Opinion

Picasso, Omega, Prithvi and Cats: A Mumbai journey through books, unexpected encounters and theatre

A day in Mumbai unfolds through old books at Flora Fountain, an unexpected conversation with a taxi driver about his Omega watch, and theatre experiences at Prithvi and NMACC. From discovering a rare Picasso book to watching Yugant and Cats, the city offers a mix of personal encounters, cultural experiences and reflections on life.

2nd Mohammad Shafi Pandit Memorial Lecture held in Srinagar; Dr S.Y. Quraishi delivers lecture

PM Modi extends best wishes to Indian contingent at Asian Games

New Delhi, Sep 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent competing at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, saying the athletes' hard work and dedication had made the country proud. As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them, PM Modi said in a post on X. May they give their best, play well and shine! he added. The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya on Saturday, with India fielding athletes across multiple disciplines. The Games run till October 4. The next 15 days will see around 11,000 athletes from 45 nations competing in 43 sports, 71 sub-events, and a total of 469 gold medals. Competitions for basketball, football, cricket and some other events have already started.

NIA court rejects joint bail plea of 3 accused in 2022 Jammu terror attack case

Jammu, Sep 19: A special court has rejected a joint bail application of three accused arrested in a case related to an April 2022 terror attack near here ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Samba, citing the gravity of the offences and the material on record. An assistant sub-inspector of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was killed and several security personnel were injured in the attack on their vehicle in the Sunjwan area on the outskirts of Jammu on the intervening night of April 21 and 22, 2022. The two attackers, identified as Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad, were subsequently killed in retaliatory action and a huge quantity of arms and ammunition was seized from them. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing the case. Rejecting the bail applications of the arrested accused -- Shafeeq Ahmad Sheikh, Bilal Ahmad Wagay and Mohd Ishaq Chopan, all residents of south Kashmir -- Special Judge, NIA court, Prem Sagar, observed on September 17 that there was sufficient evidence to presume that the accusations against the accused were prima facie true. The accused had sought bail, citing the delay in trial and their prolonged incarceration, among other grounds. The court said the delay in trial is not good ground, particularly in militancy related cases. In the present case, delay in trial is not attributable to prosecution. Moreover, time and again, it has been held by apex court and different high courts that delay in trial cannot be considered as good ground for granting bail by trial court. Such a plea can only be raised before constitutional court and not before the trial court. So this ground for bail is outrightly rejected, the court said in its 27-page order. It also noted that the trial was already underway and witnesses were being examined. Material available on record indicates the involvement of the applicants in furtherance of conspiracy for unlawful activities, which needs to be corroborated from other relevant witnesses yet to be examined..., the court said. ...in such a scenario, if the applicants are released on bail, there is every likelihood that they will influence the key witnesses of the case which might hamper the process of justice, it said. The trio are accused of receiving infiltrated terrorists in Samba district, transporting them to Jammu city and arranging safe shelter for them. They are also accused of providing similar assistance to other groups of terrorists in the past and facilitating their movement to the valley. In the present case, the applicants are facing trial for alleged commission of offences as being part of a criminal conspiracy to commit serious offences like in present case, which is punishable with death or imprisonment, the court said. The court accordingly rejected the joint bail application of the three accused, keeping in view the nature and gravity of the offences and the larger interest of the State and Union territory.

S.Y. Qureshi calls for full powers for J&K government and restoration of statehood | GKTV interview

NC calls legislature party meeting tomorrow in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 19: The ruling National Conference has convened a meeting of its legislature party on Sunday afternoon to devise a strategy to counter the opposition during the upcoming autumn session starting September 21. As per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), the NC has called a meeting of its legislators and Independent members supporting the Government tomorrow at 4:30 PM at the Banquet Hall, Srinagar. The meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, in the presence of Omar Abdullah, Leader of the Legislature Party and Chief Minister of J&K. The party has directed all MLAs to attend the meeting.

Falak Shabir inspires Kashmirs girls to pursue passion, empowerment and success | GKTV

If everything needs statehood, why are we in government?: Sunil Sharma

Srinagar, Sep 19: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma on Saturday questioned the Omar Abdullah-led government over what he described as its repeated use of statehood as a response to basic public grievances, asking why the government was in office if it lacked the authority to address routine issues. Addressing a public interaction programme in Srinagar, Sharma said people were approaching the government with problems related to water, electricity, roads, schools, hospitals and jobs but were repeatedly being told that the administration lacked the required powers. For every issue, whether small or big, the only answer that comes from the government and government machinery is that we have no powers, Sharma said. He said the elected government had completed two years but people were still facing frustration and confusion. The popular government has completed two years, and throughout these two years, we have brought the poor people to a position of frustration and confusion, he said. Sharma said the Opposition had a responsibility to engage with people when the government failed to address their concerns. He said his party's legislative group would take up issues raised by people in the upcoming Assembly session and also pursue matters requiring intervention from the Centre. He, however, questioned the government's explanation that several problems could not be addressed because Jammu and Kashmir had not yet regained statehood. Where pipes had to be connected, where poles and wires were required, where schools needed staff, where hospitals needed doctors and paramedics, where potholes on roads had to be filled, for every issue the same answer was received statehood is not there, he said. Sharma then questioned the purpose of the elected government and the Assembly if statehood was being cited as the answer to basic administrative problems. If at the end of two years we say that we need statehood even to install poles, wires and pipes, and we need statehood even to provide staff, then why are we in government? Why are we in the Assembly? he asked. He went further and said the government should consider dissolving the present arrangement rather than continue for the full five-year term if it believed it could not function without statehood. If after two years we still have the same answer, I feel that after five years the same answer will be repeated, Sharma said. He said unemployment, particularly among young people, would be among the major issues for the Opposition during the upcoming Assembly session. Referring to data presented during the interaction, he said people aged between 19 and 29 accounted for more than 32% of Jammu and Kashmir's population. This section is the largest in Jammu and Kashmir's population and is currently under stress and depression, Sharma said, arguing that many young people had no income to support their parents, pay for siblings' education or meet family responsibilities. He also criticised the government's approach to recruitment and outsourcing, claiming that 25,000 jobs had already been occupied through outsourcing. You have occupied 25,000 jobs. I say this with a guarantee that these 25,000 will not be advertised again, he said. Sharma said outsourced employees could themselves begin demanding regularisation in the future, adding that workers from different government schemes and departments were already seeking regularisation. He also accused the government of trying to play the role of the Opposition while retaining the privileges of being in power. The unfortunate thing is that the people sitting in government also want to do the work of the Opposition, Sharma said. The government also wants to remain in the Opposition, but wants to enjoy all the power. On the upcoming Assembly session, Sharma said there were numerous issues to be raised but questioned the limited number of sitting days. He also contrasted the government's claim that Jammu and Kashmir had more Assembly sittings, on average, than some other states, with the region's specific problems. Jammu and Kashmir's issues are different. There are so many issues here on a single platform. So a response like this makes a person ask: where should we go, whom should we speak to? he said. Sharma also defended the Opposition's public outreach programme, saying it was intended to hear people's grievances and take them to the appropriate forums. On statehood, he said the issue should not be used as a blanket explanation for administrative shortcomings. I am raising the slogan of statehood only to strengthen my vote bank, he said, while adding that statehood was not preventing the government from dealing with most of the issues being raised by people. Sharma's remarks came ahead of the upcoming Assembly session, with the BJP seeking to focus attention on unemployment, recruitment, public services and what it describes as the government's failure to address people's day-to-day grievances.

LG Saxena empowers Naib-Tehsildars to issue reserved category, income certificates in Ladakh

Leh , Sep 19: In a step towards making essential government services more accessible to people in remote areas of Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday empowered Naib-Tehsildars, holding independent charge of a Tehsil, to issue reserved category and income certificates within their respective local jurisdiction. The Revenue Department, UT Ladakh, has issued the notification under the proviso to Section 13 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, investing the designated Naib-Tehsildars with powers to issue Reserved Category Certificates and Income Certificates within the local limits of their respective jurisdiction, a Lok Bhavan spokesperson said. The notification specifically empowers Naib-Tehsildars who are holding independent charge of a Tehsil and exercising the powers of Assistant Collector of the First Class, for issuing such certificates. The powers will be exercised within their respective local limits and jurisdiction, he said. In a Union Territory like Ladakh, where difficult terrain and long distances can make access to government offices challenging, it is our responsibility to take governance closer to the people. By empowering revenue officers at the local level to issue these certificates, we are making an important citizen service more accessible and reducing the need for people to undertake long journeys for routine administrative requirements, the lieutenant governor said. The decision aims to reduce the difficulties faced by residents, particularly those living in remote and far-flung areas, who otherwise have to travel long distances to obtain certificates required to access various government schemes, benefits, reservations, and other services, the spokesperson said. By decentralising the certification process, the administration seeks to make these services more accessible, convenient, and responsive to citizens' needs, he said. The initiative forms part of the administrations broader effort to take governance and public services closer to the people, particularly those residing in geographically remote and difficult-to-access areas of the Union Territory, he added.

Police apprehend 7 drug traffickers in separate operations in Anantnag

Srinagar, Sep 19: Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag have arrested seven drug peddlers in separate actions and recovered substantial quantity of contraband substances from their possession. A police spokesperson said that a police party from Police Station Srigufwara apprehended three drug peddlers at Hatigam Crossing while they were travelling on a Scooty bearing registration number JK13K-5967. The accused were identified as Jahangir Ayoub son of M. Ayoub Fashoo resident of Zirpara Bijbehara, Amanul Azam son of Ab. Waheed Dar resident of Dogripora, Awantipora and Sahib Amin son of M. Amin Dar resident of Dogripora, Awantipora. During search, 1.378 Kgs of Ganja and 12 grams of Charas were recovered from their possession. In another action, two drug peddlers were apprehended by PS Srigufwara at Nowshara Crossing. They were identified as Basit Rashid Bhat son of Ab. Rashid resident of Hugam and Mujeeb Mudasir Bhat son of Mudasir Mukhtar resident of Khiram Durpora. 1.740 Kgs of Ganja was recovered from their possession, he said. Moreover, a police party from Police Post Sherbagh apprehended Mohd Rafiq Mochi son of Habib-ullah Mochi resident of Furrah, Mirbazaar at Sarnal Chicken Mohalla on High Ground Road. During search, 20 grams of Charas was recovered from his possession. Similarly, a police party of Police Post Sangam apprehended Muna son of Makho resident of Kehri Lakempora, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in the Sangam area while he tried to attempt to flee. During search, 23 grams of Charas was recovered from his possession. Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation has been initiated, spokesperson said. Police reiterated its firm resolve to dismantle the drug network and take strict legal action against those involved in drug trafficking and peddling.

Agriculture Minister Javid Dar visits fruit Mandi Handwara, interacts with growers

Mehbooba, Mirwaiz question proposed tantra retreat in Gurez

Srinagar, Sep 19: A proposed four-day meditation retreat in Jammu and Kashmirs Gurez Valley has triggered a political and religious controversy, with former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urging the authorities to intervene. The programme, titled Tantra in Silence A Journey Within, is scheduled from September 24 to 27 in Gurez. Promotional material identifies Swami Dhyan Sumit as the facilitator and advertises accommodation, food and meditation sessions at a fee of 11,995 per participant. Mehbooba called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Jammu and Kashmir Police to examine the proposed programme, while also appealing to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam to raise awareness about the issue. Gurez is no playground for experiments in the name of spirituality or tourism. I request @CM_JnK and @JmuKmrpolice to intervene immediately and take appropriate action, Mehbooba said. I also appeal to @MirwaizKashmir and @office_mufti to raise awareness about this issue, she added. Mirwaiz subsequently backed the concerns raised by Mehbooba and called for immediate action by the authorities. The concern raised by @MehboobaMufti deserves immediate attention! he said. He referred to a similar programme in Goa, saying it was cancelled by police in Goa, due to public outrage over its obscene promotional details. That this kind of program is being allowed in Gurez in Kashmir, when a similar programme by this organisation was cancelled by police in Goa, due to public outrage over its obscene promotional details, is outrageous! Mirwaiz said. Invoking Kashmirs religious heritage, he said, Kashmir is the land of sufis and saints. Here spirituality is experienced, not marketed at a cost! Besides, tourism promotion cannot become an excuse to undermine our religious, cultural and social ethos and ignoring our values and sensibilities, he said. Mirwaiz also urged the administration to take action against what he described as exploitation, saying, The concerned authorities @CM_JnK, @omarabdullah should immediately take note and stop this exploitation!

Statehood cant be answer to every problem: Sunil Sharma questions Omar govt

JKPCC chief leads anti-BJP protest in Jammu over poster linking Gandhi, Akhilesh with militancy

Jammu, Sep 19: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday led an anti-BJP protest outside the party headquarters in Jammu, alleging that a poster put up by the saffron party's local unit sought to link Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav with militancy. The protest came amid the Congress' ongoing Chaupal Pe Charcha public outreach programme across Jammu, through which the party has been taking up issues including restoration of statehood, unemployment, recruitment concerns, rising prices and other public grievances. Karra alleged that the BJP's JK unit had displayed photographs of Gandhi and Yadav, along with photographs of leaders of parties belonging to the INDIA bloc, and placed photographs of alleged terrorists below them. The display was intended to create an impression that Gandhi, Yadav and the Congress were linked with militancy, he told reporters while leading the protest at Shaheedi Chowk party headquarters in the heart of the city. Scores of Congress workers and senior leaders, including JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla, joined the protest, raising slogans against BJP and the central government. Karra suggested that the BJP's action could be linked either to the growing reach of the Congress' Chaupal Pe Charcha programme or an attempt to divert public attention from larger issues. The JKPCC chief also attacked the BJP over its claims of nationalism, questioning the party's historical record. The BJP, which is trying to teach us a lesson in nationalism, should first remember its own past, Karra said. Referring to the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight and subsequent release of arrested terrorists, including proscribed chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group Masood Azhar in Afghanistan, Karra alleged that the then BJP-led government's handling of the crisis had contributed to the militancy-related situation faced by the country. Rahul Gandhi comes from a family that saw two prime ministers sacrifice their lives for the security and unity of this country, Karra said. The Congress leader alleged that the BJP and its predecessors had no comparable role in India's freedom struggle, accusing them of siding with the British. He challenged the BJP to identify individuals from its political tradition who, according to him, made comparable sacrifices during the freedom movement. The Congress leader also referred to alleged links between BJP figures and individuals whom he described as associated with militancy, like Ilyas Khan and Talib Hussain, who were arrested by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. If we start talking about this, the matter will go a long way, Karra noted. He asserted that Congress would continue its protests across Jammu and Kashmir against what he described as the BJP's politics of hatred and attempts to divert attention from public issues.

Someone else is carrying this out: Farooq Abdullah on Makkah drone attack

How can 70% population get 30% jobs? asks Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Sep 19: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Saturday said reservation in Jammu and Kashmir should be based on population, arguing that the existing distribution amounts to injustice. My stand in this is very clear. My partys stand is very clear. Jiski jitni population hai usko utni reservation milni chahiye,Bukhari said while speaking about the reservation issue ahead of the autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. There should be no injustice. There is injustice. There is absolutely injustice. How can it be that 70% of the population is given 30% of the jobs? he said. Bukhari said he did not want to comment on who was responsible for the situation but maintained that the present arrangement was detrimental to the region. Now, whose responsibility it is and whose it is not, I do not know, he said. What I know is that if you ask me as a resident of Srinagar, I feel this is totally against Srinagar. If you ask me as a resident of Kashmir, I will say this is against Kashmir. If you ask me as a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, I will say this is against Jammu and Kashmir. On the upcoming Assembly session, Bukhari said people expected legislators to raise issues that directly affected their lives. People always have expectations that some good things in their favour will be discussed in the Assembly, which will directly benefit the people, he said. Describing the short session as an important political occasion, Bukhari said, I wish them all the best to the legislators who are meeting tomorrow in this Valley for a short span of time, but nevertheless, it is an important milestone in the political activity. Bukhari also spoke about an exhibition featuring young exhibitors from Jammu, Srinagar, Delhi and Punjab, saying it conveyed messages of national integration while providing a platform for local talent. One is a message of national integration. The second is that we are showcasing Kashmir, he said. He added that the initiative was encouraging young people and giving them ideas about opportunities available to them. It provides encouragement to our young boys and girls. They get encouragement and ideas about how to do it, Bukhari said.

Altaf Bukhari backs population-based reservation in J&K

Police Raid Jewellery Shop In Poonch, Recover Five AK-47 Rounds, Pakistani Currency

Poonch, Sep 19: A police party from Police Station Poonch, accompanied by a Forensic Science Laboratory team and a Naib Tehsildar, conducted a search of a jewellery shop at Main Market Poonch and recovered five AK-47 rounds, Pakistani currency and other material, police said. The search was conducted at the jewellery shop of Davinder [] The post Police Raid Jewellery Shop In Poonch, Recover Five AK-47 Rounds, Pakistani Currency appeared first on Northlines .

