Opinion

J-K DGP, IGP Kashmir visit site of Anantnag terrorist attack

G Sinha condemns Anantnag terror attack, says perpetrators will be brought to justice

Srinagar, Jul 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday strongly condemned the terror attack in Anantnag that claimed the life of a police personnel and asserted that those responsible for the cowardly act would not go unpunished. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said he had spoken to Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the attack. Expressing condolences over the death of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, Sinha said, My heartfelt condolences to the family of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. The whole country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the family of the martyr. The Lieutenant Governor strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly and heinous act. This heinous act will not go unpunished. J&K Police and our security forces are on the ground and will bring those responsible to justice, he said. I spoke with DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the terror attack in Anantnag. My heartfelt condolences to the family of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. The whole country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 22, 2026

MP Mian Altaf reaches Rajouri to asses ground situation after Flashfloods and landslides

Two killed, four injured after vehicle hit by boulders on Jammu-Srinagar highway

Two persons were killed and four others were injured after a tempo traveller was hit by shooting stones in the Gangroo area near Ramsoo along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. The tempo traveller (registration No. JK06B-9842) was travelling from Banihal to Ramban when it came under a barrage of falling stones while passing through the vulnerable Gangroo stretch, damaging the vehicle and trapping passengers inside. Police, volunteers of the Himalayan QRT Ramsoo and members of Banihal Volunteers immediately rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured were evacuated from the damaged vehicle and shifted to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Ramsoo for treatment. Officials said seven passengers were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the incident. One passenger died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries at PHC Ramsoo. Four other passengers sustained injuries, including two who were stated to be in critical condition and were referred to the District Hospital Ramban for specialised treatment. The incident occurred amid continuous rainfall across the Ramban sector, which has triggered frequent shooting stones and landslides at several vulnerable locations along NH-44, disrupting traffic and posing serious risks to commuters.

Security Tightened Along Jmu-Sgr NH-44 in Qazigund Following Anantnag Terror Incident

Flash Flood Damages Crops And Orchards In Khag, Budgam

J&K govt prescribes strict timelines for release of funds, bill processing

Srinagar, July 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has prescribed strict timelines for the release of funds and processing of bills to improve financial management and ensure timely execution of development works. According to an order issued by the Finance Department, Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) funds must be released within 10 days, while funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are to be released within 48 hours. The order also mandates that requests for advance drawal be processed within five working days. Further, bills under the SNA-SPARSH system are to be processed within two working days, aimed at expediting payments and enhancing transparency in fund utilisation. The Finance Department said the timelines are intended to streamline the flow of funds, reduce delays in payments, and improve the efficiency of financial operations across government departments.

Omar giving J&K people a sense of defeat on statehood, Article 370: Mehbooba

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US to impose steep tariffs on generic medicine imports from Aug 2028; move to affect India

Washington, Jul 22: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced steep tariffs on imported generic medicines from August 2028, asserting that the move was aimed at onshoring the manufacturing of such pharmaceutical products. The move could affect India, which is the largest exporter of generic drugs to the US. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said beginning August 1, the US will continue to have a zero per cent tariff on all generic drugs brought into the country for two years, after which it will be raised to 100 per cent for one year, and 200 per cent thereafter. Effective August 1st, 2026, all Generic Drugs being brought into the United States will continue to have a TARIFF of ZERO PERCENT for two years, after which the TARIFF will be raised to 100 per cent for one year, and 200 per cent thereafter, Trump said. This is done in order to RESHORE Generic Pharmaceutical Production into America, with a penalty to those Companies that decide not to build Plant and Equipment within the stated period of time given to them, Trump said. The president said the objective of this policy is to protect the people of the United States. The Policy on Patented, Branded, or Innovative Drugs, which has been so successful, will remain as is, he said. India is often called the pharmacy of the world as it supplies generic medicines to countries across the globe. In 2025, India exported USD 9.7 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US, accounting for 38 per cent of its total global pharma exports of USD 25.8 billion, a Global Trade Research Initiative report said. Indian generic medicines are widely prescribed for hypertension, diabetes, cancer, infectious diseases, and mental health.

Pawar, Kejriwal, other oppn leaders visit Jantar Mantar after crackdown; back CJP protest

Several opposition leaders including NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal visited the Cockroach Janta Partys protest site at Jantar Mantar here on Tuesday, a day after the police crackdown on its Sansad Chalo march, and extended support to the agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Pawar, accompanied by party MP Supriya Sule, met injured protesters and members of the movement and condemned the police action during Mondays attempted march to Parliament. Among other political leaders who visited the protest site were Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, AAP leader Gopal Rai, Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani, and a delegation of parliamentarians from Left parties.

Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Medanta after Delhi High Court allows transfer from Safdarjung

Sonam Wangchuk was discharged from Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday evening and shifted to Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, for further treatment after the Delhi High Court permitted his transfer to the hospital of his choice. According to Safdarjung Hospital authorities, Wangchuk was discharged in compliance with the High Courts directions and shifted to Medanta for continued medical care. Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court allowed Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike in solidarity with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) student protest, to be transferred from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta. According to legal news portal Bar & Bench, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed that Wangchuk be treated at Medanta under the supervision of a panel of doctors constituted by the hospital. What we propose to do is get him shifted to the hospital of his choice, that is Medanta. He will be treated by the Medanta doctor. All the treatment details at Safdarjung Hospital will be supplied to Medanta immediately and he will be treated there. A panel of doctors to be formed by the director Medanta, the Bench said. The order came after the court examined medical reports submitted by Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS and a private laboratory and interacted with doctors monitoring Wangchuks health. During the hearing, Justice Tejas Karia noted that Wangchuks potassium levels had fallen, while AIIMS doctors informed the court that his white blood cell count, haemoglobin and platelet levels were below normal. After reviewing the medical evidence, the Bench observed, Though we are not experts, after interacting with the doctors, what we understand is that there is a consensus that constant monitoring is needed. We propose to shift him to Medanta, the hospital of his choice. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the government had no objection to Wangchuks transfer to Medanta, though he cautioned against the activist seeking discharge against medical advice. The Bench, however, declined to go into that issue, telling the Solicitor General, We will not go into all that. Do not drag the court into all that. The appeal was filed by Wangchuks associate, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging a single-judge order that had declined interim relief to shift him from Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after being removed by the Delhi Police from his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar over concerns regarding his deteriorating health. His petition argued that continued hospitalisation at Safdarjung Hospital without his consent violated his fundamental rights to personal liberty, bodily autonomy and choice of medical treatment under Article 21 of the Constitution.

MP Chowdry Ramzan attends INDIA Bloc floor leaders meeting

Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, on Tuesday attended a meeting of INDIA Bloc floor leaders in New Delhi to discuss key issues for the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament and coordinate the oppositions strategy in both Houses. The meeting was held in the chamber of Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. It was attended by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders of the INDIA Bloc. The leaders deliberated on major issues expected to be taken up during the session and discussed a coordinated approach for raising them in Parliament. Ramzans participation in the meeting underscored his continued involvement in the INDIA Blocs parliamentary deliberations as the opposition seeks to present a united front on key legislative and political issues during the ongoing session.

Pollution threatens lifeline Rambiara river in south Kashmir

The Rambiara River, once a pristine stream winding through south Kashmirs Shopian district, is steadily turning into a polluted waterway due to the indiscriminate dumping of rotten apples, household waste and other garbage. A major tributary of the River Jhelum, the Rambiara supplies water to hundreds of villages and irrigates vast stretches of agricultural land in Shopian and Pulwama districts. Residents say that over the past few years, several stretches of the river, particularly near controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, have increasingly become dumping sites for rotten apples and domestic waste. Locals alleged that tonnes of rotten apples discarded by CA storage facilities are dumped into the river every year, polluting its waters and affecting communities living downstream. Every season, tractor-loads of rotten apples are dumped directly into the river, said Mitha Gatoo, a social activist and resident of Shopian. Many villages downstream use this water for drinking, irrigation and other household purposes. It is unfortunate that such an important river is being treated as a dumping ground, Gatoo added. Besides waste from CA storage facilities, residents said household garbage is also routinely thrown into the river, especially near Digam village. Plastic bags, food waste, bottles and other domestic refuse can be seen scattered along the riverbanks before eventually finding their way into the stream, they said. Residents blamed the growing pollution not only on the absence of an effective waste management system but also on a lack of civic responsibility among people. People have developed a habit of throwing household waste into the river because there are hardly any proper waste collection points nearby, said Ishfaq Ahamd, a resident. The administration needs to install community dustbins at regular intervals, but people must also understand that rivers are not meant for dumping garbage, Ahmad added. Another resident said the pollution had become worse over the years despite repeated appeals to the authorities. Everyone knows the river is getting polluted, yet nothing changes. Rotten apples continue to be dumped every season, while household waste is thrown into the river almost every day, he said. Residents said the pollution threatens not only the river ecosystem but also the health of people who depend on the Rambiara for their daily needs. They said pollution of the Rambiara is particularly worrying because the river serves as an important freshwater source for villages downstream and eventually drains into the Jhelum. They also said the river was already under severe stress due to rampant mining, and the growing pollution has only worsened its condition. Residents urged the administration and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee to strictly enforce waste disposal norms for CA storage facilities and take action against violators. They also demanded the installation of community dustbins in villages along the river, regular collection of solid waste and sustained public awareness campaigns to discourage people from dumping household garbage into the water. Keeping the river clean is not the governments responsibility alone, Gatoo said. People also need to change their mindset and develop civic sense. Unless both the authorities and the public act together, the Rambiara will continue to deteriorate, he added. Residents warned that if immediate corrective measures are not taken, the river could suffer irreversible ecological damage, affecting thousands of people who rely on it for water and agriculture.

Greater autonomy to recruit, new seats:NMC issues slew of measures to improve specialist, super-specialist strength in J&K

In a major boost to specialised medical education and tertiary healthcare, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 24 new super-speciality postgraduate seats across Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in J&K. The approvals cover Doctorate of Medicine (DM) and Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) courses. According to the notice issued by NMC on Saturday, GMC Jammu has been granted four DM Cardiology seats and four MCh Urology seats. Various other GMCs have also received seats in various super-speciality disciplines. The NMC has said that individual Letters of Permission (LoPs) are being issued separately. The NMC has said the approved list of courses in these medical colleges can be treated as deemed permission for counselling purposes. The addition is expected to strengthen the availability of highly trained specialists in J&K. It is being considered crucial for reducing dependence on institutions outside J&K for advanced medical education, as well as for improving access to specialised services for patients in the longer run. The move also underscores a persistent shortage of specialists, especially in peripheral institutions. A recent order issued by GMC Baramulla has cited non-availability of PG candidates and engaged non-PG doctors as Senior Residents in General Medicine and Chest Medicine. The move has drawn flak given the fact that simple MBBS graduates are being assigned speciality responsibilities in a teaching hospital. At the same time, the NMC issued a notice that has given medical colleges greater autonomy in faculty and resident recruitment. The institutions are empowered to frame recruitment criteria in accordance with regulations and address local shortages. The approval also comes amid a rapid expansion of medical education in J&K. J&K has witnessed a threefold increase in MBBS seats, from around 500 a decade ago to nearly 1,700 now, with the establishment of several new government medical colleges and the expansion of existing institutions. Earlier this year, the NMC had also approved 120 additional MD/MS postgraduate seats in GMCs.

Prolonged rains may trigger fruit drop but aid apple growth, say experts

Prolonged rainfall across Kashmir could lead to some fruit drop in apple orchards, but the showers are largely expected to benefit fruit development by improving size, quality and nutrient uptake, horticulture experts said. The rainfall comes after weeks of dry weather that had forced many orchardists to irrigate their farms using water pumps amid rising temperatures. Experts said adequate soil moisture at this stage of the growing season is crucial for fruit development and could improve both the appearance and quality of the apple crop. Rain at this stage is beneficial for the overall growth of the fruit. It will increase fruit size, enhance shine and improve nutrient uptake by the trees, said Tariq Rasool, Senior Scientist and Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). However, he cautioned that prolonged wet weather could also create favourable conditions for fungal diseases, particularly in orchards located in low-lying areas. Continuous rainfall coupled with high humidity can increase the incidence of diseases such as Alternaria and secondary scab, especially where water accumulates said Rasool. Experts have advised the orchardists need to remain vigilant and adopt timely disease-management measures if the wet spell continues. They said proper drainage and regular monitoring of orchards would be essential to minimise disease outbreaks and prevent losses. While excessive rainfall and waterlogging can adversely affect orchards, experts said the current spell is likely to remain beneficial if it does not persist for an extended period. The Meteorological Department (MeT) on Monday issued a red alert for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall until July 23. It warned of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and overflowing rivers in vulnerable areas. Orchardists welcomed the rainfall, saying it had ended a prolonged dry spell that had raised concerns over fruit development. For the past several weeks, many farmers were forced to irrigate their orchards manually by using water pumps because there was hardly any rain, said Tariq Ahmad Mir, an orchardist from Shopian. The rains have brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat and reduced the stress on the trees. We are hopeful that if the weather remains favourable and diseases are kept under control, the crop will benefit, he said. Apple is Kashmirs principal horticultural crop and supports the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of families across the Valley. Growers said the coming days would be crucial, with the benefits of the rainfall depending on how long the wet spell lasts and whether orchards remain protected from disease.

