Opinion

EOW Kashmir chargesheets man for allegedly cheating cancer patients family

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against a man accused of cheating the family of a cancer patient by promising to provide medicines at a cheaper rate. The chargesheet has been filed before the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar, in FIR No. 25/2026, registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused has been identified as Afaq Ahmad Thug, son of Ghulam Qadir, a resident of New Colony, Hazratbal, near Shiwala Mandir, Anantnag, presently residing at 10-Green Enclave, Barmuni Road, Sunjwan, Jammu. According to the EOW, the case originated from a written complaint alleging that the accused cheated the complainant after offering to arrange medicines for his wife, who was suffering from cancer, at a comparatively lower price. The accused allegedly induced the complainant to pay lakhs of rupees for the medicines but subsequently failed to supply them as promised, the agency said. Following the complaint, an investigation was initiated. The EOW said its probe prima facie substantiated the allegations levelled against the accused. Interestingly, the investigation also revealed that the accused and the complainant had been schoolmates at a boarding school more than four decades ago, the agency said. After completing the investigation, the EOW presented the chargesheet before the court for judicial determination in accordance with law. The Crime Branch has advised members of the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and to report suspicious activities to the SSP, EOW Kashmir. Complaints can also be lodged with the EOW through email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.

J-K covers digitisation of 70 lakh land parcels, 13 lakh discrepancies rectified

Srinagar, Aug 24: Jammu and Kashmir is accelerating the digitisation and updation of nearly 70 lakh land parcels as part of efforts to modernise revenue administration and prepare a verified land database for integration with the Centre's AgriStack framework, officials said. The officials said that more than 13 lakh rectifications have been completed following discrepancies detected during verification and grievances received from the public. The exercise is being undertaken by the revenue department in collaboration with BISAG-N under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), with more than 2,500 revenue field functionaries provided role-based access for data entry, verification and approval, they said. In a major step towards modernising land administration and creating a more transparent, citizen-centric system of Revenue and Agricultural services, Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated the digitisation and updation of land records while simultaneously preparing the verified land database for integration with the AgriStack framework, they added. They said that the exercise, being undertaken by the revenue department in collaboration with BISAG-N, covers nearly 70 lakh land parcels, with more than 2,500 Revenue field functionaries having been provided role-based access for data entry, verification and approval. Officials said the exercise goes beyond scanning or digitising old records and involves updation, verification, public scrutiny and authentication of land records. A dedicated software platform has been developed for village-wise management of land records through a structured database, enabling systematic searching, validation, monitoring and authorised updating. Under the three-tier maker-checker-approver mechanism, the Patwari enters the record, the girdawar and naib-tehsildar verify it against the source revenue record, and the tehsildar provides final approval, they said. The system creates an electronic audit trail at every stage, helping check transcription errors, omissions, incorrect shares and other discrepancies while fixing responsibility for entries and approvals. District-level mentors and prabhari officers have also been deployed to monitor progress and quality, while district committees are undertaking cross-tehsil verification, they added. As part of public scrutiny, more than 6,800 village-level camps have been organised for public reading of jamabandis, allowing landholders to identify discrepancies relating to names, shares and mutations, they said. Digitised land records have also been made available for public viewing through the JK Zameen Sudhaar portal. More than 13 lakh rectifications have been completed following discrepancies detected during verification and grievances received from the public. The government has simultaneously incorporated around seven lakh backlog mutations into the digitised Record of Rights after verification and approval, they said. The verified database is now being transformed to support AgriStack under the digital agriculture mission of the central government. The framework envisages an integrated digital architecture comprising the Farmers Registry, geo-referenced village maps and Crop Sown Registry, they added. A key requirement is to accurately associate farmers with their landholdings. As traditional jamabandis may contain multiple co-owners in a single khasra, the transformation process captures the precise extent attributable to each recorded owner in machine-readable form. So far, 31.26 lakh khasra records have been converted into the required owner-extent format, officials said. Under the farmer-validation process, landholders authenticate through e-KYC, view their landholding particulars and claim the appropriate landholding group before providing voluntary electronic consent. A Farmer ID is generated after completion of the prescribed verification and approval process. Officials said the digitisation exercise would make Records of Rights more accessible and reduce the need for repeated visits to patwari and tehsil offices. For farmers, the AgriStack and Farmer ID framework is expected to facilitate more efficient delivery of eligible schemes, subsidies, agricultural inputs, credit, insurance, procurement-related services and disaster relief. The initiative is aimed at creating a trusted, verified and farmer-validated digital land information ecosystem to make revenue administration more transparent and improve delivery of agricultural services across Jammu and Kashmir.

Two suspects apprehended with pistol, grenade In Pulwama

Srinagar, Aug 25: Two persons were apprehended along with arms and ammunition during a search operation in Pulwama district. Officials said that during the intervening night of August 24 and 25, a Search and Destroy Operation (SADO) was launched by joint teams of Police Pulwama, Army 44RR and 183 Bn CRPF in general Yarwan forest area of village CB Nath Rajpora. During the search, two individuals who were coming from the forest area towards CB Nath village in a suspicious manner were apprehended tactfully. The duo has been identified as Latif Ahmed Deedad son of Ghulam Mohammad Deedad resident of Lassi Daban and Aijaz Ahmed Bajad son of Nazir Ahmed Bajad resident of Bun Kha Bamnoo. On their search, one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and one hand grenade were recovered from their possession. Both suspects along with the recovered arms and ammunition have been taken into custody. Meanwhile, search operation in the area is going on. (GNS)

US set for largest mass visa revocation in history targeting up to 200,000 foreigners: officials

Washington, Aug 25: The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum status in the United States. If it happens, the move would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history and would likely face legal challenges. Unless challenged or revised, the State Department is expected to announce in the coming weeks the revocation of so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum or are now seeking asylum, according to State Department documents obtained by The Associated Press and two US officials. The action will be taken in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently, said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. He declined to comment on the number of visas that might be revoked, saying as the process will be ongoing, the number of revocations remains dynamic and will be done on a rolling basis. The revocations would not necessarily result in their immediate deportation, the officials said. Most of those with asylum cases currently pending would be recategorised but would lose their status as business or tourism travellers, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the revocations are not final yet. Since President Donald Trump took office for his second term last year, his administration has steadily ramped up restrictions on visa applicants, demanding more information about their social media histories, requiring the posting of expensive bonds for processing visas, and outright banning the issuance of visas to citizens of certain countries. In a social media post on Monday, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called out people who he said try to use tourist and business visas to get into the United States and then apply for asylum. People in the US and all over the world are fed up with bogus asylum claims, Landau wrote on X. Asylum isn't supposed to be a loophole to circumvent immigration law. Landau cited the case of a Colombian citizen who came to the US in 2015 on a tourist visa and then applied for asylum. B1 visas are generally issued for business trips and B2 visas are generally issued for tourism, family visits or medical care. It was not immediately clear from the documents or the officials how many of these visa holders are seeking or have sought asylum in the United States and would be affected by the revocations. Current applicants for B1 and B2 visas are asked to affirm that they will not apply for asylum in the United States and prove that they intend to return to their home countries. In the past 18 months, the State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas for people who have been convicted or accused of crimes ranging from drunken driving to rape and robbery, as well as for people who have spoken out publicly against US policies, particularly in the Middle East. The administration has also moved to crack down on so-called birth tourism, a practice the administration claims is used by foreign pregnant women to come to the United States to give birth so that their child will benefit from birthright citizenship. Trump has tried several times to end birthright citizenship, but those challenges have been rejected by courts, including the Supreme Court. The State Department documents obtained by the AP suggest screening of current B1 and B2 visa holders began after the State Department received information about asylum requests from the Citizenship and Immigration Service.

