Opinion

Farooq Abdullah Demands Thorough Probe Into NEET Paper Leak, Strict Punishment For Culprits

SRINAGAR, May 29: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday demanded a full-fledged investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak and said the five states where the leak took place are governed by the BJP. Had there been no shortcomings, then would this have happened? Abdullah asked while talking to reporters here. He was responding to a question about the possible shortcomings in the system as Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has now sought the help of the Army and Indian [] The post Farooq Abdullah Demands Thorough Probe Into NEET Paper Leak, Strict Punishment For Culprits appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gold rebounds Rs 1,600; silver rallies Rs 5,000 on US-Iran deal hopes

New Delhi, May 29: Gold prices rebounded by Rs 1,600 to Rs 1.62 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday, tracking firm global trends amid optimism over a preliminary US-Iran deal and expectations of seasonal demand in the domestic market. According to local marketmen, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity appreciated Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,62,900 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Wednesday's closing level of Rs 1,61,300 per 10 grams. Silver prices also strengthened sharply, jumping Rs 5,000 to Rs 2,74,700 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes). The white metal had settled at Rs 2,69,700 per kg in the previous session. Bullion markets remained closed on Thursday on account of Eid-ul-Azha. Gold and silver prices have edged higher as markets assess US-Iran ceasefire developments and the US Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook following recent inflation data, Hareesh V, Head of Commodity Research, Geojit Investments Ltd, said. The precious metal prices in the domestic market remained firm amid expectations of seasonal demand, he added. We do not foresee significant selling pressure in the near term, as underlying fundamentals continue to provide support. Silver is also likely to track gold's trend, aided by both safe-haven demand and industrial outlook, Hareesh said. In the international markets, spot gold gained nearly 1 per cent to USD 4,530.72 per ounce, while silver was trading flat at USD 75.52 per ounce. Spot gold rose nearly 1 per cent in the overseas trade as talks of a preliminary deal between the US and Iran have reduced downside pressure on the yellow metal. However, lack of details of the deal will keep it range-bound, Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said. According to reports, the US and Iran have agreed to a preliminary understanding that would extend the ceasefire by 60 days. As part of the proposed memorandum of understanding, Iran is expected to normalise traffic through the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, while both countries are likely to continue discussions on contentious issues, including Tehran's nuclear stockpile and uranium enrichment, during the ceasefire period. However, the final text of the agreement is still awaited, with neither US President Donald Trump nor Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei publicly commenting on the deal so far. According to Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, market participants are closely watching developments surrounding the proposed US-Iran agreement and awaiting further comments from Trump, which could provide the next major trigger for bullion prices.

J&K: Massive Forest Fire In Poonch; Locals Help Bring Flames Under Control

JAMMU, May 29: A massive forest fire broke out in the upper reaches of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, but prompt action from the forest department, aided by residents, helped bring the fire under control, officials said on Friday. The blaze ignited along the Mughal Road, damaging forest areas and causing temporary panic among commuters as flames and thick smoke billowed close to this historic route connecting Poonch with Shopian district. Officials confirmed that the Mughal Road remains safe [] The post J&K: Massive Forest Fire In Poonch; Locals Help Bring Flames Under Control appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Govt mulling expansion of BSF's operational mandate: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans to expand the Border Security Force's (BSF) role, under which a new 'territorial security' concept will be introduced to enhance border protection. Work on securing vulnerable areas along the Pakistan border is nearing completion. The government is investing significantly in advanced technology and infrastructure to fortify India's borders.

Farooq Abdullah Calls for Dialogue, Says Situation Has Not Improved After Abrogation of Article 370

NEET paper leak: SC stresses on accountability; govt says PM personally supervising situation

New Delhi, May 29: We should not disappoint our youngsters, the Supreme Court on Friday said while stressing that the real problem relating to medical entrance examination NEET-UG would not stop till actual accountability arises. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the apex court that the government is seriously concerned about the concerns of the youths and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally supervising the situation so that here is no lacunae. Mehta told a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe that some new mechanisms have been put in place for the NEET-UG retest scheduled for June 21. The real problem won't stop till actual accountability arises, the bench observed. The top court was hearing pleas, including the one seeking a direction to replace or restructure the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting the NEET-UG, with a robust and autonomous body to conduct the medical entrance examination. The bench said it is actually very traumatic if something like this happens, not just for the students, but also for their families. Accountability will be effective only when you know on whose shoulders, which individual shoulders, the responsibility lies, it said. The top law officer said, The buck must stop somewhere. Mehta said the issue relates to youths and the government is seriously concerned about their concerns. Some new mechanisms are also put in place for the June 21 examination. It may not be appropriate to divulge what is there, otherwise the very purpose will be frustrated. It is being monitored at the highest possible executive level, he said. The prime minister personally is supervising this so that there is no lacunae, Mehta said. The bench cited the example of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and said there was never a situation like paper leak in the examinations conducted by the commission and the NTA needs to learn from other institutions. It is actually very traumatic if something like this happens, not just for the students, but also their families and everybody, the bench said, adding, They invest so much of emotion. The bench also highlighted the problem that most of the institutions were ad-hoc. So much so, that you will have the best of the officers working and everybody will depend on that. It is the phenomenon everywhere in our country, it said. It is not the individual who has the capability, it is the institution which has the capability. That is what you need to prepare, the bench said. It noted that pursuant to its May 25 order, Director (Legal) of the NTA has filed an affidavit. We will go through your affidavit and we will keep monitoring it for sometime, the bench said. It also noted that Dr K Radhakrishnan, who is a former chairman of the ISRO and presently working in honorary capacity as the chairman of the high-powered steering committee on NTA Reforms, has also filed an affidavit indicating the implementation of the recommendations of the committee and the future course of action. The bench asked the Centre to file an affidavit indicating how and in which manner the process of conduct and conclusion of the examination, year after year, will be done. It said the Centre would also indicate the method by which an institutional memory through continuity of human resource, institutional expertise through deployment of specialised personnel and institutional plurality by composition of experts is put in place. The endeavour is to ensure that NTA would have the wherewithal, physical as well as intellectual, to ensure that no incidents such as the 2024 or 2026 examinations occur, the bench said. It said the affidavit be filed by the Centre within six weeks and posted the matter for hearing in the second week of July. During the hearing, the bench asked Radhakrishnan, who was present in the court, how much monitoring of the implementation has happened. Also tell us how did this failure occur, the bench asked, adding, Despite the monitoring on the basis of the high-powered committee's recommendation, if this incident has happened, then there is something wrong with the original recommendation because it did not conceive of a situation which would have arisen. Radhakrishnan said many of the recommendations were initiated already. He said in 2025, NEET-UG was conducted almost satisfactorily and there were a couple of incidents of power failure in some of the examination centres. On May 12, the NTA cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET, held on May 3 amid allegations of paper leak. A re-examination has been scheduled for June 21. The paper leak allegations are under investigation by the CBI. After the questions of NEET-UG were allegedly leaked in 2024, the top court had refused to cancel the test but passed various directions aimed at tackling paper leaks and also a criterion for cancelling public exams. While hearing the pleas on May 25, the top court observed it's sad that the NTA has not learnt lessons from the earlier NEET paper leak. It had sought the response of the Centre, NTA and CBI on pleas for the replacement of the testing agency with a robust and autonomous body to conduct the medical entrance exam. The top court had issued notice on the pleas, including the one filed by the Federation of All India Medical Association through lawyer Tanvi Dubey.

BJP workers protest against delay in shopping complex opening in Banihal

Banihal, May 29: BJP workers led by District General Secretary Mohammad Saleem Bhat on Friday staged a protest in Banihal town against the alleged failure of the government, the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Municipal Committee Banihal in opening the multi-storey shopping complex in the town. The protesters said that the multi crores worth shopping complex was completed several years ago, but has not been made functional so far as the concerned contractor has allegedly not been paid by the authorities. Addressing the protesters, Mohammad Saleem Bhat said that the delay in commissioning the complex has caused losses worth lakhs of rupees in the form of rent and business opportunities. He demanded that the shopping complex be opened without further delay and the shops allotted to unemployed youth on a rental basis to help generate livelihood opportunities in the area. The BJP leader also urged the administration to resolve the payment issue of the contractor at the earliest and make the complex operational for public benefit.

Mirwaiz expresses concern over growing normalisation of restrictions on religious rights

Srinagar, May 29: Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq expressed deep concern over the continued restrictions on Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid and warned against the growing normalisation of what he described as abnormal circumstances. Mirwaiz said that this year, as on previous occasions, Eid prayers were not allowed at Eidgah and Jama Masjid. While the disappointment and hurt caused by such restrictions were real, he said he wished to draw attention to something even more troubling. The greatest danger to any society is when abnormal things begin to appear normal, Mirwaiz said. He observed that when a people are repeatedly denied the opportunity to gather peacefully for prayer, year after year, there is a risk that future generations may begin to think that this is how things are supposed to be. It is not, he asserted. Mirwaiz said there is nothing normal about a historic Eidgah remaining silent on Eid morning. There is nothing normal about a Jama Masjid being closed to worshippers on one of the most sacred days of the Islamic calendar. There is nothing normal, he said, about a community being separated from traditions that have defined its religious life for centuries. He said what concerns him is not only the action of those who impose such restrictions, but also the growing silence around it. While acknowledging that avenues of expression, both individually and collectively, are severely impaired by enforced gags, bans, threats and arrests, Mirwaiz said that silence is not an option. He particularly termed the silence of those elected by the people as completely unacceptable. Watching as mere spectators, pleading powerlessness, yet benefitting from their positions, he said, they cannot remain silent when the religious institutions and rights of the majority that elected them are under assault. It is their basic duty, he said, to stand up to it and at least raise their voice. Mirwaiz remarked that in every democratic society, institutions are judged not by how they respond to easy issues, but by how they respond when fundamental freedoms and deeply held public sentiments are affected. Silence may be convenient, he said, but it hollows out institutions, disempowers people and adds to their sense of loss. Referring to the repeated restrictions on Eid prayers, Mirwaiz said they pose a serious question before the people. The issue, he said, is whether the religious, cultural and historical identity of a people is respected and accommodated, or whether it is expected to quietly adjust to every restriction placed upon it and gradually get dissolved. The issue is of our basic existence as a people, Mirwaiz said, adding that it demands serious thinking by one and all. He posed the question: What should we do? He said that whatever is decided as a people, the guiding principle in shaping the collective response must remain rooted in upholding dignity and preservation. At the same time, Mirwaiz urged people not to allow disappointment to turn into despair. He said the beautiful faith of Islam provides hope and strength even in difficult times. The history of this land, he said, teaches that despite repeated onslaughts, institutions have endured because people continued to cherish and protect them in their hearts and memory. As long as that faith remains alive within, no restriction can erase it, he said. Concluding his address, Mirwaiz prayed that Allah guide the people, strengthen them, and help them preserve their faith, values and institutions with wisdom and steadfastness.

Delegation of GKPD calls on LG Sinha, briefs him about 'Kashmir Heritage Tour'

Srinagar, May 29: A four-member delegation of Kashmiri Pandits under the banner of Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) met the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, at his residence in New Delhi on this Wednesday. The delegation comprised Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator-GKPD, Kashi Akhoon, National Coordinator, Dilip Matto and Priytosh Wali. The delegation apprised the Honble Lieutenant Governor about the preparations underway for the forthcoming Heritage Tour to Kashmir to commence from 6th of June 2026. LG Sinha was very gracious and gave a patient hearing to the delegation. A bouquet and a copy of the book 'Lal Vakhs' were presented to the Honble Lieutenant Governor. The Honble Lieutenant Governor expressed optimism regarding the revival of devotees visits and the strengthening of cultural and spiritual activities in Jammu & Kashmir. He also felt satisfied about Kashmiri Pandits taking lead in introducing their age-old civilization to their future generations. The Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) has been conscious of the proud heritage of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir and proposes to organise the first of its kind 'Heritage tour of Kashmir' in the month of June 2026. The tour was initially going to be organised in September 2024 but due to the elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the will couldn't be executed in the year 2024. In the year 2025, the Pahalgam terror incident in which 26 Hindus were killed compelled the organisers to postpone it by one year. The GKPD has finally decided to make it happen this year in the month of June from 6th June to 14th June. On 13th and 14th June 2026, a two-day Conclave will be held in Srinagar and will be attended by a number of dignitaries who are who's who in their own capacity in the society. International delegates of GKPD are also expected to participate in the whole programme.

Nadigam railway crossing in Budgam to remain closed for 4 days

Budgam, May 29: The railway level crossing at Nadigam Halt in Budgam has been closed for vehicular traffic for four days due to track upgradation works, officials said. According to a public notice issued by Northern Railways, the crossing, located between Budgam and Mazhom, will remain closed for all vehicular traffic from today till Monday, June 01 at 8:00 PM, for a period of 96 hours. The notice said the closure is necessary for the installation of a modern rubberised level crossing surface aimed at ensuring smoother and safer movement for commuters. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and cooperate with traffic police and railway staff deployed at the site.(KNO)

India committed to fighting terrorism with all might: NSA Ajit Doval in Russia

Juvenile apprehended in minor girl sexual assault case in Rambans Ukhral

Banihal, May 29: A juvenile has been apprehended by police following the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl in the Bingara area of Ukhral in Jammu and Kashmirs Ramban district, officials said on Thursday. According to police officials, action was initiated immediately after the victims family lodged a formal complaint. Following the complaint, a case bearing FIR No. 44/2026 was registered under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the juvenile suspect was subsequently apprehended, police said. Police officials said the minor girl was taken to District Hospital Ramban, where her medical examination was conducted as part of the investigation process. Further investigation into the case is underway, police added.

Continued incarceration of Engineer Rashid weakening bridge between New Delhi and Kashmir: visiting MP delegation

Srinagar, May 29: Several Members of Parliament today visited Mawar Langate in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, the residence of Member of Parliament Baramulla, Engineer Rashid to offer condolences and express solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time. The parliamentary delegation included MPs Umesh Bahubhai Patel and Sudhakar Singh along with other political leaders from different states. The visiting MPs interacted with family members, party leaders and scores of people gathered at the residence. While speaking to the media on the occasion, the visiting MPs said that there is no dearth of voices across the country who genuinely feel the pain and sufferings of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. They maintained that democratic engagement and sincere dialogue are essential for lasting peace and reconciliation in the region. Leading the delegation, MP Sudhakar Singh from Bihar said that there is no doubt that the people of Kashmir have suffered immensely and their voices must be heard with sincerity, dignity and seriousness. He appreciated the consistent concern shown by Engineer Rashid in Parliament regarding the political and human rights issues of Jammu & Kashmir. He further stated that the Modi Government, by not engaging meaningfully with the people of Jammu & Kashmir, is further deepening the sense of alienation. He added that the continued incarceration of Engineer Rashid is weakening the bridge between New Delhi and Kashmir and demanded his immediate release so that he can continue to serve the people who have overwhelmingly reposed faith in him. The visiting MPs also interacted with people from different walks of life and assured them that the people of India are not enemies of Kashmiris. They said that all those commitments and agreements which form the basis of the relationship between New Delhi and the people of Jammu & Kashmir must be respected and honoured in letter and spirit. The delegation reiterated the need for dialogue, reconciliation and democratic engagement to address the aspirations and grievances of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

India May See 90% of Long Period Average Rainfall This Monsoon: IMD

While the Northeast is likely to witness normal rainfall this monsoon season, the remaining parts of the country may see below normal rainfall, forecast said

Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi calls on J-K LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, May 28: Swiss Ambassador to India Maya Tissafi on Thursday called on Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here, an official spokesman said. Tissafi, who is on a visit to Kashmir, has also met J-K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and People's Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone. The ambassador of Switzerland to India called on the Lieutenant Governor at the Lok Bhavan here. The spokesman gave no further details of the meeting. The breathtaking mountains of #Kashmir feel wonderfully familiar to a Swiss. In #Srinagar, I had insightful discussions with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and former Minister @sajadlone on the region's development priorities and future opportunities, Tissafi said in a post on X. The ambassador said the Swiss expertise is already contributing to Kashmir's growth story -- from infrastructure projects and hydropower technology to innovation in high-altitude climate studies and dairy farming. We also explored opportunities for future collaboration in vocational training, hospitality, food processing and tourism. A memorable introduction to the spirit of Kashmir, including the beautiful Nishat Garden, she added.