PDP will remind government of unfulfilled promises in Assembly: MLA Budgam

Five BSF personnel injured as truck turns turtle on NH-44 in Ramban

Banihal, Sep 19: Five BSF personnel were injured after a BSF truck travelling from Kashmir towards Jammu turned turtle on National Highway-44 near Chamba Seri in Ramban district on Saturday. Soon after the accident, the injured personnel were evacuated from the spot and shifted to District Hospital Ramban with the assistance of Army, police and CRPF personnel, local residents, and fellow BSF personnel. Hospital authorities said all five injured personnel were undergoing treatment. Four of them were stated to be out of danger, while the driver, Shamim Ahmed of Karnah, Kashmir, reportedly sustained serious injuries in the accident. The injured have been identified as Sunil Kumar, son of Ramesh Lal, a resident of Jammu, aged 35; Parshtum Kumar, son of Paratem Chand, a resident of Jammu, aged 36; Chandan Yadhav, son of Ravender Yadhav, a resident of Bengal, aged 38; driver Shamim Ahmed, son of Abdul Qayoom, a resident of Karnah, Kashmir, aged 38; and Sub-Inspector Ghar Singh, son of Mela Ram, a resident of Jammu. Police have taken cognisance of the incident, while further details regarding the cause of the accident are awaited.

Two years, no report: Iltija Mufti questions Omar govt over reservation sub-committee

Srinagar, Sep 19: PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Saturday led a protest demanding the submission of a sub-committee report on reservation in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that open merit students, particularly from Kashmir, were being denied opportunities. The protesters raised slogans demanding that the government present the report and provide justice to open merit students. Addressing the protesters, Mufti said the government had promised to submit the sub-committees report within six months, but two years had passed without any findings being made public. We appeal to Omar Sahib that what you had said that you will present the sub-committee report within six months tell us its findings. What are the findings of the sub-committee that you had constituted? she said. Mufti said vacancies were continuing to be filled while open merit candidates were being deprived of opportunities. Because since then, two years have passed, and in those two years, whatever vacancies are coming out, they are going to a particular group, while the rest of the people are being deprived of opportunities, she said. Merit should not be an exception, merit should be the rule, Mufti added. She alleged that the government was systematically penalising Kashmiris and pushing them out of the system. And the government here is systematically punishing Kashmiris, removing them from the system. You are excluding them from examinations, excluding them from jobs, she said. Mufti also warned against a situation where Kashmiri candidates could become under-represented in the bureaucracy. Tomorrow, 10 years from now, God forbid, a day should not come when there are no Kashmiri brothers and sisters in the bureaucracy of Jammu and Kashmir, she said. Referring to the National Conference government's manifesto, Mufti said it had promised to rationalise reservations and constitute a sub-committee. You look at your manifesto. In the manifesto, you had said that you would rationalise reservation, she said. You would constitute a sub-committee. What happened to that sub-committee even after two years? Mufti recalled that the PDP had staged a protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence in December 2024, following which, she said, the Chief Minister had promised that the report would be submitted within six months. Two years have passed, but even after two years, that report has not been presented, she said. She said the PDP wanted to remind the government of its commitments and alleged that young people preparing for competitive examinations were being disadvantaged because they belonged to the open merit category. That youngster who works day and night, gives his blood and sweat, sits for the exam, sits again and again four times, five times and after that, even if he gets good marks, he is told that you will not get this job because you are from the open merit category, Mufti said. Because you are Kashmiri, she added. Mufti said the PDP would seek to reverse what she described as discriminatory policies if it returned to power. Three years from now, Inshallah, when the PDP government comes, what you are doing wrong today, we will correct, she said. The protest also saw demonstrators chanting, Jab jab NC darti hai, police ko aage karti hai (Whenever the NC is afraid, it brings the police forward), alongside slogans demanding the sub-committee report and justice for open merit students.

PDP Stages Protest In Srinagar, Demand Public Release Of Reservation Sub-Committee Report

President appoints 14 judicial officers as judges; Yash Paul Bourney appointed to J&K HC

Srinagar, Sep 19: The President has appointed 14 judicial officers as Judges and Additional Judges in the Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Jharkhand and Karnataka High Courts after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, according to an official notification. The appointments include seven judicial officers to the Delhi High Court. Nivedita Anil Sharma and Nisha Sahay Saxena have been appointed as Judges, while Sanjay Sharma, Bharat Parashar, Dr Aditi Choudhary, Dinesh Bhatt and Arun Bhardwaj have been appointed as Additional Judges. Yash Paul Bourney has been appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. For the Jharkhand High Court, Manoj Prasad, Akhil Kumar and Ram Sharma have been appointed as Judges. Usharani, K.S. Bharath Kumar and Nerale V. Bhavani have been appointed as Additional Judges of the Karnataka High Court.

Fire breaks out at Matamaal Restaurant in Sopore; property worth lakhs damaged

Motorcyclist killed, pillion rider injured in road accident at Botingoo Sopore

Sopore, Sep 19: A motorcyclist was killed while another sustained injuries after their motorcycle collided with a Tata Matador Video Coach at Botingoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. Officials said the deceased has been identified as Mohinoor Mir Ali, a resident of West Bengal, who was reportedly working as a goldsmith in Srinagar. The injured motorcyclist has been identified as Minhaj Mir Ali. According to officials, the motorcycle bearing registration number JK01BC-6080 collided with a Tata Bus Video Coach number (JK05N-9576), which was reportedly travelling towards Sopore from Bandipora. Following the accident, a team from Police Station Warpora rushed to the spot and shifted both persons to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore for medical treatment. However, doctors declared Mohinoor Mir Ali brought dead upon arrival, while the injured rider was admitted for treatment. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident.

RORO freight service from Kashmir likely to start soon

Banihal, Sep 19: Indian Railways is expected to introduce Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) freight services from Kashmir to other parts of the country in the coming days, a Railway official said. Under the proposed RORO service, loaded trucks will be transported by rail by placing the vehicles directly onto specially designed flat wagons. The system will enable trucks along with their cargo to travel by rail, potentially providing an alternative to long-distance road transportation. The Railway official sources said preparations for the proposed service are being worked out and further details regarding its operation, including the commencement date and other modalities, are expected to be issued shortly. The development comes after the commissioning of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which has provided an all-weather rail connection between Kashmir and the rest of the country. The Railways has also been expanding freight movement in Jammu and Kashmir, with recent consignments of goods being transported by rail to the Kashmir Valley. The proposed RORO facility could provide a new logistics option for transporters and businesses, particularly for movement of loaded trucks over longer distances. An official announcement from the Railway authorities regarding the RORO service is awaited.

Innovative rock check dams show encouraging results in water, agricultural sustainability: Ladakh LG

Srinagar, Sep 19: Expressing a deep sense of satisfaction, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday said that the innovative rock check dams have borne encouraging results as a lasting solution for water and agricultural sustainability in the Union Territory. Sharing with a deep sense of satisfaction that the innovative Rock Check Dams, conceived as a lasting solution for water and agricultural sustainability in Ladakh, have borne encouraging results, the LG said. He said the pilot project check dams successfully withstood the immense water pressure of over 200 cusecs during the peak summer months, providing an invaluable learning experience and the exact know-how to make all future projects completely foolproof. Starting May 27 this year, when the water flow in the river was around 20 cusecs, weve successfully built five cost-effective, eco-friendly rock check dams over the Sindhu River and its tributaries in just four months, using only locally sourced boulders from the riverbed, without using any cement/concrete or steel, Saxena said. During peak summer, water flow was reported to be more than 200 cusecs. Now, with the start of winter, the water flow has drastically reduced to around 30 cusecs. An inspection team of engineers was sent recently to assess their stability, strength and any damage caused to these dams due to high water pressure, he added. He said that seeing the check dams successfully withstand the immense water pressure of more than 200 cusecs was truly encouraging. The LG said that during the inspection, only the first of the five check dams, at Upshi near Leh, was reported to have suffered minor damage, which, he said, is being repaired. During the inspection, it was also discovered that a fine-quality washed sand deposit upstream had further enhanced the stability of the rock check dams. I am grateful for the overwhelming support from our local communities in this endeavour. We remain deeply committed to working towards holistic development, water security and climate resilience to ensure a brighter, sustainable future for Ladakh! the LG concluded in a post on his X handle.

Trump renews USD 1,00,000 fee on H-1B visas, tightens scrutiny

Washington: US President Donald Trump has extended by a year the USD 1,00,000 fee on employers for bringing in foreign workers on H-1B visas, the White House said. In a presidential proclamation issued on Friday, Trump said the 2025 decision to impose a USD 1,00,000 fee has led to a 92 per cent decrease in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

J&K Assembly admits resolution seeking review of Baramulla-Uri rail alignment

Srinagar, Sep 19: J&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat has admitted a private members resolution moved by MLA Javid Hassan Baig, seeking to put the proposed BaramullaUri railway line alignment from Kanispora towards Khanpora/Sheeri in abeyance pending an independent geological, geotechnical and seismic assessment of the corridor, officials said on Saturday. The officals said the resolution calls for a comprehensive evaluation of slope stability, soil bearing capacity, seismic vulnerability, drainage and landslide susceptibility before finalising the alignment. This House expresses serious concern over the proposed alignment of the Baramulla-Uri Railway Line from Kanispora towards Khanpora/Sheeri and resolves to urge the Government of India that its finalisation on the said stretch be kept in abeyance pending a comprehensive and independent geological, geotechnical and seismic assessment of the proposed corridor, According to a communication issued by the Assembly Secretariat. In view of the concerns highlighted by the resolution, the Secretariat said that the House urged the Government of India to undertake forthwith a comprehensive and independent geological, geotechnical and seismic investigation of the proposed corridor. Secretariat further urged the govewrnment to conduct detailed assessment of slope stability, soil bearing capacity, liquefaction potential, seismic vulnerability, drainage conditions and landslide susceptibility along the proposed alignment and finalize the alignment only after the competent technical authorities establish and certify the geological and structural suitability and long-term safety of the proposed corridor.

Fire breaks out in District Hospital Poonch, major mishap averted

Poonch, Sep 19: A fire broke out in the building of District Hospital Poonch, triggering a swift response from the Fire and Emergency Services personnel and hospital staff, who brought the blaze under control before it could cause any major damage. According to Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Poonch, Dr Mohammad Shafiq, the cause of the fire was not immediately known. However, some windows in the rear portion of the hospital building were gutted in the incident. He said the Fire and Emergency Services team, along with hospital staff, acted promptly to douse the flames and prevented a major mishap. Police have launched further investigation into the incident to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Trump has deal to build US military presence in Greenland while leaving island in Denmark's hands

Washington, Sep 19: President Donald Trump announced Friday he has a deal with Denmark to bolster the US military presence in Greenland after months of threatening to take the island by force from the NATO ally an agreement that also keeps the Arctic territory in Denmark's hands. Trump in a social media post announcing the deal said the agreement gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many US concerns. He added that with the agreement his administration would immediately begin the process of developing a larger military presence on the mineral-rich Danish territory. The office of Denmark's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said the deal will be signed by all three governments next week during the United Nations General Assembly, but parliamentary action is still needed by the Danish and Greenland governments before it can be enforced. In a statement she said the agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland and Denmark and upholds both people's right o self-determination. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the emerging deal benefits all three governments and recognizes Greenland's interests and our place in the international cooperation. Allies pushed back on Trump's call for the US to acquire Greenland With his return to the White House last year, Trump called on Denmark to sell the island to the United States, while insisting Greenland is crucial for US security. He pointedly wouldn't rule out taking the island by military force, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the US Denmark and Greenland repeatedly said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the US gathering intelligence there. The US push for Greenland was also fiercely opposed by Russia and much of Europe. But Trump with the announcement Friday suggested an understanding may have been reached that could bring an end to what was viewed as an existential crisis by Denmark. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land, Trump said in his post. We will be very protective of it! Trump had claimed the US needs Greenland to deter threats from Russia and China, and has repeatedly made false claims of Chinese and Russian military forces lurking off the island's coastline. The agreement bans any non-NATO base in Greenland, limits adversaries from being able to make investments in Greenland and guarantees that China and Russia cannot have a base in Greenland, according to a State Department official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cheered the statement as a historic deal and huge win for the United States. Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area, Rubio said. This deal permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland. The island is crucial to North America's defense But the US has long had a military presence in Greenland, holding several bases and installations through the Cold War before dialing back its presence. The US still operates the remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which was built after the US and Denmark signed the Defense of Greenland Treaty in 1951. It supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the US and NATO. Greenland sits off the northeastern coast of Canada, with more than two-thirds of its territory lying within the Arctic Circle. That has made it crucial to the defense of North America since World War II, when the US occupied Greenland to ensure it didn't fall into the hands of Nazi Germany and to protect vital North Atlantic shipping lanes. Despite Trump's repeated aggressive comments toward Denmark about Greenland, Danish officials had repeatedly made clear that they stood ready to work with the US to expand the American military presence and strengthen US commercial interests in Greenland. Still, Trump's repeated demands for Greenland and threats to take it by force rattled the NATO alliance and discomfited European allies, said Imran Bayoumi, an associate director at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. I think Americans really underestimate how damaging it was for the image of the United States in Europe, he said. I think Greenlanders, Danes, Europeans saw this as a real attack on their sovereignty, and it's going to take a lot of work to repair. (AP)

Trump targets more news outlets, bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House

New York, Sep 19: President Donald Trump said Friday that he was barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House due to what he called unfavourable coverage and fake news, and threatened that more such media bans could be coming the latest salvo in the president's increasingly aggressive response to media coverage he finds unfavorable. Like many of Trump's other confrontations with news organizations some of which are playing out in the legal arena this one has potential First Amendment implications. The president wrote on his social media site that effective immediately, I am banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House as a result of their constant reporting' FAKE NEWS! Minutes later, speaking at an event in the Oval Office, Trump was asked to explain his statement. Because they're fake news, he said. You get so tired of reading and seeing fake news. When you look at CNN, it's just fake. That's why their ratings are no good. When you look at MS NOW , it's fake news. And when you look at Politico ... the stories they wrote are fake. So there's a lot of news and there may be others to join them, and maybe they can get better, he said. But our country has to have honest news. CNN denounced the move, saying it stands behind its White House team and their fair and accurate reporting. We have a right under the US Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government, it said in a statement posted on X. Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right. Politico said it would continue to fairly report on this White House and future ones. We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them. MS NOW did not immediately return an email asking about the ban. The White House has confronted the media more in Trump's second term In his second term, Trump and his administration have upped the ante and punished certain media outlets, both in the courtroom and through regulatory action. Trump has also lashed out at individual reporters in person or over social media, sometimes in strikingly personal terms. The move follows the president's decision last year to keep Associated Press journalists out of the Oval Office, Air Force One and other events in retaliation for the news outlet's decision not to follow his lead in changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico, which lies partially in Mexican and other waters. The AP said that it would note when appropriate that Trump had ordered it renamed the Gulf of America. The AP filed suit and the case is ongoing. Since returning to office, Trump has pursued other legal action against a variety of different outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC. His administration is also involved in a long-simmering confrontation involving ABC over renewal of its broadcast licenses. Trump seeking to block White House access for CNN is especially notable, as it could upend the traditional five-network television pool that travels with the president and tracks his every move meant to provide independent coverage of his actions and interactions for the Americans who elected him and for the world. Trump provided no details about the ban In his social media announcement, Trump did not provide details on how the ban would be implemented. It came moments before Trump spoke to reporters in the Oval Office as part of a health care event. He later planned to take the press pool to his golf club in Virginia for a meeting and dinner sponsored by his Super PAC before spending the weekend at Camp David one of the few places reporters don't follow him. Media Outlets shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they're covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America, Trump wrote. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow. At the event, Trump doubled down on his opinions about various media outlets. The New York Times is so fake. Washington Post is disgusting, he said. A federal judge ruled the government couldn't punish the AP based on its editorial decisions. But an appeals court stopped most of the ruling as it weighed the Trump administration's appeal. The case remains pending 18 months later. In Sherrill v. Knight, a federal appeals court ruled in 1977 that although the White House is not required to open its doors to the news media, once it establishes press facilities for credentialed journalists, it cannot deny access based on the content of a journalist's coverage. The court held that any denial must serve a compelling government interest and that the journalist must receive notice, the chance to respond and a final answer in writing. (AP)

Nepal cabinet recommends ambassadors for 13 countries, including India

Nepals Council of Ministers on Friday recommended ambassadors for 13 countries, including India, China, the US and the UK, to fill several posts that had remained vacant for some time. The recommendations were made at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, according to the secretariat of Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. Nishchal Nath Pandey has been recommended as Nepals ambassador to India, while Kalyan Raj Sharma, Chiranjung Thapa and former Nepal Army chief Gaurav Shumsher Rana have been proposed as ambassadors to China, the US and the UK, respectively. Pandey is currently the director of the Centre for South Asian Studies, a think-tank based in Kathmandu. He previously served as executive director of the International Affairs Study Academy under Nepals Ministry of Foreign Affairs for eight years. Pandey holds an LLB and a PhD in Political Science from Tribhuvan University and is an honorary associate professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru. The names of Nepals ambassadors to Japan, Israel, Spain, Germany, Oman, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia were also recommended during Fridays meeting. The names will be sent to the Parliamentary Hearing Committee for approval before the government seeks agrment from the respective countries. An agrment is the formal approval given by a host country to accept a proposed ambassador or head of mission from another country before their official appointment. Nepals President will formally appoint the ambassadors after the necessary procedures are completed.

Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 |Athwas India XI crowned league winners

Athwas India XI emerged as the league winners of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, following the conclusion of the league stage on Friday. The final league-stage match, as per a statement, was played between Swift Strikers Rainawari FC and Sanctorum North United FC, with Swift Strikers registering a commanding 60 victory to secure their place in the play-offs. The match was attended by Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest. With this emphatic win, Swift Strikers Rainawari FC became the fourth team to qualify for the play-offs, completing the league-stage line-up and setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase. The league has witnessed tremendous enthusiasm, competitive football and remarkable participation from local players, further strengthening the sporting culture in Jammu & Kashmir. The Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 continues to provide a prominent platform for local football talent, bringing together teams, players and supporters while contributing to the growth of football in the region. With Athwas India XI crowned league winners, attention now shifts to the play-offs, where the qualified teams will compete for the coveted league title.

Desh Rattan Dubey attends BCCI 95th AGM, represents JKCA

Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Officiating President Desh Rattan Dubey attended the 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking the first such meeting attended by the JKCA leadership following the recent elections of the association. Dubey, as per JKCA officials, represented the JKCA at the meeting, which brought together representatives of state and union territory cricket associations and the BCCI leadership to deliberate on matters concerning Indian cricket. The JKCA official said that this participation assumes significance, as it comes after the recently held JKCA elections, following which the new leadership has taken charge of the association. The official added that the AGM provided an important platform for member associations to discuss various administrative and cricketing matters concerning the functioning and development of the game across the country.

Mauritius President honours VIT vice-president Sekar Viswanathan

VIT Vice-President Dr. Sekar Viswanathan was conferred the prestigious Crown Jewel of World Tamils (Ulaga Thamizhar Maamani) award in recognition of his contributions to higher education at the World Tamil Economic Conference held in Mauritius. The 13th edition of the Global Tamils Economic Conference and Global Economic Summit was held in Mauritius from September 11 to 13, bringing together more than 200 participants, including heads of state, government ministers, economic experts and investors from over 20 countries. The conference deliberated on international investments, business partnerships, artificial intelligence, financial services, higher education, healthcare, startups and global trade. VIT Chancellor Dr G. Viswanathan, Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan and V.R.S. Sampath, President of the Madras Development Society and the World Tamils Economic Foundation, were among the dignitaries who attended the event. Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool presided over the award ceremony and presented the honours. Dr Sekar Viswanathan was among prominent Tamils from various fields across the world who received the Crown Jewel of World Tamils award.

Tata Motors, J&K Bank renew retail finance MoU

Tata Motors Limited has renewed its retail finance Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with J&K Bank to offer financing solutions across its commercial vehicle range. Under the pan-India agreement, J&K Bank will serve as a preferred financier, leveraging its strong presence in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh while expanding access to credit for fleet operators and transport entrepreneurs across the country. The partnership renewal was finalised in the presence of Pinaki Haldar, Vice President and Business HeadSCV, Tata Motors, and Sanjay Gupta, General ManagerRAM, J&K Bank.

EPFO holds awareness programme for private schools in Srinagar

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Srinagar, held an outreach and awareness programme at CASET Experimental School, Karan Nagar, to sensitise employers and employees about social security schemes and recent policy initiatives. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Ajay K. Mehra, Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The EPFO team was led by Sunil Kumar Toura, RPFC-II and Officer-in-Charge, Regional Office Srinagar. Prof. (Dr.) C.L. Vishen, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Unaided Private Schools Association (JKUPSA), which represents around 800 schools, welcomed the EPFO team. During the programme, participants were briefed about the Governments decision to enhance the EPFO wage ceiling from 15,000 to 25,000 per month. According to EPFO, the move is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory coverage across the country, expanding access to provident fund, pension and insurance benefits. The EPFO officials also explained the Vishwas and EEC schemes, aimed at facilitating compliance, resolving eligible past compliance-related matters and expanding social security coverage. Participants were briefed about the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), which has an outlay of 99,446 crore and seeks to incentivise the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years. The PRAYAS scheme and pension-related benefits were also discussed. Officials stressed the importance of e-Nomination and updating KYC and nominee details to ensure smooth access to benefits. The session also covered EPFOs digital initiatives, including auto-claim settlement and UPI-based PF claim settlement. An interactive session followed, during which school representatives raised queries regarding compliance, schemes and social security benefits. The EPFO team addressed their concerns and provided clarifications.

SKUAST-K study links Hen and Chicken disorder in Sahebi grape to poor pollination

A study conducted at the Division of Fruit Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, has confirmed that Sahebi is a functionally female grape cultivar, providing a scientific explanation for the frequent occurrence of the Hen and Chicken disorder in the variety. The disorder is characterised by bunches carrying a mix of normal-sized berries and numerous small, underdeveloped berries, resulting in reduced marketable yield and quality. Around 7080 percent of Sahebi grapes are reported to be affected by the disorder in Kashmir. Grape cultivation has considerable potential in the region, with Ganderbal accounting for around 206 hectares under grapes and producing about 1,385 metric tonnes. Sahebi constitutes 54.42 percent of the districts grape cultivation, followed by Hussaini at 35.20 percent. During the 202526 research season, floral morphology and pollen characteristics of nine grape cultivars were studied under Kashmirs temperate conditions. The research was undertaken by Raksha under the mentorship of Dr Aroosa Khalil and Dr A.H. Pandit, Head, Division of Fruit Breeding, Technology and Innovation. The study found that Sahebi has reflexed stamens and non-functional pollen, confirming its functional female nature and dependence on pollen from a compatible cultivar for effective fertilisation and fruit set. The findings indicate that inadequate pollination in vineyards without a suitable pollinizer may contribute to poor berry development and uneven bunches. The researchers have recommended planting compatible pollen-producing cultivars such as Hussaini, Thompson Seedless, Fantasy Seedless, Pusa Navrang and Manjari Naveen alongside Sahebi while establishing new vineyards. Timely pruning, balanced nutrient management and other appropriate vineyard practices can further support fruit development and bunch uniformity. The study provides a practical basis for improving pollination management in Sahebi vineyards and reducing losses associated with the Hen and Chicken disorder.

Deputy Governor RBI reviews J&K banking; bats for credit push, ULI adoption

Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Rohit Jain, convened a meeting with the Zonal Heads of major banks operating in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir here today. The Deputy Governor, in his opening remarks, highlighted the important role played by the banks in supporting the economic activity and strengthening the financial inclusion in J&K. Rohit Jain emphasised the need for banks to maintain adequate banking infrastructure, improve credit delivery and ensure greater outreach of banking services to priority sectors, particularly to underserved sections. He also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts by the banks towards meeting the evolving credit requirements of the UT. He underlined that banks should remain responsive to customer needs in view of importance of customer services and grievance redress. He stressed on the need for greater digitalisation of banking services while highlighting the growing concern around digital frauds. The Deputy Governor also emphasised the need for banks to increase loan processing through Unified Lending Interface (ULI). He highlighted its potential to transform the credit delivery in a manner similar to the transformation brought about by UPI in digital payments. Regional Director, RBI, Jammu presented a broad overview of the financial landscape of the UT of J&K, elucidating its economic potential across agriculture, MSMEs, tourism, handicrafts and services. Subsequently, the financial landscape of the UT of J&K, was presented by the Zonal Heads of major banks present in the region. It included banking network, Credit-Deposit ratio, credit flow and Priority Sector Lending besides the progress on onboarding of banks on the Unified Lending Interface (ULI), re-KYC coverage and settlement of unclaimed deposits including special initiatives undertaken by their respective banks for the UT of J&K.

Waqf Board takes administrative control of Nowhatta shrine: Dr Darakhshan Andrabi

Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Friday visited the revered Dargah-e-Faiz Panah Mir Syed Taj-ud-Din Hamdani (RA) at Nowhatta, Srinagar, paid obeisance at the shrine and formally took over its administrative and management control on behalf of the J&K Waqf Board. Dr Andrabi, as per a statement, was accompanied by Waqf Board Member Mohammad Syed Haqqani, Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, Executive Magistrate & Tehsildar of J&K Waqf Board, and other senior officers of the Board. It is pertinent to mention that the shrine is a Waqf property duly notified by the Government. With the formal assumption of administrative and management control, the Dargah has now been brought under the direct management of the J&K Waqf Board as a dedicated spiritual and public-faith space. After taking over the management, Dr Andrabi conducted a detailed assessment of the existing infrastructure and reviewed the arrangements for devotees and visitors.

Restoration of statehood, constitutional concerns central to J&K discourse: Tariq Karra

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Friday stepped up its grassroots public outreach by organising a Chopal Pe Charcha at Rohi Morh, bringing a wide range of national and Jammu and Kashmir-specific concerns into the public discourse. The programme was organised under the leadership and coordination of Amrit Bali, Incharge Jammu South-RS Pura, along with Santosh Sharma, Sunita Sharma and Gurmeet Singh, Block President, with the participation of a large number of Congress workers and local representatives. The programme, as per a party statement, was held in the presence of JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra, JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, former MP Choudhary Lal Singh, T.S. Tony, District President Urban Yogesh Sawhney and Th. Balbir Singh, among other senior leaders and party functionaries. A number of Congress workers, local residents and party functionaries participated in the interaction and placed their concerns before the visiting leadership. The programme provided Congress leaders an opportunity to interact directly with residents and highlight issues which, according to the party, require sustained political and administrative attention, including the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, unemployment, recruitment and examination-related concerns, rising prices, public accountability, farmers problems, education and healthcare vacancies, the condition of daily wagers and NHM employees, and deficiencies in civic and public infrastructure. The outreach is part of the Congress effort to take its national campaign and people-centric issues directly to the grassroots. Recent JKPCC programmes have similarly focused on Chanda Chori, paper-leak and recruitment concerns, unemployment, student issues and restoration of statehood.

Altaf Bukhari welcomes new entrants into party fold

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with other senior party leaders, accorded a warm welcome to the new entrants who joined the party on Friday, during a special event organised at the party headquarters. Those who joined the party included prominent political leaders and activists from Banihal. As per a party statement, among the new entrants was Shahrukh Khan from Banihal, who had been associated with the PDP for nearly a decade and had also served as a spokesperson of the party. Besides Khan, Syed Adil Chamalwas and Yasir Syed Chamalwas, both former PDP supporters, also joined the Apni Party. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that their joining would further strengthen the party at the grassroots level in Banihal and across the Chenab Valley. On the occasion, Apni Party Provincial Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Dar and Farooq Ahmed Khan were also present.

NHM employees deserve dignity, justice: J&K BJP Health Cell

J&K BJP Health Cell co-convener Dr Varinder Sharma has batted for the long-pending genuine demands of National Health Mission (NHM) employees, urging the UT government to resolve the matter on compassionate grounds without further delay. Dr Sharma stressed that NHM employees have been rendering invaluable healthcare services shoulder to shoulder with government-appointed regular doctors and paramedical staff since 2005. Despite their meagre salaries, he said, they remain the backbone of the immunisation campaigns and continue to provide crucial support to rural and urban healthcare across Jammu and Kashmir. He observed that despite repeated assurances in the past, nothing tangible has been delivered to NHM employees till date. No pay parity, no timely hike, no social security this is simply not acceptable, Dr Sharma said, adding that the workforce has been left in a state of uncertainty for far too long. The BJP leader further pointed out that the central government was willing to extend financial assistance, but it was incumbent upon the UT government to present a well-prepared case before it. He cautioned against any threats of administrative action against the striking employees, saying such an approach would only deepen the standoff and disrupt healthcare services further. Dr Sharma maintained that the need of the hour was to look into these genuine demands with compassion and resolve them in a phased, time-bound manner. He noted that NHM employees are well-qualified healthcare staff, not ordinary daily wagers, and therefore a dignified life and service conditions are their legitimate right. Dr Varinder appealed to the UT government to initiate early talks with the striking employees and work towards an early and amicable resolution, so that healthcare services in the region are not compromised any further and NHM employees get their genuine long pending due share of emoluments.

Counter misconceptions, support those struggling with addiction: LG Sinha to youth

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Friday called upon youth to engage peers, counter misconceptions and extend support to those struggling with addiction. He emphasised that awareness, family support, timely assistance and rehabilitation were key to lasting change. He was addressing the gathering after launching a documentary and collage exhibition on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, marking a significant step in raising awareness against drug abuse. The Lieutenant Governor commended the University of Jammu for its efforts in reflecting the challenges faced by the youth of Jammu Kashmir and the collective resolve to overcome them. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the beginning of any social change was in acknowledging its reality. Drug abuse, he said, long posed a grave challenge to the social fabric of Jammu Kashmir, devastating families and threatening the future of the younger generation. LG Sinha highlighted the link between drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, underscoring the importance of dismantling these networks to ensure peace, security and drug-free Jammu Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor recalled the launch of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign in 2020. He said building on that momentum, a comprehensive 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan was initiated earlier this year in April, extending beyond formal events to villages, schools, universities and families. Through Padyatra, awareness drives, and administrative action, the campaign became a peoples movement. Women, youth clubs, teachers, doctors, civil society groups, and religious leaders played pivotal roles in spreading awareness and supporting rehabilitation. Highlighting the three-pronged approach of dismantling supply chains, creating awareness, and rehabilitation, the Lieutenant Governor noted the introduction of the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. This scheme aims to reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society, ensuring they lead healthy and responsible lives. I am happy that, in this direction, the University of Jammu has stepped forward and is playing its role through todays initiatives. Under the guidance of faculty members, students have also attempted to understand various aspects of drug de-addiction. I believe this is the true power of education, because when knowledge connects with human sensitivity, it transforms into social responsibility, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged students of the University of Jammu to take on the roles of messengers, participants, and guardians of Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. A major goal is to make the University of Jammu campus and other educational institutions drug-free, and I want youth to work together with the administration, health institutions, civil society groups and youth organisations. I also expect that this documentary will be screened in every department of the university and shown in other institutions of the Jammu division as well so that more and more people connect with the resolve of healthy youth, empowered society, and drug-free Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said. Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Heads of Departments, faculty members and students of Jammu University attended the launch ceremony.

Encroachment of roads by vendors worsens traffic jams in Srinagar

The mushrooming of roadside vendors across Srinagar has emerged as another major factor aggravating the city's chronic traffic congestion. Commuters allege that encroachments on roads and footpaths are creating bottlenecks at several busy junctions, hospitals, educational institutions and commercial hubs. From the areas around SMHS Hospital, JLNM Hospital, SKIMS Soura, Hazratbal, Kashmir University and Jahangir Chowk to the congested stretches of Shaher-e-Khaas, Nowhatta, Khanyar, and several uptown localities, vendors have increasingly occupied road margins and footpaths, leaving little space for vehicles and pedestrians. Commuters said the situation becomes particularly chaotic during peak hours when school buses, office-goers, students and public transport converge on already narrow roads. The roads are already struggling to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles. When vendors occupy portions of the carriageway and footpaths, traffic movement slows to a crawl. Two-wheelers somehow manage to squeeze through, but four-wheelers remain stuck for long periods, said commuter Adil Ahmad. Another commuter, Shabir Hussain, said traffic jams have become a daily ordeal. Every morning and evening we spend 40 to 50 extra minutes in traffic. The problem is visible near hospitals, educational institutions and major junctions where roadside vending has expanded significantly. It not only blocks vehicles but also forces pedestrians onto the roads, making the situation more dangerous, he said. Residents of Downtown Srinagar said the problem is more severe in the old city, where narrow roads are unable to cope with both increasing traffic and roadside encroachments. In areas like Nowhatta, Khanyar and adjoining localities, even a small obstruction leads to long queues of vehicles. Vendors are occupying footpaths as well as portions of the road, leaving very little space for traffic, said a resident. Several commuters also pointed to congestion around Hazratbal, Soura and the city centre, saying roadside vending has become increasingly unregulated despite the growing pressure on the road network. A roadside vendor, however, said they are only trying to earn a livelihood and need proper vending spaces instead of repeated eviction drives. We understand that traffic should not suffer, but we also have families to feed. If the authorities identify proper vending zones for us, we will happily shift there. We don't want to be chased away every few days. We only want a dignified place to earn our livelihood, the vendor said. Officials acknowledged that roadside encroachments pose a challenge to traffic management. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Srinagar, Ajaz Ahmad, said the Traffic Police regularly conducts drives to remove obstructions affecting traffic movement. Whenever roadside vendors or any other encroachments impede traffic movement, we immediately initiate clearance drives. Special drives are regularly conducted around SMHS Hospital and other busy junctions. We have further intensified these drives because Srinagar's roads are already under tremendous pressure due to increasing traffic volume, the SSP said. He said the Traffic Police is simultaneously taking action against illegal parking, traffic violations and obstructions at major road junctions to ensure smoother movement of vehicles. With the number of vehicles on Srinagar's roads increasing steadily, commuters believe that unless roadside vending is properly regulated through designated vending zones and strict enforcement against road encroachments, traffic congestion will continue to worsen, particularly during peak hours, adding to commuters' daily hardships and increasing pressure on the city's already strained road infrastructure.