Indian philosophy and spirituality live in our everyday traditions: LG Manoj Sinha

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today addressed the Shakti Mimamsa national symposium, a collaborative initiative by the Central Sanskrit University (Jammu Campus), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. He said the deliberation on the spiritual heritage of the 51 Shakti Peethas over the next 4-days will allow us to reconnect with the ancient Sanatana consciousness that has long defined Indias soul. Shakti is the very heartbeat and sustaining consciousness of the cosmos. It manifests in all motion and creation, shining through compassion, knowledge, love, patience, and life itself. From Vedic hymns and Upanishadic philosophy to the Devi Mahatmya, every facet of Indias spiritual heritage highlights that the Supreme Reality and Shakti are eternally inseparable, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said the Indian philosophy and spirituality are not just found in ancient texts but they live in our everyday traditions. One can see this in village prayers, household Navaratri rituals, and our natural respect for motherly power. In our villages, countless women who have never read a word of Sanskrit embody the true spirit of Shakti through their daily lives. This is the heartbeat of Indias cultural and spiritual continuity. The Shakti Peethas are powerful symbols of our national unity and beacons of our shared cultural consciousness. A nations unity is built from shared memories, shared faiths and shared cultural journeys. The Shakti Peethas have carried out this work for centuries. They have united India not merely geographically but emotionally and spiritually as well, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that an academic focus on the Shakti Peethas is more urgent today than ever, driven by several key goals. He said, we must revive our ancient knowledge system and our youth need to realise that these sacred sites are living libraries of Indian philosophy, architecture, art, music, science, and history. Our ancestors chose these locations not just for spiritual reasons, but for their natural and cultural importance. Studying these sacred places is rigorous research that helps us understand Indias ancient knowledge traditions on their own terms. The second dimension is the renaissance of feminine consciousness. The whole world knows that from ancient times India has revered women as goddesses. We worship Mother Durga, Mother Saraswati, Mother Lakshmi and Mother Shakti. Yet we must ask ourselves whether our social systems are providing every daughter, every sister and every mother the respect that our culture teaches. Remember that worship of the Goddess becomes meaningful only when respect for women becomes a natural part of our conduct. True worship of Shakti lies in ensuring equality, safety, dignity and opportunities for women in society, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said the third goal is preserving our heritage. The Lieutenant Governor observed that many of our ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, folktales, and architectural wonders are fading away and without proper documentation today, future generations will lose this priceless legacy. This four-day symposium is a vital national mission to safeguard our cultural memory. The fourth goal is building national confidence. While many societies worldwide face an identity crisis, India stands strong with its unique cultural unity. The network of Shakti Peethas has kept our nation connected through shared faith and culture for centuries. Our youth should take immense pride in this. Through facts, evidence, and rigorous study, they can discover the true depth of Indian civilisation. This knowledge will not only boost their confidence but also help present Indias rich cultural identity to the world more effectively, the Lieutenant Governor said. Padma Shri Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri; Prof. Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Prof. R.G. Murali Krishna, Registrar, Central Sanskrit University; Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, Director, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus, Jammu; distinguished scholars, and students attended the national symposium.

Need special package to overcome losses: MLA Rajouri

Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmed has demanded for an immediate financial package from Government of India to overcome the losses stating that overall losses in floods of Rajouri are over 500 crore rupees. The legislator of Rajouri is touring different areas of flood hit district and examining the losses. We have suffered losses in every sphere and both private as well as public property has suffered extensive damages. he said. The legislator informed that property of more than 500 crore rupees is damaged in devastating floods and hundreds of families have lost everything in their house and are now rendered homeless. Calling for a united approach to come out of this situation, he said that a financial package from Government of India is immediate need of hour so that rehabilitation of affected families can be ensured. Describing about losses, he said that not only the government property and structures, vehicles and houses of people are lost, but agriculture land located at river banks and valuing in several hundred crores is washed away.

Flood wreaks havoc at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Rajouri, staff recounts ordeal

The devastating floods triggered by heavy rainfall on Sunday left a trail of destruction across Rajouri and Poonch districts, affecting almost every locality and causing extensive damage to public infrastructure and residential areas. Among the worst-hit institutions is PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Rajouri, located near the BSF campus. According to officials and staff, the nearly 12-foot-high boundary wall of the school collapsed during the early hours of Sunday after the swollen waters of the Munawar Tawi river breached the premises. The floodwaters inundated the entire campus, causing widespread devastation. The residential quarters of the school staff suffered extensive damage, with several houses filled with water while some quarters partially collapsed due to the force of the flood. School staff members, who were trapped inside the residential complex, were rescued with the assistance of BSF personnel. Recalling the terrifying experience, they said they survived only by forming a human chain and crossing nearly four feet of fast-flowing floodwater. Describing it as a narrow escape, the staff said that being alive after the ordeal was itself a blessing. Following the disaster, staff members have begun clearing mud and debris from the campus to restore normalcy. Meanwhile, the school remained closed on Monday as a precautionary measure in view of the damage caused by the floods and to ensure the safety of students and employees. The incident highlights the widespread devastation caused by Sunday's floods, which have severely impacted lives, property and infrastructure across Rajouri and Poonch districts.

Landslide hits Poonch highway, traffic restored after hours

Traffic on National Highway Poonch got affected on Tuesday after a massive landslide hit the highway stretch at Sheindhara in Poonch. Traffic was restored after 3 hours creating a new trouble for the people of this border district. Officials said that at Sheindhara, massive landslide hit the area and debris of slide fell on the highway resulting its blockage. Team of police headed by Additional SP Poonch, Dr Ajay Sharma visited the spot and supervise the slide clearance work that continued for three hours after which road was finally restored.

Darkness engulfs Poonch for 3rd day as floods damage transmission towers

For the third consecutive day, the entire Poonch district remains plunged into darkness, leaving thousands of families helpless and bringing normal life to a near standstill. With no electricity and no certainty over when power will be restored, residents are battling one of the worst power crises witnessed in recent years. The prolonged blackout has not only disrupted daily life but has also cut people off from the outside world. Mobile phones have gone dead, businesses have been affected, and households are struggling to carry out even the most basic day-to-day activities, adding to the hardships already faced by the flood-hit district. The crisis began after the collapse of a 132 KV transmission tower on the Poonch power line in Thanamandi area of Rajouri district, while three other transmission towers in the vicinity sustained partial damage. Power Department teams are working continuously to restore the damaged transmission line, with efforts underway on a war footing. Meanwhile, an unusual and distressing scene is unfolding across Poonch. Residents can be seen visiting washing stations, shops and other commercial establishments operating generator sets, not for shopping or business, but simply to charge their mobile phones. The sight of people waiting for their turn to charge a phone reflects the gravity of the situation. What is otherwise considered a routine daily necessity has turned into a difficult task, underscoring the scale of the electricity crisis confronting the district. Residents have appealed to the authorities to expedite restoration of the damaged transmission line, saying the prolonged outage has severely affected communication, business activities, healthcare, education and everyday life across the district.

Over 100 vehicles washed away, opening of schools only after safety audit: DC Rajouri

Over one hundred vehicles have suffered extensive to complete damages in Rajouri floods with around fifty vehicles been recovered while other fifty got washed away and are yet to be traced. Sharing details, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma said that a team headed by Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Rajouri, Aashiq Rafiq has conducted a detailed analysis of vehicular losses due to flood and it has been found that around one hundred vehicles were parked at New Bus Stand at Bela in Rajouri, circular road in Rajouri and other areas including a crusher plant at Thanamandi that came under flood. He said that analysis has established that around one hundred vehicles came under flood with around fifty vehicles been recovered from the flood. But our 50 vehicles that even includes some passenger vehicles and heavy machinery vehicles got washed away in the river flood and are yet to be retrieved. He said. Deputy Commissioner stated that there are predictions of rainfall in days to come for which all necessary steps have been taken and administration has also established 15 lodgement centres out of which two are already operational. The Deputy Commissioner further stated that all the Government and Private education institutions have been closed for next two days in Rajouri district but opening of schools will only be allowed after a proper security audit. We have often seen that after improvement in weather, landslides takes place and for this, we will conduct safety audit and will allow opening of schools accordingly. Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma said. Furthermore, the officer said, converting the basement of any building into a commercial place like library, gym is strictly prohibited and administration will make it that no such low lying basement is used as commercial place.

CUKs Zoology Deptt holds awareness programme

Department of Zoology, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with the Wildlife SOS, New Delhi organized an Awareness-cum-Training Programme to commemorate the World Snake Day, at science campus Nuner here. The programme was chaired by Dean School of Life Sciences (SoLS), Prof. Abid Hamid Dar and Project Head, Wildlife SOS (for Jammu and Kashmir), Dr Mir Aaliya. In his welcome address, Coordinator, Deptt of Zoology, Dr. Mohammad Lateef highlighted the role of Herpatofauna in sustaining the ecological balance of nature. In his special remarks, Prof. Abid Hamid Dar while deliberating upon the necessity for conservation of snakes, highlighted the role of snake venom in medicinal industries throughout the world. This was followed by an in-depth lecture on snake taxonomy by Dr. Mir Aaliya. Some myths and misconceptions regarding snake biology were defenestrated by Mr. Aqib Hussain. Mr. Umer Nazir gave hands-on-training regarding snake rescue and handling. The programme was attended by faculty members, Scientists, Research scholars and students. Dr. Chandrakiran Singh proposed the vote of thanks. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Hameem Mushtaq.

Varanasi announces winners of Sustainable Cities Challenge

Varanasi is set to scale a portfolio of innovative mobility and crowd-management solutions designed to improve pedestrian movement, accessibility, and resident/ visitor experience across its historic core, Kashi, following the announcement of winners of the Sustainable Cities Challenge (SCC) Varanasi an initiative led by Varanasi Nagar Nigam in collaboration with the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), Challenge Works, and WRI India. CityFlow by CITYDATA.AI and Nippon Koei and Janjatra by The Urbanizer were selected as winners and will receive financial and advisory support to scale their solutions across the old city. Behtarway by VOGIC AI and Nayichaal by Prameya Consulting were recognized as Honorable Mentions for their contributions towards more inclusive and efficient mobility in Varanasi. The event was graced by Arvind Kumar Sharma, Minister, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh. He was hopeful and enthusiastic to scale the innovative solutions from the Challenge, and looked forward to their impact in Varanasi. Designed to address the complex movement of millions of pilgrims, tourists, and residents through Varanasi's dense heritage precincts, the selected solutions combine advanced technology and people-centered designs to enhance navigation, improve safety, and support proactive crowd management. CityFlow, developed by CITYDATA.AI in partnership with Nippon Koei, uses big data, computer vision, and generative AI to analyze and manage crowd movement in real time, helping authorities identify and respond to congestion hotspots. Janjatra, developed by The Urbanizer, combines color-coded wayfinding, dynamic digital signage, and tactical urban interventions to improve navigation and ease pressure on heavily used pedestrian routes. The Honorable Mentions complement these efforts through targeted mobility interventions. Behtarway, developed by VOGIC AI, is an AI-powered hyperlocal pedestrian navigation platform, while Nayichaal, developed by Prameya Consulting, focuses on improving accessibility and navigability for vulnerable populations in the old city of Kashi.

CUK participates in empowering India 2026 at Goa

The three-day national event Empowering India 2026, held at Goa from 18 to 20 July 2026, concluded with a valedictory ceremony attended by representatives of participating institutions from across the country. On behalf of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean, Academic Affairs, received the Certificate of Participation. The delegates representing the University were also awarded certificates. Speaking during the valedictory session, Prof. Shahid Rasool said the CUKashmir strongly encourages participation in such national platforms as they promote academic collaboration, research, innovation, and meaningful engagement among educational institutions, industry, and government organizations. He emphasized that such events provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional networking, and showcasing the academic and research strengths of universities. The three-day event witnessed participation from leading higher educational institutions, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), NCERT, Government Departments of Goa, agricultural institutions, and other organizations from across the country. Through exhibitions and interactive sessions, the participants showcased their academic programmes, research achievements, innovations, and best practices. During the event, CUKashmir received an encouraging response from students, academicians, researchers, government officials, and visitors, who interacted with the University's representatives and appreciated its academic programmes, research initiatives, and student-centric activities. The University's participation reaffirmed its commitment to promote excellence in higher education, research, innovation, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

JKSA backs CJP protest held in Delhi

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday extended its unequivocal support to the students and youth participating in the CJP-led protest in New Delhi and strongly condemned the excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Delhi Police against peaceful demonstrators exercising their democratic and constitutional right to assemble and voice their concerns. National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said the deeply disturbing visuals emerging from the protest site, showing unarmed students and young demonstrators being lathi-charged, dragged, assaulted, and detained, have shocked the conscience of the nation. He said women, students, and peaceful participants were subjected to physical force while attempting to carry out a democratic march. Such scenes have no place in a constitutional democracy that derives its legitimacy from the rule of law, constitutional morality, and the consent of its citizens. Khuehami said the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of speech, and the expression of dissent are guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. Peaceful protest remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy, and responding to it with coercion, intimidation, and violence weakens the very constitutional values that public institutions are duty-bound to uphold. The Association stated that the NEET-2026 paper leak is the latest in a disturbing series of examination scandals that have severely eroded the credibility of the country's examination and recruitment system.