Freezing vacant govt posts cruel joke on unemployed youth: J&K Cong

Jammu, May 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee on Thursday criticised the government's decision to freeze the creation of all vacant posts as part of its austerity measures, calling it a cruel joke on the educated unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a public gathering at Channi Himmat in Jammu, working president of JKPCC, Raman Bhalla, said that the decision would further aggravate the unemployment crisis in the Union Territory and shatter the hopes of thousands of qualified youth aspiring for government jobs. The move to freeze the creation of all vacant posts in government is a cruel joke on the educated unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir who are already grappling with limited employment opportunities, he said. On Saturday, the Jammu and Kashmir government issued a circular directing all departments to execute austerity measures, labelling them as economy and austerity measures for the rationalisation of expenditure. The order also specified that no new posts would be created. Bhalla urged the government to immediately review and withdraw this decision, emphasising that austerity measures should not come at the cost of job creation. The burden of austerity should not be placed on the shoulders of unemployed youth. If the government is serious about reducing expenditure, it should begin by curtailing unnecessary spending by the ruling elite and senior bureaucrats rather than blocking employment opportunities for deserving candidates, Bhalla said. Highlighting the growing challenge of unemployment, the Congress leader noted that unemployment among educated youth has become one of the most pressing socio-economic issues in Jammu and Kashmir due to the limited opportunities. Unlike many other states where industries and private enterprises provide large-scale employment, Jammu and Kashmir has a relatively weak industrial base. For decades, government service has remained one of the principal sources of stable employment for educated youth. Any decision to freeze recruitment or keep posts vacant will only deepen frustration among job seekers, he said. Bhalla warned that prolonged unemployment could have serious social and economic consequences, including growing distress among the youth and a slowdown in the region's overall development. He said employment generation should remain a priority area of governance rather than a sector subjected to expenditure cuts. The former minister also pointed out that thousands of vacancies across various government departments remained unfilled despite staff shortages in sectors such as education, healthcare, public administration and rural development. Filling these vacancies, he said, would not only strengthen public service delivery but also provide much-needed employment opportunities to qualified youth. Calling for a long-term solution to unemployment, Bhalla demanded a comprehensive employment policy tailored to the needs and aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir's youth. He said the policy should focus on accelerating recruitment to vacant government posts, promoting industrial investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting start-ups, enhancing skill development programmes and creating opportunities in sectors such as information technology, tourism, agriculture and allied industries. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir do not seek charity; they seek opportunities. The government must create an environment where educated young people can secure dignified employment and contribute to the economic growth of the region, he said. Bhalla reiterated that addressing unemployment should remain at the centre of public policy and urged the administration to engage with stakeholders, youth organisations and experts while framing employment-related initiatives. The future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on its youth. Any policy that limits employment opportunities will only widen the gap between aspirations and opportunities. The government must reconsider its decision and take concrete steps to provide jobs and hope to the younger generation, he added.

NEET Fee Refund: 13 Lakh Candidates Update Bank Details; NTA Extends Deadline Till June 22

NEW DELHI, May 29: The National Testing Agency has extended till June 22 the deadline for submitting bank account details for refund of examination fee for candidates of NEET-UG 2026, which was cancelled and would be held afresh amid allegations of paper leak. While announcing the re-examination of NEET-UG 2026 on June 21, the NTA had said no examination fee would be charged from candidates for the fresh test. The NTA had also said fees already paid by students will [] The post NEET Fee Refund: 13 Lakh Candidates Update Bank Details; NTA Extends Deadline Till June 22 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Former Chief Justice A M Magrey empanelled as senior panel counsel with Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

Srinagar, May 29: Former Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court, Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey , has been empanelled as Senior Panel Counsel with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). Justice (retd) Magreys name figures in the panel of 164 senior advocates empanelled with the SCLSC pursuant to a unanimous decision taken by the Executive Committee in its 72nd meeting held on March 12 this year. The senior advocates, who render their services to the Committee entirely on a pro bono basis, stand empanelled with the SCLSC with effect from May 15, 2026. Justice Magrey is already a designated Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court. He is also an arbitrator with the Delhi International Arbitration Centre and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. Besides this, he serves as visiting faculty at the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, and the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Mumbai. He is also associated as visiting faculty with K.R. Mangalam University, Delhi, and is a member of the universitys advisory board. Justice Magrey was appointed as a permanent judge of the High Court on March 8, 2013. Born on December 8, 1960, in Wattoo village of Damhal Hanjipora in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, he received his school education in his native village and completed his graduation and LL.B (Honours) from the University of Kashmir . He was enrolled as an advocate in 1984 and initially practised in district courts, including revenue courts and tribunals.

CRPF ASI dies after collapsing at camp in Shopian

Srinagar, May 29: An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) died after falling unconscious at a camp in Zainapora Shopian district on Friday. Official sources said that the ASI, posted at the Horticulture Camp in Zainapora area of south Kashmir, suddenly collapsed inside the camp. He was immediately taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Zainapora, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival, they said. The deceased was a resident of Rajbagh area of Kathua district. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and started further proceedings, they added.(JKNS)

25-year-old youth found dead in Kulgam, probe on

Srinagar, May 29: A 25-year-old youth was found dead at his residence in Chimmer area of DH Pora in South Kashmirs Kulgam district. Officials said that the deceased, a mechanic by profession and a graduate, was found hanging inside his home. After completion of medico-legal formalities and postmortem examination, the body was handed over to the family for last rites. Cognizance has been taken and further investigation is underway. (JKNS)

J&K Govt issues June 2026 secretariat roster for ministers

Jammu, May 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the roster of Ministers who will remain available at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, during June 2026 to oversee official work and address public and administrative matters. According to Government Order No. 1017-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated May 28, 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the ministers have been assigned specific periods during the month to remain stationed at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu.Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and ARI & Trainings, will be available from June 1 to June 5, 2026.Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, will remain available from June 8 to June 12, 2026.Sakeena Masood (Itoo), Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, will be available from June 15 to June 19, 2026.Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister, J&K, will remain stationed at the Civil Secretariat from June 22 to June 30, 2026. The order was issued by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, M. Raju, IAS, and has been circulated among senior administrative and security officials for necessary action.(KNC)

MHA approves deployment of 670 CAPF companies for Amarnath Yatra security

Jammu, May 29: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, has approved the deployment of 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to ensure foolproof security for the upcoming 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28. According to official sources, this will be the largest-ever deployment of paramilitary forces for the annual pilgrimage, reflecting the Centres commitment to ensuring the safety of lakhs of devotees expected to visit the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva in the South Kashmir Himalayas. Sources said the security plan has been finalized after extensive consultations between the MHA and senior security officials in Jammu and Kashmir. The CAPF personnel will be deployed across the pilgrimage route, beginning from Lakhanpur, the entry point to Jammu and Kashmir, up to the Amarnath cave shrine. The deployment will cover key locations including the twin pilgrimage routes of Baltal and Pahalgam, the base camps at Baltal and Nunwan, Yatri Niwas Jammu, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the Pathankot-Jammu highway, and other vital areas frequented by pilgrims. Officials said additional paramilitary units will start arriving in Jammu and Kashmir in the first week of June, with the entire deployment expected to be completed by June 25, nearly a week before the yatra begins. The Indian Army will also play a crucial role by securing strategic heights along the pilgrimage routes and around the holy cave shrine. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police will remain actively involved in maintaining security and coordinating operations throughout the yatra period. Sources emphasized that security arrangements have been planned in a manner that will not affect ongoing anti-terror operations across the Union Territory. Special focus will remain on the Baltal and Chandanwari routes, the cave shrine, and major transit camps. Security at Baltal, Nunwan and Yatri Niwas Jammu will be further strengthened, while Road Opening Parties (ROPs), area domination patrols and regular surveillance will be intensified along the highways. Authorities are also enhancing security along the Jammu-Srinagar railway corridor, particularly in view of the increasing number of pilgrims expected to travel by Vande Bharat Express trains. The railway route passing through Udhampur, Katra, Reasi, Banihal and Qazigund will remain under heightened security during the pilgrimage. More than 3.5 lakh pilgrims have already registered for this years Amarnath Yatra since the registration process began on April 15 through designated bank branches across the country. The number of registrations continues to rise. The annual pilgrimage will commence simultaneously from the Baltal-Sonamarg and Nunwan-Pahalgam routes on July 3 and will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festivals of Raksha Bandhan and Sawan Purnima. Registration for the yatra is being conducted through designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Yes Bank across India.(KNC)

India's AIF industry grows up: What comes after the boom?

India's AIF sector is maturing. Pension funds may soon provide long-term capital, increasing governance expectations. AI will likely aid regulators in market surveillance. New structures like permanent capital vehicles are emerging. Mutual funds and AIFs face product differentiation challenges. Leverage limits in private markets will be re-examined as the industry grows.

Industrial Bong for the Buck: A blueprint for West Bengals evolution from an entrepot to a production hub

West Bengals hopes of an industrial revival face structural challenges despite strong manufacturing growth over the past decade. A NITI Aayog report showed the states share in Indias GDP fell from 6.8% in 1990-91 to 5.8% in 2021-22, while per-capita income remained below the national average. However, manufacturing growth between 2013-14 and 2022-23 outpaced the national average, driven largely by informal micro-enterprises rather than large formal industries.

Drones hit 3 'shadow fleet' oil tankers off Turkiye's Black Sea coast

Istanbul, May 28: Three oil tankers were attacked by drones Thursday off Turkey's Black Sea coast, a shipping agency said. The ships all appear on Western sanctions lists as part of a shadow fleet exporting Russian oil and petroleum products and evading Western sanctions on Moscow because of its war in Ukraine. One was previously targeted in March. Tribeca Shipping said the Palau-flagged ship James II was sailing 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Turkeli district in Sinop when it was attacked. It was not carrying any cargo. The Altura and Velora, both flagged to Sierra Leone, were targeted while carrying out ship-to-ship operations in a nearby area, according to a statement from the agency cited by Turkish media. The crews of all three ships were unharmed. Turkish coast guard vessels were dispatched to assist. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, and Turkish officials were unavailable for comment. The Altura was previously struck by a naval drone on March 26 as it approached the Black Sea entrance to the Bosporus, damaging its bridge and engine room. The Altura and Velora belong to Turkey-based Pergamon Shipping, according to the OpenSanctions website, which tracks people or organisations involved in sanctions evasion. The James II is owned by the Marshall Islands-registered James Navigation. In November, the Turkish government condemned Ukrainian drone attacks on two oil tankers in the Black Sea as posing serious risks to navigation, life, property and environmental safety in the region. Ukraine has carried out successful naval strikes against Russian shipping during the war, particularly using explosives-packed marine drones. However, Ukrainian missions were previously largely limited to the waters of the northern Black Sea.

APEDA, Fruit Master Agro Fresh organise capacity development programme for farmers

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd. organised a Farmers Capacity Development Programme in Kashmir to enhance the capabilities of farmers for export of fresh fruits from the region. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across Jammu & Kashmir along with individual progressive farmers. The initiative focused on building awareness regarding export opportunities, international quality standards, modern farming practices, and challenges faced by growers in accessing global markets. During the interactive session, farmers engaged with experts from APEDA and discussed various on-ground challenges related to export readiness, quality management, market access, and infrastructure requirements. Ms. Sehreena, Regional Head, APEDA J&K, addressed the participants and highlighted the important role of APEDA in promoting agricultural exports from the region. She informed farmers about the various support mechanisms and export promotion initiatives available through APEDA and encouraged them to focus on producing high-quality fruits suitable for international markets. She assured the farming community of APEDAs continued support in strengthening fresh fruit exports from Jammu & Kashmir. Mr. Izhan Javeed, CEO of Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd., while interacting with the farmers, emphasised that produce from Jammu & Kashmir has the potential to compete globally provided there is consistent focus on quality, productivity, and reliability in supply. He highlighted the importance of reducing production costs and adopting modern farming techniques to make farmers export-ready and enhance their incomes sustainably. Technical sessions during the programme were conducted by experts from Orchardly, who focused on sustainability, export-oriented cultivation practices, and improving quality standards in fresh produce. The experts stressed the importance of producing MRL-compliant fruits for export markets and guided farmers on addressing quality-related challenges to meet international standards. The programme was also attended by officials from the District Industries Centre (DIC), Agriculture Department, and Department of Horticulture & Horticulture Planning & Marketing, J&K, who interacted with farmers and discussed various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the horticulture ecosystem in the region.

Dori Maal encounter in Rajouri enters Day 6, fresh gunshots and explosions heard

Fire breaks out at Al Mustafa colony in Baramulla

PDD worker dies after fall during power restoration work in Bandipora

Srinagar, May 28 : A 52-year-old worker of the Power Development Department (PDD) lost his life after falling from a ladder during power restoration work in the Kaloosa area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district, officials said on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Muhammad Yousuf Shah, a Permanent Daily Labourer (PDL) posted at Electric Sub Division Kaloosa. He sustained critical injuries after slipping from a ladder and was rushed to a hospital in Srinagar, where he later succumbed, officials added. A senior officer of the PDD ruled out electrocution, stating the power supply to the area had been switched off prior to the incident. He slipped from the ladder and suffered serious injuries. Protective gear has been provided to all employees for safety during field operations, the concerned Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) told KNS. The officer further disclosed that Shah had undergone eye surgery a few months ago, following which he had been advised against duties involving live wires or risky operations. We were not allowing him to work with live wires after his eye operation. Unfortunately, a consumer called him for some work, and during the process, he slipped while electricity was already off, the AEE added. The incident has sparked concerns over safety protocols for field staff, with some employees pointing to inadequacies in working conditions, particularly during harsh weather. Meanwhile, locals have urged the administration to strengthen safety measures for frontline PDD workers. (KNS)

Deploy additional manpower to crack down against narco-terror ecosystem: J-K LG

Srinagar, May 28: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed the administration to intensify the crackdown against the narco-terror ecosystem operating in the Union Territory. The LG, who chaired a high-level meeting with the senior officials at Lok Bhavan Srinagar on Wednesday, was apprised about the progress of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, an official spokesman said. The LG directed the Director General of Police to further strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Task Force by deploying additional manpower, the spokesman said. Reviewing the rehabilitation measures for drug abuse victims, he directed for scaling up the number of police and health department-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across the UT, ensuring regular monitoring by health officials for proper counselling and treatment. Sinha directed monitoring of vulnerable locations like abandoned buildings and river bunds to prevent their misuse for narcotics-related activities. The LG called for wider public disclosure of high-profile drug peddlers to deter narcotics-related crimes and create greater public awareness. He entrusted the School and Higher Education Departments to organise sports tournaments and youth engagement programs to steer youth away from drug abuse, the spokesman added.