Canada will announce retaliatory tariffs against US on Tuesday, official tells AP

Toronto, Aug 25: Canada will announce retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday, an official familiar with the plans told The Associated Press, escalating a trade fight that has sharply worsened since negotiations with the Trump administration collapsed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the plans publicly. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that Canada may need to move away from matching US tariffs dollar for dollar and instead use more targeted retaliation aimed at protecting Canadian workers and businesses. President Donald Trump escalated the dispute again Monday, telling Canadian leaders to fall in line or face consequences far WORSE than tariffs already imposed and threatening new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel. Carney accused Washington of trying to subordinate Canada and said US trade demands had confirmed Canada's fears that the United States was seeking to dismantle major Canadian industries. An attitude at the negotiation table that Canada is a subsidiary of the United States is not something we're going to accept, Carney said. Carney was even more blunt in French. We learned during the negotiations that the Americans want to destroy our major industries, including autos, steel and aluminium, Carney said. That was one of the main reasons we said no. It was a bad deal. The fiery words from both sides show how US-Canada relations have deteriorated since Carney walked away from trade negotiations with the Trump administration late Friday, triggering the president's threatened 50 per cent tariffs the next day on about USD 20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Carney cast doubt on the US's reliability as a partner, saying Canada was finding reliable partners everywhere in the world, except in the United States. Except in the United States. And Russia. Trump unleashes personal attacks on Canadian leaders On Monday, Trump came back with further tariffs, warning that he would impose them on Canada's auto industry beginning next year. Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years, Trump wrote on social media, criticising what he called the country's ridiculously high tariffs on American farmers. Carney said Washington's auto-sector proposals would gradually have the effect of dismantling Canadian production. This is the most successful automotive partnership in history, Carney said, referring to the deeply integrated Canada-US industry. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unleashed his own tirade. In an interview with The Associated Press, he said Trump had underestimated Canadians' willingness to endure economic pain rather than give in to US pressure. We're all in, Ford said. Up here, we're at a fever pitch; everyone's in for an economic war. They know they're going to have to sacrifice. Trump responded in a social media post by attacking Ford personally, calling him the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford, and once again referring to Canada's prime minister as Governor Carney. Ford dismissed the insults: If you think an insult from him hurts me? Well, bring it on, buddy, I'm ready. Ford is a Progressive Conservative whose party differs from that of Carney, a Liberal, but the two underscore broad political unity in Canada over the trade fight with Trump. Ford threatens critical minerals and electricity Ford said everything is on the table if the dispute worsens, including cutting off electricity and critical minerals from Ontario. Critical minerals are increasingly important to US national security and manufacturing. The Pentagon has sought more secure supplies of minerals used in military aircraft, missiles, munitions and electronics as Washington tries to reduce reliance on China, which dominates the mining or processing of several strategically important minerals. Ford said Canada should also consider increasingly severe retaliation if Trump continues targeting Canadian industries, including oil and potash, while Ontario could raise electricity prices or stop sending power south. We power 1.5 million homes and businesses, Ford said. Everything's on the table. I'll do whatever it takes. Ford has used electricity as leverage before. During an earlier phase of the dispute, Ontario imposed a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exported to Michigan, Minnesota and New York. Trump responded by threatening to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium before both sides backed away. Auto industry becomes a central battleground Ford accused Trump of not simply seeking a better trade deal but aiming to hollow out Canadian industries and move production south. Ford said Trump wants to make Canada a vassal state. He wants to bleed out every single sector and bring them down to the US, Ford said. The auto sector is especially important to Ontario, the centre of Canada's vehicle manufacturing industry. Plants and suppliers in Ontario are tightly integrated with factories in Michigan and other US states, with parts routinely crossing the border multiple times during production. Automakers including Ford, General Motors and Stellantis operate major assembly plants in Ontario, and the wider supply chain supports tens of thousands of jobs. Trump's new threat of a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian vehicles and parts puts that sector directly at the centre of the escalating dispute. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Monday that the only reason Canada has auto production in the first place was because of the 1960s Auto Pact, under which Canada used access to its market to encourage vehicle production north of the border. Ford says he opposed preliminary deal Ford also disclosed that he had opposed the preliminary agreement Carney was considering before Canada walked away from negotiations, and that he was unwilling to restore American liquor to Ontario store shelves as part of an agreement. I wasn't going to put the booze back on the shelves, Ford said. I was ready to go out there and call a press conference and say I'm not buckling over. Ford said he understood Washington had sought language late in the negotiations that would have restricted Canada's ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries without US approval. Carney has called that demand unacceptable and a question of Canadian sovereignty. Carney said the dispute also exposed a deeper divide over language and culture, saying protections for French and Canadian culture that Washington views as trade irritants are considered fundamental rights in Canada. Who does he think he is? Ford said of Trump. You gotta be kidding.

President Droupadi Murmu to confer National Awards to teachers on September 5

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2026 on 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions (HEIs) and polytechnics at Vigyan Bhawan here on September 5, the Ministry of Education said. The awardees include 12 teachers from central higher education institutions, five from state universities and colleges, including three government and two private institutions, and four faculty members from polytechnics, equally divided between government and private institutions. Nominations for the awards were invited online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal from May 26 to July 20. The process allowed self, institutional and peer nominations as part of the governments Jan Bhagidari initiative. The awards recognise teachers and faculty members for exemplary contribution to education. Selection is based on parameters including teaching-learning effectiveness, outreach activities, research and innovation, sponsored research, faculty development programmes and consultancy teaching. The selection is carried out in two stages. A Preliminary Search-cum-Screening Committee first shortlists nominees, following which a Jury Committee selects the final awardees. The National Awards to Teachers were expanded in 2023 to include teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics. Earlier, the awards were limited to school teachers. The expansion was aimed at supporting the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for incentives, rewards and recognition to promote a culture of excellence across the education ecosystem.

Dr Sajjad Hussain presents IFS SIG roadmap

Dr Syed Sajjad Hussain, National Convenor of the Indian Fertility Society Special Interest Group (IFS SIG) and Managing Director of MED AGE IVF Centre, Srinagar, delivered a presentation at the Mid-Term Meeting of the Indian Fertility Society (IFS) held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Dr Hussain presented the vision, ongoing initiatives, academic activities and future roadmap of the IFS Special Interest Group, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, multidisciplinary collaboration and advancements in reproductive medicine. The presentation outlined the groups efforts to strengthen academic engagement and promote collaborative research and professional development in the field of reproductive healthcare. His participation underscored Kashmirs growing contribution to specialised healthcare and its active engagement with leading national professional forums.

