Kumar Saxena, Former Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters

Waterlogged smart city

Twenty-eight people have lost their lives in the landslides and flash floods across J&K, among them a family in Loran, Poonch, which was buried whole under a hillside that gave way in the night. No compensation, however prompt or well-intentioned, can undo what these families have lost. Closer home, images of the GhantaGhar, that has watched over Lal Chowk for generations, standing in floodwater made the rounds on social media. Other parts of Srinagar were also waterlogged. And yet the rainfall that caused this was not, by the numbers, extraordinary: a little over 45 mm in the city over 24 hours. Compare that to the 90-plus mm recorded in Rajouri. Srinagar did not face days of heavy rain but just ordinary monsoon rain and buckled anyway. That should trouble a city that markets itself, quite literally, as a smart city. Smart city funds have gone into promenades, LED lighting, and heritage facades. Meanwhile, the drains and waterways that are supposed to carry Srinagar's rainwater away remain choked. The city's wetlands and flood basins have shrunk for decades under construction. The Jhelum's flood channels are narrower and shallower than they were a generation ago, the desilting in recent years notwithstanding. When the idea of smart is not backed by investment in stormwater drainage and wetland protection, a city remains exactly as vulnerable as it always was, however many sensors and streetlights it acquires. This is not the first warning Srinagar has received. It will not be the last, either, given that the Met department has forecast more heavy rain through July 23. The immediate task is rescue and relief for the people hit by floods. But once the water recedes, the government owes the city an honest account of why 45 mm of rain was enough to flood its most iconic square and a real plan, not another slogan, to make sure the next spell of ordinary monsoon rain does not do the same.

People of J&K cant be kept waiting indefinitely: Farooq Abdullah

New Delhi, Jul 20:National Conference (NC) President and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday led his party's protest in the national capital, urging the Centre to fulfil its commitment to restore J&K's statehood and asserting that the people of J&K could not be kept waiting indefinitely for promises repeatedly made before Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the nation. Leading hundreds of party leaders and workers towards Jantar Mantar, Abdullah said the NC had assembled in New Delhi not to seek political concessions but to remind the Centre of assurances it had itself made regarding the restoration of J&K's democratic status. The protest, attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior party functionaries, and workers from different wings of the party, was organised on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session to press for the immediate restoration of statehood. The march was stopped by the Delhi Police before it could reach Jantar Mantar, with the NC alleging that restrictions were imposed on the demonstrators and tear gas was used to disperse protesters. Addressing party workers after the protest was halted, Abdullah said the NC had come to the country's capital with a single objective - to seek the restoration of the rights, dignity, and honour of the people of J&K. We have gathered here to seek the restoration of the rights, dignity, and honour of the people of J&K. We are also demanding the restoration of full statehood. These are not new demands. They are promises made by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister before Parliament, before the Supreme Court, and before the people of J&K, he said. The three-time chief minister said the Centre had repeatedly assured the people that statehood would be restored after the completion of the electoral process, but the commitment had remained unfulfilled. The time has come for those promises to be honoured. We are not asking for anything extraordinary. We are only asking the Government to fulfil the assurances it has repeatedly given, he said. Abdullah said the issue before the NC was not merely administrative but one concerning the democratic rights and political dignity of the people. He said J&K had a long constitutional and democratic history and its people deserved the same constitutional status enjoyed by citizens in other parts of the country. Our fight is for dignity, democracy and constitutional rights. The people of J&K have exercised patience. They have participated in the democratic process with the hope that commitments made to them would be honoured. That hope should not be betrayed, he said. The former CM said the NC would continue to pursue its demand through peaceful and democratic means. This is a constitutional struggle. It is not directed against any individual or institution. We are reminding the Government of its own promises and asking it to respect the trust of the people, he said. Referring to the Supreme Court's observations on the restoration of statehood, Abdullah said the apex court had also expected the process to be completed at the earliest. The government itself gave an assurance before the Supreme Court. It is now for the government to act in accordance with those commitments, he said. The NC president also criticised the restrictions imposed on the party's protest, saying democratic governments should allow peaceful demonstrations. Our intention was to hold a peaceful protest. Democracy gives every citizen the right to express his or her views peacefully. Such voices should be heard, not stopped, he said. Abdullah also expressed solidarity with students protesting over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He said the concerns raised by students deserved serious attention instead of police action.These children are the future of this country. Tomorrow they will shoulder the responsibility of leading India. They are fighting for their rights and demanding justice. The Government should listen to them instead of responding with force, Abdullah said.The former CM also raised the issue of Ladakh and sought the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital. He said Wangchuk's campaign was centred on safeguarding the interests of the people of Ladakh and strengthening peace in the strategically important region.The concerns of Ladakh also deserve attention. Sonam Wangchuk should be released from the hospital. He is seeking the rights of the people of Ladakh. Ladakh is surrounded by China and Pakistan. He wants peace and stability there. There is nothing wrong with demanding justice for the people, Abdullah said.Since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019, Abdullah has consistently maintained that restoration of statehood is the minimum constitutional and democratic requirement for J&K. Although the Centre has repeatedly stated that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time after the Assembly elections, no formal timeline has been announced.The NC has made restoration of statehood the centrepiece of its political campaign, arguing that an elected government can function effectively only when J&K regains the constitutional status enjoyed by other states.Party leaders said Monday's protest was intended to carry that message directly to the national capital and to Parliament as the Monsoon Session commenced. Despite being prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar, Abdullah said the NC would continue its campaign peacefully and democratically until the Centre fulfilled its commitment. Our struggle will continue. We have faith in democracy and in the constitution. We will continue reminding the government of its promises until the people of J&K get back their rights, their dignity and their statehood, he said.

CM Omar questions delay in statehood restoration

New Delhi, Jul 20:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the continued delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of failing to honour commitments made before Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the people of J&K.Participating in the NC's protest led by NC President Farooq Abdullah in the national capital, CM Omar said the party had travelled to New Delhi not to seek any concession but to demand what he described as the legitimate constitutional rights of the people of J&K. The protest was attended by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior party leaders and workers. It was organised on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session to press for the immediate restoration of statehood.Addressing party workers after police prevented the protesters from marching towards Jantar Mantar, CM Omar said the denial of permission to hold a peaceful demonstration reflected an erosion of democratic values. We came to the capital of our country to peacefully demand what rightfully belongs to the people of J&K. Unfortunately, even peaceful protest is not being permitted. Democracy is being strangled, he said. The CM said the NC had deliberately chosen New Delhi for the protest because the issue of J&K often failed to receive sustained national attention. We wanted to remind the central government of the promises it made before Parliament and before the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections. Those assurances were not made privately; they were made before the entire nation. Today we are only asking the government to honour its own commitment, he said. CM Omar questioned the Centre's repeated assertion that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, saying the phrase had become increasingly difficult to understand. We keep hearing that statehood will be restored at the appropriate time. What exactly is that appropriate time? The people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited patiently. If there is no intention to restore statehood, then the Government should say so clearly instead of repeatedly making vague assurances, he said. Referring to the Supreme Court's observations while deciding petitions challenging the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, CM Omar said the apex court had expected the restoration of statehood at the earliest. The Supreme Court also observed that statehood should be restored at the earliest. We are only asking the government to respect those observations and fulfil the assurances it has repeatedly given, he said. The CM described the restoration of statehood as far more than a political slogan, saying it was essential for restoring democratic accountability and strengthening institutions in J&K.He said an elected government without full statehood continued to face administrative and constitutional limitations. Our demand is about restoring the democratic rights of the people. It is about dignity, accountability and ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir enjoys the same constitutional status as other states of the country, CM Omar said. The protest witnessed dramatic scenes after police imposed restrictions on the movement of demonstrators.Prevented from reaching the protest venue through his official convoy, CM Omar hailed an autorickshaw to continue his journey, accompanied by his sons Zamir and Zaheer Abdullah. The unusual mode of transport attracted widespread attention, with security personnel struggling to keep pace as some followed on motorcycles while others hired autorickshaws.After reaching Prithviraj Road, CM Omar personally paid the driver before joining party workers protesting near the Constitution Club after they were denied permission to gather at Jantar Mantar.Sharing a video of the ride on social media, CM Omar struck a defiant note. My walk from Jantar Mantar was about to turn into another procession, so we grabbed the first available means of transport, he posted. In another post, he said the restrictions would not weaken the party's resolve.We were stopped from getting to Jantar Mantar and stopped from protesting peacefully for what is rightfully ours, but we were not silenced. This is only the beginning of our struggle for statehood, our rights, our dignity and everything that was taken away from us, the CM posted.He also used the occasion to express solidarity with students protesting over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.Condemning the reported use of tear gas against student protesters in Delhi, CM Omar said young people seeking justice should not be treated as lawbreakers.These young boys and girls have gathered here from across the country. They are seeking justice regarding the irregularities in the NEET examination, the hardships they faced and the anxiety they continue to experience. They want accountability. It is unfortunate that tear gas was used against them so ruthlessly, he said.The CM said democratic societies must protect the right to peaceful protest rather than suppress it.Earlier, he had briefly interrupted his stay in the national capital on Sunday to return to Jammu and chair a high-level meeting to review the flash flood situation in the Pir Panjal region following heavy rainfall. After reviewing relief and rescue operations, he returned to New Delhi early Monday morning to participate in the NC's statehood protest. Party leaders said CM Omar's decision to return to Delhi immediately after reviewing the flood situation reflected the importance the government attached to the demand for restoration of statehood.Since assuming office following last year's Assembly elections, CM Omar has consistently maintained that restoration of statehood remains the government's foremost political priority.The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has already passed a resolution seeking restoration of statehood, while CM Omar has repeatedly raised the issue during meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other union ministers. The Monday's protest is being viewed as an attempt by the NC to maintain pressure on the Centre by taking the issue beyond J&K and into the national political arena.Despite restrictions on the protest, CM Omar said that the party's movement would remain peaceful and constitutional. Our struggle is not against anyone. It is for the restoration of what belongs to the people of J&K. We will continue to pursue this cause democratically until the promise of statehood is fulfilled, he said.

