Opinion

Fresh batch of 1056 Amarnath pilgrims leaves Jammu for Baltal in Kashmir

BANIHAL, Aug 3: A fresh batch of 1,056 Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in the early hours of Monday under tight security arrangements. According to the Joint Police Control Room, the 26th batch departed at 2:49 am and comprised 832 male pilgrims, 205 women, two children, 15 sadhus and two sadhvis. No convoy was dispatched for the Pahalgam axis. The pilgrims travelled in a convoy of 46 vehicles, including 24 buses, seven medium motor vehicles (MMVs) and 15 light motor vehicles (LMVs), escorted by security personnel. With the departure of the latest batch, the total number of pilgrims who have left Jammu for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra this year has reached 1,40,748, officials said. The convoy was escorted by personnel of the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to the Baltal base camp.

Trump says Gulf leaders' input weighed heavily in decision to hold off on ordering new Iran strikes

Washington, Aug 3: US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he decided to hold off on ordering American forces to carry out new strikes against Iran at the urging of Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The president added that a plan was in place for US forces to carry out he biggest attack since World War II on Sunday. But he decided to scrap the plan and give diplomacy more time to play out after hearing from key Gulf leaders -- including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- as well as at the request of unnamed Iranian officials. I said to the crown prince, 'What would you rather do? Would you rather us do this or not?' Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he flew back to Washington after spending the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. They said we would much prefer a deal as opposed to an attack, because you don't know where these attacks lead. Trump and the crown prince spoke on Saturday before the US president announced in a social media post that Mideast allies had reached the perimeters of a deal to end the five-month-old war. It was another turnabout for Trump, who a day earlier said he is losing faith in negotiations with Iran and offered the ominous warning that the US military will be hitting them very hard. Trump on Sunday reiterated that the emerging deal would include a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway where about a fifth of the world's energy flowed before the start of the war, and would resolve US concerns about Iran's nuclear programme. Iran has repeatedly attacked vessels attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorisation as part of its conflict with the US. And Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz will in no way return to the status it was before February 28, the day the war started. On a call with Iranian state TV, he added that Iran is discussing shipping through the strait with Oman, on the other side of Hormuz, but that there is no current talk about reopening the crucial waterway. Trump has announced halts to strikes on Iran on several occasions since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, only for things to unravel and fighting to resume again. Iran's defence minister said on X that the country was either surprised nor passive following Trump's announcement and said Iran remains alert in the face of concrete threats from the US. While Iran's leaders appear united in a war strategy signalling strength and endurance, a struggle for control seems to be brewing within the theocracy's leadership between those who oppose all negotiations with the US and others who count on military pressure to win at the negotiating table. The latest proposal would bring sides back to negotiations Trump on Sunday said he expected negotiations to resume omorrow afternoon but did not detail who would be involved in such talks. A regional official said the proposal announced by Trump over the weekend calls for the US and Iran to return to negotiations and continue working out many of the issues that have stymied prior progress on the deal. The official, who is involved in the mediation efforts, said the proposal calls for reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and halting attacks across the region, including by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq on the Arab Gulf countries and Jordan. The US, in exchange, will end its naval blockade on Iran and allow Tehran to export its oil as stated in the tentative ceasefire deal, he said. No deal has been reached yet, but mediation efforts are underway, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media. Trump said that Israel is joining his commitment to end the war by implementing the ceasefire deal reached in June. Israel did not publicly comment on the announcement. Saudis are concerned about Iran's retaliation Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de-facto leader, raised concerns about the US potentially escalating the conflict when he spoke with Trump by phone on Saturday. The call was candid and constructive, according to a person briefed on the call who was not authorised to comment publicly and requested anonymity. The crown prince conveyed that an escalation in fighting could have a severe impact on the global economy if Tehran responded to a new US bombardment by targeting some of the United States' Gulf allies. The call happened before Trump's social media announcement, the person said. The crown prince sought clarity from Trump on what potential new action he was weighing to take against Iran. Saudi officials, the person added, have underscored in their engagements with the Trump administration that the kingdom -- as well as fellow Persian Gulf energy titans the United Arab Emirates and Qatar -- are in a good position to defend against further potential Iranian attacks, but that Kuwait could be more vulnerable to attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Trump suggested that his conversation with the Saudi crown prince weighed heavily in his decision to halt his plans to carry out strikes on Iran. It would have been disastrous for them. And they didn't want us to do it, Trump said. And frankly, Saudi Arabia didn't want it either. They thought that a deal is imminent. (AP)

SKIMS, KMC Pampore faculty collaborate on landmark superspeciality surgery textbook

In a landmark development for the medical fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir,and at at National Level , a team of distinguished medical visionaries from the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura and faculty from KMC Pampore have coordinated for a highly anticipated, superspeciality book designed to revolutionize modern surgical education and postgraduate training. This authoritative publication represents a highly successful, multi-institutional academic collaboration meticulously engineered to address a long-standing scarcity of highly structured, high-yield learning materials for competitive medical examinations across India. The textbook is authored by an elite panel of medical professionals, including the internationally acclaimed medical educationist Dr. (Prof.) Ashfaq (Head of Anatomy, SKIMS), Dr. (Prof.) Zubaida (Professor of Pathology, SKIMS) an Emerging Talent in The Field of Pathology Particularly GI & Liver Pathology , Dr. Irshad Teli (Associate Professor, KMC Pampore), Dr. Zahida Akhter (Associate Professor of Surgery and Minimal Access Surgery, SKIMS), and Dr. Ayaz Rehman (Associate Professor and ENT Surgeon, SKIMS). The authorial and editorial teams have expressed their profound gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) M. Ashraf Ganie, Director of SKIMS Soura & EOSG, whose relentless dedication to institutional research and tertiary care excellence provided the bedrock for this project, alongside Dr. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal of SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, for his unwavering academic backing.Furthermore, the final quality and clinical depth of the book were heavily enhanced by the mentorship, rigorous review, and expert insights of veteran medical luminaries, most notably Prof. Nisar Chaudhary (Former Head of Surgery, SKIMS Soura), Prof. Saleem Wani (Former Head of Urology and Renal Transplant, SKIMS Soura), Prof. Iqbal Saleem (Professor of Surgery, SMHS), and Dr. Omar Baba (Additional Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, SKIMS Soura), with additional specialized diagnostic and clinical inputs contributed by Dr. Obaid (Radiodiagnosis, SMHS ), Dr. Zahida Rasool (Medical Consultant, IUST), and Dr. Zubair (MCh CVTS). Acting as an all-encompassing, single-point reference for modern surgical practices, the comprehensive volume systematically spans every critical superspeciality discipline, including Neurosurgery, Urology, Surgical Oncology, Gynaecological Oncology, Surgical Gastroenterology, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Paediatric Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, and Head and Neck Surgery. To guarantee maximum knowledge retention and exam readiness for ambitious superspeciality aspirants, the text is uniquely structured to feature precisely crafted, high-scoring systematic answers, a thorough integration of past national and institutional Previous Year Questions (PYQs), targeted Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) covering complex clinical scenarios and recurring viva concepts, curated high-yield point summaries for rapid last-minute revision, and advanced image-based integration to align with modern, visually-driven medical board examination formats.

13-year old boy slips into Puhroo stream in Sopore

A 13-year-old boy accidentally slipped into the Puhroo stream in the Wadoora area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by police, SDRF personnel and local volunteers. The missing boy has been identified as Furqan Rafeeq Hajam, son of Rafeeq Ahmad Hajam, a resident of Hajam Mohalla, Wadoora Payeen, Sopore. According to officials, the incident occurred when the boy accidentally fell into the river under circumstances that are being ascertained. Soon after receiving information, a team from Police Station Bomai rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation with the assistance of local residents. Officials said personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) also joined the operation, deploying extensive search efforts along the river. Police, rescue teams and volunteers are conducting a coordinated search in an attempt to trace the missing boy. Eyewitnesses said a large number of residents gathered at the riverbank soon after the incident and have been assisting the rescue teams in the ongoing operation. Officials added that the rescue operation was continuing on a war footing till the filing of this report. No trace of the boy had been found so far, and search efforts are expected to continue until he is located. Meanwhile, the administration has urged people, particularly children, to stay away from rivers, streams and other water bodies, especially during the monsoon season when water levels and currents can rise suddenly, making such areas extremely dangerous.

Drang Khag residents appeal for preservation of water canal

Residents of Drang in Khag tehsil of Budgam district have appealed Deputy Commissioner Budgam to direct Tehsildar Khag to remove a sheep shed from where animal excreta pours into potable water canal at Ganie Mohalla of Drang area. 'Despite constant reminders and numerous appeals, the local administration in Khag tehsil has failed to save this potable water canal from being polluted due to pouring the excreta from sheep shed into the kul which is main source of drinking water for many mohallas, said a delegation from the area. The Mohalla Committee has many times reminded the Municipal body and Tehsildar to intervene but no action has been taken so far. The issue is not sheep shed but the outlet of animal excreta into the Kul, which forces us to complain as a lot of locals have fallen sick due to usage of the water, he said in his representation.

Muslims join final rites of 90-year-old Kashmiri Pandit in Kupwara village

Hundreds of people, including members of the Muslim community gathered in Khanoo, Babagund village of Langate to pay their last respects to 90-year-old Kashmiri Pandit Mohan Lal who passed away at his ancestral home after a brief illness. Mohan Lal was among the few Kashmiri Pandits who has been living in his native village in Langate after displacement of many Pandit families in 1990. Mohan Lal was known for his simplicity, humility, and warm relations with people across communities. His final rites were performed in accordance with Hindu traditions in the presence of family members, relatives. Local Muslims joined the final rites in large number, offered condolences to the bereaved family and stood in solidarity with them. Mohan Lal was an elder of our village and we all respected him throughout his life. Our bond with him was built on trust, affection, and mutual respect. His decision to remain in his ancestral village during difficult times strengthened the bond between communities, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local. Mohan Lal lived among us with dignity and love for decades. I believe attending his final rites was our duty and a way of honouring a man who was respected by everyone in the area. Lately he didn't kept well but he was an intellectual who would always care for others, said former BDC Chairman Langate Showkat Pandit. The overwhelming participation in the final rites of Mohan Lal reflects the enduring tradition of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence of Kashmir, he added.

NCC organises Cyclothon 2026 to mark 79th Independence anniversary

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) on Sunday organised Cyclothon 2026 in New Delhi to commemorate 79 years of India's Independence, promoting fitness, environmental responsibility and patriotism among the youth. The event was flagged off by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, boxing legend M C Mary Kom, tennis star Leander Paes and Director General NCC Lieutenant General Virendra Vats. A group of 79 NCC cadets undertook a symbolic 79-km ride, starting and ending at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium after passing through prominent landmarks of the national capital. Held under the theme Clean India, Green India, Fit India, the cyclothon reinforced NCC's commitment to national initiatives such as TB Mukt Bharat, Swachh Bharat, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Har Ghar Tiranga. It also encouraged the use of cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport while spreading awareness about physical fitness, road safety, environmental conservation and responsible citizenship.

2 firefighting helicopters collide as Greece battles devastating Wildfires

Two firefighting helicopters crashed while battling wildfires west of Athens on Sunday, triggering a major search and rescue operation as Greece continued to battle multiple blazes fuelled by extreme heat and strong winds, the international media and BBC reported. According to the Greek Fire Service, the collision occurred in the wider Psatha area of Attica, west of Athens. The two Bell helicopters, leased by the fire department, had taken off from the Elefsina military airport and each was carrying a crew of two. Authorities said a search and rescue operation was under way but had not disclosed the condition or identities of the four crew members. The cause of the mid-air collision was also not immediately known. The helicopter crash came as Greece faced one of its most severe wildfire emergencies in recent years. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that the country was experiencing extreme weather conditions and that extremely difficult days lay ahead. In a Facebook post, Mitsotakis said winds had reached 100 kmph, making aerial firefighting operations highly dangerous. There are moments when nature and the intensity of weather phenomena surpass any human planning and any operational capability, he said. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to three firefighters who lost their lives earlier this week while battling the blazes and praised the efforts of firefighters, volunteers and military personnel working to contain the fires. The wildfires have forced the evacuation of thousands of people across Greece, including residents and tourists. On the island of Crete, fires have scorched thousands of hectares of land and led to the temporary evacuation of around 8,000 people. About 500 people, most of them tourists, were evacuated from central Greece on Friday, while fresh fires have also broken out on the islands of Paros, Andros and Kalymnos. The wildfires in Greece are part of a broader wave of extreme fires sweeping southern Europe following successive heatwaves and prolonged dry conditions. France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and parts of the Balkans have all battled major wildfires in recent weeks, forcing thousands of evacuations, destroying forests and homes, and stretching firefighting resources. Authorities across the region have warned that soaring temperatures, strong winds and drought are creating increasingly dangerous conditions, with climate experts saying extreme weather is making wildfire seasons longer and more intense. According to the BBC, several European countries remain on high alert as fresh outbreaks continue to threaten communities and tourist destinations.

Executive body of SSI unit holders bonafide group formed

A general body meeting of the SSI Bonafide Group of Unit Holders was held in Srinagar. Various industrialists attended the meeting, SSI unit holders from across Jammu and Kashmir. After detailed deliberations. The General Body unanimously approved the constitution of the Executive Body through a voice vote. The following officers were elected: Chief Coordinator Shabir Abdullah, Vice Chief Coordinator Shoaib Hakak, Central Coordinator Sheikh Showkat, Organiser Manzoor Ahmad Khan, Convener Syed Ayaullah Rizvi, and Treasurer Imran Qureshi. The general body congratulated the newly elected office bearers and expressed full confidence in their leadership to present and safeguard the interests of SSI unit holders. SSI Bonafide Group is registered with the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, J&K.

Top-10 most-valued firms add Rs 2.51 Lakh Crore in market value

India's 10 most-valued listed companies witnessed a sharp increase in investor wealth last week, with the combined market capitalisation of nine firms rising by Rs 2.51 lakh crore, driven by a strong rally in domestic equities. Bajaj Finance emerged as the biggest gainer following its robust June quarter earnings. The surge in valuations came as benchmark indices posted their strongest weekly gains in months. The BSE Sensex climbed 2,034.87 points, or 2.67 per cent, during the week, while the NSE Nifty advanced 616.15 points, or 2.59 per cent, reflecting broad-based buying across sectors. Among the top-10 companies by market capitalisation, only Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) ended the week with a decline in valuation, while the remaining nine companies registered gains. Bajaj Finance recorded the highest increase in market value, adding Rs 80,345.97 crore to take its market capitalisation to Rs 7,10,817.51 crore. The stock rallied more than 8 per cent on Friday after the non-banking financial company reported a 28 per cent year-on-year rise in consolidated profit after tax for the April-June quarter of FY27. Telecom major Bharti Airtel added Rs 44,959.50 crore to its market value, taking its overall valuation to Rs 12,30,005.63 crore. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) saw its market capitalisation increase by Rs 40,414.03 crore to Rs 8,55,894.78 crore, while Reliance Industries, India's most valuable listed company, added Rs 39,447.35 crore, pushing its valuation to Rs 17,69,108.79 crore. Engineering and infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro gained Rs 21,096.80 crore in market capitalisation to reach Rs 5,41,844.69 crore. State Bank of India (SBI) added Rs 10,845.97 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 9,47,799.81 crore, while HDFC Bank's market capitalisation rose by Rs 8,164.73 crore to Rs 11,52,150.63 crore. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) gained Rs 4,427.49 crore to end the week with a market value of Rs 5,37,435.05 crore. ICICI Bank registered a comparatively modest increase of Rs 1,660.37 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 10,29,878.30 crore. In contrast, Hindustan Unilever was the only company among the top-10 to witness an erosion in investor wealth. Its market capitalisation declined by Rs 10,326.46 crore to Rs 4,93,602.13 crore during the week. At the close of trading, Reliance Industries retained its position as India's most valuable listed company, followed by Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, TCS, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, LIC and Hindustan Unilever. The gains underscore renewed investor confidence in the equity markets, supported by strong corporate earnings, sustained domestic inflows and positive sentiment across key sectors.

Jammu Railway Division rationalises freight rates for essential food grains

Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway, with the objective of providing relief to the general public from inflation and ensuring affordable supply of essential commodities, has rationalised the freight rates for rail transportation of essential food items such as wheat, rice and flour. Under this rationalisation, according to Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division, the freight rates have now been fixed on the basis of distance in a descending scale. Accordingly, for distances up to 1000 km the rate will be Rs 1.55 per tonne per kilometer. For distances between 1001 to 3000 km, the rate has been reduced from Rs 1.55 to Rs 1.15 per tonne per kilometer. For distances beyond 3001 km, the rate will be Rs 1.15 per tonne per kilometer. This will make transportation of foodgrains over long distances even more economical, Singh stated. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Jammu Railway Division Uchit Singhal, said, This rationalisation is part of the Railway's people-centric policy. Our goal is to ensure transportation of essential commodities in an economical, safe and timely manner. We appeal to J&K farmers and traders to make maximum use of rail services for transportation of foodgrains and avail the benefits of this scheme. He asserted that transporting foodgrains by rail, compared to road, would provide several direct benefits to farmers, traders and common consumers. Due to lower rail freight, transportation costs will reduce significantly, which will help in stabilizing the prices of wheat, rice and flour in the markets. Additionally, it will also provide relief from the frequent closure of National Highways due to heavy rains, snowfall and landslides, as rail services operate without interruption in all weather conditions. This will ensure timely and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, Singhal stated. Since transportation by rail is done in bulk, the chances of damage and breakage of goods are also minimal. Further, with fewer trucks on the roads, traffic congestion, pollution and fuel consumption will reduce, which is an important step towards environmental conservation, he added.

South Korea's margin trading shock holds lessons for India's retail investors

The sharp correction in South Korea's stock market in July has reignited concerns over one of the biggest risks in equity investingexcessive leverage. While the immediate trigger for the sell-off was profit booking and weakening sentiment in technology stocks, analysts say the severity of the decline was amplified by record borrowing by retail investors through Margin Trading Facility (MTF). For India, where margin funding has expanded rapidly alongside the retail investing boom, the Korean experience serves as a reminder that leverage can magnify both profits and losses, often turning an ordinary market correction into a much deeper decline. When optimism fuels borrowing South Korea witnessed one of its strongest equity rallies in recent years, driven largely by the global enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence. Semiconductor giants such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix became the biggest beneficiaries as investors bet that AI demand would lead to a prolonged earnings boom. The rally encouraged retail investors to increase exposure using borrowed money instead of relying solely on their own capital. Margin financing outstanding reportedly climbed to a historic KRW 38.6 trillion by June 2026almost double the level seen a year earlier. As long as markets continued rising, leverage worked in investors' favour. Small investments generated disproportionately large returns because borrowed funds increased purchasing power. The problem emerged when the rally lost momentum. How leverage accelerates a fall Unlike conventional investing, margin trading requires investors to maintain a minimum level of equity in their trading accounts. When share prices decline, the value of the investor's collateral also falls. Once this equity drops below the required maintenance margin, brokers issue a margin call, asking investors to deposit additional money or securities. If the investor fails to comply within the stipulated period, brokers have the right to sell shares pledged under the margin account without seeking further consent. In South Korea, thousands of investors reportedly faced this situation simultaneously. The compulsory liquidation of leveraged positions flooded the market with additional selling at a time when investor confidence was already weakening. As prices declined further, more investors breached margin requirements, resulting in another round of forced selling. This chain reaction transformed what could have remained a routine correction into a far steeper decline. Why the Korean experience matters to India Although India's market structure differs from South Korea's, the rapid growth of Margin Trading Facility has raised similar concerns. Margin funding has become increasingly popular among retail investors seeking to maximise gains during the ongoing bull market. Industry data shows that the outstanding MTF book in India has crossed Rs 1.25 lakh crore, registering robust growth over the past year. The facility allows investors to purchase shares by paying only a portion of the transaction value while the remaining amount is financed by the broker against approved securities. For example, an investor with Rs 5 lakh can potentially take exposure worth Rs 10 lakh or more, depending on the broker's margin requirements. While this increases profit potential, it equally magnifies losses. A 10 per cent fall in a leveraged portfolio can wipe out a substantial portion of the investor's capital, making additional funding necessary to avoid liquidation. The hidden risks beyond price decline Many retail investors focus only on whether a stock will rise or fall, overlooking several other costs associated with margin funding. Interest is charged daily on borrowed funds irrespective of market performance. Holding leveraged positions for extended periods increases financing costs, reducing overall returns. During volatile markets, investors may also be forced to sell quality stocks simply because margin requirements have increased, even if they remain confident about the company's long-term prospects. Liquidity poses another challenge. If heavily leveraged positions are concentrated in small-cap or mid-cap stocks, sudden selling pressure may trigger lower circuits where trading becomes difficult. In such cases, investors may find themselves unable to exit positions before losses escalate. Psychology often drives excessive leverage One of the biggest lessons from South Korea is behavioural rather than financial. Bull markets tend to reduce investors' perception of risk. When portfolios appreciate consistently, confidence rises and investors begin assuming that temporary corrections will always be followed by recoveries. Rising portfolio values also increase borrowing capacity, encouraging even greater leverage. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle. Higher prices lead to higher borrowing, which generates more buying, pushing prices even higher. However, the cycle reverses just as quickly. Falling prices reduce collateral values, resulting in margin calls, forced selling and additional downward pressure. History has shown that markets experiencing excessive leverage often witness sharper corrections than markets driven primarily by cash investments. India's regulatory safeguards India's regulatory framework provides stronger safeguards compared with several overseas markets. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has prescribed margin norms, risk management systems and capital adequacy requirements for brokers. MTF is permitted only in approved securities, and brokers are required to monitor client positions continuously. These safeguards reduce systemic risks but cannot eliminate market risk for individual investors. If stock prices decline sharply, margin calls remain unavoidable regardless of the regulatory framework. Experts advise disciplined use Market participants increasingly advise investors to treat margin funding as a tactical tool rather than a long-term investment strategy. Leverage may be suitable for experienced investors with strict risk management, diversified portfolios and sufficient liquidity to meet unexpected margin calls. For first-time or inexperienced investors, excessive dependence on borrowed money can expose them to disproportionate losses during periods of heightened volatility. Maintaining adequate cash reserves, avoiding concentrated leveraged positions and limiting borrowing during euphoric market phases remain among the most effective ways to manage risk. The broader takeaway The South Korean experience underlines a simple but often ignored reality: leverage does not create risk; it amplifies existing risk. When markets rise, borrowed money enhances returns and creates the impression that investing has become easier. But when sentiment changes, the same leverage can rapidly erode capital and force investors to sell at the worst possible time.