Fix the ABC of IBC: Why we should re-engineer the bankruptcy code further

The recent litigation around Jaypee has once again unleashed a raging debate over arbitrary decision-making by financial creditors, lack of transparency, subjective selection criteria for cherry-picking a winning bid as well as the possible conflict of interest of the committee of creditors. After a decade of IBC, its time to empower the resolution professional and make bidding simple and transparent.

Indias solar crisis has been failure of planning, coordination and infrastructure: Swaminathan Aiyar

Indias rapid solar expansion is creating an unusual crisis where electricity prices on the Indian Energy Exchange briefly fell to zero in May because solar generation exceeded demand and grid capacity. Rajasthan, which holds 27% of Indias solar capacity, has been forced to curtail up to 80% of solar output due to weak local demand, lack of battery storage and insufficient transmission infrastructure to move surplus power to other regions.

Mehbooba criticises govt for placing Mirwaiz under house arrest on Eid-ul-Adha

Comprehensive security arrangements in place for Eid-ul-Adha: SSP Srinagar

Darakshan Andrabi urges people to follow hygiene on Eid-ul-Adha

NC President Farooq Abdullah, J-K CM Omar Abdullah offer Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal

Devotees offer prayers at Dargah Hazratbal on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha

Delegation moves NHRC against demolitions in Jammu; rights body assures investigation

A delegation under the leadership of Adv Sunil Kumar Bainsla on Tuesday comprising advocates and social activists from Delhi met Vijaya Bharati, Member of the National Human Rights Commission, and submitted a detailed complaint regarding the alleged forcible demolition of houses belonging to the nomadic Gujjar-Bakkarwal community at Sidra, Jammu, in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation demanded that an NHRC fact-finding team immediately visit the affected area at village the Bandi (Sidhara )area of Jammu Khas Tehsil and conduct an on-the-spot inquiry into the alleged human rights violations arising out of the demolition drive carried out on 20 May 2026. The delegation was led by Supreme Court Advocate Sunil Kumar Bainsla and included Advocate Virender Kassana, Advocate Sajid Choudhary, Advocate Kabaj Ram, Advocate AV Shukla, Advocate Kundan Singh, Advocate Rajesh Tanak, Advocate Mahesh Bhati, Advocate Nishkersh Gupta, Advocate Sunder Singh, Advocate Ruby, and Rajesh Kumar Garg, said a press release. The complainants alleged that the Jammu & Kashmir administration, accompanied by police personal and forest officials , demolished the houses of poor Gujjar-Bakkarwal families who had been residing in the area for generations along with their elderly parents, women, children, and infants. Photographs of the demolished houses were also submitted to the Commission along with the complaint. The delegation alleged that the authorities acted in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner without following the principles of natural justice. They further stated that the affected families were not even given sufficient time to remove their household belongings and essential items before bulldozers razed their homes. Referring to the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, the complaint stated that The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 has been applicable to the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 26 October 2020. Therefore, Gujjar-Bakkarwal families residing on forest land are entitled to legal protection and recognition of their traditional rights. The memorandum further stated that the erstwhile rulers of Jammu & Kashmir had historically permitted the ancestors of the Gujjar-Bakkarwal community to reside and use the land at village Sidhara (Bandi) for grazing and livelihood purposes. Hence, the families cannot be treated as unauthorized occupants or displaced in such an inhuman manner. The delegation also highlighted the patriotic contribution and sacrifices of the Gujjar community in safeguarding the borders and national integrity of India, particularly the Gujjar-Bakkarwal community of Jammu & Kashmir, which has rendered immense service to the nation over the decades. The complainants demanded immediate directions from the NHRC to the authorities in Jammu & Kashmir to provide urgent relief and rehabilitation measures, including tents, drinking water, food, and other essential assistance to the displaced families. They also sought strict action against the officials allegedly responsible for the demolition. During the meeting, NHRC Member Vijaya Bharati assured the delegation that a human rights inquiry team would be sent to the affected area for investigation into the matter.

J&K Students Association condemns 'assault, harassment' of doctors at GMC Rajouri

The Medical Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday strongly condemned the shocking assault, harassment, intimidation and unauthorized intrusion inside the Labour Room and other sensitive patient-care areas of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. President of JKSA Medical Wing (Jammu Kashmir Medical Students Association), Dr Wasim Khan, said that the reported incident involving threats to doctors on duty, harassment of female healthcare professionals, obstruction in medical procedures and unauthorized videography inside a highly sensitive medical facility is deeply disturbing, shameful and completely unacceptable. The Association extended its unwavering solidarity to the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), junior doctors, senior residents, postgraduate medics and all healthcare workers protesting against this grave incident. It stated that doctors and healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to saving others and cannot be expected to work in an atmosphere of fear, insecurity and violence. The Association further said that repeated incidents of intimidation, harassment and attacks on medical professionals expose serious gaps in institutional security and administrative accountability within hospitals. The reported violation of patient privacy and dignity, particularly inside the labour room where women patients were in vulnerable conditions, amounts to a grave breach of ethics, law and humanity. Dr Khan stated that, Hospitals are spaces of care, compassion and healing, not places for hooliganism, threats, intimidation and chaos. The Association demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against all those involved, strict and exemplary legal action against the culprits, deployment of trained security personnel in all sensitive hospital areas including labour rooms, ICUs and emergency wards, strengthening of CCTV surveillance systems, strict restrictions on unauthorized entry and a complete ban on unauthorized videography inside patient-care zones. The JKSA's Medical Wing also urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to establish and implement a robust institutional mechanism to ensure the protection and safety of doctors and healthcare workers, especially female medical professionals serving during night shifts and in critical departments. The Association further sought the urgent intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and appealed to him to personally ensure swift action, accountability and enhanced security arrangements in hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir so that healthcare workers can perform their duties with dignity, safety and without fear. Violence, intimidation and harassment against healthcare workers can never be normalized or tolerated in a civilized society, it added.

Eid inspires us to strengthen bonds of love, unity, harmony: Arif Laigroo

PDP leader Arif Laigroo has extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha. In his Eid message, Arif Laigroo said that Eid-ul-Adha is a festival of sacrifice, devotion, compassion and brotherhood which teaches mankind the values of patience, humility and service towards humanity. He said the occasion inspires people to strengthen bonds of love, unity and communal harmony in society. He prayed that the blessed occasion brings peace, prosperity, happiness and good health to every household across Jammu and Kashmir. He also expressed hope that Eid will usher in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and progress for the people. Laigroo urged people to celebrate the festival with simplicity and remember the poor, needy and underprivileged sections of society so that the true spirit of Eid is upheld. He also appealed to people to pray for lasting peace, development and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. Extending his best wishes to people from all walks of life, Arif Laigroo hoped that the occasion would further strengthen the values of compassion, unity and brotherhood among the people.

Gaurav Gupta meets LG Manoj Sinha, seeks fast-track J&K Semiconductor Policy

BJP spokesperson and Convenor, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta on Tuesday met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar and urged the administration to expedite the proposed J&K Semiconductor Policy, stating that the initiative could become a major milestone for employment generation, industrial growth and technological advancement in Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, Gupta submitted a detailed representation and referred to the comprehensive draft proposal submitted in January 2026 by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce regarding the semiconductor policy framework for the Union Territory. He also informed the Lieutenant Governor that he had earlier projected the importance of establishing a semiconductor ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir before the administration and consistently advocated for a future-ready technology policy for the UT. Gupta said the semiconductor sector has emerged as one of the most strategic and future-oriented industries globally, driving innovation in artificial intelligence, 5G communications, automobiles, defence systems, medical devices and advanced electronics. He highlighted that recent global chip shortages and increasing geopolitical competition have reinforced the need for India to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Gupta said Jammu and Kashmir must proactively position itself in this rapidly growing sector to ensure long-term economic development and technological progress. Gupta informed the Lieutenant Governor that the proposed policy seeks to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a globally competitive hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing and allied value-chain activities. He said the policy aims to attract high-value investments, strengthen industrial infrastructure, promote innovation and create meaningful employment opportunities for local youth. Emphasising the importance of youth empowerment, Gupta said the semiconductor industry could open new avenues for engineers, technicians, software professionals, researchers and skilled workers in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the proposed policy includes dedicated skill incentives for companies employing local youth, which would help create a highly skilled workforce in the Union Territory.

Ensure round-the-clock power supply during Eid

Traders of Shaher-e-Khaas have extended Eid greetings to people and prayed for their well-being and prosperity. In a statement, President Shahar-e-Khaas Traders Alliance, Nazir Ahmad Shah, urged authorities to ensure basic facilities, especially power, drinking water supply, and transport facilities to people on the occasion of Eid. People of Downtown have been facing various problems especially unscheduled power cuts besides lack of public transport and sanitation facilities. We urge authorities to press additional Smart City buses during Eid to ensure round the clock transport facilities to people of Downtown. Besides, we appeal to SMC to ensure swift lifting of garbage, Shah added.

Traffic jam at Eidgah road pesters commuters

Commuters have expressed concern over a massive traffic jam on Eidgah road saying it has caused immense inconvenience to them ahead of Eid. Eidgah ground witnesses massive inflow of buyers from different parts of the Valley, making it one of the largest seasonal livestock markets. However, locals said the growing rush coupled with unregulated roadside parking and ongoing drainage work along the Eidgah-Ali Jan Road stretch, has severely affected traffic movement in the area. This road is already under pressure because of the drainage construction work. Now hundreds of vehicles carrying animals and buyers are being parked on both sides of the road, leaving little space for movement, said Nisar Ahmad, a local resident. The Eidgah road serves as an important link for several areas of Srinagar and connects commuters to major hospitals, including Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and SMHS Hospital, besides various private healthcare facilities. Commuters said traffic jams during peak morning and evening hours have become routine as office goers, school vehicles, shoppers, and cattle traders struggle to move through the congested stretch. People park vehicles randomly while buying animals. There is hardly any space left for ambulances or emergency vehicles. The lack of civic sense is adding to the mess, said Shakir Ahmad, a commuter from Hawal Srinagar. Attendants ferrying patients to hospitals said the situation often becomes distressing. We were carrying a patient for treatment and remained stuck for nearly half an hour. Ambulances and private vehicles carrying patients face immense problems here, said an attendant. Locals said a proper traffic management plan, designated parking arrangements, and stricter regulation of roadside parking are urgently needed before the Eid rush peaks further in the coming days. Officials from the traffic police earlier said additional personnel have been deployed in the area to regulate traffic movement. We have placed extra men on the road and are monitoring the situation. In many cases, people are also cooperating with the traffic police, an official said. Meanwhile, a senior officer from the UEED department said the bottleneck caused by the ongoing drainage work along the Eidgah-Ali Jan Road stretch would be resolved soon. Residents appealed to the authorities to ensure smoother traffic regulation around Eidgah ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, warning that the situation may worsen further as the rush of buyers is expected to increase over the next few days.

Govt committed to promote J&Ks rich artistic, cultural and architectural heritage: CM

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several delegations at his Public Services and Outreach Office (Raabita) here and held discussions on matters relating to banking, youth development, heritage conservation, and the promotion of art and culture in Jammu and Kashmir. Managing Director and CEO of J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, called on the Chief Minister during a courtesy meeting. Various issues concerning the banking sector, financial outreach and customer services were discussed. The MD & CEO briefed the Chief Minister on efforts to further strengthen the Banks operations across Jammu and Kashmir for improved customer experience and service delivery. Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Lt. Gen. Virendra Vats, accompanied by Additional Director General, NCC Directorate J&K and Ladakh, Maj. Gen. Anupinder Bevli, also met the Chief Minister. The delegation discussed matters relating to NCC activities, youth engagement and the expansion of cadet initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. A delegation from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), led by its Convener and Head, Saleem Beg, and Principal Architect, Sameer Hamdani, gave a detailed presentation to the Chief Minister on the preservation and restoration of heritage assets in Kashmir. The delegation also highlighted concerns regarding water management in the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir in the context of climate change and stressed the need for sustainable conservation measures. The Chief Minister assured the visiting delegation that the government remains committed to the preservation, protection and promotion of the rich artistic, cultural and architectural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan | YSS organises inter-school competitions in Kishtwar

The Department of Youth Services & Sports Kishtwar organised Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions under the banner of Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir across different zones of the district, witnessing enthusiastic participation of students in various sports disciplines at different venues. The competitions, as per an official statement, were conducted with the objective of promoting sports culture, physical fitness, discipline and spreading awareness against drug abuse among the youth. The events generated great excitement and sportsmanship among the participating students. Zone Kishtwar organised U-17 and U-19 Girls Cricket competitions at the historic Chowgan Ground, Kishtwar, where young players displayed remarkable talent, coordination and competitive spirit. The matches attracted appreciation from officials, teachers and spectators present at the venue. Zone Drabshalla conducted Yoga competitions for U-17 and U-19 boys and girls, where participants demonstrated impressive flexibility, balance, concentration and awareness regarding the importance of a healthy lifestyle through yoga practices. Meanwhile, Zone Inderwal organised competitions in the U-19 boys and girls categories in disciplines including Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Chess, Yoga, Cricket and Athletics. The events witnessed active participation from students of various institutions, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports and extracurricular activities among the youth of the district. As part of the awareness initiatives under the Nasha Mukt J&K campaign, an IEC campaign titled Jan Bhagidaari Sabse Door Sabse Pehle was also conducted at Panchayat Kither. The campaign focused on spreading awareness regarding the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraging collective community participation in building a healthy and drug-free society. The entire programme was organised under the direction of Director General, Youth Services & Sports J&K, Anuradha Gupta, under the supervision of District Development Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma and under the guidance of DYSSO Kishtwar Jaffer Haider Sheikh, along with all Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEOs). Officials of the department appreciated the efforts of the organising staff, technical officials and participating students for making the events successful and meaningful. The department reiterated its commitment towards channelising the energy of youth into positive activities through sports and awareness programmes across the district.