NC stages protest in Delhi, seeks restoration of statehood to J&K

New Delhi/ Srinagar, Jul 20:National Conference (NC) on Monday staged coordinated protest demonstrations in the national capital and across Jammu and Kashmir, intensifying its campaign for the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights to J&K while accusing the Centre of failing to honour repeated commitments made before Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the people of J&K. The main demonstration, led by National Conference President and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, witnessed the participation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior party leaders, office-bearers and workers from the party's youth and women's wings. The protest coincided with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, a move the party said was intended to remind the Centre of its assurances that J&K's statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections. According to the NC, the protesters had planned to march peacefully to Jantar Mantar, the designated venue for public demonstrations in New Delhi. However, Delhi Police stopped the procession before it could reach the venue. The party alleged that police imposed restrictions on the march and used tear gas to disperse protesters, a development that drew sharp criticism from the NC leadership. Addressing party workers after the protest was stopped, Farooq Abdullah said the NC had travelled to New Delhi not for confrontation but to seek justice for the people of J&K. We have come here to seek the restoration of the rights, dignity, and honour of the people of J&K. We are also here to demand the restoration of full statehood. These are not new demands. They are commitments made by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister before Parliament, before the Supreme Court, and before the people of J&K. We have come to remind the government that the time has come to fulfil those promises, he said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the delegation had intended to stage a peaceful sit-in but was prevented from doing so despite seeking only to press for the implementation of commitments already made by the Centre. We came to the capital of our country to peacefully demand what rightfully belongs to the people of J&K. Unfortunately, even peaceful protest is not being permitted. Democratic rights are being curtailed, he said. CM Omar said the NC had chosen to hold the protest in New Delhi because the issue of J&K often failed to receive adequate attention at the national level. We wanted to remind the government of the promises made before Parliament and before the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored soon after the Assembly elections. Instead of honouring those assurances, we continue to hear that it will happen at an 'appropriate time'. What is that appropriate time? The people deserve a clear answer, he said. The CM also referred to the Supreme Court's observations on the restoration of statehood, saying the apex court had expected the process to be completed at the earliest. If the government has no intention of restoring statehood, it should say so openly instead of repeatedly making promises without any timeline, he said. Following restrictions on movement towards Jantar Mantar, CM Omar travelled in an autorickshaw to continue participating in the protest after security arrangements prevented his convoy from proceeding further. In a post on social media, he said the party would continue its democratic struggle despite the restrictions. We were stopped from getting to Jantar Mantar and stopped from protesting peacefully for what is rightfully ours, but we were not silenced. This is only the beginning of our struggle for statehood, our rights, our dignity and everything that was taken away from us, Omar posted. The protest in the national capital was mirrored across J&K, where NC units organised demonstrations at district headquarters and party offices. In Srinagar, party leaders and workers assembled at the Nawa-e-Subha headquarters before taking out a protest march demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional rights. The programme was chaired by Srinagar District President Pir Afaq Ahmad and attended by party office-bearers, workers, and supporters from different walks of life. However, as the procession attempted to move towards its planned destination, police and security personnel prevented it from proceeding further. Similar demonstrations were organised at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu and at district headquarters across J&K, where party workers carried placards demanding restoration of statehood, constitutional guarantees, and democratic rights. Throughout the demonstrations, protesters raised slogans calling upon the Centre to fulfil its commitments and restore the constitutional position that existed before the reorganisation of J&K. The NC said that the demand for statehood was neither political rhetoric nor an electoral promise but an issue repeatedly acknowledged by the Centre itself. Party leaders pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on several occasions publicly stated that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time. They also referred to submissions made by the Centre before the Supreme Court during hearings on petitions challenging the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. The Supreme Court, while delivering its verdict in December 2023, had upheld the constitutional validity of the abrogation of Article 370 but observed that statehood should be restored at the earliest. Since assuming office after the Assembly elections, the Omar Abdullah-led government has repeatedly passed resolutions and raised the issue before the Centre, describing restoration of statehood as essential for ensuring democratic governance, administrative accountability and the protection of the rights of the people. Monday's protest marked one of the largest political mobilisations by the NC outside J&K since the formation of the elected government in J&K. The party leadership described the demonstrations as the beginning of a sustained democratic campaign and indicated that similar programmes would continue until the Centre announced a clear roadmap for restoring statehood. We will continue to pursue our demand peacefully and democratically. Our struggle is constitutional and our objective is the restoration of the democratic rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, senior NC leaders said. The protests also came against the backdrop of growing political pressure from parties across J&K, all of which have been demanding early restoration of statehood. Despite restrictions in the national capital and the police action reported by the party, NC leaders said that they would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside the legislature until the Centre fulfilled what they described as its constitutional and political commitment to the people of J&K.

CM Omar announces Rs 6 lakh relief to NoK of victims

Srinagar/ Jammu/ New Delhi, Jul 20:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday reviewed the situation arising out of heavy rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, directing the administration to accelerate restoration of essential services, strengthen preparedness in vulnerable areas and ensure immediate relief to affected families, even as he announced an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in the rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts. Chairing a high-level review meeting through video conference from New Delhi, the Chief Minister took stock of the restoration of power and water supply, road connectivity, relief operations, healthcare arrangements, availability of food and essential commodities and the preparedness of all departments in view of continuing adverse weather conditions across J&K. The meeting was informed that restoration of power supply in Poonch district was progressing on a war footing and was expected to be completed by Monday evening. CM Omar directed the Power Development Department to complete the restoration within the stipulated timeline and ensure that any remaining issues were addressed without delay. The Chief Minister also reviewed the condition of roads affected by landslides, flash floods and heavy rainfall and instructed the concerned departments to expedite restoration works, particularly on roads critical for movement of people, relief operations and essential services. Stressing continued vigilance, CM Omar directed district administrations to maintain focused attention on vulnerable habitations and take all necessary measures to safeguard residents living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. He instructed officers to make use of historical flood data to identify high-risk locations along rivers and streams and ensure timely evacuation wherever required. The CM also ordered strict regulation of traffic movement on landslide-prone and shooting-stone vulnerable stretches to minimise accidents and ensure public safety. He directed the administration to ensure uninterrupted supply of food grains, medicines, drinking water and other essential commodities in the affected areas. CM Omar asked the departments concerned to maintain adequate stocks and undertake advance distribution of rations wherever continued rainfall could disrupt road connectivity. Expressing concern over widespread waterlogging witnessed in several parts of Srinagar following Sunday's heavy rainfall, he directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments to adopt a proactive approach to urban flood management. The CM instructed that men, machinery and dewatering pumps be pre-positioned at identified vulnerable locations to ensure quick drainage of accumulated rainwater and restoration of normal public movement. Reviewing the situation in Kashmir division, the Divisional Commissioner informed the meeting that despite heavy rainfall, the overall situation remained under control and essential infrastructure, including roads and drinking water supply, continued to function normally. He said migratory families residing in vulnerable areas had been shifted to safer locations. The meeting was informed that in view of the forecast of intense rainfall across South Kashmir on Monday, advance warnings had already been issued and the entire administrative machinery had been mobilised to respond promptly to any eventuality. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, informed the CM that major road stretches damaged during Saturday's rains had been restored while work was continuing on a war footing to repair power transmission lines and restore drinking water supply, particularly in Poonch district. He said additional doctors, including gynaecologists, had been deployed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in remote areas. Relief centres providing food, drinking water and medicines were fully operational, while the process for disbursement of the Chief Minister's ex gratia relief had already commenced. The administration also informed the meeting that allocation of essential supplies, including three months' food grains, was being processed on priority, petroleum supplies were being closely monitored and restoration of mobile connectivity in the affected areas was progressing steadily. The Jal Shakti Department informed the meeting that localised damage had been reported to water supply infrastructure and irrigation channels in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Restoration works were being carried out on a war footing with adequate manpower, machinery and field response teams deployed across vulnerable locations to restore water supply and irrigation facilities at the earliest. CM Omar directed all departments to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, closely monitor weather forecasts and remain fully prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging situation. He instructed the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to submit detailed situation reports every six hours to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction to facilitate continuous monitoring and timely decision-making. Reiterating that the safety and well-being of the people remained the government's highest priority, the CM directed the administration to act proactively, efficiently and with empathy to ensure that no citizen suffered during the prevailing weather conditions. He emphasised speedy restoration of essential services, timely relief to affected families and effective preparedness to deal with any further weather-related challenges. Earlier in the day, CM Omar announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh each for the next of kin of persons who lost their lives in the flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts. The relief package comprises Rs 4 lakh under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives, the CM said that while no amount of financial assistance could compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the bereaved families, the government stood firmly with them during this difficult time. While no amount of financial assistance can ever compensate for the irreparable loss of life caused by the flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri, an ex gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh is being provided to the next of kin of each deceased as an immediate measure of support, he said. The announcement followed the high-level review of the situation in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods and rain-related incidents that struck the twin border districts, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread damage to public and private property. During the review, CM Omar directed the administration to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation of affected families, stressing that all possible assistance should reach them without delay. He also called for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to restore essential services and expedite relief measures. Meanwhile, the CM also expressed profound grief over the death of three persons in separate shooting-stone incidents at Raggi Nallah and Jathi Ganika in Doda district, which also left six persons injured. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. CM Omar directed the district administration and health authorities to ensure immediate and adequate medical treatment for the injured and emphasised that every possible assistance should be extended to the affected families without delay. He also expressed sympathy with families that suffered the loss of livestock due to a lightning strike at Mal Pathar Dhar. Reiterating the government's commitment to standing by people affected by natural calamities, the CM said the administration would continue to closely monitor the situation and provide all necessary assistance to those impacted. The review meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioners, and senior officers of key infrastructure departments and other concerned agencies.