J&K Govt asks banks to raise credit-deposit ratio to 81%

The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed banks operating in the Union Territory to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to raise the Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio from the existing 61 per cent to around 81 per cent, bringing it on par with the national average. The direction was issued during the 19th meeting of the Union Territory Level Bankers' Committee (UTLBC) held at SKICC here on Friday. According to sources, the issue of the low CD ratio figured prominently during the meeting, with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo expressing concern that despite healthy deposit mobilisation and record credit disbursement, the banking sector continues to lag in recycling local savings into productive investments within Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said the Chief Secretary asked all banks to draw up a clear, time-bound strategy with measurable interventions to progressively improve the CD ratio, observing that the current level of 61 per cent remains significantly below the national average of around 81 per cent. The government, sources said, maintained that while banks have performed well in meeting credit targets, greater emphasis must now be placed on ensuring that money deposited by people in Jammu and Kashmir is invested back into the local economy through higher lending to productive sectors. The issue assumes significance as banks operating in Jammu and Kashmir recorded their highest-ever annual credit deployment during the financial year 2025-26. According to official figures reviewed during the meeting, banks collectively disbursed loans worth Rs 84,384 crore to nearly 19.37 lakh beneficiaries, achieving 108 per cent of the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) target. Of the total credit disbursed, Rs 44,228.30 crore was extended under the priority sector, accounting for more than half of the overall lending. J&K Bank alone contributed 63.41 per cent of the total priority sector advances, underlining its dominant role in financing agriculture, MSMEs and other priority segments in the Union Territory. While appreciating the banking sector for surpassing the annual lending target and achieving a historic milestone in priority sector financing, the government made it clear that improvement in the CD ratio would remain a key focus area in the coming financial year. According to sources, the Chief Secretary observed that increasing the CD ratio is critical for accelerating economic activity, encouraging entrepreneurship and ensuring that local financial resources contribute to employment generation and business expansion within the Union Territory. The meeting also reviewed the performance of banks across different sectors and expressed concern over the weak showing of several public sector banks in priority sector lending. Banks were urged to adopt a more proactive lending approach, particularly towards agriculture, which the government believes offers substantial business opportunities besides supporting rural livelihoods. The government also flagged the relatively poor flow of institutional credit to the education and housing sectors. Banks were directed to examine the factors restricting lending in these segments and introduce more competitive loan products and pricing to improve credit offtake. To strengthen financial inclusion, banks were instructed to prepare a one-year roadmap for expanding their brick-and-mortar branch network, particularly in rural and far-flung areas where access to formal banking services remains limited. The expansion is expected to improve financial access and reduce dependence on distant banking facilities. The meeting further reviewed the implementation of central government social security schemes and noted that enrolment in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) continues to remain below the national average in Jammu and Kashmir. Banks were asked to intensify enrolment drives to widen coverage among eligible beneficiaries. In another direction aimed at improving credit delivery, banks were asked to proactively engage with eligible farmers, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Udyam-registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and artisans for onboarding onto the Unified Lending Interface (ULI), enabling faster and seamless access to institutional loans.

Aryans LL.B. students bring laurels in exams conducted under PUP

LLB Students of Aryans College of Law, Rajpura, near Chandigarh, brought laurels to the institution by securing outstanding results in the examinations conducted by Punjabi University, Patiala. In the LL.B. First Semester examinations, Richa Agarwal and Taranjit Singh jointly secured the first position with a CGPA of 8.40. Sheetal Mahajan secured the second position with a CGPA of 8.20, while Gurjot Kaur and Haq Nawaz Chaudhary jointly secured the third position with a CGPA of 8.00. Congratulating the achievers, Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, appreciated the dedicated efforts of the students and faculty members.Aryans students have consistently demonstrated excellence not only in academics but also in sports, innovation and cultural activities. Such remarkable results enhance the reputation of the institution and inspire other students to aim higher, said Dr. Kataria. Recently, Aryans College of Law was honoured with the title of Best Private Law College of the Chandigarh Region at the Iconic Brands of North 2026 Awards held in Chandigarh. The award was presented by Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh and received by Dr. Anshu Kataria. Aryans College of Law has also achieved several significant milestones in legal education. The college was associated with the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The institution was also selected as an examination centre for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) conducted through Pearson VUE on behalf of the Law School Admission Council. LSAT scores are recognised by several internationally renowned law schools and universities in the United States and Canada.

JKEEGA calls for immediate appointment of Technical Managing Directors in all power corporations

The Jammu & Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) has strongly urged the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to immediately appoint Technical Managing Directors in all Power Sector Corporations, stating that the continued absence of technical leadership at the highest executive level is adversely impacting the efficiency, decision-making, and overall performance of the power sector. JKEEGA emphasised that the recommendation for appointing Technical Managing Directors is not merely a long-standing demand of engineers but a key recommendation of the Unbundling Committee constituted during the restructuring of the erstwhile Power Development Department into corporate entities, as per a press release. The committee had categorically envisaged professionally managed utilities headed by technically competent leadership to ensure operational excellence, accountability, and efficient management of the power sector. The Association observed that the power sector is highly specialized, involving complex engineering, grid operations, planning, system protection, project execution, and regulatory compliance. Such critical functions require leadership possessing deep technical understanding and extensive field experience. Deviating from this principle undermines the very objectives of power sector reforms and compromises institutional efficiency. JKEEGA reiterated that many successful power utilities across the country are headed by experienced technical professionals, enabling informed decision-making, improved system reliability, better project execution, and enhanced consumer service. Jammu & Kashmir should be no exception. General Secretary, JKEEGA, Er. Pirzada Hidayatullah, stated: The appointment of Technical Managing Directors is not a matter of individual aspiration but an institutional necessity. The Unbundling Committee had clearly recommended professionally managed corporations led by technically qualified officers. Power utilities cannot achieve their intended objectives unless they are headed by professionals who possess the technical competence, operational experience, and institutional understanding required to steer these organizations. JKEEGA urges the Government to implement the committees recommendations in letter and spirit and ensure that all Power Corporations are headed by Technical Managing Directors without any further delay. JKEEGA expressed confidence that the Government would take an objective view of the issue and implement the recommendations of the Unbundling Committee, thereby strengthening the governance framework of the power sector and restoring confidence among engineering professionals. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all reforms aimed at creating professionally managed, technically robust, and consumer-centric power utilities in Jammu & Kashmir.

GCC seeks proactive public participation in census operations

The Group of Concerned Citizens, J&K (GCC) has asked the public at large to extend fullest support to Census staff in connection with Census 2027. Noting that, as per reports, house-listing part is over with 100% digital data collection and Population Enumeration scheduled for September 2026 in areas that remain snow- bound or otherwise inaccessible in winter , the Group has asked for disaggregated data of progress in different phases of Census 2027 being placed in the public domain. That would also help adding area-specific focus as and when occasioned In a statement issued here, GCC referred to complaints of some houses in some areas having been left out or not properly documented. Then there are changes in templates in relation to previous Census Operations. For instance , what used to be Pucca/ Kacha or Partially Pucca / Kacha is replaced by Good, Liveable and Deteriorated. Likewise, housing data that used to be captured in 33 columns under 10 Headers is now condensed into two--house identification and family composition. There is a widely felt need for reinforced capacity building of Enumerators and other field staff, on the one end, and a more effective oversight mechanism, on the other , to rule out any gaps including double listing . The GCC has appealed the public at large to appreciate that Census is a most important national database relied upon across several areas including planning and development , political representation , delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies, reservation of SC/ST Parliamentary/Assembly Constituencies as also reservation in Urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions, allocation of funds to states/UTs etc. The ongoing Census Operations would therefore deserve all-out support and co-operation from all sections of society , including public figures and political Parties of all hue without exception.

NH-44 Restoration | DIG Udhampur-Reasi range reviews work at Samroli-Chenani area

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Udhampur-Reasi (UR) range, Shiv Kumar Sharma on Sunday visited Samroli near Dewal bridge, Udhampur to inspect the ongoing debris clearance and restoration work on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway following the recent landslide. During the visit, the DIG reviewed the restoration efforts being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with the help of heavy earth-moving machinery. He emphasised the need for expeditious clearance of the debris to facilitate the early restoration of traffic while ensuring the safety of personnel engaged in the operation. Sharma also interacted with local residents and heard their grievances regarding the inconvenience caused by the closure of the National Highway. He assured them that the Police, in close coordination with the NHAI and the district administration, was making every possible effort to restore traffic at the earliest and ensure the smooth movement of commuters. Prominent members of the local community appreciated the proactive approach of the administration in addressing their genuine concerns and expressed their full support and cooperation with the police and civil administration during the restoration process.

LG Ladakh VK Saxena decentralises land-use approvals

In a major step towards decentralising decision-making, The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has decentralised the land-use approval process to eliminate procedural bottlenecks and accelerate development across areas outside municipal limits. Because Ladakh currently lacks notified Master Plans and Zonal Development Plans, all land-use approvals previously required direct sanction from the Lieutenant Governor, causing significant administrative delays for both local residents and developers. The new interim framework delegates authority based on the size of the land parcel. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has authorised the chief secretary and the divisional commissioner to approve land-use proposals for development projects in areas outside municipal committees. The move is part of the ongoing pro-people deregulation initiative aimed at promoting citizen-centric governance in the Union Territory, an official spokesperson said on Sunday. The lieutenant governor had, on July 8, exempted residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use development on land measuring up to two kanals from the requirement of prior approval. He has now further delegated powers by authorising the divisional commissioner to approve changes in land-use plans for plots measuring more than two kanals and up to four kanals. For land parcels measuring above four kanals and up to two acres, the chief secretary has been empowered to approve land-use applications, while the approval for change in land use on land above two acres will continue to be granted by the lieutenant governor. Earlier, the lieutenant governor was the sole authority for deciding all such matters. This decentralisation of the regulatory framework will, therefore, ensure speedy disposal of the applications for land developmental works, the spokesperson said. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of deregulating governance and promoting Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business, he said the decision addresses the regulatory challenges arising due to the absence of notified Master Plans and Zonal Development Plans in Ladakh. Until now, developmental proposals and building permission applications in Ladakh were often affected or delayed because of centralised power and uncertainty regarding land use. However, recognising the inconvenience faced by citizens, the lieutenant governor approved a transparent interim framework and decentralised powers to facilitate legitimate development while ensuring orderly regulation until the statutory planning framework is notified, the spokesperson said. He said the new framework is expected to provide significant relief to people residing in villages by enabling them to construct houses, establish commercial establishments, undertake small-scale industrial activities and develop mixed-use properties without unnecessary procedural delays. Together with the earlier framework for municipal areas, the initiative ensures that both urban and rural residents benefit from greater regulatory clarity, reduced compliance burden and faster approvals, thereby promoting planned development, economic activity and investment across Ladakh, the spokesperson said. According to the lieutenant governor, the objective was to make governance simpler, more transparent and people-centric to ensure that citizens do not suffer due to statutory planning instruments not being notified. Authorising the chief secretary and the divisional commissioner with the powers to approve development proposals will ensure that people living in rural areas can build homes, establish businesses and undertake legitimate developmental activities without unnecessary procedural hurdles. This interim framework strikes the right balance between facilitating development and safeguarding environmental and planning concerns until the Master Plans and Zonal Development Plans are notified, the Lt Governor said. The spokesperson said the Revenue Department has been directed to issue detailed operational guidelines for effective regulation of land use and construction activities outside municipal limits. The framework shall remain in force until the Master Plans, Zonal Development Plans and related statutory regulations are notified, after which all future development shall be governed by the notified planning framework, he said.

Ujh project to facilitate irrigation to 90,000 hectares of land in 4 distts of J&K, Punjab: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday stated that the delay in implementation of the Ujh multipurpose project and the Shahpurkandi project resulted in the waters of the Ravi river and its tributaries continuing to flow into Pakistan although India controlled it (Ravi), even when the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was in force. He asserted that the revival of Ujh after a hiatus of 100 years and Shahpurkandi project, which was almost completed, would optimise the use of Ravi water and 90,000 hectares of agricultural land in four districts of J&K and Punjab would get irrigation facilities after the phased completion of Ujh project. Dr Jitendra was reviewing the status and phased implementation roadmap of the Ujh multipurpose project (MPP) in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, in a meeting held in the union capital on August 2, 2026. The Ujh multipurpose project, located on the Ujh river, a main tributary of the Ravi River, is designed to generate around 186 MW to 212 MW of electricity. Besides bolstering irrigation and drinking water facilities, it also has an important security and border-management dimension and is backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to restrict unregulated water flows and plug vulnerable cross-border infiltration routes along the riverbed. In a detailed meeting with the officials of Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) Limited, a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has been entrusted with the implementation of the project, the Union Minister, on Sunday, August 2, 2026, emphasised the need for expeditious implementation so that the benefits of the strategically important project reached the people at the earliest. Dr Jitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences besides being the Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, advised WAPCOS to explore innovative solutions and implementation strategies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency. The Minister was informed that the project was being taken up in a phased manner. Work will commence while acquisition of the remaining land is pursued simultaneously, without waiting for completion of the entire land acquisition process. The implementing agency is also working out the project site and related requirements, it was stated. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra said, long-pending national projects were being taken forward with renewed urgency. He noted that the Ujh multipurpose project, conceived nearly a century ago, had remained in limbo for decades, while the Shahpurkandi project had remained pending for about four decades. The delay in implementation of these projects resulted in the waters of the Ravi river and its tributaries continuing to flow into Pakistan. Even when the Indus Waters Treaty was in force, Ravi, Satluj and Beas were Indias three rivers under the Treaty, with Ravi being the major river among them, he maintained, adding that the Treaty was currently in abeyance. Dr Jitendra said, The revival of the Shahpurkandi project in 2019, which is now almost complete and the revival of the Ujh multipurpose project in 2026 reflect the governments resolve under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to realise long-delayed projects, optimise the use of Indias water resources and deliver tangible benefits to the people. The Ujh multipurpose project is expected to provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. The project will also supply drinking water to Kathua district and provide industrial water availability. The project is expected to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve water security, create new opportunities for economic development and contribute to the overall socio-economic progress of the Union Territory. Dr Jitendra reviewed the implementation milestones in detail and stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders and effective monitoring for timely execution. He assured WAPCOS of the governments full support and cooperation for the successful implementation and timely completion of the prestigious project.

Srinagar Premier League 2026 | Kashmir Avengers FC beats IFC Kashmir 81

Kashmir Avengers FC delivered a commanding performance to register a resounding 81 victory over IFC Kashmir in the Srinagar Premier League 2026, played at TRC Turf, Srinagar, under the aegis of the District Football Association Srinagar. From the opening whistle, Kashmir Avengers FC, as per a statement, imposed their authority on the game with quick passing, relentless attacking football, and disciplined defending. Their dominance was evident throughout the contest as they consistently created scoring opportunities while restricting IFC Kashmir to very few chances. The encounter concluded with an emphatic 81 scoreline in favour of Kashmir Avengers FC, highlighting their attacking strength and overall team performance. The victory strengthens their position in the competition and serves as a significant confidence boost for the matches ahead.

Winning team shines on opening day of J&K Open Pro-Am at RSGC

The opening day of the prestigious J&K Open 2026 Pro-Am, organised under the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) at Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar, witnessed an exciting display of golfing excellence as professionals and amateur golfers came together for a memorable day of competition against the breathtaking backdrop of the Zabarwan Hills. The event, as per a statement, is part of the J&K Open, being held from August 47, 2026, with the support of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and J&K Tourism. The highlight of the opening days Pro-Am competition was the outstanding performance of the winning team comprising Arindam Sudan, Amarjeet Singh, Manav Gupta and Sameer Baktoo. The quartet delivered an impressive team performance, demonstrating excellent coordination, precision and sportsmanship to emerge as the winners of the Day One Pro-Am competition. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from leading professional golfers, corporate representatives and amateur golf enthusiasts, further reinforcing Jammu & Kashmirs growing stature as a premier destination for golf tourism. The spectacular setting of the Royal Springs Golf Course added to the grandeur of the tournament, providing participants and visitors with an unforgettable experience. Speaking on the occasion, participants appreciated the flawless organisation of the event and lauded the efforts of J&K Tourism, PGTI, and all stakeholders for promoting golf and showcasing Kashmir as a world-class sporting and tourism destination. The J&K Open continues over the coming days with Indias top professional golfers competing for top honours, while simultaneously highlighting the immense tourism potential and natural beauty of the Kashmir Valley.

Kashmir deserves a permanent place on golf calendar: India's No. 1 golfer Saptak Talwar

India's top-ranked golfer Saptak Talwar has hailed the return of the J&K Open after several years, saying the tournament has the potential to become a major driver of golf tourism while inspiring youngsters in J&K to take up the sport. Speaking to Greater Kashmir during the DP World PGTI's visit to Royal Springs Golf Course, Talwar thanked the J&K Government and Tourism Department for reviving the event and expressed hope that it would become a permanent fixture on India's professional golf calendar. The entire professional golf fraternity is extremely thankful to be here. Reviving the J&K Open is important not only for professional golf but also for promoting tourism and golf tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Making his maiden visit to Kashmir, Talwar described the Valley as one of the most beautiful places he has experienced despite travelling extensively across India and Europe. The mountains here are comparable to places like Switzerland and Austria, but what sets Kashmir apart is its hospitality. That is something truly special and we hope this tournament shines a light on everything Jammu and Kashmir has to offer, he said. After playing his first practice round at Royal Springs Golf Course, Talwar said the venue promises to test the country's leading professionals. The course is in excellent condition despite the monsoon. Hopefully the weather stays good because it will provide a great challenge over the coming days, he said. Talwar said he hopes the J&K Open becomes an annual stop on the DP World PGTI schedule. If this tournament returns every year, I will definitely circle it on my calendar. Kashmir is a place every golfer would love to visit, and I also want to experience its culture and cuisine, he said. Encouraging young golfers from Jammu and Kashmir, Talwar urged them to watch the country's leading professionals in action and consider taking up the sport. If we can inspire even a few youngsters here to pick up golf, this tournament will have achieved something much bigger than producing a champion. I urge people to come out, support the event and discover the sport, he said.

Count-counterpoint: MPC's external members must have the courage to dissent, disagreement drives course correction

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is meeting to decide on interest rates. The committee must balance inflation concerns with the need to support economic growth. External factors are largely blamed for India's current economic challenges. The RBI's actions and communication are crucial for market stability. Greater dissent among committee members could lead to better policy decisions.