FCS&CA Department to undertake advance lifting, distribution of foodgrains for August-October

In a significant step to ensure uninterrupted availability of foodgrains to beneficiaries during the forthcoming monsoon season, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), J&K has decided to undertake the advance lifting and distribution of foodgrains allocated under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Non-Priority Household (NPHH) schemes for the months of August, September and October 2026. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to address any logistical and transportation challenges that may arise during the rainy season and to ensure uninterrupted food security across the Union Territory, said a press release. Accordingly, the Department has made advance allocation of foodgrains for the three months, enabling the beneficiaries to receive their entitled ration through a single transaction. The entire distribution process has been targeted for completion on or before 31st August, 2026. To facilitate smooth implementation of the initiative, the NIC, J&K has been requested to enable the one-time transaction facility in the e-PoS devices for distribution of foodgrains pertaining to the months of August, September and October 2026. The Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, while speaking in this regard, said that the advance lifting and distribution of foodgrains would strengthen the departmental preparedness and enable an effective response to any situation arising during the monsoon season The Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, reiterated that the advance lifting, transportation and distribution of foodgrains shall be undertaken in close coordination with all the stakeholders, including the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) and the district administration.

MMF, GK Labs & Kashmir Clinics condole demiseof mother ofM Iqbal Shah

A condolence meeting was jointly organised by Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF), GK Labs, and Kashmir Clinics to express profound grief over the demise of beloved mother of M. Iqbal Shah, prominent businessman, heritage conservationist and Joint Secretary of Moul Mouj Foundation, who passed away after a brief illness. The meeting was attended by the staff and officials of MMF, GK Labs, and Kashmir Clinics. Among those present were Dr Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Dr Zubair Saleem, Shihaab Shakeel (MMF Advisor) and Farooq Ahmad Khan, who joined others in offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The participants recalled the values of compassion, humility and kindness exemplified by the departed soul and prayed that Almighty Allah grants her the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and blesses the bereaved family with Sabr-e-Jameel to bear this irreparable loss. The meeting concluded with Dua-e-Maghfirah, with all participants praying for eternal peace for the departed soul.

GMC Anantnag observes IAP CPR Day 2026 with awareness drive, hands-on training

Government Medical College, Anantnag on Tuesday observed IAP CPR Day 2026 with a series of awareness programs, hands-on training workshops, and public demonstrations aimed at promoting life-saving skills among students, healthcare workers, and the general public. The event was organised by the Department of Pediatrics, GMC Anantnag in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, J&K State Chapter under the national Sanjeevani campaign. The theme for this year was CPR for All: Save a Life, Be a Hero. The program was conducted under the patronage of Prof. (Dr.) Junaid S. Wani, Principal, GMC Anantnag. Dr Showkat Hussain Tali, HOD Pediatrics & State Coordinator for IAP ALS-BLS Courses, J&K and Ladakh, served as the Course Coordinator and Lead Instructor. The training was supervised by a team of CPR Champions: Dr. Junaid Ahmad Ahanger, Dr. Owvass Hameed Dar, Dr. Mehbooba Rasool, Dr. Shagufta Aara, Dr. Shahid Wani, Dr. Uzma Ashraf, and Dr. Saima Habib. Participants included doctors, nursing and support staff, medical students, and students from Eden Park School, Anantnag. They were trained in the basics of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, including chest compressions, rescue breaths, and use of AEDs. Practical demonstrations were conducted on mannequins. E-certificates will be issued to all participants by the Central IAP body. Speaking on the occasion, Prof (Dr) Junaid S Wani said that equipping even one person in every household with CPR skills can drastically improve survival rates. He added that GMC Anantnag is committed to making CPR training a regular part of medical education and community health outreach. Dr Showkat Hussain Tali emphasized, Every second counts in a cardiac emergency. If more people know CPR, we can save thousands of lives every year. It is noteworthy that GMC Anantnag registered 3 courses for the day, with 100 participants in each course. Under the supervision of Dr. Showkat Hussain Tali, State Coordinator, 2 more courses were organized at GMC Baramulla, 1 at AIIMS Jammu, and 1 at District Hospital Kargil. Despite J&K and Ladakh contributing less than 1% to the countrys population, the region accounted for over 2% of total CPR courses registered nationwide, a significant achievement.

CU Srinagar, DBU job fair in Srinagar aims to have over 50 companies offering 10,000 jobs

Over 50 companies from J&K and outside are set to participate in a mega job fair in Srinagar on July 28, offering over 10,000 employment opportunities to youth across diverse sectors. The 77th State-Level Mega Job Fair-2026 is being organised by Desh Bhagat University (DBU) Punjab in collaboration with Cluster University (CU) Srinagar and in association with the National Development Association (NDA), National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), and MY Bharat. The event will be held at Amar Singh College, a constituent college of Cluster University Srinagar. Addressing a press conference, VC Cluster University Srinagar Prof. Mubeen Ahmad said the initiative aims to provide a common platform where employers and job seekers can interact directly, reducing the gap between academia and industry. The objective is to bring recruiters to the students instead of forcing students to travel in search of opportunities. Companies from Kashmir, Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and other parts of the country will conduct on-the-spot interviews and, wherever possible, issue appointment letters on the same day, he said. VC CU Srinagar said the event is expected to be inaugurated by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He said companies from sectors including information technology, banking, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, education, engineering and logistics will participate in the recruitment drive. He said that salary packages will range from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per annum while a few specialised overseas opportunities, particularly in the nursing sector, may offer packages of up to Rs 12 lakh annually. Prof Mubeen said the job fair is open to all eligible youth across J&K and is not restricted to students of Cluster University alone. Candidates with qualifications ranging from Class 12, ITI and diploma holders to graduates, postgraduates and engineering professionals are eligible to participate. Registered candidates will also receive guidance and interview preparation before facing recruiters, he said. He said around 1,000 candidates had registered till Monday, while the official event data shared by the organisers indicated 723 registrations at the time of the briefing. But registration will continue until the event, he added. Vice-Chancellor Desh Bhagat University Punjab, Dr. Harsh Sadawarti while addressing media persons described the event was organised as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative. He said similar job fairs organised earlier in Jammu and Kashmir had generated encouraging responses and resulted in several successful placements. Our objective is to maximise employment opportunities for the youth. Even if one student secures a good job, it transforms the future of an entire family, he said. Dr Sadawarti urged students to take advantage of employment opportunities beyond Kashmir, saying exposure to different work environments would enhance their professional growth. He said the initiative is expected to witness participation from thousands of candidates and strengthen the employment ecosystem in J&K by connecting educational institutions with industry and recruiters. Prof Sadawarti said nearly 3000 students from Kashmir were currently enrolled at the university. He said the long-standing educational ties between Punjab and Kashmir have continued for nearly three decades, with thousands of Kashmiri students pursuing higher education in the state. Punjab is the second home for the students of Kashmir. There are cultural similarities, familiar food, a conducive environment and, most importantly, security for students, he added.

KCCI welcomes CM Omar's relief assurance for traders, backs Smart City audit

Srinagar, Jul 21: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has welcomed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's assurance that traders whose shops, business establishments and goods were damaged due to waterlogging during the recent rains in Srinagar will be adequately compensated. In a statement, the Chamber said the announcement provides much-needed relief to the affected trading community, which suffered significant losses as several commercial areas remained inundated following a couple of hours of rain. KCCI also welcomed the Chief Minister's decision to subject the Smart City projects to a third-party audit. The Chamber said it has consistently been advocating for an independent technical audit of the inadequately designed drainage and stormwater network, as recurring incidents of waterlogging have exposed serious shortcomings in the planning, design and execution of the drainage infrastructure. The Chamber reiterated that a comprehensive technical audit should not be confined to the faulty Smart City projects alone but should extend to the entire drainage network across Srinagar and other urban centres in Kashmir. It said the Government must undertake a scientific assessment of the existing drainage infrastructure, identify the gaps in it and implement a comprehensive upgradation plan to ensure that cities are equipped to handle increasingly intense rainfall events. KCCI further stressed that every major infrastructure and urban development project undertaken by the Government should be preceded by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and all necessary environmental clearances. Development projects, it said, must be in harmony with the region's natural drainage systems, rivers , wetlands, water bodies and ecological landscape, rather than disrupting them. The Chamber observed that the increasing frequency of flash floods, urban flooding and extreme weather events clearly demonstrate the growing impact of climate change on Jammu & Kashmir. This makes it imperative that all future planning incorporates climate resilience, scientific hydrological studies and sustainable urban development principles. KCCI also urged the Government to protect green belts, wetlands, floodplains, playgrounds and other natural water absorption areas from encroachment or conversion for construction activities. These ecological assets play a vital role in absorbing excess rainwater, recharging groundwater and reducing the risk of urban flooding. The Chamber expressed confidence that the proposed third-party audit will identify deficiencies, fix accountability wherever required and pave the way for durable, scientific and environmentally sustainable solutions to safeguard Srinagar and other urban centres from recurring waterlogging and its adverse impact on trade and commerce.

SKUAST-K trains IFS officers from 14 states in AI-led forest & wildlife conservation

Srinagar, Jul 21:Thirty senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from 14 states are undergoing a five-day national training program at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies for forest and wildlife conservation, reinforcing the University's growing role in technology-driven environmental governance. The program, Smart Conservation: Technological Solutions for Forest and Wildlife Protection, is being organized by the Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the Research & Training Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. Held from July 20 to 24, it brings together senior forest administrators, including Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (PCCFs), Conservators of Forests, Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) and Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs), for training in AI, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, satellite monitoring and other digital tools for sustainable forest governance. The inaugural session was presided over by Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, while Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Sarvesh Rai, IFS, attended as the Guest of Honor. Welcoming the participants, Course Director Prof. Javeed Iqbal Ahmad Bhat said the program marks the third consecutive batch of IFS officers being trained at SKUAST-K under the aegis of the MoEFCC, reflecting the University's emergence as a national capacity-building partner in environmental governance. He said the program integrates advanced technologies with ecological principles and policy frameworks to address climate change, biodiversity loss and habitat degradation through technology-enabled conservation. Addressing the gathering, Shri Sarvesh Rai, IFS, highlighted the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department's use of geospatial mapping, smart forest surveillance systems, and community-based conservation models to protect forests and wildlife. He urged participants to actively engage in the practical sessions and replicate successful conservation practices in their respective states. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai stressed that conservation in the 21st century requires the convergence of forestry, agricultural sciences, climate science, data analytics and digital technologies. Highlighting SKUAST-K's strengths in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, drone technology, precision agriculture and remote sensing, he said these innovations are transforming wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, forest health surveillance, climate-risk prediction, forest fire management and ecosystem restoration. Emphasising the vulnerability of the Himalayan region, Prof. Ganai said mountain ecosystems require science-based, technology-enabled management and called for stronger collaboration among universities, forest departments, research institutions and policymakers to accelerate climate-resilient conservation. The program combines expert lectures, laboratory demonstrations and field-based learning. Participants will visit the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML), the SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (SKIIE) and the Faculty of Forestry, besides undertaking field visits to Dachigam National Park and Wildlife Rescue Center, Wular Lake conservation projects, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve and the protected forests of the Zabarwan Hills to gain first-hand exposure to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity management and smart conservation practices. Sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the program aims to strengthen collaboration among scientists, policymakers and forest professionals while equipping senior officers with advanced technological tools to address emerging conservation challenges across India's ecologically sensitive landscapes.

PHDCCI discusses film tourism, global investment roadmap with LG Sinha

Srinagar, Jul 21:A delegation of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan and discussed measures to position Jammu and Kashmir as a global destination for film tourism, the creative economy and investments. The delegation was led by PHDCCI Secretary General Dr Ranjeet Mehta. It comprised A.P. Vicky Shaw, Chairman (Kashmir), Vikas Khanduri, Co-Chair, International Affairs Committee (Europe & CIS/Eurasia), and Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director, PHDCCI. During the meeting, the delegation outlined strategies for promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred destination for international film productions and creative industries by capitalising on the Union Territory's scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and improving the business ecosystem. The discussions also focused on expanding domestic and foreign investment opportunities across key sectors through stronger institutional partnerships and enhanced engagement with global investors. Dr Mehta said Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to emerge as a leading hub for the creative economy and investment, adding that closer collaboration between the government and industry would open new avenues for entrepreneurship, employment generation and sustainable economic growth. The delegation also appreciated the initiatives taken by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to strengthen peace, improve infrastructure and create a conducive environment for tourism, business and investment. These measures, it said, have enhanced investor confidence and contributed to the Union Territory's economic transformation. The Lieutenant Governor welcomed PHDCCI's initiatives and assured the delegation of the administration's full support in fostering collaborations that promote investment, tourism and the creative economy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Higher consumption fuels J&K's strongest SGST growth in 5 years

Srinagar, Jul 21:Jammu and Kashmir has recorded its strongest first-quarter State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) performance in the last five years, with post-settlement collections rising by 24.1 per cent during the April-June quarter of the current financial year. According to official figures, the Union Territory received Rs 2,505.79 crore in post-settlement SGST during the first quarter of 2026-27, up from Rs 2,019.25 crore in the corresponding period last year, an increase of Rs 486.54 crore. The latest figures mark a significant turnaround from 2025-26, when SGST collections had declined by 10.4 per cent during the first quarter. In comparison, Q1 collections had grown by 13.8 per cent in 2023-24 and 4.6 per cent in 2024-25, making the current year's performance the best opening-quarter showing in the last five years. Data shows that April led the growth, with collections rising from Rs 712.13 crore in April 2025 to Rs 1,075.86 crore in April 2026, an increase of 51.1 per cent. May collections rose from Rs 697.72 crore to Rs 762.48 crore, reflecting a 9.3 per cent increase, while June collections increased from Rs 609.40 crore to Rs 667.45 crore, registering a growth of 9.5 per cent. The figures are based on post-settlement SGST collections, which represent the actual tax revenue accruing to Jammu and Kashmir after the settlement of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) between the Centre and the States. Under the GST framework, IGST collected on inter-State transactions is apportioned to the destination State or Union Territory where goods and services are ultimately consumed. As a destination-based tax, GST ensures that revenue follows consumption rather than the location of the supplier. Taxes paid on inter-State transactions are first collected by the Centre and later distributed between the Centre and the destination State or Union Territory under the provisions of the Constitution and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Consequently, post-settlement SGST figures provide a more accurate measure of the revenue that actually reaches Jammu and Kashmir than gross GST collection figures. The robust growth assumes significance as it comes in the wake of the GST Council's rate rationalisation exercise, which reduced tax rates on several goods and simplified the tax structure. Despite lower tax rates, the Union Territory registered double-digit revenue growth, indicating that stronger consumption, improved compliance and a widening tax base have offset the impact of rate reductions. The sustained increase in collections also points to resilient economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir during the opening quarter of the financial year, supported by growth in trade, consumption and business activity. Revenue experts maintain that while gross GST collections remain useful for assessing business activity, post-settlement SGST collections are the appropriate indicator of the actual tax revenue received by a State or Union Territory. On that basis, Jammu and Kashmir's 24.1 per cent quarterly growth and 9.5 per cent increase in June represent its strongest first-quarter performance in the past five years.