Red alert for parts of J&K

Srinagar, Jul 20:The Meteorological Department (MeT) on Monday issued a red alert for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, mudslides and overflowing rivers till July 23. The Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department also issued a flood advisory for south Kashmir following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of intense rainfall over the Jhelum basin. According to the IMD, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian are likely to receive 50-100 mm of rainfall on Tuesday morning, followed by another spell of lighter rain on Wednesday morning. Rainfall remained widespread across J&K on Monday. In Kashmir, Sopore recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall at 55.4 mm, followed by Ganderbal with 46 mm, and Srinagar 45.6 mm. Budgam received 15 mm, Handwara 14.6 mm, Qazigund 12.4 mm, Bandipora 10.5 mm, Kokernag 9.2 mm, Gulmarg 8.2 mm, Pahalgam 3.2 mm, Shopian 3 mm, Pulwama 2 mm, Anantnag 1 mm, and Kulgam 0.2 mm. While the plains of south Kashmir recorded light rainfall, the higher reaches witnessed significantly heavier showers. In the Jammu division, Poonch recorded 66 mm of rainfall, followed by Rajouri with 54.8 mm, Katra 53.2 mm, Samba 45 mm, Jammu 42.7 mm, Reasi 23.1 mm, Kathua 18.2 mm, Batote 5.3 mm, Kishtwar 2 mm, Banihal 1.1 mm, and Doda 1 mm. The I&FC Department advised people to stay away from rivers, streams, nallahs, and other flood-prone areas, avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable locations and keep track of official weather and flood advisories. The expected rainfall may trigger flash floods and a rapid rise in water levels in channels, khuls, streams, nallahs and other watercourses, particularly in the higher reaches and hilly areas of South Kashmir. Water levels in the major tributaries and the River Jhelum are also expected to rise, the advisory said. Director MeT, Mukhtar Ahmad, said the Pir Panjal range and Chenab Valley were expected to receive the heaviest rainfall during the current spell, while Kashmir was likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall, with south Kashmir expected to receive brief spells of torrential rain. Heavy rainfall and, at some places, very heavy rainfall is expected, especially in the Pir Panjal range and Chenab Valley, Ahmad said. He advised tourists, transporters, and residents to strictly follow official advisories and avoid vulnerable areas during the wet spell. The MeT Department has also advised farmers to suspend irrigation and other agricultural operations for the next three to four days. Despite the widespread rainfall, water levels in the Jhelum and its major tributaries in south Kashmir remained below the alarm and danger marks on Monday evening. The widespread rainfall brought respite from the brief heatwave that had gripped Kashmir since Sunday, although humid conditions persisted. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 27.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Qazigund with 28 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 26.9 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 26.5 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 22.2 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 18.1 degrees Celsius. In the Jammu division, Jammu city recorded 29.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Banihal and Katra with 27 degrees Celsius each, Bhaderwah 26.5 degrees Celsius, and Batote 24.9 degrees Celsius.

Energy shock vs AI boom: RBI should act as and when external shocks push domestic data in a direction, not until then

Global growth faces pressure from an energy shock and a tech boom. The energy shock stems from conflict, impacting oil prices and shipping routes. Meanwhile, an AI boom supports growth, particularly in the United States. India's monetary policy must navigate these conflicting external conditions. RBI's MPC will likely adopt a wait-and-see approach to policy decisions.

Don't put a toll on UPI: Why merchant discount rate isn't the answer

A proposal to introduce a merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above 2,000 for businesses with annual turnover of 1-1.5 crore aims to address the cost of maintaining the payments ecosystem. While banks and payment providers need a sustainable revenue model, the article argues that reintroducing MDR would undermine UPI's biggest strengtha simple, universal, zero-cost payment system.

J&K CM announces Rs 6 lakh ex gratia for kin of flash flood, rain victims in Rajouri, Poonch

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced an ex gratia relief of 6 lakh for the next of kin of each person who lost their life in the rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts, as an immediate measure to support the bereaved families. Expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives caused by the flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents, the Chief Minister said that while no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the affected families, the Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time. While no amount of financial assistance can ever compensate for the irreparable loss of life caused by yesterdays flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri, an ex gratia relief of 6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased as an immediate measure of support for the bereaved families, the Chief Minister said. The relief package comprises 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional 2 lakh from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund (CMRF). The announcement follows the high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Sunday evening in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods and other rain-related incidents that struck the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread damage to public and private property. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the administration to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation of the affected families, stressing that all possible assistance should reach them without delay. He also underscored the need for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to restore essential services and expedite relief measures in the affected areas

British military says ship is ablaze in Strait of Hormuz near coast of Oman

Dubai, Jul 20: A ship caught fire early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz near the coastline of Oman, the British military said. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center issued a warning about the fire, saying it was unclear what sparked the blaze. The US military has been encouraging ships to use a route near Oman to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with attacks targeting those vessels, insisting it must have control over the crucial waterway through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed in peacetime. The United States began a new round of airstrikes early Monday targeting Iran after announcing the death of another American service member, and Iran fired missiles toward Jordan that risked widening the conflict into neighboring Israel. Step by step, the US and Iran have inched closer to all-out war as last month's interim deal meant to permanently end the fighting has crumbled and shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled. Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. The US military said the service member was killed in Iraq on Saturday during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone. Earlier, the military said its strikes targeted Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard to retaliate for Friday's killing of troops in Jordan. One service member was missing after that attack, and the military's new statement said unidentified remains were found Sunday and were being examined. Since the war began, 17 U.S. service members have been killed. The renewed exchanges of fire, now in their second week, have seen the U.S. target bridges and electrical facilities in Iran. The US military's Central Command announced a new round of strikes early Monday, now into their ninth straight night. The strikes will continue degrading Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Central Command said in a statement. Tehran has retaliated by hitting U.S.-allied countries throughout the Middle East. Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait again activated air defenses for incoming Iranian drones and missiles. Israel warned that missiles launched toward neighboring Jordan could cause fire to spill over into Israeli territory for the first time in weeks. Iran says a nuclear site under construction was hit ----------------------------------------------------- Footage released Sunday by the U.S. military appeared to show strikes carried out by fighter jets and by Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from the sea. One target site appeared to be in a valley of a mountainous region. The Guard often has missile bases and other military equipment tucked into mountain ranges. Iran's atomic energy agency said U.S. strikes targeted the construction site of a planned nuclear power plant in the southwest, state television reported. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC of the Darkhovin nuclear plant site showed earth clearing but little construction as of July 9. Iran did not previously announce it as being targeted. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the site, in the very early stages of construction, contained no nuclear material when the U.N. watchdog last visited. Jordan and nearly every Gulf Arab state have been targeted ---------------------------------------------------------------- Jordan's military said it shot down several Iranian missiles. The country hosts major U.S. bases and relies on U.S. air-defense systems. The missiles did not cause casualties or damage, according to Jordan's military. Jordan later summoned Iran's charg d'affaires to protest, state-run television reported. Israel's military said Iranian missiles launched toward the Jordanian port city of Aqaba just across the border could spill over, warning Israelis to expect the first air-raid sirens in weeks. Eilat, the Israeli city that neighbors Aqaba, cited security officials as saying two interceptors were launched from its outskirts to prevent the fall of debris. During the latest fighting, Iran has focused attacks on U.S.-allied Arab states rather than Israel, which launched the war with the U.S. on Feb. 28. We are prepared to immediately resume combat, the Israeli military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said. Kuwait said one of its power and water desalination plants was attacked for the second time in two days, causing fires. Its Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said the power grid remains stable. In Kuwait, about 90% of drinking water comes from desalination. The secretary-general of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, has accused Iran of war crimes for strikes on infrastructure and civilian facilities. International humanitarian law generally protects civilian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants from attack, but such sites can lose protections if used for military purposes. In such cases, attacks must be proportionate and minimize civilian harm. (AP)

IAF joins multinational exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will begin its participation in the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) premier multinational air combat exercise, Exercise Pitch Black 2026, at RAAF Base Darwin from Sunday. The biennial exercise, scheduled from July 20 to August 7, brings together air forces from across the world for complex multinational air combat operations and large force employment missions. Named after its focus on night flying over the sparsely populated regions of northern Australia, this year's edition marks one of the largest in the exercise's 45-year history in terms of participating forces. The IAF contingent comprises pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other specialists. India will deploy its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft in combat support roles. According to the IAF, the exercise will provide an opportunity to enhance interoperability with partner air forces, strengthen force integration and exchange operational best practices for conducting multinational air operations in complex scenarios. The exercise will also help validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances while deepening professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region through realistic and challenging operational missions. The IAF has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, underscoring India's continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and promoting regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Rajnath Singh chairs all-party meeting ahead of Monsoon Session

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an all-party meeting at the Parliament House Complex to discuss issues related to the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The meeting, convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, was attended by 58 leaders from 40 political parties, including Union ministers and floor leaders. Rijiju informed the leaders that the Monsoon Session will begin on July 20 and is scheduled to conclude on August 13, subject to government business, with a total of 19 sittings over 25 days. The government sought cooperation from all parties for the smooth functioning of Parliament and expressed readiness to discuss important issues on the floor of the House in accordance with parliamentary rules.