Cantabil expands retail presence with new store in Pulwama

Cantabil Retail India Ltd., an apparel manufacturer and retailer, has expanded its retail presence in J&K with the opening of a new store in Pulwama. Spread across 1,185 square feet, the new outlet is located at Shop Nos. 3, 4 and 5, Muzamil Mini Mall, New Colony Road, Pulwama. The store offers a range of mens casual, party and formal wear, along with accessories, catering to customers seeking contemporary and mid-premium fashion. Commenting on the launch, Director of Cantabil Retail India Ltd. Deepak Bansal said the company was pleased to open its new mens and accessories store in Pulwama. We are excited to introduce our new men and accessories exclusive store in Pulwama. Cantabil has garnered immense appreciation in the mid-premium segment, resonating with customers. Our new store will showcase an extensive range of fashion-forward apparel for men and accessories. With a strong presence across India, we are committed to further expanding our retail footprint in the coming years, he said. The company said the new outlet was part of its ongoing expansion strategy and its efforts to strengthen its presence across markets.

JKHARA announces 21 elected Executive Committee members for 20262028

The Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association (JKHARA) has announced 21 members elected to its Executive Committee (EC) for the 20262028 term following the completion of the election process at Hattrick Banquet Hall, Rajbagh, Srinagar. A total of 25 nominations were received for the Executive Committee, of which four candidates subsequently withdrew. The remaining 21 candidates were unanimously declared elected for the new term. The election proceedings were conducted under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner G.N. Var. The proceedings were attended by JKHARA Founding President Showkat Chowdhary, Past President Adil Hussain, Patron Khazir Sahib and Advisor Sheikh Shaukat Sahib. The newly elected Executive Committee members include Sheikh Imran, Babar Chowdhary, Dr Lateef Ahmad Lone, Mohammad Shafi Beigh, Imran Majeed Hamza, Mushtafa Badyari, Amir Kaloo, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Muneer Ahmad Guroo, Irfan Rashid Malik and Shahzadi Simon. Others elected to the committee are Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh, Gh. Qadir Lone, Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, Abid Hamid Tantray, Ayesha Saleem, Sajad Ahmad Bala, Mohammad Amin Shah, Bashir Ahmad, Farooq Amin and Nasreen Ansari. The JKHARA leadership extended its congratulations to all the newly elected members and expressed confidence that the new Executive Committee would work with dedication, integrity and a spirit of service to strengthen the organisation and advance its objectives. The association said the successful completion of the election process reflected its commitment to democratic participation, institutional continuity and responsible leadership. The new Executive Committee will serve for the 20262028 term.

MP Chowdry Ramzan visits Fruit Mandi Handwara, assures growers of support

Member of Parliament (MP) and National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Monday visited the Fruit Mandi Handwara and interacted with fruit growers, dealers and members of the Fruit Growers and Dealers Association. During the visit, representatives of the Handwara Fruit Mandi Association apprised Ramzan of various issues confronting the horticulture sector and sought his intervention in addressing their demands. Ramzan listened to the concerns raised by the representatives and assured them that their issues would be taken up at the appropriate platforms. Speaking to media persons after the visit, Ramzan said he was pleased to see the Fruit Mandi Handwara witnessing good business activity and providing livelihoods to thousands of families. Recalling his contribution to the horticulture sector, he said that during his tenure as Agriculture Minister nearly two decades ago, more than 15 fruit mandis were established across J&K. On the shortage of cold storage facilities in Kupwara district, Ramzan said the government was offering subsidies of more than 50 per cent for establishing such units. I urge entrepreneurs and individuals in Handwara and Kupwara to come forward and establish cold storage units. I assure them of my support in taking these initiatives forward, he said. Fruit Mandi Handwara President Mohammad Amin Wani thanked Ramzan for visiting the mandi and listening to the concerns of growers and dealers. Wani said Ramzan had assured the association that he would work towards resolving the issues faced by the fruit trade community.

FCIK delegation meets Chief Secretary, pushes for review of power tariff hike

The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to seek review and reconsideration of the recent electricity tariff order before the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), J&K, besides seeking interim relief against its implementation pending such review. A delegation of FCIK led by Head of its Advisory Committee Shahid Kamili called on the Chief Secretary and discussed at length the impact of the tariff increases on an already stressed industrial sector. The delegation pointed out that while the DISCOMs had sought an increase of around 5 per cent, the tariff increase ultimately approved for industry was substantially higher even without any stakeholder consultation. FCIK submitted that the increase had come at a difficult time when existing enterprises were already grappling with weak markets, industrial sickness, delayed payments and mounting regulatory costs. It urged the Government to take into account the cumulative impact of prolonged disruptions and adverse business conditions faced by enterprises in J&K before burdening them with additional power costs. The meeting was held on the advice of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a follow-up to FCIKs recent interaction with him on the immediate problems confronting existing industry pending finalisation of the Revised Industrial Policy. Besides the power tariff issue, the Federation discussed with the Chief Secretary four priority areas that had also been taken up with the Chief MinisterEase of Doing Business, public procurement, revival of sick and stressed units, and raw-material availability for mineral-based industries. On Ease of Doing Business, FCIK sought a genuine trust-based regulatory regime providing for self-certification, automatic renewals, deemed approvals, single-window clearances, digitisation and rationalisation of recurring permissions, fees and charges. The Federation stressed that routine regulatory processes should facilitate legitimate enterprises rather than consume their time and resources. On public procurement, FCIK pointed out that many local units established to supply Government departments were starved of orders even as substantial procurement continued from outside J&K. It clarified that local industry was not seeking higher prices or any relaxation in quality, but purchase preference at competitively discovered L1 rates. FCIK proposed strengthening SICOP for identified locally manufactured items, MSME-friendly tendering and segregation of industrial supplies from works contracts. It also offered to furnish examples of GeM tenders carrying conditions that effectively disadvantage otherwise capable local manufacturers. On industrial sickness, the Federation sought early announcement of power and other amnesties to enable stressed units to clear legacy liabilities. It also presented the Chief Secretary with a copy of the SBI OTS Scheme of 2020, seeking a similar transparent and uniform settlement opportunity from banks operating in J&K, particularly J&K Bank. FCIK submitted that relief at least comparable to that extended under the SBI scheme to borrowers across the country should be available to J&K enterprises, if not on more favourable terms, considering the exceptionally difficult business conditions they have endured for over three decades. The Federation also highlighted the acute shortage of raw material faced by mineral-based industries, particularly Plaster of Paris processing and stone-crushing units, because of delays in finalisation or renewal of extraction arrangements. It sought an immediate lawful interim mechanism for regulated supply, cautioning that disruption could force units to close and adversely affect employment and developmental works, particularly during Kashmirs limited working season. The discussions were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere. The Chief Secretary acknowledged the practical difficulties brought to his notice and assured the delegation that the issues raised would be examined on priority with the concerned departments and authorities. He also assured FCIK of his full support and facilitation in mitigating the immediate problems confronting the existing industry.