Police say no knife attack after two teenagers injured in road rage scuffle in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 02: Two teenagers sustained minor injuries after a scuffle broke out over a road rage incident at Polo View in Srinagar on Sunday, officials said. Officials identified the injured as Momin Gassi (18), an auto driver from Bemina, and Sahil Ahmad Mandoo (16) of Bemina. The altercation also involved Imran Ahmad Badyari of Bemina and Ruhaib (17) of Alamgari Bazar. During the scuffle, Momin and Sahil suffered minor injuries, reportedly caused by a screwdriver. Both were shifted to a hospital by police for treatment and were later discharged after receiving medical care. Police said there was no knife attack in the incident, clarifying that the injuries were minor and allegedly caused with a screwdriver during the altercation. A case has been taken up for investigation, and police said the alleged accused is a minor. [KNT]

Two youth injured in knife attack in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 02: Two youth were injured in an alleged knife attack near Polo View Market in the Kothibagh area of Srinagar on Sunday evening, officials said. Officials told news agency JKNS that a police party from Police Station Kothibagh shifted the injured to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, after they were allegedly attacked with a knife by a known person. The injured have been identified as 18 and 19 year old, both residents of Chinar Colony, Bemina. Officials said both youths sustained multiple injuries in the attack. They are undergoing treatment at SMHS Hospital, and their condition is stated to be stable. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Slipper hurled at Pappu Yadav at presser as he defends skit on Ram temple donation theft

During the press conference, a man accused him of insulting Lord Ram and threw a slipper at him, leading to a scuffle between Pappu Yadavs supporters and the attacker

Post Article 370 abrogation transformation under PM Modis leadership will be remembered by future generations: J-K LG

Srinagar, Aug 02: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the historic transformation brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Article 370 abrogation, which connected Jammu and Kashmirs aspirations with those of the nation, will be remembered by future generations. He said the empowerment of the Pahari community, along with other marginalised groups, marked a turning point in Indias democratic journey. The Lieutenant Governor expressed these remarks while attending the launch of a book Sarhad to Sansad, authored by Dr A H Shah. The Lieutenant Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Shah for his scholarly contribution, and described the book as not merely a chronicle of history but as a meaningful dialogue between heritage and hope, between the wisdom of the past and the democratic aspirations of the present. In his address on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the historical background of the Pahari community, their glorious culture, and their resilience in preserving traditions across centuries. He emphasized that the book offers a fresh perspective on the continuity of the ancient civilization of Sharda Peeth and the vitality of modern Indias democratic institutions. Books related to history, civilization, and culture often serve as bridges between generations. Through Sharda to Sansad, Dr. Shah has built such a bridge, reminding us that history and culture never truly pass away. They remain alive within us, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted how literature and scholarship illuminate the human spirit and connect different eras. He drew a powerful parallel between Sharda Peeth, the ancient seat of learning, and Parliament, the symbol of collective consciousness in modern India. If Sharda nurtured the wisdom of society, Parliament has worked to fulfil the aspirations of the nation, he said. The Lieutenant Governor observed the historic transformation brought about under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the abrogation of Article 370, which connected Jammu Kashmirs aspirations with those of the nation. He noted that the empowerment of the Pahari community, along with other marginalized groups, marked a turning point in Indias democratic journey. Future generations will remember this transformation well, he said. Reflecting on Indias civilizational legacy, the Lieutenant Governor said that Indias strength has always lain in its intellectual confidence, its courage to ask questions, and its culture of dialogue. He recalled centres of learning such as Nalanda, Takshashila, and Vikramshila, which once illuminated the world, and emphasized that while buildings may be destroyed, the pursuit of knowledge in Indian civilization is eternal. The Lieutenant Governor praised the Pahari community for preserving its language, folklore, folk music, and traditions with dignity and patience. he noted that their oral literature and rich traditions are powerful expressions of courage, harmony, and human values. The journey from Sharda to Sansad is not merely the journey of a community but it is the journey of India itself. It is the journey of a civilization that carried its ancient knowledge tradition into the institutions of democracy while keeping its faith in both equally intact. I believe culture is a living force. Every generation inherits cultural heritage as a bequest and passes it on to the next generation with its own distinct identity, and this is the foundation of a strong and vibrant democracy, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also urged the scholars, teachers, artists, and citizens to invest in preserving Indias civilizational heritage. There are villages whose stories remain unwritten, dialects whose grammar is yet to be studied, and folk songs that have not been recorded. Each of these efforts will enrich our national archive, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the importance of inspiring the younger generation to innovate while staying rooted in tradition. Continuity and change together have preserved the human aspiration for dignity, knowledge, and peaceful coexistence. I hope this book will encourage dialogue, inspire new research, and deepen respect for Indias rich cultural fabric, he observed. Responding to the issues raised by the Chairman of J&K Pahari Welfare Society, the Lieutenant Governor stated that even after the implementation of the law, certain elements are deliberately causing trouble. He assured that a robust mechanism will be put in place to relieve people from this distress. Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Chairman, J&K Pahari Welfare Society; Dr. AH Shah, author; Khush Dev Maini, Dr Jahangir Danish, and other prominent literary personalities, and members of various Pahari organisations attended the book launch ceremony. Dr Sajjad Shafi, Member of Legislative Assembly from Uri; Safina Baig, former DDC Chairperson, Baramulla; Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Harvinder Kour, Secretary JKAACL and senior officials were also present.

Dr Jitendra Singh reviews status of Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi, Aug 02: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the status and phased implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project (MPP) in Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister held a detailed meeting with the officials of WAPCOS Ltd., a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has been entrusted with the implementation of the project. Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the need for expeditious implementation so that the benefits of this strategically important project reach the people at the earliest. He advised WAPCOS to explore innovative solutions and implementation strategies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency. The Minister was informed that the project is being taken up in a phased manner. Work will commence while acquisition of the remaining land is pursued simultaneously, without waiting for completion of the entire land acquisition process. The implementing agency is also working out the project site and related requirements. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, long-pending national projects are being taken forward with renewed urgency. He noted that the Ujh Multipurpose Project, conceived nearly a century ago, had remained in limbo for decades, while the Shahpurkandi project had remained pending for about four decades. The delay in implementation of these projects, he said, resulted in the waters of the Ravi River and its tributaries continuing to flow into Pakistan. The Minister said that even when the Indus Waters Treaty was in force, Ravi, Satluj and Beas were Indias three rivers under the Treaty, with Ravi being the major river among them. He noted that the Treaty is now in abeyance. Dr Jitendra Singh said that the revival of the Shahpurkandi project in 2019, which is now almost complete, and the revival of the Ujh Multipurpose Project in 2026 reflect the Governments resolve under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to realise long-delayed projects, optimise the use of Indias water resources and deliver tangible benefits to the people. The Ujh Multipurpose Project, located on the Ujh River, a main tributary of the Ravi River, is designed to generate around 186 MW to 212 MW of electricity. It is expected to provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu & Kashmir and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. The project will also supply drinking water to Kathua district and provide industrial water availability. The project is expected to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve water security, create new opportunities for economic development and contribute to the overall socio-economic progress of the Union Territory. It also has an important security and border-management dimension and is backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to restrict unregulated water flows and plug vulnerable cross-border infiltration routes along the riverbed. Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed the implementation milestones in detail and stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders and effective monitoring for timely execution. He assured WAPCOS of the Governments full support and cooperation for the successful implementation and timely completion of the prestigious project.

Drugs can give you brief high but make your entire life low: PM Modi to youth

New Delhi, Aug 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the country's youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a high for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life low. Launching the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', Modi said the country's youth must be mentally and physically fit, for which it is necessary for them to stay away from all kinds of substance abuse. He also said that enemy countries use the supply of drugs as part of their terror plans because they know that youth are the future of our country. Drugs can give you a high for some time, but it makes your entire career and personal life low, he said. Questioning the taboo around drug addicts, Modi said those who come out of drug addiction are fighters and should be honoured by society. Society should respect them, embrace them and give them a second chance, he said. The prime minister launched the campaign virtually in the presence of a large number of youth, who described themselves as representatives of Gen-Z, days after large-scale protests by students demanding reforms in the public examination system rocked Delhi and other parts of the country. Our culture teaches us that one can get rid of substance abuse with the support of society, yoga and meditation, Modi said. The Nasha Mukt Yuva campaign is a resolve for the individual, family, society and, most importantly, the nation, and the name of the initiative itself reflected its objective, the prime minister said. When the country has set the goal of building a developed India, it is essential that the youth stay away from harmful addictions to remain physically and mentally healthy and full of self-confidence, Modi said. This is the objective of this campaign, he added, urging everyone to take a pledge to ensure that young people understand the dangers of drug addiction and remain aware and vigilant in every possible way. From today, the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan is being launched across the country. When this becomes a collective campaign, even those who are unable to do something on their own will receive new energy. The resolve taken today will move forward in the same manner for the next 100 weeks. Every Sunday, activities related to art, culture, sports, meditation, spirituality and service will be organised. The message of de-addiction will reach new people, Modi said. The coming 100 Sundays will mark 100 strong steps towards a drug-free India, he added. The prime minister also said that addiction not only harms the body, but also takes away a mother's smile, shatters a father's dreams, weakens a sister's hope, and takes away the respect of a younger brother. Family members live with this pain every day, watching their children gradually lose themselves before their eyes, he said. Modi also said the government stands firmly with the youth in this campaign against drugs. Strict action is being taken against drug traffickers across the country. The arrests have gone up several times as compared to before, and drugs worth thousands of crores of rupees have been seized. This shows how strongly our government is acting against drugs, the prime minister said. He also urged families not to hide their childrens addiction out of concern for social reputation, and instead communicate openly with them and seek expert and medical help to help them overcome substance abuse. The 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan' aims to inspire youth to stay away from substance abuse and encourages them to become ambassadors of positive social change in their communities. The launch marked the beginning of a 100-week nationwide 'Jan Bhagidari' campaign, under which activities will be organised every Sunday across the country to promote awareness and encourage public participation in building a drug-free society. The activities will include sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural programmes, awareness campaigns, nukkad nataks, discussion forums, art competitions and community engagement programmes. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched in 2020 in line with the prime ministers vision of creating a Nasha Mukt Bharat, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Mansukh Mandaviya, said at the launch.

Jammu Railway Division earns nearly Rs 78 lakh in fines for ticketless travel in July

Jammu, Aug 2: The Jammu Division of Northern Railway generated about Rs 78 lakh in revenue by penalising more than 10,000 ticketless and irregular travellers during a month-long special drive in July, reflecting intensified enforcement against fare evasion, an official spokesperson said on Sunday. The drive was carried out across the Jammu Division to curb ticketless travel, unauthorised travel in higher classes, the carriage of unbooked luggage, and other violations of railway rules through stringent ticket-checking and enforcement measures, the spokesperson said. He said the ticket checking staff conducted surprise and regular checks in all mail, express, and passenger trains as well as at major stations of the division under the guidance of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal. The special drive yielded highly encouraging results, with the vigilance and alertness of the ticket-checking staff leading to the detection of 10,014 cases of ticketless and irregular travel during July. Penalties were imposed in accordance with railway rules, generating revenue of Rs 77,97,430, the spokesperson said. Singhal appreciated the commendable work of the ticket checking staff and said the objective of Jammu Division is not only to increase revenue, but also to create awareness among passengers and encourage them to travel as per rules. This achievement has been possible only due to the hard work and dedication of our ticket checking staff. Jammu Division will continue to conduct such intensive checking drives in the future as well for the convenience of passengers and for the safety of railway property, he said.

Pakistan made every effort to dismantle goodwill under Indus Water Treaty: Kwatra

Washington, Aug 2: The Indus Water Treaty was signed in the spirit of goodwill and friendship, and Pakistan spent half a century dismantling it, Indias envoy to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra said. In an article published in Newsweek magazine, Kwatra said Indias decision to keep the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance merely acknowledged what Pakistans conduct had already destroyed. Kwatra's article came days after Pakistan hosted a conference recently to protest Indias decision to hold the IWT in abeyance on April 23 last year, a day after Pakistan-trained terrorists killed 26 people, most of them tourists, at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It is worth remembering that the treaty's preamble declares it was concluded in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. Pakistan spent half a century dismantling that goodwill and friendship. The abeyance merely acknowledges what Pakistan's conduct had already destroyed, the envoy said. The IWT, signed by India and Pakistan in 1960, gave New Delhi control over three of the six Indus basin rivers that carry roughly 20 per cent of the basins water, while Islamabad got rights to rivers that carry roughly 80 per cent. That asymmetry stifled development for decades in Indian regions that could have benefited from better water rights. India honoured the treaty anyway, Kwatra said. He said Pakistan responded by launching wars against India in 1965, 1971 and in 1999; and through decades of persistent hostility and cross-border terrorism, including an attack on Indias Parliament in 2001, Mumbai terror carnage in 2008, Uri and Pathankot attacks in 2016, the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the Pahalgam attack in 2025. Kwatra said if Pakistan sincerely wants Indias cooperation on bilateral issues, it must first dismantle the terror infrastructure it has built over the years. Obstruction and bureaucratic delays have been Pakistans principal responses to any India-initiated projects under the treaty, he said. Pakistan also consistently blocked India's initiatives to renegotiate the treaty in light of six decades of technological change, which would have let India develop its hydropower potential, he said. Bit by bit, Pakistan eroded India's faith that it could exercise its rights under the treaty, or hope for a better one suited to today's realities, Kwatra said. The envoy said those advocating talks between India and Pakistan have not taken note of the history of these initiatives taken in the past or they must believe that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is not insanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly voiced Indias stand today: Terror and talks cannot go together... Terror and trade cannot go together... Water and blood cannot flow together', Kwatra said. He said the water scarcity Pakistan faces is a result of mismanagement by the government in Islamabad. ...the Government of Pakistan would do better to fix its dismal water productivity, than to stage conferences blaming India and issuing threats, Kwatra said, adding that the habit of pinning every domestic failure on India has grown old. The world should say so, unequivocally, he said.

RBI likely to hold rates in August, maintain hawkish tone as inflation risks persist: Economists

Mumbai, Aug 2: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to keep the benchmark repo rate unchanged in its August monetary policy review on elevated inflation risks and pending the closure of the FCNR(B) deposit scheme, a poll of 10 economists and treasury heads has revealed. Most respondents anticipate that the central bank will maintain its policy stance as 'Neutral' while adopting a hawkish tone amid rising inflation risks from geopolitical tensions, elevated crude oil prices and an uneven monsoon. Economists said the central bank will remain in a wait-and-watch mode as it assesses the evolving inflation outlook. As of now, trimmed core inflation remains benign and suggests a status quo is the best policy option for the time being, with caution being expressed through the policy tone, said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA. In recent media outings, Governor Sanjay Malhotra has reiterated that inflation will be the central bank's foremost priority going ahead, pointing out that progress of the monsoon is a key factor to watch out for. Gopal Tripathi, head of treasury at Jana Small Finance Bank said the central bank will wait for the monsoon to play out and for the success of the FCNR (B) scheme. The MPC will meet between August 3 and August 5 to decide on the policy rates. The central bank has reduced the repo rate by 1.25 per cent since last year to aid growth. Despite expectations of a pause in August, the majority of respondents see the policy rate moving higher over the course of FY27. Most participants expect at least two rate hikes during the fiscal year if inflationary pressures intensify. The RBI is expected to maintain a hawkish pause, balancing resilient domestic growth with supply-led inflation. Since inflation is largely driven by external shocks rather than demand, keeping rates unchanged allows the RBI to assess evolving risks like monsoon developments and geopolitical disruptions before taking further action, said Balasubramanian R, head of treasury at Dhanlaxmi Bank. Most respondents expect no change in the central bank's inflation forecast despite the recent spike in crude oil prices, although a few foresee an upward revision if geopolitical tensions persist. Balasubramanian expects the RBI to raise its FY27 retail inflation projection to 5.1 per cent, citing imported inflation risks from higher energy prices. Expectations on growth projections also remained divided. Some economists believe resilient domestic demand could prompt a modest upward revision in the FY27 GDP growth forecast, while others expect no change. A few anticipate a slight downgrade due to weak global demand, higher energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty. Gaura Sengupta, economist at IDFC FIRST Bank, said the inflationary pressures are largely supply-driven and therefore may not warrant an immediate monetary policy response. The risk to inflation is supply-side led. Monetary policy is not the appropriate tool as it works via the demand side. Fiscal policy will be the main response to manage inflation pressures, she said, while adding that the RBI is likely to reiterate that it only seeks to curb excessive volatility in the rupee rather than target a specific exchange rate. On liquidity, the majority of respondents do not expect any major measures in the August policy.However, some believe the RBI could continue fine-tuning operations through variable-rate repo auctions and open market operations, if required, to ensure orderly money market conditions. No, but measures are expected closer to September when liquidity infusion picks up, Sengupta said.

LG attends Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, says Indias strength lies in young population

Srinagar, Aug 02: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the launch of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan today at a UT-Level function organised by Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and SKUAST-Kashmir. The 100-week mega campaign was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a nationwide resolve to secure Indias future by empowering its youth and eliminating the menace of drugs. Addressing the youth of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that Indias greatest strength lies in its young population, with nearly 65% below the age of 35. He also highlighted that 37 crore youth in the 1529 age group are eager to contribute to nation-building. The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan seeks to energize this demographic, guiding them toward healthy lifestyles and active participation in development. Our youth must emerge like a cloud of energy and spread across the horizon of development, he said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020 by Prime Minister, is not merely a government programme but a social movement against drug menace. Its objective is to instill values of self-discipline, positive thinking, and strong determination among citizens. The Lieutenant Governor noted that over 1 crore youth are joining the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan at nearly 10,000 locations nationwide, reflecting the collective responsibility of society to protect young people from drugs. More than 35,000 MY Bharat youth clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, schools, colleges, and industry organizations are participating in the 100-week campaign, which connects youth every Sunday across the country. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that this initiative will become a milestone in uprooting drugs from society. Congratulating the youth of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor praised their active participation in the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan conducted from April 11 to July 20. This campaign, he said, has become a model of success for the entire nation. The combined efforts of administration, police, social organizations, educational institutions, religious leaders, and citizens proved that even the biggest challenges can be overcome when society unites for a common purpose, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the significant achievements of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign. Around 2,300 FIRs have been registered, 2,600 people arrested, and 1,500 kilograms of narcotics seized. More than 331 properties worth around Rs 200 crore belonging to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers have been attached. Additionally, over 370 driving licenses and 750 vehicle registrations have been cancelled, with recommendations made to cancel nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards. The Lieutenant Governor said these actions demonstrate the governments unwavering policy against the drug network that threatens the future of youth. While enforcement remains crucial, public awareness and rehabilitation are equally important. We will soon initiate the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in two most-affected districts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Designed as a three-year rehabilitation cycle, the scheme will focus on medical treatment, counselling, education, skill development, employment, reintegration, and long-term monitoring. I see youth affected by drugs as victims and we need to ensure their dignity, livelihood, and a meaningful future, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor urged families, teachers, and youth organizations to play a proactive role in guiding youth. Parents and teachers are the greatest guides and must support youth through dialogue, trust, and encouragement. Volunteers of MY Bharat, Nehru Yuva Kendras, and youth clubs should take the campaigns message to every village, school, college and community, he said. The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the youth to stay away from drugs, inspire peers, and become healthy, disciplined, and responsible citizens. He expressed confidence that the youth of Jammu Kashmir will dispel the darkness of drugs and spread the light of knowledge, progress, and positive energy. A healthy youth, a strong family, and an aware public will become the identity of Viksit Bharat, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also administered the Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge to the youth of Jammu Kashmir. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Nitin Hangloo, Director, Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) J&K; senior officials, members of Youth Clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, prominent citizens, and youth in large number attended the UT Level function.

LG Sinha attends 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' Campaign event at SKUAST-Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 02: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the UT-level function of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan at SKUAST-Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha said the 100-week campaign, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a clarion call to empower the youth, eradicate drug abuse, and build a healthy, disciplined, and developed India. He emphasized that the initiative aims to mobilize young people across Jammu and Kashmir to take the lead in spreading awareness against narcotics and to strengthen efforts for a Nasha Mukt Bharat. Officials, students, and youth representatives participated in the event held at SKUAST-Kashmir.(GNS)

School, several houses damaged after landslide hits J&K's Mendhar

Poonch, Aug 02: A huge landslide has caused widespread damage in Sarouti Jabran village of Sub-Division Mendhar of Poonch where a school and several houses have already collapsed, while cracks are gradually developing in many of the remaining houses. According to local residents, the landslide had been moving slowly for the past several days, but the situation has now become extremely serious as the ground continues to slide. The entire settlement is reportedly under threat, with fears that more houses may collapse in the coming days. The affected residents are living in fear and uncertainty, particularly due to the continuous movement of the land and the increasing cracks appearing in their houses. The residents have appealed to the Government and local administration to immediately assess the situation and take urgent measures to shift the affected families to a safe location to prevent any loss of life. They have also appealed to all political leaders and public representatives of Mendhar to come forward and extend every possible assistance to the affected families during this difficult time. The residents have urged the administration to send an expert team to the spot on an emergency basis, conduct a detailed assessment of the affected area, and make immediate arrangements for the safe relocation of the entire vulnerable settlement.

Heavy rains trigger flash flood in Safapora, Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Aug 02: Heavy spell of rainfall across central Kashmir on Sunday morning triggered a sudden flash flood in the Safapora area of Ganderbal district, leading to a sharp rise in local water bodies and sparking widespread panic among residents. According to locals, a spell of heavy downpour early in the day and a possible cloudburst in upper belt resulted in a flood-like situation, causing water levels in local streams and drainage channels to overflow rapidly. The sudden surge of muddy water inundated low-lying sections and local tracks in the area, temporarily disrupting normal routine. Officials said flashfloods in Safapora led to a sudden surge of floodwaters, inundating several houses and creating panic among residents. The flash floods affected multiple residential pockets, forcing people to rush to safety as water entered their homes. The worst-hit localities in Safapora included Kohistan Colony, Gulab Sheikh Colony and Bakshi Mohalla, where floodwaters entered residential houses following intense rainfall, causing damage to household belongings and affecting daily life. Meanwhile, incessant rainfall also resulted in extensive waterlogging in Alasteng Busserbugh, where several houses were submerged after rainwater accumulated in low-lying areas, leaving residents facing considerable hardship. locals said that the Flashfloods entered several residential houses and damaged a large agriculture fields besides standing crops in the area. The incident in Safapora comes amid a wider spell of active monsoon weather across Jammu and Kashmir.