Delhi High Court says Wangchuk's hospitalisation 'not arbitrary', refuses interim relief

The Delhi High Court on Sunday held that the government's decision to shift climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital was ot arbitrary and declined to pass an interim order directing his discharge, Bar & Bench reported. Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that Wangchuk was under continuous medical supervision and had consented to the administration of electrolytes, adding that there was no violation of his right to bodily autonomy. According to Bar & Bench, the Court said that since Wangchuk had not voluntarily admitted himself to a hospital despite his deteriorating health, the government was within its rights to intervene. Referring to an earlier order of a Division Bench, the Court observed that every life is precious. The Court also took note of the Centre's submission that Wangchuk's family had unrestricted access to him throughout the day and had been provided a separate room at the hospital. It concluded that no interim directions were required at this stage. However, the Court directed that Wangchuk's medical reports be shared with his family members, issued notice to all parties and posted the matter for hearing on July 24. Appearing for Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that Wangchuk should be allowed to move to a hospital of his choice, contending that he was neither under detention nor facing any criminal case. He also alleged that the activist had been denied access to his lawyers and independent doctors after being admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre, said Wangchuk was being treated by a joint team of doctors from AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital. He submitted that prolonged fasting had led to medical complications and that while Wangchuk had agreed to take sugar-free oral electrolytes, he had declined intravenous fluids and certain medications. Doctors informed the Court that Wangchuk was dehydrated, had low potassium levels and required further treatment. The Centre also said it was prepared to shift him to AIIMS if necessary, while maintaining that he was receiving appropriate medical care. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of students protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET (UG). He was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on July 18 after his health reportedly deteriorated.

Spain wins the World Cup by beating defending champions Argentina 1-0

East Rutherford, Jul 20: Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. Spain was absolutely dominant in terms of possession and shot attempts. Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to hang on and force extra time but barely. And in the opening moment of the second 15-minute period of extra time, Torres pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar and into the back of the net. Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time after getting his second yellow card, meaning Argentina was forced to finish the match with only 10 players. Fernandez was carded for a reckless play that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, and the card came out immediately. Another foul about two minutes after play resumed gave Lamine Yamal a chance to win it from about 22 yards out on a free kick. Yamal's strike was curling toward the right post, and Martinez dived to knock it away for his 10th save of the afternoon the most ever in a World Cup final. He leaped to his feet, punching the air and imploring the crowd to get loud. Not long after that came the whistle, sending the game to extra time. Spain took 15 shots in regulation, Argentina none. Spain took nine corners, Argentina one. And somehow, 90-plus minutes of that sort of dominance wasn't enough. With its victory, Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold the World Cup crowns in both men's and women's soccer. It was the 104th and last match of the biggest World Cup ever, a 48-team event that played out over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, it was no surprise that there were more goals than all other editions 308. The spectacle was not limited to simply soccer. Celebrities from all walks of life were there. Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Will Ferrell, Cillian Murphy, Daniel Craig, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Hudson, Jon Hamm, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker were among the actors at the game. The NBA had enough talent there for a full All-Star Game, with the list of players attending including Stephen Curry, Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Bronny James, Cade Cunningham, Cooper Flagg, Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Draymond Green, Jalen Brunson, Jalen Williams, James Harden, Jaylen Brown, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant and Tyrese Haliburton. Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz were among the tennis royalty watching, the NFL had names like Eli Manning, Patrick Mahomes, Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley in attendance, two of the greatest U.S. skiers ever in Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn were at the match and, of course, there were soccer royalty with the likes of Kaka, David Beckham, Didier Drogba and Zinedine Zidane. Post Malone headlined the closing ceremony, which started about 90 minutes before the final was set to begin and just a few minutes after Messi and Argentina arrived at the stadium. The halftime show a first for FIFA and part of a 27-minute break featured Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS, along with Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus with Coldplay, and even characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets. President Donald Trump was present as well, with plans calling for him to be part of the trophy presentation at the conclusion of the match. I won't pick sides, Trump told Fox Sports in an interview released Sunday afternoon before the final. I just think it's very hard to bet against Messi. He's great. (AP)

Air India Group expects 50-60 new planes in 18 months: Nipun Aggarwal

Air India Group expects to get 50-60 new aircraft in the next 18 months and the transformation programme is on track even as the airlines' industry has been impacted by multiple black swan events, according to a senior executive. Loss-making Air India was acquired by Tata Group in January 2022, and the airline is in the middle of an ambitious transformation plan. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, said there have been onnes of learning in the last few years and that it was a complex as well as challenging project. I think this industry itself has gone through several challenges. And we have been hit by multiple black swan events, which I don't think anybody could have forecasted when we started this transformation journey. The supply chain issues, the airspace issues, the oil price volatility, and the geopolitical issues, he said. Aggarwal, who spoke after a panel discussion in Abu Dhabi on July 15, said the group was dealing with the issues and added that we are on track with our transformation programme. Currently, Air India and Air India Express together have more than 290 planes. Air India has faced multiple headwinds, including the fatal crash of its Dreamliner last June that killed 260 people. The airline has embarked on an ambitious five-year transformation plan, and Aggarwal said most of the planned things are pretty much happening, including fleet modernisation and investments in MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) activities. On the other hand, there have been delays in aircraft deliveries and retrofits. We have been hit by these external events, which have kind of badly hit us in ways that we could have never imagined. But we are on track, we will get there. We are very optimistic. It may take a little longer, but we will get there, he said. The comments also came amid reports suggesting that the transformation plan could be delayed. Air India Group has placed orders for almost 600 aircraft, and less than 10 per cent of them have been delivered. The remaining planes will be delivered over a period till the middle of the next decade. We will be adding 50 to 60 aircraft every year for the next seven to eight years... the deliveries will pick up pace from the end of this year and then from next year onwards, we have our steady stream of aircraft coming in, both wide-body and narrow-body. About 10-15 wide-bodies and 45 to 50 narrow-bodies every year, Aggarwal said. In the next 18 months, he said the group should be getting almost 50-60 aircraft. While Air India Express is expected to complete the retrofitting of all its planes into a single harmonised fleet by March next year, Air India's wide-body aircraft are anticipated to be retrofitted in the next two to three years. According to Aggarwal, the retrofit of Dreamliners or Boeing 787s would happen by the middle of next year while that of Boeing 777s would take a little longer. We are already getting deliveries of (Boeing) MAX 8 that remains on track. We will be amongst the first few customers to get MAX 10 deliveries, and that is awaiting certification. It's in very advanced stages, and hopefully that will start sometime next year, early next year, he said. Air India has been facing operational issues with some of its legacy wide-body aircraft. We have been through that period where we have to sustain the older aircraft, older cabins. That has been a very painful period for us, but now that is behind us. The fleet modernisation and upgradation is picking up pace now. Hopefully, by the beginning of the next financial year, we will be in a much better situation, Air India's Chief Commercial Officer said. In recent months, Air India has curtailed some of its services due to high oil prices and other factors in the wake of the West Asia conflict. Aggarwal said Air India is restoring the network from the second half of this year. We took some curtailment in the network in the first half of this year, but by and large now we are restoring the network from second half of this year, all Middle East already we are back to 90 per cent and in Europe and the US whatever curtailments we have taken, were taken August-September end, most of those flights are already back on sale now... We will be back to where we were pre-war in a couple of months from now, he said. Meanwhile, Air India is investing in improving customer experience across various touch points, such as having new service standards for the crew and the airport staff. No matter how much hardware you upgrade, unless you have a good software to run that hardware, it will not mean much. We are investing a lot of money in building system, process, people capability across the organisation so that we can deliver a safe, reliable customer experience, Aggarwal said.

SKUAST-K, KVK Gurez organise awareness-cum-training programme on Millets under JKST&IC

The Division of Agricultural Extension & Communication, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez, organised an Awareness-cum-Training Programme on Millets under the JKST&IC-funded Project titled Collection, Characterization, nutritional profiling and revival of Millets of North-western Himalayas of Kashmir at KVK Gurez. The programme aimed to enhance farmers' awareness regarding millet cultivation, their nutritional importance, value addition, marketing opportunities, and the development of collective enterprises for improving rural livelihoods. Addressing the participants, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Principal Investigator of the JKST&IC Sponsored Project and Head, Division of Agricultural Extension, highlighted the importance of reviving traditional millet cultivation to ensure nutritional security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming systems. He encouraged farmers to adopt millet cultivation and take advantage of the various government schemes and programmes supporting millet production and value chain development. During the technical sessions, Dr. Shijaat Hussain Bhat, Assistant Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension, delivered an informative lecture on the marketing prospects of millets, emphasizing market linkages, branding, and entrepreneurship opportunities for millet growers. Dr. Syed Shafat Kubrevi, Assistant Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension, sensitised the participants about value addition in millets and demonstrated how processing and diversified millet-based products can significantly enhance farmers' income while creating new livelihood opportunities in the region. Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Shah, Assistant Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension, elaborated on the role and benefits of Millet-based Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He explained how FPOs can strengthen collective marketing, improve access to quality inputs, facilitate value addition, enhance farmers' bargaining power, and enable them to access government support and larger markets. Dr. Jauhar Rafiq Parray, Scientist KVK-Gurez highlighted the significance of Millets in present day agriculture due to their resilience to climate change, low input requirements and high nutritional value. In line with the vision of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, SKUAST-K continues to intensify its outreach programmes aimed at empowering farming communities through scientific interventions, promotion of climate-resilient crops, nutritional security, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from local farmers, who actively interacted with the resource persons and expressed keen interest in promoting millet cultivation in the Gurez region. The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening farmers' capacities and promoting climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture through sustained awareness, training, and extension initiatives.