DG YSS congratulates Rajesh Dhar on his selection as Team India Manager for Afghanistan tour

In a proud moment for J&K, Director General of Youth Services and Sports Anuradha Gupta felicitated Physical Education Lecturer Rajesh Dhar in her office chamber following his selection as Manager of the Indian Mens Cricket Team for the upcoming Afghanistan tour in June 2026. The series features a one-off Test at Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, and three ODIs in Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Chennai. DG YSS, as per a statement, stated that the Directorate shall encourage such talented employees in the future as well. Sharing his gratitude, Rajesh Dhar said, I am deeply honoured to be appointed Administrative Manager for Team India and humbled to receive felicitation from Director General of his parent department. I am profoundly grateful for her support, and I look forward to serving the national team with dedication and pride in the responsibility entrusted to me by the BCCI. Dhar stated.

GVEI U-17 Football Team flagged off for National-Level CBSE Pre-Subroto Cup

Green Valley Educational Institute flagged off its U-17 football team for the 65th edition of the national-level tournament, the CBSE Pre-Subroto Cup Football Tournament 2026. Scheduled to be held from May 28 to May 31 in Gurugram, the tournament, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, will witness participation from school teams across the country. The 18-member G.V.E.I squad is geared up to showcase its talent and competitive spirit while representing the Valley on the national stage. The team was flagged off by G.V.E.I Chairman, M Y Wani, Principal Riyaz Kathjoo, along with the school leadership. Addressing the students, he applauded their commitment and sporting spirit, stating that sacrificing Eid festivities to represent the institution and the Valley is truly commendable. The team is being escorted by Physical Education Department HOD Irfan Rangrez and coach teacher Irfan Maqbool. They are expected to return on June 2, 2026.

Airtel defends Priority Postpaid service, denies net neutrality violation

Bharti Airtel has defended its newly launched Priority Postpaid service before a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) panel, asserting that the offering does not violate net neutrality norms or compromise service quality for prepaid users. In its response to a clarification sought by the Committee on Communications and Information Technology, Airtel said the service is powered by 5G network slicing and operates in a content-neutral manner, fully aligned with existing Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and DoT guidelines. The telecom company maintained that the feature does not involve blocking, throttling, content-specific prioritisation, zero-rating or preferential treatment of any application. Launched on May 19, the Priority Postpaid service promises more consistent speeds in congested areas for postpaid customers. Airtel said the feature does not degrade services for prepaid users, noting that postpaid traffic accounts for only a small portion of network capacity, leaving adequate bandwidth available for non-priority users.

Siyarams, Shikha Textiles host retailers conference

Siyarams, in association with Shikha Textiles, Amritsar, organised a retailers conference in Srinagar ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, bringing together nearly 150 traders and retailers from across the Kashmir Valley. Held at Hotel Golden Leaf, the event focused on strengthening trade partnerships and showcasing Siyarams latest festive suiting and shirting collections curated for the Eid season. According to organisers, the collections received positive response from participating retailers for their quality, designs and fabric textures. The conference also witnessed strong business engagement, with retailers placing advance bookings for festive inventory. Representatives of Shikha Textiles said the event served as a platform to strengthen ties with retail partners and better understand changing consumer preferences in the Kashmir market. The organisers extended advance Eid greetings to trade partners and thanked retailers for their continued association and support. Officials said the conference also provided an opportunity for business networking and interaction between retailers and company representatives, reflecting the growing market presence of Siyarams and Shikha Textiles in Kashmir.

PAL KIA Srinagar delivers 25 SUVs in single-day

PAL KIA Srinagar on Tuesday delivered 25 new Kia SUVs to customers during a mass delivery event at its Srinagar showroom, marking what the dealership described as the Valleys largest single-day SUV handover. The ceremony witnessed simultaneous deliveries of multiple Kia models, including the Seltos, Sonet, Carens Clavis and the recently launched Syros, as customers received vehicles in a celebratory setting at the showroom. The event featured ceremonial vehicle unveilings, customer interactions and presentations, with dealership representatives handing over keys to customers during the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PAL KIA Srinagar, Mushtaq Wani, said the event reflected growing customer confidence in the brand and rising demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in Kashmir. Todays mass delivery reflects the trust customers have placed in Kias design, technology and safety features. It is an important milestone for us and reinforces our commitment to customer satisfaction and timely deliveries, Wani said.

Kashmir trade, tourism stakeholders applaud Gulmarg Gondola rescue operation

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) and the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association (KHAROA) on Tuesday lauded the Jammu and Kashmir government and multiple agencies for the prompt and coordinated rescue of more than 300 tourists stranded following a technical disruption in the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service. More than 300 tourists were stranded in 65 gondola cabins after a technical snag halted operations, leaving several passengers suspended mid-air for hours, with some cabins reportedly positioned nearly 500 feet above the ground. Despite adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, a large-scale rescue operation lasting several hours was launched to safely evacuate all stranded passengers. In separate statements, both organisations said the successful evacuation reflected the preparedness, efficiency and commitment of the administration and emergency response agencies in handling crises at key tourist destinations. President of KCC&I, Javid Ahmad Tenga, said the incident demonstrated the Jammu and Kashmir administrations ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies involving tourists. The Jammu and Kashmir Government and all agencies involved deserve appreciation for their swift response, professionalism and commitment in ensuring the safety of tourists under extremely challenging circumstances. The successful rescue operation reflects the administrations preparedness and reinforces confidence in Kashmir as a safe and responsible tourism destination, Tenga said. He commended the efforts of multiple agencies involved in the operation, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Armys Chinar Corps, district administration, Tourism Department and other frontline teams for ensuring the safe evacuation of every stranded passenger. Tenga also appreciated the active supervision of senior officials, police leadership and ministers who remained on the ground to oversee rescue efforts and facilitate coordination among departments during the emergency. Echoing similar sentiments, KHAROA President Gowhar Maqbool said the successful handling of the incident highlighted the efficiency of Jammu and Kashmirs emergency response system and the seriousness with which authorities addressed an unexpected disruption at one of Kashmirs premier tourist destinations. Such situations, though unfortunate, can arise in adventure and mountain tourism anywhere in the world. What stood out in this case was the calm, coordinated and highly professional manner in which the Jammu and Kashmir Government, Tourism Department, Police, Army, J&K Cable Corporation, district administration and emergency response agencies handled the situation and ensured the safety of every tourist, Maqbool said. He observed that despite operational challenges and inclement weather, teams on the ground worked with urgency and professionalism to reassure anxious visitors and safely evacuate passengers, underlining the importance of preparedness and inter-agency coordination in maintaining confidence in Kashmirs tourism sector. The association also appreciated frontline personnel and officials who remained engaged throughout the rescue operation, stating that their efforts helped prevent panic and ensured an orderly evacuation process.

J&K Bank records over 12 Cr transactions worth Rs 15,000 Cr during pre-Eid week

J&K Bank recorded more than 12 crore transactions worth over Rs 15,000 crore during the festive week leading up to Eid-ul-Adha, reflecting a sharp rise in digital banking activity and customer transactions across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Bank officials said the institution registered its highest-ever single-day transaction volume on May 25, when customers carried out nearly 1.69 crore transactions amounting to Rs 2,848 crore, marking a new milestone in the banks digital banking operations. According to officials, more than 95 per cent of the total transactions during the period were executed through digital channels, highlighting growing customer preference for technology-enabled banking services. The banks flagship mobile banking platform, mPay Delight Plus, witnessed record usage during the Eid rush and continued to function smoothly despite peak transaction loads. Officials said the platform alone handled an all-time high single-day transaction volume of 1.69 crore transactions worth Rs 2,848 crore. A senior bank official said extensive upgrades had been carried out across technology platforms to ensure uninterrupted services during the festive period. We comprehensively upgraded all our technology systems, while teams worked round the clock to ensure uninterrupted services and minimal inconvenience to customers during the festive rush, the official said. The official added that digital adoption was increasing rapidly among younger customers, particularly Gen Z users, who increasingly prefer convenient and technology-driven banking services. With more than 22 million account holders, the bank now processes over 95 per cent of its transactions digitally, reflecting changing customer behaviour and growing trust in online banking systems. Our scan-and-pay transactions worked almost flawlessly, which greatly supported business during the festive rush, he said. Officials said the bank had also made special arrangements to ensure adequate availability of fresh currency notes across branches, keeping in view the tradition of distributing Eidi among children. While a few isolated ATM-related complaints surfaced in parts of Srinagar and adjoining areas, technical teams addressed the issues promptly to maintain uninterrupted cash services, officials added.

UG admission registrations cross 40,000 as HED enables indicative cut-offs, tentative college allotment

Srinagar, May 26:In a major facilitative step for undergraduate aspirants, the Higher Education Department (HED) on Tuesday enabled tentative college allotment and indicative cut-off trends on the centralised admission portal for the 202627 academic session, as registrations for UG admissions crossed the 40,000 mark. The move is aimed at helping students make informed decisions by allowing them to assess competition levels across colleges and programmes and revise their preferences before the final seat allocation process. Director Colleges J&K, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, said the facility has been activated on the JK Admissions Portal to assist applicants in evaluating their chances of admission and making necessary modifications to their programme preferences. The indicative trends have been generated from the current application data and are presently based on General/Open Merit data, he said. Officials said the displayed cut-offs are provisional and intended only to provide aspirants with a broad understanding of the likely competition for various programmes and colleges. Students across all categories, including reserved categories, have been advised to review their existing programme preferences and make changes, if necessary, before the final locking and allotment process. The department has also urged applicants to expand their choices by selecting additional eligible programmes, opting for courses across multiple colleges and universities, and avoiding restricting themselves to only a few highly competitive courses. Applicants have further been advised to prioritise their programme preferences carefully to improve their chances of allotment. Dr. Bashir clarified that the current cut-off trends do not guarantee admission and may change during the final allotment process depending on multiple factors, including category-wise seat distribution, the number of applicants in different categories, preference modifications, seat upgradation or withdrawal, document verification, merit position, tie-breaking rules, university-specific policies and administrative decisions. The final allotment list has not yet been published and the admission authority reserves the right to revise cut-offs, seat matrices, policies or allotment outcomes at any stage without prior notice, reads an official notice issued by the Directorate of Colleges J&K. The Director Colleges appealed to students to use the indicative cut-off trends only as a guidance tool and revisit their choices accordingly. He also advised aspirants to utilise the Course Explorer facility available on the Directorate website and seek support from counselling and facilitation centres established at colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. The department has further asked applicants to follow the official WhatsApp channel for Admissions 202627, linked on the portal, for regular updates related to the admission process. As previously reported, undergraduate admissions this year are being conducted purely on merit based on Class 12 marks, with the Higher Education Department discontinuing the use of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admissions to colleges. The decision follows the restoration of the November academic session by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and the early declaration of board examination results in January. Unlike previous years, when CUET-based admissions were implemented in 39 colleges, admissions to all 142 colleges in Jammu and Kashmir this year will be merit-based.

Daily traffic chaos cripples movement in Shopian, patients, commuters hit hard

Shopian, May 26:Persistent traffic congestion in South Kashmirs Shopian town has become a daily ordeal for commuters and residents, with major roads witnessing frequent gridlocks that disrupt movement, delay ambulances and expose long-standing infrastructural shortcomings. Key stretches, including Hospital Road, Four Way Chowk and Bonabazar, are witnessing regular bumper-to-bumper traffic, particularly during peak hours, turning short commutes into prolonged delays and causing inconvenience to motorists, pedestrians and residents. Residents blame the worsening traffic situation primarily on the absence of adequate parking facilities, widespread roadside and wrong-side parking by commuters and shopkeepers, and increasing vehicular movement on already narrow roads. According to locals, busy commercial areas have effectively turned into bottlenecks, severely hampering smooth traffic flow. Sometimes it takes half an hour just to cover 200 to 300 metres near Hospital Road, said Ashiq Hussain, a commuter, while describing the severity of daily congestion. He said the widening of some crucial roads in the town had become necessary to ease pressure on existing infrastructure and improve mobility. Social activist Mitha Gatoo echoed similar concerns, saying patients are among the worst affected due to recurring traffic jams on Hospital Road, a vital route connecting healthcare facilities and commercial areas. Patients suffer the most due to traffic jams along this crucial road, he said, adding that ambulances frequently get trapped in congestion, resulting in potentially dangerous delays during medical emergencies. Calling for immediate corrective measures, Gatoo demanded the construction of concrete dividers along major roads to streamline vehicular movement and reduce chaos. He also identified the lack of designated parking spaces as a major contributor to congestion. Gatoo further pointed out that a mechanised parking facility, which was expected to ease pressure in the town, has remained incomplete despite being under construction for more than a year, aggravating inconvenience for commuters and traders alike. An official acknowledged the growing problem and said traffic personnel have been deployed at several congested locations to regulate vehicular movement and reduce jams. The official expressed hope that completion of the proposed mechanised parking facility would significantly ease traffic pressure and provide long-term relief to residents and commuters in Shopian town.

CS reviews progress of digitisation & modernisation of land records in J&K

Srinagar, May 26: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a review meeting to assess the progress achieved under the ongoing digitisation and modernisation of land records across Jammu and Kashmir, with a strong emphasis on ensuring accurate, transparent and technology-driven revenue administration in the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Revenue; Secretary, Revenue; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Commissioner, Survey & Land Records; Inspector General, Registration; State Informatics Officer (SIO), NIC and other senior officers, while all the Deputy Commissioners participated through video conferencing. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary underscored the significance of correct and updated land records for the effective implementation of welfare schemes and facilitating quick access to institutional credit through integration with the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) and AgriStack initiatives. He observed that the successful digitization of land records would play a transformative role in strengthening governance, improving service delivery and empowering farmers through seamless access to benefits and financial services. The Chief Secretary directed the concerned Tehsildars to certify that no backlog mutations remain pending in their respective jurisdictions. He further called for the freezing of Jamabandis by the Tehsildars, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and eventually the Deputy Commissioners in the coming days to ensure that the authentic and reliable digitized records are put in public domain for its utilization by citizens here. To accelerate the process of rectification and updation of records, the Chief Secretary directed for designation of Prabhari Officers in consultation with the Financial Commissioner (Revenue). These officers would be entrusted with exclusive responsibility of handholding districts and ensuring timely correction and validation of records. Emphasizing the need for a clear roadmap for implementation of AgriStack components, the Chief Secretary directed that the exercise should be taken up immediately after completion of digitization in the identified areas and linked with the RBIs ULI platform to facilitate easy credit access for farmers. He urged the Settlement Commissioner to lead the capacity building programme for field staff across districts and ensure completion of the process in a time-bound manner. The Chief Secretary also stressed upon transitioning fully towards digital crop surveys during the upcoming agricultural seasons for effective implementation of AgriStack. He further directed the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) to evolve a mechanism for tracing the chain of custody of missing Mussavis and revenue records and initiate strict action against officials found responsible for any tampering or disappearance of records. Commending the Revenue Department for undertaking the monumental task of digitization and achieving substantial progress, the Chief Secretary advised the officers to make concerted efforts to complete all components within the stipulated timelines. He also assured full support in resolving genuine issues being faced by the field functionaries engaged in the exercise. Speaking during the meeting, Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Shaleen Kabra, emphasized upon the Deputy Commissioners to undertake rectification of records strictly in accordance with the prevailing legal provisions, particularly Section 32 of the Land Revenue Act, which empowers them to carry out such corrections. He observed that timely rectification at the district level would substantially reduce the burden of grievances reaching higher offices and help in making the land records largely error-free. The Financial Commissioner also stressed upon tracing the complete custody trail of missing records so that the actual culprits are identified and proceeded against under the law. Earlier, Secretary Revenue gave a detailed presentation on the progress achieved under various components of the digitization programme. The presentation covered the functioning of the citizen-centric J&K Zameen Sudhar Portal, digitization of backlog mutations for updation of records, digitization of cadastral maps, sub-parcelization of survey numbers as per ground realities, generation of ULPIN for Farmer Registry, Digital Crop Survey, BhuNaksha integration and issuance of property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme. He further informed the meeting that significant progress has been achieved in digitization of Jamabandis with all 20 districts and 206 tehsils brought under the programme. Over 68 lakh records have been approved and digitized so far, reflecting substantial progress achieved since the last review held in March this year.

