Opinion

Mehbooba Mufti says delimitation inevitable, calls for fairness in process

Kupwara, April 15: Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that delimitation is inevitable given the current political landscape, but expressed concern over how the exercise may be carried out. Speaking to reporters in Kupwara on the sidelines of a party function, Mehbooba Mufti said that with the Bharatiya Janata Party holding a majority, one cannot do anything about delimitation, but added that there is an expectation that the process should be conducted fairly. She referred to the previous delimitation exercise, alleging that certain areas were merged into constituencies in ways that appeared strange and mad. She also claimed that in parts of Jammu, constituencies were carved out in areas with fewer Hindu voters, raising questions over the rationale behind the exercise. Mufti also took aim at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, describing him as a weak chief minister despite having the support of a significant number of legislators. She further expressed concern over social issues affecting youth in the region, stating that many young people have fallen prey to drug abuse and alcohol, and that some cases have led to suicides. [KNT]

Farooq Abdullah says Pakistan should realise conflict only brings destruction

Srinagar, Apr 15: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said Pakistan should realise that nothing can be achieved through conflict, as it only brings destruction. Pakistan should put an end to conflict, Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of an Army event at the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment at Rangreth here. We hope our neighbour realises that nothing can be achieved through conflict. Conflict only brings destruction. They should understand that there has been a long time and they should put an end to it (conflict), Abdullah said. I pray to God to bestow success at every place to this unit and get us rid of the wars. I pray that there is peace in the entire world so that we prosper, Abdullah, former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, said.

Kashmir likely to receive light rains till April 19th, dry weather afterwards: MeT

Science Park inaugurated in North Kashmir's Baramulla

Srinagar, Apr 15: The Dagger Science Park, a pioneering educational initiative developed as a joint venture between Aseem Foundation and Indian Army, was formally inaugurated in a distinguished ceremony marked by enthusiastic participation and community engagement. The event witnessed the participation of students from various educational institutions and community personnel. A Science Park highlights the active involvement of students, who confidently demonstrated and explained various scientific experiments installed within the park. Their presentations reflected both conceptual clarity and practical understanding, underscoring the parks role as a hands-on learning platform. The Science Park stands out as one of its kind facility in the Kashmir Valley. Designed to foster scientific curiosity and experiential learning, the park aims to serve as a catalyst for educational development in the region. By providing an interactive environment for students, it is expected to significantly enhance interest in science and innovation among young learners. This initiative represents a meaningful step toward strengthening educational infrastructure and inspiring future generations in the Valley.

Jhelum erosion threatens Hajibal village in Pulwama; flood fears intensify

Omar Abdullah raises concerns over delimitation, calls for joint opposition strategy

Omar Abdullah pushes tourism, craft revival in J&K

Srinagar, Apr 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the government is working to boost tourism and revive traditional crafts while also preparing a new industrial incentive policy to address gaps in investment and implementation. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar Abdullah said the tourism season had begun with the opening of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, which is set to close on Wednesday, and efforts are underway to expand tourist experiences. We are bringing new things for tourists. Visitors are being introduced to Kashmirs crafts at one place, including shawls, wood carvings and copper work, he said, referring to initiatives aimed at showcasing local artisans. The chief minister said the administration is promoting a Know Your Artisan programme to connect tourists and residents with craftsmen and highlight their skills. We do not realise how much magic is in the hands of our craftsmen. We want not only tourists but also locals to come and benefit from such initiatives, he said. Abdullah also raised concerns about the decline of traditional markets, noting that a heritage marketplace in the area had become defunct over time. More than 80 shops have shut. We need to understand where the artisans have gone and how to bring them back into the system, he said. On industrial development, Abdullah said the previous incentives policy had ended in September and the government is working on a revised framework based on stakeholder feedback. There is no benefit if incentives remain on paper and do not translate on the ground. We are consulting both existing unit holders and prospective investors to design a policy that actually works, he said. He said the aim is to ensure better implementation and encourage investment, adding that the industries and commerce department is gathering inputs to finalise the policy. On national politics, Abdullah said he would attend a meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc in New Delhi later in the day to discuss a coordinated response to a proposed bill. We will discuss what our role should be in Parliament. Such decisions cannot be taken alone; the alliance will decide collectively, he said. He also expressed concerns over past delimitation exercises, alleging that constituency boundaries were redrawn in a way that benefitted certain political interests. If any move is aimed at benefiting a particular party rather than the common voter, it will have to be examined carefully, he added.(KNS).

Omar Abdullah seeks collective INDIA bloc stand on proposed delimitation bill

Srinagar, Apr 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the INDIA bloc must collectively decide its response to the proposed parliamentary bill, stressing that a unified stand was necessary. Speaking with reporters in Srinagar, the Chief Minister raised concerns over past delimitation exercises, alleging that constituency restructuring had politically favoured the BJP and its allies. He said he would attend an INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi to be held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, where the opposition is expected to formulate a joint strategy on the proposed bill. He said the INDIA bloc will have to decide together what will be the response to this bill and what will be their role in Parliament. Individual parties acting alone would not be effective. There is a need for collective decision-making within the alliance, he said. Referring to the past delimitation exercise, he said the distribution of seats, the way constituencies were made, the way maps were drawn and the way voters were shifted, the purpose was only that somehow the BJP and its allies should benefit. He further said the proposed changes in parliamentary composition, including an increase in the number of Lok Sabha members and provisions for women's representation, would be examined collectively by the opposition bloc(KNO)

Over 3 lakh tourists visited Tulip garden this season: Official

Boat carrying 250 people, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis, sinks in Andaman Sea

DHAKA, Apr 15: At least 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, were missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea recently on the way to Malaysia, according to the United Nations refugee and migration agencies. When the boat sank and the status of any search Wednesday were unclear. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration in a joint statement said Tuesday that the trawler departed from Teknaf in the southern Bangladeshi district [] The post Boat carrying 250 people, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis, sinks in Andaman Sea appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

J-K CM Omar declines to cut tricolour ribbon, instead carefully wraps it

Hopes rise for renewed talks as US military says Iran blockade in force

Islamabad, Apr 15: Hopes rose for renewed talks between the United States and Iran on Wednesday, as the US military said its blockade of Iranian ports was in full effect and Tehran threatened to retaliate by strike targets across the war-weary region. US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round of talks could happen over the next two days, telling the New York Post the negotiations could be held again in Islamabad as diplomats worked through back channels to arrange them. UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres concurred, saying it's highly probable that talks will restart. He cited a meeting he had with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Oil prices fell on hopes for an end to fighting, and in the US stocks surged close to records set in January. The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region. Meanwhile in Washington, the first direct talks in decades between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the US concluded on a productive note Tuesday, according to the US State Department. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the two countries are on the same side of the equation in liberating Lebanon from the militant Hezbollah group. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad called the meeting constructive but urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Since March, that war has displaced more than 1 million people in Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon have technically been at war since Israel was established in 1948, and Lebanon remains deeply divided over diplomatic engagement with Israel. First round of talks with Iran failed to end conflict ast weekend in Pakistan, an initial round of talks aimed at permanently ending the US-Iran conflict failed to produce an agreement. The White House said Iran's nuclear ambitions were a central sticking point. I think they want to make a deal very badly, Trump said in an excerpt from an interview with Fox Business Network's Mornings with Maria scheduled to air Wednesday morning. He added: I view it as very close to over. A US official said Tuesday that fresh talks with Iran were still under discussion and that nothing has been scheduled. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss sensitive negotiations. Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan's finance minister, told The Associated Press that our leadership is not giving up on efforts to help the US and Iran end the conflict. Though the ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the strategic Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities and deepening the regional war's economic fallout. The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,100 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen US service members have also been killed. Tankers turned around after blockade took effect US Central Command said Tuesday no ships made it past the blockade in the first 24 hours, while six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around and reenter Iranian waters. The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil, mostly to Asia, since the war began February 28. Much of it has likely been carried by so-called dark transits that evade sanctions and oversight, providing cash that's been vital to keeping Iran running. Tankers approaching the strait Monday turned around shortly after the blockade took effect, though one reversed course again and transited the waterway. Since the war began, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic, with most commercial vessels avoiding the waterway. Tehran's effective closure of the strait, through which a fifth of global oil transits in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other basic goods far beyond the Middle East.

Trump caught between the devil and the deep Gulf sea

President Trump faces a critical challenge as the United States appears to be losing its conflict with Iran. This situation threatens his presidency and historical standing. Recent diplomatic efforts have failed, and a naval blockade has been imposed. The consequences could be severe, impacting global economics and Trump's political future. He may seek new negotiations to avert further crisis.

Lebanon, Israel hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington

Washington, Apr 15: Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington following more than a month of war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a historic opportunity but making clear that no breakthrough agreement would happen right away. In a statement after the two-hour session ended, the State Department praised the two sides for what it called productive discussions on steps toward launching direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Hezbollah opposed the direct talks and was not represented, appearing to step up its fire on northern Israel as the discussions began. The United States affirmed that any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track, the State Department said. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter hailed what he called a convergence of opinion about removing Hezbollah's influence from Lebanon, saying he was encouraged by a wonderful exchange. The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah, he said. Iran has been weakened. Hezbollah is dramatically weakened. This is an opportunity. Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad reaffirmed the urgent need for an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, underscoring the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty. She also called for a ceasefire, the return of displaced people to their homes, and concrete measures to address and alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict. Despite Hezbollah's outright rejection, the talks are a major step for two countries with no diplomatic relations that have been officially at war since Israel's inception in 1948. The latest round of fighting was sparked by Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel on March 2, days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Hezbollah's key ally and patron. Hezbollah pushes back as Lebanese government hopes for end to war As the talks began, Rubio said the Trump administration was very happy to facilitate but noted that we understand we're working against decades of history and complexities that will not be quickly resolved. But we can begin to move forward with a framework where something can happen something very positive, something very permanent so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve, and so that the people of Israel can live without fear, Rubio said. The Lebanese government hopes the talks will help pave the way to an end to the war. While Iran has set ending the wars in Lebanon and the region as a condition for talks with the US, Lebanon insists on representing itself. Hezbollah and other critics say Lebanon's government lacks leverage and that it should back Iran's position. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of the militant group's political council, told The Associated Press that the group will not abide by any agreements made during the talks. On the day of the discussions, incoming fire triggered nonstop drone and rocket alert sirens in Israeli communities near the Lebanese border. Hezbollah, so far on Tuesday, has claimed 24 attacks on northern Israel and on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. At least 2,124 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the Health Ministry said, including hundreds of women and children. More than 1 million people are displaced. The deadliest day of the war took place last week, when Israel launched 100 airstrikes across Lebanon in 10 minutes, including in the heart of the capital, killing over 350 people. The Israeli military has invaded southern Lebanon, a move some Israeli officials have said aims to create a security zone from the border to the Litani River, some 30 kilometres to the north. Israel's defence minister says hundreds of thousands of people uprooted from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return home until the area is demilitarised and Israel believes its northern communities are safe. Hezbollah, though weakened in its last war with Israel that ended in November 2024, still fires drones, rockets and artillery daily into northern Israel and on ground troops inside Lebanon. Hezbollah enjoys wide influence in Beirut's southern suburbs, as well as large swaths of the country's southern and eastern provinces. Hezbollah-allied politicians hold two Cabinet minister positions, though the group's ties have soured with Lebanon's top political authorities, who have been critical of Hezbollah's decision to enter the war last month and who have since criminalised the group's military activities in the country. First Israel-Lebanon talks in more than 30 years The talks are the first between Israel and Lebanon since 1993. Both countries have relied on indirect communication, often brokered by the United States or UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's top political authorities, critical of Hezbollah's decision to fire rockets toward Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran, quickly proposed direct talks in a bid to stop the escalation, hoping that Israel would not launch its ground invasion. Israel did not respond positively until last week, after its deadly bombardment hit several crowded commercial and residential areas in Beirut, sparking an international outcry and triggering threats by Iran that it would end the ceasefire with the United States and Israel. Lebanese officials have pushed for a truce, which Israel has ruled out. Israel has, however, halted strikes on Lebanon's capital following the bombardment. Israel's destruction of Lebanese territories is not the solution, nor will it yield any results, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday. He came to power vowing to disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah. Diplomatic solutions have consistently proven to be the most effective means of resolving armed conflicts globally. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday denied having disputes with Lebanon and said, The problem is Hezbollah. Hezbollah wants a return to the 2024 agreement under which talks were conducted indirectly with the US, France and UNIFIL as mediators.

The Latest: Trump hints at new Iran talks as Hormuz standoff intensifies

Washington, Apr 15: The US military claimed Tuesday that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, as the standoff between the US and Iran deepens. Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, a day after Trump warned on social media that any Iranian warships nearing the blockade would be destroyed in a quick and brutal strike. With Pakistan racing to bring the sides together for more talks, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round could be happening over the next two days. The first round ended without an agreement on Iran's nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a sticking point. Neither side has indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22. Lebanon and Israel opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, as fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants rocks southern Lebanon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part, joining the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the US Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and won't abide by any agreements made as a result, a high-ranking member of its political council told The Associated Press. Here is the latest: Trump says the Iran war is very close to over In clips showing excerpts of an interview he taped with Fox Business Network's Mornings with Maria, Trump says of the Iran war, I think it's close to over, yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over. He adds, If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we're not finished. We'll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly. Trump has declared a US victory in Iran repeatedly since mere days after the war started even as the reality on the ground has been far more complicated. The full interview is set to air starting Wednesday morning. US military will operate blockade in Gulf of Oman, AP source says A US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, explained that the strategy is to observe vessels subject to the blockade leave Iranian facilities and clear the Strait of Hormuz before intercepting them and forcing them to turn around. The official said that the military relies on more than just automated tracking beacons that all merchant ships are required to carry called AIS to determine merchant ships were coming from a port in Iran but wouldn't go into more detail, citing the need for operational security. The official also wouldn't go into what the military would do should they need to board and capture a ship. Vance says Trump wants a grand bargain reached with Iran Addressing a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, the vice president discussed the 20-plus hours of negotiations with Iran where he lead the US delegation. He said that Trump doesn't want to make, like, a small deal. He wants to make the grand bargain. Vance added, That's the trade that he's offering, and that Trump is telling Iran, If you guys commit to not having a nuclear weapon, we are going to make Iran thrive. We're going to make it economically prosperous, and we're going to invite the Iranian people into the world economy in a way they haven't been in my entire life, the vice president said. Pakistani official says government will keep at it Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press that our leadership is not giving up on its efforts to help the US and Iran negotiate. He noted the talks marked the first direct discussion between the two in nearly 50 years. We would very much like to see if we can continue to pursue the dialogue, he added, speaking on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. We'll keep at it, and our leadership is at it. Aurangzeb said he also this week met with US officials including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade and finance concerns. He plans to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday. Treasury says US will not renew Iranian oil sanctions waiver The Treasury Department says the short-term authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea is set to expire in a few days and will not be renewed, in a post on X. The administration allowed for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil already in transport before March 20, and would last through April 19. Additionally, the administration allowed a waiver on Russian oil at sea to expire on Saturday. Lebanon praises first talks with Israel in decades as constructive, calls for ceasefire Lebanon's top envoy to the US says the first high-level diplomatic engagement between her country and Israel was constructive, but urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants that has displaced thousands of Lebanese. After participating in Tuesday's talks with Rubio and Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh Moawad said she had underscored the need to preserve our territorial integrity and state sovereignty during the two-hour discussion. I called for a ceasefire and the return of displaced persons to their homes, she said in brief comments released by the Lebanese embassy in Washington. US could sanction Chinese and Arab banks for doing business with Iran The US Department of the Treasury sent a letter, viewed by The Associated Press, to financial institutions in China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, warning about the risks of doing business with Iran. The Treasury Department threatened secondary sanctions against the nations' banks and accused those countries of allowing Iranian illicit activities to flow through their financial institutions. The letter states that Iran processed at least USD 9 billion through US correspondent accounts in 2024 using a series of front companies, most notably in Hong Kong and the UAE. The Treasury Department's account on the social platform X posted on Tuesday that financial institutions should be on notice that the department is leveraging the full range of available tools and authorities and is prepared to deploy secondary sanctions against foreign financial institutions that continue to support Iran's activities. Ships near Strait of Hormuz alter signalled destinations on first full day of US blockade A Malawi-flagged oil tanker entering the Strait of Hormuz revised the destination it was broadcasting over its tracking system on Tuesday, according to maritime data. The Rich Starry was the only ship that shipping data firms and maritime analytics trackers reported as entering the blockaded waterway. On Monday morning, it listed Sohar, Oman, a port just south of the strait, as its destination. By evening, it was broadcasting no destination, according to MarineTraffic, a maritime analytics provider. The Rich Starry was among several tankers to change their reported destinations. So-called shadow fleet ships like the vessel sometimes fly flags of landlocked countries and alter signals or transmit false positions, including to evade sanctions on Iran. Other ships also adjusted their signals to avoid listing Iranian ports, according to shipping publication Lloyd's List. US Central Command said no ships transited the strait on Tuesday and did not respond to questions about the shadow fleet vessels. US says first Israel-Lebanon talks productive, will continue with aim of launching formal negotiations The State Department says the first high-level meeting between Israel and Lebanon in decades was productive and will continue with the aim of launching direct negotiations. In a statement released after the two-hour session in Washington between Rubio and the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States, the department said, All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue. Israel has been fighting Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and demands that the group, which opposed the talks and was not represented, be disarmed. Second round of talks has not been scheduled, official say A U.S. official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Tuesday that future talks with Iran are under discussion, but no talks have been scheduled at this time.