JSW MG Motor India unveils MG ADAPT

JSW MG Motor India has unveiled MG ADAPT (Advance Drive Architecture Platform Technology), describing it as India's first Multi New Energy Vehicle (NEV) platform capable of supporting multiple powertrain technologies on a single modular architecture. The platform is designed to accommodate Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Range Extender Electric Vehicles (REEVs), enabling the company to develop a range of new-energy vehicles using a common intelligent platform. According to the company, MG ADAPT has been engineered to improve flexibility in vehicle development while enhancing driving range, charging capability, efficiency, performance and safety. The architecture is also intended to support future mobility technologies as the market evolves. JSW MG Motor India Managing Director Anurag Mehrotra said the platform reflects the company's strategy of offering customers multiple energy options without compromising on performance or driving experience. He said MG ADAPT would serve as the technological foundation for the company's future portfolio of new-energy vehicles in India. The platform incorporates an integrated hybrid technology ecosystem comprising a dedicated hybrid engine, battery system, a 10-in-1 intelligent electric drive unit and an electromagnetic hybrid transmission, all managed by an intelligent energy management system. For REEV models, the electric motor drives the wheels while a petrol engine functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery, extending driving range and enabling an electric-first driving experience. The company said the platform is expected to accelerate its sustainable mobility roadmap in the Indian market.

Piyush Goyal pushes India-EU FTA during Europe tour

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has concluded a five-day tour of Spain, Belgium, Finland and Estonia, aimed at strengthening trade, investment and technology partnerships while building momentum for the early signing and implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Accompanied by a high-level Indian business delegation, Goyal held meetings with ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders and investors across the four countries from July 13 to 18, projecting India as a global hub for manufacturing, innovation and exports. The visit came in the wake of the successful conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU FTA, with a key focus on accelerating its signing and implementation to boost bilateral trade, investment and market access. In Spain, Goyal held talks with First Vice-President and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo Caballero and Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu Boher. Both sides agreed to advance technical discussions on interoperability between India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Spain's Bizum digital payments platform to strengthen digital financial connectivity. The two countries also explored collaboration in automobiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, renewable energy, tourism and infrastructure. Spain proposed establishing a dedicated India Team to facilitate business engagement, while Goyal suggested holding annual India-Spain Joint Commission meetings with industry participation. Addressing the India-Spain Business Forum, Goyal unveiled a 101010 vision to increase bilateral trade, investment and tourism tenfold over the next decade by leveraging opportunities created by the India-EU FTA. In Brussels, Goyal co-chaired the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial Meeting, where the two sides adopted the 2026-27 Action Plan and reaffirmed their commitment to the early implementation of the FTA. The discussions covered investment protection, geographical indications, cooperation on the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), regulatory simplification and improved market access for Indian agricultural exports, including Basmati rice. India also sought recognition of its ship recycling yards and proposed a new dialogue on skills, education and talent mobility. During his visit to Belgium, Goyal met European Council President Antnio Costa, European Commissioner for Trade Maros sefovi and other senior EU leaders to advance trade and investment negotiations. He also proposed dedicated industrial clusters for Belgian companies in India and explored defence technology collaboration with Thales. In Finland, discussions centred on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, 6G, quantum computing, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Meetings with Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Riikka Purra and Economic Affairs Minister Sakari Puisto highlighted opportunities to combine India's manufacturing scale and skilled workforce with Finland's technological expertise. Goyal invited companies including KONE and Nokia to expand manufacturing, research and development, exports and digital infrastructure investments in India, positioning the country as a production base for global markets. The minister concluded his tour in Estonia, marking the first ministerial-level visit from India since the opening of the Indian Embassy in Tallinn in 2021. Discussions focused on digital governance, fintech, cybersecurity, e-residency and integration of India's UPI with Estonia's digital ecosystem. Speaking at the India-Estonia Business Forum, Goyal encouraged collaboration in cybersecurity, blockchain, clean energy and green hydrogen. Estonia reiterated its support for the early implementation of the India-EU FTA and invited India to participate in the Estonia Digital Summit.

J&K GST revenue falls 15% in June as collections slip to Rs 470 Crore

Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 15 per cent year-on-year decline in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in June 2026, with revenue falling to Rs 470 crore from Rs 552 crore in the corresponding month last year, according to the latest state-wise GST data released by the Union Finance Ministry. The Union Territory witnessed a decline of Rs 82 crore in GST collections during the month, even as the country's overall GST revenue continued to grow, indicating a mixed trend in tax collections across states and Union Territories. India's gross GST collections stood at Rs 1,34,774 crore in June 2026, compared with Rs 1,26,506 crore collected in June 2025, registering a year-on-year growth of 7 per cent. The increase reflects steady economic activity and improved tax compliance in several parts of the country. Jammu and Kashmir was among the states and Union Territories that reported a decline in GST collections during the month. Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh recorded a steeper fall of 26 per cent, with collections declining from Rs 895 crore to Rs 661 crore, while Uttarakhand registered a 21 per cent decline, collecting Rs 1,334 crore against Rs 1,688 crore in June last year. In contrast, Punjab posted a strong 14 per cent increase in GST revenue to Rs 2,491 crore from Rs 2,186 crore. Haryana recorded collections of Rs 10,065 crore, up 9 per cent, while Delhi reported an 8 per cent increase to Rs 5,987 crore. Chandigarh also registered a 7 per cent rise, collecting Rs 229 crore during the month. Ladakh also witnessed a decline in collections, with GST revenue falling 7 per cent from Rs 28 crore in June 2025 to Rs 26 crore in June 2026. Among the major states, Uttar Pradesh emerged as one of the best performers, recording a 19 per cent increase in GST collections to Rs 9,165 crore. Assam posted a 17 per cent rise to Rs 1,492 crore, Gujarat registered a 12 per cent increase to Rs 11,743 crore, while Karnataka collected Rs 12,937 crore, up 10 per cent over the previous year. Maharashtra, the country's largest contributor to GST revenue, collected Rs 30,714 crore, registering a growth of 9 per cent. On the other hand, Sikkim recorded the steepest decline in the country, with GST collections falling 53 per cent. Puducherry witnessed a 28 pe cent decline, while Jharkhand reported a 16 per cent fall. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also recorded declines of 5 per cent each. GST, introduced on July 1, 2017, replaced multiple indirect taxes with a unified tax system and has become one of the most important sources of revenue for both the Centre and the states. Monthly GST collections are considered a key indicator of economic activity, consumption and tax compliance. Experts note that monthly GST revenues can fluctuate due to factors such as seasonal business cycles, the timing of tax payments, refunds and compliance-related adjustments. Therefore, a decline in a single month does not necessarily indicate a broader slowdown in economic activity, though sustained weakness over several months could warrant closer attention. The latest figures show that while national GST collections remain on a growth trajectory, Jammu and Kashmir's revenue performance lagged behind the national average in June. The coming months will indicate whether the decline was temporary or reflects a broader trend in economic activity and tax mobilisation in the Union Territory.

Away from crowds, north Kashmir's villages become travellers' new favourite

Away from the bustling tourist hubs of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, travellers are increasingly venturing into north Kashmir's remote villages, drawn by pristine landscapes, hidden waterfalls, forest trails and authentic rural experiences. The travellers are breathing a new life into destinations that remained off the tourist radar for decades. With the shift in the footfall, the visitors are no longer finding best hotel or houseboat but discovering untouched landscapes, authentic village life and experiences far removed from the bustle of conventional tourist circuits. From the Watlab area in Sopore to the upper reaches of Khadlu Manglu (Rampur Rajpora), Nigli, Bangladesh, Surender, Athwatoo, Wullar Lake, Wullar Vintage, Kiterduj, Munddej, Namlan Waterfall, Shrunzfall, Drung, Gowhas, Reshwari, Pujkabar, Naganari and Chandigam, a network of once-overlooked hamlets is witnessing a steady rise in local and domestic tourist arrivals. Unlike traditional destinations, visitors now choose to stay with local families, trek through forests, explore waterfalls and immerse themselves in village life. People are looking for peace rather than crowds, said Suhail Khan, a frequent traveller to these destinations. He said visitors like him stay with local families, eat home-cooked food and experience a side of Kashmir that cannot be found in luxury resorts. These days visitors are not more into sightseeing but prefer connecting with nature and people, he told Greater Kashmir . Manglu, perched on the hills overlooking Sopore, has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the trend. Once known only to locals for its panoramic views, the village is now attracting tourists seeking solitude after authorities eased travel restrictions to several areas earlier this year. Earlier, people would stop here for a few photographs before leaving. But now they spend nights here, wake up to mist-covered mountains and leave with unforgettable memories, said local guide Shabir Ahmad. He said that the new trend in tourism has brought income and has also given them confidence to showcase their culture and hospitality. Officials in the tourism department acknowledge that visitor preferences are changing rapidly. Earlier, almost every tourist would visit around Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, but the trend has now changed as the visitors are deliberately searching for lesser-known villages and offbeat destinations, a tourism official in north Kashmir said. He said this decentralisation supports eco-tourism, distributes economic benefits to rural communities and offers travellers authentic cultural experiences. As per the residents of these villages, the surrounding forests, trekking routes and waterfalls remain largely untouched by commercial tourism. These off beat destination has a big attraction that visitors can walk for hours without encountering crowds, Fayaz Ahmad, a resident from Sopore outskirts said. He said the sense of isolation has become a luxury. We are not trying to compete with Gulmarg but we are offering something different without being included on tourism map of J&K, he said. As already reported, the border villages of Keran in north Kashmir's Kupwara district are witnessing a tourism boom, and nearly 3000 to 4000 travellers visit the areas each day.