J&K Banks Outward Surge: Is J&K Paying the Price?

A striking divergence is emerging in the lending pattern of Jammu and Kashmir Bank as its business outside the Union Territory expands at a much faster pace than its traditional home market. While advances in the Rest of India, including Ladakh, grew 30.9 per cent during 2025-26, lending in J&K increased by 9.3 per cent, raising questions over the changing balance between the banks national expansion and growth in its core market. According to the banks March 2026 earnings disclosure, gross advances in the Rest of India, including Ladakh, stood at Rs 48,822 crore as on March 31, 2026, accounting for 39.1 per cent of the banks total gross advances of Rs 1,24,981 crore. Advances in J&K stood at Rs 76,159 crore, accounting for 60.9 per cent of the total. The growth gap is considerably sharper than the difference in the size of the two portfolios. Advances outside J&K increased from Rs 37,292 crore in March 2025 to Rs 48,822 crore in March 2026, registering growth of 30.9 per cent. In comparison, advances within J&K rose from Rs 69,694 crore to Rs 76,159 crore, representing growth of 9.3 per cent. This means the Rest of India portfolio grew at more than three times the rate of the J&K portfolio during the year. The difference becomes even more pronounced when incremental lending is considered. The bank added Rs 11,530 crore to its Rest of India advances during 2025-26, compared with an increase of Rs 6,465 crore in J&K. Consequently, around 64 per cent of the total increase in gross advances during the year came from the Rest of India portfolio, while only around 36 per cent came from J&K. The bank, however, has attributed part of the slower growth in its home market to the disruption caused by the Pahalgam terror attack and its impact on economic activity. A senior bank official, speaking about the impact of the attack on the local economy, said business activity and credit offtake in key geographies had remained affected following the incident. The banks MD and CEO Amitava Chatterjee had also said shortly after the attack that the incident could affect the local economy, although he noted that the banks direct exposure to tourism was relatively limited. The composition of lending also highlights the different character of the two markets. Corporate lending accounts for 79 per cent of gross advances in the Rest of India, according to the banks disclosure. Personal loans account for 12 per cent, while agriculture, SME and trade constitute 3 per cent, 3 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. In J&K, the portfolio is considerably more diversified. Personal loans account for 49 per cent of gross advances, followed by agriculture at 15 per cent, SME at 14 per cent, trade at 12 per cent and corporate lending at 7 per cent. Thus, the banks expansion outside J&K is being driven predominantly by corporate lending, whereas its home-market portfolio has much greater exposure to individual borrowers, agriculture, small businesses and trade. The geographical expansion is also being accompanied by a changing recruitment strategy, according to sources familiar with the banks plans. Sources said J&K Bank is moving towards a pan-India recruitment model for positions linked to its operations outside J&K. According to them, vacancies attached to branches in cities such as Delhi would be filled through a wider recruitment pool rather than being restricted to candidates from J&K. Earlier, regular recruitment was restricted to permanent residents of the erstwhile State of J&K. With the banks expansion outside J&K, the recruitment model is also being aligned with the location of its operations, sources said. The claim, however, needs to be distinguished from the banks current apprenticeship programme. The latest apprenticeship notification already provides geographically earmarked positions outside J&K and Ladakh, but apprenticeships are not regular jobs. J&K Banks 2026-27 apprenticeship notification provides for 614 positions. Of these, 461 are in J&K, 18 in Ladakh and 135 in locations outside J&K and Ladakh. The bank has separately categorised the latter as ROI - Vacancy Distribution (outside UT J&K and Ladakh). The 135 positions outside the two Union Territories include 42 in Delhi, 26 in Mumbai and Greater Mumbai, 20 in Lucknow, 19 in Bengaluru and 28 in Mohali. They account for nearly 22 per cent of the total apprenticeship intake. The present apprenticeship exercise cannot, however, be described as regular employment. The notification provides for a 12-month apprenticeship and states that an apprentice has no right to claim employment with the bank after completion. The recruitment shift being cited by sources would nevertheless represent a significant departure from the banks earlier regular recruitment framework. In its 2018 recruitment notification for Banking Associates, J&K Bank had invited applications from permanent residents of J&K State. The notification also stated that selected candidates could be posted anywhere in India. Thus, before 2019, eligibility for regular recruitment was linked to permanent residency of the erstwhile State, even though employees recruited through the process could subsequently be posted outside J&K. The present model, if implemented for regular recruitment as described by the sources, would represent a different approach, with recruitment for outside-J&K operations being aligned with the geographical location of the vacancies. The broader transformation in the banks geographical footprint is already evident. J&K Banks 2024-25 annual report stated that the bank had 1,019 branches, including IARBs, spread across 18 states and four Union Territories as of March 31, 2025. The developments raise a larger question for J&K, where the bank has historically occupied a much more significant position in the financial ecosystem than an ordinary commercial bank.

Sopore Bar Association strike enters sixth day

The Bar Association Sopore continued its strike for the sixth consecutive day on Monday, protesting alleged misconduct by a Tehsildar during an incident involving an advocate at the Tehsil office. According to a spokesperson for the Bar Association, the incident took place on August 19 when Advocate Mohammad Waseem visited the Tehsil office in connection with a case involving his clients and to attend proceedings before the Tehsildar. The spokesperson alleged that the concerned official used highly objectionable and abusive language against the advocate during the interaction. The Bar further alleged that the official questioned the advocates presence in the office and made derogatory remarks against him as well as the legal fraternity. The association also alleged that the official threatened to send the advocate to the lock-up and warned him of dire consequences. The Bar Association has termed the alleged conduct a serious affront to the dignity of the legal profession and an interference with the professional independence of advocates. The use of abusive, threatening and derogatory language against an advocate while discharging professional duties is condemned in the strongest terms, a Bar representative said. The association has urged the competent authorities to inquire into the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with law. It also called for measures to ensure the dignity, safety and professional independence of advocates are protected while they discharge their duties.