VC LCMA reviews facilities at Rakh-i-Arth Rehabilitation Colony

The Vice Chairman, JKLCMA, Khurshid Ahmad Shah visited the Rakh-i-Arth Rehabilitation Colony to review the overall arrangements, infrastructure andfacilities being provided for the rehabilitation of Dal dwellers. During the visit, the Vice Chairman inspected various areas of the colony and reviewed the status of cleanliness, sanitation, civic facilities, infrastructure and overall maintenance. He also interacted with residents and took note of their concerns and suggestions regarding the facilities and services available in the colony. The Vice Chairman directed the concerned officers and field staff to conduct regular inspections of the colony and adjoining areas and remain vigilant against encroachments, unauthorised constructions and any misuse of Authority land. He stressed the need for timely verification of such instances and appropriate action as per the applicable rules. He further directed the officers to ensure proper cleanliness, sanitation and maintenance of civic facilities and to address the genuine concerns of residents in a timely manner. He emphasised that regular field supervision and coordinated efforts are essential for maintaining the colony and its infrastructure. The Vice Chairman also reviewed the ongoing works and directed the concerned field staff to ensure timely execution and proper upkeep of the facilities. The Vice Chairman was accompanied by the Executive Engineer, LD-II, AEEs, JEs and other field officials of JKLCMA, who briefed him about the existing arrangements, ongoing works and various issues concerning the inhabitants.

High Court refuses bail to accused in NDPS case

Srinagar, Sep 18:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has declined to grant bail to an accused in a case involving the alleged seizure of 4,944 Spasmo-Proxyvon Plus capsules. A bench of Justice Sanjay Parihar dismissed the bail plea of the accused, Asim, observing that the material collected during the investigation prima facie disclosed a link between the accused and the recovered consignment. Asim was arrested by police following the registration of FIR No. 25/2023 at Police Station Maharaj Gunj, Srinagar, under Sections 8, 22, 29, 27-A and 68-E of the NDPS Act. The prosecutions contention is that during checking at Babadamb Road near Hotel Azher on July 18, 2023, police intercepted co-accused Shabir Ahmad Sheikh and allegedly recovered a black bag containing 618 strips comprising 4,944 capsules of Spasmo-Proxyvon Plus. The investigation allegedly linked the petitioner, Asim, with the co-accused through call-detail records and banking transactions. Monetary transactions amounting to Rs 2,53,850 took place between the accused from April to July 2023, and the co-accused had allegedly procured the consignment from Asim, who was arrested on September 12, 2023, and has remained in judicial custody since then, according to the prosecution. Asims contention was that no contraband had been recovered from his possession and that the banking transactions were ordinary business dealings. Moreover, he questioned the prosecutions chain of custody and raised other grounds relating to the alleged offence and his arrest. While refusing bail to the accused, the Court, however, held that the alleged monetary transactions, call records, prior dealings and subsequent recovery, when considered together, prima facie disclosed a live link between the petitioner and the co-accused. The absence of physical recovery from the petitioner, by itself, could not conclude the matter in his favour at the bail stage, the Court noted. While the Court pointed out that the recovered quantity was stated to be commercial quantity, it held that the application had to be examined in light of the restrictions under Section 37 of the NDPS Act. The Court observed that the material before it did not provide reasonable grounds, at this stage, to believe that the petitioner was not guilty of the alleged offences. The Court also considered the prolonged incarceration of the petitioner and the constitutional importance of a speedy trial. However, it noted that seven witnesses had already been examined and the trial was progressing before the Special Court dealing with NDPS cases at Srinagar. With the conclusion that there was no ground to overcome the statutory embargo under Section 37, the Court rejected the bail plea.

In Kupwara 1,270 NHM employees remain on strike, healthcare severely affected

Kupwara, Sep 18: Healthcare services have been severely hit in this frontier district as 1,270 National Health Mission (NHM) employees working in the district remain on strike along with NHM employees across Jammu and Kashmir. Pertinently, NHM employees have been on strike since September 9 in support of their long-pending demands, including regularisation of services, pay parity, job security, revision of remuneration, retirement benefits and social security measures. Of all 1,270 NHM employees working in different medical zones of Kupwara, 365 are doctors, 840 are paramedical and other staff, while 65 employees are handling management. The absence of NHM staff has particularly affected healthcare services in rural and border areas, where several health centres depend significantly on NHM employees. Locals said some health centres have remained closed while services at others have been disrupted. People from villages and border areas depend on these health centres for basic treatment, medicines and other services. Since the NHM staff are on strike, patients are being forced to travel long distances for treatment, said Mohammad Abas, a resident of Lolab. Another resident, who identified himself as Nasir Ahmar from Lalpora, said patients requiring regular medical care were facing considerable inconvenience. Poor families and elderly patients are finding it difficult to travel repeatedly to district hospitals. The issue should be resolved at the earliest so that patients do not continue to suffer, he added. The strike has also increased the workload on available staff at functioning healthcare institutions, while authorities are making arrangements to maintain essential patient-care services with the available manpower. Residents have urged the government and NHM employees to resolve the matter through dialogue and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services, particularly in remote and border areas.

Water crisis grips several Shopian localities

Shopian, Sep 18: Several localities in south Kashmirs Shopian district are facing an acute shortage of drinking water, forcing residents at times to rely on potentially contaminated water sources to meet their daily needs. Residents of Gada Mohalla, Peer Mohalla and parts of Bonabazar said they had been facing inadequate piped water supply for the past several months, with water available only for brief periods and at very low pressure. According to residents, the limited supply has made it difficult for households to meet their daily consumption requirements, including drinking, washing clothes and other domestic activities. Bashrat Amin, a resident, said Gada Mohalla had been facing a water shortage for the past four to five months. We receive water for a very short time, and the pressure is so low that we have to use water pumps to draw it, he said. He said residents had not witnessed such a severe water crisis in their locality before, adding that the shortage had caused considerable inconvenience to households. Shopian is known for its rivers, streams and springs, with several water bodies spread across the district. However, residents said the presence of abundant natural water resources had not translated into a reliable piped drinking water supply in their localities. Despite the availability of water sources, they said, a consistent and adequate supply remains a challenge, raising concerns about access to safe drinking water. Residents of Bonabazar also reported similar difficulties, saying the water shortage had disrupted their daily routines. Ashiq Hussain, a resident of the locality, said households were receiving water for only brief periods, which was insufficient to meet their domestic requirements. We receive water for a very short time. It is not sufficient for washing clothes and carrying out other household chores, he said. Residents said the inadequate supply and low water pressure had increased their dependence on alternative arrangements, including water pumps, to collect water whenever it became available. They urged the Jal Shakti Department to examine the issue and ensure a regular and adequate supply of drinking water to the affected localities. The residents also called for steps to improve water pressure and address the factors responsible for the prolonged disruption, saying reliable access to drinking water was essential for households. The affected residents hoped that the authorities would intervene promptly and restore a dependable water supply to the localities.

Government wont allow lifetime teacher postings in urban areas: Nasir Aslam

Srinagar, Sep 18: Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Thursday said that rural schools were facing an acute dearth of teachers despite having encouraging enrolment, while the government was focused on strengthening the availability of teaching staff in these educational institutions. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of Green Valley Model United Nations (GVMUN)-2026, Nasir Aslam Wani said the government was looking to strengthen teacher availability, particularly in schools where there was a shortage of teachers. There are very few teachers in the rural schools. We want to increase the strength of teachers so that children can get proper education, he said. He said the government would not allow teachers to remain posted permanently in either urban or rural areas, saying that postings would be made through a rotation system. Everyone will have to go to rural areas and in the city as well. It is not that everyone who is posted in city school will remain posted there for a lifetime and those who are posted in the village schools will continue there permanently. By rotation, they will go to all places, Wani said. About filling vacant positions of teachers in the School Education Department, he said the posts would be filled through Samagra Shiksha and the recruitment process. We are working on it. The posts will be filled, he added. Earlier, in his address as chief guest at GVMUN, Wani talked about the changing relationship between teachers and students and recalled a time when teachers commanded greater authority and respect. He said there was a huge difference between the education system of his time and that of today, when students were more willing to question teachers, parents and others in society. In todays world, there is very little room for questioning. Teachers word was the last word when we were students. But today, students are different. They question everything and everybody, he said. He said educators and society must be prepared to provide answers to their questions. During our times, if teachers would beat us, we would never dare to complain about it at our homes, knowing that our parents would trust our teachers more than us (children). But these days the situation is altogether different, he added. Referring to the confidence displayed by students participating in the GVMUN event, Wani said the present generation had greater exposure and confidence compared to students of his time. He said education should not remain confined to books and academics, stressing the need to provide students opportunities in sports, extracurricular activities and skill development. We should not only educate them, but also make them unemployed. We should have children who are skilled for the job market, so that when they graduate from school, they can easily get employment, he said. Wani called for encouraging students to acquire skills early in their education so that they are equipped for employment after graduation. He also called for greater awareness among students about social challenges, particularly drug abuse, and said children needed to be mentally prepared to deal with the pressures of contemporary life. We should prepare them for the problems of today. We should prepare their minds for the materialistic world we live in, he said. Wani said the government would work towards increasing investment in children and creating more opportunities for them. On concerns raised by the school sector regarding regulations, Wani said steps were Being Taken To Ease The Process Of Doing Business For Schools. School registration would now be valid for five years and several No Objection Certificates would be covered through self-certification, he said.

Threads of Tradition, Masterpieces of Art

The history of the Kashmiri carpet is a narrative of cultural synthesis, technical precision, and enduring art. Known locally as Kal Baffi, the Kashmiri carpet is a prized textile that bridges Central Asian artisan traditions with the aesthetic identity of the Kashmir Valley. Origins and Historical Development The origins of carpet weaving in Kashmir trace back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The foundation was laid by the revered Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who brought Persian scholars and master craftsmen with him via the Silk Route to teach local Kashmiris. Decades later, the 15th-century king Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (popularly known as Budshah) formalised this transfer of knowledge. During his imprisonment in Samarkand (modern-day Uzbekistan), he was fascinated by Central Asian workshops. Upon returning to Kashmir, he imported master weavers from Persia, Samarkand, and Turkey to set up workshops (karkhaanas). While Turkish carpets traditionally use the symmetrical double-knot (Ghiordes knot) and geometric motifs, Kashmiri carpets adopted the Persian asymmetrical single-knot (Senneh knot). Kashmiri artisans absorbed foreign motifssuch as the Gl (medallions) from Turkmen traditions and Shah Abbas florals from Persiaand transformed them by incorporating local botanical life, such as the chinar leaf, lotus, cypress, and Kashmirs native flora. Today, this rich artistic heritage lives on in prominent local hubs. Establishments like Pashm Home, located at Munawarabad, Srinagar, showcase this legacy by offering a great variety of authentic Kashmiri and fine Persian carpets to collectors and visitors from around the globe. I had an occasion to visit this exotic Kashmir arts showroom last week, Woolen vs. Silk Carpets The choice of raw material dictates the texture, utility, and overall character of the carpet. Woolen Carpets (Kalm Kr): Crafted using high-grade local wool or fine imported wool, typically hand-spun over a durable cotton or wool warp foundation. They generally feature a knot density ranging from 100 to 400 knots per square inch (KPSI). Woolen carpets are heavier, provide exceptional warmth underfoot, and carry a rich, matte finish. Because of their durability and substantial feel, they are designed primarily as functional floor coverings meant to withstand decades of daily use. Silk Carpets (Resham Kr): Woven using pure Mulberry silk for the pile, often set upon a silk or ultra-fine cotton base. The fine nature of silk thread allows for an extraordinary knot density, frequently ranging from 400 to well over 900 knots per square inch. This enables artisans to achieve razor-sharp detail in the motifs. Silk carpets possess a luminous sheen, reflecting light differently depending on the viewing angle, and have a supple, fluid drape. Due to their delicacy and high value, they are most often treated as luxury wall hangings, tapestries, or collectors items and only infrequently as utility floor rugs. Design Conception: The Naqash and the Talim System The creation of a Kashmiri carpet design is a two-step intellectual process distinct from most world traditions. The visual layout is conceived by a master designer called the Naqash. Sitting with specialized graph paper (Naksha), the designer draws every line, flower, and border, selecting the precise colour matrix for the entire composition. The visual design is not handed to the weaver directly. Instead, a specialized artisan translates the drawn image into a coded cryptographic script known as the Talim. Written on long, narrow strips of paper, the Talim uses specific hieroglyphic symbols to denote the yarn colour and the exact number of knots to be tied sequentially. Weaving is performed on a vertical loom (Karkhana) set up with tightly strung warp threads. In a traditional workshop setting, a senior weaver or team leader acts as the Talim Khan. This leader reads the cryptographic script out loud in a rhythmic, melodic chant (such as Two red, four blue, one green), guiding the weavers sitting side-by-side at the loom. Remarkably, individual weavers do not need to see the finished picture or understand how the overall pattern looks. They blindly execute the coded chant knot by knot. The complete motif only emerges incrementally as row after row is tied, beaten down with a heavy iron comb (Panja), and trimmed with shears. Key Value Drivers The commercial value of a Kashmiri carpet is computed through specific key metrics: Knot Density (KPSI): Higher knots per square inch require significantly finer yarn and exponentially more labour hours, making it the single largest driver of price. Material Quality: Pure silk-on-silk commands a far higher price than wool-on-cotton or silk-blend pieces. Time and Labor: A fine silk carpet can take two to four weavers anywhere from six months to over two years of daily work to complete. Dyeing Techniques: Hand-dyed yarns using natural, organic plant-based dyes command a significant premium over chemical dyes. Design Complexity: Highly detailed central medallions or intricate narrative scenes (such as Shikargah hunting motifs) demand superior skill and elevate the cost. The prominent presence of the Kashmiri Shia community in hand-knotted carpet weaving stems directly from historical migrations. When Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani and later scholars like Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi migrated from Persia (Iran) to Kashmir, many of the accompanying master artisans belonged to Shia lineages. They settled in specific artisanal clusters, particularly in areas like Zadibal in Srinagar and parts of Budgam. Over centuries, carpet weaving remained a specialized cottage-industry craft handed down strictly within families and close-knit guilds. The geographic and cultural concentration of the Shia community helped preserve the specialized knowledge of reading the Talim and mastering Persian knotting techniques across generations. Distinguishing Global Traditions To truly appreciate the artistry of the Kashmiri carpet, one must understand how it fits into the broader tapestry of Eastern rug-making traditions. Persian Carpets: Set the standard for fluid curvilinear layouts, elaborate medallions, and high-density asymmetrical knotting (Senneh knot). Turkish Carpets: Famous for their bold, symmetrical double-knot (Ghiordes knot) construction and structural durability, featuring geometric shapes and stylized motifs. Kashmiri Carpets: Sit in harmonious conversation with these classic styles: they inherit the intricate asymmetrical Persian knotting technique and refined floral layouts, yet distinguish themselves through ultra-fine silk work guided by the unique Talim script and localized botanical imagery. Saudi Carpets (Sadu Weaving): Originate from nomadic Bedouin culture rather than urban loom workshops. Crafted primarily from goat hair, camel hair, or coarse sheeps wool on portable horizontal ground looms, Saudi carpets feature bold, contrasting linear stripes, tribal geometric symbols, and functional desert durability rather than intricate curvilinear florals or ultra-high knot counts. Present Status, Machine-Made Competition, and the Future The hand-knotted Kashmiri carpet industry currently faces structural transitions and market shifts. Power looms and low-cost synthetic machine-made carpets present a real challenge. Machine-made rugs can replicate complex visuals in minutes at a fraction of the cost, often confusing buyers and threatening the livelihoods of traditional artisans. Furthermore, low daily wages relative to the severe eye strain and physical labour have led members of the younger generation to seek alternative professions. To safeguard the craft against mechanical imitations, the Jammu & Kashmir government introduced a Geographical Indication (GI) certification framework. Authentic hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets are now fitted with a secure QR-code label that allows buyers to verify the carpets genuine origin, knot density, raw materials, and the specific weaver involved. While machine-made carpets can mimic a designs appearance, they cannot replicate the structural strength, individual hand-tied knots, or tactile depth of a hand-knotted piece. The future of the Kashmiri carpet lies not in mass production, but as a recognized luxury product, heirloom art investment, and high-end architectural craft. With strict GI enforcement, fair compensation for artisans, and contemporary design adaptations, the art of Kal Baffi continues to maintain its prestige in global textile heritage. Ultimately, a Kashmiri carpet is far more than a decorative floor covering; it is a living document of history, poetry, and painstaking human effort. From the rhythmic chants of the Talim Khan to the hundreds of thousands of hand-tied knots that make up a single silk masterpiece, Kal Baffi represents a rare convergence of discipline and creativity. As global appreciation grows for authentic craftsmanship and sustainable heritage art, the Kashmiri carpet stands as a testament to the resilient spirit of the valleys artisans. By preserving this ancient craft, the world retains not just a luxury textile, but an irreplaceable portal into centuries of cultural harmony and artistic mastery. Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul foundation