Kupwaras InshaFatima qualifies NEET with 571 marks

Insha Fatima, a Class XII student of Army Goodwill School (AGS), Wayne, Kupwara, has qualified the NEET-UG 2026 examination by securing 571 marks, adding another feather to the cap of the institution. Hailing from the Kupwara district, Insha's achievement has been widely appreciated by the school community, which described her success as the result of consistent hard work, determination and academic discipline. School authorities said her accomplishment reflects the growing academic potential of students from border and remote areas of the district and is expected to inspire many aspiring medical students. The principal of AGS, Wayne, congratulated Insha Fatima and her parents on the achievement, stating that her dedication, coupled with the guidance of teachers and support from her family, played a key role in her success. The school management and the Indian Army also extended their best wishes to Insha for her future studies and expressed confidence that she would excel in the medical profession while motivating other students to pursue their goals with commitment and perseverance.

8 shops damaged in land subsidence after torrential rain in Chenani

At least eight roadside shops were damaged after a portion of land sank following torrential rain in the Prem Mandir area of Chenani in Udhampur district along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. According to local residents, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. after heavy rainfall lashed the area. The incessant downpour caused a nearby seasonal stream (nallah) to swell, triggering soil erosion and land subsidence beneath the row of shops. The sudden sinking of land caused extensive damage to the shops, with several structures developing deep cracks and becoming unsafe. Merchandise and other materials stored inside the shops were also damaged, causing significant financial losses to the owners. Residents said panic gripped the locality after loud cracking sounds were heard during the night. People rushed out of their homes and gathered at the site. However, as the shops were closed at the time of the incident, no loss of life or injuries were reported. Locals blamed the continuous heavy rainfall and the overflowing stream for weakening the soil beneath the commercial structures. They warned that if immediate preventive measures are not taken, further land subsidence could threaten nearby buildings and pose a risk to traffic on the busy national highway. The affected shopkeepers urged the District Administration, Udhampur, to depute a Revenue Department team to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage and prepare a detailed loss report. They also sought adequate compensation, stating that the damaged shops are their primary source of livelihood and that the losses have severely affected their businesses. Residents further appealed to the administration to undertake long-term mitigation measures, including proper drainage management, strengthening of the vulnerable slope, and protective works along the adjoining stream to prevent such incidents during the ongoing monsoon season.

Weather Advisory: Kishtwar admin puts departments on high alert

In view of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast predicting moderate to heavy rainfall, including spells of intense rain from July 19 to July 23, the district administration Kishtwar has issued a public weather advisory, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. According to the advisory issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, people, particularly those living near rivers, nallahs, streams and other vulnerable areas, have been advised to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone locations until weather conditions improve. The administration has directed all concerned departments, including the Revenue Department, Public Works Department (R&B), Mechanical Engineering, PMGSY, JPDCL, Jal Shakti, Health and Medical Education, NHIDCL, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other line departments, to remain on high alert. Field staff have been instructed to stay active and prepared to provide immediate assistance in case of any emergency. To ensure prompt response, all Tehsildars have been directed to immediately report any loss of life, property damage or other incidents arising due to the prevailing weather conditions to the district administration without delay. The District Control Room at the Deputy Commissioner's Office has been activated and will function round-the-clock to coordinate emergency response and assistance. Residents have been urged to contact the District Control Room at 9484217492 or 01995-259555, the Police Control Room at 9906154100, or dial 112 under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in case of any emergency. The district administration has appealed to the public to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall, and strictly follow advisories issued by the authorities to ensure the safety of life and property.

Nawab Bazar residents decry defunct drainage system

Residents of Syed Hamidpora Nawab Bazar have expressed concern over massive waterlogging in the area after heavy rains on Sunday. A delegation from the area said that the drainage system in the area is choked as a result rain water entered the ground floor of their houses. It is ironic that despite spending so much money on drainage construction, our area witnesses waterlogging after rains. Rain water entered the ground floor of several houses damaging walls, doors and flooring. Who will compensate for our losses? Authorities must hold concerned officials accountable for failing to restore the drainage system, locals said. They demanded restoration of the defunct drainage system at the earliest.

Ancient Vichar Nag shrine holds sacred place in J&Ks cultural, spiritual heritage: LG Manoj Sinha

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the ancient shrine of Vichar Nag in Srinagar. He paid his obeisance and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and well-being of all. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with devotees and also took stock of the renovation works. For millennia, this sacred temple has anchored Indias spiritual, intellectual, and philosophical journey. Its revival serves as a historic bridge, connecting our past, present, and future. It marks the return of a consciousness that, for centuries, nurtured an unbroken tradition of reflection, dialogue, and learning. Restoring Vichar Nag is a vital step toward preserving the rich, diverse cultural heritage of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said. Speaking to media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said: Vichar Nag holds a sacred place in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu Kashmir. The revival of this historic site, once a vibrant hub of knowledge where scholars from across the globe gathered for intellectual discourse, is deeply gratifying. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone associated with this initiative. After a long hiatus, devotees have gathered here today to perform Yajna and Havan. This sacred place associated with great scholars like Abhinavagupta, for more than 2000 years ago, has attracted a vast number of scholars from around the world to deliberate on spirituality to mathematics, he said. I pray that this revival marks the return of that era of fostering a renewed dialogue on knowledge, mathematics, science and modernity, while ushering in peace and prosperity for the region. The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar and senior officials.

JKDYF convention seeks statehood, political prisoners' release

Ahead of the National Conference-led protest in New Delhi on Monday demanding restoration of statehood, the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Youth Federation (JKDYF) on Sunday adopted a resolution seeking the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, release of political prisoners and measures to address unemployment. The resolutions were adopted at a one-day convention held in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, attended by nearly 500 delegates from across the Valley. The immediate restoration of full statehood is not only the demand of the JKDYF but of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Hemaghraja Bhattacharya, All India General Secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), told reporters after the convention. He said the convention adopted a four-point resolution, with restoration of statehood being its primary demand. Bhattacharya said the Centre had claimed that the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 would usher in development in Jammu and Kashmir, but alleged that the promised gains had failed to materialise. We do not see the kind of development that was promised after the abrogation of Article 370. Much of the development that exists today had already taken place before 2019, he said.The convention also sought a review of the cases of political prisoners with a view to securing their release. If people are fighting politically and democratically, why should they be imprisoned? Bhattacharya said, adding that individuals should not be jailed merely because their political views differ from those of the government. On unemployment, Bhattacharya alleged that the government had stopped releasing unemployment data and said educated youth were increasingly being forced to seek jobs outside Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that more than 50,000 vacancies were lying unfilled in various government departments and urged the administration to fill them at the earliest. The convention also demanded an unemployment allowance for jobless youth. The gathering further called for a review of the prolonged verification process, saying repeated checks were causing hardship to young people, and sought a review of the existing reservation policy to make it more equitable. It also resolved to launch public awareness campaigns against drug abuse among the youth. Bhattacharya said the issues raised during the convention would be highlighted at a DYFI programme scheduled for September 15 and would also be taken up in Parliament. He added that JKDYF leaders would participate in the statehood protest being organised in New Delhi on Monday.

Smart City concept complete failure in old Srinagar: Arif Laigroo

Senior PDP leader and Constituency Incharge Habba Kadal Arif Laigroo has accused the National Conference (NC)-led elected representatives of failing to safeguard public interests in Shahr-e-Khaas. Srinagar, particularly in Habba Kadal and adjoining areas. He said the recent spell of rainfall has fully exposed the hollow claims of the so-called Smart City project, which has turned into a nightmare for residents instead of bringing any relief. Laigroo pointed out that areas including Nawabazar, Fateh Kadal, Habba Kadal, Jamalatta, Islam Yarbal, bambdem naid kadal chattabal and surrounding localities have been severely affected by waterlogging. Shockingly, before the so-called development works, these areas rarely faced such issues even during heavier rains. This is not Smart City, its suffering city. The situation on the ground is disastrous. Drainage has collapsed, roads are flooded, and to make matters worse, there is no drinking water available in many of these localities for days, Laigroo said. He accused the local NC leadership, especially MLA Shamima Firdous, of turning a blind eye to the hardships faced by the people. They were elected to represent the people but have failed on every front. Their silence and inaction are adding to the misery of common citizens, he said He appealed to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene immediately and direct the concerned departments to resolve the waterlogging and drinking water crisis without delay. The people of Srinagar deserve better. The LG administration must step in where elected representatives have failed, he urged.