Trump says US cancelled planned strike on Iran after deal proposal

New Delhi, Aug 02: US President Donald Trump said he had cancelled a planned military strike against Iran after Tehran and several West Asian countries sought more time to finalise a deal that would include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: The U.S.A. is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II. Despite this, we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to. This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Irans nuclear threat. Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL. The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP. Trump's statement came amid heightened tensions across West Asia after he had earlier warned that the United States would hit Iran very hard. US media reports had said Washington was preparing fresh military strikes that could take place as early as this weekend. The latest development followed intense diplomatic efforts by regional mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, to prevent a fresh military escalation. According to reports, officials from the two countries held urgent contacts with Iranian and US officials, including Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, while discussions also focused on restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged de-escalation during a phone conversation with Trump, expressing concerns over possible US strikes on Iran. Saudi Arabia has consistently stressed the need to avoid a wider regional conflict. Iran, however, maintained its warning against any fresh military action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in separate conversations with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, said Tehran would respond decisively and proportionally to any aggression by the United States, Israel or their allies. The situation remains tense despite Trump's announcement. The US State Department has issued a fresh travel advisory urging Americans in the Middle East to consider leaving the region due to the risk of unforeseen escalation. Tehran has also warned countries hosting US military bases against supporting any attack, while Kuwaiti authorities reported Iranian drone activity earlier on Sunday. Trump's announcement, if followed by a negotiated agreement, could temporarily ease fears of a wider regional conflict, although no formal confirmation of such a deal has yet been announced by Iran or other parties.

Even my late mother was abused at Jantar Mantar, but we must forgive our misguided children: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it pained him that even his late mother was subjected to filthy abuses at Jantar Mantar and lamented that our daughters had used such language, even as he called for forgiving the misguided children. In another late-night video message released on Instagram, the prime minister said he could understand the anguish prevailing in society, but stressed that this was the time to embrace the youth and guide them on the right path. The remarks drew a sharp response from the Congress, which said that while the country was asking the PM to apologise, he had instead forgiven the country. Tagging the PMs video and post, Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said in a post on X in Hindi, Listen to this. The country is asking him to apologise, yet he has forgiven the country. In his video message, Modi said he was speaking because his heart told him to address the youth over what had happened during the protests against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination at Jantar Mantar. He said some naughty children had hurled filthy abuses at him, using language unfit for a civilised society. Not only was I subjected to abusive language at Jantar Mantar, but even my late mother was abused there with filthy language. But abuses never solve anything; lets guide the misguided, he said. I want to forgive them. People make mistakes, but it was a cultural shock that our daughters are using such abusive language. We must forgive our youth who were misguided; after all, they are our children. Its our duty to show them the right path, he said. Drawing an analogy, he said, We dont disown our teeth even if they bite our tongue; both belong to us, just as our youth are our own. The prime minister appealed to the youth to come forward and learn from their mistakes. Our country is moving forward, and they too must move ahead with it, he said. Modi said there is scope for correction during childhood. That is why I fully understand the anguish in the society... This is the time to show these children the correct path by hugging them, he said. The prime minister said the situation could not be changed by dragging such children into courts or parading them before society. Society should also accept my submission because sometimes people go astray, but that does not mean they should be punished. The children are ours. It is our responsibility to show them the correct path. It is a hard task, but I have to do it, he said. Referring to young protesters, Modi said he wanted to tell these friends to come forward to work for the country, learn something new, and learn from their mistakes. The country is progressing well. Move forward, and you too will progress. This is my dream. I live for you and work for your bright future. Let us move forward and take the country ahead. Let us learn from our mistakes and move forward, he said. The students protest was led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar here. It began on June 20 and ended after 36 days on July 25 following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Union education minister and the governments acceptance of the protesters demands. The agitation galvanised thousands of students in protests across the country and received the support of major opposition parties. The discontent spilt over into a massive march to Parliament on July 20, which witnessed a strong police response involving lathicharge and the use of tear gas. After three rounds of talks, the CJP and the government reached an agreement on July 25 under which the government accepted its demands, following which the protest was called off.

PDP holds organisational meeting at Kani Mazar, Habba Kadal

PDP senior leader and Constituency Incharge Habba Kadal, Arif Laigaroo, along with District Secretary Mohammad Altaf Tambakoo Saturday chaired an organisational meeting at Kani Mazar, Nawab Bazar, the meeting was organised by zone president habba kadal tufail bhat during which Bilal Naikoo was unanimously nominated as the Ward President for Nawab Bazar. The meeting witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents and party workers, who discussed various public issues affecting the area and reviewed feedback received from the people. Discussions also focused on strengthening the party at the grassroots level, enhancing public outreach, and ensuring regular interaction with residents to address their concerns effectively. Addressing the gathering, Laigaroo emphasised the importance of strong grassroots coordination and urged party workers to remain closely connected with the people. He called upon all office bearers and workers to work with dedication and unity in serving the public and promoting the overall welfare and development of the constituency. The meeting was attended by Zone President Tufail Bhat, Vice Zone President Mohd Imtiyaz Mir, Hajira G, Asma bilal , Faheem Bhat, Bilal Naikoo, Shabir Ahmad, Fayaz Reshi, Zahoor Ahmad, Sheikh Numan, and several other senior party workers.

Apni Party stages protest, says Govt has failed; urges NC to fulfil promises

Accusing the government of failing to address pressing public issues and grievances, Apni Party on Saturday staged protest demonstrations at Srinagars press colony. Party's Provincial President for Kashmir, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, led the protest demonstration by the party leaders and workers against the government's failures in Jammu and Kashmir. The protesters raised slogans condemning the government's failure to create employment opportunities for educated youth, end random arrests, address development deficits, and resolve other pressing public issues and grievances, said a press release. After the vibrant protest demonstrations, Mohammad Ashraf Mir spoke to reporters and said that the government had failed on every front to deliver effective governance. He said, People gave a massive mandate to the ruling party in the hope that it would fulfil the promises it made during its 2024 election campaign. However, the reality is that the government has failed to deliver on those promises and has even been unable to provide basic necessities to the people. He further said, What has this government done to create employment opportunities for our educated youth, who are currently grappling with the challenges of unemployment? Unemployment is one of the major factors contributing to the growing drug menace in our society. The ruling party had promised that it would provide one lakh jobs to the youth soon after assuming power in Jammu and Kashmir. Where are those jobs? Mir also accused the government of failing to bridge the developmental deficit in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the entire development process has come to a halt and alleged that the government is least bothered about the situation. He expressed grave concern over the killing of two migrant labourers in Kulgam on Friday evening. He said, A few days ago, a policeman was killed in Anantnag, and now two innocent people, who had come here only to earn their livelihood, have been brutally killed. This is a deeply painful situation. He also urged the government to play its role in putting an end to the alleged arbitrary arrests of youth in various parts of Kashmir.

Illegal 'Bengali Nets' destroying future of Kashmir's fisheries: Usman Majid

Former Minister and Ex-MLA Bandipora Usman Majid has voiced serious concern over the alarming decline in the fish population of Wular Lake, attributing it to the growing use of large fishing nets, locally known as Bengali nets, by a section of fishermen. He described the practice as one of the biggest threats to the lake's fragile aquatic ecosystem, saying these oversized nets indiscriminately trap fish of every size, including juvenile fish and breeding stock, leaving little opportunity for natural regeneration. He warned that if this destructive practice is not stopped immediately, Wular Lake could lose much of its fish wealth, resulting in a sharp decline in fish production and pushing hundreds of families dependent on fishing towards economic distress. Majid said Wular Lake has for generations sustained the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and served as one of Kashmir's richest freshwater fisheries. However, unchecked exploitation through illegal fishing methods is pushing the lake towards an ecological crisis. He said protecting fish stocks is not merely an environmental responsibility but an economic necessity for the survival of the traditional fishing community. He appealed to all genuine fishermen to reject such harmful practices and work collectively to conserve the lake's fish resources for future generations. Calling for urgent intervention, Majid urged the Lieutenant Governor's Administration, the Jammu & Kashmir Government, the Director of Fisheries, the Fisheries Department, the District Administration Bandipora, and all concerned agencies to launch a comprehensive drive against the use of illegal Bengali nets. He demanded regular inspections, seizure of prohibited nets, strict enforcement of fisheries laws, and continuous monitoring to prevent further destruction of fish stocks. He said the administration must act before the damage becomes irreversible. Expressing concern over the continued use of such illegal nets despite existing regulations, Usman Majid said there should be a fair and transparent inquiry into whether any officials responsible for protecting Wular Lake have failed in their duties or, if evidence establishes it, have facilitated these activities. Anyone found guilty of negligence, collusion, or violating the law should face exemplary legal and departmental action without fear or favour. Wular Lake is the lifeline of Kashmir's fisheries. If we fail to protect its fish today, future generations will inherit an empty lake instead of a thriving ecosystem. This is not merely about fish production, it is about safeguarding our environment, our heritage, and the livelihood of thousands of hardworking families. The time for complacency has ended. What is needed now is immediate action, strict enforcement, and zero tolerance for those destroying the priceless aquatic wealth of Wular Lake, Majid said.

J&K Judicial Academy holds Day-44 induction training for newly appointed Civil Judges

The Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy on Saturday conducted the 44th day of its Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme (Batch-2026) for newly appointed Civil Judges (Junior Division) at its Mominabad campus here. Held under the patronage of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and the guidance of Rajnesh Oswal, Chairman of the Academy's Governing Committee, the programme focused on criminal proceedings and judicial case management. The forenoon sessions were conducted by Mohd. Yousuf Wani, who delivered lectures on criminal proceedings from registration of an FIR to cognizance, and on the commencement of trial and judicial management of criminal cases. Justice Wani described induction training as a bridge between academic learning and practical judicial functioning. He familiarised trainee judges with various stages of criminal proceedings, including investigation, cognizance, framing of charges, recording of evidence and judicial management of criminal trials. He also stressed the importance of judicial discretion, procedural safeguards, independence, integrity and ethical conduct. In the afternoon session, Rahul Bharti addressed the trainee judges, urging them to approach judicial service with seriousness, dedication and maturity. He encouraged the officers to embrace challenges as opportunities for learning, saying professional excellence comes through knowledge, competence, integrity and hard work rather than promotions alone. He also advised them to remain committed to continuous learning, humility and compassionate delivery of justice. Director of the Judicial Academy Naseer Ahmad Dar highlighted the expertise of the resource persons and underscored the importance of practical understanding of criminal law and active participation in training. The academy said the sessions were interactive, with trainee officers seeking clarifications on practical and procedural aspects of criminal law.

Uri court acquits woman, orders action against police officials

A court in Uri has acquitted a woman who, it said, was falsely implicated in a criminal case after she visited a police station to lodge a complaint in 2020, while directing action against the investigating officer and asking the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Baramulla, to ensure such incidents are not repeated. The case stemmed from FIR No. 111/2020 registered at Police Station Uri under Sections 353, 336, 323 and 506 of the IPC. Police had alleged that Fatima abused a woman constable, obstructed her official duties, pelted stones causing injuries and issued threats after being stopped at the police station gate. However, the court found major inconsistencies in the prosecution case. It noted that the alleged stone used in the assault was never seized, medical evidence did not support the claim of injuries, and the shirt produced as part of the complainant's police uniform did not conform to the prescribed uniform pattern. The court also observed that prosecution witnesses admitted a police station is a public place where citizens are entitled to enter to submit complaints. It noted that Fatima was frisked in the open despite witnesses acknowledging that women should be searched in privacy. Rejecting the police version, the court said there was no evidence to support the claim that entry to the police station had been restricted because of an official meeting. It also observed that senior officers allegedly present at the station never appeared despite the commotion described by the prosecution. The court held that preventing the woman from entering the police station, publicly frisking her and subsequently prosecuting her instead of addressing her complaint amounted to a violation of her fundamental rights and an abuse of police authority. It further observed that the woman was within her rights to object to being frisked in public and said her alleged implication on concocted evidence after the destruction of her mobile phone reflected a misuse of legal process. While acquitting Fatima of all charges, the court directed initiation of separate proceedings (Robkar) against the investigating officer and the complainant to explain why action should not be taken against them for falsely implicating her. The court also directed that a copy of the judgment be sent to the SSP, Baramulla, with instructions to ensure private enclosures or screens are provided for frisking women at police stations and that no citizen approaching a police station to seek redress suffers a similar ordeal.

Drug abuse awareness programme held at Chanapora

Ahata Waqar, Senior Citizens Council, Chanapora, on Saturday organised a drug abuse awareness workshop to sensitise people about the growing menace of substance abuse and the need for collective efforts to tackle the issue. The programme was attended by senior citizens, social activists, students, youth and members of civil society. Delivering the keynote address, renowned physician, author and scholar Dr Nissar Ahmad Bhat Trali described the rising incidence of drug addiction among youth as a matter of grave concern. He said substance abuse had emerged as one of the biggest challenges confronting society and called upon parents, teachers, religious scholars, social organisations and government agencies to work together to combat the menace. Dr Trali stressed the importance of promoting moral, educational and spiritual values among young people, encouraging healthy recreational activities and ensuring timely counselling and guidance. He also highlighted the need to strengthen de-addiction, rehabilitation and counselling centres to help affected youth return to normal life. Appreciating Ahata Waqar for organising the programme, Dr Trali called for intensified public awareness campaigns against drug abuse. Referring to available reports, he said nearly 1.06 lakh children in Kashmir had reportedly fallen victim to drug addiction, describing the issue as a humanitarian crisis with far-reaching social consequences. On the occasion, Mohammad Morifat Qadri, Editor-in-Chief of the Urdu daily Afaaq, was conferred with the Sharaf-e-Waqar Award in recognition of his contribution to raising public awareness against drug abuse and highlighting important social issues through responsible journalism. Presenting the citation, Ahata Waqar Executive Member and Media Consultant Mushtaq Shah Mehram highlighted Qadri's contributions to journalism, literature, social welfare and humanitarian work. He said Qadri had also played a significant role in preserving Kashmir's culture and heritage while rendering distinguished services in print and electronic media for nearly three decades. Geriatric expert Dr Saqiba Afzal spoke about the early warning signs of drug addiction and urged parents to closely monitor behavioural changes in their children to ensure timely intervention. Students of Candid Higher Secondary School, Nowgam, participated in a debate on drug prevention, emphasising the role of youth in building a drug-free society. The students also pledged to spread awareness among their peers. Chairman of Ahata Waqar, while welcoming the guests, called for united efforts to curb drug abuse. The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an by Javed Ahmad Beigh, followed by Naat and Manqabat by Khazir Mohammad Trag and Qazi Abdul Rashid. The proceedings were conducted by Laila Sultan. The workshop concluded with an appeal for sustained community participation, coordinated institutional efforts and continued public awareness initiatives to safeguard the younger generation from the harmful effects of drug addiction

Over Rs 30 lakh compensation disbursed to labourers in Kupwara

The district administration Kupwara on Saturday disbursed more than Rs 30 lakh as compensation to two labourers under the Employees' Compensation Act. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, handed over the compensation in two separate cases under Section 4 of the Act after the cheques were presented by Assistant Labor Commissioner Rahil Amin. In the first case, compensation of Rs 15,37,704 was disbursed, while the second beneficiary received Rs 15,28,875, taking the total amount released to Rs 30,66,579. Speaking on the occasion, the DC reaffirmed the administration's commitment to safeguarding workers' rights and ensuring the timely settlement of compensation claims in accordance with the provisions of the Employees' Compensation Act.

J&K Assembly speaker hears grievances at Kanidajan public outreach camp

Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Saturday visited Kanidajan village in the Charar-i-Sharief constituency, where he held a public outreach camp to listen to the grievances of the people, review the developmental needs of the area, and assess the overall progress of various public welfare initiatives. During the interaction, residents apprised the Speaker of several issues concerning the area and outlined their developmental aspirations while expressing appreciation for his continued outreach and accessibility. A major concern raised by the villagers pertained to the alleged harassment following the issuance of eviction notices by the Forest Department and the reported obstruction of agricultural activities on lands which, they said, have been under their possession and cultivation for generations. The residents informed the Speaker that a large number of families are solely dependent on the produce from these lands for their livelihood and urged the government to safeguard their legitimate rights. Addressing the gathering, the Speaker categorically stated that no one would be allowed to act in violation of the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. He asserted that the rights of all eligible beneficiaries under the Act would be protected in letter and spirit, adding that no undue harassment of villagers would be tolerated. The Speaker said that officers and officials of the Forest Department are expected to be fully conversant with the provisions of the law and must discharge their responsibilities in strict conformity with the legal framework.

Junk Food still rules school canteens in Kashmir, raises health concerns

The widespread sale of junk food in school canteens across Kashmir is emerging as a major public health concern, with parents and health experts warning that unhealthy eating habits are increasingly affecting children's nutrition, fitness and overall well-being despite guidelines discouraging such foods on school premises. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed strict restrictions on the sale and advertisement of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) in school canteens and within a 50-metre radius of school campuses. The proposed restrictions cover chips, crisps, chocolates, ice creams, carbonated soft drinks and instant noodles. However, most school canteens continue to stock and sell potato chips, instant noodles, soft drinks, chocolates, packaged snacks and ice creams. These items have become the preferred choice for many students, often replacing healthier homemade meals. Parents say easy access to junk food is encouraging children to consume calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods almost every day. Many complain that their children return home with little appetite after spending money on snacks during school hours. Most of the time our children don't feel hungry after returning from school because they have already consumed chips, noodles and other junk food during school hours. This is gradually affecting their eating habits and health, said Mohsin Sheikh, a resident of Baramulla town. Medical experts warn that regular consumption of junk food can have serious long-term health consequences. Diets high in saturated fats, sugar and salt but low in essential nutrients have been linked to rising cases of childhood obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other lifestyle-related illnesses. Doctors also say excessive consumption of processed foods can affect children's concentration, energy levels and academic performance. FSSAI has categorised these products as foods high in fat, salt and sugar and proposed that they should neither be sold nor advertised within school premises or within a 50-metre radius of educational institutions. The regulator has also recommended that schools transform their campuses into Eat Right Schools by promoting safe, nutritious and balanced diets in line with guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition. The draft regulations also call for nutritionists and dietitians to help schools prepare healthy menus, regular inspections of school canteens, and strict compliance with hygiene and food safety standards. Food business operators supplying meals to schools are expected to comply with licensing norms and avoid promoting unhealthy foods through branding, posters or other promotional material on school campuses. Educationists and parents believe stricter enforcement of these guidelines is essential in Kashmir, where junk food consumption among schoolchildren is steadily increasing. Concerned parents have urged school managements, education authorities and food safety officials to intensify inspections and ensure canteens prioritise healthy, locally prepared food over packaged snacks. Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani, told Greater Kashmir that the department would look into the issue. I have not received any complaint regarding this issue so far. However, I will look into the matter, Wani said. With childhood obesity and other lifestyle-related disorders emerging as growing concerns, stakeholders say schools must play a greater role in promoting healthy eating habits and ensure that canteens serve as a source of nutrition rather than a gateway to unhealthy food choices.

Schools remain closed in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, online classes ordered

Authorities on Saturday ordered the closure of all Government and Private schools in the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban as a precautionary measure in view of the prevailing heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions across the Chenab Valley. The orders were issued by the respective Chief Education Officers following directions from the District Administrations, citing concerns over the safety of students and staff due to continuous rainfall, slippery road conditions, and the possibility of landslides and shooting stones. In Doda, the Chief Education Officer announced the closure of all Government and Private schools across the district in continuation of the weather advisory already in force. The decision was taken on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Doda, to ensure the safety and well-being of students and school staff. Similarly, the Chief Education Officer, Kishtwar, ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the district after persistent rainfall created hazardous road conditions and increased the risk of shooting stones. The order was issued in compliance with the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar. In Ramban, all Government and Private schools also remained closed following instructions from the District Administration in view of the prevailing inclement weather and heavy rainfall affecting various parts of the district. Despite the physical closure of schools, the education authorities in all three districts directed Heads of Institutions to conduct online classes through appropriate digital platforms as per the prescribed timetable to ensure that students' academic activities continue without interruption.