Education sector holds key to progress: Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo today addressed the Foundation Day celebrations of Maple Grove Education Institute Rawalpora here. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that education remains the most important sector for the overall progress and development of society, adding that no amount of discussion on the subject can be considered enough given its far-reaching impact on individuals and communities. She underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister said that both government and private educational institutions are making sustained efforts to provide quality education to students, with several private institutions making a significant contribution to the education sector. There are some private institutions whose contribution is so remarkable, she observed, while appreciating institutions that have consistently demonstrated commitment towards academic excellence. Sakeena Itoo said that while a number of government schools, including middle, high and secondary schools, are performing exceptionally well, there is always scope for further improvement. She emphasised that the government and private sectors must continue working together to strengthen the educational ecosystem and provide better opportunities to children. The Minister further said that education must contribute to the holistic development of children by nurturing not only their academic abilities but also their values, character and sense of responsibility. Emphasising the importance of equality and inclusiveness in education, Sakeena Itoo said that every child must be treated equally irrespective of social or economic background. For us, children are one. We should never discriminate. Every child deserves equal opportunity to learn, grow and realise their potential, she said. Referring to an interaction with students during the programme, the Minister said she was particularly encouraged by the aspirations expressed by the children about their future careers. She noted that while some students expressed their desire to become doctors, others aspired to enter public life and become ministers. This is a very encouraging sign. Our new generation is not only dreaming of professional success but is also conscious of its role in public life and governance. Their aspiration to become political leaders and ministers reflects their confidence and belief that they too can contribute to society, Sakeena Itoo remarked. The Minister said that such aspirations need to be nurtured through an education system that encourages children to think freely, dream ambitiously and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. She called upon educational institutions to continue creating an environment where academic excellence, ethical values, inclusiveness and leadership qualities grow together, saying that the children of today will shape the social, economic and democratic future of Jammu and Kashmir. Director School Education Kashmir, other senior officers of School Education department, management and teachers of Maple Grove Education Institute, large number of students and their families were also present on the occasion.

JK Cinema Guild meets CM, seeks Film Industry push

A delegation of the J&K Cinema Guild Srinagar, comprising noted artist and art promoter Waheed Jeelani and renowned actor and film director Umar Imtiyaz, called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence and held an extensive discussion on the cultural and creative landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation presented a comprehensive project report and proposal for establishing and developing a vibrant regional film industry in Jammu and Kashmir, on the lines of successful regional film industries in other parts of the country. The delegation strongly urged the Chief Minister to initiate steps for the revival and effective implementation of the existing J&K Film Policy, with greater opportunities for local filmmakers, actors, technicians, musicians and other creative professionals. The delegation also drew the Chief Ministers attention towards the urgent need to revive and strengthen local cultural institutions, particularly Akashwani stations, Doordarshan stations, DD Kashir and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, and make them vibrant platforms for young and emerging artists. The Guild urged the Chief Minister to take up these issues at the highest level with the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Union Minister for Culture, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, so that Jammu and Kashmirs rich cultural and cinematic potential receives the institutional support it deserves. The delegation also invited the Chief Minister and other senior ministers to participate in the Artists Convention proposed to be held in September 2026, which will bring together leading artists, politicians, policymakers, filmmakers, musicians, actors and cultural practitioners to deliberate on the issues & future of the creative sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured that the issues raised would be looked into and taken care of. He emphasised that our artists and performers are our assets, underlining the importance of nurturing and supporting the regions creative community. The J&K Cinema Guild expressed hope that the Chief Ministers assurance will translate into concrete policy initiatives and renewed institutional support, paving the way for a strong, self sustaining and professionally organised regional film and cultural industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Secretary reviews drug abuse rehab programme

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for implementation of the Phase-I Pilot of the Rehabilitation & Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, being coordinated by the Social Welfare Department. The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, H&ME; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; DC, Srinagar; Head, IMHANS, Srinagar; Director, Health, Jammu/Kashmir and other concerned officers. Deputy Commissioners from outside districts along with the Institution heads connected with the meeting through video conferencing. The meeting reviewed the readiness of the identified pilot institutions and districts, availability of human resources and infrastructure, capacity-building initiatives, inter-departmental coordination and the development of a dedicated digital mechanism for end-to-end monitoring of beneficiaries. The Phase-I pilot is proposed to be implemented at IMHANS Srinagar, ATFs at Jammu, Kathua, and in Budgam district. The pilot is aimed at testing the rehabilitation model on the ground, identifying operational gaps, refining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and generating the necessary learning for its subsequent expansion across the Union Territory. Taking stock of the preparedness in the pilot districts, the Chief Secretary reviewed the availability of infrastructure and manpower at each location and stressed the need for focused training and capacity-building of Medical Officers, Counsellors, Case Managers, ASHA workers and SHG members so that each stakeholder is adequately equipped to discharge the role assigned under the rehabilitation framework. The Chief Secretary directed the Social Welfare Department to coordinate the implementation of the programme and ensure its commencement at the earliest. He further directed the Department to simultaneously identify the requisite human resources and infrastructure for extending the rehabilitation mechanism to other districts, so that the pilot exercise facilitates a smooth transition towards wider implementation. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the capacity-building initiatives undertaken by IMHANS Srinagar for Medical Officers, Counsellors, Case Managers, SHG members and ASHA workers. He directed IMHANS to continue conducting such training programmes across all districts so as to create a sufficiently large and skilled pool of human resources capable of supporting the rehabilitation programme as it expands. On this occasion the Head, IMHANS Srinagar, Dr Arshad Hussain, briefed the meeting about the interventions undertaken so far by the Institute and the facilities covered under the pilot. He also highlighted certain areas requiring focused attention at the participating health facilities. Dr Hussain informed that training modules for different categories of personnel have been developed and several batches have already been trained. He expressed confidence that the ongoing capacity-building exercise would create adequate trained manpower within the next two to three months to satisfactorily operationalise the rehabilitation centres in accordance with the approved policy framework. It was further elucidated that the first phase of the Circle of Care training module has already been completed, with more than 300 frontline workers, including ASHA workers, NRLM/SHG representatives and teachers, trained across Kashmir Division.

India's influenza surge seasonal, not new or deadlier strain: Dr Saumya Swaminathan

The current rise in influenza cases across parts of India is a routine seasonal uptick rather than the emergence of a novel or more dangerous virus, former Director ICMR Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has said. Speaking to media, Dr Swaminathan said that India is recording a seasonal influenza uptick, and this happens every year. The doctors feel that this year it has started a little earlier, but normally in India, we do have a monsoon seasonal increase in influenza cases, and then it continues into winter, she stated while dismissing need for alarm. Dr Swaminathan, who has also served as Chief Scientist at WHO highlighted the improved monitoring as a contributor to a clearer picture of circulating viruses. Thanks to better surveillance through the government ICMR viral laboratories throughout the year, we actually now know which viruses are circulating, which are predominant. And we can also correlate with clinical presentation, with severity, and with hospital admissions. This is a very good resource, she said. She said the predominant driver of the present increase is an H1N1 influenza A virus of the Michigan strain. The current increase in cases is because of H1N1, a Michigan strain. Its an influenza A virus, she said. She assed that the same strain that has been circulating since the pandemic in 2009 and this years Virus is very similar to what was last year. She reassured people that this is not a new strain. I think theres a lot more awareness, more testing, more diagnostics being performed, she said. She added that more cases are being reported from many hospitals in Delhi, Bengaluru, and other cities due to increased testing. People might tend to panic, thinking that, you know, there are suddenly thousands of cases. Its just better testing, she said. The clarification comes amid a rise in H1N1 cases, particularly in Delhi. Over 1,777 H1N1 cases had been reported by August 20 out of 2,392 Influenza A cases this year. ICMR scientists have said the H1N1 viruses currently circulating in India are similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain. They also said the circulating influenza strains are well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere. Indias National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) continues to maintain seasonal influenza surveillance. It provides technical guidance on H1N1, including patient categorisation, home care, mask use, clinical management and laboratory testing.