Aryans Group of Colleges hosts SPER meet & greet programme

The Society of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER) organised a Meet and Greet Programme at Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura, Punjab, to felicitate the newly elected State Executive Teams and State Women Forum Team Members of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Renowned Pharma Experts including Dr. Upendra Nagaich, National Secretary, SPER; Dr. Inderbir Singh, Vice President, SPER (Central); Dr. J. S. Dua, President, SPER Punjab; Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Secretary, SPER Punjab; Dr. Anjali Sharma, President, SPER Women Forum Haryana; Dr. Rupinder Kaur Sodhi, President, SPER Women Forum Punjab; Dr. Manju Nagpal, Secretary, SPER Women Forum Punjab; Dr. Preet Kaur Khaira, Joint Secretary, SPER Women Forum Punjab; and Dr. Anjana Bali attended the programme. Dr Anshu Kataria Chairman Aryans Group presided over. The programme commenced with an introductory address by Dr. Inderbir Singh, Vice President (SPER Central), who highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by SPER to promote excellence in pharmaceutical education, research, innovation, professional networking, and community outreach. He emphasized SPER's commitment to empowering pharmacy professionals and fostering academic and research excellence across the country. Dr. Upendra Nagaich, National Secretary, SPER, elaborated on the pivotal role of SPER in advancing the pharmacy profession and contributing to societal development through education, research, and professional service. He encouraged the newly elected members to actively participate in SPER activities and work collectively for the betterment of the profession. The newly elected members of the Punjab State Executive Committee and State Women Forum were formally introduced by Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Secretary, SPER Punjab, who welcomed the office bearers and expressed confidence in their ability to strengthen SPER's activities at the state level. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anshu Kataria, emphasized the indispensable role of pharmacists in improving healthcare delivery and stressed the need to develop highly competent pharmacy professionals capable of addressing emerging healthcare challenges. Appreciating SPER's contribution towards strengthening pharmaceutical education and research, Dr. Kataria announced that Aryans Group of Colleges will provide financial assistance of Rs 12 lakh for one year to SPER for organizing seminars, conferences, workshops, symposiums, faculty development programmes, continuing education programmes, and other academic and research activities. The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks presented by Dr. J. S. Dua, President, SPER Punjab, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, office bearers, faculty members, and participants for their enthusiastic support and contribution to the success of the event. He reaffirmed SPER's commitment to promoting professional excellence and collaborative growth within the pharmacy fraternity.

At All-Party Meeting, Chowdry Ramzan seeks immediate restoration of J&K Statehood

New Delhi, Jul 19: National Conference MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan raised the issues of restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, constitutional rights, empowerment of the elected government and the safety of Kashmiris outside the Union Territory during the All-Party Floor Leaders' Meeting convened ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The meeting, convened by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, along with floor leaders and representatives of major political parties from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, attended the meeting. Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan represented Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the meeting, Ramzan described the August 5, 2019 decisions as a lack day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the measures were taken unilaterally and deprived the people of their constitutional rights, identity and statehood by reducing the erstwhile state to a Union Territory. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had delivered a clear verdict in the 2024 Assembly elections by rejecting the policies associated with the August 5, 2019 decisions. According to him, the electoral mandate reflected the people's aspiration for the restoration of their constitutional rights and full statehood. Raising the issue of statehood, Ramzan reminded the meeting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, on several occasions, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on the floor of Parliament, assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that full statehood would be restored. He also referred to the Supreme Court's observations calling for restoration of statehood at the earliest after delimitation and Assembly elections. Questioning the delay, Ramzan said nearly two years had passed since the formation of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, but the promise of restoring statehood remained unfulfilled. He urged the Centre to honour its commitment without further delay instead of repeatedly stating that it would be done at an appropriate time. He further said that despite Jammu and Kashmir having a democratically elected government with a strong public mandate, several key powers continued to remain vested with the Lieutenant Governor. He demanded that the elected government be fully empowered to function in accordance with the people's mandate and called for the immediate restoration of full statehood, constitutional rights and state subject laws. Ramzan also raised humanitarian concerns regarding prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir lodged in jails outside the Union Territory. He urged the Centre to transfer prisoners facing serious charges back to jails in the Valley, saying it would facilitate timely access to legal counsel and court proceedings while reducing the financial burden on their families travelling long distances. He also sought a compassionate review of cases involving individuals accused of minor offences, stating that despite earlier assurances, no tangible progress had been made. Highlighting the safety of Kashmiris living outside Jammu and Kashmir, Ramzan said students, labourers, traders, businessmen and professionals from the Valley often become targets of harassment and intimidation whenever untoward incidents occur elsewhere in the country. He said the issue had been repeatedly raised before the Union Home Minister, in Parliament and at other forums, and urged the Central Government to ensure the safety, dignity and protection of Kashmiris residing across the country. Referring to the National Conference's proposed protest in New Delhi demanding restoration of statehood, Ramzan, on behalf of the party and its president Dr Farooq Abdullah, appealed to all opposition parties to participate in the programme in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the protest would serve as a democratic reminder to the Central Government to fulfil its commitments and restore the statehood and constitutional rights that were taken away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Amit Sharma awarded Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration by Maryland State University

New Delhi, Jul 19: Amit Sharma, a 2012-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration along with a Gold Medal by Maryland State University, USA, in recognition of his contributions to public administration and public service. The honour was conferred at the Indo International Intellectual Conclave 2026 held in New Delhi. Sharma, who was also the topper of the 2001 batch of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), was recognised for what the university described as his distinguished contribution to public administration and nearly 25 years of public service. According to an official communication issued by Maryland State University, the university's Doctoral Monitoring Board approved Sharma's nomination in recognition of his contributions to the field of public administration. The Doctoral Monitoring Board of Maryland State University is pleased to confirm your nomination for the Honoris Causa Ph.D. in recognition of your contributions to the field of Public Administration, the communication stated, adding that the university hoped his achievements would inspire young people. The university said the award followed an extensive evaluation process that included scrutiny of Sharma's professional record, background and testimonials. Receiving the honorary doctorate, Sharma dedicated the award to his late parents, Santosh Sharma and Baldev Sharma, crediting them with instilling in him the values of hard work, patience and commitment to public welfare. He also dedicated the recognition to his family, friends and colleagues, saying their encouragement had motivated him throughout his public service career. Sharma said the honour would further strengthen his resolve to continue serving society with greater commitment. Currently serving as Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs on Central Deputation, Sharma is overseeing Census 2027 operations for the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The exercise is expected to be India's first fully digital and paperless Census. Over the course of his administrative career, Sharma has served in several key positions across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Mizoram. As Information Technology Secretary in the three regions, he played a key role in implementing e-Office systems, digitising government services, strengthening State Data Centres and expanding digital connectivity under the Digital India initiative. His earlier assignments include serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Dudu-Basantgarh, Managing Director of J&K SIDCO, Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, and Administrator of Associated Hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also served as Secretary, Mining and Administrative Reforms in Jammu and Kashmir; Secretary, Transport, Rural Development, Information Technology, Disaster Management, and Science and Technology in Ladakh; and Secretary, Cooperatives and Information and Communication Technology in Mizoram. During these assignments, Sharma was associated with several governance initiatives, including administrative reforms, digital transformation of government services, implementation of e-governance projects and policy initiatives in mining, transport, cooperative development and rural administration. An MBA by qualification, Sharma also completed specialised training in e-Governance at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore. Throughout his academic career, he remained an outstanding student and actively participated in debates, youth leadership programmes, public speaking events and social initiatives. The honorary doctorate recognises Sharma's contributions to public administration, governance reforms and public service, adding another distinction to his administrative career.

Apni Party will compel Centre to restore J&K's constitutional rights: Altaf Bukhari