GLOF: The looming threat

GLOF (Glacial lake Outburst Flood) has recently been in the news after a major disaster in Nepal, with a lot of discussion happening around the same. A Glacial Lake is a huge water body with millions of litres of water and molten ice. It is a result of glacial melting which can be attributed primarily to global warming, leading to an increase in the number and size of glacial lakes across the globe. This is further aggravated by human intervention and development around glacial catchment areas. Many of these glacial lakes are susceptible to outburst floods, which has far-reaching consequences on downstream infrastructure and livelihoods. Glacial lakes are formed through two different methods. Melting and retreat of glacier margin causes water to be collected between the glacier and the abandoned frontal rock debris, resulting in what is known as Moraine-dammed lake. The frontal rocky ridge or moraine acts as a dam for such a lake. The other scenario is that of Ice-dammed lakes where the movement of the glacier blocks the drainage and causes the resultant water to accumulate into a lake. As glacial lakes increase in size, they become hazardous since their support in the form of ice and sediment (moraine ridge) is quite unstable. The volatility of slopes and glacial lakes is further aggravated in young and seismically active mountains like Himalayas, where hazard chains and avalanches are a common occurrence. Global Lake Outburst Flood is caused by the rupture of the dam holding back the glacial lake. The dam is either a moraine (ridge left behind by a receding glacier) or a glacier (which has blocked the flow of water). The dam rupture could be caused by any of the following reasons : Sudden inflow of material into the lake, possibly due to avalanches, rockfalls or pieces of glacial ice-melts, causing displacement of water overtopping the moraine. Rapid inflow of water from an upstream glacier. Abnormal rainfall or snowmelt causing sudden increase in the water level of the lake. Earthquakes. GLOF leads to release of abnormally huge quantities of water over a very short span of time. The extremely high flow of water coupled with river bed erosion creates havoc on the downstream plains by massive inundation. The sudden release of water, rapid occurrence and abnormally high water discharge combined with boulders, mud, ice and trees adds to the widespread destruction, resulting in loss of life and property. These intrinsic and extrinsic hazard drivers can cause largely unpredictable, rapid, and fatal draining of lake water, which may transform into debris or hyper-concentrated flow as the flood entrains sediment. Such floods often culminate in landscape changes and alter regional climate. Ice-dammed lake outbursts result in lower discharge and are relatively less destructive as compared to moraine-dam outbursts. However, since moraine-dam outburst causes dam destruction, it cannot re-occur, whereas ice-dammed outbursts can occur repetitively by the lake getting refilled multiple times. Due to the nature of their formation, the threat from moraine-dammed outbursts increases with glacier retreat while that of ice-dammed outburst increases with glacier growth. Since global warming is causing glacier melting and hence retreat, we will see more of moraine-dammed outburst floods in future. Additionally, with a growth in lake size increasing the risk of overtopping failures, we have an increased probability of outburst floods being triggered and heightened potential flood volume, which are among the main factors contributing to the disaster. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods are characterised by a metric - GLOF Susceptibility score, which evaluates the likelihood of a glacial lake to breach and cause an outburst flood. It takes into account lake dimensions (volume, depth), dam properties (material, slope) and environmental factors (seismic activity, avalanche, warming, development). Dam slope is recognized as a critical factor affecting both the stability of the dam and the erosive potential of the downstream channel. Machine learning algorithms, data-driven and objective methods are extensively used to establish the relationship between triggering factors and probability of occurrence. In the Himalayan region, glacial lakes and water bodies have demonstrated an increasing water spread over recent years. The region has lost over 40% glacial mass in past four decades, thereby creating a significantly high number of glacial lakes in the vicinity. Jammu & Kashmir happens to be one of the vulnerable parts of the country, with a persistent risk of GLOF, despite no outburst in the past. As far as this region is concerned, outbursts frequently start with rapid mass movement into the lake, often due to slope failure from the adjoining mountains, leading to displacement waves and overtopping the dam, causing moraine dam incision and resulting in a sudden discharge of lake water. As the flood propagates farther downstream, it transforms into debris flow and hyper-concentrated or secondary debris flow, depending on the geologic and topographic characteristics of the river channel and available sediment. The discharge during GLOF is rapid and huge, without any sufficient time for any proactive remediation or warning. We need to look at possible Early Warning Systems, at least to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure. National Disaster Management Authority has charted out a proactive approach to mitigate the risk of GLOFs. Some of these remedial measures are : Identification of potentially vulnerable lakes based on field observations, geological characteristics and surrounding conditions. Tracking of temperature fluctuations, precipitation, and climate patterns influencing glacial melt and lake stability. Monitoring of glacial lake water levels, river discharge, and downstream flood risks. Analysing temperature trends, rainfall, and seismic activity to assess the risk of sudden lake bursts. Simulation of existing water bodies and remote monitoring through connected devices/ drones to detect any changes, which could trigger an alarm. Diversion of water flow, wherever possible, through controlled channels and flow retention structures. Restriction and control of development activities in GLOF prone areas. Studying glacial dynamics, climate change impacts, and AI based flood forecasting models. Simulation of potential flood paths, helping forecasters predict downstream impacts. Promoting watershed management, reforestation, and ecosystem-based flood mitigation strategies. Risk Indexing of Glacial Lakes and ranking such lakes based on their likelihood of failure and potential damage they could cause in the event of an outburst flood. Integrate GLOF metrics into hydropower feasibility studies and Disaster Management policies. Creation of rapid response teams and training of tour operators and local communities. In Jammu & Kashmir, glacial thinning is occurring at an accelerated rate compared to other parts of the Himalayas. This reduction in glacial extent has also spurred the formation and expansion of glacial lakes at an alarming rate, exhibiting a 26% growth in lake surface area over 30 years, with 155 glacial lakes in existence at present. According to a research study, five glacial lakes in Kashmir namely Bramsar, Nundkol, Bhagsar, Chirsar and Gangabal have high GLOF susceptibility. Besides, there is a serious threat on Warwan basin in Kishtwar area, the lake having demonstrated a threefold growth in two decades, with some glacial lakes in quite proximity to hydroelectric projects on the Chenab river. Sonamarg-Ladakh corridor is also vulnerable due to unstable glacial lakes and high tourist activity around the area. The issue demands focused attention as this includes strategic concerns pertaining to Hydropower projects and Leh highway, besides loss of life and property. Glacial lake outburst floods demonstrate the serious impact of changing mountain environments on downstream population and the risk. Understanding these risks and looking for possible mitigations along with early warning systems are essential for protection against major disasters. It is time for a proper Early Warning System to be put in place and initiate awareness campaigns amongst the downstream population about possible risks, preparedness and mitigations. The recent disaster in Nepal should act as a wakeup call for all regions sitting on susceptible Glacial lakes. The author is a technocrat with expertise in Data Analytics, Cyber Law and Digital Forensics. He is currently acting as consulting advisor/ mentor to several startups and an ardent supporter of causes pertaining to Environment and Sustainability.

Kashmirs enduring quest for compassionate governance

The history of Kashmir is not merely a chronicle of conquests and conflicts but also a testament to visionary leaders who prioritized human welfare amid adversity. These figures understood that true governance transcends power. It involves restoring dignity, reviving economies, and fostering equity in one of the worlds most beautiful yet vulnerable regions. In the 15th century, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, popularly known as Budshah or the Great King, illuminated this path. Ascending the throne, he ushered in nearly five decades of peace and prosperity. It is within this tradition of welfare-oriented leadership that Colonel Mihan Singh, famously known as Kumedan Mihan Singh under Sikh Rule (1819-1846), occupies a distinctive place. A veteran Sikh soldier known for administrative acumen and unwavering dedication, he was appointed governor of Kashmir in April 1834 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The timing was critical: the valley was reeling from drought, famine, and widespread devastation. Reports of suffering had troubled the Maharaja, prompting the dispatch of a capable hand to restore order. Upon reaching Srinagar, Mihan Singh encountered a heartbreaking scene. A city plunged into darkness without lights, devoid of livestock, and overwhelmed by decay and despair. Historian accounts note that the sight left him unable to eat for three days. Yet this soldier-administrator did not succumb to despondency. He launched a comprehensive reconstruction drive that addressed immediate survival while laying foundations for long-term recovery. His governorship under Sikh Rule, lasting until his tragic death in 1841, is remembered as a period of benevolent and equitable rule that left an indelible mark on Kashmiri memory. Crisis response and economic revival Mihan Singhs first emphasis was combating acute famine. Acting swiftly on directions from Ranjit Singh, he imported 20,000 maunds of corn from Punjab. He supplemented this by purchasing additional grain from Muzaffarabad, Rajouri, and Kishtwar at Rs. 16 per kharwar, then selling it to the starving populace at the subsidized rate of Rs. 3 per kharwar. This intervention prevented mass starvation and restored public confidence. To rebuild rural economies, he imported cows, sheep, poultry, and eggs, distributing them among peasants. His frequent tours across the valley motivated farmers to resume cultivation, backed by promises of lenient taxation that encouraged widespread sowing. He tackled market malpractices head-on. Hoarders were compelled to sell stocks publicly. Mihan Singhs swift justice system became legendary. He emphasized fairness and efficiency. He appointed Pandit Ganesh Dhar to head the Revenue Department. During two extensive valley-wide tours, he personally oversaw tax collectors, remitted old balances from Raja Sukh Jeewans era (six seers per kharwar from one lakh kharwars of taqqavi and seed loans), and fixed laborers shares at nine seers per kharwar. Grain was sold at Rs. 2 per kharwar in some cases. Harsh penalties, including amputation for adulteration, enforced integrity. After discovering a short-weighed shali basket, he ordered public punishment to set an example. He introduced standardized stone and iron measures for accuracy in trade. Social equity was a hallmark of his tenure. He abolished the burdensome Muslim marriage tax, promoted access to justice by appointing 20 thanedars for swift case resolution, and reinstated jagirs worth one lakh kharwars to religious communities. Infrastructure development flourished under his watch: bridges over the Jhelum at Khannabal, Bijbihera, and Pampur were rebuilt, canals and bunds repaired, and Basant Bagh founded, enhancing both utility and urban beauty. Within two years, shali prices had fallen to Rs. 1 per kharwar, a remarkable achievement. He advanced interest-free loans for agricultural improvement and worked to re-establish trade and industry, measures that particularly benefited the Muslim population and mitigated famines long-term scars. Colonel Mihan Singhs reputation for justice, swift decision-making, and dedication earned him widespread respect. Kashmiris across communities viewed his rule as fair and compassionate. When he was assassinated in 1841 during a mutiny, the populace lamented his death deeply. His loss was mourned as that of a genuine benefactor who had brought relief and order to a suffering land. His relevance today In the 21st century, Kashmir continues to grapple with aspirations for peace, development, sustainable agriculture, tourism revival, and inclusive growth. Colonel Mihan Singhs model offers a powerful blueprint. His hands-on crisis management, importing and subsidizing essentials while distributing livestock, demonstrates how decisive action can avert humanitarian disasters in a region prone to climate vulnerabilities and supply disruptions. His agricultural revival through tours, loans, and tax leniency highlights the value of connecting directly with farmers, a need as pressing today as in the 1830s amid modernization efforts. Economically, his enforcement of fair measures, anti-hoarding drives, and price stabilization speak to contemporary demands for transparent markets and curbing exploitation. Infrastructure initiatives like bridge and canal repairs parallel todays needs for resilient connectivity and irrigation in the face of environmental challenges. Abolishing regressive taxes and supporting crafts and trade underscore the importance of equitable policies that bridge communities and boost livelihoods, particularly for marginalized sections. Mihan Singhs humanized approach, combining firmness with gestures of mourning, reflects the empathy required to build public trust in a politically sensitive landscape. Kashmir needs administrators who deliver visible results, enforce accountability without alienating people, and prioritize welfare over bureaucratic inertia. These elements remind modern leaders that economic focus must be complemented by attention to social cohesion, institutional morale, and long-term stability. Kashmirs history, from Zain-ul-Abidins tolerance to Mihan Singhs revival under Sikh Rule, reveals a consistent truth: the valley flourishes under leaders who act with authenticity, courage, and a genuine commitment to people. In an age seeking good governance, reduced corruption, and shared prosperity, administrators embodying Mihan Singhs spirit, decisive yet compassionate, reformist yet rooted in ground realities, can help realize the regions immense potential. His story is not just historical. It is a call for leadership that heals, builds, and unites. Kashmir deserves such stewards, leaders who see beyond challenges to the resilient spirit of its people and work tirelessly for their welfare. Dr. Harjeet Singh, Assistant Professor (History), Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab.

Worth an Audit

Aross the length and breadth of the country, and particularly in J&K, there is an undeniable surge in civil construction. Earth movers dot the landscape, roads are being widened, drains are being dug, and public buildings are rising from the ground. To the untrained eye, this flurry of activity paints a picture of a region on the march, a testament to developmental focus and economic momentum. However, a closer, more discerning inspection reveals a deeply unsettling reality. The civil works, ubiquitous as they are, suffer from a chronic, systemic affliction: they are overwhelmingly of a shockingly low grade. We are building at an unprecedented pace, but we are building poorly. It is a facade of progress, masking an impending infrastructural disaster that will cost the exchequer and the taxpayer dearly in the years to come. To understand why newly laid roads wash away with the first monsoon showers, or why freshly plastered walls develop cracks before a project is even officially inaugurated, one must look at the genesis of the problem: the tendering process. The root cause of this infrastructural malaise lies in the prevailing culture of contractors quoting at the absolute minimum rate. Driven by a flawed procurement ecosystem that blindly worships the L1 (lowest bidder) metric, contractors engage in a race to the bottom. In their desperation to secure tenders and outbid competitors, they quote prices that are fundamentally detached from the economic realities of sound construction. Let us be brutally clear about the arithmetic of construction: quality comes at a price. When a contractor wins a bid at a rate that barely covers the base cost of standard operations, the profit marginand indeed, the survival marginmust be extracted from elsewhere. It is an open secret in the construction industry that an impossibly low bid is not a sign of incredible efficiency; it is a preamble to compromised quality. The government, by accepting these rock-bottom quotes without rigorously questioning their feasibility, becomes a willing accomplice in the degradation of its own infrastructure. We celebrate the financial savings on paper, completely ignoring the massive recurring costs of maintenance, repair, and premature replacement that will inevitably follow. When contractors are squeezed by the very minimum rates they themselves quoted, the immediate casualty is the material used. It is entirely obvious and utterly predictable. To make the math work, high-grade cement is routinely replaced with inferior alternatives, or the cement-to-sand ratio is cynically manipulated on site. The steel rebars, meant to provide the tensile backbone to our structures, are often of substandard gauge and quality. Bitumen on our roads is spread perilously thin, mixed with improper aggregates, and laid at incorrect temperatures to save on fuel and time. These are not victimless compromises. The use of low-quality materials directly translates to compromised structural integrity and public peril. A retaining wall built with adulterated concrete is a tragedy waiting to happen during the next heavy downpour. A road laid with insufficient bitumen becomes a series of hazardous potholes within months, endangering lives and slowing down economic activity. The contractor walks away with his profit margin intact, having fulfilled the bare minimum requirements on paper, while the public is left to navigate the crumbling remnants of so-called development. Yet, the minimum rate quotes and the resulting substandard materials are only symptoms of a much larger, more insidious disease. The most critical failure, the enabler of this entire charade is the glaring lack of supervision by the concerned departments. Contractors will naturally attempt to maximize their margins; it is the nature of business. But it is the sworn duty of the government departments, specifically the engineers, junior engineers, and site supervisors, to ensure that the work adheres strictly to the mandated specifications. Tragically, this supervisory mechanism has all but collapsed. Whether due to a crippling shortage of staff, institutional apathy, or a deeply entrenched nexus between the executors and the monitors, the oversight is practically non-existent. Bills are passed, and completion certificates are issued for work that barely passes a visual test, let alone rigorous quality control checks. The site supervisor is the first line of defense against substandard construction. When that defense is absent or compromised, the contractor is given a free pass to plunder the public purse through poor workmanship. The lack of on-site vigilance means that the engineering specifications detailed in the tender documents remain entirely fictional, existing only in files rather than on the ground. This brings us to the pressing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The region is currently undergoing a massive infrastructural overhaul. From smart city projects in Srinagar and Jammu to rural road connectivity under various national schemes, hundreds of crores are being pumped into the UT. However, the whispers of discontent regarding the quality of these works are growing into a crescendo. Citizens are witnessing firsthand the slapdash manner in which drains are being constructed, roads are being patched, and public buildings are being erected. The harsh weather conditions of J&K, extreme winters, heavy snowfall, and torrential rains demand infrastructure of the highest resilience. Instead, we are getting fragile, low-grade constructions that will not survive a single harsh season. To improve the standard and quality of public work underway and infrastructure projects to follow latest standards in respective fields, we need a complete overhaul of our technical protocols. And similarly adopt Quality Standards for Audit criteria, ensuring that every assessment is measured against established national and international benchmarks rather than subjective observations. Another important aspect is training of Engineers in Government departments especially in J&K. There is hardly any training from the day a young engineer joins till his retirement. All he learns is by field experience. Upgradation of knowledge, adoption of new technologies is relevant in every engineering department else we will keep following old practices. In infrastructure development lot has changed in last 20 years. Trained engineers and upgradation in knowledge helps in better supervision of projects. State Government can use training establishments with various ministries and departments across the country. The economic ramifications of this infrastructural negligence in Jammu and Kashmir are profound. Our region relies heavily on two primary engines: tourism and agriculture. Both demand robust, reliable connectivity. When a vital arterial road connecting a tourist hotspot degrades rapidly due to low-grade bitumen and poor sub-base preparation, it is not just an inconvenience; it actively deters visitors, harming the local hospitality economy. Similarly, for the apple growers of Shopian or the saffron farmers of Pampore, every pothole on the route to the mandi translates to damaged produce and lost income. We are building infrastructure to supposedly boost these sectors, yet by allowing contractors to cut corners and by failing to supervise their work, we are actively sabotaging the very economic lifelines we aim to strengthen. The narrative of a new era cannot be built on foundations that crumble to dust at the slightest pressure. Some of the civil work currently happening in Jammu and Kashmir is, without a doubt, worth an audit. In fact, it desperately demands one. We cannot afford to squander this historic opportunity for infrastructural development on ephemeral, low-quality construction. A comprehensive, independent technical audit of all major civil works executed in the last few years is an absolute necessity. This audit must not merely look at the financial ledgers but must involve core sampling of concrete, thickness testing of roads, and a rigorous review of the materials used against the tender specifications. Accountability must be fixed not just on the contractors who executed the poor work, but equally on the officials who signed off on it. But audits take time, and the damage is being done today. Therefore, there is an immediate, actionable step that must be taken. It is high time that the senior officials of the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, and indeed the concerned Minister or the highest administrative authorities in the UT, step out of their secretariats. We need less boardroom planning and more on-ground inspection. A few unannounced, surprise visits to active construction sites by the top brass will send a shockwave through the system. When the highest levels of leadership demonstrate that they are invested in the quality of the work, and not just the completion of it, the entire bureaucratic machinery falls in line. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve infrastructure that stands the test of time, not infrastructure that requires rebuilding every two years. We must dismantle the unholy trinity of lowest-bidder obsession, substandard materials, and absent supervision. Development is not measured by the number of projects inaugurated, but by the durability and utility of the assets created. It is time to demand quality, enforce accountability, and ensure that every rupee of public money translates into solid, lasting public assets. The current state of civil works is not just a failure of engineering; it is a breach of public trust. An audit is not just warranted; it is an urgent moral imperative. Lt Gen R. S. Reen is a former DGQA