NH-44 partially reopens for stranded traffic, Amarnath Yatra convoy suspended

The strategic Srinagar Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was partially restored on Saturday afternoon to facilitate the movement of stranded vehicles after fresh landslides and heavy rainfall blocked the highway at the Ladha-Samroli stretch in Udhampur district, disrupting traffic and forcing the suspension of the scheduled Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoy. According to official sources, a fresh spell of heavy rain during the morning triggered landslides, slush and mud accumulation along the Ladha-Samroli stretch, rendering the highway unsafe for vehicular movement. The adverse weather conditions prompted authorities to suspend traffic, while the day's Amarnath Yatra convoy from Jammu was also halted as a precautionary measure. Traffic officials stated that restoration work was immediately undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), involving the deployment of personnel and machinery. After improvement in weather conditions and partial clearance of the debris, stranded passenger vehicles were first allowed to cross the affected stretch under strict traffic regulation. Later, stranded light and medium commercial vehicles were also cleared, followed by the movement of heavy vehicles on a regulated one-way basis through the single available carriageway. Officials monitoring the restoration work at around 4 pm said repair operations were still underway at the Ladha-Samroli stretch. They noted that the road surface remained highly slushy, muddy, and extremely slippery due to continuous rainfall, posing a risk to motorists. NHAI personnel, assisted by Traffic Police, continued round-the-clock efforts to stabilise the damaged road and improve driving conditions. Authorities advised commuters to avoid travelling on NH-44 until the highway is declared fully safe for traffic, adding that further movement would depend on prevailing weather conditions and the progress of restoration work. Dileep Singh, a local bus driver, said that restoration resumed after the weather improved, enabling stranded vehicles to cross the affected stretch. However, he pointed out that transport operators continued to face severe hardships due to deep slush, muddy patches and the single-lane traffic arrangement at Dewal. Vehicles are being allowed to cross one by one, and NHAI workers are continuously laying stones and other material on the damaged road to prevent vehicles from getting stuck in mud and clay, he said. Earlier this week, the Traffic Police Headquarters had granted permission to NHAI to undertake urgent restoration and safety works on the Udhampur-Banihal section of NH-44. The District Magistrates of Udhampur and Ramban also permitted widening of the hill-side carriageway at Ladha and Samroli and removal of loose overhanging debris at vulnerable locations, including Gangroo and Kishtwari Pather. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has witnessed repeated disruptions since mid-July due to incessant rainfall, landslides and shooting stones, particularly along the Dewal-Samroli stretch in Udhampur district and the Gangroo area near Ramsu in Ramban district. Despite continuous restoration efforts by NHAI and other agencies, intermittent rainfall has repeatedly hampered repair works and traffic movement. Officials said debris clearance and road repair operations were continuing at Ladha-Samroli, Gangroo and other vulnerable stretches. They expressed hope that, subject to favourable weather conditions, full restoration of the highway would be completed at the earliest, allowing normal traffic to resume safely. Meanwhile, the Traffic Police advised commuters and transporters to undertake journeys on NH-44 only after confirming the latest road status in view of the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast of continued rainfall over the next few days. Travellers have been urged to obtain real-time traffic updates from the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar before commencing their journey and to follow official updates issued through the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police's social media platforms.

Athwas Retail, Athwas Hyundai named title sponsors for JKPL Season 3

Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, flagship ventures of IA Multi Ventures (P) Ltd., have been announced as the Title Sponsors of the Jammu & Kashmir Premier League (JKPL) Season 3. The partnership, as per a statement, was formally announced during a signing ceremony attended by Managing Director Irfaan Guju and Joint Managing Director & CEO Arshad Guju of IA Multi Ventures (P) Ltd., along with JKPL Chairman Marouf Abdullah, President Zeeshan Ahmad Bhat, Secretary Suhaib Altaf, and other senior representatives from both organisations. This collaboration marks the beginning of a strategic partnership dedicated to strengthening the sporting ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir by nurturing emerging cricketing talent, promoting youth participation, and fostering a culture of discipline, excellence, and sportsmanship.

J&K Bank Academy beats North Hall United 2-1

J&K Bank Academy registered an impressive 21 victory over North Hall United FC in an entertaining encounter of the Srinagar Premier League 2026, played at the TRC Turf, Srinagar, under the aegis of the District Football Association (DFA) Srinagar. The match, as per a DFA statement, showcased quality football, determination, and tactical discipline from both teams, keeping spectators engaged throughout the ninety minutes. After a competitive opening half that saw both sides battle for control of possession and create promising opportunities, neither team was able to find the breakthrough before the interval. Strong defensive performances and disciplined organisation ensured the first half concluded with the scoreline locked at 00. The second half, however, brought a completely different intensity. J&K Bank Academy returned with greater attacking intent, pressing higher up the field and moving the ball with increased purpose. Their persistence eventually paid off as they found the opening goal, giving them a deserved lead and lifting the tempo of the contest.

LG Ladakh VK Saxena approves new Sports Policy 2026

In a major boost to sports development in the Union Territory, the Ladakh administration on Saturday unveiled the Ladakh Sports Policy 2026, introducing monthly scholarships, cash incentives of up to Rs 1 crore, and enhanced support for athletes as it seeks to build a strong sporting ecosystem. Approved by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, the policy aims to ease the financial burden on athletes and encourage more youngsters to pursue sports as a full-time career. Built around the motto Scout, Facilitate and Recognise, the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of strengthening grassroots sports through programmes such as Khelo India. Calling it a landmark initiative, Saxena said the policy reflects the administrations long-term commitment to creating a vibrant and self-sustaining sports culture in Ladakh. In a post on X, Saxena said the policy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of promoting sports through initiatives such as Khelo India. The Ladakh Sports Policy 2026 is a long-term commitment to our youth for a vibrant sporting culture and an institutional support system to excel in sports, Saxena said. He added that the policy aims to identify sporting talent at the grassroots while ensuring sustained financial support, institutional backing and continuous motivation throughout an athletes career. Saxena said every medal won by a sportsperson from Ladakh is a matter of pride for the nation and that the administration has a responsibility to ensure talented athletes and their families are not burdened by the cost of pursuing sporting excellence. According to an official spokesperson, the policy, guided by the motto scout, facilitate and recognise, provides, for the first time, monthly scholarships and cash rewards for medal winners at recognised international, national, state and school-level competitions, including the National School Games and Khelo India Games. Under the scheme, international gold medallists will receive Rs 1 lakh per month, national gold medallists Rs 75,000 per month, and state-level gold medallists Rs 10,000 per month for 12 months from the date of winning their medals. Proportionate scholarships will be provided to silver and bronze medallists. The administration said athletes who progress to higher levels of competition will automatically receive upgraded scholarships for a fresh one-year period without losing benefits already paid under the previous category. In addition to the monthly assistance, the policy offers one-time cash incentives ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1 crore for medal winners at recognised international, national, state and school-level events. These awards will be paid over and above the monthly scholarships. The policy also introduces a one-time cash award of Rs 10 lakh for mountaineers from Ladakh who successfully summit peaks above 8,000 metres anywhere in the world. Special cash awards have also been approved for outstanding performances in the Paralympic Games, Para Asian Games, Para Commonwealth Games, national para sports championships, and competitions for visually impaired, hearing-impaired and Special Olympics athletes. According to the officials, The policy was finalised after more than two months of consultations with stakeholders under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor. The initiative followed representations from sportspersons and their families highlighting financial difficulties in pursuing training and competition.

Union Cabinet approves Sudhmahadev-Dranga, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel projects: DrJitendra

Jammu, Aug 1:Union Cabinet has approved the strategically crucial uni-directional twin tube SudhmahadevDranga and the twin tube SinghporaVailoo tunnel projects with approach roads on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr. Approval was granted to these projects in the union cabinet meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, July 31, 2026. Union Minister of State in PMO DrJitendra Singh, while announcing it on his social media handle on Saturday, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the cabinet approval to these ambitious tunnel projects in his Lok Sabha constituency. He also thanked the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari for facilitating it. DrJitendra represents the Doda-Kathua-Udhampur parliamentary constituency in Lok Sabha. Fully Centre-funded SudhmahadevDranga and SinghporaVailoo tunnel projects with their approach roads on Anantnag-Chenani corridor will bolster road connectivity in Udhampur and Chenab valley districts. In mid-April this year, uni-directional twin tube SudhmahadevDranga tunnel (length 12.85 km, including 2 L (lane) plus Paved Shoulder (PS) approaches) and the twin tube SinghporaVailoo tunnel (length 38.61 km, including 2L plus PS approaches) on NH-244 received an official approval through an Office Memorandum issued by the (Union) Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, confirming the minutes of the Public Investment Board (PIB) meeting held on April 7, 2026, thereby formalising the transformative project. My heartfelt gratitude to PM Sh @narendramodi Ji for the cabinet approval of the landmark 9800 Cr SudhmahadevDranga and SinghporaVailoo tunnel projects on NH-244 in my Lok Sabha constituency. This visionary decision is a defining milestone in the transformation of Jammu and Kashmirs transport infrastructure and a testament to the governments unwavering commitment to balanced regional development, DrJitendra posted, with a screenshot of a national daily report about the cabinets approval to the projects. Union Minister of State in PMO asserted that the strategically significant projects would provide seamless all-weather connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir valley while substantially improving access to the Chenab region. By bypassing road stretches vulnerable to landslides, snowfall and adverse weather, the tunnels will enhance road safety, reduce travel time, improve disaster resilience, strengthen strategic and defence mobility and ensure uninterrupted movement of people, goods and essential services throughout the year, he stated. Beyond infrastructure, DrJitendra said, This initiative will unlock unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, tourism, trade, employment and social development, bringing lasting benefits to the people of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur and the entire Union Territory. While thanking Union Minister MoRTH, he described the initiative as a visionary investment in the future of J&K and a significant stride towards a stronger, safer and more connected India. Later, DrJitendra, while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an official function in Kathua on Saturday, August 1, 2026, stated during last one year, misleading reports were carried about the Sudhmahadev tunnel that the project was cancelled. He clarified that reports about stoppage of work were incorrect. The Union Minister said the earlier tender was cancelled because of the security issue related to the allottee. He said that later a new tender was floated and on July 31, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the tunnel projects. With regard to the Chhatergala tunnel project, DrJitendra informed that it was taken up in the plan Vision 2047 document. We are trying to include it in our next five-year plan as it would take longer to complete it. But once completed, it would provide round the year connectivity and would thus prove to be a game changer for the region. Because presently it becomes a hideout for terrorists during extreme weather conditions when the road gets closed, the Union Minister of State in PMO said. Notably, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too had recently written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari seeking early completion of both the projects. Prior to it, on March 25, 2026, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, while replying to National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloos question in Rajya Sabha about the present status, DPR, tendering, land acquisition, environment and security clearances, funds sanctioned and released, work awarded and timeline fixed for the projects related to the Sudhmahadev-Chenani tunnel, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel besides other tunnels and road projects had informed that DPRs were completed for both the projects. Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels fall under National Highway (NH) 244. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these tunnels have been completed by National Highways Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NHIDCL), Gadkari had stated. The Sudhmahadev-Daranga tunnel including approaches is having a length of 12.85 km and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel including approaches is having a length of 38.61 km. The projects for construction of these tunnels are at appraisal stage, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways had informed. Regarding road projects, Gadkari had informed that the road stretch of Batote-Doda-Kishtwar is divided into two stretches. The Batote-Khellani section of NH-244 is of 2-lane standards. However, due to deficient alignment having steep curves, this stretch is to be bypassed through development of Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellanigreenfield alignment. Out of total length of 38 km from Chenani to Khellani (excluding Sudhmadev-Dranga tunnel portion) the 2-lane has been completed in 34 km and 2-laning is in progress in the remaining 4 km, which is scheduled to be completed by October, 2026, he said. The Khellani-Doda-Kishtwar section of NH-244 (112.66 km) is being developed to 2-lane with paved shoulders configuration in 9 civil work contract packages, of which, 47.38 km length has been completed and remaining length is in progress, Gadkari had shared.

Cloudburst leaves trail of damage in Minamarg

Drass, Aug 1: A cloudburst struck the Minamarg area of Drass on Saturday, triggering flash floods and landslides that damaged temporary shelters of nomadic Bakerwal families and led to the suspension of traffic on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. Officials said four temporary shelters (deras) belonging to Bakerwal families, housing around 20 people and located opposite Police Post Minamarg, were affected by the flash floods. Police personnel from Police Post Minamarg launched an immediate rescue operation and safely evacuated all the affected families to the Police Post Minamarg building and the nearby Sheep Husbandry Department building. A Wagon R car was also swept away by the flash flood. However, all its occupants escaped unhurt, and no casualties were reported. The cloudburst also triggered landslides, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend traffic on the Drass-Srinagar National Highway at the affected location. Police teams, assisted by road clearance machinery, are on the spot clearing debris and working to restore traffic at the earliest. The District Police Drass has urged commuters, tourists and residents to avoid crossing overflowing streams, water channels and flood-prone areas and to exercise caution while travelling until normal conditions are restored.

Flash floods ravage Chatroo after cloudburst

Ramban, Aug 1:A cloudburst accompanied by torrential rain in the upper reaches of Chatroo in Kishtwar district triggered flash floods early Saturday, causing extensive damage to shops, houses, vehicles, public infrastructure and agricultural land. No loss of life or injuries was reported. The flash floods and mudslides inundated the Chatroo market, damaging several commercial establishments and houses while burying roads under mud, boulders, and debris. The Kishtwar-Chatroo-Sinthan Top National Highway (NH-244) was blocked, disrupting traffic and cutting off road connectivity to several areas. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chatroo, Nayeem Mughal, said teams equipped with heavy machinery were immediately deployed to clear debris and restore road connectivity. He said the administration has launched a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of damage to public and private property, agricultural land and infrastructure. Two houses in Dedhpeth were partially damaged in the incident, following which the affected families were evacuated to safer locations. MLA KishtwarShagunParihar expressed concern over the damage caused by the flash floods and said she remained in touch with Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and the SDM Chatroo to monitor the situation. She urged the administration to ensure immediate relief, restore road connectivity at the earliest and provide all possible assistance to the affected families. MLA Paddar-Nagseni Sunil Sharma said the overnight cloudburst caused flooding in several localities, damaging property and washing away vehicles. He said the district administration was assessing the losses while restoration work was underway. He added that NH-244 had been closed as a precaution until it is declared safe for traffic. Union Minister DrJitendra Singh also reviewed the situation after speaking to the Deputy Commissioner. He said no casualties had been reported and assured that affected shopkeepers and owners of damaged commercial establishments would receive compensation. He said that after last years Chasoti cloudburst, the Ministry of Earth Sciences installed two Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Kishtwar and Machhail. An Automatic Weather Station (AWS) is also being established in the Padder area to strengthen weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. PDP leader Advocate Sheikh Nasir and senior Congress leader G. M. Saroori also expressed concern over the damage and urged the administration to conduct an immediate assessment and provide adequate compensation to affected families and traders. Saroori appealed to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to deploy sufficient machinery and manpower to clear mud and debris from NH-244 and restore traffic on a war footing. He also called for long-term flood mitigation measures, including strengthening drainage systems and creating protective infrastructure to reduce the impact of future disasters. Restoration work continued throughout the day as officials monitored the situation and assessed the damage. Authorities advised residents to avoid vulnerable areas and unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve and affected roads are declared safe.

Flash floods batter J&K; schoolboy killed in Kupwara landslide

Srinagar, Aug 1:Heavy localised downpours triggered flash floods across four areas of Jammu and Kashmir over the past 24 hours, inundating homes, damaging roads and disrupting normal life, while a rain-triggered landslide in Kupwara killed a seven-year-old schoolboy. The Meteorological Department (MeT) ruled out any major widespread rainfall activity but warned of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and rockfalls in vulnerable areas during the ongoing wet spell. Flash floods were reported from Pehlipora in Shopian, Chatroo in Kishtwar, SaderkootBala in Bandipora, and the Brennar area of Sopore in Baramulla district. In Pehlipora village of Shopian, a heavy downpour on Saturday morning caused a nearby stream to overflow, inundating several houses and prompting rescue operations. Officials said rescue teams, assisted by residents, evacuated affected families. No casualties were reported: Hours earlier, a cloudburst struck Chatroo in Kishtwar around 2:30 A.M., sending mud, slush and boulders into parts of the main market. The flooding disrupted traffic on the Kishtwar-Chatroo-Sinthan Top National Highway, damaged several shops and houses, and swept away two vehicles parked near a stream. Officials assessed the extent of the damage. The previous day, overnight rainfall flooded roads and a government school in the SaderkootBala area of Bandipora after a stream overflowed. Classroom mats were damaged and classes remained suspended. Later, flash floods affected the Brennar area of Sopore in neighbouring Baramulla district, though officials reported no loss of life or property damage. In KupwarasMawar area, seven-year-old Rehan Ahmad Dar was killed after a landslide struck the school premises during continuous rain. He was rushed to a nearby health facility, where doctors declared him brought dead. In another incident, two trees crashed onto a residential house in Sonbrari village of Kokernag after the ground behind it became unstable following a burst water pipeline. The house was damaged, but no one was injured. The MeT said significant rainfall was recorded across parts of the Chenab Valley, Kathua, Poonch and Shopian during the past 24 hours. Srinagar received 15.1 mm of rainfall, Pahalgam 18.6 mm, Jammu 18 mm, Katra 8.6 mm and Bhaderwah 8 mm. Independent weather forecaster Faizan Ahmad said the flash floods in Bandipora, Sopore and Shopian were triggered by intense localised rainfall rather than cloudbursts. A cloudburst is about 100 millimetres of rainfall in an hour. But even lower amounts of intense rainfall over a short period can trigger flash floods in mountainous terrain, he said. Ahmad said several incidents during the current and previous wet spells appeared to have resulted from intense localised rainfall rather than cloudbursts. The latest incidents follow a series of cloudbursts and heavy downpours that have triggered flash floods across Jammu and Kashmir over the past two months, particularly in the Chenab Valley and PirPanjal region. On July 19, flash floods and landslides in Poonch and Rajouri claimed more than 25 lives, days after similar weather events damaged roads, houses, farmland and livestock in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban. MeT forecasts localised showers: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast intermittent rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir through Aug. 7, with no major widespread rainfall expected. Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar Mukhtar Ahmad said rainfall would remain largely localised, with parts of the Jammu division likely to witness intense showers. The department said light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places from Aug. 2 to 4, followed by scattered showers through Aug. 7. It warned that brief intense spells could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and rockfalls in vulnerable areas, particularly in the Jammu division and upper areas of Kashmir. It also advised people to avoid streams, nallahs and landslide-prone areas and to follow advisories issued by the administration. The intense, brief thundershowers and cloudbursts are a recurring phenomenon during monsoon months, Mukhtar said.

Crime Branch files chargesheet in Rs 3.11 Cr Central Co-operative Bank scam

Srinagar, Aug 1: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet in a Rs 3.11 crore embezzlement case involving the Central Co-operative Bank, Baramulla, before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Handwara. The chargesheet has been filed in FIR No. 25/2016 under Sections 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery), 471 (use of forged documents) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The case was registered following a written communication from the then Registrar of Co-operative Societies, J&K, alleging large-scale financial irregularities and embezzlement in various branches of the Central Co-operative Bank, Baramulla. According to the investigation, the then Branch Manager of the bank's Langate branch, in connivance with another accused, fraudulently sanctioned fictitious loans and allowed overdrafts far beyond his delegated financial powers, resulting in the misappropriation of approximately Rs 3.11 crore from the bank. The probe further revealed that the accused had entered into a criminal conspiracy to facilitate the fraudulent transactions, causing substantial financial loss to the bank. The allegations were substantiated during the investigation, following which the chargesheet was presented before the competent court for judicial proceedings. The accused named in the chargesheet are Ghulam Mohd Beigh, a retired Branch Manager and son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Beigh, a resident of Kenyal Tarthpora, Handwara, and Abdul Hamid Gojrii, Cashier-cum-Clerk, son of Abdul Razzak Gojrii, a resident of Gund Karim Khan, Rafiabad. The Crime Branch has urged the public to remain vigilant against economic offences and report any suspicious financial activities to the Senior Superintendent of Police, EOW Kashmir.

CBI books Anil Ambani for causing EPFO loss of over Rs 1,800 cr

New Delhi, Aug 1:The CBI has registered an FIR against Reliance Capital Limited (RCL) and its former chairman Anil D Ambani for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 1,816.22 crore to the EPFO, officials said on Saturday. Ambani, however, denied any wrongdoing, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson. The action follows a July 21 complaint from the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment alleging commission of offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy and causing wrongful loss to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the officials said. The present complaint is being lodged on behalf of EPFO through its authorised officer pursuant to the approval of the competent authority in relation to the substantial loss suffered by the EPFO arising out of its investment in the secured Non-Convertible Debentures issued by Reliance Capital Limited and the subsequently discovered material indicating fraudulent conduct connected with such investment, the complaint alleged. Responding to the complaint, Ambani's spokesperson said, The FIR registered by the CBI pertains to Reliance Capital Limited. Mr. Ambani served as a Non-Executive Director/Chairman of the Board of Reliance Capital Limited from 2005 until November 2021, when the Reserve Bank of India superseded the Board of Directors of the company and appointed an administrator. Anil Ambani denies any wrongdoing whatsoever, and reserves all rights available to him in law, the spokesperson said. According to the complaint, which is now part of the CBI FIR, during 2013 and 2014, RCL issued secured Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs). Pursuant thereto, investments aggregating to Rs 2,500 crore were made by the portfolio managers on behalf of the EPFO in the aforesaid NCDs, with maturity in 2023 and 2024, the complaint alleged. The Ministry of Labour and Employment sent the complaint after it was intimated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that it had found documentary evidence and a transaction audit conducted by BDO India LLP showed prima facie a number of fraudulent transactions by RCL and the persons in charge of its management during the period from December 7, 2019, to December 6, 2021. In addition, during an earlier period as well, various fraudulent transactions have been found which also led to ultimate failure of RCL as a consequence of siphoning off of money of RCL, the complaint alleged. It claimed that the ED probe prima facie indicated a series of transactions involving irregular lending, diversion of funds, impairment of security and other acts by RCL that require investigation. If established upon investigation, such conduct may have materially contributed to the financial deterioration of RCL, its inability to honour its obligation towards Debenture Holders, and the consequent loss of Rs 1,816.22 crore suffered by EPFO, the complaint alleged.