Jagmohan had no role in exodus of Kashmiri Pandits: Ashok Koul

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ashok Koul on Monday said targeted killings would continue in the Valley but would become meaningless if communal brotherhood prevailed. The Kashmiri Pandit community will continue its struggle to live safely in the Valley and will remain here if the administration provides all necessary facilities, Koul told reporters in south Kashmirs Shopian district after paying obeisance at the Kapal Mochan shrine. He said there was no completely safe place in the world, citing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. You know what is happening in Ukraine and Russia, and what America, Israel and Iran are doing. Targeted killings will continue, but when there is brotherhood, they will not have much meaning, he said. Koul was responding to the recent targeted killings and purported online threats to the community members. He said that Jagmohan had no role in the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley. Before Jagmohans arrival, Kashmiri Pandits had migrated from the Valley because of some external elements who drove the community members out of the Valley, he said. Koul claimed that it was equally true that some members of the majority community also helped such forces. But I am happy to see the minority community members coming here and performing pooja at the Kapal Mochan Shrine, he said. Koul said that the day was not far when all the community members would return to the Valley. The three-day Kapal Mochan pilgrimage began on Sunday, and the shrine has a particular significance for Shradh rituals performed for people who died in accidents. The annual pilgrimage had remained suspended for nearly two decades following the outbreak of militancy in the Valley in the 1990s. It was revived in 2008 with the support of members of the local Muslim community.

Chowdry Ramzan rejects Dulats Article 370 claim

Member of Parliament and National Conference Additional General Secretary Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Monday rejected former RAW chief A.S. Dulats remarks on Article 370 as factually incorrect and accused Peoples Conference chairman and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone of failing to deliver on key development issues in the constituency. Ramzan was speaking to media persons at his residence in Handwara after concluding a three-day visit to the constituency. Reacting to Dulats remarks at a recent seminar organised by MP Aga Ruhullah in Delhi, where the former RAW chief reportedly said that Article 370 was automatically abrogated following the accord between Sheikh Abdullah and the Centre, Ramzan said the claim did not reflect the constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir at the time. Article 370 and Article 35A were part of the special status and constitutional arrangements of Jammu and Kashmir at that time. They were meant to safeguard the special position of the erstwhile state, he said. Ramzan also responded to criticism by Sajad Lone that issues concerning MLAs were being raised in Parliament for political purposes, asserting that he had raised matters beyond conventional developmental concerns. Let me remind Sajad Lone that I have raised issues in Parliament which perhaps no other MP has dared to raise. I have not confined myself to developmental issues but have also raised issues concerning Muslims across India, Ramzan said. Referring to his intervention in Parliament on Vande Mataram, Ramzan said he had highlighted concerns of Muslims regarding what he described as religious references in the song. Following my speech on Vande Mataram, renowned Islamic scholars, including scholars from Deoband, visited and thanked me for speaking about the issue in Parliament, he said. Ramzan also criticised Lone over the pace of development in Handwara, alleging that several works remained pending during his tenure as MLA. Citing the new bus stand as an example, Ramzan said the facility had not been macadamised during Lones tenures as MLA. He said he had subsequently brought Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary to Handwara, following which the macadamisation work was announced. When the work started, Sajad Lone arrived to inaugurate it. But he must remember that he failed to macadamise the bus stand during both his first and present tenure as MLA, Ramzan said. On railway connectivity, Ramzan said he had recently taken up the demand for extending the railway line to Kupwara with the Railway Minister. I recently met the Railway Minister and requested him to extend the railway line up to Kupwara. He assured me that the demand would be taken forward, he said. On the controversy surrounding the proposed site of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, Ramzan said he would oppose any move to shift the project outside the constituency. I will not allow GMC Handwara to be shifted anywhere else whatsoever, he said.

Apni Party stages protest against electricity tariff hike

Apni Party leaders and workers on Monday gathered at Press Colony, Srinagar, and staged a massive protest against the governments recent decision to approve an average 6.83 percent hike in power tariffs for 202627. The protest was led by the partys Provincial President, Mohammad Ashraf Mir. On the occasion, police stopped the protesters from proceeding out of Press Colony in the form of a procession. The protesters raised slogans against the government, denouncing its decision to increase power tariffs and describing it as an anti-people measure. Speaking to reporters later, Mohammad Ashraf Mir lashed out at the government over what he termed its anti-people decision to increase power tariffs. He criticised the move, saying that the tariff hike would add to the financial burden on ordinary consumers. Mir said, It is unfortunate that, despite being fully aware that people are already facing severe financial hardships due to growing unemployment, shrinking business opportunities and rising inflation, the government has chosen to increase power tariffs. He added, This additional burden is simply not tolerable for ordinary citizens. We strongly demand that the government immediately roll back this decision and provide relief to the people. He also slammed the government for its failure to fulfil the promises it had made to the people. The ruling party had promised during the election campaign and in its manifesto that, after coming to power, it would provide 200 units of free electricity and free gas cylinders to every household. However, instead of keeping these promises, the government has now put an additional burden on the people by increasing power tariffs, he said.

Congress opposes power tariff hike, demands immediate rollback

J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra has strongly opposed the recent hike in electricity tariffs announced by the J&K Government, terming it unjustified and an additional burden on consumers. Karra said the decision came at a time when households were already facing rising prices and mounting economic pressures, and argued that the government should have provided relief to consumers instead of increasing their electricity bills. People of J&K were expecting the government to announce relief and curtailment in electricity bills, not an increase in the per-unit tariff. For an ordinary household, every additional rupee on the electricity bill directly affects the family budget. This decision is insensitive to the economic hardships being faced by our people, Karra said. He demanded that the government immediately review and withdraw the tariff hike and introduce measures to reduce the electricity burden on domestic consumers, particularly economically weaker sections. The government must remember that electricity is not a luxury; it is an essential service. The people of J&K deserve affordable and reliable power, not ever-increasing bills. The Congress will stand firmly with the people and oppose every measure that places an unjustified financial burden on them, he said. Karra urged the government to reconsider the decision in the larger public interest and restore relief to consumers, saying essential utilities should not be allowed to become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary households.