Rains, waterlogging worsen condition of roads in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jul 21:Intermittent showers on Tuesday continued to cause inconvenience to commuters as the condition of dilapidated roads worsened and waterlogging persisted in various city areas. While water has receded from several areas after authorities pressed machinery into service, large stretches of Downtown and parts of Uptown continued to remain waterlogged, exposing damaged roads and incomplete restoration works that have become hazardous following the recent rains. Commuters said navigating roads at Nowhatta, Nowpora, Qamarwari, Sakidafar, Eidgah and adjoining areas had become increasingly difficult as rainwater concealed deep potholes, uneven road surfaces and protruding manholes. The road from Nowhatta towards Hawal, passing through Alamgari Bazar and Gojwara, remains a major concern. Residents said the stretch, dug up for drainage works, has not been restored properly, leaving deep craters and uneven patches that have become nearly invisible after rainfall. Every pothole is filled with water. We don't know whether we are riding over a small puddle or a deep crater. It has become dangerous, especially for two-wheelers, said Sajid Ahmad, a commuter from Nowhatta. Another commuter said several motorists suffered minor skids while trying to negotiate submerged road stretches. For the past three days, travelling through downtown has become stressful. We cannot see potholes or damaged manholes beneath the water, and every ride feels risky, he said. Residents also highlighted the deteriorated condition of the Dr Ali Jan Road from Aali Masjid towards SKIMS, where drainage works have left the road riddled with uneven patches and damaged surfaces. The drainage work may have been completed, but the road has been left in shambles. Rainwater accumulates in every depression, making it difficult even for ambulances to move smoothly. Essential services should not suffer like this, said a resident of the area. Locals from Malik Sahib Gojwara said the lingering waterlogging, coupled with damaged link roads, continued to disrupt daily life despite the absence of heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The rain today was not as intense, yet water remains trapped because the roads are uneven and drainage is poor. The problem now is not only rain but the condition of the roads themselves, Nazir Ahmad, a local said. Commercial activity also remained affected as several traders continued clearing water and damaged merchandise from shops inundated during the previous two days. Earlier, President of Shehar-e-Khas Traders Alliance, Nazir Ahmad Shah, said the business community had sought immediate assessment of losses. Many traders have suffered substantial losses after water entered their shops. We have requested the administration to conduct a proper assessment and provide compensation. We also expect a permanent solution because the same crisis repeats every time it rains, Shah said. Roadside vendors were also seen struggling to protect their goods beneath tarpaulin sheets as intermittent showers continued throughout the day. We earn on a daily basis. For three days now, business has almost come to a halt because customers are avoiding waterlogged markets, said Zubair Ahmad, a vendor near the city centre. Officials said restoration efforts were continuing across the city. Senior officials from SMC said men and machinery remained deployed at identified hotspots since yesterday while mobile dewatering pumps continued to be used wherever required. Our teams remain on alert to respond to complaints through our control room, said an official. With intermittent rain forecast to continue, commuters said Srinagar's battered roads, waterlogged stretches and unfinished civic works remain a daily ordeal, highlighting the need for lasting engineering solutions rather than emergency measures after every spell of rain.

PDP holds district organisational meeting for Srinagar

Srinagar, Jul 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday held an important organisational meeting of District Srinagar under the chairmanship of the partys General Secretary (Organisation), Adv. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, to review organisational affairs and strengthen grassroots activities across the district. The meeting was attended by General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam, Additional General Secretary Adv. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, District President Abdul Qayoum Bhat, constituency in-charges, zonal presidents, district office bearers and zonal office bearers. Addressing the gathering, Adv Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura stressed the need to further strengthen the party organisation at the grassroots level through better coordination and active public outreach. He urged party functionaries to intensify the membership drive and ensure greater participation of youth and committed workers in organisational activities. General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam highlighted the importance of maintaining close contact with the people and effectively addressing their concerns. He said that a strong and vibrant organisation is essential for taking the partys message to every household. Additional General Secretary Adv. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat called upon party leaders and workers to remain united and work collectively towards strengthening the PDP. He also emphasised the importance of organisational discipline and effective mobilisation in view of the upcoming political programmes. PDP spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo said that the partys organisational strength lies in its dedicated cadre and its sustained connect with the people. He stressed the need to further strengthen grassroots structures, intensify the membership campaign and ensure greater coordination among party workers to effectively address public concerns and expand the PDPs outreach across Srinagar. Party spokespersons Shokia Qurashi and Zuhaib Yousuf Mir, District Coordinator Dr. Ali Mohammad, Constituency In-charge Sheikh Gowher, District Youth President Gowher Lone and District President Womens Wing Sara Nayeema also attended the meeting. The meeting held detailed deliberations on organisational matters, the ongoing membership campaign, preparations for the forthcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections and arrangements for the partys Foundation Day function scheduled later this month. Participants also exchanged views on enhancing coordination among different organisational units and expanding the partys outreach across Srinagar district. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all participants to strengthen the party at every level and work collectively to ensure the success of the membership drive, the Foundation Day programme and future organisational initiatives.

Er Rashid walks barefoot to Parliament, observes hunger strike

Srinagar, Jul 21: In a symbolic and powerful act of protest, incarcerated Member of Parliament from Baramulla Engineer Rashid Tuesday walked barefoot from the prison escort vehicle to Parliament after being brought from Tihar Jail under judicial custody to attend the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Member Parliament Er. Rashid observed a day-long hunger strike to press for a meaningful, time-bound and result-oriented dialogue between the Union Government, elected representatives and all legitimate stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, along with full Statehood, release of political prisoners, revocation of AFSPA, protection of human rights and restoration of all democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, remain indispensable for achieving lasting peace and justice. Despite observing a hunger strike, Er. Rashid entered the Well of the Lok Sabha three times while remaining barefoot, drawing the attention of the House towards the unresolved political issues of Jammu and Kashmir. During his protest inside Parliament, he raised the slogan that it is becoming a graveyard of aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir , urging the Government of India to move beyond rhetoric and initiate a sincere political process to address the aspirations of the people. His symbolic barefoot protest and hunger strike attracted the attention of several Members of Parliament cutting across party lines. A number of parliamentarians approached Er. Rashid during the proceedings and expressed sympathy with him, appreciating his peaceful and democratic manner of highlighting the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Farooq seeks special central relief package for calamity-hit people

Srinagar, Jul 21:National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the recent torrential rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Pir Panjal region. In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Dr Farooq said the unprecedented rainfall has triggered a humanitarian crisis, claiming many lives in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and other districts, while causing extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, public infrastructure, agricultural land and livelihoods. Flash floods inundated residential localities and markets, swept away vehicles, and landslides disrupted connectivity, severely affecting rescue and relief operations. Describing the scale of devastation as enormous, Dr Farooq said the financial burden of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction cannot be borne by J&K government alone. He urged GoI to announce a comprehensive and generous special relief package to facilitate the rehabilitation of affected families and the restoration of damaged infrastructure. Recalling the inadequate assistance extended after previous flood disasters in Jammu, he expressed hope that the Centre would respond more generously this time, commensurate with the magnitude of the present calamity. Dr Farooq appreciated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his swift and hands-on response to the unfolding crisis. He said the Chief Minister immediately cut short his Delhi engagement to personally supervise relief efforts, remained in constant touch with the administration and local representatives, closely monitored rescue operations, announced

Step Out, Speak Up, Stay Alive

The idea was simpleto bring the people of DD together again, not for work or deadlines, but for each other. Some days ago, that idea came alive at Harwan Bagh, Srinagar, where retired producers, presenters, engineers, cameramen, and administrators of Doordarshan Kashmir gathered under the Chinars. For a few hours, the years melted away. My heartfelt thanks to Bashir Mir, Amin Mahtab, G. Mohiuddin Bhat Sahib, Ismail Kumar Sahib, and all colleagues who made this dream a reality. Though personal circumstances prevented me from joining them, the photographs, phone calls, and joyful memories shared afterwards told me everythingthe reunion was a success. More importantly, these distinguished DD professionals, now senior citizens, sent a beautiful message to the younger generation. Why Such Gatherings Matter Harwan Bagh offered the perfect settingfresh air, open lawns, tea, laughter, old memories, and lifelong friendships renewed. There were no cameras, scripts, or microphonesjust people enjoying each others company. This reunion reminded us that: Conversation keeps the mind active. Friendship reduces loneliness and lifts the spirit. A simple outing improves physical health and mobility. Sharing memories and emotions is deeply healing. As one senior beautifully said: We spent thirty years telling Kashmirs story. Today, we got to tell our own. Message Beyond DD Growing old should never mean growing invisible. Families should encourage elders to step out, meet friends, and remain socially active. Every reunion is not merely a meetingit is an investment in mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Though I could not attend, I am grateful that this long-cherished idea came alive. May this be the first of many such reunions. To every family: take your parents and grandparents out for a walk, a cup of noon chai, or a visit to old friends. Go out. Meet. Mingle. Express. Because life does not happen within four wallsit blossoms when we step outside. Culture is not a luxury; community is not an optionit is a necessity. I sincerely wish that all senior citizens continue to meet, reconnect, enjoy life, and above all, keep moving. Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, IBS, Former ADG, Doordarshan