LG chairs high-level meeting of Central Committee of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages

Srinagar, May 26:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting of the Central Committee of Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), at Lok Bhavan. The Central Committee granted in-principle approval to several key proposals, including affiliation for continuing Calligraphy Course, Annual Plan of Expenditure for the FY 2026-27 and the designing of a new Academy logo, which will feature all five official languages of Jammu Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor directed for accelerating the digitization process of all Academy libraries and implementing a well-crafted plan for capacity building of the Academy artists and staff. He instructed the Academy to expedite the process of accreditation of artists and filling the vacant posts. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that a comprehensive strategy involving the Education, Sports, and Culture departments must be formulated to promote vibrant cultural activities in schools and colleges to boost youth engagement. The Lieutenant Governor also applauded the Culture Academys performance in the Vande Mataram initiative. Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, gave a detailed presentation highlighting JKAACLs recent milestones. The committee was informed that the Academy successfully organised over 470 events across Jammu, Kashmir, and other parts of the country, engaging 14,117 artists and writers. Major commemorative events included 150 Years of Vande Mataram celebrations, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra, Nukkad Natak under Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, Birth Anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Constitution Day. It was further informed that The Jammu & Kashmir Tableau was a major attraction during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on 31st October 2025. Furthermore, the J&K Tableau clinched the Second Prize at the Republic Day Parade 2026 in New Delhi, a historic national achievement for the Union Territory after 24 years. The Committee also reviewed the Action Taken Report from the previous meeting which was held in 2021. On the occasion, a Shina-Urdu dictionary and Annual Report of the Academy were also released.

Muted markets, sluggish sales mark Eid-ul-Adha eve in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 26:Markets across Kashmir wore a subdued look on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha, with traders reporting sluggish sales and low customer footfall during what is traditionally one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. From Srinagars commercial hub at Lal Chowk to Downtown markets, shopkeepers said festive business has failed to gather momentum, leaving many disappointed as Eid-ul-Adha is set to be observed on Wednesday. Markets around Lal Chowk usually packed with shoppers buying clothes, footwear, bakery items and household essentials ahead of Eid appeared less crowded thwan expected on Tuesday, with traders claiming business had sharply declined compared to previous years. Sales are sluggish, around 60 to 70 per cent down from what they used to be, said Aijaz Shahdhar, President of the Kashmir Trade Alliance, adding that businesses dependent on festive spending were struggling to see meaningful sales. In Downtown Srinagar, traders dealing in garments, footwear and general merchandise echoed similar concerns, saying customer turnout has remained weak even at a time when markets typically witness a festive rush. We used to see huge crowds before Eid, especially in the evenings, but this year the rush is simply not there, said Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, a garment trader in Nowhatta. Customers are visiting markets, but many are only checking prices and leaving without making purchases. At Maharaj Gunj, footwear trader Fayaz Ahmad Dar said changing spending patterns and financial pressures appeared to be affecting Eid shopping. People are spending cautiously because expenses have increased, Dar said. Earlier, families used to shop freely for Eid, but now most customers are sticking to essentials or searching for cheaper options. Retailers said the slowdown has impacted almost every segment, particularly clothing, footwear, bakery and gift-related businesses that usually record brisk sales ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. At Bohri Kadal, trader Ghulam Nabi Wani said many businesses had stocked fresh inventory anticipating festive demand but were now concerned about unsold goods. We purchased stock expecting better business before Eid, but the response has remained weak, Wani said. For small traders, recovering investment becomes difficult when festive sales are poor. Several traders linked the muted market response to rising living costs, reduced purchasing power and broader economic uncertainty, saying many households are prioritising essential spending. Some traders also said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, had dampened festive sentiment, leading many families to observe Eid in a more restrained manner. People are emotionally affected by what they are seeing in Gaza and other conflict-hit areas. The festive mood is not the same, Dar said. Many customers tell us they are continuing to spend less this Eid. Still, some shopkeepers expressed cautious hope that last-minute purchases may bring limited relief before markets close for Eid. In Kashmir, some people still shop at the final hour, Bhat said. We are hoping for some movement, though expectations are much lower this time. Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, typically drives strong retail activity across Kashmir. This year, however, traders say the festive buzz has remained noticeably muted, with economic pressures, cautious spending and the emotional impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict contributing to a subdued atmosphere in markets across the Valley.

Food safety drives intensified across Kashmir ahead of Eid

Srinagar, May 26:The Food Safety Department has intensified inspections of bakeries, sweet shops, meat outlets and dairy establishments across Kashmir ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, as part of a special drive aimed at preventing the sale of substandard and unsafe food items during the festive season. Officials said the inspections have been launched to safeguard public health amid increased food consumption and seasonal market expansion associated with Eid celebrations. Over the past week, food safety teams, accompanied by officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Legal Metrology Department and police, conducted inspections in several city areas, particularly in busy commercial hubs and markets surrounding major religious sites. The drive has primarily focused on bakery and confectionery products, milk and dairy items, meat, fruits and vegetables, which witness a sharp rise in demand during Eid. Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Yameen-ul-Nabi, said milk samples collected from multiple sources have been sent for laboratory testing. He said milk and milk products are under close scrutiny as part of an ongoing national drive. Samples of vegetables and fruits have also been collected to check for pesticide residues beyond permissible limits. We have been proactive in monitoring the market for synthetic chemicals and other contaminants entering the food chain, he said. Officials associated with the inspections said hygiene standards, storage practices, expiry dates, labelling norms and the quality of raw materials used in food preparation are being closely examined. Samples of sweets, bakery products and other consumables have also been lifted for laboratory analysis, while on-the-spot fines have been imposed for labelling violations and minor contamination-related lapses. The intensified enforcement comes amid recurring concerns over food adulteration and unhygienic food preparation practices in Kashmir. Officials said the drive forms part of a wider crackdown announced for festive seasons, when increased demand often leads to temporary market expansion and quality concerns. During recent inspections in Srinagar, several bakery units were penalised for alleged food safety violations, while unhygienic food items were destroyed in some areas during surprise checks. In other districts of Kashmir, inspection teams reportedly found meat stored in unhygienic conditions, food products allegedly containing unacceptable levels of chemicals, and restaurants operating without adhering to prescribed consumer safety standards. Over the years, the Food Safety Department has uncovered instances of substandard meat supplied to restaurants, synthetic paneer, adulterated ghee and honey, as well as contaminated bottled water. Officials said market inspections ahead of Eid are an annual exercise in Kashmir, although this years enforcement efforts have been more sustained and coordinated. Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered the constitution of multi-department teams, including officials from the district administration and police, to strengthen monitoring and ensure the safety of food items in the market. Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged consumption of adulterated food may contribute to serious health complications, including an increased risk of cancer.

Pleasant weather to prevail in Kashmir on Eid: MeT

Srinagar, May 26:Pleasant weather conditions are expected to continue across Kashmir on Eid eve and in the days ahead, with the Meteorological Department forecasting no significant heatwave activity in Jammu and Kashmir over the next 10 days. Officials said daytime temperatures across the Valley are likely to remain close to seasonal averages. At the same time, intermittent cloud cover and brief weather disturbances are expected to prevent any prolonged rise in temperatures. Weather conditions improved across Kashmir on Tuesday as bright sunshine returned after several days of cloudy conditions and intermittent rainfall. The weather will remain generally warm and dry on Wednesday as well, with temperatures staying near normal. However, brief spells of intermittent rain at isolated places towards evening cannot be ruled out, Meteorological Department (MeT) Director Mukhtar Ahmad said. He said partly to generally cloudy weather is expected from May 28 to May 30, with chances of brief light rain and thundershowers at isolated places, mainly during late afternoon hours. Overall, no major weather activity is expected till the end of this month, Ahmad added. The department has already issued an advisory warning of isolated thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph on May 28 and 29. On Tuesday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, close to normal for this time of the year. Qazigund recorded 26.4 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 25.5 degrees Celsius and Kupwara 23.8 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded 20.6 degrees Celsius and 16.6 degrees Celsius, respectively. In contrast, the Jammu region continued to witness intense heat, although traces of rainfall over the past few days brought slight relief in some areas. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees above normal. Katra recorded 37.8 degrees Celsius, Banihal 26.7 degrees Celsius, Batote 28.5 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 28 degrees Celsius. Officials said temperatures in the plains of Jammu are expected to rise further before witnessing a gradual decline from Thursday evening onwards. A more noticeable drop is likely on Friday and Saturday, bringing relief from the recent hot conditions. However, temperatures may begin to rise again from May 31. The MeT said prevailing weather systems and localised disturbances are likely to keep extreme heat conditions at bay across Jammu and Kashmir during the current forecast period.

Why 5Gs real test lies in the daily commute

5G services in India promise faster speeds. However, consistent performance is key for users. Network slicing helps allocate resources for better reliability in crowded areas. This technology can improve digital payments and work access. It ensures open internet access for all users. Network slicing aligns with India's net neutrality rules. It offers dependable connectivity when it matters most.

Kathua-Madhopur rail section bridge 17 to be operational from both tracks after May 31

Jammu, May 26:Jammu Railway Division on Tuesday announced that the downside track of crucial bridge (number 17) on Kathua-Madhopur rail section would become operational after May 31. The restoration work of railway bridge number 17, located between Kathua and Madhopur rail section, is nearing completion. Upon completion of the work, the down side track will be restarted from June, informed Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division. Earlier, according to Singh, due to repairs on the railway bridge, only the up side single railway track was operational. Interlocking work on this section will be completed on May 31, 2026 and from June, train movement on both up and down lines will resume normally, he said. After the resumption of both lines, major cancelled trains i.e., train number 12549, 12550, 19415, 19416, 20847, 20848, 20985, 20986, 22941, 22942, 12207, 12208, 14611, 19107, 19108, 22705, 22706 will also be restored from June. Despite technical challenges, railway engineers worked day and night to make the bridge stronger than before. Now restoration of the track will ease movement for passengers traveling to Jammu, Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra. It will also facilitate smooth freight transport, commercial activities, and military logistics, Singh said. He maintained that resumption of services from both ends from June will ensure operation of all trains as per their scheduled timings, routes, and halts. The railway administration regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers during this period and expresses gratitude for their patience and cooperation, Singh said. He requested the passengers to check the updated status of trains from NTES/139 or the official railway website before commencing their journey.

TRAI, network clarity, please?

India's digital future hinges on 5G network slicing. This technology allows for dedicated network segments, promising enhanced services for enterprises. However, concerns arise regarding its impact on regular internet users. Spectrum scarcity and market dynamics could lead to priority tiers, potentially affecting service quality for some. Regulators are urged to ensure fair deployment and prevent congestion-driven revenue generation.

CAT asks authorities to consider teachers transfer with humanitarian view

Srinagar, May 26:The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Srinagar Tuesday directed the authorities to consider, with a humanitarian view, a teachers plea over her transfer given her family way and health conditions. In response to the teachers plea seeking intervention for her transfer from Baramulla to Srinagar, a bench of Judicial Member, M S Latif, at the very threshold in its order highlighted that the most cherished desire of a woman is to be a mother. The teacher, a resident of Peer Bagh, Srinagar, had petitioned the tribunal with the contention that preservation of family life is an incident of Article 21, by relying on a related Supreme Court decision. The tribunal asked the authorities to treat the petition the teacher had filed before it as a representation and decide the same, keeping in view her family way and health conditions. The respondents while deciding the case of the applicant shall assess with a humanitarian view and pass appropriate order with due dispatch preferably within a period of three weeks from the date a certified copy of this order is served upon the respondents, it said. In her plea, the teacher had sought her transfer from Baramulla to Srinagar or any nearest posting to her residence in district Budgam on medical and humanitarian grounds. She contended that her present place of posting at Baramulla requires daily long and strenuous travel and as per the medical advice, such regular travel may seriously affect her health as well as the health and well-being of her unborn child. Consider and decide the case of the applicant, keeping in view that she is in her family way and considering her health conditions, the tribunal said. The tribunal underscored that the authorities while deciding the case would assess the same with a humanitarian view and pass appropriate order with due dispatch preferably within three weeks from the date a certified copy of this order is served upon them. While parting, the respondents can well consider deploying the applicant in view of her health conditions nearer to her place of residence till a final call is taken by the respondents, it said.