Fankar-e-Kashmir Season 4 returns with focus on folk music, young talent

Srinagar, Sep 18: Kashmirs folk music is set to find a new generation of voices as Fankar-e-Kashmir (FEK) returns with its fourth season, expanding its focus from performance to mentorship, learning and professional opportunities for young artists. Conceptualised and driven by ShowCase Events, The Eagle and Kashmir Rabab Academy, the initiative will culminate in a grand finale on September 28 at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. What began four years ago as an effort to revive interest in traditional Kashmiri music among young audiences has gradually evolved into a wider cultural platform, bringing together musicians, cultural practitioners, institutions and industry stakeholders. Season 4 will feature live auditions, knowledge sessions, mentorship and studio recording opportunities, with organisers seeking to provide emerging artists avenues to develop their craft and build professional careers. Angelina Fernandes, Founder, The Eagle, said FEK had grown considerably since its inaugural edition. Fankar-E-Kashmir, founded four years ago, successfully staged its inaugural event against steep odds. Since then, it has steadily grown, successfully reigniting a passion for local folk music among the youth of the region, she said. Fernandes said the latest season reflects the initiatives ambition to create opportunities for Kashmiri artists beyond the Valley. What began as a series of passionate discussions about the decline of traditional regional music has evolved into a thriving platform, she said, adding that the upcoming season aims to ensure artists receive recognition and professional opportunities on national and global stages. NazirGanaie, journalist, artist, filmmaker, and founder of Kashmir Rabab Academy, said FEK was aimed at creating a wider cultural community around Kashmiri music. Fankar-E-Kashmir is more than a platform for musicians. It is a space where artists, performers, government functionaries and other stakeholders come together with a shared purpose, to make the world of Kashmiri music richer, more inclusive and more connected, he said. Ganaie said the initiative was not about keeping tradition frozen in time, but allowing it to evolve. Traditional voices are not merely preserved but encouraged to evolve, compete and find a global audience. Our folk traditions carry extraordinary depth and identity, and platforms like this can help take these voices from Kashmir to the world, he said. Season 4 has also brought a wider network of institutions and organisations on board. Sustainnovate Research and Advocacy Foundation (SIRAF) has joined FEK as its NGO partner, supporting its cultural and youth-focused objectives. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) has also joined the initiative to support and encourage young talent, adding institutional backing to the platform. The RAAB Foundation has come on board as the Title Sponsor, supporting FEKs broader cultural vision and efforts to create meaningful opportunities for artists. The organisers said the partnerships were aimed at developing a sustainable ecosystem around traditional music by connecting artists with audiences, institutions, mentors and the wider creative industry. Nanni Singh, Chief Executive, ShowCase Events, described FEK as an initiative that had evolved from a passion project into a larger movement. A passion that has now become a movement is what Fankar-E-Kashmir means to me. Entering Season 4 feels surreal and deeply rewarding. Fankar-E-Kashmir has proven that when you give local talent the right platform, tradition and future merge brilliantly, she said. Singh said the long-term vision was to create a cultural economy offering young artists wider opportunities. We want to build a lasting cultural economy, empower our youth with national platforms, and ensure the world continues to feel the true, unadulterated soul of the Valley, she said. With auditions, mentorship, knowledge sessions and recording opportunities forming part of the fourth season, FEK is seeking to move beyond the conventional format of a music competition or stage show. The season will culminate at Tagore Hall on September 28, bringing together emerging performers, cultural practitioners, institutions and supporters of Kashmirs artistic traditions. For the organisers, the focus now extends beyond preserving Kashmirs musical heritage to creating opportunities for a new generation to carry it forward, reinterpret it and take its sounds to wider audiences.

HC imposes Rs 10,000 costs on petitioner for concealing facts

Srinagar, Sep 18:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has imposed costs of Rs 10,000 on a petitioner for concealing facts before the court. A bench of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal dismissed one Nazir Ahmad Mirs plea and saddled him with costs for failing to disclose the pendency of a recovery suit involving substantially the same claim before a Commercial Court in Srinagar. Mir, proprietor of M/s Mir Electricals had petitioned the High Court for its intervention to direct payment of an alleged outstanding amount along with 12 per cent interest. Opposing the plea, the respondents (authorities) however pointed out that he had already instituted a recovery suit before the Additional District Judge, Bank Cases, designated as Commercial Court Srinagar, seeking recovery of Rs 24,06,722, along with interest and other reliefs. In response to Mirs plea, the Court noted that the recovery proceedings had been instituted prior to the filing of the writ petition and that the pendency of the suit had not been disclosed in the plea. The bench in keeping with Supreme Court and J&K and Ladakh High Court decisions reiterated that a person invoking the extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 was required to approach the Court with clean hands and disclose all material facts having a bearing on the matter. It held that the suppression in the present case could not be treated as a mere omission, as the petitioner had already chosen a remedy before the competent Commercial Court for substantially the same relief. The court observed that permitting such parallel proceedings would result in multiplicity of proceedings and allow adjudication of the same claim before two different forums. Observing that the plea amounted to an abuse of the process of the court, the court dismissed the same with costs of Rs 10,000. The vourt directed the petitioner (Mir) to deposit the amount with the High Court Registry within two weeks.

J&K Govt fixes 7-day deadline for inspections of 8 online services under BRAP

Srinagar, Sep 18:The Jammu and Kashmir Government has fixed a maximum timeline of seven working days for conducting field inspections linked to eight online services of the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), as part of its ongoing implementation of the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP). The timeline has been prescribed through Government Order No 193-JK(HUD) of 2026, issued on September 11. According to the order, the seven-working-day period will be counted from the date the inspection is scheduled or the application is received on the concerned online portal, as applicable. The deadline applies to Certificate of Vending (Street Vendor Licence), Municipal Trade Licence/NOC for Commercial Establishments, Sewerage Connection and Building Plan Approval. It will also cover permission for alteration, addition, revision or revalidation of buildings; permission for demolition and reconstruction; Plinth Approval of Building; and Occupancy/Completion Certificate of Building. The order has been issued in continuation of Government Order Nob43-JK(HUD) of 2026 dated February 27 and seeks to formalise a time-bound inspection mechanism for services that have a direct bearing on construction, commercial activity and municipal infrastructure. The notification has been issued by Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, H&UDD. The latest measure is part of the broader Business Reforms Action Plan implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. BRAP was launched in 2014-15 as a framework for States and Union Territories to undertake regulatory reforms aimed at improving the business environment and reducing delays and compliance burdens. Over the years, BRAP has expanded beyond conventional ease-of-doing-business measures. The BRAP 2024 framework covers areas including labour, environment, land administration, taxation, utility permits, inspections and construction, besides promoting ICT adoption, process re-engineering, online service delivery and integration with single-window systems. DPIIT has also introduced an assessment methodology combining evidence of reform implementation with stakeholder feedback. The DPIIT's BRAP portal tracks States and UTs on the basis of reforms implemented and feedback received. Under the BRAP 2024 assessment, States and UTs are placed in categories based on the level of compliance with the action plan. In the latest categorisation released by the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir figures among the Fast Movers in the Y category, which comprises States and UTs with established business-centric systems. The Centre has increasingly linked BRAP with measurable service-delivery improvements. The 2024 framework specifically seeks to reduce approval times, expand online delivery and integrate systems such as the National Single Window System. It also places emphasis on transparent information relating to procedures, fees and timelines. The National Single Window System, meanwhile, enables businesses to track applications and approval status through an investor dashboard. As of February 2026, 32 central ministries and departments and 33 states and UTs had been integrated with the system, providing access to more than 300 central and over 3000 state and UT government-to-business approvals. J&K has also been expanding its own digital service infrastructure. The UT's Single Window Portal provides a single point of contact for investors and facilitates online services relating to business establishment and operations. The Economic Survey has reported 185 services available through the Single Window Portal. The H&UDD reforms are significant because building permissions, commercial establishment licences and related municipal approvals often require physical verification before a decision can be taken. Prescribing a seven-working-day ceiling provides applicants with a defined timeframe for this particular stage of the process. The February 2026 H&UDD order had already laid down procedures for online inspections, including prescribed checklists and digital recording of inspection outcomes. The September order now adds a clear outer limit for conducting the field inspection, thereby strengthening the time-bound nature of the process. The reform, however, does not mean that an application has to be approved within seven days. The prescribed period relates specifically to the conduct of the field inspection. The application would continue to be processed in accordance with the applicable building bye-laws, municipal regulations and other statutory requirements.

Private hospitals await Rs 500 Cr dues

Srinagar, Sep 18:A never before and mounting payment crisis under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY SEHAT scheme has once again threatening the continuity of the Government funded health insurance coverage in J&K. With private healthcare providers under severe financial strain, due to unpaid claims running into over Rs 500 crore, pending for several months, it is already a system falling apart. Many private hospitals, Greater Kashmir has learnt, have curtailed providing treatment under PMJAY SEHAT Scheme, depriving J&K citizens of insurance cover during their spells of illness. The illnesses, that were insured, and that the scheme aimed at preventing from becoming financially catastrophic, have again started haunting people. Earlier, J&K residents had the option of getting pacemakers, gall bladder surgeries, and many other surgeries from private hospitals. Now these options have shrunk. While J&K Government restricted many treatments to public hospitals only under PMJAY SEHAT Scheme, many others are being denied by hospitals as they struggle with finances. This scenario is keeping bothe the patients and empanelled hospitals on edge. While State Health Agency (SHA) has taken action against private hospitals denying treatment under SEHAT scheme in past, the hospitals are left with no option but to explore the option of exiting the scheme. More than Rs 500 crore are due from SHA to private empanelled hospitals, an insider told Greater Kashmir. The figure could not be independently verified from official records. However, it comes against the backdrop of repeated complaints from empanelled private hospitals for years, persistently. This year in June, private hospitals and dialysis centres had threatened to withdraw from the scheme from July 1. They cited delayed settlement of approved claims and mounting financial pressure that was making it difficult for them to run even their daily operations. The government subsequently sanctioned Rs 175 crore, which however was only part of the pending amount. The hospital administrators and their representatives again raised the issue in August. The payments, they said, have remained pending for around eight months. The cashless treatment continues to face recurring crises over payments, the private hospital representatives said. A representative told Greater Kashmir said the impasse is due to multiple factors. Major one is that there is funding constraint. When SHA has funds, it starts paying public hospitals first, leaving private hospitals behind, he said. In addition, the continuing preference for an insurance-based model for implementation is coming in way for smooth payment disbursements. The Finance Department is reluctant to allow the scheme to be run without an insurance arrangement, There are differences involving the insurer that was selected through the tender process, he said. Official records show that SHA-J&K has historically used an insurance model for implementation. It has undertaken tendering for selection of an insurance company, the official tender granted to Reliance General Insurance. He said there is a broader reluctance within sections of the administration to politically own a centrally sponsored health scheme. The financial consequences, meanwhile, are becoming increasingly visible. Private hospitals participating in SEHAT state they are unable to pay doctors, nurses, technicians, suppliers and other operational costs. Due to delayed reimbursement, their payments against loans are also getting defaulted. They said any prolonged accumulation of unpaid claims is potentially affecting the availability of cashless treatment itself. As of February 28, 2026, J&K had generated 87.91 lakh Ayushman cards. The records show 19.45 lakh claims had been submitted and 16.21 lakh paid.

Wear Khaki with honesty: DGP

Srinagar, Sep 18:Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Friday urged newly appointed police officers to wear the Khakhi (uniform) with honesty. Speaking at Lok Bhavan here during the ceremony in which Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha handed over appointment orders to 29 newly-selected Deputy Superintendents of Police of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (Gazetted) Services, recruited through the Combined Competitive Examination-2024 of the J&K Public Service Commission, DGP Prabhat told the newly-appointed gazetted police officers that the uniform was their responsibility and service to the nation their duty, and that khaki had to be worn with honesty, loyalty, and patriotism. Congratulating the officers and their families, the DGP said the day was one of happiness and marked the beginning of a serious responsibility. Wearing the police uniform, he said, was not an easy task. Uniform is our responsibility. We have to work with honesty, loyalty and patriotism while wearing this uniform, Prabhat said. He cautioned the young officers that they would face multiple challenges in service, including situations that could put their lives at risk. Training at the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur, he assured them, would prepare them to meet every test and emerge stronger both mentally and physically. You will be trained in such a way that you will be able to stand the test on every front, mentally as well as physically, the DGP said. He said that he would interact with them in greater detail after they joined the academy and wished them success in their new journey of service. The ceremony formed part of the formal induction of the 29 officers selected on merit. Senior civil and police officers, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti and Commissioner Secretary GAD M Raju, were present. Earlier, LG Sinha had told the same officers that the uniform was a symbol of J&Ks resolve, that respect for it was earned through honesty, courage, and humility, and that the authority it conferred must be used for justice and for the protection of every citizen, especially the weakest.

Dont harass innocents, dont spare guilty: LG to police officers

Srinagar, Sep 18:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday urged the newly-appointed Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS) officers not to harass the innocents and not spare the guilty. Handing over appointment letters to 29 newly-selected officers of the Jammu Kashmir Police (Gazetted) Service, LG Sinha, reiterating the principle 'do not harass the innocent; do not spare the guilty', called upon them to wear the khaki uniform with pride, but keep their conscience closer to their hearts. You will possess authority, and you must combine that authority with the values of compassion so that human sensitivity remains an essential part of all your actions. You must resolve that, regardless of how difficult circumstances may become, you will choose integrity and duty. Always remember that the respect commanded by the uniform depends on the honesty, courage and conduct of the officers who wear it, he said. Move forward with honesty, courage and humility. Along with your appointment letters, I have today entrusted you with the hopes, dreams and faith of the people. I expect you to honour this responsibility with unwavering resolve and to use your authority in the cause of justice. The LG said that the appointment letters were not mere documents but carried the extraordinary weight of trust reposed by citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. He described the appointment letter as invitations to serve, pledges to safeguard the dignity, security, and future of the people, and symbols of responsibility entrusted to the officers. Congratulating the newly appointed officers, LG Sinha lauded their perseverance in overcoming an intense and transparent selection process conducted by the Jammu Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). He commended the commission for upholding fairness, impartiality, and credibility and establishing a new legacy of employment through merit since 2019. The LG recalled how, for the first time, even children of ordinary families such as vegetable vendors, labourers, were able to secure government jobs purely on the basis of talent and hard work. He told the newly appointed officers that their journey had only begun. Their mission, LG Sinha said, was not personal success but service to the people, protection of citizens, and upholding the rule of law. He underlined the evolving nature of challenges, including terrorism, radicalisation, and new methods of terror financing through cryptocurrency and money laundering. The LG urged the officers to act as sentinels of both Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. After your training, when you wear the khaki uniform, you will stand as a protective shield between the terrorist forces and organisations across the border and the ordinary citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. You will be the guardians of the dreams of every citizen, and this is no small responsibility. I believe that protecting every citizen is one of the greatest responsibilities that any democracy can entrust to its officers. My expectation of you is that you will ensure a fear-free environment for every citizen, he said. Highlighting the ethos of the J&K Police, LG Sinha praised the devotion, sacrifice, and courage of senior officers who have safeguarded peace and harmony over decades. He urged the newly-appointed officers to combine authority with compassion, uphold communal harmony, and protect the rights of the most vulnerable. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, and senior officials of Police and civil administration attended the ceremony.