Prevention and Screening in Older Adults

Advances in modern medicine have enabled people to live longer than ever before. While increased life expectancy is a remarkable achievement, healthy aging involves more than simply living longerit means maintaining independence, physical function, mental well-being, and a good quality of life. As the population ages, preventive healthcare has become increasingly important in helping older adults remain active, healthy, and engaged in their communities. Many of the health problems that affect older adults, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, vision and hearing loss, certain cancers, and memory disorders, often develop gradually and may not cause symptoms in their early stages. Regular health screening allows these conditions to be identified early, when treatment is most effective and complications can often be prevented. Equally important are preventive measures such as vaccination, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, adequate sleep, medication review, and fall prevention, all of which contribute significantly to healthy aging. Preventive care in older adults is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual ages differently, and healthcare decisions should be tailored to a persons overall health, existing medical conditions, functional status, life expectancy, and personal preferences. Regular consultations with a healthcare provider help ensure that screening tests and preventive interventions are appropriate, evidence-based, and aligned with the individuals health goals. Healthy aging is a shared responsibility between individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and society. By embracing regular screening and preventive healthcare, many illnesses can be detected early or prevented altogether, allowing older adults not only to live longer but also to enjoy healthier, more independent, and fulfilling lives. As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cureand in older age, it is one of the most effective investments in lifelong health. A framework for individualized decision making for preventive medical interventions should include an understanding of patient values and preferences, overall life and health expectancy, the potential harms of the intervention and the expected time-to-benefit of the intervention. First, estimate life expectancy. By definition prevention involves an intervention in the present to avoid illness in the future. Although it is impossible for clinicians to predict the exact life expectancy of an individual person, it is possible to use clinical judgement to make reasonable estimates of whether a person is likely to live substantially longer or shorter than an average person in his/her age cohort. Second, determine the time-to-benefit for a preventive intervention. Third, review the most likely benefits of prevention. Fourth, review the most likely harms of prevention. Application of screening principles to specific cancers Breast cancer: A survival meta-analysis of randomized trials of screening mammography suggested that it takes 11 years to prevent 1 breast cancer death after screening 1000 women. Benefits: mammography is the only screening modality that has been shown in randomized controlled trials to decrease breast cancer mortality. Harms: among women aged 75 and older who undergo biennial screening mammography, the cumulative probability of a false positive mammogram over 10 years ranges from 14% to 27% and this risk nearly doubles when women are screened annually. Frail older women are at increases risk for experiencing harms from screening. Recommendations: the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammography every 2 years for women age 50-74, stating the evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of screening in women 75yrs and older. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening among women 45 to 54 years old and biennial screening among women 55 years or older and a life expectancy of greater than 10 years. Colorectal Cancer A survival meta-analysis of randomized trials of screening fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer suggested that it takes 10 years to prevent 1 colorectal cancer death after screening 1000 persons. Benefits: methods for screening for colorectal cancer include FOBT, fecal immunochemical testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Guaiac-based FOBT has the strongest evidence for screening efficacy based on three European randomized controlled trials showing reductions in colorectal cancer-specific mortality of 11% to 16% and a large US trial showing reductions of 22% to 32% overall and a 53% reduction among adults 70 to 80 yrs old. Harms: colonoscopy is the standard work-up following a positive FOBT and may have serious complications such as perforation (1/1000), serious bleeding (3/1000), cardiorespiratory events (12/1000) and death ( 1/1000). Recommendations: the USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening for all older adults age 45-75 and that screening decisions should be selectively offered to persons 76 to 85 years of age based on health and prior screening history. The ACS recommends screen all adults 45-75 yrs if life expectancy >10 yrs. Individualized decisions in adults 76-85 y based on preferences, life expectancy, health status and prior screening history. Discourage screening in adults >85y. Cervical cancer: There are no data about the time to benefit for cervical cancer screening in women 65yr or older. Routine vaccination for human papilloma virus (HPV) strains related to cervical cancer occurrence in younger adults is expected to lower the incidence of cervical cancer in future generations. Recommendations: guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening with cytology every 3 yr for women age 21 to 65. Combining cytology testing with HPV testing every 5 years may provide added benefit. Lung cancer: Two large trials of low-dose lung CT scans show reductions in lung cancer-specific mortality after 6 years. Potential benefits: the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found that among current and former heavy smokers age 55 to 74, low-dose lung CT scans decreased lung cancer mortality by 20%. Specifically, for 1000 persons screened, 4 lung cancer deaths would be avoided in 6 years. Potential harms: false positives are common with low dose CT scans of the lung; in one trial 39% of people who received a CT scan had at least 1 positive test result and 96% of positive results were false positives. Complications after invasive lung procedures may occur 1 in 5 older adults and rates may be higher for older adults in worse health. Additional harms include anxiety from false-positive results, frequent need for follow up, repeat imaging, financial strain, and radiation exposure. Recommendation: the ACS and USPSTF recommend annual low-dose CT Scans for lung cancer screening in adults 55 to 74 yrs old (or upto 80 in USPSTF guidelines) who have a 30- pack- year history and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. Prostate Cancer Screening: the USPSTF and American Cancer Society recommend that men age 55 to 69 make an individualized decision about PSA screening after discussion with a clinician and consideration of life expectancy (typically greater than 10-15 yrs), and recommend against screening in men older than 70 yrs old. Treatments for many asymptomatic chronic medical conditions impose immediate risks and burdens on patients with the promise of delayed benefits. IMMUNIZATIONS In contrast to screening interventions the risks associated with immunizations are much lower than the benefits. Thus targeting is less important and nearly all older adults should receive the pneumococcal vaccination, annual influenza vaccination, and zoster vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccination: the US Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all older adults older than age 65 sequentially receive both the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV 13) followed in 6 to 12 months by the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV 23). Influenza vaccination; its recommended for all persons older than 6 months. There is some evidence that a high dose influenza vaccine may be more effective in eliciting immunogenic response in adults older than age 65. Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis: The ACIP recommends that all adults receive Td (Tetanus/Diptheria) or Tdap booster every 10 years. In addition adults older than age 65 should receive a one time dose of Tdap (tetanus/diptheria/acellular pertussis) if they have not received pertussis revaccination after age 19 in lieu of Td vaccination. Zoster vaccination: the ACIP recommends 2- dose RZV Vaccination for adults age 50 and older, including those who have previously received the ZVL vaccination. The ZVL remains a recommended vaccine in adults age 60 or older. Behaviours to maintain health Like immunization, healthy behaviors have few, if any, adverse outcomes, meaning that they can be recommended to nearly all older adults. However unlike immunizations which are initiated and provided by the healthcare system, healthy behaviors require a personal commitment from individual patients. Nutrition counselling : Screening tools or questions: mini nutritional assessment; malnutrition screening tool; food insecurity screens Intervention: healthy diet counselling, including the Mediterranean diet when appropriate. Prevention of malnutrition can include addressing polypharmacy, dental health, food insecurity, depression, reducing mealtime isolation, and avoiding restrictive diets when not needed. Physical activity: Screening tools: frequency of walking, light sports or recreational activity, stretching or balance activities, and housework. Frequency of sedentary behaviour. Intervention: 30-min or more of moderate-intensity exercise 5 d a week. Flexibility, stretching, and balance exercise can complement strength and endurance training. Provide individualized guidance for older adults with pain, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or at risk of falling. Consider starting with light-intensity, low impact physical activity if needed. Social connection: Screening tools: abbreviated Berkman-Syme social network index; UCLA 3-item loneliness questionnaire; frequency of engagement in community activities; availability of friends, relatives and children. Intervention: ask if individuals like more social contact, what types of contact they prefer and connect individuals to community programs. Identify and address barriers to interacting with others such as hearing impairment, functional impairment, or cognitive impairment. Depression: Screening tools: Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item or 9-item screen (PHQ-2 or PHQ-9) Intervention: further assessment of older adults screening positive for depression to ensure accurate diagnoses, effective treatment and follow up. Dr Murassa Shamshad is a Geriatrician in the Department of Health Kashmir

Conversation Every Family Should Have

At present, I am caring for several frail, bedridden older adults through home-based care. Some have advanced dementia. Others have end-stage heart failure, stroke, advanced cancer or multiple organ dysfunction. They are receiving everything modern medicine recommendsappropriate investigations, evidence-based medicines, nutritional support, wound care, pain control, physiotherapy, caregiver education and regular monitoring. Yet their illnesses continue to progress. This is not a failure of medicine. It is the natural course of many diseases. Unfortunately, many families struggle to accept this reality. Perhaps nowhere is this more visible than in Kashmir. THE QUESTION NOBODY WANTS TO ASK Families often ask: Doctor, what else can we do? Sometimes they are not asking for treatment. They are asking for hope. Medicine should always offer hope. But hope changes. In the beginning, hope means cure. Later it becomes control of disease. Eventually, for some patients, hope becomes comfort, dignity and freedom from suffering. Understanding when hope changes is one of the hardest lessons in medicine. We are taught to fight disease. But not every battle can be won. Modern medicine has transformed countless lives. Heart attacks can be opened with angioplasty. Many cancers can be cured. Hip fractures can be replaced. Kidneys can be supported with dialysis. But medicine also has boundaries. A 92-year-old with advanced dementia, severe frailty, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, kidney failure and severe malnutrition is very different from a healthy 65-year-old with early-stage cancer. Their biological reserves are not the same. Their ability to recover is not the same. Treating both patients identically would actually be poor medical practice. ONE SHOE NEVER FITS EVERY PATIENT People often compare treatment between relatives. Our neighbour underwent surgery. My uncle received chemotherapy. Someone survived after being flown to Delhi. These comparisons are understandablebut medically misleading. Treatment is never based on disease alone. It is based on the whole person. Doctors consider: Agebut more importantly, biological age. Frailty. Functional status. Nutrition. Memory and cognition. Heart, lung and kidney reserve. Quality of life. Patient wishes. Expected benefit versus expected harm. A treatment that saves one patient may seriously harm another. Evidence-based medicine is not about doing everything. It is about doing the right thing for the right patient at the right time. THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF ILLNESSES This is something every family should understand. Curable Illnesses Can be treated and cured. Examples: Pneumonia, urinary tract infection, tuberculosis (with treatment), appendicitis, cataract. Chronic but Controllable Illnesses Cannot be cured but can be managed for many years. Examples: Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, chronic kidney disease (early stages), hypothyroidism. Advanced or Life-Limiting Illnesses Treatments no longer change the course of the illness. The focus shifts to comfort, dignity, and symptom control (palliative care). Examples: Advanced cancer, end-stage heart failure, advanced COPD, end-stage kidney disease (not on dialysis), advanced dementia, motor neuron disease (ALS). Knowing which category a patient belongs to helps families make wiser decisions. It also prevents unnecessary suffering. THE PRESSURE MANY KASHMIRI FAMILIES FACE In Kashmir, another challenge influences medical decisions. Families often fear society more than disease. If an elderly parent dies at home, relatives sometimes ask: Why wasnt he/she taken outside?. Why didnt you spend more?. Could Delhi have saved him?. Why wasnt he admitted to another hospital? Suddenly, grief becomes mixed with guilt. Children feel compelled to pursue every possible interventionnot always because medicine recommends it, but because society expects it. Many families travel hundreds of kilometres. Some spend their lifes savings. Some sell land. Others borrow heavily. Occasionally, these journeys save lives. But sometimes they only prolong suffering during the final days. Medicine should never become a competition to prove how much money was spent. Love cannot be measured by hospital bills. Nor by the number of referrals.Nor by the distance travelled. Sometimes the greatest act of love is ensuring that a parent is comfortable, pain-free and surrounded by family. MORE TREATMENT DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN BETTER TREATMENT Many people assume that aggressive treatment is always superior. It is not. Every intervention has benefits. Every intervention has burdens. A frail elderly patient may not survive major surgery. Chemotherapy may reduce quality of life more than it prolongs survival. Repeated ICU admissions may increase suffering without changing the final outcome. Ventilators can support breathing. They cannot reverse advanced dementia. Dialysis can replace kidney function. It cannot restore a body that has become too frail to recover. The question should never be: Can this treatment be done? The better question is: Should this treatment be done for this patient? That is the essence of good medical practice. What is advance care planning? Advance care planning simply means discussing future healthcare before a crisis occurs. It includes conversations such as: What matters most to the patient? What quality of life would they consider acceptable? Who should make decisions if they lose capacity? Which treatments would genuinely help? Which treatments would only prolong suffering? In many countries, these wishes are documented formally. India is gradually moving in this direction. Legal recognition of advance directives has evolved through Supreme Court judgments, but formal advance care planning is still uncommon in everyday clinical practice. Most decisions continue to be made collectively by families and treating doctors. Our culture is deeply family-centred. That is one of our strengths. But families also need honest, compassionate conversations before emergencies arise. CHOOSING COMFORT IS NOT GIVING UP One of the biggest misunderstandings is that palliative care means stopping treatment. It does not. Palliative care continues treatment. It simply changes the goal. Pain is treated. Breathlessness is treated. Anxiety is treated. Pressure sores are prevented. Nutrition is supported where appropriate. Caregivers receive guidance. Symptoms are controlled. Dignity becomes the priority. Comfort care is active care. It is not abandonment. WHAT FAMILIES NEED MOST Families rarely need miracles. They need clarity. They need doctors who explain honestly. They need reassurance that they are not abandoning their loved one. They need permission to choose comfort when cure is no longer possible. Above all, they need freedom from unnecessary guilt. No doctor can promise immortality. No hospital can stop ageing. No amount of money can defeat every disease. But every patient deserves respect. Every patient deserves relief from suffering. Every patient deserves dignity. Perhaps that is the most important treatment medicine can still offer when cure is no longer possible. Because in the final chapter of life, success is not always measured by how long someone lived. Sometimes it is measured by how peacefully they lived until the very end.

The Cost of Asymmetry and the Case for Completion

THE NAVIGATIONAL AND FISHERIES TOLL The consequences of the Tulbul suspension were tangible and immediate. Without the project, the Jhelum remains a seasonal waterway. The timber trade, which once moved substantially by water, has migrated to roads, raising freight costs and accelerating highway wear. Local boatmen who once supplemented agricultural incomes through cargo and passenger services have lost that livelihood entirely. The fisheries toll is equally grave. Wular Lake sustains one of South Asias most significant inland fisheries, its ecological health directly tied to regulated inflow and outflow. Without that regulation, post-monsoon discharge drains the lake precipitously, leaving water depths far below what optimal fish production requires. Annual fish output has collapsed from over 10,500 tonnes to barely 1,500 tonnes; lotus harvests have similarly declined. Tens of thousands of fishing families across Bandipora and Baramulla districts have lost their primary livelihoods, a loss that ripples outward, suppressing community investment in tourism infrastructure such as boardwalks and vantage points, and stalling broader economic growth across north Kashmir. TOURISM Unregulated winter water levels, which become too shallow between October and February, have made river navigation unreliable, effectively killing the revival of scenic boat tourism along the Jhelum between Srinagar and Wular, a historic corridor whose natural beauty rivals the celebrated waterways of Europe. Wular Lake itself, once central to Kashmirs ecotourism offer, has shrunk from over 200 sq km historically to roughly 80 sq km today under the combined pressure of siltation, weed proliferation, and encroachment, which otherwise could have been moderated by regulated hydrology. Kayaking on the upper Jhelum reaches near Verinag has been similarly curtailed. The economic potential of this corridor, including birdwatching, heritage boat tours, and adventure sports, remains locked and unrealised. THE ASYMMETRY OF COSTS The deeper inequity lies in who bears the cost of the stalemate. The commissioning of the Mangla Dam downstream altered the natural hydrological and ecological dynamics of the Jhelum system. Pakistan has no navigational, fisheries, or livelihood interest in the Jhelum at the reach downstream of Wular; its objections are theoretical and strategic. Indian technical experts have consistently argued and shown that the impoundment is minimal and the project falls squarely within Treaty limits. Yet, Pakistan has refused to budge. India is made to pay a totally avoidable price through stunted infrastructure and forgone opportunity. A valley whose primary economic assets are its landscapes, waterways, and natural abundance has been denied the basic water management tools those assets require. Had the Tulbul Project been completed, it would have cost a fraction of what has since been spent on road infrastructure built to compensate for the loss of navigable waterways. The Dal Lake restoration programme alone has absorbed thousands of crores over three decades with limited success, partly because the hydrological levers that would make restoration durable remain out of reach. THE CASE FOR REVIVAL The Tulbul suspension stands as the most brazen instance of Pakistans systematic misuse of the Indus Waters Treaty to obstruct legitimate Indian development. For nearly four decades, Pakistan has exploited this unresolved matter as a diplomatic instrument by blocking Treaty mandated negotiations, conflating the issue with the broader Jammu & Kashmir issue and ensuring that vital infrastructure for a landlocked, economically marginal region remains permanently frozen. The case for completing the project has not weakened with time but grown stronger. Completion would restore year-round navigability along the Jhelum, revitalise agriculture and horticulture transport, stimulate water-based tourism, and deliver meaningful flood moderation for vulnerable towns like Sopore. Regulated flows would also firm up downstream hydroelectric output. The Navigation Project at Wulars outlet was conceived as a modest structure to meet genuine and addressable needs. The Tulbul case stands as a clear illustration of why Indias decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance was a measured correction. Pradeep Kumar Saxena, Former Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters.