Layers of Uncertainty

Ever since this war in West Asia broke out, the world is on a rollercoaster ride. It is such a giddying ride that one tends to lose the sense of space and direction. The impact of this war looked concretely hitting people across regions as the energy crisis turned real. Here in India, we had times when petrol pumps witnessed panic fuelling and domestic gas supplies looked like drying up. Though the government officials kept reassuring people that there was no need for panicking, but the worry was palpable. As the countries dependent for their fuel supplies on gulf region started bracing up for a long term planning in order to ensure that the system didn't stop working, a flicker hope appeared on the horizon. The two warring sides, USA and Iran, agreed to a ceasefire and to sit on a negotiating table. That was the moment when the world heaved a sigh of relief. What looked like an impossibility, suddenly became probable. And then the day came when the two teams from the two sides landed in the designated city, and they sat across a table. All cameras on, all eyes fixed to the outcome. The world waited with a bated breath. Then came an announcement, and a disappointment. The two sides didn't reach any conclusion, and talks failed. Again it was back to the battlefield. Now all focus was on the Strait of Hormuz. The war rhetoric again peaked and we are again in uncertain waters. One cannot predict with precision what is to follow. But the sounds of talks resuming are keeping the flame of hope alive. At the same time the spectre of fuel crisis is again raising its head. While on the one hand one can hope that the two sides resume talks and come to some agreed conclusions. That would be something the world would want to happen. But on the other hand countries, particularly those dependent on fuel imports, have to brace up for any crisis.

Private Universities Bill and Two Reports

There is an old Chinese saying: May you live in interesting times. Surely, we do live in such times. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has passed the Private Universities Bill (L.A. Bill No. 08 of 2026) with the stated aim of reducing student migration and strengthening the local education ecosystem. Coincidentally, this is also a time when two important reportsthe Azim Premji University Study (2026) and Careers 360 Study (2026)have entered the public domain, both directly relevant to the higher education system in India. This write-up is a modest attempt to understand the need for private universities at a time when the number of all kinds of public universities has increased at tremendous cost to the taxpayer and many such universities have academic programmes with no takers. Furthermore, private universities are making their entry at a time when students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are increasingly disengaging from higher education. Context of the Bill The Bill states: A Bill to provide for the establishment and incorporation of private universities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and to regulate their funding, management, and academic standards, ensuring quality education and protecting the interests of students. The education minister, Mrs. Sakina Yatoo, assured the House that the government had taken into consideration all relevant issues and concerns related to higher education before formulating the Bill. The Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, described it as a milestone that would position Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub of higher education and academic excellence. So far, so good. However, it is necessary to pause and reflect on public concerns and expectations regarding the governments policy of encouraging private players in higher education. Before doing so, it is important to examine two widely discussed reports that highlight key issues in the domains of higher education and employment. The State of Working India 2026 Report The Azim Premji University Report (2026) highlights a widening gap between education and job creation. Indias youth population (aged 1529) stands at 36.7 crore. The unemployment rate is approximately 40% for the 1525 age group and 20% for those aged 2529. Only 7% of young graduates secure salaried employment, while 67% of unemployed youth are graduates. Graduate unemployment rates have remained largely unchangedbetween 35% and 40%since 1983. The share of young men in education declined from 38% in 2017 to 34% in late 2024, with 72% withdrawing due to the need to support their households. The report further argues that liberalisation has given a significant boost to private institutions, leading to an expansion of higher education, often at the cost of institutional quality Study by Careers 360 The Careers 360 Study (2026) reveals that 74% of top Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) students from 1990 to 2021 have settled abroad, primarily in the United States. This phenomenonsometimes described as the secession of the successfulhas intensified, rising from 66.7% (19902010) to 90% (20112021), indicating a major loss of top talent for India. According to the study, the United States remains the primary destination, with 17 out of 31 toppers settling there. Overall, 23 out of 31 JEE toppers surveyed over three decades moved abroad for work or higher studies, and 28 of them are employed by non-Indian companies. The study expresses serious concern over the outmigration of skilled Indians. Similarly, a 2025 report by NITI Aayog noted that outbound students outnumber inbound students by 25 timesan alarming imbalance that reflects Indias limited attractiveness as a global academic destination. This metric is widely considered an important indicator of the strength of a countrys higher education system. Emergence of the Private Over the past three decades, India has witnessed a rapid rise in private universities. State governments have encouraged this growth to enhance educational quality and increase enrolment. Private capital and regional businesses have welcomed this trend, and affluent as well as upper middle-class sections have shown strong support. Public opinion has gradually shifted toward the belief that private institutions are superior to public ones. As a result, between 2006 and 2018, the number of state private universities increased from 19 to 290, with 223 established after 2009. There is no reason to suspect the private institutions but it is significant to understand complexity of issues involved in this matter. Much of this suspicion lies with people of my generation and orientation who got the best of public education with minimum cost to our families. Be that as it may the worlds top ranked universities in USA viz Harvard, Stanford and MIT are private. Our policy discourse treats for profit as synonymous with exploitation. This is intellectually lazy and unacceptable. It is due to rise of the private that pressure has developed on public universities to offer programmes oriented towards employment market and be entrepreneurial and competitive and also to demonstrate more efficiency in governance. Key Concerns and Considerations In light of the above discussion, the Jammu and Kashmir government and other stakeholders must encourage broader deliberation on this Bill. It should become a subject of debate in colleges, universities, and academic forums to ensure that best practices are followed in the establishment of private institutions. As an academic and a member of civil society, I would urge the government to consider the following: First , the establishment of private universities should not be seen as a vote of no confidence in public universities, which have indeed experienced deterioration over time. Rather, private players are expected to democratise higher education by making it more competitive and inclusive. The National Knowledge Commission (2008) advocated for private investment in higher education, arguing that it would diversify institutional focus beyond engineering, medicine, and management to other disciplines, thereby expanding enrolment nationally. However, it is noteworthy that postgraduate enrolment has declined in private universities, while remaining relatively stable in public institutions. Second , an important concern relates to social justice. Do private universities cater only to those who can afford high fees? There is a growing fear that private universities may become gated communities for the privileged, while public universities risk degenerating into under-resourced spaces with declining academic quality. Third , there is the question of academic diversity. Will private universities invest in disciplines such as social sciences and humanities, which are often less financially lucrative compared to professional fields like medicine, commerce, and management? Institutions such as Ashoka University and O.P. Jindal Global University in the NCR region have, however, made notable contributions in liberal arts and humanities education. Fourth , concerns have been raised about governance. Some private universities are established by individuals or families with profit motives, and their governing boards may lack credibility or competence. At the same time, there are positive examples where philanthropic and corporate entities have established institutions with strong governance structures and respected leadership. The Vice Chancellor of Global Jindal university C. Raj Kumar earned global education at universities of: Hong Kong, Harvard, Oxford and Delhi and same is reflected in his style of functioning. True leadership comes from ideas, frameworks and theories to be employed by community of scholars. You cannot run a university with slogans and posters. Fifth, J&K government should also think of a Skill city to be established preferably in down town Srinagar historically known for different crafts. It is akin to New University Townships recently preposed by Union finance minister in budget 2026-2027 where a private university, research, skills and industry sit side by side producing a smoother pipeline from education to employment. Twenty first century university can be situated in busy/noisy city centres. By way of conclusion, one can only expect that this extraordinary step of the J&K government goes in right direction. The university whether public or private is not land, sand or band but an idea, vision and mission. The key lies in quality faculty who make a difference to the culture and governance of any university. I have no idea of the progress of the scheme aimed at repatriating star-faculty of Indian origin from overseas. The Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University Somak Raychaudhuri stated recently that at Ashoka we have seen transformative power of overseas faculty. We got international perspective on pedagogy, governance and other best practices. Legend has it that when Napolean rested in his Bivouac during his imperial campaigns, he would tell his aide: Dont distract me to give me good news, it can wait. But when there are bad tidings rush to me and wake me up. There is no time to lose The author is Kashmir based Political Scientist

The unseen devastation

Human affliction, financial detriment, and geopolitical turbulence typically dominate assessments of wars repercussions. Yet, the colossal environmental devastation wrought by conflicts constitutes a substantial, oft-overlooked corollary. Ecosystem degradation, climate change exacerbation, and conflicts toxic legacy perpetuate harm to the natural world and its dependents The ecological repercussions of war can be profoundly destructive and persistent, as exemplified by the deployment of Agent Orange in Vietnam and the nuclear devastation inflicted upon Japan. Military tactics frequently entail environmental degradation, including contamination of water sources, destruction of crops, deforestation, soil erosion, and decimation of fauna, all aimed at securing a strategic advantage. Resource scarcity fuels conflicts, with rivalries over water, arable land, timber, and precious minerals precipitating violence. Notably, resource-driven conflicts exhibit a pronounced recidivism, as evident in clashes between agriculturalists and pastoralists across the Sahel region. Environmental harm is proportionate to the devastation caused by large-scale conflicts. For instance, during the Gulf War, oil fields in Kuwait were set on fire, contaminating surrounding soil and water sources, and spewing millions of tonnes of smoke and soot into the atmosphere. Decades of fighting have also poisoned soils, polluted water supplies, and devastated vast tracts of forest in Afghanistan and Iraq. Besides contributing to global warming, the destruction of forests diminishes biodiversity and undermines natures ability to act as a carbon sink. Frequent bombardment of cities, industrial areas, and oil infrastructure in Syria resulted in the production of toxic compounds; pipeline fires also released greenhouse gases visible from space. Satellite data shows fires surged during the war. According to experts, the early years of the Russia-Ukraine conflict emitted over 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual emissions of many European nations. The dissemination of toxic substances, including heavy metals, white phosphorus, depleted uranium, and industrial chemicals, during combat poses enduring threats to both environmental integrity and human well-being. The clearance of debris from conflict zones, such as Gaza, can generate substantial quantities of greenhouse gases, thereby perpetuating ecological degradation for decades. In post-conflict settings, the presence of unexploded ordnance and landmines impedes agricultural activities, while contaminated water sources exacerbate the risk of oncological and chronic diseases among returning populations. Significant pollution is also being produced as a result of the American and Israeli onslaught on Iran and Irans reaction throughout the Gulf region, causing long-term ecological harm in addition to immediate repercussions on human health. Beyond the battlefield, militarism has significant negative environmental and ecological effects. Logistics networks, supply routes, and military installations have a substantial ecological impact. Due to their massive fuel consumption during peacetime to maintain combat preparedness, militaries worldwide are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Conflict and Environment Observatory, military activity contributes 5.5% of global emissions, comparable to and possibly even greater than the combined environmental cost of shipping and aviation. Its also important to note that this estimate of military emissions doesnt include pollution and environmental damage from ongoing hostilities. The environmental consequences of conflict can no longer be disregarded as countries develop defence and security strategies in a world where climate change poses an increasing threat. Sustainable development, biodiversity objectives, and climate targets cannot be achieved if the ecological costs of both major and minor conflicts continue to rise. In addition to taking the lives of soldiers and civilians, war also results in ecocide, severely impairing the planets capacity to support its growing global population.

Dangerous shift?

In many parts of Kashmir today, the landscape is changing faster than the conversation around it. Where paddy once stood through the summer months, rows of apple trees now rise in neat, high-density formations. The shift looks modern, efficient, even hopeful. It promises better income, quicker returns, and a place in a larger market. For the individual farmer, it is an understandable choice. But when a pattern repeats across villages and districts, it stops being a private decision. It becomes a public question. Can a region that eats rice afford to stop growing it? This is not a sentimental concern about tradition. It is a practical concern about survival. Rice is not just another crop in Kashmir; it is the staple that anchors daily life. Apples, on the other hand, are a source of income. One fills the plate. The other fills the pocket. Both matter, but they are not substitutes for each other. The trouble begins when we start behaving as if they are. Over the past decade, apples have emerged as a reliable economic option. High-density plantations, in particular, have changed the scale and speed of returns. Farmers who struggled with the rising costs and uncertain yields of paddy have found a more rewarding alternative. In purely economic terms, the shift makes sense. But agriculture is rarely just about economics. Paddy fields in Kashmir occupy a specific kind of land, low-lying, water-retentive areas that are naturally suited for rice. These are not easily replaceable. When such land is converted into orchards, the change is not seasonal; it is long-term, often permanent. You cannot switch back at will. The soil structure changes, irrigation patterns shift, and the entire ecosystem adjusts to a new rhythm. What disappears in the process is not just a crop, but a system. Rice fields regulate water. They support livestock. They sustain local diets in a way no imported grain ever fully can. When these fields shrink, the region does not stop eating rice, it simply starts depending on someone else to grow it, like the states of UP and Bihar. That dependence may seem harmless when roads are open and markets are stable. But Kashmirs experience has shown, time and again, how fragile such assumptions can be. A disrupted highway, a delayed supply chain, or a sudden price spike can turn dependence into vulnerability overnight. The question, then, is not whether apples are good or bad. Apples are valuable. They have strengthened rural incomes and brought a degree of financial confidence to farming families. The question is whether their expansion should come at the cost of land that ensures basic food security. There is a difference between diversification and replacement. Diversification spreads risk. Replacement concentrates it. If a farmer grows both rice and apples, a bad season in one can be cushioned by the other. But if entire belts shift to orchards, the region becomes exposed on two fronts at once. A poor apple season affects income, while reduced paddy cultivation increases reliance on external food supplies. The risks do not cancel out; they compound. This is where the role of policy becomes crucial. Left entirely to market forces, land will move toward the most profitable use. That is how markets function. But food systems cannot be left to markets alone. Every country that has taken food security seriously has drawn certain lines, quietly, firmly, and without apology. India, too, has done this in different ways. The Green Revolution was not just about increasing production; it was about ensuring that the country would not depend on others for its basic food needs. That logic remains relevant, even if the methods need updating. In regions like Kashmir, this means identifying and protecting what may be called core paddy zones. These are areas where rice cultivation is not just possible, but optimal. Allowing their unchecked conversion may bring short-term gains, but it weakens the long-term stability of the region. Protection does not have to mean prohibition. It can take the form of incentives. If farmers find paddy less profitable, then the answer is not to abandon it, but to make it viable again. Assured procurement, better pricing, and support for modern cultivation methods can change the equation. Farmers respond to signals. Right now, the signal is clear, apples pay, rice does not. That signal can be corrected. At the same time, there is room for balance at the farm level. Not every piece of land needs to be under paddy, and not every farmer needs to avoid horticulture. A mixed approach, where part of the land remains under staples and part under cash crops, offers both security and income. It may not maximize profit in the short run, but it minimizes risk in the long run. There is also a quieter, less discussed aspect to this shift. When agriculture becomes purely income-driven, the relationship between people and land begins to change. Land is no longer seen as a provider of life, but as an asset to be optimized. That mindset is efficient, but it can also be narrow. It overlooks functions that do not show up in immediate earnings, like food security, ecological balance, and community resilience. These functions become visible only when they are lost. Kashmir is not alone in facing this dilemma. Across India, similar shifts are underway. Farmers are moving toward crops that promise better returns, often at the cost of traditional staples. In some places, this has worked well. In others, it has created new dependencies that are only now becoming apparent. What makes Kashmirs case particularly sensitive is its geography. It is not a region where food can move in and out without friction. Weather, terrain, and politics all play a role in shaping supply lines. In such a setting, reducing local food production is not just an economic decision; it is a strategic one. None of this calls for turning back the clock. Progress in agriculture is necessary, and farmers deserve to earn better incomes. But progress does not have to mean imbalance. It is possible to grow apples without losing rice, to earn from markets without surrendering self-reliance. The first step is to recognize that the issue exists. The second is to act before the change becomes irreversible. Because once paddy fields disappear, they do not return easily. And when they are gone, the question will no longer be theoretical. It will be immediate, practical, and unavoidable, If the fields no longer grow rice, what exactly will fill the plate? Obeida Ashraf is a teacher by profession.