Eid-ul-Adha today

Srinagar, May 26:Eid-ul-Adha would be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday with religious fervour, prayers, animal sacrifices, and family gatherings, as thousands of people are expected to participate in major congregations at Masjids and shrines across the Valley. The biggest Eid congregation in Kashmir is expected at the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, where thousands of devotees are likely to offer special Eid prayers on Wednesday morning. Authorities have made elaborate arrangements at major prayer venues, while markets across Kashmir continued to witness heavy rush ahead of the festival. Eid-ul-Adha, observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, commemorates the sacrifice and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was prepared to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (AS) in submission to Allahs command. Muslims mark the occasion by offering Eid prayers and performing the ritual sacrifice of animals, with meat distributed among relatives, neighbours, and the poor. This is one of the most important festivals for Muslims. We are preparing to offer Eid prayers at Hazratbal and later perform the sacrifice with our families, said Asrar Ahmad of Hazratbal. People wait for these days throughout the year as Eid also brings relatives and communities together. Markets in Srinagar, including Lal Chowk, Nowhatta, and Hazratbal remained crowded throughout the day as people purchased bakery items, garments, dry fruits, and other essentials ahead of Eid. Temporary livestock markets set up in different districts also witnessed significant activity, with buyers thronging stalls to purchase sheep and goats. There has been a huge rush since the moon sighting announcement earlier this month. Customers are continuously visiting markets to buy sacrificial animals, said Ghulam Muhammad, an animal trader at an Eid market in south Kashmirs Bijbehara. Business has remained good this year and families are purchasing animals according to their affordability. Another buyer at Srinagars Eid market said the festival is not only about sacrifice but also about sharing happiness. Children are excited, families are shopping, and everyone is preparing for the feast and gatherings, said Bashir Ahmad of Srinagar. Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam appealed to people to remember the poor and needy during Eid celebrations and stressed proper sanitation during the sacrifice process. People should not dump animal waste in water bodies or public places. Proper disposal of remains should be ensured to maintain cleanliness in localities, he said. With weather conditions remaining pleasant across Kashmir, religious scholars said Eid prayers are expected to be offered at major Eidgahs and open grounds in accordance with the prophetic Sunnah, wherever facilities are available. In several areas of Srinagar and other districts, volunteers from local mohallas have been busy making arrangements at Eidgah grounds, including installation of loudspeaker systems, cleaning of prayer spaces, and organising entry and exit points for devotees. In localities where Eidgah facilities are unavailable, congregational prayers will be held in Masjids and nearby open spaces within residential areas. Officials said elaborate arrangements have been put in place at major congregation sites across the Valley. Special sanitation drives have been carried out around major Masjids, Eidgahs, and shrines while additional manpower has been deployed to ensure cleanliness during Eid, an SMC official said. Authorities said uninterrupted water and electricity supply, traffic regulation, and healthcare facilities have also been arranged at key venues, including Hazratbal shrine and other major religious places. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended their heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, which is being observed on Wednesday. In his message, LG Sinha said: On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all. Eid-ul-Adha celebrates the spirit of sacrifice, unity, and brotherhood. The sacred occasion serves as a reminder for humanity to embrace the eternal values of love, compassion and forgiveness. May this Eid usher in joy, peace and prosperity in everyones life. Extending warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, CM Omar, in his message, conveyed his heartfelt felicitations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. He said that Eid-ul-Adha symbolises the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, generosity, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah. Recalling the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the unwavering obedience of his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), the CM said that the occasion teaches humanity the values of faith, devotion, patience, and submission to the command of Allah. He said their exemplary legacy continues to inspire people to uphold righteousness, selflessness, and compassion in their lives. CM Omar expressed hope that the festival would further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, communal harmony, and mutual respect among people. He urged people to remember the underprivileged and needy during the celebrations and share the joy of the occasion with them. The CM prayed for peace, prosperity, and wellbeing of the people and wished that the auspicious occasion brings happiness and blessings to every household. Jammu schools to observe special holiday on May 29 for Eid-ul-Adha The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) on Tuesday declared a special holiday on May 29, 2026 (Friday) for all government as well as recognised private schools across Jammu division in view of the celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha. According to an order issued by the Director School Education Jammu, all educational institutions falling under the Jammu division shall remain closed on Friday to facilitate the observance of the festival. The order stated that the holiday has been declared with the approval of the competent authority.

Bond won't help this time: Why RBI should hike interest rate, instead of unleashing forex mobilisation schemes as in the past

Reserve Bank of India's past emergency tools for raising foreign currency are no longer effective. Global interest rates have changed the financial landscape. The article suggests that raising interest rates is now the only reliable way to protect the Indian Rupee. This move aims to make the currency more attractive and reduce import demand.

Hajj culminates

New Delhi, May 26:The principal ritual of Hajj, Wuquf-e-Arafah, was performed by lakhs of believers on the plains of Mount Arafat, where Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaify, Chief Imam and Khateeb of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madina, delivered the Hajj sermon and called upon the Muslim Ummah to demonstrate solidarity, uphold unity, and stand together against evil and discord. Sheikh Hudaify also appealed to pilgrims to embody the values of compassion, patience, humility, and brotherhood, reminding them that Hajj symbolises equality, unity, and complete submission to Allah. The Imam also led the combined and shortened Dhur and Asr prayers. In his sermon, the Sheikh emphasised the importance of Muslim unity, the sanctity of human life, and the need for God-consciousness (Taqwa). He urged believers to hold firmly to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), describing them as the guiding principles for leading a righteous and balanced life. The Sheikh called upon Muslims to faithfully observe the five pillars of Islam, avoid disputes and divisions, and remain mindful even of minor sins, warning that small wrongdoings, if ignored, can gradually weaken faith and moral character. Stressing the universal message of Islam, he declared that no race, nationality, or ethnicity holds superiority over another except through piety, righteousness, and good deeds. He also appealed to pilgrims to embody the values of compassion, patience, humility, and brotherhood, saying that Hajj symbolises equality, unity, and complete submission to Allah. He delivered the historic sermon from the pulpit of Masjid Al-Namirah on Mount Arafat, marking a significant moment of worship for millions of Muslim pilgrims Pilgrims streamed into Arafat, where they spent the day in worship, recitation of Quranic verses, remembrance of Allah, and supplication. Soon after the day break, the pilgrims started moving toward Mount Arafat for performing another important ritual of the Hajj. Widely regarded in Islamic tradition as the pinnacle and heart of Hajj, the standing at Arafat known as Wuquf Arafah is considered the pilgrimages central rite. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, Hajj is Arafah, emphasising the essential nature of the gathering. Islamic scholars describe the day as one of the holiest in the Islamic calendar and a moment associated with mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It also coincides with the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in 632 CE, during which he delivered his final sermon at Mount Arafat, outlining principles of justice, equality, and the sanctity of life and property. Arafat, located about 20 km southeast of Makkah, is an open plain dominated by Jabal Al-Rahmah, or the Mount of Mercy, where many pilgrims gather for prayer and contemplation. Islamic tradition holds that the site is linked to the reunion of Prophet Adam (SAW) and his spouse and remains deeply symbolic for Muslims worldwide. Security forces deployed along routes and walkways closely monitored pilgrim convoys to manage crowds. Waqoof-e-Arafah is considered the heart of Hajj, and completing it is essential for the pilgrimage to be valid. The pilgrims will remain in Arafat until sunset, offering prayers, repentance, and supplications. Immediately after sunset, they departed for Muzdalifah, where they spent the night under the open sky, combining Maghrib and Isha prayers, and collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the Satan.

The Last Sermon

Every year, millions of Muslims from every corner of the world gather in the sacred city of Makkah to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. At one level, Hajj is a pilgrimage a sacred obligation performed through rites established by Prophet Abraham (AS) and restored by Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). But at a deeper level, Hajj is far more than ritual movement, ceremonial devotion, or historical remembrance. It is the annual revival of a message delivered more than fourteen centuries ago on the plains of Arafat, a message that continues to echo across time, civilizations, and generations. That message was the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) To understand Hajj fully is to understand that the pilgrimage is not merely about circling the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah, or standing in prayer at Arafat. Hajj is the embodiment of the moral, spiritual, and civilizational principles articulated by the Prophet (SAWS) during his farewell pilgrimage in 632 CE principles of equality, justice, dignity, accountability, human brotherhood, and submission to one God. The Last Sermon was not delivered inside a palace, parliament, or battlefield. It was delivered in the midst of Hajj, before tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in the plain of Arafat during the Prophets final pilgrimage. In many ways, the setting itself carried profound meaning. Islams final universal message to humanity was proclaimed not through worldly power, but through a gathering of believers dressed identically, stripped of all symbols of status and privilege. The origins of Hajj stretch back thousands of years to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) who raised the foundations of the Kaaba as a sanctuary dedicated solely to the worship of one God. The Quran records the divine command: And proclaim to mankind the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path. Surah Al-Hajj (22:27) From the very beginning, Hajj was conceived as universal. It was not intended for one race, tribe, or nation. It was humanitys invitation to gather around the idea of divine unity and human equality. Yet over centuries, the purity of that Abrahamic message became obscured. Tribalism, pagan rituals, and idol worship entered Arabia. The Kaaba, originally built as the center of monotheism, became surrounded by idols representing competing tribal gods and inherited superstitions. Social divisions deepened. Wealth, lineage, and tribal affiliation became markers of superiority. Human beings were ranked not by character, but by birth and power. It was into this fractured world that Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) emerged. His mission was not only to restore monotheism but to restore human dignity itself. He challenged tribal arrogance, racial superiority, economic exploitation, and social injustice. When he eventually returned to Makkah after years of persecution and struggle, the idols around the Kaaba were removed, and Hajj was restored to its original spiritual purpose: submission to one God alone. But the restoration of Hajj was not merely theological. It was moral and civilizational. The climax of that restoration came during the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Hajj in which the Prophet (SAWS) delivered what history remembers as the Last Sermon. Standing before a vast gathering at Arafat, he articulated principles that remain among the most profound declarations of human equality and justice ever spoken. He declared: No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab. Neither a white person over a black person nor a black person over a white person, except through piety and righteousness. In those few words, the Prophet (SAWS) dismantled centuries of tribal hierarchy, racial arrogance, and inherited privilege. In a world still deeply shaped by racism, nationalism, ethnic conflict, and social fragmentation, those words continue to carry extraordinary relevance. And nowhere is that message more visibly alive than during Hajj itself. Every pilgrim enters into the state of Ihram wearing simple white garments. The symbols of wealth, rank, nationality, profession, and power disappear. Kings, scholars, labourers, refugees, businessmen, farmers, and ordinary believers all become indistinguishable from one another. Millions move together in synchronized devotion, performing the same rites, reciting the same prayers, sleeping on the same ground, and responding to the same divine call: LabbaykAllahummaLabbayk Here I am, O Allah, here I am. This is not symbolism alone. It is the practical demonstration of the Last Sermon. Hajj teaches that before God, human distinctions collapse. No passport grants superiority. No language carries privilege. No race occupies a higher spiritual station. Humanity stands equal in its vulnerability, equal in its dependence upon God, and equal in its ultimate return to Him. The rituals of Hajj themselves mirror the spiritual themes embedded within the Last Sermon. The circling of the Kaaba reminds believers that God must remain the center around which life revolves. The walk between Safa and Marwah commemorates the struggle and perseverance of Hajira (AS) elevating the faith and sacrifice of a woman into a permanent pillar of Islamic worship. The standing at Arafat the emotional and spiritual climax of Hajj resembles the Day of Judgment itself, when all humanity will stand before God, stripped of worldly illusion. The stoning of the pillars at Mina symbolizes resistance against temptation, arrogance, and evil. The sacrifice commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to surrender even what was most beloved to him in obedience to God. Every act within Hajj carries the same essential message repeated throughout the Last Sermon: that faith requires humility, justice, sacrifice, discipline, and moral accountability. The Prophet (SAWS) also warned during his sermon against oppression, exploitation, and the violation of human rights. He spoke about the sanctity of life, property, and honour. He condemned injustice and reminded believers that all humans descend from Adam and Eve. He emphasized the rights of women, the obligations of brotherhood, and the moral responsibility of Muslims toward one another. In essence, the Last Sermon transformed Hajj into far more than a ritual pilgrimage. It became Islams annual declaration of human equality and collective moral responsibility. Historically, Hajj also served as a global meeting ground for the Muslim world. Pilgrims carried ideas, scholarship, languages, trade, and cultural experiences across continents. Long before the modern era of globalization, Hajj connected Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond through faith and shared spiritual identity. It cultivated the idea of the Ummah not as an abstract slogan, but as a lived reality. Even today, when millions gather in Masjid al-Haram, the world witnesses something increasingly rare in modern civilization: a vast human gathering united not by race, wealth, nationalism, or political ideology, but by a shared spiritual purpose. In an age marked by polarization, consumerism, sectarianism, and growing social alienation, Hajj offers a radically different vision of humanity. It reminds mankind that dignity lies not in power but in righteousness; not in domination but in humility; not in division but in brotherhood. This is why Hajj cannot be understood merely as ritual. It is the living continuation of the Last Sermon. Every pilgrim walking in Ihram, every voice reciting the Talbiyah, every believer standing at Arafat, and every soul circling the Kaaba becomes part of a timeless message first proclaimed by the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) during his final pilgrimage a message declaring that humanity is one family under one God. For Muslims, therefore, Hajj is not simply a journey to a sacred place. It is a return to the moral vision articulated in the Last Sermon: a vision of equality over supremacy, justice over oppression, humility over arrogance, and unity over division. And perhaps that is why, after more than fourteen centuries, the message of the Last Sermon continues to live , not merely in books or sermons, but in the movement of millions who gather each year to embody it. Author is Senior Superintendent of Police.

The Forgotten Share

Civilizations cant be called advanced while millions remain forgotten, excluded, hungry, unheard, underprivileged, and marginalized. This contradiction becomes even more urgent when we recognize that material progress has not translated into moral proximity or shared dignity. The deepest paradox of contemporary age is that humanity has traversed space, explored the mysteries of cosmos, made miraculous marvels in genetics, advanced technologies, and accumulated wealth but still we fail to guarantee countless people the dignity of basic amenities such food, shelter, clean water, education, and healthcare. We are accustomed to the culture of forgetting our share towards poor. The tragedy is that societies have gradually learned to live without disturbing the conscience. The statistics of the poor is visible in papers yet invisible in systems.They are highly remembered during elections, disasters, public speeches but forgotten otherwise. This gap between visibility and inclusion reveals that poverty is not only economic but also relational and political in nature. Against this moral blindness, sacred wisdom traditions have repeatedly warned us and emphasized reciprocity with community and nature. All the traditions of the world converge on one truth that, a society loses its soul when wealth grows while compassion dwindles.The Hebrew prophets condemned those who trample upon the needy. Islamic teachings warned that unchecked greed hardens the heart. Islamic ethics institutionalized social obligation; Christian liberation theology emphasized solidarity with the oppressed; Buddhist compassion emphasized liberation from suffering; Hindu and Jain tradition emphasized daan and compassion; Sikh traditions cultivated seva and communal dignity. The Quran describes wealth as a trust and further condemns those who neglect the orphan, the needy, and the vulnerable, reminding in Surah Al-Maun that worship loses meaning when compassion disappears. The Bible asks with piercing clarity: If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Buddhist teachings identify greed and attachment as roots of suffering within both self and society. Sikh tradition elevates seva-selfless service-as a sacred expression of equality. History further reveals that inequality rarely emerges by accident. Empires rose through conquest and extraction, colonial systems drained vulnerable societies, industrial expansion often thrived upon exploited labour, and modern economies continue to concentrate opportunity and power unevenly. Entire communities still carry the wounds of war, displacement, caste oppression, racism, environmental destruction, and inherited disadvantage. Poverty is rarely the product of personal failure; more often, it grows where generations have been denied fair access to education, healthcare, justice, land, representation, and opportunity. Extractive and exploitative models often justified in the name of progress, therefore, not only deepen economic inequality but also destabilize ecological and social balance simultaneously. Modern scholarship reminds us that poverty is far more than lack of income. As Amartya Sen emphasized, true development lies in expanding human capabilities and freedoms. Martha Nussbaum describe poverty as capability deprivation-the loss of real freedom to live a full human life. Economists like Joseph Stiglitz and Thomas Piketty show that inequality is structurally produced, not naturally occurring. Thinkers such as Thomas Pogge go further: global systems themselves may actively contribute to poverty.A child born into deprivation often inherits restricted possibilities long before talent has a chance to unfold. Hunger weakens learning, insecurity fractures emotional stability, poor healthcare limits potential, and unequal education narrows aspiration itself. Where opportunity is unequal, merit alone cannot shape destiny. Mystical traditions across centuries deepen this insight by teaching that indifference toward suffering impoverishes the human spirit itself. Sufi sages viewed service to humanity as service to the Divine. Jalaluddin Rumi wrote of compassion as recognition of a shared origin and longing. Christian mystics found the sacred in the wounded and forgotten. Bhakti saints defied caste and hierarchy by affirming the equal worth of every soul. Taoist wisdom warned against excess and artificial ambition that disturb harmony in both society and nature. Across traditions, spirituality was never separated from justice; the purification of the heart was inseparable from responsibility toward creation and fellow beings. Education must therefore move beyond credential production toward cultivation of ethical consciousness, civic responsibility, critical thinking, and social empathy. A society producing highly skilled individuals without moral imagination risks technological sophistication alongside ethical decline. Occasional generosity without institutional fairness risks preserving dependency while leaving inequality intact. The poor do not merely require sympathy; they require equitable systems ensuring healthcare, housing, fair wages, social protection, legal access, environmental security, political representation, and dignified work. Inclusion is not an act of benevolence granted by privilege but recognition of inherent human rights. Visionary figures who reshaped human consciousness and society, refused to accept indifference include, Mahatma Gandhi measured progress by its impact upon the weakest. Martin Luther King Jr. warned against societies that elevate material success above human dignity. Nelson Mandela transformed suffering into reconciliation rather than hatred. Abdul SattarEdhi served humanity without discrimination or condition. Muhammad Yunus recognized possibility where others saw only poverty. Their greatness emerged not merely from intellect, but from moral imagination- the courage to recognize humanity where systems perceived insignificance.These figures demonstrate that moral vision is not abstract philosophy but lived interruption of injustice. Despite countless challenges hope persists when societies refuse to accept suffering as normal and redistribute their material wealth to reconstruct moral foundation. A truly advanced society is not measured solely by the wealth accumulated at its summit, but by the extent to which hope, opportunity, compassion, and recognition circulate throughout the whole human community. The forgotten share of the poor is ultimately the forgotten share of our collective humanity, and no civilization can remain morally secure while large segments of its people remain unseen, unheard, and excluded. The true philosophy of sacred festival such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adharemind humanity that worship loses its soul when the poor remain forgotten. The truest celebration is not in excess, but in ensuring that no human being is left outside the circle of justice, mercy, and hope.