'Banks in J&K disbursed credit of Rs 84,384 Cr during FY 2025-26 to 19.37 lakh beneficiaries'

Srinagar, Aug 1:Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired the 19th meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory Level Bankers' Committee (UTLBC) at SKICC here to review the performance of the banking sector and Government departments in deployment of credit and implementation of banking-related initiatives during the financial year 2025-26 ended March 31, 2026. During the financial year 2025-26, banks operating in the Union Territory collectively disbursed credit worth Rs 84,384 Cr to 19.37 lac beneficiaries thereby achieving 108% of the annual target. Out of total credit disbursed during FY 2025-26, Rs. 44,228.30 Crore was deployed in priority sector. J&K Bank has the contribution of 63.41% in the total credit disbursed under Priority sector. The meeting was attended by Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar; Convener, UTLBC and MD & CEO, J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee; Regional Director, RBI, Chandrashekhar Azad; General Manager, NABARD, Vikas Mittal; Executive Director, J&K Bank, Sudhir Gupta; and senior officers of the Government, RBI, NABARD, J&K Bank and other banks operating in J&K UT. Reviewing the performance of the banking sector, the Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction over the historic achievement of the Priority Sector lending targets by the banking sector in Jammu & Kashmir and appreciated the collective efforts of all stakeholders in achieving this milestone. Expressing concern over the Union Territory's Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to progressively raise it from the present level of 61% to the national average of around 81%. While the overall performance under ACP is encouraging, the Credit-Deposit Ratio remains below the national average which is a cause of concern. Banks must prepare a clear roadmap with well-defined strategies and interventions to progressively improve the CD Ratio. This is essential to ensure that local savings are effectively channelled into productive investments within the region, he observed. The Chief Secretary also emphasised the need to strengthen banking outreach in rural and far-flung areas by expanding the branch network. He directed banks to prepare a time-bound roadmap for establishing new Brick and Mortar branches over the next one year to improve access to formal banking services. Taking serious note of the unsatisfactory performance of several public sector banks under Priority Sector lending, the Chief Secretary observed that the challenge lay more in intent than in capacity and urged them to adopt a more proactive approach towards agriculture finance by viewing the sector as a viable business opportunity. He also expressed concern over the poor performance in education and housing finance and directed banks to analyse the underlying constraints and introduce more competitive products and pricing to improve credit flow in these important sectors. The Chief Secretary further observed that the Union Territory continues to lag behind the national average in enrolment under the Government's flagship social security schemesPradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY)and called upon banks to intensify enrolment drives to ensure wider coverage of eligible beneficiaries. Chief Secretary directed banks to proactively engage with eligible farmers, women SHG, Udyam-registered MSMEs and artisans for onboarding them on Unified Lending Interface for uninterrupted loan journeys. Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Convener, UTLBC and MD & CEO, J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee highlighted the banking sector's pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the Union Territory. He said, The banking sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic transformation, and we remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen financial empowerment, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance access to credit across all segments of society, he said.

Fruit Growers urge J&K MPs to raise NH-44 crisis in Parliament

Srinagar, Aug 1: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union has urged Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir to raise the issue of frequent disruptions and traffic restrictions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) in Parliament, warning that delays in transporting fresh fruit are causing heavy losses to growers. In a representation addressed to Lok Sabha MPs Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi and Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, and Rajya Sabha MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, Union Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, who also serves as President of the New Kashmir Fruit Association, highlighted the challenges confronting the Valley's horticulture sector during the peak harvesting season. Basheer said around 100-120 trucks carrying early varieties of apples, pears, plums and Babgosha leave the Valley daily for markets across the country. As these fruits are highly perishable, even short delays in transportation can significantly affect their quality and market value, resulting in substantial losses for growers. He noted that fruit growers have already suffered heavy losses due to hailstorms and strong winds during April and May this year, making uninterrupted transportation all the more critical. Describing NH-44 as the lifeline of Kashmir's horticulture sector, Basheer said it is the only route capable of handling 10-, 12- and 16-tyre trucks used to transport fruit outside the Valley. Although transporters have been advised to use the Mughal Road during highway disruptions, he said the alternative route is not suitable for large-scale fruit transportation. He said the horticulture sector contributes nearly Rs 12,000 crore to Jammu and Kashmir's economy and supports more than seven lakh families directly or indirectly. The Union also expressed concern over traffic restrictions on NH-44 owing to road maintenance and the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. It said fruit-laden trucks, which previously reached destination markets within a day, are now taking up to four days, adversely affecting the quality and prices of early-season varieties such as Gala apples, pears, plums and Babgosha. The Union called for better coordination among traffic authorities, highway agencies and district administrations to provide real-time updates on road conditions and facilitate the smooth movement of fruit-laden vehicles. Appealing for immediate intervention, Basheer urged the MPs to raise the issue in Parliament through a Calling Attention Motion or Question, seeking urgent repairs to NH-44 and restoration of two-way traffic to ensure uninterrupted transportation of Kashmir's fresh fruit to markets across the country.

DLSA Srinagar organises Special Lok Adalat for Matrimonial Cases

Srinagar, Aug 1: In compliance to the directions of NALSA & JK Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, organized a Special Lok Adalat for Matrimonial Cases. The Special Lok Adalat, aimed at amicably resolving Cases, was held under the guidance of Haq Nawaz Zargar, Chairman District Legal Services Authority (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Srinagar, and overall supervision of Secretary DLSA Srinagar. To facilitate the amicable settlement of cases, two benches were constituted for the Special Lok Adalat. The 1st bench was presided over by Mehreen Mushtaq, Principal Judge Family Court, Srinagar, and Massarat Jabeen, PT&E Magistrate, Srinagar as Member, and the 2nd bench was presided over by Preet Simran Kaur, 4th Additional Sessions Judge, Srinagar and Fida Hussain Nayak, Municipal Magistrate, Srinagar as member. 85 cases were taken up by these benches for amicable settlement, out of which 14 cases were settled.

After years of delay, SMC to build J&K's first modern mechanised abattoir at Allochi Bagh

Srinagar, Aug 1: After years of administrative delays, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has finally taken over the construction of Jammu and Kashmir's first modern mechanised sheep and goat abattoir at Allochi Bagh. The project is scheduled to be completed within two years. SMC Commissioner, Fazlul Haseeb told news agency Kashmir Dot Com, that the civic body has floated the project on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode for the establishment of the Modern Mechanized Sheep & Goat Abattoir in Srinagar City, a facility designed to process 5,000 sheep and goats daily, making it one of the largest such facilities in the Jammu and Kashmir. Haseeb said that the project aims to modernise Srinagar's meat processing infrastructure by replacing conventional slaughtering practices with a hygienic, scientific and environmentally sustainable system conforming to national standards and international best practices. The project has witnessed multiple setbacks since its inception. Initially, its execution was entrusted to the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), which had even begun preliminary civil works several years ago. In March 2022, JKPCC had reported that the foundation work for the slaughter hall was in progress and was directed to expedite execution. However, following the financial closure and cessation of JKPCC's operations in August 2023, the project came to a standstill. Although its execution was later transferred to the R&B, officials said the project witnessed negligible physical progress. The prolonged delay had also attracted public attention. Earlier reports highlighted that the proposed modern abattoir had remained incomplete for years despite repeated assurances, leaving Srinagar without a modern slaughtering facility. Work on the project also came under judicial monitoring in a Public Interest Litigation relating to slaughterhouses in Jammu and Kashmir. Following a comprehensive review, SMC decided to execute the project directly through its own Works Division under the EPC mode, ensuring single-point responsibility for design, procurement, construction, installation, testing and commissioning. SMC said a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) was subsequently prepared after incorporating modern technologies and additional infrastructure required to meet contemporary standards of food safety, environmental protection and operational efficiency. The Government accorded administrative approval to the revised project in March 2025. The proposed facility will include fully mechanised slaughtering and meat processing lines, scientifically designed lairage areas, mechanised slaughter halls, carcass dressing units, chilling and cold storage facilities, by-product processing units and supporting utility infrastructure. One of the key features of the project will be an advanced bio-digestion system integrated with a modern Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), enabling scientific treatment of slaughterhouse waste and recycling of treated wastewater for non-potable uses within the premises. Officials said the system has been designed to minimise environmental pollution, promote water conservation and eliminate unhygienic disposal practices. SMC said the project would significantly improve public health and sanitation while strengthening the livestock sector by providing a modern, organised processing system for farmers, meat traders and consumers. Besides creating direct and indirect employment during construction and operation, the facility is expected to introduce internationally accepted standards in slaughterhouse management, food safety, waste disposal and hygiene, setting a benchmark for future meat processing infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. According to SMC, the project is expected to be completed within two years, after which the mechanised abattoir will be commissioned for public use.

Less Land, More Value

Kashmirs horticulture has long rested on apples. Today, the sector faces shrinking landholdings, rising production risks, and an urgent need for high value crops that yield more from smaller plots. J&Ks official horticulture roadmap stresses diversification, higher productivity, and a shift toward quality driven, high value production rather than dependence on traditional orchard expansion. In this context, blueberries emerge as a compelling candidate to reshape the Valleys horticultural future. My startup Ziraat Agro Ventures has tried to move blueberries beyond a curiosity into a sectoral opportunity. Firstly, we have created a reliable access to disease free planting material. Local varietal testing program has been set with representative climatic conditions. Secondly demonstration units have been planted so that farmers can see practical models for PH management, protected or semi protected cultivation, irrigation scheduling, and harvest handling. Thirdly we are trying to create a market architecture that protects growers. Policy support can accelerate this transition. Incentives for protected cultivation, drip systems, acidified growing media, nursery development, and farmer training could lower the entry barrier for early adopters. Blueberries are more than another exotic fruit they represent a different model of horticulture compact, high value, precision managed, and tailored to premium fresh markets. Emerging evidence from Indias blueberry sector shows that the crop can generate high returns per acre, responds well to intensive planting systems, and suits temperate regions with cold winters and mild summers. A strong climatic fit Blueberries are temperate shrubs that require a clear winter chilling period for dormancy, followed by mild spring and summer conditions for flowering and fruit development. Kashmir already possesses one of the most important prerequisites for successful blueberry cultivation. This gives the region a natural comparative advantage. Commercial guidance points to medium to high chill northern highbush varieties. Suitable microclimates, and wider experience from similar temperate zones provides ready made models that Kashmir can adapt. That means the Valley can move relatively quickly from discussion to demonstration and scaling. Less land, more value The most compelling argument for blueberries in Kashmir is economic. It offers unusually high value from a small land base. Mature plantations in Indian commercial systems commonly report yields in the range of 3,500 to 6,500 kilograms per acre under practical field conditions, while more intensive systems sometimes target even higher outputs depending on plant density, management, and growing medium. Even with year to year variation, these figures indicate a level of land productivity that is highly relevant for small growers. The financial picture is equally striking. Blueberries typically sell in a premium price band, often as a specialty health or superfruit product rather than a bulk commodity. As a result, per acre revenue projections usually far exceed those of many conventional fruit crops, especially when the crop is marketed correctly. This matters acutely in Kashmir, where many families farm one kanal or a fraction of an acre and cannot rely on scale but can benefit from crops that reward quality, niche positioning, and careful management. For Kashmir, this shifts the strategic question from How much additional land can we bring under orchards? to How much more income can we generate per unit of land? Blueberries fit that shift because they allow a small plot to function as a high value horticultural enterprise, not just a scaled down version of a conventional orchard. A crop suited to fragmented holdings Land fragmentation is one of Kashmirs most intractable structural constraints. Small, fragmented holdings limit mechanization, reduce economies of scale, and often make large scale orchard expansion unviable. Blueberries are better aligned with this reality because they can be planted at high densities, managed at shrub height, and arranged in compact layouts that do not require large, contiguous blocks of land. This makes the crop particularly relevant for peri urban growers, progressive young farmers, and households running mixed farming systems. A family that cannot economically justify a full sized apple orchard on a tiny parcel may still be able to operate a small blueberry unit profitably, provided planting material, irrigation, and market access are well organised. In this sense, blueberries are not only a new fruit but also a new scale of horticultural opportunity. Precision horticulture over conventional orcharding Blueberries fit the broader trend toward precision horticulture. They demand attention to root zone conditions, drainage, moisture, fertigation, and mulching requirements that sound demanding but align with the future of high value, technology intensive farming. The crop responds especially well to controlled systems such as drip irrigation and soilless or semi soilless cultivation, which allow growers to produce more on smaller, carefully managed spaces. The crop generally prefers acidic soils, commonly in the pH range of about 4.5 to 5.5, which can be difficult to achieve in many ordinary field soils without intervention. However, recent practice shows that blueberries can be grown successfully in grow bags, airpots, and cocopeat cocochip media, enabling growers to manage the root environment directly rather than relying entirely on field soil. Market demand aligns with Kashmirs strengths No crop can transform horticulture without a functioning market, and blueberries benefit from a strong consumer narrative. They are widely marketed as a superfruit because of their antioxidant profile and premium health image, and this branding underpins robust demand in urban India. Since domestic production remains limited, the fruit still enjoys scarcity value in many markets, which helps sustain premium prices. This premium image works in Kashmirs favour. The Valley already carries a reputation for clean mountain produce and premium horticultural identity, built over decades through apples, cherries, and saffron. Blueberries grown in Kashmir can be positioned as naturally temperate, high altitude, premium fruit with strong appeal to metro retail chains, hospitality outlets, tourism circuits, and e commerce led fresh fruit channels. The implication is important even small quantities of high quality fruit can be economically meaningful. That kind of market structure is precisely suited to regions with limited land but a strong branding advantage. Scope for women, youth, and local entrepreneurship Blueberries also fit the social dimension of horticultural transformation. Because the crop can be grown on compact areas with relatively structured management, it is well suited to backyard enterprises, small commercial clusters, and group based cultivation models. This makes it particularly relevant for womens self help groups, educated rural youth, and entrepreneurs who want a modern, manageable, and brandable horticultural enterprise. In Kashmir, where educated unemployment and underemployment remain pressing concerns, a crop like blueberry can offer a different kind of entry point into horticulture. A young grower may be more willing to invest in a one kanal high value berry unit with drip irrigation, substrate systems, and direct market linkages than in a long gestation conventional orchard that depends on large land ownership. In this way, horticultural diversification becomes not only an agronomic strategy but also a rural enterprise strategy. A strategic crop for Kashmirs next phase Kashmir does not need blueberries to replace apples for the crop to matter. Their importance lies in their ability to diversify risk, improve returns on small holdings, and introduce a more intensive and knowledge driven model of horticulture. In a region where land is finite and family holdings are under pressure, this is a strategic advantage rather than a niche experiment. This logic is reinforced by NITI Aayogs April 2026 roadmap for horticulture development in Jammu and Kashmir, which stresses a shift toward quality driven, high value horticulture supported by modern nurseries, better post harvest systems, diversification, and productivity enhancing technologies, rather than relying solely on expansion of traditional orchards. Blueberries fit this vision because they are compact, premium, and technology intensive, and they can raise value per unit of land without expanding acreage. The larger lesson is clear the future of horticulture in Kashmir will be decided not only by how much land is cultivated but by how intelligently that land is used. Blueberries offer a compelling answer to that challenge because they combine premium pricing, compact production, and compatibility with precision systems. If the Valley invests in research, nurseries, farmer training, and market development, blueberries could become one of the crops that helps rewrite Kashmirs horticultural model from land intensive to value intensive. The author is an entrepreneur managing infrastructure and agricultural ventures in Kashmir. He is also a fellow of the Ananta Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN)

The lost art of being present

A few weeks ago, scores of tourists were seated on sun warmed boulders along the banks of the Lidder River in Pahalgam encircled with one of Kashmirs most beautiful and breathtaking landscapes: pine forests, snow-capped mountains, the music of rushing water, and the cool mountain breeze. Yet the scene went largely unwitnessed. Instead of looking at the grandeur around them or sharing the moment with one another, many sat in silence, eyes locked onto the pale glow of handheld screens, thumbs dancing endlessly through an endless feed of social media reels. They had journeyed hundreds of kilometres to stand before natures masterpiece-only to lose themselves in a digital mirage. It was a quiet reminder of one of the defining paradoxes of our age: the world has never been more connected, yet we have seldom been so absent from the place where we actually are. This absence has acquired a name. Psychologists call it doomscrolling by which they mean the compulsive habit of endlessly consuming distressing news, social media feeds and short videos long after curiosity has given way to anxiety and fatigue. The term emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the habit has become one of the defining rituals of modern life. What makes doomscrolling remarkable is that it is rarely pleasurable. We unlock our phones to check one message or one headline, only to emerge an hour later unable to remember much of what we have seen. We leave not better informed but inwardly diminished. Technology alone is not to blame. The deeper problem lies within ourselves. Classical Islamic spirituality describes a condition called ghaflah (heedlessness). It is more than forgetfulness of God; it is forgetfulness of reality itself. One may see without noticing, hear without listening, and move through life while ones attention is always elsewhere. The opposite is ur (presence or a state of mindful awareness): the quiet discipline of allowing ones heart to inhabit the same place as ones body. Mindless-scrolling has become one of the most pervasive forms of modern ghaflah. We sit with our families while mentally inhabiting another continent. We walk through gardens while reading arguments on social media. We interrupt conversations to consult algorithms that know our habits better than we know ourselves. The tragedy is not merely that we lose time, we lose attention. And attention is the beginning of wisdom. Perhaps this explains another strange feature of our age. Our phones have become the prayer beads of a secular age; we move our fingers across them with the same rhythm that earlier generations moved their prayer beads, yet they rarely leave our hearts more peaceful. Earlier generations instinctively reached for words that steadied the heart. We instinctively reach for a screen that promises novelty but often delivers only restlessness. The gesture is repetitive in both cases, but the destination of the heart is profoundly different. Modern psychology helps explain why this habit is so difficult to break. Social media platforms are intentionally designed to capture and retain our attention through endless scrolling, unpredictable rewards and constant notifications, gradually turning deliberate choices into automatic behaviour. Experimental studies have also shown that even brief exposure to endlessly scrolling short-form video feeds can impair reflective thinking and aspects of cognitive control. Harvard Health has likewise cautioned that doomscrolling can trap people in cycles of anxiety, making it difficult to disengage mentally even after putting the phone away. Yet perhaps the greatest loss cannot be measured by science. Many people today complain that they are bored. Classical spiritual teachers might have found the claim puzzling. The Qurn repeatedly invites us to contemplate the alternation of night and day, the movement of clouds, the flight of birds, the diversity of human faces and the signs within our own souls. Reality is inexhaustibly rich. A conscious person who is fully present cannot truly be bored, because existence itself is never monotonous. What we call boredom is often withdrawal from overstimulation. Having trained our minds to expect novelty every few seconds, ordinary life begins to feel empty; not because it lacks meaning, but because our attention has forgotten how to receive it. The Prophet (SAW) taught that among the signs of a persons excellence is leaving what does not concern him. In an age when every outrage, every rumour and every controversy demands our immediate emotional investment, it is the kind of wisdom that does not age. Compassion does not require perpetual exposure. One can remain informed without becoming consumed. The remedy, therefore, is not to abandon technology but to recover mastery over it. Begin with one simple question before unlocking your phone: Why am I reaching for it? If the answer is unclear, put it back. Protect the first and last thirty minutes of each day from screens. Turn off unnecessary notifications. Walk occasionally without earphones. Read a printed book. Share a cup of tea without glancing at your phone. Learn once again to wait without demanding entertainment. These are not nostalgic gestures; they are exercises in recovering attention. The Qurn reminds us that there is a message for whoever has a heart or listens while being fully present (50:37). Our age does not primarily suffer from a shortage of information; it suffers from a shortage of presence. Every swipe is ultimately a decision about what deserves our attention. And because attention slowly becomes character, the question is no longer how much time we spend online. The real question is whether, amid the endless noise of the digital world, we still possess the freedom to look up, become fully present, and rediscover the immeasurable richness of the life unfolding quietly before our eyes. Dr. Aamir Habib, Assistant Professor, International Centre for Spiritual Studies, IUST, Kashmir. Dr. Adfer Shah, a sociologist and social analyst, works at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

Honk. Litter.Complain. Repeat.