Ask the Doctor

Q: My vision has become blurry, especially at night. Is it a cataract or weakness? A: Blurry vision, glare from lights, and difficulty seeing at night are common signs of cataract. It is not just weaknessit is a gradual clouding of the eye lens. See an ophthalmologist. Q: Can eye drops or medicines cure cataract? A: No. Cataract cannot be reversed by medicines or drops. The only effective treatment is simple surgery, which is safe and highly successful. Q: When should I go for cataract surgery? Do I need to wait till it matures? A: No need to wait. Surgery should be done when vision starts affecting daily life. Waiting too long can make surgery more difficult. Q: Is cataract surgery risky? I am afraid of it. A: Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest procedures. It is quick, usually painless, and most patients return home the same day. Q: I feel tired all the time, but my reports are normal. What could be the reason? A: Fatigue is not always a disease. Poor sleep, stress, low activity, or irregular meals can cause it. Lifestyle often needs correction before medicines. Q: I skip meals to control weight, but still gain weight. Why? A: Skipping meals slows metabolism and leads to overeating later. Regular, balanced meals work better than starving. Q: I drink tea multiple times a day. Is it harmful? A: Excess tea (especially on an empty stomach) can cause acidity, poor sleep and reduced iron absorption. Limit quantity of sugar/salt in tea and be careful of timing. Q: My blood tests are slightly abnormal. Should I panic? A: Not always. Many mild abnormalities are manageable. The key is trend and context , not a single report. Better talk to your doctor. Q: I get frequent acidity. A: Occasional acidity is common, but frequent symptoms may indicate lifestyle issues or reflux disease. Diet and timing of meals matter. Q: I walk daily. Is that enough for fitness? A: Walking is excellent, but if possible for you, combining it with strength and flexibility exercises gives better overall health benefits. Q: I feel anxious about my health even when everything is normal. What should I do? A: Health anxiety is real. Limit excessive online searching, follow one trusted doctor and focus on routine rather than fear. Q: I sometimes rely on Google for health advice. Is that okay? A: Information is useful, but not all of it is correct. Self-diagnosis can mislead. Always cross-check with a doctor. Public Advisory: Most health problems today are linked to lifestyle, misinformation and delay in seeking care. Simple habits, timely consultation and correct information can prevent major illness. NOTE: These responses are for general awareness, not a substitute for medical advice. Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org

What Seniors Should Really Eat

Doctor sahab, mujhe yeh mat khane ko kaha gaya woh bhi mana hai. This is one of the most common sentences I hear from my senior patients. Someone told them not to eat rice. Someone warned them against fruits. Someone said eggs are harmful. Someone advised stopping oil completely. And slowly, their plate becomes empty, not because of disease, but because of confusion. This is where the problem begins. Trust your doctornot advice based on someone elses experience. In our social setting, health advice often comes from relatives, neighbours, or well-meaning friends who share what worked for them. But every individual is differentage, diseases, medications and body response all vary. What suits one person may harm another. A diet that helped someone control sugar may worsen anothers condition. A remedy that seemed harmless for one may interfere with medicines in someone else. This culture of sharing personal experiences as universal solutions, though well-intentioned, often leads to confusion, delayed treatment, and sometimes serious complications. Food is not the enemy. Confusion is. Many seniors start believing that once they have diabetes, blood pressure, or heart disease, they must stop eating everything they enjoy. That is neither practical nor correct. As a general rule, the diet for seniors is actually simple, not restrictive : Low salt. Low sugar. Low fat and oil Thats it. Not no food. Just balanced food in moderation. What Should Be Reduced? Excess salt (important for BP control). Excess sugar (for diabetes). Excess oil and fried food. White rice and refined flour (maida) in large quantities. This does not mean complete avoidance. It means moderation . What Should Be Included More? This is where many seniors go wrongthey focus only on what to avoid, not what to include: Vegetables daily, in good quantity. Fruits selected and suitable ones. Protein often neglected but very important Good protein sources: Eggs (safe and highly nutritious) Dal (moong, channa dal) Black channa Plant-based proteins Non-vegetarian options: Chicken and fish (white meat) Lean meat (phuhar maaz) in moderation Because in ageing, muscle loss is a silent problem , and protein helps maintain strength. The Most Practical Rule: Eat What Suits You Patients often ask: Doctor sahab, kaunsi sabzi theek hai? Kaunsi mana hai? The answer is simple, but often ignored. Every individual knows what suits them. Some people get urinary discomfort with tomato or spinach. Others eat them without any issue. So the rule is: What suits you continue What does not suit you avoid This applies to vegetables, fruits, and even certain foods . Fruits and Diabetes: The Big Confusion Many diabetics stop fruits completely. This is unnecessary. They can safely take: Papaya (papita). Apple. Guava (amrood). Orange. Kiwi The key is portion and timing , not total avoidance. How to Eat Matters as Much as What to Eat One important principle for seniors: Eat small, frequent meals Instead of 23 heavy meals, divide into 56 light meals: Breakfast Mid-morning (fruit/tea) Lunch Evening tea Early evening fruit Light dinner This helps: Better digestion. Stable sugar levels. Less weakness Word of Caution There are a few patients who need specific dietary restrictions due to: Kidney disease, Severe diabetes and Liver conditions. These patients must follow their doctors personalised advice strictly . Message Food should not become a source of fear. It should remain a source of strength, recovery, and comfort . The problem today is not lack of food. It is too much misinformation about food .

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan | DYSS Poonch organises cricket matches

In a significant step towards promoting a drug-free society and fostering a culture of health, discipline, and positivity among youth, the Department of Youth Services & Sports Poonch successfully organised cricket matches at the Sports Stadium Poonch under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The event, as per a DYSS statement issued on Tuesday, witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 110 young athletes from across the district actively taking part. The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Director General Youth Services & Sports, Anuradha Gupta, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire youth-centric programmes across the Union Territory. A series of cricket matches were organised, providing a vibrant and inclusive platform for young talent to showcase their skills. These competitions not only promoted sportsmanship but also fostered unity, discipline, and confidence among participants. Adding a strong social message to the event, all participants collectively took a pledge of Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports, reaffirming their commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. The atmosphere remained energetic and inspiring, reflecting the determination of the youth to contribute towards positive societal change. Officials highlighted that the primary objective of such initiatives is to steer young individuals away from the dangers of drug abuse and channel their energy into constructive pursuits like sports and education. By engaging youth in meaningful activities, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs while promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social responsibility. The larger campaign was formally launched on April 11 by Manoj Sinha, marking the beginning of a 100-day intensive drive across Jammu and Kashmir. Since its launch, a series of awareness programmes, sports events, and outreach activities have been conducted at multiple levels to amplify the message of a drug-free society. At the district level, the smooth execution of the event was ensured under the supervision of Mohammad Qasim, while on-ground coordination and management were efficiently handled by Vijay Kumar, whose dedicated efforts played a key role in the successful organization of the programme. Officials further emphasised that such initiatives go beyond competitions and form part of a broader mission to bring long-term positive transformation in society.

J&Ks Akshara Dutta among India U-18 hockey probables

Akshara Dutta has been selected among the probables for the Indian U-18 womens hockey team, marking a significant achievement for Jammu and Kashmir after her standout performance at the national sub-junior championship in Ranchi. As per a statement issued on Tuesday, Akshara showcased exceptional talent while representing Jammu & Kashmir at the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Womens National Championship 2026 held in Ranchi. Her outstanding performance saw her emerge as the top scorer of her pool, along with earning the prestigious Player of the Match award twice during the tournament. She has now been called to attend the national coaching camp in Bhopal, as part of preparations for the upcoming U-18 Asia Cup scheduled to be held in Japan. This achievement marks a historic milestone, as Akshara becomes the first girl from Jammu & Kashmir to reach this level in womens hockey, setting an inspiring example for aspiring athletes across the region. Meanwhile, Shahid Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the J&K Sports Council for its commendable efforts in the effective implementation of the Khelo India Small Centres Scheme across the Union Territory.

At 'Kath Baath' in Budgam, Mehbooba Mufti flags youth distress

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday stressed the need for sustained dialogue and deeper public engagement, while raising concerns over growing distress among youth and a range of pressing issues affecting Budgam. Speaking during a Kath Baath interaction in Budgam, she expressed gratitude to participants, including youth and elders, for openly sharing their concerns. She described the gathering as a reflection of collective awareness and active public participation. Reiterating that meaningful dialogue remains the only viable path forward, she invoked the approach of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, underlining that engagement and communication are essential to address grievances, find closure, and work towards lasting peace, said a press release. Todays Kath Baath in Budgam was deeply moving. Listening to these young aspiring voices is both inspiring and humbling. They spoke with raw honesty and passion about the pain they see around then , a fragile volatile environment, the dark shadows of drug abuse and the silent pic.twitter.com/nsq6Z4DPyg Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 14, 2026 Interacting with reporters, she said the initiative was not politically driven but aimed at listening to people, especially the youth, whom she described as feeling under pressure, disillusioned, and constrained in the prevailing atmosphere. It was important to hear young voices. If PDP can contribute in any way to easing their challenges, it would be a step in the right direction, she said. She noted that the discussions brought forward a wide spectrum of concernsfrom local developmental issues and social challenges to broader perspectives, including views on international developments shared by participants. Mufti also voiced concern over incidents related to cow vigilantism, urging restraint and caution. She appealed to the BJP to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and harmony in the region. This is Jammu and Kashmir, and its sensitivities must be respected, she said. Commenting on foreign policy, she questioned Indias positioning as a neutral mediator in global conflicts, suggesting that its ties with Israel may influence international perceptions.

GenomeIndia report maps genetic diversity of India, places J&K within Northern Indo-European cluster

Srinagar, Apr 14:The first ever, landmark GenomeIndia Consortium report detailing the genetic makeup of nearly 10,000 Indians across 83 diverse populations, including the diverse populations in J&K, is out. The preprint An Atlas of Indian Genetic Diversity shows J&K population falls squarely within the Indo-European non-tribal (IE_NT) cluster, the dominant group scattered in northern India. The study, posted on medRxiv in the last week of March provides the most detailed whole-genome sequencing data for India till date. The report highlights the countrys immense genetic variation shaped by geography, language, history, and endogamy traditions among some populations. The data analysis shows a clear north-to-south genetic cline: the northern populations have stronger affinities to ancestral northern Indian components, while the southern groups reflect more ancient indigenous ancestry. A heat map of India, which is part of the report, shows sampling sites from 82-83 populations. These sites are colour-coded by major ethno-linguistic groups - Indo-European (IE) majorly in northern and central India, Dravidian (DR) in southern India, Tibeto-Burman (TB) in northeastern, and some Himalayan areas, Austro-Asiatic (AA) which are often tribal communities. The Northern non-tribal Indo-European (NT-IE) groups have generally been seen to have relatively fewer private or novel variants, in comparison with the isolated southern or tribal populations. J&K, is included in the GenomeIndia sampling through collaboration with the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura. The samples from the region were found to fall directly within the Indo-European non-tribal cluster. This is the dominant group across northern India. The key insights for J&K show Kashmir samples align with other IE-speaking populations in northern and central India. The sample analysis reveals a mix of steppe-related ancestry, linked to ancient Indo-Aryan migrations and South Asian components. This places Kashmir populations genetically closer to populations in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Kashmir shares much of its genetic variation profile with other genetic variation profile with northern caste, non-tribal populations. The preprint also looks at the genetic consequences of tradition of endogamy in many populations of India. It utilises the Runs of Homozygosity (ROH), the long stretches of DNA that are identical on both chromosomes for this purpose. These serve as a indicators for historical inbreeding and consanguinity. The report states that the IE_NT as a whole had limited ROH burden yet several populations had >70 percent individuals with FROH 0.01. This suggests that fine-scale sociocultural structures influencing cryptic-relatedness may exist even within these large, non-tribal communities.

CM thanks PM Modi, Gadkari for approval

Srinagar, Apr 14:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for their support and approval of the Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel projects on NH-244. CM Omar said that these vital infrastructure projects would significantly strengthen connectivity, ensure all-weather access, and accelerate economic growth across the Chenab Valley and adjoining regions. The Government of India has approved the construction of the uni-directional twin-tube Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel (12.85 km, including 2-lane plus paved shoulder approaches) and the twin-tube Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel (38.61 km, including 2-lane plus paved shoulder approaches) on NH-244 in J&K at an estimated total cost of Rs 9779.42 crore. Recalling his earlier intervention, the CM said that in June last year, he had written to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister highlighting delays in the projects and seeking their urgent consideration. He had urged that the projects be taken up under the NH (O) scheme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on priority to ensure their timely completion in line with the broader vision for the development of J&K and the nation. In his communication, CM Omar had also expressed concern that while other NH projects on NH-244 were progressing under NHIDCL, delays in these two critical tunnels were impeding the expected socio-economic benefits for the Chenab Valley region and hindering its efforts to overcome economic backwardness.

Unidirectional `9779.42 Cr Sudhmahadev-Dranga, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels approved: Jitendra Singh

Jammu, Apr 14:Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh Tuesday announced that the approval was granted (by the Centre) for the construction of uni-directional twin tube SudhmahadevDranga tunnels and the twin tube SinghporaVailoo tunnel on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr. Singh, who also represents Doda-Kathua-Udhampur parliamentary constituency in Lok Sabha, shared this positive development for Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts on his social media handle. While extending his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always prioritising J&K related issues, the Union Minister asserted that the approval also dispelled the rumours spread about the abandoning of the project. Vital projects are significant as they will bolster connectivity with all-weather access besides expediting economic boom across the Chenab valley, Udhampur and adjoining regions. Approval has been granted for the construction of uni-directional twin tube SudhmahadevDranga tunnels (length 12.85 km, including 2 L (lane) + Paved Shoulder (PS) approaches) and the twin tube SinghporaVailoo tunnel (length 38.61 km, including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in #JammuAndKashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr, Union Minister of State in PMO posted on his social media handle, with the screaming tagline in bold, Heartening news for districts Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur. This dispels all the misguided rumours floated in recent months that the project had been abandoned. Thanks PM Shri Narendra Modi for always prioritising J&K related issues, Singh posted. Reference was to the official approval through an Office Memorandum issued by the (Union) Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, confirming the minutes of the Public Investment Board (PIB) meeting held on April 7, 2026, thereby formalising the transformative project. Through the Office Memorandum, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India forwarded to the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways - the minutes of the Public Investment Board meeting held on April 7, 2026 in the Department of Expenditure under the chairpersonship of Secretary, Department of Expenditure to consider the proposal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for Construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnels (length 12.85 Km including 2L + PS approaches) and twin tube Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel (Length 38.61Km including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on EPC ((Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) mode. This issues with the approval of the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, the Office Memorandum read. Earlier on April 7, 2026, Singh, while chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Doda, had also addressed concerns regarding the Sudhmahadev tunnel. He had clarified that reports about stoppage of work were incorrect. The Union Minister said the earlier tender was cancelled because of the security issue related to the allottee. He said that a new tender would be floated soon. Notably the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too had recently written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari seeking early completion of both the projects. Prior to it, on March 25, 2026, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, while replying to National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloos question in Rajya Sabha about the present status, DPR, tendering, land acquisition, environment and security clearances, funds sanctioned and released, work awarded and timeline fixed for the projects related to the Sudhmahadev-Chenani tunnel, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel besides other tunnels and road projects had informed that DPRs were completed for both the projects. Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels fall under National Highway (NH) 244. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these tunnels have been completed by National Highways Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NHIDCL), Gadkari stated. The Sudhmahadev-Daranga tunnel including approaches is having a length of 12.85 km and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel including approaches is having a length of 38.61 km. The projects for construction of these tunnels are at appraisal stage, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways had informed. Regarding road projects, Gadkari had informed that the road stretch of Batote-Doda-Kishtwar is divided into two stretches. The Batote-Khellani section of NH-244 is of 2-lane standards. However, due to deficient alignment having steep curves, this stretch is to be bypassed through development of Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellani greenfield alignment. Out of total length of 38 km from Chenani to Khellani (excluding Sudhmadev-Dranga tunnel portion) the 2-lane has been completed in 34 km and 2-laning is in progress in the remaining 4 km, which is scheduled to be completed by October, 2026, he said. The Khellani-Doda-Kishtwar section of NH-244 (112.66 km) is being developed to 2-lane with paved shoulders configuration in 9 civil work contract packages, of which, 47.38 km length has been completed and remaining length is in progress, Gadkari shared. Meanwhile, MLA Inderwal Pyare Lal Sharma, while hailing the official approval to the long-pending demand for the SinghporaVailoo tunnel, described it as a monumental boost to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. This long-awaited dream project is being widely hailed as a game-changer for the Chenab valley. By ensuring all-weather connectivity between the Chenab valley and the Kashmir Valley, the tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two regions, boost trade, tourism, and overall economic activity and ensure uninterrupted connectivity during harsh winter months, Sharma pointed out. He expressed immense satisfaction and heartfelt gratitude, calling the approval a historic achievement for the people of the region. He emphasised that the realisation of this decades-old demand reflected the coordinated and committed efforts of both central and UT leadership. In his statement, he extended special thanks to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his visionary leadership in enhancing national connectivity; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for prioritising regional development; Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh for his persistent efforts at the Union level; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary for his steadfast support and MP Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo for his significant role in advancing the project through legislative and administrative channels. Sharma termed the approval of the tunnel as not just an infrastructure project, but a symbol of progress, connectivity, and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Hajj pilgrims to depart from April 18 under cloud of West Asia conflict

Srinagar, Apr 14:With the shadow of conflict still hanging over West Asia, Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are preparing to depart for the holy land beginning April 18, even as uncertainty over the Iran-US-Israel standoff continues to stir unease among those readying for the annual pilgrimage. A total of 4701 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to undertake the Hajj this year, a figure significantly lower than in previous years. Those familiar with the Hajj process point to a combination of factors behind the decline, with the steep rise in pilgrimage costs and a deepening liquidity crunch across Kashmir emerging as the primary reasons. The overall cost of Hajj has climbed considerably in recent years, pushed up by currency fluctuations, higher service charges, and increased accommodation costs in Saudi Arabia, pricing out a section of pilgrims who had been saving for years with the intention of making the journey this season. The broader economic squeeze felt across the valley has compounded the problem. Traders, small business owners, and daily wage earners in Kashmir have spoken of tightening household budgets, and for many families, the financial ask of Hajj this year proved simply too steep to meet. The result is a noticeably thinner contingent heading out from the region compared to years past. Hajj flights from Srinagar are set to commence on April 18 and will continue through May 20. The Executive Officer of the Hajj Committee, Shujat Ahmed, confirmed the schedule while also addressing the fears that have gripped many of the departing pilgrims. On whether the ongoing conflict in the region posed a threat to the pilgrims safety, Ahmed struck a measured tone. We are hopeful that things remain calm, he said, adding that the situation was not entirely within their control. It is not in our hands, he acknowledged, even as he sought to reassure pilgrims and their families that all necessary precautions were being taken. The flights from Srinagar are expected to operate for approximately 10 to 15 days, with schedules remaining subject to adjustment depending on operational requirements. He said the Hajj Committee was working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the smooth departure and transit of all registered pilgrims from J&K. This year, the pilgrimage comes with a fresh set of regulations from Saudi authorities that mark a notable shift from previous years. Stricter health screening protocols have been introduced, and pilgrims found to be suffering from serious medical conditions, including renal failure, those currently undergoing dialysis, or those with significant cardiac ailments, have been screened out from the cohort. Among the more visible changes this season is the discontinuation of self-cooking facilities that pilgrims had previously relied upon during their stay. Self-cooking facilities have been discontinued this year, and pilgrims will instead be provided food arrangements, Ahmed said. In addition, each pilgrim departing from J&K will be issued a smartwatch equipped with a SIM-enabled tracking system, designed to help authorities monitor movement and coordinate more effectively in the event of an emergency. The mood among private Hajj operators is somewhat less composed. A private operator, who did not wish to be named, said the community remained deeply anxious. We are worried about the situation, the operator said, reflecting what many in the pilgrimage sector privately feel. Among those departing in the first batch is Muhammad Yusuf, an old, retired government employee, who has waited over a decade for this moment. Despite the fear, his resolve is unshaken. I have waited my whole life for this. Whatever Allah has written will happen. We leave trusting in Allah, he said.