Cleanliness, Austerity and Civic Responsibility

Eid-ul-Zuha, a sacred and deeply significant occasion that embodies the values of devotion, sacrifice, compassion, discipline and care for fellow human beings. As we prepare to observe this blessed occasion, it becomes equally important to ensure that our celebrations reflect the principles of cleanliness, public hygiene, environmental responsibility and social harmony. On this occasion, all community members are earnestly requested to adopt responsible and considerate practices during the sacrificial process and the subsequent distribution of meat so that the sanctity and spirit of the occasion are preserved without causing inconvenience to others. It is essential that we adopt measures that truly uphold the values and significance of this sacred occasion while remaining aligned with civic responsibility and ecological consciousness. Households and communities undertaking sacrificial activities are advised to make advance arrangements for the hygienic and proper disposal of animal remains, including skin residues, internal waste and other discarded parts. Such waste should not be left in open spaces, roadsides, drains, water bodies or public places. Wherever feasible, proper burial or designated disposal mechanisms should be adopted to prevent foul smell, environmental contamination and possible public health concerns. As distribution of meat represents an important charitable and social aspect of Eid-ul-Zuha, citizens are requested to ensure that roads and public passages remain unobstructed during the process. Unregulated gatherings and roadside congestion may inconvenience commuters and obstruct emergency services. Public cooperation is therefore sought to maintain smooth traffic movement throughout the occasion period. Traffic disruptions not only create inconvenience but also result in unnecessary fuel consumption, economic loss and increased air and noise pollution. As responsible citizens, we should actively contribute towards orderly conduct and smooth movement in public spaces. Religious leaders, Imams, and community elders may play a meaningful role by spreading awareness during congregational gatherings and encouraging observance of Eid in a manner that promotes cleanliness, discipline, patience, social responsibility and environmental consciousness. They may also guide people to refrain from the use of firecrackers, as such practices contribute to air and noise pollution, public disturbance and environmental degradation. The essence of Eid lies in gratitude, prayer, sharing, humility and concern for the well-being of others. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) may undertake coordinated measures to ensure that sacrificial practices are carried out in a respectful, organized and environmentally sustainable manner. For this purpose, the Corporation may identify and notify designated locations for collection and disposal of sacrificial waste in coordination with local Intizamia Committees at the mohalla level and discourage disposal of waste on public roads, near drainage systems and in common public spaces. Similar arrangements may also be encouraged at the village and town levels. Further, the Corporation may establish an effective waste collection and disposal mechanism by arranging separate collection of animal remains, blood, and organic waste and ensuring timely transportation to approved disposal facilities. The Corporation may also undertake public awareness initiatives by issuing advisories on hygienic handling of livestock and appropriate disposal practices. Community members may be encouraged to adopt environmentally sustainable disposal methods and avoid dumping waste into drains, rivers, streams, and other open spaces. Environmental protection efforts may include promotion of scientific disposal practices, including composting wherever feasible and strict prevention of contamination of public spaces and water bodies. In addition, the Corporation may engage local volunteers, mohalla committees to support orderly conduct and establish mechanisms for receiving and responding to sanitation-related concerns. After completion of the occasion, the SMC may review sanitation arrangements and document observations and recommendations to strengthen preparedness for future occasions. These measures are intended to ensure that the observance of Eid-ul-Zuha reflects not only the values of devotion and sacrifice but also our collective responsibility towards cleanliness, public health and environmental stewardship. Let us celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha with devotion and gratitude while ensuring that our actions contribute to a cleaner environment, orderly public life and the well-being of all. Dr. Mubashir Jeelani., Associate Professor in HED J&K.

Eid Meat Banks and Eidi Scholarships

Eid can well mean a community feast after every fortnight or month for relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues - meat for every retirement function or taziyet can be sponsored from proper management of community share and every marriage of the poor and needy during the year from the share of the poor in qurbani. Eid is an opportunity to enjoy and foster community spirit and service and can well become a key to alleviate poverty, create employment in food sector and ensure food security. A scholarship in kind one may call mutton scholarship can be carved by community for every struggling student. The poor cam be allotted meat budget which they can sell to sponsor their education, medical and other needs. No need to give money but one can issue equivalent of meat to any applicant who can convert it to cash. Let us see how we can turn Eid into a Year-Long Welfare System Eid can become, from a day of sacrifice, a permanent system of food security, dignity, and livelihood for the poor. If we take the stipulation of one third part for the poor and one third for the community seriously, every mosque, mohalla committee, and extended family can create a community meat reserve and a livestock growth fund from a single Eid. Meat reserve can be replenished by aqiqa and other meat donations and its stock never exhausts in a community like ours. Community Meat Reserve A modest deep freezer costing around 30,00040,000 can store hundreds of kilograms of meat. We can envisage every Jamia mosque housing one freezer and arrangements to meticulously separate and preserve poor and community shares in qurbani. Mosque management committee can operate a dignified ration system. Widows, labourers, students, and struggling families receive meat throughout the year and all offices for special functions. Extra meat both raw and processed from aqiqah, sadaqa, weddings, and community feasts can also be stored instead of wasted. Can we begin this year to transform charity from a one-day emotional act into a year-round welfare institution. Livestock Endowment on Eid In addition to sacrificing, every extended family or mosque committee can donate one female sheep or a share in livestock to a collectively managed livestock pool operated by farmer cooperatives. Within a few years we can see the animal pool multiplies and poor farmers gain livelihood while qurbani animals become locally available, dependency on expensive markets decreases, and communities develop their own ethical livestock ecosystem. One donated female sheep can become the seed of a sustainable farm in few years. Pre-Booking Next Years Qurbani If we prebookqurbani early we can see how production cost falls, farmers get working capital without recourse to banks, middlemen dependence reduces, and buyers receive better quality animals. It is possible to get ones qurbani animals cheaper if we book today. Eid can thus become: a food security movement, a livestock investment movement, aqardhasanecosystem, and a permanent support structure for vulnerable families. The meat of Eid should not disappear in three days while poverty continues for the remaining 362. The relatives are served large meat shares while the poor receive nothing or what they receive gets mostly wasted due to non availability of freezers. And let us give part of the Eidi we give to our children to the poor students of our community and we can see their education and food gets sponsored. Lastly if we store and preserve heads and hooves we can create one job in every village or locality.

Hearing-impaired students lead anti-drug March in Jammu

Jammu, May 26: In a unique and powerful demonstration, over 100 hearing-impaired Divyangjan students and their parents took to the streets of Jammu on Tuesday to support Lt Governor Manoj Sinhas Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. The awareness march, as per a statement, was jointly organised by the Central Govt Pensioners Welfare Association, Jammu (CGPWA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Samaj Kalyan Kendra (SKK), which runs the School for Hearing Handicapped. Two former DGPs, Kuldeep Khoda, Dr Ashok Bhan, former DG DRDO Dr Sudarshan Kumar, President SKK K B Jandial, Vice President Brig (Retd) Dr Rakesh Khajuria, General Secretary J K Vaid, Former IGPs Prem Gupta & Nisar Ahmad, former Chairman Pollution Control Board, Dr C M Seth, former Executive Director, NTPC, Vinod Padha, Advocate Rameshwar Singh Jamwal ,] Treasurer of CGPWA O P Sharma walked alongside the children to amplify their message. Supporting colourful Angvastras and badges, primary and senior students carried placards with striking messages like Nashey ko mitana hai, desh ko bachana hai and Jeevan Anmol hai, isko nashey main na jhonko. Through these banners, the Divyangjan, who were deaf and dumb, appealed to the people of Jammu to desist from taking drugs warning of destruction of the career of the youth and lives of their families. Earlier, the Principal of the School administered pledge to work for removal of drugs from the society. Later, speaking on the occasion, Kuldeep Khoda said that the anti- drug march conducted by the Divyangjan today conveyed a strong message to the society that drugs would destroy the families and the country and of people. By taking out a march against drugs, the Divyangjan have taken a lead in the society to cleanse it from the curse of drugs. Their silent message written on their placards have greater impact on the youth than anyone else words. Describing them as highly talented youth which are demonstrating in the BOSE examination every year, he asked them to keep guard against those who are destroying the careers and dreams of youth by trapping them in use of narcotic substances. He said that CGPWA has taken upon it to hold such awareness camps in order to save the youth from this devastating menace.

Army holds Joint Security Conference in Jammu

Jammu, May 26:Aimed strengthening inter agency coordination and preparedness and to reaffirm commitment to seamless synergy, Tiger Division organised a Joint Security Conference at Miran Sahib, Jammu. The conference was also aimed towards rapid response and collective action for peace and stability. This Joint Security Conference was organised by the Indian Armys Tiger Division at Miran Sahib in Jammu to enhance inter-agency coordination and operational preparedness, army said. The conference witnessed participation of various security and intelligence agencies, with discussions focused on strengthening seamless synergy, rapid response mechanisms and collective action to maintain peace and stability in the region, it said. Officials reiterated their commitment towards closer coordination and a unified approach in dealing with emerging security challenges, while emphasising the importance of joint preparedness for ensuring safety and stability across the Jammu region.

LG Saxena calls for zero tolerance against drug abuse in Ladakh

Kargil, May 26: In wake of the stray cases of drug trafficking and drug abuse in Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh V K Saxena has directed the police to ensure strict enforcement against the drug menace in the union territory. Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Tuesday called for a stringent 'Zero Tolerance' policy against the growing drug menace in Ladakh, directing the police administration to adopt a coordinated and aggressive approach to tackle the issue. The LG emphasised on a multi-pronged strategy including strengthening law enforcement to dismantle trafficking networks, intensive mass awareness campaigns to deter potential users, involvement of religious organisations to tackle this menace. In this regard, the LG has passed directions to the DGP Ladakh police for immediate action. An alarming rise in cases of drug abuse has emerged in Ladakh, putting almost every age group at a grave risk of their lives. What is more disturbing is the rapidly growing indulgence of minors and girls in substance abuse, LG Ladakh said. LG Saxena said that as many as 298 new cases of drug abuse including 101 cases of opioids and 40 cases of cannabis and poly-substance abuse, have been reported in the recent months. I have directed DGP to ensure strict enforcement against drug menace in the Union Territory and launch a crackdown against drug traffickers and eliminate their hideouts. Strict action will be taken against anybody found indulging in drug trafficking or its consumption LG said. LG made an appeal to all social, religious, cultural, political and educational institutions and their leaders to create awareness and caution among parents and youths against the horrific menace of drug abuse, that can destroy the future of our children. Besides urge every citizen of Ladakh to report any incident of drug trafficking or drug abuse, that comes to their knowledge.

BRO bolstered strategic connectivity, border infra in challenging terrains of J&K, Ladakh: PSC on Defence

Jammu, May 26:The Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Defence has commended the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for bolstering strategic connectivity and critical border infrastructure in the most challenging terrains of J&K, Ladakh and other parts of India. PSC on Defence made these observations, while reviewing key infrastructure projects completed and underway by BRO in the twin Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The panel, led by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, was on a two-day study visit to Jammu on May 24 and 25, 2026. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on key infrastructure projects completed and underway by BRO in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. During the interaction during review meetings, the delegation appreciated the remarkable progress and dedicated efforts of BRO in enhancing strategic connectivity in enhancing strategic connectivity and strengthening critical border infrastructure in some of the nations most challenging terrains. Engineering challenges, logistical constraints and the operational importance of all-weather infrastructure in border areas, particularly in remote and high-altitude sectors of two UTs, were exhaustively deliberated during the meeting. The parliamentary panel, according to officials, praised the BRO for its dedicated efforts for expansion of critical infrastructure along sensitive borders despite challenging circumstances in terms of topography, capricious weather and difficult climatic conditions, with the sole objective of bolstering defence mobility and civilian access to treacherous areas. Earlier the delegation comprising Members of Parliament, officials from Lok Sabha secretariat and Ministry of Defence was received by Harendra Kumar, ADG HeadQuarter DGBR. Chief Engineers of Project Sampark, Beacon, Vijayak, Himank and Yojak also attended the interaction. The panel, according to officials, concluded its visit with an interactive session reflecting BROs unwavering commitment towards nation building and operational readiness.