6.83% power tariff hike: PDP stages protest, demands withdrawal

Senior leaders and workers of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Party General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam, on Monday staged a protest against the 6.83 per cent electricity tariff hike, describing it as an additional burden on consumers. The protest was attended by former minister Asiya Naqash, Anjum Fazili, Iqbal Tramboo, Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Qayoom Bhat, Syed Tajamul, Shokia Qureshi, Arif Laigroo, Altaf Tambakoo, Bashir Beigh, Sheikh Sabah, Khalid Mir, Umar Dar, Shafi Kundangar and Fayaz Reshi, besides a large number of party workers. Addressing media persons, Alam condemned the tariff hike, saying people had voted for change and relief but were instead facing rising costs. People voted for this government with the hope of relief, but today they feel looted by rising tariffs and increasing costs. The government has failed to honour the expectations of the people who placed their trust in it. At a time when families are struggling with inflation and unemployment, increasing electricity tariffs is completely unjustified, he said. Former minister Asiya Naqash said the government should provide relief to households rather than increase their financial burden. Electricity is a basic necessity, and the government must understand the difficulties being faced by common people. This tariff hike will disproportionately affect poor and middle-class families who are already struggling to meet their daily expenses. The decision should be rolled back immediately, she said. PDP spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo said the hike reflected the governments failure to address the concerns of electricity consumers. People are already burdened with high electricity bills and the rising cost of essential commodities. Adding another 6.83 per cent to the tariff will further squeeze household budgets. The government must withdraw this anti-people decision and provide immediate relief to consumers, Tramboo said. PDP leader Arif Laigroo said the tariff hike would further aggravate the difficulties faced by families across Jammu and Kashmir. At a time when people are demanding affordable electricity and relief from mounting expenses, another tariff hike is unacceptable. Electricity is an essential service, not a luxury. Instead of imposing additional burdens on consumers, the government should focus on improving power supply, reducing wastage and ensuring accountability in the power sector, he said. The PDP leaders demanded immediate rollback of the 6.83 per cent tariff hike, asserting that electricity is an essential service and should not become an additional source of financial pressure on households. The party said it would continue to raise public concerns and oppose policies that, it alleged, adversely affect the economic well-being of people in Jammu and Kashmir.

White Knight Corps Commander reviews operational preparedness in Poonch sector

General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lt Gen PK Mishra on Monday reviewed the operational preparedness and evolving security dynamics during his visit of forward locations of Line of Control (LoC) in areas of Poonch sector. He was accompanied by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen Manoj Raran. Lt Gen PK Mishra visited forward areas in the Poonch sector to review operational preparedness and the evolving security dynamics. The Corps Commander during the visit interacted with field troops and various stakeholders and commended their high morale, professionalism and operational readiness. The Corps Commander also highlighted the need to maintain high standards of operational preparedness, continuously enhance capabilities and remain ready to meet emerging challenges.

Kounsarnag Vishnu Sarovar Yatra concludes

The annual Kounsarnag Vishnu Sarovar Yatra has concluded peacefully after hundreds of devotees completed the arduous pilgrimage to the high-altitude sacred lake, with pilgrims now making their way back towards Reasi under tight security and comprehensive arrangements. The annual Shoba Yatra commenced on August 21, with devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir participating in the pilgrimage. The yatra witnessed the participation of around 590 pilgrims, including 466 males, including Sadhus, and 124 females.

Prof Sanjeev Sinha takes over as new Executive Director AIIMS Jammu

Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha on Monday took over as the new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu. With this leadership transition, the tenure of Prof (Dr) D N Sharma as Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu ended. The appointment of Prof Sinha as Executive Director, AIIMS Jammu, has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge, or until attaining the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. With his assumption of charge, AIIMS Jammu is entering a new phase of leadership as Prof Sinha, who is joining AIIMS Jammu on deputation from AIIMS New Delhi, is bringing a rich blend of clinical expertise, academic experience and research orientation to the institution. As Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi, Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha has a distinguished academic and clinical background, with experience spanning patient care, teaching, medical training and research. His expertise is expected to bring valuable academic and scientific perspective to AIIMS Jammu, said an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, hoping, Under his leadership, AIIMS Jammu shall be expanding and strengthening clinical services, enhancing the quality of medical education, promoting high-quality research and innovation, encouraging interdisciplinary academic collaboration and creating greater opportunities for faculty and students to engage in impactful research. Prof Sinhas leadership, spokesperson has stated, is also expected to contribute towards building a strong culture of evidence-based clinical practice, academic excellence and research-driven healthcare, while further strengthening AIIMS Jammu as a centre of excellence. Speaking on the leadership transition, the AIIMS Jammu fraternity expressed its appreciation for the contribution of Prof (Dr) D N Sharma and conveyed its warm welcome to Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha. Prof Sharma had assumed charge of AIIMS Jammu on January 10, 2026 and served the institution during an important phase of its development. AIIMS Jammu fraternity acknowledged his valuable contribution and leadership during his tenure and conveyed its best wishes for his future endeavours. Welcoming Prof Sinha, it expressed confidence that his experience and vision would provide fresh impetus to the institutions journey towards greater excellence. The transition reflects the continuity of AIIMS Jammus institutional journey building upon the contributions of its leadership while embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation and excellence, it added.

SIA pastes proclamation notices at houses of 2 Bandipora men

Srinagar, Aug 24: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Monday pasted proclamation notices at the residential properties of two Bandipora men allegedly involved in terror-related activities, officials said. The notices were pasted at the houses of Jameel Sheergojri, son of Abdul Ahad Sheergojri, a resident of Quilmukam, Bandipora, presently residing at Naz Colony, Bandipora, and Hashir Rafiq Parray, son of Mohammad Rafiq Parray, a resident of Patushay, Bandipora. According to the SIA, both men travelled to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on valid passports and subsequently joined terrorist ranks there. The agency said Sheergojri travelled to PoK in May 2016, while Parray travelled there in 2018. Both allegedly subsequently became involved in terrorism. The proclamation notices were issued in connection with FIR No. 13/2021 registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir under Sections 121 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 13, 17, 18, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The action forms part of the SIAs ongoing investigation into cases concerning alleged militant activities and their support networks. The pasting of proclamation notices is a legal measure through which investigating agencies call upon accused or proclaimed persons to appear before the competent court in connection with a case. Further legal proceedings in the matter will follow in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.

Srinagar schools, madrasas told to hand over students only to parents, authorised persons

Srinagar, Aug 24:Authorities have issued a child-safety advisory to schools and madrasas across Srinagar, directing them to ensure that students are handed over only to their parents or authorised drivers and attendants after classes. The advisory calls for heightened vigilance during the dispersal of students and instructs educational institutions not to release children into the custody of unauthorised individuals. Young children have also been advised not to leave school or madrasa premises on their own. Parents have been urged to ensure that younger children are accompanied while travelling to and from educational institutions and to take necessary precautions for their safety. The advisory comes amid heightened security concerns following the reported escape of two undertrial prisoners facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act from the high-security Central Jail Srinagar. The two accused have been identified as Farman Khan, son of Abdul Gani Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujar, also referred to as Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, son of Mohammad Rafiq, a resident of Chittergul in Anantnag district. Both were facing trial in separate cases registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act, with FIR Nos. 19/2026 and 20/2026 respectively. According to police, the undertrials allegedly escaped after scaling the front wall of the jail. A manhunt has been launched, while cases have been registered in connection with the jailbreak. Security has also been stepped up in and around the facility, with search teams deployed and alerts issued to neighbouring areas.