Government will create inclusive, accessible, enriching spaces for every citizen: LG Sinha

Jammu, Apr 14:On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated Tawi Riverfront Project (Phase-I), developed at a cost of Rs 156 crore, to the public. In Phase-1 of Tawi Riverfront Project, Jammu Smart City Limited has developed promenades on the left bank, right bank, and the central island, creating four continuous stretches for walking, jogging, and cycling. A dedicated ghat area has also been developed for the sacred Tawi Aarti. Our vision is to create inclusive, accessible, and enriching spaces for every citizen. The Tawi Riverfront embodies this ethos with a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, where development harmonises with nature, LG Sinha said attending the three-day long Tawi Mahotsav, organised by Jammu Smart City Limited, where he joined the citizens for the Tawi Aarti, and launched a series of transformative urban initiatives aimed at elevating the overall environment of the Tawi riverfont and the surrounding area. On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone for 4-lane connecting road to the right bank with a bridge to decongest a critical stretch of city and directly connect Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Jewel Chowk. The LG also launched the development of green spaces along the top promenade of the left bank. He said that the 1-km stretch will transform Tawi Riverfront into an ideal urban space and a vibrant hotspot for residents and tourists. LG Sinha said under the Urban Challenge Fund, two major initiatives were being taken up: real estate monetisation of Phase-I and the extension of the riverfront from Bikram Chowk Bridge to Har Ki Paudi. He said that these initiatives would play a pivotal role in transforming the Tawi riverfront into a vibrant tourist destination, a premier recreational hub, and a dynamic economic centre. The LG said that culture holds that cities along rivers retain even the winds infused with timeless values. Jammu embodies this truth. This ancient temple town is the heart of spirituality, culture and a living metaphor. For millennia, this land has beckoned saints, philosophers, and artists, enriching itself with their cultural and spiritual legacies. Over the past five-six years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, we have strived to amplify Jammus grandeur and cultural consciousness, he said. LG Sinha said that culture thrives only when lived and passed to the next generation through its values. Those who built this city did not build it for themselves alone. They built it with confidence and trust that those who followed would understand and honor this priceless inheritance. The measure of a life is not what you gathered, but what you gave. Not what society offered you, but what you returned to it, he said. The LG also administered the anti-drug pledge to the citizens and felicitated the winners of the traditional dangal. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Sat Sharma, Member of Parliament and President, Bharatiya Janata Party, J&K; Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports; Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited and senior officials were present. Members of Legislative Assembly Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Vikram Randhawa and Surinder Bhagat; Rajesh Gupta; President Vishwa Hindu Parishad (J&K and Ladakh) also attended the Tawi Mahotsav.

Its need of the hour: Amit Shah

New Delhi, Apr 14:Terming the Women Reservation Bill the need of the hour, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said everyone should support the historic move, a change that should certainly take place for the better, without delay. In a post on X, Shah said, Womens Reservation Bill is the need of the hour. This is the rightful due of our Nari Shakti to contribute to policymaking and empower the nation. The Modi government is resolved to bring and implement this legislation. This is a change that should certainly take place for the better, without delay. I hope everyone will step forward and support this historic move. Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, commonly known as the Womens Reservation Act, in September 2023, marking a significant step towards enhancing womens representation in legislative bodies. The act provides for the reservation of one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. The amendments to the Womens Reservation Act, when passed, will ensure an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816, of which 273 will be reserved for women. The provision to provide 33 percent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was brought by amending the Constitution in 2023. Under the current law, the reservation for women would not have become enforceable before 2034, as it was tied to the completion of the delimitation exercise post Census 2027. To implement it from the 2029 Lok Sabha election, changes were needed in the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Hence, the government is holding a special sitting of Parliament from April 16 to April 18 to pass the amendments to the law. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an article on Tuesday that Parliament will reconvene in the next two days to discuss and hopefully, pass an important constitutional amendment relating to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

Five J-K MLAs to be nominated by Speaker as associate members

Srinagar, Apr 14: The Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly will have to nominate five MLAs as associate members of the Delimitation Commission. According to the proposed delimitation bill, as per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), the commission shall associate 10 members with itself-five from the Lok Sabha and five from the Legislative Assembly-for the purpose of assisting it in its duties in respect of each State and Union Territory with a legislature. While the Lok Sabha Speaker will nominate five MPs from J&K, the Speaker of the J&K Assembly will be empowered to nominate five MLAs. As per the bill, the Speaker of the J&K Assembly will have to nominate the names of five associate members within one month from the date of constitution of the Commission, while the Speaker of the Lok Sabha will have to nominate five members within two months. These nominations must be sent to the Chief Election Commissioner. If the nominations are made by a Legislative Assembly Speaker, they must also be sent to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. All five MPs from J&K would be nominated as associate members given that their total strength is similar. All eyes will be on 5 MLAs to be nominated by assembly Speaker.

2nd round of US-Iran talks could be in Pakistan over next 2 days: Report

Washington, Apr 14:President Donald Trump has said that a second round of talks with Iran could be held in Islamabad over the next two days, according to a US media report on Tuesday. You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and were more inclined to go there, Trump told The New York Post . Trump attributed the possibility of a second round of talks to the great job done by Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Its more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job, the US President said. Fox News reported that the US decision on the blockade of Iranian ports was one of the reasons for Tehran returning to the negotiating table. A lot is happening today and tomorrow. We have all the ingredients of a deal, but its not all there yet, an unnamed US official told Fox News. US Central Command said it successfully blocked all vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas in the first 24 hours of President Trumps blockade. CENTCOM said the blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering and exiting Iranian ports. It added that six merchant vessels complied with the US directions to turn around. More than 10,000 US service members are participating in the blockade, including over 100 aircraft and 18 warships. CENTCOM said US forces were supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement in the 21-hour marathon peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend, with Washington insisting that Tehran refused to give up its right to nuclear enrichment.

Policy paralysis cripples J&K stone crushing sector, stalls infra growth

Srinagar, Apr 14:The stone crushing industry in Jammu and Kashmir, considered the backbone of infrastructure development across the Union Territory, is facing a severe and prolonged crisis, with nearly 1000 units lying non-functional due to the non-availability of raw material. The sector, which supports tens of thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly, has come to a standstill not because of a lack of demand or capacity, but due to policy changes that have disrupted its core supply chain. The roots of this crisis lie in the policy shift undertaken post-2019. Earlier, stone crusher units operated under a regulated system where raw material consumption was assessed and royalty was charged accordingly. Monthly permits ensured a degree of oversight while maintaining continuity of operations. While concerns of underreporting may have existed, the system ensured uninterrupted supply of raw material, keeping the industry functional and aligned with developmental needs. Instead of reforming and strengthening this mechanism, the Government opted for a complete overhaul - transitioning to an outsourced model of extraction through e-tendered contracts. Simultaneously, a blanket restriction was imposed on traditional over-ground quarrying sources that earlier met the bulk of demand. The new system fragmented the supply chain, placing raw material extraction and processing into separate silos, thereby making stone crushing units dependent on third-party contractors for their most basic input. This shift has fundamentally altered the operational landscape. What was once a single-layer regulatory system has now evolved into a multi-layered compliance regime. Not only do extraction contractors require environmental clearances, but stone crusher units themselves continue to be subject to separate regulatory approvals. The duplication of processes has added complexity, increased delays, and created uncertainty - directly contradicting the stated objective of Ease of Doing Business. The consequences are now visible on the ground. With environmental clearances for extraction having expired in December 2025, raw material supply has come to a complete halt. For the past several months, there has been no legally accessible source of stone for crushing units. The result is an industry-wide shutdown, with units lying idle, workers disengaged, and machinery rendered unproductive. This disruption has had a cascading impact. Construction activities, both public and private, have slowed down, while the limited stock of available aggregates is being sold at sharply inflated prices. Ironically, while the shift to e-tendering may have increased royalty collections in the short term, it has simultaneously escalated the cost of public infrastructure projects, negating any fiscal gains. The government, in effect, pays more for the same materials it sought to regulate more efficiently. More critically, the policy has created supply bottlenecks by limiting the number of extraction points. Entire districts now depend on a handful of designated mineral parcels, placing immense pressure on already constrained sources. In a region with a short working season for construction, such disruptions carry disproportionate economic costs. Equally concerning is the regulatory environment surrounding the industry. Classified under the Orange Category, stone crushing units continue to face procedural hurdles in obtaining and renewing consents, despite widespread compliance with environmental norms. The absence of designated zones for such activity further compounds the problem, leaving units caught between operational necessity and regulatory uncertainty. What emerges is a pattern of policy without pragmatism. Instead of ensuring regulated access to raw material, the system has created scarcity. Instead of simplifying compliance, it has multiplied it. And instead of strengthening a critical industry, it has rendered it dependent and dysfunctional. At the centre of this unfolding crisis is the Industries and Commerce Department - the very institution tasked with nurturing and sustaining industrial activity. Its silence in the face of the prolonged inactivity of nearly 1000 units is not merely administrative indifference, it reflects a deeper disconnect between policy intent and ground reality. Ease of Doing Business cannot be measured through notifications and portals while core industries remain non-functional. It must be reflected in uninterrupted operations, rational regulation, and timely policy response. When an industry so vital to development is forced into inactivity for want of raw material, the claim of ease stands fundamentally compromised. What Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing today is not just a sectoral disruption, it is the breakdown of a system that failed to anticipate, adapt, and act.

Apple growers demand crop insurance ahead of peak season

Sopore, Apr 14: Every autumn, Kashmirs apple orchards produce billions of rupees worth of fruit that travels to markets across the country and beyond. Yet the men and women who tend those orchards say they remain one bad hailstorm, one highway closure, or one season of counterfeit pesticides away from financial ruin. That contradiction sat at the heart of a press briefing held in Sopore, where fruit growers and dealers at Asias second largest fruit mandi gathered under the leadership of Fayaz Ahmad Malik, popularly known as Kaka-Ji, to press the government on demands they say have been ignored for far too long. Speaking at a press briefing, Malik did not mince words. Despite horticulture sustaining nearly 70 to 75 percent of the local population, he said, the sector continues to be treated as an afterthought by successive administrations. The government needs to take this matter seriously and adopt a more focused approach, he said, warning that neglect of the sector amounted to neglect of the regions economic backbone. On the ground, the outlook for this season appears cautiously optimistic. Malik noted that crop conditions are currently promising and growers are hopeful for a good yield. However, he flagged a problem that has persisted for years and continues to bleed the farming community, the rampant availability of substandard and counterfeit pesticides and fertilisers in local markets. While conceding that enforcement has improved somewhat in recent years, he called on the concerned department to move decisively against those still peddling spurious inputs. He also advised growers to protect themselves by purchasing only from registered dealers, insisting on proper bills and verifying prevailing prices before any transaction. The Horticulture and Agriculture Departments, he added, must step up field visits and ensure farmers receive hands-on guidance in orchards rather than instructions issued from behind a desk. One of the more urgent concerns raised at the briefing centred on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. With the Amarnath Yatra approaching, Malik extended a welcome to pilgrims visiting the region, but simultaneously flagged the very real threat that traffic restrictions during the yatra period pose to the apple trade. The early fruit season in north Kashmir runs directly parallel to the pilgrimage calendar, and any disruption to highway movement, he warned, could prove costly for growers trying to get their produce to markets on time. He demanded that two-way traffic be maintained on the highway throughout the season, arguing that one-way restrictions cause delays that ripple through the entire supply chain and ultimately drag down market rates. Packaging emerged as another flashpoint. Malik made a pointed appeal to halt the use of low-quality silicate cardboard boxes, which he said damage apple quality during transit and undermine the regions reputation in markets across the country. He noted that meetings have already been held with bank officials and carton manufacturers to work toward standardised packaging sizes and weights. With international competition intensifying, he said, the industry can no longer afford to lose ground on presentation. Proper packaging plays a crucial role in determining market prices, he said, urging both growers and traders to treat quality norms not as optional guidelines but as binding practice. On financial protection, Malik called for the immediate rollout of the Crop Insurance Scheme to shield growers from losses caused by hailstorms and other natural calamities that have repeatedly devastated orchards in recent years. He also demanded the introduction of the Market Intervention Scheme to absorb surplus and lower-grade produce, which he argued was essential to stabilising prices during flush seasons. Malik did not stop there. He took aim at the toll tax levied on locally transported produce heading to the mandi, describing it as an unjustifiable burden on an already stressed community, and demanded its complete abolition. He also appealed to the government to consider waiving Kisan Credit Card loans for growers, pointing out that similar relief has been extended in several other states and that the farming community in this region deserves no less. The demands, taken together, paint a picture of a sector that produces abundantly but remains deeply exposed to market volatility, infrastructural gaps, financial risk, and policy indifference. For the growers of Sopore, the message delivered on Monday was straightforward: the apple may be Kashmirs most prized export, but the people who grow it are still waiting to be treated that way.

Damage to 80 energy facilities across Middle East estimated at $25 billion

New Delhi, Apr 14: More than 80 energy facilities including refineries, gas terminals and oil fields across the Middle East have been damaged since the start of the Iran war, with over one-third classified as severely or very severely hit, International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has said. Estimates suggest that repairs could cost at least $25 billion and may take several years to restore these facilities to full operational capacity. The regions energy supply could take up to two years to return to pre-crisis levels. Among the worst-affected installations are the SATORP and Riyadh oil refineries, the Juaymah gas-processing plant, the Manifa and Khurais oil production facilities, and the East-West pipeline. He described the current turmoil as the largest energy security threat in history, saying the losses in oil and gas supply already far exceed those seen during the 1973 and 1979 oil shocks and after the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. Birol said the world had lost around 30 million barrels per day of oil supply so far, compared with roughly 5 million barrels per day in each of the 1970s oil crisis. In natural gas, he said the disruption has also exceeded the roughly 75 billion cubic meters lost since the start of the Ukraine war. In addition to oil and gas, he warned that the conflict is disrupting flows of fertilizers, petrochemicals, helium, and other critical commodities essential for global supply chains. He said emerging and developing economies that rely heavily on imported energy are particularly vulnerable, citing risks to inflation, economic stability, and political conditions. He also warned that Europe could face significant challenges in jet fuel and diesel supplies. This is one of the most critical issues, and unlike the past, many of the facilities are badly damaged, he said, adding that the IEA is monitoring all affected sites. In addition to oil and gas, Major sites like Irans South Pars gas field were badly hit, along with refineries at Lavan and oil depots in Shahr-e Rey, which have seen multiple strikes. Other sites include Ras Laffan LNG facility in Qatar, Habshan natural gas terminal. Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco temporarily halted operations at the kingdoms largest crude processing plant with 550,000 barrels a day of capacity after a drone attack in the first few days of the war. Satorp, Saudi Arabia: Units halted at the 460,000 barrels a day refinery thats 62.5% owned by SPA on April 9 said that the 120,000 barrels a day plant was one of several that has been attacked directly affecting exports of refined products to global markets. Bapco Energies, Bahrain: The 400,000-barrel-a-day plant was damaged in an attack last month. Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co., Bahrain: Some operational units caught fire after drone attacks April 5. Kuwait National Petroleum Co. and Petrochemical Industries Co. facilities Suffered significant damage . Those attacks followed hits on KPCs headquarters.Mina Al-Ahmadi, Kuwait: A drone attack caused fire in a number of operational units on April 3. The refinery had also been hit on two consecutive days last month, which had shut some units.Mina Abdullah, Kuwait: caught fire after drone hit it. Lanaz, Iraq: Operations were suspended at the plant in the northern city of Erbil last month after a fire caused by a drone strike,. Gas Facilities Ras Laffan, Qatar : LNG facilities were hit by Iranian missiles, triggering fires that caused extensive damage. Habshan, UAE: Abu Dhabi suspended operations at the countrys largest natural gas processing facility earlier this month following an attack that sparked a fire. South Pars, Iran: Israel attacked facilities at Irans giant gas field causing some units to be taken out of production. Isfahan, Iran: A gas pressure-regulation station and an associated administrative building were targeted in central Isfahan province in USIsraeli attacks. Shah, UAE: Operations were suspended after an Iranian drone attack on March 16 caused a fire at the massive natural gas field. Das Island LNG, UAE: Abu Dhabi plant in the Persian Gulf was operating at low levels due to inability to export via the Strait of Hormuz. Juaymah, LPG, Saudi Arabia: Affected by fires, impacting exports of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas liquids. Oil Production/Flows East-West pipeline, Saudi Arabia. Drone attack targeted pumping station on the conduit that links oil facilities on the Persian Gulf Coast to Yanbu on the Red Sea cut flows by 700k b/d Majnoon, Iraq: The oil field in the south of the country was targeted by an attack. Manifa production facility, Saudi Arabia: SPA said that the targeting of the facility resulted in a reduction of about 300,000 barrels a day of its production capacity. Khurais, production facility, Saudi Arabia: has to reduce production by 300,000 barrels a day.