Environmental Necessity, Economic Opportunity

Waste is often seen as a problem, but science has transformed it into one of the worlds greatest business opportunities. Every day, thousands of tonnes of municipal, commercial, agricultural and industrial waste are generated across India, including Jammu & Kashmir. Much of this waste is dumped in open landfills, causing pollution, unpleasant odours, health hazards and environmental degradation. However, with modern waste recycling technologies, this same waste can be converted into valuable products, creating employment, generating income and protecting the environment. Waste recycling is not merely a sanitation activity; it is a scientific process that converts discarded materials into useful products through segregation, processing and value addition. Countries such as Germany, Japan, Sweden and South Korea have demonstrated that recycling can become a major contributor to economic growth. India is also moving steadily in this direction, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups and unemployed youth. For Jammu & Kashmir, scientific waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. A striking example is the Achan landfill on EidgahAli Jan Road in Srinagar, where a large portion of the citys municipal waste is dumped. Over the years, the accumulation of untreated waste has created serious environmental concerns. Particularly worrying is its proximity to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), one of the premier healthcare institutions of Jammu & Kashmir. The unpleasant smell from the landfill is often reported to reach areas around the hospital, creating an unhealthy environment near a centre dedicated to patient care. This situation deserves immediate scientific attention. Instead of depending mainly on dumping waste, the site should be scientifically evaluated by experts in waste management, environmental engineering, public health and urban planning. The Government could constitute a multidisciplinary committee to study the issue and prepare a comprehensive roadmap based on modern technologies such as waste segregation at source, recycling plants, composting, biomethanation, scientific landfill management and resource recovery. Solving the Achan landfill problem can become a model for modern waste management across Jammu & Kashmir. Modern waste recycling begins with scientific segregation of waste into different categories such as plastics, paper, cardboard, glass, metals, organic waste, textiles and electronic waste. Each category is then processed using appropriate technologies. Plastics are cleaned, shredded and converted into granules for manufacturing new products. Paper is recycled into cartons, notebooks and packaging materials. Metals are melted and reused by industries. Organic waste is converted into compost or biogas, while electronic waste is scientifically dismantled to recover valuable metals and reusable components. What was once considered useless garbage becomes a valuable raw material for industry. Establishing a recycling unit is no longer beyond the reach of ordinary entrepreneurs. A medium-sized Material Recovery Facility capable of processing about 8 to 10 tonnes of waste per day can be established on about half to one acre of land. The project requires a covered shed, sorting platforms, conveyor belts, shredding and baling machines, weighing systems, storage facilities and transport vehicles. The estimated investment for such a project ranges from approximately Rs 1crore to Rs1.5 crore, including machinery, civil works and working capital. Financial assistance can be obtained through bank loans, MSME schemes, startup programmes, government subsidies and public-private partnerships. One of the greatest strengths of waste recycling is its tremendous potential to generate employment. A single medium-sized recycling unit can directly employ about 25 to 40 people, including engineers, supervisors, machine operators, electricians, drivers, accountants, office staff and waste-sorting workers. Many more jobs are created indirectly in waste collection, transportation, equipment maintenance, packaging, manufacturing and marketing. Thus, one recycling plant can support the livelihoods of many families. For unemployed youth, waste recycling offers an excellent opportunity to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. A group of young people can establish a recycling enterprise through a cooperative, startup or partnership. Municipal bodies, hotels, hospitals, markets, educational institutions and industries generate recyclable waste every day, ensuring a continuous supply of raw material. Unlike many manufacturing industries, where expensive raw materials have to be purchased, recycling industries convert waste into wealth, making the business economically attractive. The financial prospects are encouraging. A medium-sized recycling plant processing around 300 tonnes of waste every month can generate a monthly turnover of approximately Rs15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. After meeting expenses on salaries, electricity, transport, fuel, maintenance and administration, the enterprise can earn a net monthly profit of about Rs 3 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, depending on the quality of segregation and market demand for recycled products. As the business expands into manufacturing value-added products from recycled materials, profitability can increase even further. The benefits of waste recycling extend far beyond financial returns. Recycling reduces pollution, conserves natural resources, saves energy, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and decreases the burden on landfills. It also improves public health, keeps cities cleaner and supports the principles of a circular economy, where materials are reused instead of being discarded. Every tonne of waste recycled means less pollution and more resources conserved for future generations. No single technology can solve the municipal solid waste problem. The most successful states use an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) approach, combining segregation, recycling, composting, biomethanation, RDF, Waste-to-Energy, and scientific landfilling according to the composition of the waste. This integrated model can also be adapted for Jammu & Kashmir, where biodegradable waste, horticultural residues, plastic waste, and tourism-generated waste require different treatment technologies rather than relying solely on landfills. Government departments, municipal bodies, universities, science and technology institutions and financial institutions can play a vital role by establishing demonstration recycling plants, providing technical training, supporting startups and facilitating access to finance. Demonstration projects will build public confidence, showcase the economic viability of recycling technologies and encourage private investment across the Union Territory. Science and technology should not remain confined to laboratories; they must improve the lives of ordinary people. Waste recycling is one of the finest examples of how scientific innovation can solve environmental problems while simultaneously creating employment and generating wealth. If adopted on a large scale, it can transform waste from an environmental burden into an economic asset. The future belongs to societies that treat waste as a valuable resource rather than a problem. By embracing scientific waste recycling technologies, Jammu & Kashmir can build cleaner cities, healthier communities, thriving industries and thousands of new employment opportunities for its youth. What we throw away today can become the foundation of tomorrows green economy. The need of the hour is to replace the culture of dumping with a culture of recycling, innovation and sustainable development. The challenge of waste management cannot be addressed by a single department working in isolation. It requires a coordinated and integrated approach. If the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Rural Development, Science and Technology, Industries and Commerce, Urban Local Bodies and Municipal Corporations, along with financial institutions and private entrepreneurs, come together to formulate a comprehensive roadmap for scientific waste management, Jammu & Kashmir can transform this challenge into a major development opportunity. Such a collaborative initiative would not only reduce the growing problem of garbage dumping and improve environmental and public health, but also promote recycling industries, encourage innovation, support startups, and create thousands of employment opportunities for the youth of the Union Territory. With proper planning, policy support and scientific intervention, waste can become a valuable resource that contributes to both economic growth and sustainable development. Dr Nasir Shah, Former Additional Director JKSTIC, DST, has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation, and educational awareness across J&K.

Beyond the prevalent

NEET results were recently out and as a customary practice we had stories of toppers flashing all over. Mainstream media covers it in that usual format of toppers pics, their routine quotes, and some statistics. Social media, however, is a different creature. It creates not just a spectacle, it makes it hilarious at times. Garlanded students, joyous parents, excited neighbourhood, and a person with a mic saying anything that comes to his mind. Things could come to such a pass, who could have imagined sometime back. Anyways, these are the times we, as a society, start thinking about what standards of success and failure we are setting before our children. How, by squeezing everything to just an exam or two, we are creating a small class of successful within a large pool of failures. This is simply disastrous for us. This is not to rob those who cracked any competitive examination off the credit that is due to them. It is only to underline the importance of diversification and variety in the aptitudes and professional options of our children. Before we judge our children, as failure or success, we must ask ourselves what we are doing to their futures. Our education system should also take a deep review and restructure exams that take most of the energy in terms of student hard-work, parent anxiety and overall investment. Behind one success in a competitive exam there are hundreds, if not thousands, of devastations. Parents sell their belongings to send their children to coaching centres in the hope that they might crack the exam. This kind of a competitive atmosphere has serious consequences for societal health. Further, we need to present a variety of career paths to our children and match them with their natural aptitude. This world is not made for only a few professions. It is diverse and anyone can excel anywhere. If a better understanding, and corresponding education, is ensured we can have our students making it to greatly rewarding positions. And without anyone even knowing about it, not to speak about creating a drama on social media.

Secretariat waterlogging a matter of shame: CM Omar

Srinagar, Jul 21:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday questioned the utilisation of funds under the Srinagar Smart City project, saying that barring the footpath along the Jhelum, it was necessary to ask where the rest of the money had been spent. He also announced that the government would conduct a third-party audit of the project to assess whether it had achieved its intended objectives. Responding to questions from reporters about waterlogging in Srinagar, CM Omar said the present government had inherited only the remaining 10 percent of the Smart City project. Those who implemented the Smart City project left the remaining 10 percent for us to complete. Whenever you get an opportunity, ask those people where the Smart City money went. Apart from the footpath they beautified along the Jhelum, where has the rest of the Smart City money gone? he said. The CM said the Cabinet had already taken up the issue at its previous meeting after noting a mismatch between the objectives of the Smart City project and its performance on the ground. In the last Cabinet meeting, keeping in view the difference between what the Smart City project was meant to achieve and what it has actually delivered, the Cabinet decided that a third-party audit of the Smart City project should be conducted to assess its effectiveness, he said. However, CM Omar said the formal order for the audit had not yet been issued. But the order for that third-party audit, which should have been issued by now, has still not been issued, he said. On waterlogging, the CM said the government was deploying all available resources to improve Srinagars drainage network but acknowledged that the problem had been neglected for years and could not be resolved overnight. We are using all the resources at our disposal to improve the drainage system in Srinagar. But this is an old problem. Those who were in power earlier did not even attempt to rectify it. We cannot solve such a long-standing issue overnight, he said. Expressing regret over the extent of flooding, the CM said it was particularly alarming that the Civil Secretariat itself had been inundated. I am deeply saddened by this. You are talking about other places, but for us it is a matter of shame that the Secretariat itself was flooded. The ground floor of the Secretariat was under water. That is no ordinary matter, he said. Referring to widespread waterlogging on city roads, CM Omar said the flooding of the Secretariat was a far more serious concern. You are talking about roads where people expect to see water during heavy rains. But one foot of water inside the ground floor of the Secretariat is something that simply cannot be accepted, he said. The CM said that once the weather improved, the government would order an inquiry to determine responsibility and identify the action required. After the weather improves, we will conduct an inquiry into the entire matter. We will determine what kind of action needs to be taken, whether any selective action is required and who should be held accountable, he said. CM Omar also assured relief to the affected people, saying the government would first assess the losses suffered by residents and then provide compensation in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. The losses suffered by all affected people will be assessed. Thereafter, whatever relief and compensation can be provided under the existing government guidelines will be extended to them, he said.