Every day we complain. Roads are dirty. Air is polluted. Traffic never moves. Water bodies are shrinking. Dogs roam in packs. City is becoming unlivable. However, before pointing at others, we should ask a difficult question: What part of this mess belongs to us? Yes, not everything is in our hands. But many things are. We often throw garbage just a few steps away from our homes. The logic is simple. It is no longer my problem. A plastic bag lands on the roadside. Leftover food is dumped near a drain. Fruit peels are tossed into an empty plot. By morning, stray dogs have scattered everything across the road. Then we complain about the filth. We complain about the growing menace of dogs. Rarely do we connect the two. Garbage is not just waste. It becomes food. It attracts stray animals. It blocks drains. It breeds flies and rodents. A single careless act can affect an entire neighbourhood. The same story repeats itself everywhere. Some people spit on roads without a second thought. Some throw bottles, junk-food wrappers, and fruit peels from car windows. Others leave picnic spots dirtier than they found them. Traffic is another example. A parking space is available barely fifty metres away. Still, many stop exactly outside the shop. It will only take two minutes. Those two minutes become ten. A line of vehicles builds up behind. Then begins the orchestra of horns. Everyone honks. Nobody moves. Then come sirens. Except for ambulances, the siren has become our language of impatience, shoving away commoners. Ironically, it solves almost nothing. Yet we use both horns and sirens as though they are a rescue button. Footpaths are built for pedestrians. Yet they disappear under parked cars, shop displays or merchandise. People are forced to walk on the road. Then we wonder why accidents happen. The first heavy rain arrives. The water has nowhere to go. The streets flood. We call it a failure of the drainage system. Maybe, but sometimes, it is a failure of civic sense. The way we clog our drains with garbage and plastic. For our lakes and streams, the less said the better. Every year they become a little smaller. Waste enters them. Sewage enters them. And encroachments slowly eat away at their banks. Unplanned urbanization adds another layer. Unauthorised buildings rise faster than infrastructure, even on river banks. Open spaces vanish. Trees are cut but rarely replaced. Concrete is getting concretised. Roads become narrower while vehicles become more numerous. There are other habits we hardly notice. Using far too many single-use plastics. Wasting water while washing cars or courtyards. Leaving taps leaking because it is only a few drops. Breaking traffic signals. Driving on the wrong side to save a minute, only to flex and flee, endangering even cops and bystanders. Removing, damaging or stealing public dustbins. Damaging parks. Ignoring broken streetlights instead of reporting them. Littering randomly. None of these makes news. Together, they change the face of a city. The truth is uncomfortable. A clean city cannot be created by municipal workers alone. A greener Kashmir cannot be achieved by government departments alone. No campaign can succeed if citizens refuse to become partners. Real change begins with ordinary habits. Carry your waste until you find a dustbin. Walk the extra fifty metres to park properly. Avoid unnecessary honking and siren-blaring. Learn how to drive as per rules. Plant a tree and protect it. Report illegal dumping. Keep your surroundings clean, not just your drawing room. Teach children that public spaces are also their home. Civilisation gets depicted through these routine behaviours. Civic responsibility is not about rhetoric; its about small daily decisions. Its being shaped every morning when we step out of our homes. Perhaps the fact is Kashmir is changing. It certainly is. The issue is whether we are willing to change with it. Since the future of our city will not be decided only in government offices, it will also be decided on our streets, in our neighbourhoods, and by the choices each one of us makes every single day.

The Water Behind AI

The story of computing over the last three decades is not merely a story of technological progress; it is also a story of changing human aspirations, consumption patterns and environmental consequences. Those who saw the early days of computers during the mid-1990s remember a very different world. Computers were considered valuable assets. They were installed in specially designed air-conditioned rooms, protected from dust and moisture and access was often restricted to trained personnel. Educational institutions, government offices and a handful of private establishments possessed these machines. Entering a computer laboratory often required removing shoes or wearing protective footwear to prevent dust from affecting the equipment. As technology matured, computers gradually became common. Desktop publishing (DTP) centres emerged in every town, where computers operated continuously in shops with little regard for environmental conditions. Over time, technological advancement accelerated. Hardware became obsolete within a few years. Faster processors, larger memories, better graphic cards and improved operating systems continually replaced older generations. Software evolved at an equally rapid pace, demanding more powerful hardware, creating a cycle of continuous upgrading. The same transformation occurred in personal electronics. Basic mobile phones evolved into smartphones, followed by increasingly sophisticated devices with enhanced processing power, artificial intelligence capabilities and constant high speed internet connectivity. Laptops, tablets, smart watches and numerous digital devices became integral parts of daily life. Society gradually embraced a culture where upgrading devices every few years became normal rather than exceptional. Contrast this with earlier technologies such as the traditional tungsten filament bulb. For decades, a single bulb often served a household with only occasional cleaning. There was little concept of planned uselessness or frequent replacement. Our grandparents experienced technologies that remained functional for years, reflecting a culture of maintenance rather than replacement. Today humanity has entered another technological revolutionthe era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing and hyperscale data centres. The emphasis is no longer merely on computation but on instantaneous and fast computation. Every improvement aims at reducing response times, increasing processing speed and delivering intelligent services within fractions of a second. Society increasingly expects machines to perform tasks at almost unimaginable speeds. However, behind every intelligent response generated by an AI system lies an enormous physical infrastructure that remains largely invisible to users. Artificial intelligence does not exist solely in software; it depends on thousands of powerful servers operating continuously inside massive data centres distributed across the world. These facilities require enormous quantities of electricity and sophisticated cooling systems because high-performance processors generate tremendous amounts of heat during computation. Water has become one of the most important yet least visible resources supporting this digital revolution. Many modern data centres rely on water-based cooling systems to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Water is also indirectly consumed in generating the electricity that powers these facilities, particularly where thermal power plants contribute significantly to electricity production through two primary pathways: the direct use of freshwater for cooling data centres and the indirect use of water in electricity generation. Recent scientific studies have highlighted the growing environmental footprint of AI systems. Estimates of water consumption per interaction vary considerably depending on the complexity of the task, the efficiency of the data centre, the local climate and the energy source. One widely discussed academic estimate suggested that every 20 to 50 interactions with a large language model may correspond to approximately 500 mL bottle of water when cooling and associated electricity generation are considered. Viewed individually, this quantity appears insignificant. However, when multiplied by millions or even billions of daily interactions worldwide, the cumulative environmental impact becomes substantial. Scientific projections indicate that global AI-related infrastructure could consume several billion cubic metres of water annually during the coming years, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes integrated into education, healthcare, banking, transportation, entertainment, manufacturing, agriculture and governance. This growing demand for water raises an important question. At a time when climate change is already altering rainfall patterns across many parts of the world, can humanity afford another rapidly expanding sector with increasing water and energy demands? The growing water footprint of artificial intelligence calls for a two-pronged approach. At the individual level, users should be mindful of unnecessary AI usage and embrace responsible digital consumption. At the scientific level, researchers and engineers must innovate to reduce the environmental costs of AI by improving computational efficiency, advancing low-water cooling systems, integrating renewable energy sources and designing sustainable data centres. Many regions are already experiencing irregular precipitation, declining groundwater levels, shrinking glaciers, frequent droughts and unpredictable weather events. Agriculturethe largest consumer of freshwateris under tremendous pressure. Farmers increasingly face uncertainty due to delayed monsoons, heat waves and water scarcity. Livestock production is similarly affected as fodder availability declines and water become increasingly limited. Similarly the food industry is one of the largest consumers of freshwater, requiring substantial quantities of water for food processing, cleaning, packaging etc. Thus, humanity appears to be entering an era where two major transitions are occurring simultaneously. On one hand, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are expanding at unprecedented speed. On the other hand, natural ecosystems that sustain human civilisation are becoming increasingly fragile. This contrast presents a profound sustainability challenge. Technological progress undoubtedly offers remarkable benefits. Artificial intelligence can improve disease diagnosis, optimise irrigation, predict floods, monitor forests, reduce energy waste, assist scientific research and enhance disaster management. Nevertheless, these benefits should not impact the environmental costs associated with maintaining the underlying computational infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Google reported that applying AI to optimise cooling in some of its data centres reduced cooling energy requirements by approximately 40%, demonstrating AIs potential to improve operational efficiency. Artificial intelligence helps conserve water in agriculture, optimise energy use, predict floods and monitor ecosystems. Yet the computational infrastructure supporting these capabilities also demands increasing quantities of electricity and fresh water. Morgan Stanley projects that AI-related data centres could consume more than 1 trillion litres annually by 2028, an eleven-fold increase from 2024. Nearly half of the worlds 9,000+ data centres are already located in regions of high-water stress. In Spain, Amazon requested a 48% increase in water permits for its Aragn facilities in 2024. In the UK, a government report projected a daily shortfall of nearly five billion litres by 2050 unless digital infrastructure is integrated into water planning. These are not abstract numbers. They are litres of drinking water redirected from agriculture, ecosystems and communities into the invisible machine of artificial intelligence. Despite these remarkable achievements, these benefits should not overshadow the environmental costs associated with maintaining the computational infrastructure that powers AI. The challenge before policymakers, scientists, engineers and citizens is therefore not to reject artificial intelligence but to develop it responsibly. Future AI systems must become significantly more energy-efficient and water-efficient. Data centres should increasingly operate on renewable energy, employ advanced cooling technologies, recycle cooling water wherever feasible and be located in regions where environmental impacts can be minimised. Governments should encourage green computing standards, transparent environmental reporting and sustainable digital infrastructure. Equally important is public awareness. Just as society has gradually learned to conserve electricity, the digital age demands awareness of our invisible environmental footprint. Every online search, video stream, cloud backup, AI interaction, cryptocurrency transaction and data transfer carries an environmental cost that extends beyond the screen. The future should therefore not be viewed as a choice between technology and nature. Rather, the challenge is to harmonise technological advancement with ecological sustainability. Artificial intelligence should become an instrument for conserving natural resources rather than accelerating their depletion. The essential question facing humanity is therefore, not whether artificial intelligence will transform civilisationit undoubtedly will. The real question is whether humanity can ensure that this transformation occurs within the ecological limits of our planet. If we fail to integrate environmental sustainability into the digital revolution, we risk exchanging one crisis for another. But if technological innovation is guided by ecological wisdom, artificial intelligence can become one of humanitys greatest allies in addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, managing water resources and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. The author is working as associate professor in HED J&K.

People of Kashmir want an end to vicious cycle of violence: Dy CM

Jammu, Aug 1:Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday, while condemning the killing of two migrant labourers in Kulgam, in a sharp dig at the Centre asked if its experiment to abrogate Article 370 in J&K on the premise of ending terrorism failed. He also demanded investigation into terror killings claiming innocent lives, which he claimed witnessed a spurt after the National Conferences statehood protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Centre had abrogated Article 370, truncated J&K into two Union Territories asserting that it would end terrorism. However, terror related violence still continues, claiming innocent lives. They (Centre) need to explain if their experiment failed, Choudhary stated, while speaking to media persons here. Asserting that the people of J&K, which has been fighting terrorism for the past more than three decades, want an end to this vicious cycle, the Deputy Chief Minister said, We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. But the people here are tired of condemning such incidents. It should end now. If terrorism has ended as it is claimed, why have these killings continued? Where are these militants coming from? It is happening even when the security forces are on high alert in wake of ongoing Amarnath Yatra and upcoming Independence Day, he stated, seeking the setting up of a high-level committee, by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, to probe into the killings and identify the culprits. It was also staggering to note that the recent spurt in killings was noticed after NCs statehood protest in the union capital, Choudhary maintained. Seemingly someone does not want it (restoration of statehood) to happen. If Pakistan is behind these killings, the Centre must take stringent action, he stated.

Chenab steel girder bridge in Akhnoor to remain closed for 2 hours for repairs today

Jammu, Aug 1:Steel girder bridge over river Chenab in Akhnoor will remain closed for vehicular traffic for two hours on Sunday, August 2, 2026 for maintenance purposes. T he traffic will be diverted to the new bridge on Jammu-Poonch National Highway during this period. Referring to a letter No 3354-59/ D Akhnoor dated July 31, 2026, received from the office of the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Akhnoor regarding the stopping of vehicular movement for minimum of two hours i.e., 10 am to 12 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026, for maintenance of steel girder bridge over river Chenab in Akhnoor, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Akhnoor Ankush Hans, in a communique addressed to the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Akhnoor and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Traffic, Jammu, have asked them to take appropriate action for diverting of traffic through new bridge on Jammu-Poonch National Highway during the specified time slot.

LOP meets victim families

Srinagar, Aug 1:Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday strongly condemned the killing of two non-local labourers in Kulgam, terming the attack an assault on humanity and asserting that those responsible would not be spared. Speaking to reporters after meeting the bereaved families, Sharma said both victims hailed from Sakti district of Chhattisgarh and had come to Kashmir only to earn a livelihood as labourers. These cowardly terrorists have once again shown their cowardice by targeting innocent labourers who had nothing to do with the conflict. The killing of these two labourers is a killing of humanity, he said. Expressing deep grief, Sharma said that one of the deceased is survived by a one-and-a-half-year-old child, while the other has left behind a devastated wife. My heart cries when I see the condition of these families. They had come here only to earn an honest living, he said. The BJP leader blamed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for the attack and described it as a sign of the terrorists desperation. This is the last phase of terrorism. It will not survive for long. I have complete faith in our security forces. Those who carried out this attack and those supporting or sheltering them will be brought to justice, Sharma said. He said he had spoken to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, conveyed his condolences, and urged the state government to extend all possible assistance to the bereaved families. Sharma said that the J&K government would provide relief in accordance with existing rules and assured the families of full support during this difficult time. Referring to the recent killing of Head Constable of Budgam in Anantnag, Sharma said the Kulgam incident was the second terror attack in around 10 days and asserted that the renewed attempts by terrorists to spread fear would fail. We are standing with these families not only as a political party but as fellow human beings, he said. The two brick kiln workers from Chhattisgarh were shot at point-blank range in Kilam village of Kulgam on Friday. One died on the spot while the second, critically injured, succumbed to his injuries at a Srinagar hospital on Saturday morning. Security forces have since launched a massive search operation in the area.

Massive security build up across Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 1: Security forces on Saturday stepped up anti-terror measures across Kashmir following the killing of two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh in a terror attack in Kulgam, setting up additional check-posts, intensifying frisking, launching speculative Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs), and keeping close surveillance on elements considered inimical to peace. The heightened security response came as security forces continued a massive manhunt in and around Kilam village of Kulgam district, where terrorists shot two brick kiln workers at point-blank range on Friday evening. The second injured labourer, Bhupinder, succumbed to his injuries at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, on Saturday morning, taking the death toll in the attack to two. Senior officials in security establishment said security deployment has been strengthened across south, central and north Kashmir, with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) maintaining heightened vigil at vulnerable locations. Additional vehicle check-points have been established on highways and major roads, while frisking and checking of commuters have been intensified at sensitive places, particularly in Srinagar and the districts of south Kashmir. In view of the recent terror attack, security arrangements have been further strengthened. Area domination, surveillance and preventive measures have been enhanced to ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is effectively thwarted, a senior security establishment official said. Sources said speculative CASOs were launched at several locations in south Kashmir based on intelligence inputs. Security agencies have also intensified monitoring of suspected overground workers and other elements with possible links to terror networks. The stepped-up security measures followed directions from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who on Friday instructed security forces to step up operations and eliminate the terrorists responsible for the attack. The victims, identified as Deepak and Bhupinder, both residents of Chhattisgarh and employed at a brick kiln in Kilam, were attacked by terrorists at close range on Friday evening. Deepak died on the spot, while Bhupinder was initially operated upon at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, before being shifted to SKIMS Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. The Kulgam attack is the second terror incident in south Kashmir in less than two weeks and the first targeted killing of migrant workers in the Valley since October 2024. On July 22, a policeman attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police was shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag town. Security forces continued extensive search and combing operations in Kilam and adjoining areas throughout the day, with additional reinforcements deployed to seal possible escape routes. Officials said the operation would continue until the attackers are tracked down, while security across the Valley has been placed on heightened alert to prevent any further terrorist strike.

LG Sinha directs SOP review to protect migrant workers

Srinagar, Aug 1:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said directed all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to conduct a comprehensive review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established to protect labourers from outside Jammu Kashmir. Chairing a high-level security review meeting, LG Sinha said also directed that the employers must ensure all workers from other states and union territories of the country are provided insurance and that their details are registered with local police and district authorities. We must intensify precise, high-impact anti-terror operations to neutralise the terrorists, he said. The LG instructed the authorities to ensure dignified last rites for the victims of the Kulgam terror attack and to provide all the support to bereaved families. The meeting was attended by Atal Dullo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home Department; S J M Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Nitish Kumar, ADGP, CID; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, GAD; IGPs; Divisional Commissioners; DCs; SSPs, and other senior officials. The meeting also discussed the security arrangements in place for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and strengthening of the security grid.

2nd Kulgam attack victim dies

Srinagar, Aug 1:The second brick kiln worker from Chhattisgarh who was critically injured in Fridays terror attack in south Kashmirs Kulgam district succumbed to his injuries at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, on Saturday morning, taking the death toll in the incident to two. The deceased, identified as Bhupinder Kumar, had suffered critical injuries after terrorists opened fire at point-blank range on two migrant labourers in Kilam village of Kulgam district on Friday evening. The other victim, Deepak, died on the spot.Bhupinder was initially shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, where he underwent emergency surgery before being referred to SKIMS Srinagar for specialised treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning despite doctors efforts.The bodies were brought to the Police Control Room (PCR), Kashmir, where medico-legal formalities, including postmortem examinations, were conducted before the last rites were performed at Kilam village. Soon after the attack, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the killing and directed security forces to intensify anti-terror operations. Ive directed the security forces to step up anti-terror operations and ensure the terrorists involved in this cowardly attack are neutralised at the earliest, the LG said. Security forces on Saturday continued a massive search and combing operation in Kilam and adjoining areas to track down the attackers.The operation was further intensified following Bhupinders death, with additional reinforcements deployed to seal possible escape routes.Area domination patrols, surveillance and searches were expanded across vulnerable locations in south Kashmir.Officials said the operation would continue until the perpetrators are brought to justice. The attack has triggered heightened security measures across Kashmir, with additional checkpoints, intensified frisking and speculative Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) being conducted at several locations. Security agencies have also stepped up surveillance of suspected overground workers and other elements considered inimical to peace. Fridays attack was the second terror incident in south Kashmir in around 10 days and the first targeted killing of migrant workers in the Valley since October 2024.On July 22, a policeman attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police was shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag town.The killing has once again brought into focus the vulnerability of migrant workers in Kashmir. Over the past six years, more than 25 migrant labourers have been killed in targeted terror attacks across the Valley.The previous such attack took place on October 18, 2024, when terrorists shot dead Ashok Chauhan, a 30-year-old labourer from Bihar. Two days later, terrorists struck the Z-Morh tunnel construction camp along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, killing six migrant workers and a local doctor in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years. The latest attack drew widespread condemnation from political parties and civil society, with leaders describing the killing of unarmed labourers as a barbaric act aimed at disrupting peace and instilling fear among civilians.

The quiet joy of raising ordinary kids

A mother reflects on her parenting journey as her children become adults. She redefines exceptionalism, valuing kindness and character over elite achievements. Many parents pursue foreign education, facing financial and emotional pressures. Children's diverse experiences build discipline and perspective, not just professional skills. Ultimately, fostering emotional security and resilience offers a more valuable foundation.

Why we can't handle the sheer filth & the fury of 'kacha khisti'

Todays Gen Z utilizes technology as a means to circulate offensive language and visuals, echoing the crude expressions of older generations. While past generations also employed harsh words, they lacked the means to broadcast them widely. This article highlights current societal outrage over profanity, suggesting a re-evaluation of what constitutes truly unacceptable behavior in modern times.

Boy killed in landslide in Kupwara

Srinagar, Aug 1: A seven-year-old boy died after he was struck by a landslide in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Saturday, officials said. The child was identified as Rehan Ahmad Dar. Dar was hit by the landslide that occurred near his school in the Mawer area of Handwara in the north Kashmir district. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, the officials said. Education Minister Sakina Itoo condoled the loss of life. Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of young Rehan Ahmad Dar, a Nursery student of Frontline Model School, Mawer, who lost his life in a landslide today. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this unimaginable time of grief, she said in a post on X. The minister also directed the concerned authorities to extend all possible assistance to the family and to examine measures for ensuring the safety of students in vulnerable areas. The Private Schools Association (PSA) expressed grief over the incident. This incident is an irreparable tragedy that has plunged the entire educational fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir into deep shock and mourning, the PSA said in a statement. The untimely loss of an innocent child is heartbreaking and has left the entire school community grief-stricken, it said.

Going totally nuts over coco de mer: A very long journey for a very unusual coconut

The author and partner journeyed to Praslin in the Seychelles seeking the unique coco de mer nut. This rare fruit grows on tall palms and has a fascinating history of myths. They visited shops and a nature park to find an authentic specimen. The coco de mer nut is a protected botanical treasure with a high price. Their successful acquisition now adorns their living room as a travel memento.

Can AI replace teachers? Why human educators still matter

AI robots like Sally are making their way into classrooms, raising fundamental questions about the role of teaching. While AI can handle repetitive tasks and tailor learning experiences to individual students, it lacks the vital human touch that teachers provide. Empathy and belief in a student's potential are emotions that robotics can't replicate. As this technology transforms education, we must thoughtfully evaluate its implications.