Bandipora, Jul 19:Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the ruling National Conference (NC), accusing it of failing to defend the constitutional rights of the people after the August 5, 2019 developments and questioning its credibility in leading the campaign for the restoration of statehood. Addressing a workers' convention in Bandipora and later speaking to reporters, Bukhari said the NC had remained silent during one of the most difficult periods in Jammu and Kashmir's political history despite enjoying a strong public mandate. When I stepped out in 2020, there was no active politics happening. All of them were sitting safely inside their homes, Bukhari said, referring to mainstream political leaders. He said the NC had failed to utilise the mandate of 50 Assembly seats given to it by the people, adding that if the party was genuinely committed to restoring the rights of Jammu and Kashmir, it should not have been able to sleep even for a single day. While clarifying his absence from the National Conference's recent proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking restoration of statehood, Bukhari said he had not been consulted before the programme was announced. However, he maintained that he fully supported the cause. It does not mean I don't support the cause. Whoever takes the fight for restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood or Article 370 forward, I stand with them, he said. At the same time, Bukhari questioned the effectiveness of the opposition's approach, describing some of the political campaigns as attempts to score rownie points. Let us see how much they actually manage to bring back. If it is merely about scoring brownie points, I can score plenty of them too. If we have to wash dirty linen in public, I can wash it as well. But this political grandstanding benefits no one except the elements who do not want the people of Jammu and Kashmir to live in peace and harmony with India, he said, adding that dialogue and persuasion remained the only viable path to resolving political issues. Bukhari reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir's future lay within the Indian Union and said the resolution of all political issues rested with New Delhi. Jammu and Kashmir is destined to remain a part of India, and the solutions to all our problems will also come from New Delhi, not from anywhere else. Apni Party will compel the Centre to restore the constitutional rights of J&K, he said. He also sought to allay public concerns over demographic changes in the Union Territory, promising that the Apni Party would take up the issue with the Centre. Some people in Jammu and Kashmir are apprehensive about demographic changes and any attempt to alter the region's Muslim-majority status. Apni Party will ensure these concerns are addressed, he said. Appealing to the Government of India, Bukhari urged it to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to bridge the Dili aur Dil Ki Dooriyan (distance between New Delhi and the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir). This is the right time for the Government of India to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir so that their genuine concerns and grievances are heard, understood and effectively addressed, he said. Bukhari also blamed successive political parties for the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. What was the need to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35A? What was the need to strip away our statehood? The elements operating there are exactly like the ones herewhether it is the PDP, the National Conference, the BJP, Kejriwal's party or the Congressthey all collectively voted to remove Article 370 and end our statehood. None of them are our well-wishers. This is not a religious or holy fight; it is pure politics, he alleged. Tracing the roots of Kashmir's political unrest, Bukhari said repeated electoral manipulation had eroded public faith in democracy. I say it today as well: if rigging had not occurred since 1947, things would be different. The people of Jammu and Kashmir decided to align with a democratic India back then, but democracy was denied to them. It was the blatant rigging of the 1987 elections that created Syed Salahuddin, he said. He also criticised Bollywood's portrayal of Kashmir, saying such depictions often ignored the emotional sensitivities of the people. They don't know that our emotions are associated with these issues. All these attempts to play with the emotions of Kashmiris are setting a dangerous trend, he said. Referring again to the National Conference, Bukhari alleged that the party had remained silent on the restoration of statehood for six years, including after assuming office in 2024. They remained in power for decades, yet after August 5, 2019, when the people needed them the most, they chose to remain silent. Now they have suddenly begun raising the issue of statehood. The obvious question is: where were they over the past six years? he asked. He further alleged that it was the National Conference that had gradually surrendered Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional autonomy after the state's accession to India. It was this party that made J&K accede to India in 1947. Following that, they started giving away J&K's rights and special status to New Delhi. But when people needed them the most after August 5, 2019, they remained in hiding, he said. Highlighting local issues in Bandipora district, Bukhari demanded immediate construction of the Gurez Tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity to the border valley by bypassing the snowbound Razdan Pass. He also sought early construction of the Bandipora-Sogam road. Accusing previous governments of neglecting the district, he said hospitals and schools lacked adequate infrastructure and qualified staff, and called for improved drinking water facilities in tribal villages. Bukhari also raised concerns over mining policies, alleging that local residents had been deprived of their traditional rights while outsiders were extracting minerals worth millions of rupees from rivers. Locals have been denied their traditional manual mining. This has to change, and Apni Party will ensure that local people get their rightful share so they can continue their traditional livelihood, he said. Expressing concern over rising unemployment, Bukhari said the lack of job opportunities was fuelling frustration among educated youth and contributing to the growing menace of drug addiction. It is the responsibility of the government to create employment opportunities for our youth. One of the reasons behind the growing drug menace is unemployment, he said. He also accused the National Conference of failing to fulfil major promises made during the 2024 Assembly election campaign. People were assured 200 units of free electricity every month and 12 free LPG cylinders every year. They were promised additional ration, but instead the quota has been reduced. They also promised one lakh jobs within six months of forming the government. Now they are outsourcing jobs, he alleged. Calling upon people to reject traditional political parties, Bukhari said they had repeatedly exploited public sentiment for electoral gains. Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party Provincial President for Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir urged party workers to intensify public outreach and remain closely connected with people at the grassroots level. The Apni Party is a party of the masses. It is our responsibility to raise public issues and ensure their grievances reach the concerned authorities for redressal, Mir said. During the convention, National Conference youth leader Sameer Iqbal from Kuloosa, Bandipora, joined the Apni Party along with his supporters. The convention, jointly organised by District President Syed Shafat Qazmi and senior leader Naseer Ahmad Mir, was attended by several party functionaries, including Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Provincial Secretary Mohammad Saleem Lone, Provincial Joint Secretary Raiz Atish, Constituency In-charge Imtiyaz Paray, Vice District President Abdul Rahim Bhat, Youth President Shiraz Wani, former DDC member Ghulam Nabi Ganaie and other senior leaders.

Drug free J&K campaign has sent a message that society can overcome biggest challenges: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Jul 19:The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today addressed Interfaith Dialogue for Harmony in Baramulla, organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation. He commended the Save Youth Save Future Foundation for their contribution to the drug-free Jammu Kashmir campaign. He said the young volunteers worked selflessly and took on a great responsibility for a better future for UT. Through this campaign we have strengthened trust within our families and institutions, reinforced youth's confidence in their future, and sent a message across the country that when a society rises up on its own, it can overcome biggest challenges, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that this land of Jammu Kashmir embodies harmony and brotherhood. For generations, people of different faiths received respect and experienced spiritual peace. It is the lasting legacy of the saints, Sufis, and Rishis who spent centuries teaching our people the power of love, compassion, and unity. Lal Deds teachings didnt belong to one religion. Her Vakh spoke directly to the human heart. She never judged people by their faith. Instead, Lal Ded focused on bringing different ways of worship together. Similarly, Sheikh-ul-Alam showed us that true devotion isn't about conflict or division. It is found in compassion and in serving every single human being. The flourishing rishi-sufi tradition in Kashmir does not proclaim the superiority of one faith. Its message is that all religions and beliefs draw their strength from the same existence, and I believe this teaching is our shared heritage. This heritage does not belong only to Hindus, only to Muslims, only to Sikhs, Buddhists, or Christians. It is the legacy of every citizen born on this sacred land, and protecting this heritage is our moral and spiritual duty. We must safeguard this harmony in the same way we protect our families, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also stated that social and religious harmony is the cornerstone on which a strong society, a strong Jammu Kashmir, and a developed India can be built. When the people move in peaceful coexistence then the energy of society becomes the greatest force for development. That is why I strongly believe that harmony is both a moral necessity for the people and the foundation of economic prosperity and it also a guarantee of a brighter future for coming generations. We must strengthen the spirit of equal respect for all religions so that every citizen can progress with equal opportunities. We must reinforce mutual goodwill so that poverty is eliminated from every home. We must unite to promote fraternity so that we can uproot challenges like drug addiction. From the soil of Baramulla today a message should go out that if there is any land in the world that can teach the world that different communities, sects, and faiths can live together in peace, joy, and trust, it is India, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon youth to believe in themselves. Believe in your ability. Believe that you can build a future far brighter than the past you inherited. For a long time, this land suffered from the scourge of drugs and terrorism, and that impacted the consciousness, dreams, and futures of the youth. Today I say with full conviction that that era has now ended. Now the youth of Jammu Kashmir have taken the reins of their future into their own hands, and this Union Territory is moving toward a new era of education, entrepreneurship, innovation, spiritual awareness, and national unity. Let us together build a Jammu Kashmir that is stronger, more prosperous, peaceful, and progressive, the Lieutenant Governor said. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor also met various public delegations. He assured appropriate action on the issues projected by them. Major General Manoj Joshi, GoC, Dagger Division; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Dr. Vinod Kumar, DIG North Kashmir Range; Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla; Gurinderpal Singh, SSP Baramulla; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation; members of the Foundation; senior officials, civil society members, prominent citizens, people from different walks of life and youth in large number were present.

Winning Japan Open reinstates belief it is not over yet: PV Sindhu

Mumbai, Jul 19:Two-time Olympics medallist PV Sindhu on Sunday said that while she never stopped believing in herself, her victory at the Japan Open Super 750 reaffirmed that it is not over yet. Sindhu's win in straight games (21-17, 21-17) over Japan's Akane Yamaguchi helped her clinch a first major title in two years, and she also became the first-ever Indian to win the tournament. I must say, (it is a) much waited and much wanted (victory), Sindhu told reporters in an interaction organised by the Badminton Association of India. It is definitely a confidence boost where with this, I can go much further and this gives me a lot of confidence and lot of belief that yes, I can do it and it's not over yet. I'm very, very happy for this win right before the upcoming Worlds (Championships). You hear a lot of things happening but I think more than giving a reply, I would just want to say that I believe in myself. Yes, it has been a long time and for me, yes, this title was very, very important, Sindhu added. Sindhu admitted it was a tough run for her for almost last two years in which she also struggled with niggles and injuries. It was quite a tough journey because I had some niggles and injuries. As an athlete, injuries do happen. It's part and parcel of life so it is very important to come back stronger and definitely it took me some time, Sindhu said. I had some niggles, then I came back again, I was injured again and then coming back to the rhythm, it wasn't easy. The support staff, my coach, and I worked really hard to come to this stage and I'm very happy that I could do this and win and give them this victory, she added. Sindhu said she was prepared for playing long rallies with Yamaguchi in the Japan Open final. With her, I need to be prepared for long rallies and standing on court for a longer period of time. Every point is important because even the slightest chance we give, you are going to lose that rhythm, Sindhu said. On working with Indonesia's Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Sindhu said they had to keep both belief and patience that results would come after realising they were getting it right. Irwansyah has been committed as always and he was also very focused, saying that I believe in you, or what you need to do or what needs to be done, Sindhu said. We were very disciplined in what needs to be done and we were just making sure that it will come and we believed in ourselves. That was the most important thing and he was saying that it will come because in training sessions, everything was going on well. Sindhu said she did work on her speed and agility with the coaches. They have really helped me in terms of strength, physical fitness, speed, (and) agility. They touched up on that. It was very important because sometimes you might do everything but the smallest might be remaining, she said. To see that where am I lacking and to make sure every data is on point and what needs to be done, let's say, in terms of recovery, what recovery are we doing, is it working out or not... ... so each and everything they touched base on and that is when the whole support system comes into picture. With the 15-point system coming into effect from January 2027, Sindhu said the intensity of the matches will be higher. It's going to be very intense is what I feel. The matches might be a little bit lower, but the intensity is definitely going to be more fast, Sindhu said. In 21 (points system) you actually have time. Even though you are 5-6 points down, you still have time to cover it whereas in 15 (points system), you don't have that time. From point number one, you need to be alert. after seven points, already the half of the game is over so it is very important that you fight for every point from point number one. It is going to be very challenging and very exciting is what I feel, she added.