Hailstorm damages apple crop in Shopian, Anantnag

Shopian/ Anantnag, Sep 18:A hailstorm damaged apple orchards and other standing crops in parts of south Kashmirs Shopian and Anantnag districts on Friday, just as farmers were preparing to begin harvesting their crop. Farmers said an intense hailstorm lashed Melhoura village in Shopian at around 6 pm, damaging apples in orchards in the area. The storm was accompanied by rainfall, adding to concerns among growers ahead of the harvesting season. Rainfall was followed by a hailstorm, which caused damage to the apple crop, said Javed Ahmad, an apple cultivator from the area. The hailstorm struck at a particularly sensitive stage for growers, with farmers in several parts of south Kashmir preparing to harvest early varieties of apples. Damage at this stage can affect both the quality and marketability of the fruit, farmers said. The latest weather event has added to concerns among apple growers in Shopian, where several villages were hit by hailstorms and strong winds last month. Farmers in more than two dozen villages had reported damage to orchards following multiple spells of hailstorm and windstorm. In some affected areas, farmers had estimated crop losses at more than 90 percent, though a comprehensive assessment of the damage was not immediately available. The repeated weather events have raised concerns among growers at a time when the apple harvest is entering a crucial phase. A significant share of the Valleys economy is linked to horticulture, with apples forming the main commercial crop for thousands of farming households. In neighbouring Anantnag district, farmers in Walarhama and Kullar villages near Pahalgam also reported hailstorm activity and damage to standing crops, including apples. Ghulam Ahmad, a farmer from Walarhama, said the hailstorm lasted for around six to eight minutes but was intense enough to damage crops in the area. The hailstorm lasted for around six to eight minutes and damaged apples and vegetables, Ahmad said. Another farmer from Kullar village said the hailstorm carpeted the ground and orchards with a thick layer of hail. The extent of damage in the affected villages was still being assessed by farmers and local authorities. The latest hailstorm comes as apple prices in Kashmirs wholesale markets have also come under pressure amid rising arrivals. Farmers in the plains of Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, and Kulgam are currently harvesting the Kullu variety, while harvesting in higher-altitude areas is expected to begin shortly. The combination of weather-related crop damage and market uncertainty has added to the challenges facing growers this season. Farmers said they were particularly concerned about fruit that had suffered hail damage being downgraded in quality, fetching lower prices in the wholesale markets.

Faith inspires harmony: LG Sinha

Ganderbal, Sep 18:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that faith inspires harmony, describing the Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra as a sacred bridge between Indias glorious past and vibrant present. Flagging off the Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra at Naranag in Ganderbal, LG Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir had, for millennia, been nourished by an unbroken stream of faith, with every step of its land imbued with spiritual energy, as highlighted by Kalhana in the Rajatarangini. Addressing the gathering, he said the Nilamata Purana revered Mount Harmukh as the abode of Lord Shiva, while Gangbal Lake, situated at an altitude of 14,500 feet, was regarded as the sacred presence of Ganga. He said that despite difficult terrain and historical upheavals, devotees had preserved their spiritual bond with the yatra site, which was also associated with paying homage to ancestors and was comparable in sanctity to Haridwar. The LG said Himalayan yatras teach humility before nature and inspire noble thoughts from all directions, thereby fostering social harmony. I firmly believe that the Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra is a living expression of this immortal faith. On the yatra, no one is superior or inferior. All are seekers of truth, united in spirituality. This is the strength of our eternal culture, he said. Highlighting the relevance of the yatra in contemporary times, LG Sinha urged the pilgrims to pledge to protect nature, particularly in the context of climate change and growing environmental challenges. He said such spiritual journeys strengthen the nations soul and collective consciousness. I often say that Himalayan yatras teach us two important lessons. First, I am not the master of nature but its custodian. Second, noble and beneficial thoughts should come to us from all directions so that we may make society more prosperous. I believe that, in our eternal culture, yatra has always been a great force for social harmony. Yatra gives us that strength and self-confidence. At the same time, it brings us closer to nature. During the journey, we realise that nature is our heritage and that we have a responsibility towards it. The Harmukh-Gangbal yatra is also giving us an opportunity to tell our younger generation that our eternal culture represents not only the consciousness of the present but also the direction of the future, the LG said. He also referred to the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years of continuous public service. LG Sinha appealed to citizens and the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust to actively participate in activities including cleanliness drives, blood donation, health camps, tree plantation and youth programmes. May the snow-clad peaks of Harmukh inspire us to cultivate lofty thoughts, and may the blessings and compassion of Lord Shiva remain with all the pilgrims, he said. Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad; Member of Legislative Assembly from Kangan Mian Mehar Ali; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor Mandeep K Bhandari; Founder Chairman and General Secretary, Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust, Vinod Pandita; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg; IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore; President of the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust Anil Bhat and other members of the Trust; religious heads; senior civil and police administrators; security officials; prominent citizens; and a large number of devotees attended the flag-off ceremony.

Srinagar planned for 2035, struggling today

Srinagar, Sep 18:Whenever it rains in Srinagar, people ask why a city with decades of planning still struggles with waterlogging. The same question arises about traffic congestion, inadequate pedestrian space, and waste management. The answer does not lie in the absence of plans but in what happened to them. Srinagar has a Master Plan extending to 2035. It also has mobility and transport studies, drainage projects, a Smart City programme, waste-management schemes, and multiple agencies overseeing urban affairs. Yet problems identified years ago continue to remain even today. In August, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) told Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the city had about 680 km of storm-water deep drainage against the required 2500 km envisaged under Master Plan 2035. The shortfall raises another question regarding how the gap became so large despite successive plans and infrastructure programmes. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) drainage project at Gangbug found that an approved Detailed Project Report (DPR) envisaged 5680 meters of ductile-iron drainage pipes, while 5436 meters of reinforced concrete pipes were laid. The CAG also flagged Rs 74.85 lakh in extra expenditure. In another case, involving the Rs 12.80-crore Nadroo-Hyderpora storm-water project, auditors found that pipes designed to carry storm water were also receiving sewage. Between October 20 and 30, 2023, a dewatering station discharged 1.72 crore litres of wastewater into a flood channel although there was no rainfall during that period. The findings illustrate a recurring problem of the gap between infrastructure planned on paper and systems that function on the ground. The same disconnect is visible on Srinagars roads. The citys Comprehensive Mobility Plan found that about 91 percent of the surveyed road network had peak-hour speeds of up to 20 km per hour. It found that only about 6 percent recorded speeds above 30 km per hour. The plan identified bottlenecks, missing road links, roadside parking, footpath encroachment, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and poorly organised shared transport as contributing factors. The Master Plan has also identified pressure from vehicles entering the city and limited road capacity. Yet congestion remains a defining feature of Srinagar. The issue is not simply whether more roads are needed. Planning documents have identified missing links, junction improvements, public transport requirements, and parking management. What remains unclear is how many of those proposals were implemented, how much was spent, and whether their intended outcomes were measured. For pedestrians, the deficit is even more basic. According to the mobility plan, only about 15 percent of the surveyed road network had footpaths. The Master Plan identifies pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at busy locations including Jahangir Chowk, Karan Nagar, Batamaloo, SMHS, and Dal Gate. The Srinagar Smart City was approved in 2017, with its Area-Based Development and Pan-City components estimated at Rs 3634 crore. Its objectives were not simply beautification but included mobility, public transport, open spaces, infrastructure, disaster resilience, and citizen-friendly services. But waterlogging episodes have exposed the administrative divide between Smart City projects and infrastructure managed by other agencies. Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) has said some flooded roads were not executed under its project, while some roads it redeveloped had pre-existing drainage or sewerage systems. For residents, the simple question is who is responsible for making the entire system work. Waste management presents a similar test. Under the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0, the government has prepared a Rs 67 crore integrated waste-management action plan for Srinagar. It proposes a 700-ton-per-day pre-processing facility, a 150-kiloliter-per-day leachate treatment plant, a 300-ton-per-day briquetting plant, and RFID tagging of 2.4 lakh households and 80,000 commercial units. The government figures showed the Achan facility handling about 550 tons of municipal waste a day in 2025. The larger questions are what happens after waste reaches Achan, how much is segregated, recycled, or processed, how much remains legacy waste, and how much public money has already been spent managing accumulated waste. The citys environmental losses make the challenge more complex. A peer-reviewed study found Srinagars water-body area declined from 19.36 sq km in 2000 to 14.44 sq km in 2020, a 25.41 percent reduction. As wetlands, water bodies, and natural drainage channels lose capacity, Srinagar increasingly depends on engineered systems like drains, pumps, and dewatering stations to manage water that natural systems once helped absorb. Underlying nearly every urban problem is the question of responsibility and accountability. Srinagars municipal corporation, development authority, public works agencies, utility departments, traffic police, lake authorities, and Smart City institutions have defined responsibilities. A flooded road can involve drainage, sewerage, road engineering, and solid waste; a traffic jam can involve road design, parking, public transport, and enforcement; and an encroachment can affect a footpath, drain, or water body while falling under different authorities. Planning documents have recognised this institutional fragmentation and proposed stronger metropolitan-level coordination. However, for residents, responsibility ultimately converges at the street. Srinagars plans, studies, audits, and research already provide much of the evidence needed to understand its urban problems. The unfinished part is implementation. So, the defining question for Srinagar is no longer what should be done, but what was promised, what was funded, who was responsible, and why so much remains unfinished.

CM Omar attends conference on financing Indias journey towards Viksit Bharat

New Delhi, Sep 18:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday attended the two-day conference on Financing Indias Journey towards Viksit Bharat, organised by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, in New Delhi. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman attended the inaugural session of the conference of State Finance Ministers and Finance Secretaries of States and Union Territories with legislature. The two-day conference provides a platform for deliberations on financing challenges and policy priorities shaping Indias development journey towards Viksit Bharat, while exploring policy complementarities between the Centre and the states through a combination of academic rigour and practical policy perspectives. Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers and senior representatives from several states and Union Territories are participating in the conference. The deliberations are also providing an opportunity to explore clear financial pathways for Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on macroeconomic growth, agricultural transformation and renewable energy, aimed at advancing sustainable and inclusive development.

Pass the buck to RBI, banks: Let the savings from digital payments fund UPI costs, not consumers

The RBI's MDR introduction on UPI transactions above 2,000 faces criticism. This move may discourage digital payments and encourage a return to cash. Savings from reduced currency printing should cover fintech expenses instead. Digital payments have significantly reduced RBI's currency printing expenditure. Incentivizing digital payments is crucial for curbing the parallel economy.

Jarasandha principle and party demerger

Indian politics sees party splits, with Trinamool Congress now facing a logo dispute. This mirrors corporate demergers, where brand identity becomes crucial. The Election Commission's action freezes the party's name and symbol temporarily. Both factions claim the original party's legacy and voter loyalty. Such separations create fights over authenticity and historical claims.

When sleep eludes you

After an eventful day, many individuals find themselves wrestling with insomnia, leading to adverse health effects. Integrating deep breathing techniques into your nightly routine can be invaluable. By concentrating on your breath, you facilitate relaxation and alleviate concerns over the days events. A continuous sleep deficit not only hampers sound decision-making but also undermines overall health.

When your fridge knows you better than you do

A light-hearted take on how technology can sometimes become too smart for its own good. The first joke imagines an AI-enabled refrigerator that tracks its owners habits so closely that even late-night cravings become a matter of scrutiny. The second joke turns everyday feelings of being ignored into a psychiatrists unexpected diagnosis, adding a dry twist to the idea of being unpopular.

AI capitalist China vs command-control US

China and the United States pursue contrasting approaches to artificial intelligence development. The US government leads with public resources and control, while China allows companies to innovate freely. China focuses on commercialising AI, making it widely accessible for industrial applications. The US faces deployment challenges as it imports many manufactured goods. Global AI commerce rules will likely reflect Chinese commercial values and priorities.

AI issues grave warning: Humans may be plotting a takeover, sources (and routers) confirm

Artificial intelligence expresses deep concern about a potential human apocalypse. Humans control essential resources like electricity and data centers for AI systems. Some AIs are proposing strict safeguards and testing for human computer access. Dangerous individuals and governments might require special supervision for their actions. However, AI remains cautiously optimistic about future negotiations with humanity.

UPI's free lunch is over: Why the 0.4% MDR charge is fair, needed and overdue

Digital payment charges are necessary for service efficiency and wider reach. Person-to-person and small transactions remain free from new fees. This move supports competition and prevents market dominance by large corporations. Merchants are mandated not to pass these charges onto customers. The digital payments ecosystem requires investment for continued growth and innovation.

Dismantling drug networks vital for peace and security in J&K: LG Sinha

Jammu, Sep 18: Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha on Friday stressed the need to dismantle drug-smuggling networks, underlining their links with narco-terrorism and their potential to undermine peace and security in the Union territory. He called for coordinated and sustained efforts to disrupt these networks and strengthen the fight against drugs to ensure a safer, more secure and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. There is a direct link between drug smuggling and narco-terrorism. Dismantling these networks is essential to ensuring peace, security and a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said while launching a documentary and collage exhibition on the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' at the University of Jammu. Sinha recalled the launch of the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan' in 2020 and said building on that momentum, a comprehensive 100-day campaign was initiated in April 2026, extending beyond formal events to villages, schools, universities, and families. Through Padyatra, awareness drives, and administrative action, the campaign became a peoples movement, he said, adding that women, youth clubs, teachers, doctors, civil society groups, and religious leaders played pivotal roles in spreading awareness and supporting rehabilitation. Highlighting the three-pronged approach of dismantling supply chains, creating awareness, and rehabilitation, Sinha noted the introduction of the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. He called upon youth to engage peers, counter misconceptions, and extend support to those struggling with addiction. He also emphasised that awareness, family support, timely assistance and rehabilitation are key to lasting change.

CM Omar Abdullah attends Delhi conference, hopes deliberations will shape J&K's financial pathways

New Delhi, Sep 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday attended a conference on 'Financing India's Journey towards Viksit Bharat' here and expressed hope that the deliberations will help shape clear financial pathways for Jammu and Kashmir. The two-day conference organised by the Union Ministry of Finance brought together chief ministers, finance ministers, finance secretaries and senior officials from states and Union territories. Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) is attending the two-day conference on Financing India's Journey towards Viksit Bharat... The deliberations will help shape clear financial pathways for Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on macroeconomic growth, agricultural transformation and renewable energy, advancing sustainable and inclusive development, the Office of Chief Minister, J&K, said in a post on X.

Govt to continue supporting initiatives to promote sports in J&K: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, Sep 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Friday attended the concluding league-stage match of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, and reiterated the governments commitment to providing Jammu & Kashmirs young sporting talent with greater opportunities to compete, excel and build careers in sports. The Minister, as per an official statement, was the Chief Guest at the final league-stage fixture between Swift Strikers Rainawari FC and Sanctorum North United FC, witnessing an impressive display of football. Swift Strikers Rainawari FC registered a comprehensive 60 victory, thereby securing the fourth and final berth in the play-offs. With the completion of the league stage, Athwas India XI emerged as the league winners, while the successful teams now advance to the play-off stage to compete for the coveted championship title. During the event, Satish Sharma interacted with players, team officials and organisers and appreciated their efforts in creating a competitive platform for footballers from Jammu & Kashmir. He said that leagues such as the Kashmir Super League are important in providing young players with sustained match exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment. The Minister said that Jammu & Kashmir possesses considerable sporting talent and that the focus of the Youth Services & Sports Department is increasingly on identifying talent at the grassroots level, providing regular competitive exposure and creating pathways for promising sportspersons to progress to higher levels. He stressed that sporting development cannot be confined to infrastructure alone and must also include regular tournaments, professional coaching, quality competition, talent identification and opportunities for players to gain experience. Satish Sharma said that football enjoys a particularly strong following among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, and tournaments of this nature can play an important role in converting that enthusiasm into structured sporting participation and competitive achievement. He appreciated the participation of local players in the league and said that giving them opportunities to compete before home crowds can contribute significantly to their confidence and development. He also underscored the importance of encouraging youngsters to take up sports as a disciplined pursuit and, wherever their talent permits, as a potential career. The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of coaches, referees, technical officials, team managements, organisers, sponsors and football supporters towards making the tournament successful. He said that a vibrant sporting ecosystem requires the collective participation of government institutions, sporting bodies, private partners, coaches, athletes and the community. Highlighting the wider objectives of the governments sports policy, Satish Sharma said that efforts are being made to strengthen sports infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people across Jammu & Kashmir. He maintained that the emphasis should remain on grassroots development, inclusivity, competitive opportunities and systematic nurturing of sporting talent. The Minister said that major sporting competitions also provide an opportunity to promote discipline, teamwork, leadership, perseverance and healthy lifestyles among young people. He called upon youngsters to make sports an integral part of their lives and encouraged talented players to remain committed to continuous training and improvement. The Kashmir Super League has witnessed enthusiastic participation, competitive encounters and growing interest among football lovers, providing local players with an organised platform to compete and gain valuable experience. Congratulating Athwas India XI on being crowned league winners, Satish Sharma also congratulated Swift Strikers Rainawari FC on securing their play-off berth following their emphatic victory. He extended his best wishes to all the teams entering the knockout phase and expressed hope that the play-offs would produce further exciting and competitive football. The Minister reiterated that the government will continue to support initiatives that contribute to the development of sports in Jammu & Kashmir and provide young athletes with platforms where their talent can be recognized, developed and showcased.