Shelter from Spike 'n' Supply Storm: West Asia tensions test India Incs resilience to energy shocks

Escalating tensions in West Asia highlight Indias vulnerability to energy and logistics disruptions. Even without supply cuts, higher freight and insurance costs can strain margins and widen deficits. Strong balance sheets offer a cushion, but prolonged volatility could test corporate earnings, capital expenditure plans, and the broader credit cycle.

Smart City or Smart Mess?

Srinagar, Apr 14: While Smart City remains a popular slogan, the ground reality at city centre areas Regal Chowk and Residency Road tells a different story. Damaged road patches, exposed fittings, and unsafe pedestrian tracks at Regal Chowk, coupled with frequently overflowing drains at Residency Road, reflect poor planning and maintenance. At Residency Road, overflowing drains and stagnant water have become a routine affair, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and shopkeepers alike. Meanwhile, at Regal Chowk, unfinished and unsafe infrastructure continues to pose risks in one of the citys busiest commercial areas. Citizens are now left wondering whether smartness lies only in project announcements, while basic civic issues remain ignored on the ground. Authorities have been urged to shift focus from claims to actual execution and ensure safety, hygiene, and accountability in these key areas.

7 houses gutted in midnight blaze at Rajouri Kadal

Srinagar, Apr 14: At least seven houses were gutted in a massive fire incident that broke out in the congested Rajouri Kadal area of Downtown Srinagar during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, officials said. Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services said that they received a distress call at around 12:57 am, following which multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The fire originated from one of the houses and rapidly spread to adjoining structures due to the congested nature of the area, an official said. He said fire tenders from Safa Kadal, Gawkadal, Babademb, headquarters and other stations were pressed into service to douse the flames. Given the dense habitation and narrow lanes, there was a serious risk of the fire spreading further. However, timely intervention helped contain the blaze, he added. Officials said despite the efforts, Seven houses suffered severe damage. The upper storeys and roofing of the structures were extensively gutted, while household goods, including bedding, utensils, doors, windows, and other essential items, were completely destroyed. The incident triggered panic in the locality, with residents waking up to frantic scenes in the dead of the night. Eyewitnesses said a hue and cry spread across the area as locals rushed out of their homes and joined rescue efforts, attempting to salvage whatever they could from the burning houses. We lost everything in the fire. We dont even have utensils left to cook food. Most of the affected families are poor and earn their livelihood through labour work. Now they are left without shelter and basic necessities, said a relative of one of the victims. The affected families said they are currently without a roof over their heads and are in urgent need of relief. We hope that immediate assistance will be provided so that we can at least arrange temporary shelter, another victim said, seeking financial help for rehabilitation. Meanwhile, officials said a preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was caused by a short circuit. We have been repeatedly issuing advisories to the public to check faulty wiring and avoid using worn-out electrical infrastructure, an official said. He urged residents to follow safety guidelines to prevent such incidents, especially in densely populated areas where fires can spread rapidly.

Serving food to hungry most sacred act: LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Apr 14:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the ceremony marking the upgradation of 'Apna Bhojanalaya' at Government Medical College Jammu. The community kitchen is run by Sewa Bharti and supported by J&K Bank along with other donors. The Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, lauded the noble initiative and partook in a meal at Apna Bhojanalaya. The Lieutenant Governor said the Sewa Bharti's enduring spirit of giving back, empowers individuals and strengthens communities. There is no higher duty than serving those in need. Sewa Bharti has honored that duty by nourishing bodies, restoring souls, and affirming the dignity of every human life. To strengthen Apna Bhojanalaya is to strengthen the very fabric of our society, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that to feed a hungry soul is to invite grace into your own. To serve food to the hungry is among the most sacred acts a human being can perform. When a hand extends in need and another rises in nurture, divine grace moves quietly between them. This act is not merely kindness. This is humanity at its absolute finest. Our aim should be selfless service to the neighbor, the city around us, and the nation that unites us. A strong J&K means strong families. Strong communities. Citizens empowered to lead, to contribute, to rise. When we lift every sector, we lift the Union Territory itself. Commit to this cause and build a legacy worthy of pride, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the change needs no vast resources but just the spirit for selfless service, vision, persistence and love for the community. He commended Sewa Bharti, volunteers and donors for transforming millions' lives with their selfless service. You did not merely feed the hungry, you upheld the dignity of millions. And today, let us take a pledge that this service will never stop. The kitchen of Apna Bhojanalaya will never grow cold and every hand in our society will give to the best of its capacity to those who need it most, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon every section of society to join the war against drug abuse. Jai Dev, Akhil Bharatiya Chatrawas Pramukh, Sewa Bharti; Parmeet, Sangathan Mantri, Sewa Bharti; Prof. Rakesh Jha, President; Pradeep Kapoor, General Secretary; Sushil Kapoor, Bhojanalay Sanchalak; Trilok Singh Negi, Ajay Takoo and other officer bearers and volunteers of Sewa Bharti J&K were present. Arvind Gupta, Member of Legislative Assembly from Jammu West; Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director and CEO, J&K Bank Limited; Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu; Dr Gautam Mengi, Dr Ritu Singh and other prominent citizens and senior officials also attended the ceremony.

Post-war climate change: As the world witnesses accelerated US decline, can India not get caught flat-footed?

The West Asian war is set to accelerate America's decline and China's ascent. Europe may look up to the US no more. Nations will prioritise energy security, moving away from fossil fuels. The dollar's dominance is likely to weaken. A new blockchain-based currency, 'Bancor', could emerge, offering an alternative to dollar hegemony. China will bolster its electric technology leadership. India stands to benefit from escaping dollar sanctions.

IGP calls for intensified crackdown under Nasha Mukt drive in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 14:In line with the ongoing 100-day anti-drug campaign under the Nasha Mukt initiative, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday announced a major escalation in its crackdown on narcotics across the Valley, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi asserting a strict zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse and trafficking. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Baisakhi celebrations in Srinagar, IGP Birdi said the anti-drug campaign has entered a more aggressive phase, with all ranks of the police force directed to act decisively against peddlers, smugglers, and users. The campaign against drugs will be intensified further in the coming days. We are committed to taking the strictest legal action against all those involved in narcotics to safeguard our present and future generations, he said. J&K Police had always been strict. The statement comes as part of a broader 100-day strategic campaign being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at dismantling the drug ecosystem through a combination of enforcement, awareness, and community participation. Kashmir Police Chief said that the police have been operating in mission mode against drugs and will now sharpen their focus on breaking supply chains and identifying networks involved in trafficking. He said enhanced surveillance, intelligence-based operations, and legal action under stringent provisions will form the backbone of the intensified drive. The IGP also stressed the importance of public cooperation, particularly from the youth, urging them to stay away from substance abuse and contribute positively to society. Youth are the future of the nation. Their discipline and awareness are crucial in defeating this menace, he said. In addition to the anti-drug campaign, IGP addressed a recent incident in Sopore, where some individuals allegedly took the law into their own hands. He clarified that those involved had no connection with any educational institution, as initially speculated, and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone engaging in unlawful activities. If anyone attempts to disturb law and order or indulge in illegal acts, the police will take firm legal action, he said. Earlier in the day, the IGP visited a Gurudwara in Srinagar to mark the occasion of Baisakhi and extended greetings to the Sikh community, reaffirming the polices commitment to maintaining communal harmony and peace in the region.

F&ES boosts capacity with modern tech for better handling of fire incidents

Srinagar, Apr 14:Additional Director General of Police,Fire and Emergency Services Jammu and Kashmir, Alok Kumar on Tuesday said that they are strengthening its capabilities with modern equipment and enhanced training to safeguard lives and property across the Union Territory. Speaking during the inaugural events of Fire Service Week, he highlighted that the department has procured advanced machinery worth crores and established a new training centre in Bishnah, while personnel are also being trained in Nagpur to improve response efficiency and lifesaving operations. Fire Service Week, observed annually from April 14 to 20 across India, is being marked in Jammu and Kashmir with a strong focus on public awareness, fire prevention, capacity building and community safety. Alok Kumar, who is leading the departments initiatives, underscored the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding lives and property. In his address during the weeks inaugural events, he said: We have purchased latest equipments and property worth crores is being saved. He further announced, We opened a training centre in Bishnah, Jammu and our boys were sent to Nagpur for training. Kumar urged citizens: In case of any fire incident people must call and we will reach in limited time. The departments official message for the week reads: Fire Service Week promotes awareness, prevention, and response, highlighting training, reduced incidents, advanced technology, and lifesaving efforts by firefighters protecting lives, property, and strengthening community safety across Jammu and Kashmir: ADGP F&ES JK #AlokKumar. The backdrop to this years Fire Service Week is particularly encouraging, thanks to a marked improvement in fire safety outcomes during 2025. Official data released by the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Department at the end of last year revealed that J&K recorded 6,039 fire incidents in 2025 a significant 25% decline from 8,033 cases in 2024. This translates to 1,994 fewer incidents, attributed largely to sustained preventive measures, improved preparedness, enhanced public participation and large-scale awareness campaigns. The department responded to these 6,039 fire calls, along with 59 rescue operations and 53 false alarms, deploying 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) supported by 2,157 personnel. Timely and coordinated operations helped save property worth approximately Rs 5,000 crore, while material losses were restricted to around Rs 300 crore. Damage was reported to 1,409 structures, 72 vehicles, 46 shopping complexes and 91 electric transformers. Forest fires in Kashmir also showed a notable drop. Around 350366 incidents were recorded in 2025 (up to early 2026 data), down sharply from over 1,000 the previous year, affecting nearly 972 hectares. This decline reflects better coordination between the Fire Services and the Forest Department, along with awareness drives targeting dry-season risks. Senior officials credited the reduction to intensified public education programmes. In 2025 alone, thousands of awareness drives reached lakhs of people, building on the Har Ghar Fire Fighter initiative that has trained over 8 lakh citizens in fire prevention, first aid and basic firefighting since 2022. These efforts have empowered communities to act as first responders, reducing response times and minimising damage.

Automation vs humans: How industry 4.0 is reshaping jobs in India's auto sector

Recognising that not all workers can transition to automated roles and creating alternative pathways for decent work to prevent polarisation of labour. Robots are marching into factories. What matters now is how firms and workers adapt. And how policy supports that transition.

Damaged Jhelum embankment sparks safety fears in Kakapora

Pulwama, Apr 14:Days after the tragic drowning of two brothers in Bijbehara, residents of Hajibal area in Kakapora have raised alarm over a damaged embankment along the Jhelum River, warning of a potential disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out. Locals said the weakened embankment poses a serious threat to both life and property, particularly with changing weather conditions and the expected rise in water levels in the coming months. Farooq Ahmad Dar, a resident, said the embankment has already caved in at several points and could deteriorate further with continued rainfall. If heavy rains persist, the embankment may collapse completely. Entire villages could be at risk, he warned. Residents said the situation may worsen as summer approaches, when water levels in the Jhelum typically increase due to snowmelt. The river is expected to swell in the coming weeks. If repairs are not undertaken in time, there is a real risk of flooding, another local said. The recent Bijbehara incident has heightened fears among residents, who see it as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by the river. They said children and elderly people living close to the embankment are particularly vulnerable. The embankment has been deteriorating for a long time, but no concrete steps have been taken so far, a resident said, adding that repeated pleas to authorities have gone unanswered. Residents have urged the concerned departments to immediately assess the damage and undertake repair and strengthening work on a priority basis. They said timely intervention could prevent loss of life and protect villages situated along the riverbank.

New colleges, few students: J&K Govt orders reality check

Srinagar, Apr 14: The J&K government has constituted a committee to assess the low enrollment in colleges and recommend a road map to the Higher Education Department (HED) to take corrective measures for increasing enrollment in the higher educational institutions. A top official told Greater Kashmir that majority of the newly established degree colleges are grappling with the low enrollment as these institutions have below 100 students. The low enrollment has raised concerns over the viability and purpose of these institutions. In many of these colleges, enrolment is less than 100, which is extremely low compared to earlier figures when thousands of students would be accommodated in fewer institutions, the official said. The official attributed the meager enrollment to the mushroom growth of colleges during the last few years. Opening of new colleges was largely a political decision. Now we have a large number of colleges, but students still prefer older, established institutions, he said. The official said that even specialised institutions like architecture colleges in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions are witnessing low enrolment. He said that in view of this, the government has constituted a high-level committee headed by the Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Director Colleges J&K for Kashmir division while another committee is headed by VC SMVDU Katra and Director Colleges J&K for Jammu division colleges. The panel will study the causeses of low enrolment and prepare a comprehensive roadmap to make colleges more attractive to students. The committee has just been formed and is expected to be submit its recommendations. It will examine all aspects that why enrolment is low, what gaps exist, and what steps need to be taken, the official said. He further said that the department will carefully study the recommendations submitted by the panel and take appropriate measures to enhance admissions across colleges. The idea is to understand the ground realities and chalk out a clear way forward. Based on the committees report, necessary interventions will be made to improve enrolment, the official added. He said the government has also constituted a Task Force to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER). Director Colleges J&K besides Director School Education Kashmir and Jammu division have been entrusted to work on it and suggest measures for improving GER. The official said the government is also seeking public feedback on how the enrollment can be improved in the colleges. We are also planning to introduce some special courses in these newly established colleges to make them vibrant so that students also seek admissions in these institutions, the official said.

'For consultation of less than 5 mins, patients wait for hours in J&K'

Srinagar, Apr 14: Patients in J&K wait hours for consultation in long queues, for a consultation that doesnt often last even five minutes. The outpatient services in government hospitals across J&K are under duress, due to long registration queues, extended waiting times, and extremely brief consultations with doctors. No major overhaul is in view to redress these chronic issues. These lacunae were highlighted in the performance audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India report on the health sector. The report released in March 2026 assessed public health infrastructure and service delivery for the period ending March 2022. The audit analysed responses of 750 outpatients across 41 government health institutions. These institutions included tertiary-level hospitals, district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, and community health centres. Significant gaps in OPD efficiency and patient care came to the fore through the extensive data. The audit found that only 43% of patients were registered within five minutes across all institutions. Presumably, this percentage is from the lower rung of health institutions that do not witness patient footfall in a significant number. The situation was reported to be most concerning in tertiary hospitals. In these hospitals, just 8% of patients were able to complete registration within five minutes. District hospitals performed slightly better, but delays persisted. Over one-third of patients in these hospitals had to wait more than 15 minutes simply to get registered. Even after registration, the waiting time was excruciating at higher-level hospitals. Two-thirds of patients in tertiary hospitals waited more than 30 minutes before meeting a doctor, the report revealed. A significant proportion of these patients (20%) had a waiting time of more than an hour after registration. In district hospitals and sub-district hospitals, a large proportion of patients still waited over 15 minutes for consultation. The waiting tie is an indicator of pressure on limited medical staff and infrastructure. The audit also underscored the poor evaluation time for the patents. A majority of patients received very limited consultation time. Over half of them said they were examined for five minutes or less. A few years ago, a widely circulated report showed that the average consultation time per patient in the public sector is around two minutes. Only a handful received consultations longer than 15 minutes, the report revealed. The short interactions raise concerns about the depth of clinical evaluation, in addition to the quality of care in over-stretched government facilities in J&K. In tertiary care hospitals here, the patient load is often in lakhs per department. The high patient loads, limited staffing, and inadequate number of doctors in OPD and other patient areas is the key reasons behind prolonged waiting times and rushed consultations. The audit gives an insight into the scope of improvement in the multiple levels of the healthcare system in J&K.

Private hospitals defer strike, seek repayment of dues

Srinagar, Apr 14:Private hospitals and dialysis centres in Jammu and Kashmir have deferred their proposed strike under the Ayushman BharatSehat Scheme, prioritising patient care despite large pending dues. The decision was taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association following appeals from patients, particularly those undergoing life-saving treatments such as dialysis. We understand the concern our earlier announcement may have caused. Patients well-being remains our top priority, said Sandeep Mengi, president Jammu. The association said it postponed the suspension of services after assurances from the National Health Authority (NHA) and the release of a portion of pending payments. However, it expressed concern that only a fraction of the dues has been cleared, with substantial payments pending since 2021. Partial payments are not sufficient to meet liabilities such as staff salaries, supplier dues, and medical consumables. We urge the authorities to release the full outstanding amount in a time-bound manner, Mengi said. Dr Masood ul Hassan, General Secretary of the association said hospitals will continue providing treatment under the Golden Card for now, relying on the support of staff and suppliers. Our only aim is to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir with dignity and without interruption, he said. He warned that sustaining services would become difficult if pending dues are not cleared soon. The association appealed to the government to release all outstanding payments at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services across the Union Territory.