Palestinians in Gaza hope Hamas will disarm but fear Israeli forces won't withdraw

Cairo, Aug 1: For Palestinians in Gaza, President Donald Trump's announcement that Hamas had agreed to disarm was a small sign of hope that Israel's attacks might end, allowing them to rebuild their lives and what remains of their homes. But it also clashed with the reality on the ground, where Israeli strikes have continued since Trump first touted the deal late Thursday in Washington, and where few steps have been taken to advance a broader ceasefire agreement that went into effect in October. Most of Gaza's 2 million Palestinians are still displaced or live in tent camps, where poor conditions and overcrowding have led to rodent infestations and outbreaks of infectious diseases such as chickenpox. They can talk about withdrawal and disarmament, said Abdel Moneim Aboul-Roos, 24, a tuk-tuk driver who lost his leg in an Israeli airstrike. I don't care about any of it as long as there is no food or medicine. Israel and Hamas signed a US-backed ceasefire plan last year that ended major combat operations, saw the return of Israeli hostages and allowed for an increase in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave. It also called for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, the creation of an international stabilization force and a program to decommission weapons held by Hamas. But as each side accused the other of violating the ceasefire, negotiations stalled. Hamas held onto its weapons and the Israeli military refused to withdraw. Since October, Israel has killed more than 1,200 Palestinians in Gaza and expanded the amount of territory it controls. Five Israeli soldiers have also been killed in militant attacks. Many Palestinians don't trust Israel or Hamas The road map Trump announced and that Hamas confirmed addresses in more specific terms the type of weapons the militant group and its allies will be required to hand over to a new technocratic government. The document says Israel will not be involved in the decommission of Hamas' weapons and that it should halt all military operations in Gaza so the transition can proceed and recovery can begin. But residents in Gaza say they have been repeatedly promised that the war will stop and their lives will improve. They see the road map as a positive development but remain skeptical that either Israel or Hamas will adhere to the terms. This is enough. We need improvement in our lives, said Ayman Ahmed, a displaced Palestinian living in southern Gaza. He said he hopes Hamas gives up its arms but does not see it happening anytime soon. They don't care about Palestinians' lives, he said. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others back to Gaza as hostages. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 73,300 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which was part of the Hamas-run government. The ministry maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by UN agencies and international organizations. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants, but says women and children make up around half of all fatalities. Because of the high death toll and ongoing attacks, other Palestinians say they believe Israel will refuse to make concessions. In southern Gaza, Ghazal Astal lives among the rubble. She said there is near-constant Israeli gunfire and that the territory has been transformed into an indescribable battlefield. Ammar Kaskeen, 30, said he doesn't believe the road map will force Israeli troops to withdraw. For Israel, according to Kaskeen, the goal is not only to disarm Hamas but to also drive the Palestinian population out of Gaza. They will make us suffer, he said. Even as Israel digs in, Palestinians dream of returning home Israel has not commented publicly on the road map but Israeli officials, speaking anonymously over the past two days, have signalled that the document does not align with the country's interests. The officials also reiterated that Israel would not withdraw from the Yellow Line in Gaza, which divides Israeli-controlled territory in the east with the western part of the enclave. In recent months, the military has built a massive earthen barrier roughly along the same line, developing what it described as a security zone adjacent to the berm, equipped with intelligence and technological assets. Israel has also carried out controlled demolitions and clearing operations across much of the territory it controls. Palestinians who lived there have yet to return and are unsure whether their homes are still standing. Anas Nakla was displaced from Rafah in southern Gaza during the war. He said he knows his house has been destroyed but still wants to return home with his wife and children. It doesn't exist anymore, he said. But we can return and rebuild. Similarly, Mohamed Hamad, who had to leave his home behind in northern Gaza, hopes that the US-backed road map will pressure Israel to leave some of the areas it controls. He believes that even if only a small number of people could go back to their homes, it will give hope to the rest that some day they may also return. (AP)

Kathua Biotech Park to drive innovation, jobs across J&K, north India: Jitendra Singh

Jammu, Aug 1: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the Industrial Biotech Park (IBP) at Ghatti in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua would emerge as a major hub for biotechnology-driven innovation, startup incubation, research, entrepreneurship and industrial development, creating new opportunities for youth, scientists, farmers and industry in the Union Territory and across north India. He was addressing a gathering during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu and the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council for the operationalisation and management of the Industrial Biotech Park. Describing the project as another milestone in Kathua's development journey and a transformative initiative, the minister said J&K possesses immense strengths in biodiversity, medicinal and aromatic plants, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and other bio-resources, which can be transformed into high-value products through scientific research, biotechnology and innovation. He said the IBP would provide a common platform where scientists, researchers, startups, entrepreneurs, industries and farmers can collaborate under one roof. Highlighting the transformation of India's innovation ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said the vision of the Government is to create job creators rather than job seekers. He referred to flagship initiatives such as Startup India and said India has witnessed an unprecedented startup revolution since 2014, with the number of recognised startups growing from only a few hundred to more than two lakh, reflecting a fundamental shift in the aspirations and entrepreneurial mindset of India's youth. Recalling the success of the CSIR Aroma Mission and the Purple Revolution, he said lavender cultivation has transformed the lives of farmers in J&K by converting traditional agriculture into profitable entrepreneurship. He noted that the success of lavender has demonstrated how scientific interventions, value addition and market linkages can generate employment, enhance farmers' incomes and establish sustainable bio-based enterprises. He said similar opportunities exist in medicinal plants, aromatic crops, floriculture and other biotechnology-based sectors. The Minister said the IBP should become a centre where innovative ideas are converted into successful enterprises. It will promote biotechnology startups, agri-entrepreneurship, technology incubation and commercialization while encouraging young innovators and researchers to develop solutions that directly address societal needs. Explaining the key ingredients of a successful innovation ecosystem, Singh said sustainable innovation rests on four essential pillarsideas from the young, experience from the elders, support from the Government and investment from industry. He said meaningful innovation can flourish only when these four components work together in harmony. Government will continue to provide enabling policies, infrastructure and institutional support, while scientific institutions will generate knowledge and technology, industry will commercialise innovations and young entrepreneurs will convert ideas into successful enterprises, he said. Describing the MoU as much more than a formal agreement, Singh said it represents the Government's commitment to an integrated and collaborative approach where scientific institutions, academia, industry and government departments work together rather than in isolation. The collaboration, he said, will strengthen research, accelerate technology transfer, promote entrepreneurship and create a vibrant biotechnology ecosystem in the region. Expressing confidence in the future of the project, Singh said the IBP will emerge as one of North India's leading centres for biotechnology innovation. It will strengthen research, promote commercialisation of indigenous technologies, encourage startup culture, create employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the knowledge-based economy of J&K, he said. Referring to Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Singh said J&K has the potential to become a major contributor to India's journey towards becoming a developed nation. He said the Union Territory's rich biodiversity, scientific institutions, skilled youth, medicinal and aromatic plant resources, and growing innovation ecosystem place it in a unique position to drive biotechnology-led growth and contribute significantly to the country's economic transformation. Earlier in his welcome address, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, he apprised the Union Minister about the various milestones in the setting up of the Industrial Biotech Park and the future plan to meet the objectives of this high-end facility. He said the Park, established by CSIR-IIIM with support from the J&K Science & Technology Department and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, is the first Industrial Biotech Park in North India.

2,200 stranded passengers availed 3 special trains amid highway closure in J&K

Jammu, Aug 1: The Northern Railway operated three special trains in J&K on Saturday and successfully transported around 2,200 passengers stranded due to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for over 24 hours, an official said. Jammu Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said two special trains operated between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Railway Station, Katra, in both directions, and one between Banihal and SMVD Railway Station to facilitate stranded passengers. As soon as we received information about NH-44 (Jammu-Srinagar national highway) being closed, Jammu Division immediately decided to operate special trains so that stranded passengers could get relief. Today, around 2,200 passengers availed these trains, he said. The 250-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, was closed to vehicular traffic early Friday to facilitate restoration work after heavy rains last week caused extensive damage to road stretches near Samroli in Udhampur and Gangroo in Ramban districts. A railway spokesperson said the special train departed at 1 pm from Budgam and reached SMVD Katra around 4 pm with halts at Srinagar, Banihal, and Sangaldan stations. On the return journey, the train departed from Katra at 5.05 pm and will reach Budgam around 8.30 pm via Sangaldan, Banihal, and Srinagar. In addition, a one-way special train was also operated from Banihal to Katra. This train departed from Banihal at 4.30 pm and reached Katra at 6.30 pm, he said. The initiative provided much-needed relief to passengers affected by the highway closure, eased congestion at railway stations, offered an effective alternative mode of transport, and ensured timely assistance during the emergency, the spokesperson said.

Div Com Kashmir reviews progress on compassionate appointment cases, SVAMITA, AgriStack

Srinagar, Aug 01: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to review the progress of compassionate appointment cases, pending SVAMITA matters under MAPS 1.0, implementation of AgriStack, and the locking of Jamabandies across the Kashmir Division. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner conducted a district-wise review of the progress achieved under each initiative and emphasized the need for timely completion of all pending tasks. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the prescribed targets are achieved within the stipulated timelines through close monitoring and coordinated efforts. Reviewing the status of compassionate appointment cases, the Divisional Commissioner instructed the DCs to expedite the disposal of all pending cases in accordance with the established norms and procedures. The Divisional Commissioner also directed the Deputy Commissioners to furnish details of encroachments on public land and public spaces by religious structures within the next two days to facilitate further action. To prevent the dissemination of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms, the Divisional Commissioner instructed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict adherence by media channels & users to the advisories issued by the Information Department and take punitive action incase of noncompliance.

Ladakh LG approves new sports policy offering monthly scholarships, one-time cash incentives

Leh, Aug 1: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Saturday approved a new sports policy, describing it as a landmark and future-oriented framework aimed at ensuring financial security for young sportspersons while transforming the Union territory into a vibrant and self-sustaining sporting hub. For the first time, the sports policy provides for cash incentives and monthly scholarships to motivate sportspersons to excel at school, district, state, national and international levels. Guided by the motto scout, facilitate and recognise, the Ladakh Sports Policy 2026 policy seeks to enable talented youth to pursue sports as a viable career without financial constraints, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of promoting sports through initiatives such as 'Khelo India', Saxena said in a post on X. The highlight of the policy is the introduction of a comprehensive framework for financial support to outstanding sportspersons from Ladakh, an official spokesman said. Medal winners in recognised international, national and state-level competitions, including the National School Games and Khelo India Games, will receive monthly scholarships for 12 months, from the date of winning the medal, he said. The scholarship would motivate sportspersons to compete for higher-level sporting events, without worrying about expenses on nutritious diet or sports equipment, the spokesman said. Under this framework, international gold medallists will receive Rs 1 lakh per month, national gold medallists Rs 75,000 per month, and state-level gold medallists Rs 10,000 per month, with proportionate scholarships for silver and bronze winners for a period of 12 months, he said. The policy ensures that as the beneficiary athletes progress to higher levels, their scholarship is correspondingly upgraded. For instance, a sportsperson receiving Rs 10,000 per month for winning gold at the state level will become eligible for a higher scholarship upon securing a medal at the national or international level. Medal scholarships will be awarded for 12 months, from the date of winning the medal, the spokesman said. However, he said, if a sportsperson qualifies for a higher level, the scholarship will be automatically upgraded for a fresh one-year period, as per the higher scholarship slab, from the month he or she qualifies during the ongoing scholarship period. In such a case, the scholarship already paid to the sportsperson at a lower slab will not be recovered. The spokesman said the policy also provides one-time cash incentives, from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1 crore, for medal winners at recognised international, national, state and school-level competitions. This incentive will be paid over and above the monthly scholarship, he said. The policy also introduces a one-time Rs 10 lakh cash award for mountaineering achievers from Ladakh who successfully summit peaks above 8,000 metres anywhere in the world, the spokesman said. Besides, the new policy also provides for special cash awards for outstanding performances in Paralympic Games, Para Asian Games, Para Commonwealth Games, national para sports championships, and events for visually impaired, hearing-impaired and Special Olympics athletes, the spokesman said. The policy has been finalised following threadbare discussions with all stakeholders for over two months under the leadership of Saxena, the spokesman said. In recent months, several sportspersons and their parents met Saxena, putting forth their inability to meet the expenses for further preparations and training due to financial constraints. Considering the requirements, the L-G directed the UT administration to formulate a comprehensive sports policy where medal winners start earning automatically, the spokesman said. The Ladakh Sports Policy 2026 is a long-term commitment to our youth for a vibrant sporting culture and an institutional support system to excel in sports. The policy not only seeks to identify talented athletes at the grassroots, but will also ensure that they receive sustained financial support, institutional backing and constant motivation to excel at every stage of their sporting career, Saxena said. Every medal won by a sportsperson from Ladakh is a matter of pride for the entire nation, he said. It is, therefore, the duty of the administration to support our talented youth, without the sportspersons and their families having to worry about the expenses. Through assured scholarships, cash incentives, modern infrastructure, scientific coaching and career opportunities, we are creating an ecosystem where talent is recognised, nurtured and rewarded without financial burdens on families, Saxena said.

Chhattisgarh govt declares Rs 20 lakh aid for kin of two workers killed in Kulgam terrorist attack

Raipur, Aug 1: The Chhattisgarh government on Saturday announced an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh each for the families of two migrant workers from the state killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, officials said. Deepak Ratre, a resident of Sakti district, and Bhupendra Bhaina from Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, both in their 20s, were gunned down at the brick kiln where they were employed in the Kelam area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district late on Friday evening. Condemning the attack, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity and such acts of terror have no place in a civilised society. The Chhattisgarh government stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief, he said while announcing the financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased workers. Sai said he has directed senior state officials to coordinate with their counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir immediately after receiving information about the incident to ensure necessary assistance. He said a nodal officer will be appointed by the Chhattisgarh government to coordinate with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and oversee the process of extending all possible support to the affected families.

Blind murder solved within six hours, mother-son duo held: Srinagar Police

Srinagar, Aug 01: Srinagar Police on Saturday solved a blind murder case within six-hours of the recovery of an unidentified dead body, leading to the arrest of two accused involved in the crime from Kupwara. Police spokesperson said that on July 30, 2026, Police Station Khanyar received information regarding an unidentified dead body wrapped in gunny bags lying in the Babademb Canal beneath Baba Dawood Khakhi Bridge, Khanyar. Accordingly, FIR No. 49/2026 under Sections 103 and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered, and investigation was taken up. He said that considering the gravity of the offence, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the supervision of senior officers. Through sustained investigation and corroboration of available evidence, the identity of the accused was established as Haleema Bano and her son Moomin Ahmad, originally residents of Machil, Kupwara, who were residing as tenants at Mughal Mohalla, Rainawari, spokesperson said. He said that after committing the offence, both accused fled Srinagar in an attempt to evade arrest, however, Srinagar Police meticulously pursued all available leads, relentlessly chased the accused, and successfully traced and apprehended them from Lolab, Kupwara, within hours of the recovery of the body. During the course of investigation, the deceased was identified as Nazir Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Kalantpora, Hawal. Investigation revealed that he was murdered inside the accused's rented accommodation following a financial dispute. The accused subsequently disposed of the body in the Babademb Canal in an attempt to conceal the offence and destroy evidence, spokesperson said. He said that several incriminating articles connected with the commission of the crime have been recovered during the investigation, while as further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of any other person and to complete all legal formalities in accordance with law. The prompt detection of this blind murder case within six hours of the recovery of the body reflects the professionalism, dedication, and coordinated efforts of Srinagar Police in ensuring that perpetrators of serious crimes are swiftly brought to justice, spokesperson added.

Kulgam terror attack: Deputy CM demands high-level probe, questions Centre's security narrative

Jammu, Aug 1: A day after two migrant labourers were killed in a terror attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday questioned the Centre's narrative on security in the Union Territory. Choudhary called into question the effectiveness of the security framework put in place ever since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, and demanded a high-level probe into the killing of innocents ever since the ruling National Conference staged a protest in New Delhi on July 20 seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the deputy chief minister said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have become ired of condemning terror attacks and want an end to the more-than-three-decade-long militancy. Jammu and Kashmir has been battling militancy for the last 37 years. The Centre revoked the region's statehood, separated Ladakh, and abrogated Article 370 on the promise that terrorism would be eradicated. Six years later, if innocent people are still being killed, the Centre must explain whether its experiment has failed, he told reporters here. Choudhary said the recent killings -- of a policeman in Anantnag on July 22 and two migrant labourers in Kulgam on July 31 -- came in the wake of the National Conference's protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding statehood restoration. We are compelled to point out that, just a few days ago, we held a protest at Jantar Mantar seeking statehood. It appears that someone, whether in Pakistan or elsewhere, is unhappy with the demand, he said, claiming that whenever the demand for statehood restoration gains momentum, a major terror incident takes place in Jammu and Kashmir, pushing the issue into the background. Choudhary said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should set up a high-level committee to conduct a free and impartial investigation into the terror attacks to identify those responsible for disrupting peace in the region. He questioned repeated assertions by security agencies that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had normalised. If militancy has been crushed, then where are these militants coming from? Why are these killings continuing? he asked. The deputy chief minister said the latest killings took place even as the security forces were on high alert in view of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and the upcoming Independence Day. A probe is mandatory to fix responsibility. If Pakistan is behind these attacks, then the strongest possible action must be taken. A decisive response cannot be delayed indefinitely, he said, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a credible assurance that such killings will not recur. Pointing out that BJP leaders have repeatedly spoken about reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he urged the Centre to demonstrate the same resolve by translating its assertions into tangible action. Jammu and Kashmir's Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana also strongly condemned the killing of the two labourers in Kulgam and expressed solidarity with their families. It is very unfortunate that people who came here to earn their livelihood and contribute to Kashmir's development were killed. We deeply regret the incident, he said. However, he said, law and order is not under the jurisdiction of the Jammu and Kashmir government. Questions regarding the security lapse should be directed to the Home Ministry and the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order, as they are better placed to answer them. I strongly condemn this act. It is sheer barbarity. Killing unarmed and innocent persons is nothing less than the murder of humanity itself. It is a deeply tragic incident, Rana said. The minister appealed to the Central government to strengthen security measures and take effective steps to prevent innocent civilians from being targeted.

Apni Party protests in Srinagar over jobs, power, ration, development; seeks justice for killings

APSCC condemns Kulgam terror attack

Srinagar, Aug 01: Chairman of the All Party Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) and senior political leader Jagmohan Singh Raina today strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Kulgam that claimed the lives of two non-local labourers. Speaking to reports, Raina described the attack as a cowardly and inhuman act that must be condemned by all sections of society. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for strength for them during this difficult time. Raina demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, noting that this is the second such attack within the last 10 days. He said the repeated incidents are a matter of serious concern and urged the administration and security agencies to identify those responsible and bring them to justice without delay. He emphasized that such acts are aimed at disturbing peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to the people to remain united against terrorism while maintaining communal harmony.

LG reviews security after Kulgam terror attack, orders high-impact operations against terrorists

Srinagar, Aug 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level security review meeting today. The meeting was attended by Atal Dullo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home Department; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Nitish Kumar, ADGP, CID; M Raju, Commissioner/Secretary, GAD; IGPs; Divisional Commissioners; SSPs, Deputy Commissioners and other senior officials. The Lieutenant Governor directed all the Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to conduct a comprehensive review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) established to protect laborers from outside Jammu Kashmir. He also directed that the employers must ensure all workers from other states and UTs of the country are provided insurance and that their details are registered with local police and district authorities. We must intensify precise, high-impact anti-terror operations to neutralise the terrorists, the Lieutenant Governor said. He instructed the authorities to ensure dignified last rites for the victims of the Kulgam terror attack and to provide all the support to bereaved families. The meeting also discussed the security arrangements in place for the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra and strengthening of the security grid.

JKCSF expresses concern over present state of politics in J&K, says political mudslinging will serve no purpose

Srinagar, Aug 01: Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) today expressed serious concern over the present state of politics in Jammu & Kashmir which according to its Chairman, Abdul Qayoom Wani seems deeply disappointing. In a statement issued, Wani said that instead of standing united at a time when the people of Kashmir continue to face disempowerment and uncertainty, political leaders across party lines are busy levelling allegations against one another, exposing not only each other's failures but also the ugly reality of politics that has prevailed for decades. He said that ironically, this political mudslinging has revealed what the people always deserved to knowthat personal ambition has repeatedly been placed above the collective interests of Jammu & Kashmir. At a time when the people needed visionary leadership, these self-styled leaders remained consumed by their own political milestones, leaving public welfare as an afterthought. Wani said Kashmir has always been home to one of the most politically conscious and aware electorates in the country. Yet, over the years, these very politicians have systematically shrunk the space for individuals with courage, integrity, character, and fresh ideas to enter public life.They turned politics into a means of protecting personal interests rather than a platform for serving the people. As a result, many bright and capable minds have chosen to stay away from politics, unwilling to become part of a culture driven by self-interest instead of public service. He said the people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve leaders who unite, inspire confidence, and work with honestynot politicians, who thrive on division, blame games, and endless political theatrics. JKCSF Chairman urged every political party and every political leader to rise above personal rivalries and ambitions, and focus on what truly mattersthe welfare, dignity, and future of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. If they continue to fail in this responsibility, the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) will not remain a silent spectator. We will place before the people and the media the true face of those who have, for years, betrayed the trust of the public. It is these political opportunists who have not only weakened the democratic aspirations of the people but have also tarnished the image of Jammu & Kashmir and its people across the country, he said. He also said that history remembers those who serve, not those who merely seek power. It is time the people of Jammu & Kashmir stand behind individuals who possess integrity, moral character, compassion, courage, vision, and an unwavering commitment to public servicenot those who seek power for personal gain. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have always been politically conscious. It is now time to use that consciousness to support leadership that is built on principles, accountability, and servicenot personality cults, empty promises, or political opportunism. Only when we choose character over charisma, service over self-interest, and leadership over politics, can Jammu & Kashmir move towards a brighter and more dignified future, Wani added.

Heightened security arrangements in Srinagar following Kulgam terror attack