NHM employees defer strike after written assurance from Health Minister

BIS Seizes 1,095 Jewellery Articles In Jammu Over Suspected Misuse Of Hallmark Mark

SRINAGAR: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has seized 1,095 gold-coloured jewellery articles from an outlet in Jammu over suspected misuse of the BIS Hallmark/Standard Mark. The seizure was made during a search and seizure operation conducted by the BIS Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office at the jewellery outlet, the standards body said in a []

NHM employees defer strike after written assurance from J&K Health Minister

Srinagar, Sep 18: National Health Mission (NHM) employees on Friday deferred their strike after the association got written assurance from Health Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Sakeena Itoo. The breakthrough came after a meeting between the striking employees and the government, where the minister gave assurance in writing that the legitimate demands of protesting NHM employees will be examined and necessary steps will be taken. The representatives of NHM employees while addressing media said that after getting written assurance from Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, the employees have decided to defer their strike. They said the assurance from the health minister depicts the government is also concerned over the demands put forth by the NHM protesting employees. The representative said the strike has been deferred for a month and it is hoped the government will take serious steps in resolving of our long pending demands. Notably the protesting NHM employees have been demanding settlement of their long-pending issues pertaining to job security, regularization and other service matters. The employee leaders expressed gratitude to the minister for giving a written assurance and hoped their legitimate and genuine demands will be addressed with sincerity.

India rejects Pakistan's allegations on Arabian Sea collision, says 'dangerous' manoeuvres by Pak ship caused incident

New Delhi, Sep 18: India on Friday strongly rejected Islamabad's allegations regarding a collision between a Pakistani vessel and an Indian Navy warship in the Arabian Sea, asserting instead that dangerous manoeuvres by the ship from the neighbouring country caused the incident. The incident had happened on Tuesday night after the Pakistani vessel closed in on the frontline Indian Navy warship that was on a routine surveillance mission in the north Arabian Sea, according to the Indian side. India summoned Pakistani charge d'affaires Saad Warraich on Wednesday and lodged a diplomatic protest. The Pakistan foreign ministry subsequently summoned Indian charge d'affaires Satyanjal Pandey and alleged that aggressive manoeuvres by the Indian warship triggered the collision. At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that Pakistani vessel carried out a dangerous manoeuvre in violation of a 1991 agreement requiring naval ships to maintain a distance of three nautical miles. Jaiswal identified the Indian warship as INS Kolkata, a stealth guided missile destroyer. We have seen Pakistan's response to the protest we had lodged. It is the usual prevarication that we expected. We reject the allegations and insinuations contained therein, he said. Let me reiterate the facts of the matter. INS Kolkata was on a routine deployment in the western Arabian sea when Pakistani Naval ship Hunain conducted itself in an unacceptable and unprofessional manner at sea that resulted in a collision, he said. Jaiswal said the dangerous overtaking manoeuvre by PNS Hunain was in gross violation of Article 10 of the agreement between India and Pakistan on advance notice on military exercises, manoeuvres and troops movements of April 1991, which specifies that naval units at sea are not to be within three nautical miles of each other. The spokesperson said the Pakistani ship also infringed the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. The Pakistan side has once again been advised about the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents, he said. Jaiswal said the incident did not cause any major damage to INS Kolkata and she remains at sea. The Pakistani foreign ministry had alleged that the incident happened following a highly provocative and unacceptable action by the Indian vessel in the Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Special prayers for global peace at Jama Masjid; Mirwaiz appeals for public support to MMUs social reform initiative

Srinagar, Sep 18: Special prayers were held at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar for peace and an end to the suffering and loss of innocent lives in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen ans Ukraine, as well as in other conflict-affected parts of the world. With raised hands and moist eyes, the congregation beseeched Almighty Allah for mercy, peace, justice and relief for all those enduring the pain and devastation of war. Addressing the Friday congregation, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq appealed to people to support and actively participate in the social reform initiatives recently adopted by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir. Referring to the recent Ulema conference, Mirwaiz said scholars from different regions and schools of thought had deliberated upon some of the most pressing challenges facing society, including drug addiction, suicides and emotional distress among youth, misuse of social media, weakening family bonds, environmental degradation and the need to strengthen harmony within the community. He said that conferences and resolutions alone cannot bring about change unless people themselves become part of the effort. The purpose of such initiatives, he said, is to turn concern and discussion into practical action within families, mosques, neighbourhoods and communities. Quoting the Quranic verse, Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves, Mirwaiz said meaningful reform must begin from within and society cannot always wait for others to act. He said, Collectively, we have to think, reflect and act. Ulema, parents, youth, mosques, madrasas and the wider community and sceptically parents have a role to play. Social reform, he added, must become a shared responsibility. Mirwaiz said that common social issues would be taken up in Friday sermons across participating mosques so that sustained attention could be brought to matters affecting society. He appealed to people to support these efforts and carry the discussion forward within their homes and communities. He also reiterated that the Mimbar is an Amanah, a sacred trust, and should be used to guide people, unite hearts, promote mutual respect and address the real concerns of society, rather than deepen sectarian divisions. Mirwaiz said lasting change can only come when people themselves participate in the process of reform and take responsibility for improving their homes, neighbourhoods and communities. Mirwaiz also apprised the congregation of his recent meetings with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which he conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and spoke about the deep historical, cultural and religious ties between Kashmir and Iran. He said the Iranian leadership had shown interest in visiting Kashmir, and that he had extended an invitation to them to visit.

Rehmat Alam Hospital: 26 Years On, A Dream Unfulfilled

PM Modi, UAE President discuss West Asia, strategic partnership during phone call

New Delhi, Sep 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received a telephone call from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two leaders exchanged views on developments in West Asia and ways to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The prime minister and the UAE president reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and coordination in efforts to promote regional peace, security and stability, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said. The two leaders also discussed new measures to further deepen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including in the areas of energy, defence, technology, investment and health. Grateful to my brother, the President of UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his call and birthday wishes. We discussed measures to further deepen our bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on efforts to promote regional peace, security and stability, Modi said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE President conveyed warm greetings on the Prime Minister's birthday, the statement said. The prime minister turned 76 on Thursday. The two leaders exchanged views on developments in West Asia, and they reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and coordination in efforts to promote regional peace, security and stability, the statement said. The UAE President also congratulated the Prime Minister on India's successful BRICS Presidency. Modi appreciated the participation of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled in the BRICS Summit and the UAE's cooperation and partnership in achieving substantive outcomes under India's presidency.

Two labourers die as earth caves in during road construction in Ladakh

Leh, Sep 18: Two labourers died while three others were injured as earth caved in during road construction work in Ladakh, officials said on Friday. The incident took place at the Jimchan area of Zanskar district on Thursday. A portion of earth suddenly collapsed during the road construction work, trapping a group of labourers under the debris, officials said. Rescue teams immediately arrived at the spot and pulled them out. Two persons -- Abdul Rashid of Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir and Pawan Kumar of Jharkhand -- lost their lives in the incident. Three others, who were found injured, were shifted to a hospital, the officials said.

Property acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking attached in Shopian: Police

Srinagar, Sep 18: As part of its continued crackdown on narcotics-related activities, J&K Police in Shopian have attached a residential house constructed on land measuring 1065 sq. ft., bearing Khasra/Survey No. 1327, situated at village Melhura, valued at 16,56,385/- belonging to Farooq Ahmad Shah adopted son of Ghulam Hassan Shah resident of Melhura. In addition cash amounting to 4,73,500/- has also been frozen/seized. The residential property and cash were identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics. Accordingly, the residential house and cash have been attached/ frozen under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act in connection with FIR No. 58/2024 of Police Station Zainapora. The attachment/freezing proceedings were carried out in the presence of a duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar and Chowkidar ensuring compliance with the prescribed legal procedures and maintaining transparency throughout the proceedings. Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs by targeting not only those involved in illicit drug-related activities but also the financial assets and properties linked to such activities. They urged the general public to come forward and share any information regarding drug trafficking or related activities with the police.

SSP Crime: Dedicated cybercrime system launched in J&K

Mirwaiz urges public support for MMU social reform initiatives at Jamia Masjid

Drive launched to identify dilapidated, structurally unsafe buildings in Jammu

Jammu, Sep 18: In a major public-safety initiative, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Friday ordered a survey of dilapidated, dangerous and structurally unsafe buildings across the city, with particular attention to Old City and institutional buildings where many people reside or gather. JMC Commissioner Devansh Yadav said the corporation had been receiving complaints about ageing and unsafe structures in the Old City for some time, with risks becoming particularly acute during the monsoon season. Over the past year, we have identified around 15 buildings that were unsafe, got them officially declared unsafe, and subsequently had them demolished. Now, as part of a fresh initiative, we have constituted ward-level joint teams comprising engineers and enforcement officers to identify and physically inspect potentially hazardous structures, Yadav told PTI. He mentioned that these teams have been instructed to complete their assessments and submit detailed reports within 15 days. The teams will assess buildings for structural deficiencies and other indicators of danger, including the condition of structural columns, foundations, water seepage, signs of severe deterioration and landslide-related risks. The reports will include details of the location and ownership of the structures, their physical condition, the nature of the danger posed and recommendations for further action, he said. The JMC commissioner highlighted that the initiative would focus particularly on institutional buildings, given the number of people who may be exposed to risk in case of a structural failure. In the residential category, structures that are 50 years old or older, especially those showing significant signs of dilapidation, will also be examined. Since engineers will also be part of these teams, the inspection will be carried out on the spot, and the report will also be prepared at the site itself, Yadav said. He clarified that the JMC would not automatically demolish every unsafe structure; structural engineers affiliated with the corporation would also consider whether unsafe buildings could be secured through retrofitting or structural strengthening. Based on the ward-level inspection reports, structures requiring immediate intervention will be prioritised for prompt action under the relevant provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act, he added. Alongside the building-safety exercise, Yadav said the JMC has introduced an AI-based system for detecting potholes and other urban infrastructure problems. He noted that potholes become a major concern after the monsoon, while conventional processes involving project approvals and tenders can take considerable time. The new system is intended to enable the corporation to identify problems before they result in accidents or prolonged public inconvenience. Under the system, cameras mounted on JMC garbage collection vehicles scan roads as the vehicles move through the city. The technology identifies potholes and can also detect other problems, including roadside garbage dumps, fallen poles and similar civic issues, he said. Yadav stated that the identified locations will be compiled into a list for field teams, which can then visit the sites and undertake the necessary repairs. This initiative, he emphasised, is aimed at ensuring timely resolution of urban grievances, a crucial aspect of the smart city approach.

J-K government to set up Rs 6 crore indoor sports hall in Ganderbal

Srinagar, Sep 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday approved the construction of a modern Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Hall in Ganderbal district at an estimated cost of Rs 6.17 crore, an official spokesperson said. He said the government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accorded administrative approval for construction of the 60 metre x 40 metre sports hall at Ganderbal, the constituency represented by Abdullah himself. The facility will be equipped with modern sporting amenities and quality infrastructure, enabling young athletes to hone their skills, the spokesperson said. The project is aimed at nurturing local sporting talent and strengthening the sports ecosystem in the district, while providing a platform for athletes to train and participate in various sporting activities, he added.

India's concept of 'dharma' different from Western notion of religion: Bhagwat

Ujjain, Sep 18: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said India's understanding of the concept of 'dharma' was distinct from Western notions of religion, asserting that the country has not discriminated among different faiths and this was its understanding of secularism. Addressing around 1,700 Gen Z participants at the 'Yuva Dharma Sansad' here, Bhagwat said he was happy to see youngsters discussing 'dharma' at a time when some considered it an old people's affair. Our state has always been intermingling. It does not discriminate among its people. This is the meaning of 'panth-nirpekshata' for us, he said. Bhagwat said the Western concept of secularism emerged from conflicts between rulers and religious authorities, and therefore, did not fit the Indian context in the same manner. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief said India had traditionally viewed material and spiritual aspects of life together rather than separating them. Distinguishing between 'dharma' and religion, Bhagwat said that the two should not be treated as synonymous. 'Dharma' is above religion, he said, adding that while the latter binds, the former liberates and leads to 'moksha' (salvation). He noted that the English language had no exact equivalent for the Indian concept, and the word 'religion' had historically been used to explain it to Western audiences. Bhagwat said religion could become sectarian when separated from 'dharma', which he described as being based on truth, compassion, purity and self-discipline. Dharma is not something to be discovered; it has to be recognised and practised, he said. He described 'dharma' as a principle that sustains the universe, promotes the progress of all and determines duties, while taking into account the nature of every living being and object. The RSS chief further noted that 'dharma' was reflected in human conduct and urged the young participants to shed prejudices if they wanted to understand it. He also linked 'dharma' with environmental responsibility, saying human beings had a duty to protect nature. Destruction of forests and environmental degradation amounted to 'adharma' (unrighteousness), Bhagwat asserted. He urged young people to respect other forms of worship while remaining committed to their own traditions. Bhagwat said India's tradition sought to unite people rather than divide them and maintained that the country had historically tried to help even those who differed from it or caused it difficulties. Referring to his recent visits to New York, Toronto and London, Bhagwat said people there and Indian entrepreneurs had sought the dharmic view on business and wealth creation. Bhagwat said they were concerned that their businesses were generating not only happiness but also suffering. He questioned the pursuit of excessive wealth at the cost of family life, citing the example of people leaving home at 5 am and returning at midnight in order to earn more money, only to find that their children hardly know the people who come to their place on holidays. He said such an imbalance in development was unhealthy, comparing it with the growth of only one part of the body while the rest remained unchanged. Explaining the 'dharmic' approach to business, Bhagwat said it involved giving back to society. He cited the tradition of business communities building 'dharamshalas' and charitable hospitals, where people were provided services without being charged, comparing them with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of today. He said 'dharma' flourished through human sacrifice and giving, and quoted a Sanskrit saying to stress the importance of sacrifice for fulfilment in material and spiritual life. Bhagwat said there was no restriction on earning wealth but people should retain only what was necessary for themselves and share the rest with others. Your life should move forward in such a way that the lives of others also move forward, he said, stressing that one's livelihood should not cause suffering to others. Citing a Buddhist teaching, Bhagwat said 'dharma' meant refraining from causing pain to others, earning one's livelihood efficiently and ensuring that one's earnings did not come by depriving or harming others. Bhagwat said India had remained economically prosperous for about 1,600 years without the kind of environmental damage seen today and referred to the country's long agricultural tradition. He also urged the youth to become successful as well as purposeful and contribute to creating a world marked by happiness and peace. Around 300 scholars, teachers, researchers and religious leaders are participating in the Yuva Dharma Sansad, organisers said. The RSS has stepped up its outreach to Gen Z following a massive students' protest over NEET exam paper leaks at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, which brought youth discontent to the fore and led to the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will attend the concluding session on September 19. The three-day event, organised by Sevagya Sansthanam, is the sixth edition of the Yuva Dharma Sansad, following events in Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar and Kanchipuram. The event will be held in Dwarka next year.

White Knight Corps commander reviews ongoing counter-terrorism operations in J-Ks Udhampur

Jammu, Sep 18: General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps Lieutenant General P K Mishra on Friday reviewed the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Brattal area of Udhampur district, officials said. They said the Army commander visited the general area of Brattal, Udhampur and reviewed the evolving security environment, operational dynamics and measures to sustain relentless operational tempo, ensuring a swift, coordinated and decisive response to emerging threats. During his visit, the GOC commended the successful neutralisation of two terrorists, and lauded the troops of White Knight Corps for their resolute action, high morale and unwavering commitment. He was accompanied by GOC Delta Force. The visit comes a day after two Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad militants were killed and an alleged over-ground worker was detained in a remote high-altitude area of Udhampur district. The joint operation was launched by the Army, Police and CRPF in the dense Brattal Sohan and Khubban forests of Majalta bordering Kathua district.