Statehood protest can be paused to rebuild lives of calamities-hit people: LOP to NC Govt

Jammu, Jul 21:Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday, in a sharp dig at the government led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accused it of preferring political theatrics over concern for suffering humanity. LoP Sunil Sharma, while addressing a press conference at the party headquarter in Jammu, asserted that the statehood protests could be paused as the people devastated by natural calamities could not be allowed to wait as they needed immediate succour. One can wait for statehood. It can come later. The protest theatrics for statehood can be performed later. People are confronting devastation of an unprecedented scale. The government needs to be visible on the ground and the Chief Minister, handling crucial departments, should stand in proactive mode with people during their hour of crisis, he said and asked the government to suspend its political activities and focus on relief and rehabilitation in the natural calamities-hit people in Poonch, Rajouri and other areas of the Union Territory. In the same breath, he maintained that the events of July 20 laid bare the stark moral and operational bankruptcy of the National Conference (NC) leadership and the Omar Abdullah-led administration. LoP was joined by MLA Jammu North and former minister Sham Sharma; J&K BJP vice president and former MLC Shehnaz Ganie; MLA Mohan Lal (MLA); J&K BJP general secretary Gopal Mahajan and J&K BJP spokesperson Zorawar Singh in the presser. Sunil Sharma, in response to a question, stated that it would be unfortunate if the statehood (issue) would again be taken as a pretext by the government to hide its failure in relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by natural calamities in Jammu region. Nothing would be more preposterous if the government deliberately tried to link statehood with the relief and rehabilitation works in the aftermath of natural calamities. We would need to introspect and awaken our conscience if anyone (government) indulged in trading deaths and destruction with the bogey of statehood, which was already promised by the Prime Minister of India and the Union Home Minister on the floor of Parliament, he responded. LoP said it was very unfortunate to see the absence of government among the people, battling the fury of nature. The governments presence and response have failed to meet the expectations of the affected families. BJP tried to reach every family and person. We urge the government also to stand with the people in their hour of crisis and provide them with required succour, he alleged. Sunil Sharma asserted that it was not the right time to indulge in politics but to focus on relief efforts. BJP leaders demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation for those who lost their lives in cloudburst and flash floods besides 6 months ration, immediate rehabilitation of rain affected families, re-establishment of damaged religious institutions and temporary houses for those families living in slum areas of district Rajouri who lost everything including utensils and clothes in flash floods. They also demanded similar compensation and relief to those who lost their lives in shooting stones in RaggiNullah in Doda district and structures damaged in KyarDachhan belt of Kishtwar district. This is no time for politics. Rising above the politics, all the political parties and individuals need to work with urgency and ensure that all possible help reaches the affected families without delay. All of us need to help the affected rebuild their lives. If the government becomes visible on the ground at this hour of crisis, we (BJP), too, as a responsible party, assure our full support to it (government) and the administration in relief and rehabilitation works. But the government should be visible first on the ground, LoP stated. He clarified that the party did not want to politicise the issue. But at the same time, we cannot act as a silent spectator to the suffering of people, devastated by a spate of natural calamities. The peoples aspirations and expectations are linked to us (BJP) as well. We are expected to raise their voice and act as a responsible, proactive opposition party a role granted by people, LoP said. Sunil Sharma said, As our primary responsibility, BJP tried to reach the affected people. We decided to visit natural calamities-hit Poonch, Rajouri to be with our people in crisis, after postponing our Secretariat Chalo march in Srinagar to highlight very significant issues confronting people of J&K. Around 27-28 people lost their lives in flash-floods, landslides in the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch, besides three lives were lost in Ragginullah mudslide incident in Doda district as well, he said, adding that Bhalessa, Marwah-Warwan and in Kyar area of Dachchan too were hit by similar incidents of flash-floods. Though there was no loss of life there yet the situation was worrisome, he said. With regard to the party's postponed Secretariat march, Sunil Sharma said, It was to raise voice against rising corruption and outsourcing of jobs ruining J&K youths future. We are not against outsourcing of jobs but our concern is that the job recruitment mechanism is not fixed and thus favouritism is ruling the roost. Similarly, the people of J&K had been waiting for the conduct of Panchayat polls to strengthen democracy at the grassroot level, but the Chief Minister, in sheer arrogance, declared that the conduct of Panchayat polls would be as per his whims. It simply meant that Panchayat elections would not be held in the near future. BJP wanted to express its resentment and raise peoples voice on these issues through a protest march in Srinagar on July 20, LoP explained. However, he said, the party postponed its march in the wake of devastation on account of natural calamities during the intervening night of July 18 and 19 in Surankote, proper Poonch and other areas of the district and Rajouri, claiming around two dozen lives. He said that in tandem with the responsibility of any political party in such a crisis situation to stand by the people, BJP decided that its protest march could wait, but a party delegation should visit the affected areas immediately. LoP Sunil Sharma maintained that the aim of the visit was to listen to the concerns of the affected people, understand the challenges being faced by them and conduct a detailed review of the situation on the ground. He further stressed that the concerns of the people of Poonch and Rajouri must be addressed on priority and every possible effort should be made for their recovery and rehabilitation. Launching a verbal offensive against the Chief Minister, the Leader of Opposition said that as the head of the government, Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs foremost responsibility was to remain in Jammu and Kashmir, personally monitor rescue and relief operations and ensure that all available resources were mobilised to save lives and assist the affected families. But he (CM) along with his party leadership preferred to indulge in political theatrics in New Delhi while Jammu and Kashmir was grappling with one of the worst rain-related tragedies in recent years. The National Conference chose politics over humanity by organising and participating in a protest in the national capital at a time when flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides had claimed several lives across the Union Territory, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri districts, he alleged. Even today, several bodies remain buried under debris in the flood-ravaged areas of Poonch and Rajouri, but the ruling party appears more interested in political optics than addressing the humanitarian crisis, LoP further claimed. Taking strong exception to photographs of the Chief Minister circulating on social media during the Delhi protest, Sunil Sharma alleged that he (CM) was busy posing for photographs with his sons and sharing images of travelling in an e-auto while people in Jammu and Kashmir were battling unprecedented devastation. It is unfortunate that at a time when families are searching for their missing loved ones and rescue teams are risking their lives to retrieve bodies from the debris, the Chief Minister is engaged in what has become a Delhi picnic and photo session, he maintained. LoP informed that following news of another cloud burst in Loran Mandi on Monday, a team headed by former party president Ravinder Raina rushed to that affected belt to meet affected families and take stock of the situation so that immediate relief could be provided at party level. With regard to the BJP delegations extensive tour of the flood-hit areas in Poonch and Rajouri, he stated that the scale of destruction was enormous and many affected families were still awaiting immediate assistance. He said the administration should be focusing entirely on relief, rehabilitation and restoring normalcy instead of pursuing political programmes outside the Union Territory. The BJP leaders also informed that party leaders and workers of all flood affected districts were preparing a comprehensive report of losses including that of residential and commercial, crops, livestock, agriculture land. The report would be submitted to top party leadership to further take up with the UT as well as central government.

2581 drug traffickers arrested, 1431 kg narcotics seized in 100 days: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Jul 21:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said 2581 drug traffickers had been arrested, nearly 1431 kg of narcotics, including 23.29 kg of heroin seized, and assets worth over Rs 188.89 crore confiscated during the first 100 days of the drug-free J&K campaign. Addressing an event organised by the Department of Social Welfare to mark the completion of 100 days of the campaign, LG Sinha said the government was determined to dismantle drug cartels and narco-terror networks targeting the youth. While this milestone marks significant progress, our mission is far from complete. We are determined to neutralise the drug cartels and narco-terror networks that target our youth, he said. The LG said the administrations priorities included dismantling illicit trafficking networks, strengthening public awareness and providing rehabilitation to help affected people reintegrate into society. The first 100 days of the campaign laid the foundation for the rigorous path ahead. The road ahead will certainly be tough, but our resolve to completely wipe out narco-terrorism is stronger than ever, he said. LG Sinha said he had travelled across all regions of J&K during the campaign, connecting with communities in all 20 districts through Padyatras. He said the campaign had witnessed unprecedented public support, adding that the Padyatras had sent a strong message that the youth and future of J&K would not be allowed to be stolen. Over the past 100 days, we backed that resolve with decisive action. By revoking hundreds of driving licences and vehicle registrations, recommending suspension of hundreds of passports and taking action against non-compliant pharmacies, we have sent a clear message that no offender is above the law, the LG said. He said thousands of young people had received treatment and were rebuilding their lives in the mainstream. LG Sinha said rehabilitation transformed lives, restored families and secured the future, announcing that the administration would soon launch the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The scheme will initially be piloted in two sensitive districts, one each from the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, he said. The LG said the initiative would follow a structured three-year cycle, with medical care and therapy in the first phase, education and employment in the second, and long-term relapse prevention and community support in the third phase. The past 100 days have awakened a new consciousness among the people of Jammu Kashmir, and with their cooperation narco-terrorists will be wiped out and their networks dismantled link by link, he said. LG Sinha warned drug traffickers of stringent action, saying those responsible for ruining the future of young people would face severe punishment. My message is absolutely clear: if you ruin others lives, the law will not spare your future either, he said. Calling for greater community participation, the LG urged citizens to report drug-related activities and support those affected by addiction. If someone in your community is suffering, dont walk away. Guide them towards treatment, support their recovery and help them start afresh, he said, stressing that young people trapped by addiction needed support rather than ostracism. LG Sinha said the government was working to establish more rehabilitation centres, strengthen counselling services and provide skill development and employment opportunities to youth who complete rehabilitation. He appealed to young people not to sacrifice their dreams to drugs and urged parents to remain alert to signs of drug use among their children. We must remember that seeking help in time is wisdom. History bears witness that whether it was terrorism or narco-terror, silence has caused the greatest harm to society. So, break the silence and spread awareness so we can save millions of lives, the LG said. He also urged teachers and religious and social leaders to sustain the momentum of the campaign and help create awareness among youth about the harmful effects of drugs. Let us pledge to dismantle every drug cartel that spreads poison in society and together create a Jammu Kashmir that is drug-free, terror-free and full of hope, development and trust, LG Sinha said. He thanked the civil administration, police, law enforcement and security agencies, volunteers, social and religious organisations, youth and Nari Shakti and other stakeholders for their contribution to the campaign. The LG felicitated outstanding performers and released a DIPR-compiled coffee table book highlighting the impact of the NashaMukt Jammu Kashmir campaign. The event featured a documentary screening by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), a short skit by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), and presentations by J&K Police and the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), J&K Chapter. A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of those who lost their lives in recent natural calamities in J&K. Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination PHQ S J M Gillani, Principal Secretary Home Chanderkar Bharti, Principal Secretary to the LG Mandeep K Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare SarmadHafeez, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, public representatives, heads of educational institutions, senior officials, civil society members, representatives of social organisations, prominent citizens and youth attended the ceremony in person and virtually.

Traffic disrupted on Srinagar-Jammu NH

Ramban, Jul 21:Heavy rainfall continued to batter parts of Udhampur and Ramban districts on Tuesday, triggering mudslides, shooting stones, and waterlogging at several vulnerable locations along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, disrupting traffic movement. According to officials, incessant rain triggered mudslides and shooting stones at Sharda Mata Mandir, Tharad, Bali Nallah, and Kheri on the uptube of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, posing risks to commuters. At Tharad, rainwater overflowed the functional single-lane bridge after drains were choked, further hampering traffic movement. As a precautionary measure, traffic was temporarily diverted through the downtube, while the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) deployed men and machinery to clear debris and shooting stones and restore traffic movement. Despite the disruptions, the highway remained open. However, traffic moved slowly along single-lane stretches between Marog and KishtwariPather, while breakdowns of several vehicles at Seri, Nachlana, and other locations led to temporary traffic snarls. Amid the prevailing weather conditions, the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, issued an advisory asking commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and undertake journeys only after confirming the latest road status from Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Jammu, Ramban, and Srinagar or through the official social media platforms of the Traffic Police. The advisory came amid the India Meteorological Departments (IMD) forecast of heavy rainfall across the region over the next few days, raising the possibility of fresh landslides, flash floods, and shooting stones along the highway. To minimise congestion during the ongoing AmarnathYatra, local commuters travelling towards Srinagar have been advised to use the Old Jawahar Tunnel Road instead of the main highway to avoid security screening at Lamber in Banihal. Similarly, commuters travelling from Jammu towards Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, and adjoining areas have been advised to use the Patnitop route to bypass screening at Nashri. Authorities have advised passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators to travel only during daylight hours and avoid night travel, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, where road widening works, landslide-prone stretches, and shooting-stone zones continue to pose risks. Subject to favourable weather and road conditions, LMVs will be allowed to ply from both Jammu and Srinagar, while heavy vehicles will continue to operate on an alternate-day basis under the regulation of the TCUs. Local commuters within J&K will be allowed to travel up to 11:30 pm from Nagrota and Qazigund after verification of valid photo identity cards during the AmarnathYatra period. The Traffic Police also confirmed that the AmarnathYatra would remain suspended until further orders in view of the prevailing weather conditions. Consequently, no vehicle carrying AmarnathYatris will be allowed to proceed towards Srinagar from Jammu, Udhampur or Ramban. Subject to weather conditions, loaded heavy vehicles would be allowed to move from Qazigund towards Jammu, but no heavy vehicle would be permitted to ply after 7 pm. Authorities have also directed empty fuel tankers, empty LPG cylinder carriers, Food Corporation of India (FCI) empty vehicles, and other eligible vehicles carrying perishable goods to use the Mughal Road while returning to Jammu on designated days to reduce congestion on NH-44 during the yatra period. Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic National Highway, Ramban, said late Tuesday evening that the highway remained open for traffic but appealed to commuters and transport operators to confirm the latest road status before undertaking journeys, as weather conditions remained highly unpredictable. The Traffic Police also urged motorists to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, carry sufficient fuel, and avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly along landslide and shooting stone-prone stretches, until weather conditions improve.