CM Omar bats for dry port at Jablipora Mandi to unlock direct exports

Bijbehara, Apr 14:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said his government will take up with the central government the establishment of a dry port at the fruit and vegetable mandi in Jablipora, Bijbehara, to address export challenges faced by farmers. Speaking at a farmers Jashn i Aamadi Bahar and exhibition- Mega Kisan Mela at the terminal, Abdullah said growers currently face logistical and financial difficulties when exporting produce. I met progressive farmers here who told me they export their produce but face many hassles as it first goes to Delhi, where customs duty is imposed, and only then is it sent to international markets, Abdullah said. I assure them that we will take up the issue of establishing a dry port at this mandi with the Union Agriculture Ministry so that products like honey, spices and lavender can be exported directly from here. Abdullah said several government schemes, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), exist but have seen weak implementation in the past. Our government, led by Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, has ensured that these schemes are implemented on the ground, he said. He said farmers in Jammu and Kashmir continue to face distress due to adverse weather conditions. Rain, snow, hail or windstorms are not in our control. Recently, apple blossom in several villages of Shopian and Kulgam was damaged, Abdullah said. We will try to introduce a weather-based crop insurance scheme in the horticulture sector. He urged farmers to make use of existing insurance schemes in agriculture and said the government would also take up the issue of waiving Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans for distressed farmers. Regarding agricultural growth, Abdullah said JK has witnessed what he described as a yellow revolution due to increased mustard cultivation. Earlier, mustard bloom was limited to a few areas, but today it is visible across Kashmir, particularly in south Kashmir. This has increased farmers profits and reduced dependence on outside markets for mustard oil, he said. There is also a purple revolution underway, with more people cultivating lavender, he added. Abdullah said his government now aims to strengthen the dairy sector. Milk production has increased, with much of it coming from Pulwama district. But we want other districts to emulate this so we can become self-sufficient, he said. He said that only about 4% of milk produced in Jammu and Kashmir is processed, compared with about 90% in Gujarat. We need to focus on value addition - processing milk into products like curd, cheese and butter, he said. On welfare measures, Abdullah said the government has announced free LPG cylinders and free electricity under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He also described the recently passed private university bill as a major step. Our children had to go outside Jammu and Kashmir for higher education and faced many difficulties. With private universities being encouraged to set up campuses here, they will no longer be dependent on institutions outside, he said. Among those who spoke and were present were ministers Sakeena Itoo and Javed Dar, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, local legislator Bashir Ahmad Veeri, and MLAs Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Riyaz Ahmad Khan, Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Showkat Ahmad Ganai, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, Hasnain Masoodi , Feroze Ahmad Shah, Zaffar Khatana and Sajad Shaheen. Additional Chief Secretary Deeraj Gupta, Director Agriculture Sartaj Shah, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Muhudin and other senior officials were also present in the exhibition. CM also inspected various stalls and spoke to farmers and listened to their issues.

CM Omar Abdullah attends Axis Bank meet on scaling tourism and businesses in J-K

Srinagar, Apr 14: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today hosted the Tourism Promotion and Expansion Plan Meet in Srinagar, reaffirming its long-term commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable economic development in Jammu & Kashmir. The event was attended by theHonble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, as Chief Guest, along with Amitabh Chaudhry, MD& CEO, Axis Bank, and senior members of the Banks leadership team. The discussions brought together policymakers, government officials, and banking leaders to focus on three immediate prioritiesscaling tourismlinked businesses, expanding access to formal finance, and strengthening institutional collaboration for sustained regional growth. Attending the event as Chief Guest, Honble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, said, Jammu & Kashmir is entering a phase of stability, progress and opportunity. Strengthening tourism and enabling local enterprises through better access to finance will be critical to sustaining this momentum. Strong partnerships between institutions and industry will play a key role in driving inclusive growth across the region. The deliberations focused on bridging the gap between intent and execution, with an emphasis on channeling capital at scale into tourismlinked enterprises, formalising fragmented businesses, and removing barriers that continue to constrain access across the value chain. Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director & CEO, Axis Bank, said, The presence of Honble Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah underscores the importance of close collaboration between government and financial institutions in shaping the regionseconomic trajectory. The region stands at a clear inflection point, where stability, aspiration, and enterprise are coming together to create sustained economic momentum. Tourism lies at the heart of this transformationnot only as a driver of economic activity, but as a catalyst for livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and regional confidence. At Axis Bank, we are committed to enabling this ecosystem by supporting businesses through access to capital, digital capabilities, and longterm partnerships. Tourism as a Growth Engine Tourism is a cornerstone of the regions economy, contributing nearly 7% to GSDP and supporting over five lakh livelihoods across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem. With more than 1.7 crore tourist visits in 2025, the region is witnessing a strong revival driven by higher footfalls, improved capacity utilisation, and renewed confidence among MSMEled local enterprises. Axis Bank has identified Jammu & Kashmir as a priority market for MSME growth, with a focused approach to empowering tourism and hospitality businesses through endtoend financial solutions that support scale, resilience, and longterm sustainability. Axis Banks Expanding Presence in Jammu & Kashmir Axis Banks growing presence in the region is backed by an expanding branch network and a diversified portfolio across retail, MSME, agriculture, tourism, and governmentlinked segments. The Bank operates 54 branches across the Union Territory, including nine added in the past year, underscoring its focus on expanding access to banking. Through onground engagement, Axis Bank supports entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and digital banking adoption, enabling capital formation and employment generation in the region. Commitment Beyond Banking Beyond business expansion, Axis Bank Foundation continues to support inclusive regional development through targeted interventions. This includes the Rupantar education programme, benefiting over 200 teachers and 3,500 students, and a rural livelihood initiative across Kulgam and Baramulla, enabling entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for 144 individuals and 101 microenterprises. The event marked a coordinated effort between the government and financial institutions to accelerate regional development. Axis Bank reaffirmed its role as a long-term institutional partner in this journey, with a clear focus on strengthening the tourism linked ecosystem, supporting local businesses and households, and advancing infrastructure led growth with consistency, responsibility, and purpose.

CM Omar urges LG Sinha to take strict action against elements involved in Ramban incident

J-K people will foil nefarious plot of communal elements: Deputy CM on Ramban incident

J-K Police arrest 7 drug peddlers, contraband substance recovered

Srinagar, Apr 14: Continuing its efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, J&K Police arrested 07 drug peddlers in multiple operations in Awantipora, Budgam, and Pulwama and recovered significant quantity of contraband substances from their possession. In Awantipora, during vehicular checking, an auto bearing registration number JK01BC-7644 with three persons on board was intercepted for checking. Upon search, approximately 50 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from the vehicle. They have been identified as Asim Ahmad son of Zaffar Ahmad Bhat resident of Batmaloo, Uzan Farooq son of Farooq Ahmad Khan, resident of Tengpora and Farhan Rashid, son of Abdul Rashid Shigar, resident of Batmaloo. In Budgam, a police party from PS Magam during checking at Watmagam-Magam Road intercepted a suspicious vehicle (Auto) bearing registration number JK04K-4469. However, during checking, the driver who was accompanied by other person attempted to flee from the spot but were apprehended tactfully by the alert police party. They have been identified as Firdous Ahmad Ganie son of Gh. Mohammad resident of Peth Kanihama and Naseer Ahmad Mir (Galwan) son of Ab Gaffar resident of Mazhama. During search of the vehicle, 2.14Kgs of Crushed Bung (Cannabis like substance) was recovered. In Pulwama, a police party from PP Newa alongwith concerned Magistrate carried out search at the residential house of Mohd Younis Sheikh son of Mohd Yousuf Sheikh resident of Newa. During search, approximately 110 grams of charas powder-like substance and 850 grams of charas (bang/boosa)-like substance were recovered and seized on the spot. During the operation, two accused identified as Younis Ahmad Sheikh and a lady, both residents of Newa, Pulwama were apprehended. All the accused have been arrested and shifted to respective police stations where they remain in custody. Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective Police Stations, and further investigation is underway to unearth the broader network involved. J&K Police reaffirm their commitment towards the eradication of drug menace from society under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and urge the general public to cooperate and share information regarding drug-related activities to build a drug-free society, statement reads.

Ramban youth missing after jumping into stream to escape assault; NDRF joins search, four arrested

Banihal, Apr 14: A youth from Ramban district who went missing after allegedly jumping into a stream to escape an assault on the JammuSrinagar National Highway has remained untraced for the third consecutive day, even as rescue operations were intensified with the induction of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The incident had occurred on Sunday afternoon near four-lane Tunnel No. 5 at Makarkoot in Ramban district. The missing youth was identified as Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, a resident of Mundkhal Pogal. According to locals, Chopan was travelling from Jammu towards his home with a milch cow and two calves in a vehicle when he was allegedly chased by miscreants in two vehicles near Digdool. The assailants reportedly intercepted him near Makarkoot and assaulted him. In an attempt to save himself, he had jumped into Nallah Bishlari and had been missing since. On Monday, protests had erupted in the area, with locals blocking the JammuSrinagar National Highway for nearly four hours, demanding swift action. The blockade was later lifted after intervention by DC Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan and SSP Ramban Arun Gupta , who had assured strict action in the case. Police had already registered a case and arrested four accused persons in connection with the incident. The arrested individuals were identified as Surjeet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Digvijay Singh, and Keval Singh, all residents of Ramban town and nearby Seri areas. Authorities had also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SDPO Banihal Surinder Singh to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, search operations to trace the missing youth continued on Tuesday. Teams of the NDRF, police, Himalayan QRT Ramsoo, Banihal Volunteers, and Indian Red Cross Society (Red Cross Banihal) were engaged in the operation. Speaking to media, SHO Ramsoo Fareed Khan said that multiple rescue teams had been carrying out searches for the third consecutive day, but no breakthrough had been achieved so far. Meanwhile, Abdul Salam Chopan, father of the missing youth and a serving SPO in Jammu and Kashmir Police, had expressed deep anguish over the incident. He said his son was the only brother to three sisters and demanded strict punishment for the accused, including capital punishment. In the meantime, normal internet services across Ramban district had been restored on Tuesday afternoon after remaining suspended for nearly 30 hours as a precautionary measure following the incident.

LG Sinha attends upgradation ceremony of 'Apna Bhojanalaya' at GMC Jammu

Jammu, Apr 14: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the ceremony marking the upgradation of 'Apna Bhojanalaya' at Government Medical College Jammu. The community kitchen is run by Sewa Bharti and supported by J&K Bank along with other donors. The Lieutenant Governor lauded the noble initiative and partook in a meal at Apna Bhojanalaya. The Lieutenant Governor said the Sewa Bharti's enduring spirit of giving back, empowers individuals and strengthens communities. There is no higher duty than serving those in need. Sewa Bharti has honored that duty by nourishing bodies, restoring souls, and affirming the dignity of every human life. To strengthen Apna Bhojanalaya is to strengthen the very fabric of our society, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that to feed a hungry soul is to invite grace into your own. To serve food to the hungry is among the most sacred acts a human being can perform. When a hand extends in need and another rises in nurture, divine grace moves quietly between them. This act is not merely kindness. This is humanity at its absolute finest. Our aim should be selfless service to the neighbor, the city around us, and the nation that unites us. A strong J&K means strong families. Strong communities. Citizens empowered to lead, to contribute, to rise. When we lift every sector, we lift the Union Territory itself. Commit to this cause and build a legacy worthy of pride, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the change needs no vast resources but just the spirit for selfless service, vision, persistence and love for the community. He commended Sewa Bharti, volunteers and donors for transforming millions' lives with their selfless service. You did not merely feed the hungry, you upheld the dignity of millions. And today, let us take a pledge that this service will never stop. The kitchen of Apna Bhojanalaya will never grow cold and every hand in our society will give to the best of its capacity to those who need it most, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon every section of society to join the war against drug abuse. Shri Jai Dev, Akhil Bharatiya Chatrawas Pramukh, Sewa Bharti; Shri Parmeet, Sangathan Mantri, Sewa Bharti; Prof. Rakesh Jha, President; Shri Pradeep Kapoor, General Secretary; Shri Sushil Kapoor, Bhojanalay Sanchalak; Shri Trilok Singh Negi, Shri Ajay Takoo and other officer bearers and volunteers of Sewa Bharti J&K were present. Shri Arvind Gupta, Member of Legislative Assembly from Jammu West; Shri Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director and CEO, J&K Bank Limited; Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu; Dr Gautam Mengi, Dr Ritu Singh and other prominent citizens and senior officials also attended the ceremony.

Chief Minister vows no jungle raj, seeks strict action over Ramban killing

Bijbehara, Apr 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Tuesday that his government will not allow jungle raj and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Speaking to reporters in Bijbehara, Abdullah said his government aims to usher in a new phase in Jammu and Kashmir marked by a peaceful atmosphere and stable conditions. There are people who do not like peace and instead want communal unrest and conflicts, he said. As long as my government remains in power, we will never allow such things to happen in Jammu and Kashmir. Without naming individuals or groups, Abdullah said some elements were attempting to disturb the prevailing calm. My government would take firm measures to prevent any deterioration in law and order, he said The Chief Minister also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure strict action against those involved in a recent killing in Ramban, as well as against people accused of trying to disrupt the situation. This should send a strong message that such disorder and lawlessness will not be tolerated by the present government, he said.

Baisakhi celebrated with religious fervour in Kashmir

Nobody will be allowed to disturb peace in J&K: CM Omar

Midnight blaze damages eight houses in Saifuddin Pora, Rajouri Kadal Srinagar

FIR filed in Budgam over fake WhatsApp account impersonating SSP

Budgam, April 14: Police in Budgam have registered an FIR against an individual for allegedly operating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of the Senior Superintendent of Police and using it to influence people. The case was registered after police received information that the accused was circulating screenshots of chats with the fake account among the public, projecting himself as a close aide of the SSP to gain undue influence. The accused has been identified as Sameer Ali Bhat, son of Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, a resident of Pallar Budgam. Police said verification revealed that the individual was involved in multiple FIRs and had been operating the fake WhatsApp account using a mobile number, while sharing conversation screenshots to build credibility and mislead people. Acting on the information, Police Station Budgam registered FIR No. 90/2026 under Section 319 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66-C of the Information Technology Act. Police have advised the public to remain cautious and not fall prey to impersonation attempts, urging citizens to rely only on officially published contact numbers to communicate with police or government departments. Authorities also appealed to the public to report any such suspicious activity to the nearest police station for prompt action. [KNT]

300 held, 7 FIRs after workers' protest; 'syndicate' angle under probe: Noida police commissioner

More than 300 people were arrested and seven FIRs filed after a workers protest turned violent in Noida, police said. Commissioner Laxmi Singh stated that authorities acted quickly to disperse crowds, identified instigators, and are probing an organised network behind the unrest, with further arrests and investigations underway.

Pak Media Watchdog Issues Notice to Channel for Running 'Indian Content' While Reporting News of Asha Bhosle's Death

Bhosle passed away on Sunday due to multi-organ failure. She was 92.

NIA Court sentences three more in 2021 Al-Qaeda Lucknow terror conspiracy case

New Delhi, Apr 14: The Lucknow special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sentenced three more accused in a 2021 Al-Qaeda linked radicalisation and recruitment case, officials said on Tuesday. The convicted persons have been identified as Museeruddin alias Raju and Minhaj Ahmad alias Minhaj, both residents of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, and Tawheed Ahmad Shah alias Sobu Shah, a resident of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, they said. The special court on Monday pronounced varying jail terms, ranging from 5 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) to life imprisonment, against these accused. All the sentences will run concurrently. The men have also been fined a sum of up to Rs. 20,000. Three other accused, namely Shakeel, Mohd. Mustaqeem and Mohammad Moid (all residents of Lucknow), were convicted earlier in this case (RC-02/2021/NIA/LKW) after they had pleaded guilty under the Arms Act. NIA had filed charges against all the six convicted accused in the case through two chargesheets in 2022. The case was originally registered by the Uttar Pradesh police following the arrest of Mushirudeen and Minhaj, both members of the banned Al-Qaeda terrorist organisation, by the U.P ATS in July 2021. The duo was found involved in radicalisation and recruitment of vulnerable youth for raising Ansaar Gajwatul Hind (AGH) as a module of AQIS (Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent) in Lucknow. The conspiracy was aimed at carrying out terrorist acts in various cities of U.P, including the capital, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in 2021. NIA, after taking over the case, found that Minhaj was radicalised by Tawheed and another accused, Adil Nabi Teli @ Musa. Together, these three men had conspired to recruit members for the banned AGH for committing terrorist acts. Investigations by the anti-terror agency further revealed that Museeruddin was also roped into the conspiracy by Minhaj, and had even taken Baiyat (oath of allegiance) at the latters behest. Subsequently, Museeruddin and Minhaj had procured arms, ammunition and explosive materials with the help of Shakeel, Mustaqeem and Moid as part of the terror conspiracy intended to wage war against the Government of India. During the course of the investigation, Musa was found to be a declared terrorist affiliated with TRF, an extended outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror organisation. Investigations revealed that Musa had received funds from Minhaj through Tawheed. Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in March 2022 and NIA had filed an abated chargesheet against him in August 2022.

JK: Search intensifies for man feared fallen into Ramban stream after assault by cow vigilantes

Banihal, Apr 14: Authorities on Tuesday intensified a multi-agency search in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district for a man feared to have fallen into a fast-flowing stream after allegedly being assaulted for carrying a cow in his vehicle. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted and four people have been arrested in connection with the case, which triggered widespread protests and tension in the district along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Agitating locals, including the victims family, also blocked the arterial road for over four hours on Monday. Tanveer Ahmad Chopan (25), a resident of Mundkhal Pogal in Ukhral tehsil, was travelling from Jammu towards his native village in a Tata Mobile vehicle ferrying a milch cow and two calves when he was allegedly chased and assaulted by cow vigilantes on Sunday, locals claimed. According to eyewitness accounts, Chopan jumped into the nearby Nallah Bishlari while trying to save himself. After an overnight halt, the search operation resumed on Tuesday morning, with teams from the police, SDRF and NDRF, along with local volunteers, focusing on the many large boulders scattered across the stream amid apprehensions that the body may be trapped beneath them, officials said. They said the operation is being carried out across difficult terrain, with teams combing also downstream stretches in a coordinated effort. Many relatives of the missing man have joined the search operation, while others are camping along the banks of the stream, anxiously keeping vigil and hoping for his early recovery as efforts continue for the third day.