Fire erupts at encounter site in Dorimal Rajouri

J&K Bank signs MoU with Narayana Vaishno Devi Speciality Hospitals under Corporate Salary Package

Jammu, May 26: Reinforcing its commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships through customised employee banking solutions, J&K Bank today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Narayana Vaishno Devi Speciality Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. under the Banks Corporate Salary Package. The MoU aims to extend a range of tailored banking and financial benefits to the hospitals employees, [] The post J&K Bank signs MoU with Narayana Vaishno Devi Speciality Hospitals under Corporate Salary Package appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Govt forms high-level panel on demographic change to tackle infiltration

New Delhi, May 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday announced that the Centre has constituted a high-level committee under retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar to assess demographic changes across India due to illegal immigration and other unnatural causes. In a message on 'X' in Hindi, he said infiltration and other reasons are causing unnatural demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation. To address this very challenge, on August 15, 2025, Prime Minister @narendramodi ji had announced the 'high-level committee on demographic change'. I am delighted to inform you that the government has now constituted this committee, Shah said. The home minister said the committee will be chaired by Justice Naolekar (retd) and will also include the census commissioner, along with retired IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, ex-IPS officer Balaji Srivastava and Dr Shamika Ravi as members. The joint secretary (foreigners-l), Ministry of Home Affairs, will serve as the member secretary of this committee, he said. Shah emphasised that demographic change is a serious issue linked not only to the country's sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, profound changes in social structure and the preservation of tribal society. This committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment of demographic changes occurring across India due to illegal immigration and other unnatural causes, analyse patterns of abnormal population shifts at the levels of religious and social communities, and present a planned and time-bound solution for the same, he said. The high-level committee will conduct a scientific evaluation of the demographic changes taking place in different regions of the country due to illegal immigration and other unusual factors, examine their causes, and suggest suitable policy, legislative, and administrative interventions, a government statement said. According to the Terms of Reference of the committee, it will comprehensively deliberate upon the challenges arising from demographic changes, including illegal immigration. It will study the possible causes of demographic changes, such as cross-border activities (including illegal immigration), economic opportunities, and other socio-environmental factors, the statement said. The panel will also identify the underlying factors behind these changes, which include illegal immigration, abnormal settlement patterns, and orchestrated migration, it said. Further, the committee will analyse structural population changes at the level of religious or social communities, particularly where they deviate from broader trends. It will recommend a streamlined and permanent operational mechanism for the legal, fair, and time-bound identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants already residing in the country, the statement said. The committee will also suggest an appropriate institutional mechanism to strengthen border management, population stabilization, and identification systems for the continuous monitoring of such trends, it said. In addition, it will propose a comprehensive policy framework to enhance coordination between the central and state governments on matters related to illegal immigration and the resulting demographic imbalances. The committee may also suggest any additional measures it considers necessary to address the challenges resulting from demographic changes, including illegal immigration. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort in his Independence Day speech last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle the problem. Modi had said there was a pre-meditated conspiracy to change the country's demography through illegal infiltration. Today I want to alert the country about a concern, a challenge. Under a well-thought out conspiracy, the demography of the country is being changed. Seeds of a new crisis are being sown. These 'ghuspaithiye' (infiltrators) are snatching the livelihood of the youth of my country, these 'ghuspaithiye' are targeting the sisters and daughters of my country, this will not be tolerated, he had said. The prime minister had also said that 'ghuspaithiye' are misleading the innocent tribals and grabbing their land. Modi had warned that when demographic changes take place, especially in the border areas, they create a national security crisis.

New Delhi rejects China-Pakistan references to Jammu & Kashmir

New Delhi, May 26: New Delhi on Tuesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan, asserting that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India, said spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal. In response to media queries regarding what it termed as unwarranted references in the joint statement between China and Pakistan, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India categorically rejects unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the Joint Statement between China and Pakistan. The spokesperson said Indias position on the matter was consistent and well known to the concerned parties. The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same, the statement said. On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the MEA reiterated Indias opposition to projects located in territories claimed by India. As regards the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, some of which are in India's sovereign territory, we resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spokesperson said. The statement added that Indias position had been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times. The MEA also objected to references regarding trans-boundary water resources cooperation between China and Pakistan. We have also seen references to the so-called trans-boundary water resources cooperation between China and Pakistan. As the two countries do not share any boundary, the question of so-called trans-boundary water resources cooperation does not arise, the statement said. New Delhi further stated that it had never recognised the so-called 1963 boundary agreement between Pakistan and China. The MEA statement came after a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan described the Kashmir issue as left over from history and called for its resolution through peaceful means under the framework of the United Nations Security Council.

LG, CM greet people on Eid-ul-Adha

Srinagar, May 26: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday extended their heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, which is being observed tomorrow. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all. Eid-ul-Adha celebrates the spirit of sacrifice, unity, and brotherhood. The sacred occasion serves as a reminder for humanity to embrace the eternal values of love, compassion and forgiveness. May this Eid usher in joy, peace and prosperity in everyones life. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. In his message, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt felicitations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. He said that Eid-ul-Adha symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, generosity and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah. Recalling the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) and the unwavering obedience of his son Hazrat Ismail (Peace be upon him), the Chief Minister said that the occasion teaches humanity the values of faith, devotion, patience and submission to the command of Allah. He said their exemplary legacy continues to inspire people to uphold righteousness, selflessness and compassion in their lives. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the festival would further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, communal harmony and mutual respect among people. He urged people to remember the underprivileged and needy during the celebrations and share the joy of the occasion with them. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah prayed for peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the people and wished that the auspicious occasion brings happiness and blessings to every household.

SOG personnel, suspected criminals exchange fire in Jammus Gandhi Nagar

Jammu, May 26: An encounter erupted between the personnel of Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and suspected criminals near Green Belt Park, Gandhi Nagar in Jammu on Tuesday evening. Police said that suspects tried to escape during an operational action against them by ramming their vehicle into the SOG vehicle and opening fire. SOG personnel returned fire in self defence and secured the area, Police said, adding that reinforcement was rushed to the spot and operation was still underway. On May 26, 2026 at about 6 pm, a team of Police Station Gandhi Nagar along with an SOG party proceeded to the Mini Market area near Green Belt Park, Gandhi Nagar, for operational action against suspected criminals. During the operation, the suspects attempted to flee and deliberately rammed their vehicle into the SOG vehicle, Police said in an official statement. Subsequently, the suspects opened fire upon the Police party. In order to protect themselves and prevent further threat to life, the SOG personnel retaliated in self-defence by returning fire. The area was immediately secured and further Police reinforcement was rushed to the spot, Police added. It said that cognisance was taken of crime committed, and further action as per law was under way.

Bridge collapse on Gandoh-Gul Kanan road leaves woman dead, 12 others injured

Banihal, May 26: A woman was killed and 12 others were injured after an under-construction bridge collapsed on the Gandoh-Gul Kanan road in Doda district on Tuesday. Officials said the bridge was being constructed under the supervision of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) when the accident occurred, causing panic among workers and locals present at the site. Soon after the incident, local residents, police personnel and volunteers rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation to evacuate the injured. All the injured persons were shifted to Sub-District Hospital Gandoh for treatment. Doctors at the hospital declared one woman dead on arrival. The deceased was identified as Devi Kumari (42), wife of Satish Sahu and a resident of Chhattisgarh. The remaining injured persons are being referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for advanced treatment. Authorities have taken cognizance of the incident, while further details regarding the cause of the bridge collapse are awaited. Meanwhile local social activist and Chairman of SAHAK Trust Bhallessa, Vinay Thakur, has expressed grief over the tragic bridge collapse incident on the Gandoh-Gul Kanan road in Doda district. In a statement, Thakur conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and wished a speedy recovery to the injured persons. He also urged the authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and fix responsibility for the lapse that led to the accident.

SP Drass meets SSP Ganderbal to enhance coordination at Zojila Pass

Ganderbal, May 26: In a move to improve inter-district coordination for traffic management and disaster response, Superintendent of Police (SP) Drass Ishtiyaq Kacho met SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama in Ganderbal here. During the meeting, both officers discussed various measures to improve coordination between District Police Drass and Ganderbal, particularly in view of the strategic importance of Zojila Pass. The discussions focused on better traffic management, public safety, emergency response, and facilitation of tourists, especially considering the challenges posed by harsh weather and difficult terrain along the Zojila axis. Both sides emphasized the need for close coordination to ensure efficient policing and public convenience. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further strengthen cooperation in the interest of public safety. During the meeting, both officers discussed deployment of joint police check posts, real-time traffic updates, medical and rescue support, and a common communication channel between police units of Kargil and Ganderbal.

Senior IPS officer Koshal Kumar Sharma to hold charge of DGP Ladakh

Leh, May 26: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has handed over the additional charge of Director General of Police (DGP) to Koshal Kumar Sharma, an IPS officer of the 2012 AGMUT batch. According to an official order issued by the Home Department on Tuesday, Sharmawho is currently serving as the DIG of the Leh-Kargil Rangewill hold the top post until a regular incumbent is permanently posted. This decision followed the relieving of the current DGP, Mukesh Singh (IPS, 1996 AGMUT batch). Singh has been officially relieved of his duties in Ladakh as of May 27, 2026, and has been directed to report to the Government of Manipur for his next assignment.

Drone found in JK's Kathua, security tightened

Jammu, May 26: A drone was found in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting security agencies to heighten surveillance and launch a probe, officials said on Tuesday. They said the drone was found near Govindsar railway station road in Hatli belt of the district on Monday night. Last night, we received information that a drone had been spotted under the jurisdiction of Hatli police station. Immediately, our team reached the spot and seized the drone, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sunil Kesar told reporters here. An investigation has been launched into the matter, he said. A thorough verification is being carried out to ascertain whether anything related to such an object is present in the surrounding area, he added. Kesar said that keeping in view the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, all security agencies are on alert and efforts are underway to gather every possible piece of information related to the incident.

Shopian Police book three alleged drug peddlers under PIT-NDPS Act

Shopian, May 26: Police in south Kashmirs Shopian district booked three alleged drug peddlers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, officials said on Monday. The accused have been identified as Hilal Ahmad Bhat of Daramdora Keegam, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat of Vishroo Payeen, and Pervaiz Ahmad Thoker of Pudsoo Shopian. Authorities said detention orders were issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, following dossiers submitted by Shopian Police, which cited their alleged repeated involvement in narcotics trafficking and multiple FIRs registered against them. The accused have been lodged in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal in Jammu, District Jail Rajouri, and District Jail Poonch, respectively. Police said the action was taken under preventive detention provisions due to what they described as a grave threat posed by their activities to public health and youth welfare. Officials added that the move reflects a zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking and is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle narcotics networks in the district. Shopian Police said operations against drug peddlers and their networks will continue, and urged the public to share information related to suspected drug activity.

Accused acted alone in Galwanpora Budgam murder: Police

Budgam, May 26: Police on Tuesday said that in continuation of the investigation into FIR No. 139/2026 of Police Station Budgam pertaining to the murder of a minor girl from village Galwanpora, Budgam Police has completed the initial medico-legal, forensic, and evidentiary procedures connected with the arrest of the accused in the case. In a handout to GNS, the police said that the identity and particulars of the accused were not disclosed earlier as several crucial legal procedures were underway at the initial stage of investigation and to avoid any prejudice to the evidentiary and legal process. Upon completion of the requisite formalities, the particulars of the accused involved in the commission of the crime are hereby disclosed as: Mudasir Ahmad Mir S/o Ghulam Nabi Mir, R/o Galwanpora Sebdan, Budgam. The investigation conducted so far has established that no other individual is involved in the commission of the crime. Budgam Police appeals to the public to maintain peace, communal harmony, and public order and to cooperate with the investigating agencies. Citizens are advised not to take the law into their own hands and not to circulate rumours, speculative content, or unverified allegations regarding the case failing which strict legal action shall be taken. Media organisations and social media users are requested to exercise responsibility and restraint while reporting or commenting on the matter. The circulation of unverified or misleading content may create unnecessary public anxiety and adversely affect the maintenance of law and order. Budgam Police further reiterates that any attempt to spread misinformation, incite unrest, or disturb public order through any platform shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with law, reads the statement.

CM Omar visits Galwanpora Budgam to offer condolences

MLA Salman Sagar condemns Budgam murder, demands impartial probe

J-K Police chief reviews security arrangements for Eid-ul-Adha, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra

Srinagar, May 26: Director General of Police (DGP) J&K Nalin Prabhat chaired a meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir to review security arrangements for upcoming Eid-Ul-Adha and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY-2026) at PCR Kashmir. The meeting witnessed participation from senior officers of the J&K Police, CRPF, ITBP, Traffic Police, Railways, and various security agencies. Among those present were the IGP Kashmir Zone; IG BSF Ftr Hqrs Srinagar, IG CRPF Srinagar Sector; all range DIsG of Kashmir Zone; DIG Railway; DIsG of BSF SHQ Srinagar, Ops BSF FTR HQ Kashmir, and BSF SHQ Bandipora; DIG SSB Srinagar; DIsG of CRPF KOS, CRPF South/North Srinagar, CRPF Anantnag, CRPF SKOR Awantipora, CRPF NKR Baramulla, and CRPF Bandipora; DIG CISF; DIG ITBP Srinagar; all district SSsP/PDs of Kashmir Zone; SSsP of PCR Kashmir, Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, and APCR Kashmir; Col GS (IS) 15 Corps; Asstt. Commandant CISF Airport Srinagar, and other senior officers. Emphasizing the importance of peaceful Eid celebrations, DGP J&K directed officers to ensure comprehensive crowd management arrangements at mosques and key congregation venues across the Valley. He stressed the necessity of strengthening security measures, safeguarding public movement, and deploying personnel at sensitive locations to prevent overcrowding. He further instructed field officers to enhance surveillance, carry out random inspections at vulnerable areas, and intensify patrolling to effectively address any potential security concerns during the festive occasion. During the meeting, the participating officers presented detailed briefings on the proposed security and logistical arrangements, as well as preparedness measures for the smooth conduct of SANJY-2026. Officers from the CAPFs and other security forces also shared their assessments and underscored the need for seamless coordination and synergy among all agencies involved. Additionally, the officers briefed the chair regarding the administrative and logistical arrangements made for the incoming CAPF companies. The DGP issued directives for the smooth induction of CAPF companies and emphasized that district heads must ensure proper arrangements for incoming units and their efficient ground deployment. Emphasizing the importance of robust security management, DGP J&K directed officers to ensure strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and adopt proactive strategies to counter potential threats. He stressed the need for heightened vigilance to safeguard pilgrims and maintain a secure environment throughout the yatra period. DGP J&K further instructed field formations to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling the terror ecosystem and strengthening area domination along the pilgrimage routes. Directions were also issued for the deployment of Anti-Sabotage teams and the use of advanced surveillance systems and real-time monitoring mechanisms to enhance threat detection and response capabilities. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all participating agencies to maintain the highest level of coordination, preparedness, and operational efficiency to ensure the peaceful, secure, and successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.

DLSA Budgam orders removal of minor victims photos from social media platforms

Srinagar, May 26: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam has directed all social media platforms and the general public to immediately stop sharing or circulating photographs of the minor victim of the recent Galwanpora Budgam murder case. An advisory issued by DLSA Budgam reads: It has been observed that on various social media platforms the picture of the victim from Gulwanpora Budgam has been uploaded who was murdered brutally. Moreover, the pictures of the victim are being circulated by a number of persons, thereby violating the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act and right to privacy of the victim and her family. Such actions are against law, wherein the identity of the victim is revealed and punishable under law. As such, the social media platforms and general public is informed through the medium of this order to stop revealing the identity of victim and also circulating her pictures, failing which, the violators shall be booked under law. Hence, all the social media platforms are directed to remove the pictures of the victim immediately from all social media platforms. The SSP Budgam has been directed to lodge FIR against the persons who in spite of the recent order continue to upload/circulate the photographs of the victim.