Kashmir awaits long-term flood plan 12 years after 2014 deluge

Srinagar, Jul 21:Twelve years after the devastating 2014 floods, Kashmir is still awaiting a comprehensive, long-term flood management plan, even as repeated flooding and flash floods continue to expose vulnerabilities across the Valley.The Flood Control and Irrigation Department, however, says it has put in place all necessary mitigation and preparedness measures to deal with any flood emergency during the ongoing wet spell.The department has strengthened embankments, carried out regular dredging of the Jhelum, reinforced vulnerable stretches, deployed men and machinery, stocked sandbags and activated water-level monitoring systems across Kashmir. Experts and officials, however, say such measures may reduce flood damage but cannot prevent future disasters without scientific management of the Jhelum and its tributaries.Only dredging the Jhelum and strengthening its embankments will not be enough. The government should have put in place a sustainable flood management plan with a dedicated budget for the Jhelum and its tributaries, a senior Flood Control and Irrigation Department official said.He said the plan should include restoration of flood spill channels, scientific management of major tributaries, construction of check dams and detention reservoirs in upper catchments, afforestation and strict regulation of construction along rivers, streams and nallahs. Check dams and small reservoirs slow the flow of water before it reaches the Jhelum. They recharge groundwater, conserve water and reduce soil erosion. Afforestation in upper catchments is equally important because tree roots hold the soil together and reduce erosion during heavy rainfall, he said. The September 2014 floods exposed serious shortcomings in Kashmirs flood management system, causing extensive damage in South Kashmir before submerging Srinagar for over three weeks.Hydrologists had then identified the Veshaw, originating from Kausarnag in Aharbal, Kulgam, as one of the major contributors to the sudden rise in the Jhelum. The Veshaw, one of the rivers largest tributaries, joins the Jhelum at Sangam, where the Rambiara, Romshi and Tongri Nallah also add to the rivers discharge during prolonged rainfall. The Veshaw has the highest discharge among the Jhelums tributaries.The Jhelum is also fed by major streams including the Lidder, Brengi, Aripath, Sandran, Veth-Vethroo, Aripal and Lar in South Kashmir, and Doodhganga, Sukhnag, Ferozpora Nallah and Ninghli Nalla in central and north Kashmir.Officials say effective flood management requires treating the entire river system rather than focusing on the Jhelum alone.Since 2014, repeated floods and flash floods have damaged roads, bridges, irrigation infrastructure, paddy fields, apple orchards and vegetable farms across South Kashmir, particularly in Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama.Though none matched the scale of the 2014 disaster, the floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, farmland and horticulture. Villages and tourist spots along the Veshaw, Lidder and other major tributaries in Kashmir remain vulnerable during prolonged rainfall, another Flood Control and Irrigation Department official said.He said heavy rainfall or cloudbursts between June and September frequently cause these streams to swell before the additional discharge reaches the Jhelum, inundating downstream areas.In low-lying areas, particularly Srinagar city, even a small downpour causes waterlogging every year due to the loss of wetlands and flood channels, an official said.He said natural buffers had disappeared, leaving excess water with limited outlets.The irrigation canals and natural water channels that once carried away excess water remain choked across the Valley, particularly in cities and towns, due to rapid urbanisation, the official said. Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Committee on Environment and legislator Muhammad YusufTarigami said the lessons of 2014 had still not been translated into a long-term flood management plan. We should have had a sustainable flood management plan long ago. Despite repeated reminders since 2014, successive governments have not even constituted an expert panel to scientifically study flood-prone tributaries such as the Veshaw for proper treatment, Tarigami told Greater Kashmir. He said governments had continued to respond after floods instead of investing in long-term measures to reduce the risk.Chief Engineer, Flood Control and Irrigation Department, Showkat Hussain, acknowledged that a comprehensive flood management programme was still awaited but said all preparedness measures had been put in place. Our Flood Zone Committee is monitoring the situation round the clock. We have adequate sandbags, manpower and machinery to respond to any breach, Hussain said.He said automatic water-level recorders were operational at several places, including Sangam, Awantipora, Pampore, Rambagh, Asham, Bandipora, Wullar, Khudwani and Batkote. Regular dredging since 2014 has improved the Jhelums carrying capacity, while vulnerable embankments have been strengthened across Kashmir, Hussain said.He said several other measures had also been taken in Srinagar to drain excess water from the city.Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic Circle Anantnag, Sareer Ahmad Wani, said engineering measures alone would not prevent floods unless natural waterways were protected. Flood spill channels have narrowed because of encroachments and construction along rivers and nallahs, restricting the natural flow of excess water, Wani said. With every downpour or cloudburst, overflowing nallahs and streams has become common, increasing the risk of flash floods. He said indiscriminate dumping of waste into streams had reduced their carrying capacity, while blocked Jhelum tributaries and water channels were causing recurring waterlogging in several low-lying areas.Wani said low-lying parts of Anantnag town and adjoining localities often witnessed waterlogging even after moderate rainfall because several tributaries, drains and smaller water channels had been choked over the years. The natural flow of water gets disrupted, leading to inundation in the town and its vicinity. Improving drainage, restoring canals and flood spill channels and protecting natural watercourses can significantly reduce the problem, he said. Wani said the Soil and Water Conservation Department was entrusted with constructing small reservoirs in upper catchments to slow runoff and conserve water. An official, however, said such measures needed to be integrated with basin-wide management of the Jhelum and its tributaries to provide lasting protection against floods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shopping complex swept away by floodwaters in Beerwah

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

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

Beerwah's Sukhnag diversion washed away; bridge damaged after flash flood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India Name 20-Member Squad For Hockey World Cup, Harmanpreet Singh To Lead

India finished ninth in the previous edition in 2023 and have not won any medal since claiming their lone title in Kuala Lumpur in 1975.

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

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

The geopolitics of AI: Why WAICO matters

China's formation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization marks a pivotal moment in the global AI landscape, marking the likely beginning of new alignments among nations. Developing countries might lean towards China's affordable open-source AI frameworks, finding them more attractive than their Western counterparts. This could intensify the race for AI supremacy, putting India in a challenging position to reconcile its economic aspirations with the necessity for strategic self-reliance.

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

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

Pak intruder apprehended along IB in Jammu

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

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

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

How Spain built a soccer identity that conquered the world

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andy Burnham sworn in as UK Prime Minister after meeting King Charles

Andy Burnham on Monday became the United Kingdoms 59th Prime Minister after King Charles III formally invited him to form a new government at Buckingham Palace, ending Sir Keir Starmers tenure. Burnham arrived at Buckingham Palace shortly after Starmer formally tendered his resignation to the King. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said, His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration. The Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP accepted The Kings offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. Although the Palace traditionally describes the appointment as kissing hands, the ceremony is understood to have involved a handshake, reports BBC. In his first remarks as Prime Minister, Burnham promised a fresh start for the country. We need to be better, he said, adding that his government would unveil a 10-year plan for Britain later this year, reports BBC. This moment will be a circuit breaker for Britain, Burnham said, announcing that measures to tackle the cost-of-living crisis would begin from Tuesday. He also pledged to end rough sleeping, build more council homes and honour Britains defence commitments. Burnham, the fifth British Prime Minister in four years, is expected to begin appointing his Cabinet later in the day. Earlier, Starmer formally resigned after meeting the King. In his farewell address outside 10 Downing Street, he said he was leaving office with good grace and a smile. With Starmers departure, Britain now has a record nine living former prime ministers: John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. They are expected to appear together at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in London later this year.

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

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

KCCI seeks technical audit of Srinagar drainage network after heavy rains

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

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

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

Recurring waterlogging disrupting trade, KTA seeks drainage overhaul in Srinagar

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

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

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

GCC calls rain disasters as another wakeup warning

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

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

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

Abdullah's dancing to anti-national forces tunes when J&K marooned: Tarun Chugh

BJP National General Secretary, Rajya Sabha MP and J&K BJP Prabhari Tarun Chugh launched a sharp attack on the National Conference government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying that while Jammu & Kashmir is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis caused by cloudbursts and flash floods in Rajouri, Poonch and other parts of the Jammu region, the Chief Minister has chosen Delhi politics over his responsibility towards the people. During a meeting in New Delhi with J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma and Rajya Sabha MP Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, Chugh said that thousands of people have been affected, many families displaced and more than twenty lives lost in the recent disaster. At such a critical time, the foremost duty of the Chief Minister and the National Conference leadership should have been to remain among the affected people, supervise relief and rehabilitation efforts and ensure swift assistance to every family in distress. Chugh said it was deeply unfortunate and shameful that while grieving families struggle to recover from loss and devastation, Omar Abdullah and the entire National Conference leadership are busy participating in political programmes and protests in Delhi. Instead of leading rescue and relief operations, Omar Abdullah has chosen political optics over public duty. At a time when the people needed their Chief Minister on the ground, he abandoned them to pursue the National Conferences political agenda. This reflects administrative failure, misplaced priorities and complete insensitivity towards the suffering of the people, Chugh said. He added that any responsible government would have immediately mobilised the administration, camped in the affected areas, monitored rescue operations and ensured rapid relief and rehabilitation for victims. The National Conference has once again demonstrated that politics matters more to it than the welfare and safety of the people. Governance cannot be replaced by political theatre while citizens suffer, he said. Chugh further said that the National Conference leadership is attempting to divert attention from the immediate concerns of the people and mislead citizens instead of focusing on relief, rehabilitation and restoration of normalcy. He said that at a time when Jammu & Kashmir requires sensitive and accountable leadership, its elected leadership is busy staging political events in the national capital. Highlighting the BJPs response, Chugh said that the party immediately cancelled its proposed protest programme in Srinagar in view of the flood situation so that complete attention could be devoted to relief and rescue efforts. He said that a delegation of senior BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, former J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina, Vice-President Dr. Shehnaz Ganai, General Secretary Gopal Mahajan and others, rushed to the affected areas, assessed the damage, met victims and are ensuring every possible assistance. The BJP believes service to the people comes before politics. While our workers and leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder with flood victims, the National Conference leadership was busy seeking political mileage in Delhi. The people have seen this stark contrast, Chugh said. Chugh also said that recent statements by Omar Abdullah and Dr. Farooq Abdullah make it evident that they are focused on pursuing a political narrative rather than addressing the pressing concerns of the people. He said that in a moment of tragedy, responsible leadership demands presence among the people, not political mobilisation far away from the suffering on the ground. He asserted that the people of J&K will hold the Omar Abdullah government accountable for abandoning them during one of the most difficult moments faced by the Union Territory in recent times.

Mehbooba Mufti discusses outreach with youth PDP leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planet E consultancy launched in Srinagar

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

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

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

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

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

Sarthal Devi Yatra in Kishtwar suspended indefinitely

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

BJP seeks independent probe in sports quota recruitment in J&K

Jammu, Jul 20: The Jammu and Kashmir BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) has demanded a time-bound, independent and in-depth investigation into the working of the Sports Council and entire recruitment process under S O 12 of 2022. J&K BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi and former MLC and J&K BJP spokesperson GirdhariLal Raina, in a joint press conference, said that the Jammu Kashmir government's selection list dated June 10, 2026 for appointment of outstanding sports persons under S O 12 of 2022 triggered unprecedented outrage across the sporting fraternity. They demanded an examination of all amendments to the Rules and the methodology adopted for awarding points; investigation into every allegation of actual or perceived conflict of interest involving officials connected with the recruitment process; identification and fixing of responsibility wherever abuse of authority, procedural irregularity or manipulation was established and a transparent, merit-based sports recruitment policy protecting the interests of athletes across all recognised disciplines while ensuring that public employment remained beyond suspicion. The widespread protests by eminent athletes, sports associations and civil society were not the result of disappointment alone; they reflected a serious crisis of confidence in the fairness, transparency and integrity of the recruitment process, they alleged. BJP spokespersons maintained that the most disturbing feature of the selection was that four of the five gazetted posts had gone to athletes from a Category-B non-Olympic discipline, while several accomplished athletes from internationally recognised Olympic disciplines were either denied gazetted appointments or pushed to lower categories. Such an outcome was extraordinary and deserved the closest public scrutiny, they demanded. The official defence that the selections merely reflect a statutory points-based system raises more questions than it answers. A statutory framework cannot become a shield against scrutiny if there are credible allegations that the framework itself was designed or subsequently modified in a manner that disproportionately benefited a particular discipline, they stated. BJP spokespersons pointed out that serious questions were raised regarding subsequent amendments to the rules, the weightage assigned to various competitions and the inclusion of events which allegedly enabled extraordinarily high point accumulation for athletes of selected disciplines. These issues cannot be brushed aside through routine administrative explanations. Equally serious are allegations of conflict of interest. It has been publicly alleged that certain officials exercising influence over sports administration simultaneously held positions in recognised sports associations connected with the disciplines that ultimately secured a disproportionate share of the highest appointments. Even the appearance of such a conflict undermines public confidence and warrants an independent investigation, they demanded. They stated that under Rule 2(2) of S.O. 12 of 2022, the High-Powered Selection Committee functioned as an institutional body constituted by official positions. However, institutional responsibility does not dilute ministerial accountability. The final recruitment list was approved by the Government before being made public. The Minister for Youth Services and Sports cannot evade responsibility for ensuring that the entire process was transparent, impartial and beyond suspicion, the J&K BJP spokespersons maintained. They asserted that the issue transcended the interests of any individual athlete or any particular sporting discipline. It concerns the credibility of public employment, the future of thousands of young sportspersons and the integrity of sports administration in Jammu & Kashmir. If deserving athletes lose faith in the system, the damage will extend far beyond a single recruitment exercise, they stated. The government owes answers to every athlete who has devoted years of hard work in the service of sport. Administrative denials are no substitute for an independent inquiry. The only way to restore confidence is through complete transparency, impartial investigation and accountability. Nothing less will satisfy the legitimate expectations of the sporting community of Jammu & Kashmir, they said.

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

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