Hormonal imbalance, fertility issues now affecting women in 20s, say experts

New Delhi, Apr 14: A growing number of young women are experiencing hormonal imbalance and fertility-related issues much earlier than previously seen, with experts attributing the trend to a combination of biological shifts and modern lifestyle factors. Doctors say there is a noticeable change in clinical patterns, with conditions once common in women in their late 30s now increasingly being diagnosed in those in their 20s. There is a clear and concerning shift in women's health today, where issues related to hormonal imbalance and fertility are appearing much earlier than we traditionally observed, Priti Arora Dhamija, senior consultant and lead IVF, gynaecology at the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, said. She noted that one contributing factor is the earlier onset of puberty. One of the key reasons is the earlier onset of puberty with many girls now attain menarche as early as 8-9 years, which can lead to a relatively earlier decline in ovarian reserve, she said. Studies published in journals such as The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health have documented a steady decline in the age of puberty onset over the past few decades, linked to improved nutrition but also rising obesity and environmental exposures. However, experts emphasised that biology alone does not explain the trend, with lifestyle factors playing a significant role. Today, young women are growing up in a high-stress, high-performance environment, often marked by erratic sleep cycles, excessive screen time, poor dietary habits, and limited physical activity. These factors contribute to rising rates of obesity, PCOS, and metabolic disturbances in the early 20s, Dhamija said. Chronic stress, she added, disrupts the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis, leading to hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation. In addition, behavioural factors such as early sexual activity, multiple partners, and lack of medical supervision in contraceptive use are contributing to higher incidences of sexually transmitted infections and uterine health issues, which can further impact fertility. Environmental exposure to hormone-like substances through food and pollution is an emerging concern as well, she said. Juhi Bharti, Additional Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi, said clinicians are increasingly observing diminished ovarian reserve in younger women. Clinically, we are now observing diminished ovarian reserve in women in their late 20s, a trend that was previously more common in the late 30s. While not necessarily irreversible, this shift highlights the need for early awareness and timely intervention, she said. Supporting this trend, data from the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) and international fertility studies indicate a rise in cases of diminished ovarian reserve and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among women under 30. PCOS alone is estimated to affect nearly one in five women of reproductive age in India, according to various epidemiological studies. Experts stressed that fertility should be viewed as a reflection of overall health rather than just age. Poor sleep doesn't just cause fatigue, it disrupts hormonal signalling, may accelerate reproductive ageing, and impacts fertility potential. Aligning sleep with natural circadian rhythms is therefore a key, yet often overlooked, pillar of reproductive health, Dr Bharti said. Echoing similar concerns, Bhawani Shekhar, Associate Consultant at the Centre of IVF and Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, We gynaecologists are increasingly observing a shift in women's health with signs of hormonal imbalance and fertility issues appearing in the 20s, she said. She added that many patients now report irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, infertility and early signs of ovarian ageing, largely linked to modern lifestyle patterns. Unhealthy diet, sedentary routine and lack of regular exercise play a significant role, with smoking and alcohol further contributing to the problem. In addition, chronic stress increases cortisol levels and poor sleep affects the circadian rhythm, further impacting hormone levels and ovarian health, she said. These trends are a warning sign but what is reassuring is that all these factors are modifiable, she said. So the focus needs to shift towards prevention. Prioritising balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management can help in maintaining hormonal balance and reproductive health, Shekhar said.

Multiple earthquakes shake Doda, Leh regions; no damage reported

Srinagar, April 14: A series of minor earthquakes have been recorded in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UT over the past few days, raising concerns among residents though no major damage has been reported so far. According to officials, three earthquakes struck Doda district in the last 72 hours. The strongest of these measured 4.6 magnitude, while the other two tremors were recorded at 3.0 and 2.9 magnitudes respectively, prompting brief panic among locals. Meanwhile, Leh in Ladakh also experienced three earthquakes over the past four days. These were of relatively lower intensity, with magnitudes of 2.6, 3.2, and 3.0 recorded. Officials confirmed that these tremors were mild and did not cause any damage. No casualties or significant losses have been reported from either region so far.

IGP Kashmir Extends Baisakhi Greetings, Vows Strict Action Against Drug Peddlers

Fire Service Week highlights awareness, prevention and rapid response: ADGP F&ES Alok Kumar

Tonga returns to Srinagar streets after decades

Back on the streets of Srinagar after decades, 70 year old Ghulam Rasool Kumar revives his old tonga, holding on to a livelihood, and a piece of the citys forgotten past. With limited work options, Kumar has returned to his decades old profession, determined to earn a living and keep a fading tradition alive

Mahesh Sharma named Honorary Vice President of BRICS Entrepreneurial Alliance India

New Delhi, Apr 13: Mahesh Sharma has been appointed Honorary Vice President of the BRICS Entrepreneurial Alliance (BEA) India Chapter, a move aimed at strengthening leadership and expanding the organisations global engagement. A statement said that the appointment was conferred by Bhaskar J Sonowal, CEO and Executive Director of BEA India, in the presence of N Thomas Lotha and Naresh Khanna, during a formal ceremony in New Delhi. The BRICS Entrepreneurial Alliance is a collaborative platform that promotes entrepreneurship, trade, and economic cooperation among BRICS nationsBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africaalong with BRICS Plus partners including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. The alliance focuses on fostering innovation and inclusive growth across emerging economies. Sharma is a seasoned entrepreneur with diversified business interests spanning mining, information technology, hospitality, real estate, and emerging lifestyle sectors. He is widely recognised for his strategic vision and ability to build scalable enterprises. He is also the founder of Diona, a premium lounge and business networking platform. In recent years, Sharma has expanded his focus to the fashion and textile sector, promoting Made in India craftsmanship on global platforms. His approach aims to position Indias textile heritage and contemporary design as a soft-power asset within international trade, particularly across the BRICS ecosystem. Beyond business, Sharma is an active angel investor and supports future-oriented initiatives, including his venture Immortality, which focuses on human development, health optimisation, and lifestyle enhancement. He is also associated with social causes such as women empowerment, education, and the Save Girl Child campaign, and currently serves as National Treasurer of the Vipra Chamber of Commerce and Industries. BEA leadership said Sharmas appointment is expected to strengthen the alliances efforts in expanding global partnerships and enhancing Indias role within the BRICS economic framework.

Why first round of talks between US and Iran was unsuccessful?

New Delhi, Apr 14: Iran was willing to suspend its uranium enrichment programme for up to five years, but the United States rejected the offer, insisting on a much longer 20-year halt, according to a report by The New York Times cited by the BBC that led to the failed first round of talks between Iran and US. The report, quoting senior Iranian and US officials, said both sides exchanged proposals during recent talks held in Pakistan, but remained far apart on key terms, particularly over the duration and verification of limits on Tehrans nuclear activities. Despite the differences, the discussions have kept diplomatic channels open, with indications that a second round of face-to-face talks could take place soon. The BBC reported that these exchanges suggest there may still be a pathway towards a broader peace deal, even as core disagreements persist. The White House has not publicly commented on the report. Irans nuclear programme continues to be a central sticking point in the conflict. US President Donald Trump reiterated over the weekend that Washington would ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, underscoring the administrations hardline position. Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance sharply criticised Tehrans actions in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of engaging in an act of economic terrorism by disrupting maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. Speaking to Fox News, Vance said the US was prepared to respond in kind. If the Iranians engage in economic terrorism, the United States will ensure that no Iranian ships are getting out either, he said, signalling support for the ongoing US naval blockade. Vance, however, struck a more measured tone on diplomacy, noting that a lot of progress was made during the weekend talks. The ball is in Irans court, he said, adding that Tehran would need to show flexibility and accept key US demands, including international control over its enriched uranium stockpile and a robust verification mechanism to prevent weaponisation. The latest developments highlight a widening gap between public rhetoric and behind-the-scenes diplomacy. While both sides continue to escalate pressure, militarily and economically, ongoing negotiations suggest neither is ready to abandon the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

Midnight blaze guts seven residential houses in Nowhattas Chandpora

Srinagar, Apr 14: A midnight fire incident on Tuesday damaged seven residential houses in the Chandpora area of Nowhatta in Srinagar city, officials said. An official said that the fire broke out around 1:00 am, following which Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot. He said the fire initially erupted in one residential house and soon spread to adjoining structures, causing extensive damage. Fire tenders, along with police and locals, battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control and dousing the flames after strenuous efforts, he said. He added that seven houses were damaged in the incident. Fortunately, no loss of life or injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. (KNO)

Eight held for vandalism during students' protest in Sopore: Police

Sopore, Apr 14: Police on Tuesday said they have arrested eight persons and identified 25 others for vandalism during a student protest in Sopore town of north Kashmirs Baramulla district, asserting that strict action is being taken against those involved in disturbing public order. The protest was held by students on Monday over an alleged harassment case involving a lecturer, which led to road blockades and stone-pelting at some places. Eight miscreants have been arrested and 25 others identified for their involvement in vandalism during the protest. The situation was brought under control after assurances of justice were given to the protesters, a police official said. Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) attached the accused lecturer, Ghulam Hassan Mir, a Senior Lecturer in Urdu at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Sopore, to BHSS Badugam in Gurez, Bandipora, pending an inquiry. An official order stated that the Joint Director (North) has been appointed as the inquiry officer and directed to submit a report within 15 days. Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, said a case has been registered against the lecturer and an investigation initiated on the basis of the students complaint. (KNS)

Nitish likely to step down as Bihar CM on Tuesday, make way for first-ever BJP-led govt in state

Patna, Apr 14: Bihar finds itself on the cusp of a new political epoch on Tuesday when Nitish Kumar, the states longest-serving chief minister, is slated to make way for the first-ever BJP-led government in the province. Kumar, who heads the JD(U) and became a Rajya Sabha MP last week, is expected to tender his resignation shortly after the last meeting of his cabinet, which is scheduled at 11 am. It is a constitutional requirement. The chief minister informs his colleagues about his decision to dissolve the cabinet before meeting the governor, said Dilip Jaiswal, a senior BJP leader who is also a minister in the outgoing government. The BJP, which is the single largest party in the 243-strong assembly, with 89 MLAs, will thereafter elect its legislature party leader. The meeting of the legislature party is scheduled to be held at the BJP office here around 3 pm. Union minister Shivraj Singh Choudhan, whom the BJP parliamentary board has named central observer for the legislature party leaders election, is expected to fly down for the purpose. The 202-strong NDA also includes 85 MLAs of the JD(U), besides 19 of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and five of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, headed by Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, respectively. In addition, there are five MLAs of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha. All the NDA legislators are scheduled to meet at the Central Hall of the state assembly at 4 pm. After a formal declaration of support from all constituents, the governor would be approached for the formation of a new government. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, a former state BJP president who holds the Home portfolio in the outgoing government, is being seen as a front-runner among those whose names are doing the rounds for the top job. However, BJP insiders admit that the possibility of a surprise, at the instance of the partys central leadership, as was recently seen in Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, could not be ruled out. Meanwhile, JD(U) leaders, who are trying to come to terms with the imminent loss of political clout, hope that despite stepping down as chief minister, Kumar will continue to pull some strings. Nitish Kumar ji will spend most of his time in Bihar. He will be in Delhi only while the Parliament session is on. The new government will be formed with his consent, and it will work under his guidance, said JD(U) leader Zama Khan, the minister for minority affairs in the outgoing state government. He also said that the party hoped that Kumars only son Nishant, who had joined the JD(U) a month ago, would be considered for an important role in the new government.

Trump deletes Jesus-like image of himself after backlash from church leaders, conservatives

Washington, Apr 14: US President Donald Trump has deleted an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure following widespread backlash from church leaders, conservative voices and political figures across the spectrum. The image, shared on Trumps Truth Social platform, showed him dressed in a white robe placing a hand on a mans head in a scene resembling a healing. The post came shortly after Trump publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV, calling him weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. The post was removed within a day, but not before it triggered sharp criticism, with many calling it offensive and inappropriate. Trump later defended the image, telling reporters it depicted him as a doctor linked to humanitarian work, adding that only the fake news interpreted it otherwise. Senior Catholic figures condemned both the image and Trumps remarks about the pope. Archbishop Paul S Coakley described the comments as disheartening, asserting that the pope is not a political rival but a spiritual leader. Other clergy emphasised the need for restraint and respect, praising Pope Leo XIV for advocating peace and dialogue amid global conflicts. Responding to the controversy, the pope avoided direct confrontation but reiterated his stance against war, saying he would continue to promote peace, dialogue and multilateral solutions. The backlash extended beyond religious circles, with several conservative commentators also taking issue with the post. Some described the image as blasphemous, while others questioned Trumps judgment, urging greater humility. Political opponents also weighed in, criticising the move as self-aggrandising and inappropriate for a sitting president. The episode highlights growing tensions between Washington and the Vatican, particularly over issues such as war, immigration and foreign policy. Trumps recent remarks targeting the pope have added strain to an already uneasy relationship.

5.7 earthquake jolts rural Nevada near Carson City, damage reported

Silver Spring (US), Apr 14: A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck a rural part of Nevada east of the state's capital of Carson City on Monday. The temblor hit just before 6:30 p.m., the US Geological Survey said. It was centred 12.9 miles (20.7 kilometres) east of the town of Silver Spring at a depth of 3.1 miles (5 kilometres). The agency said some residents in nearby communities reported strong to very strong shaking and light to moderate damage. (AP)

PM Modi pays tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid his tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and said his life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society. Modi said that Ambedkar's personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nation-building. Tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society, the prime minister said in a post on X. Tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society. pic.twitter.com/MWHUTlpf9Y Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2026 Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. He died on December 6, 1956. He is known as the architect of the Indian Constitution.

NCSS, IDS take centre stage as Kashmir industry highlights ground realities at DPIIT workshop

Senior officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), led by Director Rajesh Pawar, held a key workshop where industry stakeholders highlighted critical concerns surrounding the implementation of NCSS and IDS schemes. Moderated by Director Industries & Commerce Khalid Majid, the session saw business chambers and industry bodies present a candid account of bottlenecks, delays, and on-ground challenges affecting enterprises under the NCSS and IDS frameworks in Kashmir. FCIK Flags Deep Imbalances in NCSS Implementation The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has raised serious concerns over what it described as growing imbalances in industrial development under the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS), 2021, calling for immediate corrective measures to ensure equitable growth across Jammu and Kashmir. FCIK stated that, much like the 2002 industrial package, the benefits of NCSS are increasingly getting concentrated in a few districts, leaving large parts of Jammu & Kashmir outside the ambit of industrial growth. This skewed distribution, it noted, undermines the objective of balanced regional development. Highlighting stark disparities, the Federation pointed out that out of the total Rs 28,400 crore outlay, nearly Rs 20,000 crore is likely to be cornered by just 18 large units. Such concentration, it said, raises serious concerns about equity and inclusiveness in policy implementation. The Federation also flagged the exclusion of existing industrial units, many of which have survived decades of adverse conditions. It said the lack of meaningful support under NCSS has increased their vulnerability and hindered prospects for revival, expansion, and optimal capacity utilisation. FCIK urged DPIIT to incorporate corrective measures in the next phase or extension of the scheme, including equitable allocation of incentives across districts and a dedicated window for revival and expansion of existing units. It also proposed a bridge funding mechanism of Rs 5,00010,000 crore to unlock idle capacity and potentially generate employment for up to five lakh people. The Federation further highlighted procedural bottlenecks, noting that several units are facing delays despite compliance. GST-linked incentives remain pending, and units are being asked to submit extensive hard documentation despite provisions for online processing. It also raised concerns about genuine investors being excluded on technical grounds, sector-specific anomalies in areas like mini hydel projects, and restrictive cost considerations for imported machinery. FCIK concluded that while NCSS is ambitious in design, its implementation has been marked by procedural rigidity and a widening gap between policy intent and ground realities. KCCI Seeks 25% Share for Local Entrepreneurs in NCSS The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) raised critical concerns over the implementation of the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) 2021 and the Industrial Development Scheme (IDS) 2017 during a high-level review meeting held in Srinagar, highlighting gaps between policy intent and ground realities. KCCI was represented by its Horticulture Sub-Committee Chairman, Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, who presented a detailed account of challenges faced by local enterprises. KCCI welcomed the Rs 28,400 crore NCSS but flagged that the abrupt closure of the registration window on September 30, 2024, has excluded several genuine entrepreneurs who were in advanced stages of setting up their units. It urged authorities to reopen or extend the window, noting that unresolved departmental formalities in many pending cases have further deepened uncertainty. The Chamber also highlighted significant regional imbalance in the distribution of benefits. Of 2,036 registered units, only 953 have been granted eligibility, while a substantial portion of the Rs 28,400 crore outlayestimated at over 20,000 croreis likely to be absorbed by a limited number of large units, leaving MSMEs with a disproportionately smaller share. KCCI termed this concentration contrary to the principle of inclusive growth and called for a dedicated 25 percent quota for Jammu and Kashmir to ensure equitable distribution. It also underlined the Valleys geographical disadvantage, stating that higher logistics and operational costs due to its landlocked nature must be factored into policy design. A key concern raised was the exclusion of existing MSMEs, which have sustained the regions economy over decades. KCCI urged the government to create a mechanism to extend benefits to these units and recommended that pending cases receive at least 25 percent of incentives under any revised framework. On policy design, KCCI advocated for integration of IDS 2017 benefitssuch as insurance and support componentsinto NCSS 2021, arguing that a unified and comprehensive package is essential for meaningful industrial growth. The Chamber further called for increasing the schemes outlay to Rs 75,000 crore if extended, citing rising demand and a growing number of pending cases. It stressed that any revision must follow meaningful stakeholder consultation to avoid deepening regional disparities and to restore confidence among entrepreneurs. PHDCCI Kashmir Flags Ground Realities The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir highlighted key implementation challenges under the NCSS 2021 and IDS 2017 during a high-level review meeting, urging policymakers to address region-specific bottlenecks affecting industrial growth. PHDCCI Kashmir raised serious concerns over environmental and pollution clearances, terming them as major hurdles that are preventing otherwise eligible industrial units from availing scheme benefits. The Chamber noted that procedural complexities have created artificial barriers, discouraging genuine investors. The delegation also called for a customised industrial policy tailored to Kashmirs unique topography and geographical constraints. It argued that a one-size-fits-all approach is unsuitable, citing Ladakhs region-specific policy framework as a precedent that could be adapted for Kashmir. While acknowledging that the Rs 28,400 crore NCSS was designed as a transformative package with capital incentives, GST-linked benefits, and interest subvention, PHDCCI observed that the region has seen limited tangible gains due to compliance delays and procedural bottlenecks. A major concern flagged was the stark regional imbalance in the distribution of benefits. The Chamber pointed out that nearly Rs 20,098 crore has been concentrated among just 18 large units, largely outside Kashmir, leaving local industries struggling to benefit from the scheme. PHDCCI emphasized that unless these structural and administrative issues are addressed, the schemes risk falling short of their intended objectives of inclusive and balanced industrial development. CII J&K Pushes Ease of Doing Business, Sector-Based Incentives The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Council called for structural reforms to improve ease of doing business and advocated sector-based allocation of incentives during a high-level review of NCSS 2021 and IDS 2017 in Srinagar. CII J&K Chairman Iqram Ali Shafiee welcomed the governments continued push to strengthen the industrial ecosystem through targeted policy interventions. He noted that while Jammu has attracted significant large-scale investments, Kashmirs industrial landscape remains dominated by micro and small enterprises, requiring a more tailored policy approach. Highlighting key concerns, Shafiee stressed the urgent need for a robust and truly functional single-window clearance system. He pointed out that delays in approvals from departments such as the Pollution Control Board, Health, Tourism, and Fire & Emergency Services continue to hinder timely project execution and discourage potential investors. He further recommended that future industrial schemes incorporate provisions like solar subsidies and transport incentives to improve project viability, particularly in geographically challenging regions like Jammu & Kashmir. Such measures, he said, would not only reduce operational costs but also promote sustainable industrial practices. Emphasizing differentiated policy support, CII proposed separate incentive structures for micro and small enterprises and for large industries. This, Shafiee noted, would ensure that both segments receive targeted support aligned with their distinct growth challenges and capacities. The meeting concluded with constructive deliberations, with officials assuring stakeholders that the concerns raised would be examined. Participants expressed optimism that improved coordination and policy refinements would accelerate industrial development and create a more enabling business environment in the Kashmir Division.

CAG flags J&K Govts non-compliance with rules, codal provisions

Notwithstanding the requirement of submitting Detailed Countersigned Contingency (DCC) bills against the advance money withdrawn through Abstract Contingency (AC) Bills, 3,466 AC bills of Rs 19,774.97 Cr were pending for submission of DCC bills as on March 31, 2023, in violation of codal provisions by the J&K government. Out of 3466 bills, 1,877 AC bills amounting to Rs 5,583.15 Cr pertained to the period prior to October 30, 2019 of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Non-compliance with prevailing rules and codal provisions thus adversely impacting the control and accountability in accounting and financial reporting by the J&K government has been flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in its report on the Union Territory finances for the year ended 2022-23. The audit report has pointed out that the government of UT of J&K has not revised codal provisions for drawal of Abstract Contingent (AC) bills and settlement thereof. However, Financial Code volume-I of the erstwhile State of J&K envisages that when it is considered necessary to draw money from the treasury for contingent expenditure of which vouchers cannot be readily obtained before payment, Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) are authorised to draw sums of money through AC bills. In terms of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir (pre re-organisation) Financial Code, DDOs are required to present Detailed Countersigned Contingent (DCC) bills containing vouchers in support of final expenditure within two months from the date on which the advance was drawn. However, the year-wise position of AC Bills from October 31, 2019 till January 31, 2023 depicted that the number of AC bills cleared was less than the number of new AC bills drawn during the respective periods. This resulted in increase in the number of unadjusted AC bills, resulting in a total of 1,589 bills amounting to Rs 14,191.82 Cr as on March 31, 2023. DCC bills in respect of 1,877 AC bills amounting to Rs 5,583.15 Cr drawn up to October 30, 2019 by the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir were awaited as on March 31, 2023. The bifurcation of these outstanding AC bills is yet to be done between the successor Union Territories viz., Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh. More than 82 per cent of DCC bills are awaited from seven departments viz., Rural Development Department; Public Works Department; Social Security and Welfare; Housing and Urban Development; Planning and Development; Education and Health and medical Education Departments, the audit report mentioned. Further, as per the audit, 384 AC bills amounting to Rs 3,310.85 Cr were drawn during the year 2022-23, out of which 145 AC bills amounting to Rs 709.58 Cr (21.43 percent) were drawn in March 2023. Expenditure against AC bills in March indicated that the drawals were primarily to exhaust the budget provisions and revealed inadequate budgetary control. A comprehensive audit of two grants or departments, i.e, Culture Department and Youth Services and Technical Education Department was conducted. It was noticed that DCC bills for an amount of Rs 24.98 Cr was outstanding in respect of advance drawals made by Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (Rs 1.24 Cr), Technical Education Department (Rs 22.49 Cr) and Directorate of Libraries and Research (Rs 1.25 Cr). During the exit conference (April 2024), the Finance Department stated that the concerned line departments were being directed to ensure submission of DC bills in a time-bound manner, the CAG mentioned. As per report, it was also assured that all the departments would be urged to expedite the submission of DC bills to the Principal Accountant General (A&E) office. Compliance with prevailing rules and codal provisions are meant to ensure control and accountability in accounting and financial reporting. Non-compliance and deviations impact the quality of accounting and financial reporting adversely. Non submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) against conditional grants; non-submission of DC bills against AC bills; non-compliance with Indian Government Accounting Service- (IGAS-2) and IGAS-3 have impacted the quality of accounts adversely, the audit report stated censuring the Finance department.

Quiet diplomacy intensifies to bring US, Iran back to table

New Delhi, Apr 13:Intense diplomatic efforts are underway to persuade the United States and Iran to resume talks before the ceasefire expires, with the aim of securing a lasting agreement and preventing a renewed escalation of the conflict. Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey have intensified efforts to bring Teheran and Washington back to the negotiating table. Reports suggest that Islamabad is in active contact with Iran and American leadership and urging them to resume dialogue at the earliest opportunity. China and Russia are also involved in backchannel diplomacy to bring warring factions back to talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iranian President while Iranian Foreign Minister also held telephonic conversation with Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar and Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia who also stressed the need for dialogue to resolve differences. Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister also held telephonic talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Wei, who also supported continuation of dialogue for ending the crisis. The primary objective is to reach a workable understanding before the current ceasefire - set to expire around April 22 - ends to prevent a return to all-out-war. Efforts are now underway to facilitate a second round of talks within this narrow window. Despite the lack of a breakthrough in the historic face-to-face round of talks over the weekend, Turkish, Omani, and Pakistani authorities said they remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for continued engagement between both sides.

US begins blockade of Iranian ports

Cairo, Apr 13:The US military vowed to blockade all Iranian ports starting Monday in an effort to force Tehran to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz and accept a peace deal. Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at US-allied countries. That set the stage for an extraordinary showdown that posed serious risks for the global economy and raised the specter that the ceasefire could collapse and the war could resume. Talks aimed at permanently ending the conflict which began Feb. 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran failed to reach an agreement this past weekend, and there has been no word on whether negotiations will resume. It was not clear if the blockade had started when the designated time of 10 am EDT (2 pm GMT) arrived. Minutes earlier, a notice to mariners issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency, which monitors maritime security, said the restrictions included the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure. The notice added that transit through the strait to or from non-Iranian destinations is not reported to be impeded by these measures, but it added that ships may encounter military presence in the strait. Iran's effective closure of the strait, through which 20 percent of traded oil passes in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other basic goods far beyond the West Asia. Tehran has allowed some ships perceived as friendly to pass while charging considerable fees, leading to accusations it is holding the global economy hostage. Some analysts are doubtful that the US can restore normal shipping through force alone and it's not clear how a blockade would work or what the dangers might be to US forces. The question is essentially who can endure the most pain: Could a blockade make Iran's economic situation untenable and force it to concede? Or will it drive global oil and other prices so high that US President Donald Trump is forced to back down? The US military's Central Command announced that the blockade would be enforced against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. It said that would include all of Iran's ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM's decision to allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the strait was a step down from Trump's earlier threat to blockade the waterway. In a social media message posted shortly after the blockade was due to begin, Trump said Iran's navy was laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated, but he added that Tehran still has fast attack ships, and warned that if any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED. Iran issued threats of its own. Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported Monday. NO PORT in the region will be safe, read a statement from the Iranian military and the Revolutionary Guard. The threats halted the limited ship traffic that resumed in the strait since the ceasefire, according to a report from Lloyd's List Intelligence. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire last week, down from roughly 100 to 135 vessel passages per day before the war. The blockade is likely intended to pile pressure on Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil since the war began, much of it likely carried by so-called dark transits that evade Western sanctions and oversight. But the effects will be felt far beyond Iran. The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7 percent to hover around $102 per barrel on Monday. It cost roughly $70 per barrel before the war. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, he would hold a summit this week o drive forward the international effort to end the conflict and unblock the strait. Starmer told lawmakers it must reopen with no conditions or tolls. Top-ranking Iranian officials threatened retaliation. Ebrahim Rezaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian parliament's National Security Commission, dismissed US warnings of a potential blockade as more bluffing than reality, while warning that Tehran was prepared to respond if the situation escalates militarily. It will make the current situation (Trump) is in more complicated and makes the market which he is angry about more turbulent. And we may also reveal other cards that we have not used in the game, he said in a post on X. The Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, addressed Trump in a statement: If you fight, we will fight. The blockade threat came after marathon US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement on Saturday. US Vice President J D Vance said the talks stalled after Iran refused to accept American terms on refraining from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran has insisted its nuclear program is peaceful. However, it has pushed forward with steps that could give it the ability to build a nuclear weapon, including enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels and developing long-range missiles potentially capable of delivering a bomb. Iranian negotiators could not agree to all US red lines, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe positions on the record. Those red lines included never obtaining a nuclear weapon, ending uranium enrichment, dismantling major enrichment facilities and allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, along with opening the strait and ending funding for its armed proxies in the region: Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said the main sticking points for Tehran were its nuclear program, war reparations and sanctions relief. Neither Iran nor the US has indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22. The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,089 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and damaged infrastructure in half a dozen countries. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue in the coming days. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, whose country has supported mediation efforts, suggested that the ceasefire could be extended for 45 to 60 days to allow for more negotiations.

Gulf storm: India should be evaluated as a strategic locational hedge for co-sharing GCC data centre infra

Recent attacks on cloud data centers in West Asia highlight a new geopolitical risk. Hyperscale providers are now reassessing their global infrastructure. India offers a secure and stable environment for data center expansion. Its robust policies and existing ties with the Gulf region make it a natural strategic partner.

Trump's Naval blockade of Hormuz is an economic warfare, harms global economy

America threatens a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a move from diplomacy to economic warfare. The US aims to cut Iran's oil revenue. This strategy seeks to force Iran back to negotiations. However, it carries significant risks of escalation. Global energy markets and international relations face potential instability.

Crude at $100: Packaging costs surge, supply chains reset

Crude oil prices have surged past the $100 mark per barrel, leading to a dramatic rise in the cost of packaging materials and creating uncertainty in supply chains. Businesses are now prioritizing ensuring availability over minimizing expenses, leading many to stockpile inventory to safeguard against disruptions.

Top Army Officer Reviews Anti-Infiltration Grid Along LoC In Jammu

JAMMU, Apr 13: General Officer Commanding of Armys White Knight Corps Lt Gen P K Mishra on Monday visited Akhnoor sector near Jammu to assess the operational preparedness of the troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) with a key focus on counter-infiltration measures. Lt Gen Mishra was accompanied by GOC Crossed Swords Division, also known as 10th Infantry division which is a vital formation responsible for securing the LoC in the Akhnoor sector. GOC White Knight Corps alongwith GoC [] The post Top Army Officer Reviews Anti-Infiltration Grid Along LoC In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Army officer warns of 'befitting response' to any enemy hostility on borders in J-K

Rajouri, Apr 13: Army troops are on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts and are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response to any hostile act by the enemy, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherji said on Monday. Addressing a well-attended gathering at the 'Rajouri Day' event in the border district, he lauded the role of the local populace and said they will continue to work together in coordination to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy. 'Rajouri Day' is being celebrated on April 13 every year to commemorate the bravery and valour of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri district from Pakistan Army personnel who had infiltrated from across the border in 1947-48. Going forward as well, the people of Pir Panjal, the administration, and the security forces will continue to work together in coordination and will always foil the nefarious designs of the enemy. I assure you that our army is fully alert at the borders and is ready to give a befitting response to every hostile act of the enemy, the officer said. Maj Gen Mukherji said when the Army protects the borders, the local population stands shoulder to shoulder with the forces, strengthening internal security. This trust, partnership, and sense of patriotism constitute the greatest strengths of our region, he said. He paid heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor, including Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Raj Kumar Thapa, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Havaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar and Agniveer Mund Murli Nayak all awarded Sena Medal, posthumously in May last year. The army officer also shared information about a number of new initiatives being taken by the Army in Rajouri and the nearby Poonch district for the welfare of the local population. To address pollution caused by plastic waste, the GOC said the Army, in coordination with the civil administration, is set to install a plant that will convert waste plastic into interlocking tiles. These tiles will be used for constructing tracks in forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC). He said the initiative would not only help curb plastic pollution but also generate employment for local residents, while aiding Army troops along the LoC by improving mobility in forward areas. The Army officer also spoke about the Digital Bharat Darshan initiative, stating that under the programme, the Army will facilitate students of government schools to virtually visit a major city every month from within their classrooms. He said the initiative aims to expose students to the development taking place across the country and help connect those from border areas with mainstream cities. He said that the Digital Bharat Darshan is an upgraded version of the earlier Bharat Darshan tours, where only a limited number of students could travel, but now every student will be able to benefit through a digital platform.

Railways, Bharat Petroleum Ink Pact To Develop Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal In Jammu

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Railways and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Monday signed an agreement for the development of a Gati Shakti multi-modal cargo terminal in outskirts of Jammu city. The project is aimed at boosting freight movement and strengthening the regions energy supply chain. The agreement was signed between Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal on behalf of the Jammu division and Territory Manager (Retail) Jammu, Chandan Chauhan, representing BPCL, a Railways spokesperson said. He said that the [] The post Railways, Bharat Petroleum Ink Pact To Develop Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Sopore lecturer suspended, police file case after student alleges harassment

Sopore Lecturer Suspended, Police Filed Case After Student Alleges Harassment

Srinagar, Apr 13: A police case has been filed against a senior lecturer posted in north kashmirs Sopore town after a girl student accused him of harassment, even as the teacher has been suspened with inquiry ordered into the matter. Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib said the teacher has been booked and an investigation has been set into motion after girl students allegations. Meanwhile, Directorate of School Education Kashmir suspended the lecturer with immediate effect while inquiry into [] The post Sopore Lecturer Suspended, Police Filed Case After Student Alleges Harassment appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

APSCC Chairman urges govt to pay heed to key issues concerning Sikh community

Srinagar, Apr 13: Expressing joy and happiness over the festival of Baisakhi, the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has expressed hope that the festival of Baisakhi would be harbinger of peace and prosperity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the world. In his message APSCC Chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina said that a festival like Baisakhi brings about happiness and joy among the people. Raina said such festive occasions provide a chance to the people of different communities to come close to each other while exchanging pleasantries. For Sikhs, Baisakhi is celebrated as the day of the creation of the Khalsa Panth. Baisakhi is really a sacred and pious day for the community and the community especially the youth should follow the path shown by Guru Gobind Singh Ji for peace and development, said Raina. The APSCC Chairman said that every household of Sikh community celebrates Baisakhi day in nearby gurudwaras. I appeal to the sikh community on this auspicious day to remain united and calm for redressal of our long pending issues by the government and pray that our issues dont last for long, Raina said. The other APSCC leaders who extended greetings include Ajit Singh Mastana, Principal Niranjan Singh, Navtej Singh, Sandeep Singh, Er Jetinder Singh, Dr Rekhi Singh, D P Singh, Davinder Singh, Sant Singh, Gurdayal Singh, and others. Raina regretted that the successive governments of Jammu and Kashmir have not taken the festival of Baisakhi seriously even though it is very important for the Sikh community. He said that glaring issues like neglect of Punjabi language, unemployment and relatively less attention to the celebrations and festivals of sikh community are haunting the people.

PDP leader Iqbal Tramboo greets Sikh community on Baisakhi