Kishtwar minor's death: Protests continue for 4th day across Chenab Valley

Protests demanding justice for a minor schoolgirl from Chatroo in Kishtwar district continued for the fourth consecutive day on Monday, spreading across parts of the Chenab Valley as students, tribal community members, traders, political workers and civil society groups stepped up demands for a transparent, time-bound investigation and the strictest punishment permissible under law for anyone found guilty. The protests were triggered by the death of the minor girl, who allegedly suffered sexual assault by a government school teacher and subsequently became pregnant. Her condition reportedly deteriorated following an alleged attempt to terminate the pregnancy, and she died while being shifted for specialised medical treatment. The circumstances surrounding the pregnancy, alleged termination attempt and subsequent death are being investigated. Police have arrested the accused government school teacher and his brother in connection with the case. An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Education Department has also suspended the teacher and initiated a departmental inquiry. Students hold protests in Kishtwar, Sartingal. On Monday, students from various government and private schools took out a peaceful protest rally in Kishtwar town. Raising slogans seeking justice, the students demanded strict legal action against the accused and all others whose involvement, if established, emerges during the investigation. A major protest was also held in the Sartingal area of Bhaderwah in Doda district, where schoolchildren and members of the Sartingal Trade Union joined hands to condemn the incident. The protesters demanded a fair and impartial investigation followed by a fast-track trial, saying justice should be delivered without unnecessary delay. They also called for the strictest punishment under law for the accused if found guilty, while stressing that the investigation must establish the role of every person involved in the alleged crime or any subsequent attempt to conceal facts. Tribal Community Stages Dharna in Chatroo In Chatroo, members of the tribal community staged a dharna at the native place of the deceased girl. Protesters expressed deep anguish over the incident and demanded that every person found to have participated in the alleged sexual assault, attempted termination of pregnancy, concealment of facts or any other related offence be brought within the ambit of the investigation. The protesters also called for protection of the dignity and privacy of the victims family and urged authorities to ensure that the investigation remains free from pressure or influence. BJP Holds Protest in Gool Meanwhile, the BJP unit of Gool, led by local party leader Mohammad Saleem Bhat, organised a protest march in Gool town. Protesters condemned the alleged crime and demanded stringent legal action against all those found responsible. The Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kishtwar also condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, urging the administration and investigating agencies to ensure justice and take stringent action in accordance with law. Demand for Fast-Track Proceedings Gains Momentum The demand for a fast-track trial has gained wider support across the region. Senior National Conference leader and Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmed has called for a comprehensive and time-bound investigation and a dedicated fast-track court with day-to-day hearings, saying the guilty, if established through due process, should face the stringent punishment permissible under law. The demand comes amid continuing public anger over the circumstances in which the girl died and questions surrounding the alleged sexual assault, pregnancy and subsequent attempt to terminate the pregnancy. CM Directs Expedited Education Department inquiry Amid the growing protests, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed the School Education Department to expedite its inquiry into the Kishtwar incident so that stringent and exemplary action can be ensured wherever wrongdoing is established. The Chief Ministers direction came as protests continued in different parts of the Chenab Valley, with protesters insisting that administrative and departmental action should be accompanied by a thorough criminal investigation and prosecution. Protests Spread Across Chenab Valley The incident has triggered widespread outrage since Friday, with demonstrations reported from Chatroo, Kishtwar, Mughal Maidan, Doda, Bhaderwah and other areas. On Sunday, teachers in Kishtwar held a condolence meeting followed by a candle march to pay homage to the deceased girl. Residents of Bhalra in Bhaderwah also staged a protest, while students and members of civil society continued to demand justice. The protests have remained largely focused on ensuring accountability and seeking legal action against those found responsible. Protesters have repeatedly called upon authorities to ensure that the investigation covers the entire sequence of events and does not stop with the arrest of the two accused. Investigation to Establish Complete Sequence According to police and media reports, the accused teacher allegedly sexually assaulted the minor over a period of time, resulting in her pregnancy. Her condition later deteriorated following an alleged attempt to terminate the pregnancy, after which she was referred for specialised treatment but died while being shifted. Police have said the investigation is continuing to establish the complete circumstances of the case and determine whether any other persons were involved. Reports have also indicated that investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged termination attempt and the girl's subsequent medical treatment. With public anger continuing to mount, protesters across the Chenab Valley have demanded a transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation, a fast-track trial and the strictest punishment permissible under law for every person whose guilt is established. They said justice must be swift, fair and lawful, while ensuring that the bereaved family receives justice and that the case serves as a strong reminder that crimes against children will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, a candle march was taken out by the residents of Bhalessa. The protesters demanded strict action against culprits involved in the crime. Till the filing of this report a candle march is underway in Bhalessa area of Doda district.

Dr Farooq asks dissenting Aga Ruhullah to resign, seek fresh mandate

Srinagar, Aug 24:National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit back at party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over his recent public statements, asking him to resign from the Lok Sabha and return to the electorate if he believed his victory was secured on the strength of his personal support. Reacting to Ruhullahs positions, Abdullah said the Srinagar MP was free to raise issues such as the restoration of Article 370 in Parliament, but questioned his approach to the matter. If he thinks Article 370 can be restored, he should take up the issue in Parliament, Abdullah said. The NC president also challenged Ruhullah to test his claim of having secured the Lok Sabha mandate through his own political standing. If you think people voted for you, resign and go back to them. We will see how many votes you get, he said. Abdullah said party members were expected to abide by decisions taken by the organisation, particularly during elections, and cited the Budgam poll to underline the importance of party discipline. He said NC workers could not reasonably have been expected to campaign against a candidate officially nominated by the party. On speculation about differences within the NC, Abdullah said disagreements were common in political organisations and should not automatically be construed as a revolt against the leadership. He also maintained that the party and the government had separate roles, saying that as NC president he did not want to unnecessarily interfere in the administration. Abdullah recalled the sacrifices made by generations of NC leaders and workers, saying the organisation had endured because of the commitment of its grassroots cadre. Asked about Ruhullahs political direction, Abdullah advised the Srinagar MP to seek guidance from the Quran, while reiterating his view that he was currently taking the wrong path.

LG Sinha celebrates Raksha Bandhan with DPS Baramulla students

Srinagar, Aug 24:Lok Bhavan Jammu and Kashmir on Monday hosted a special Raksha Bandhan celebration for students of Delhi Public School (DPS), Baramulla, in Srinagar. As part of the celebration, the students tied Rakhis to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and exchanged greetings with him. The Lieutenant Governor urged the students to carry forward the true spirit of Raksha Bandhan and encouraged them to spread the message of peace, love, unity and harmony. With Raksha Bandhan scheduled to be celebrated on August 28, the event provided the students an opportunity to interact with the Lieutenant Governor ahead of the festival. Dr Shashwata Shiva, Principal of DPS Baramulla, along with the schools coordinators, teachers and office-bearers, accompanied the students during the visit.

CM Omar sets deadline for probe into Kishtwar schoolgirl incident

Srinagar, Aug 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed the School Education Department to complete its inquiry into the incident involving a schoolgirl in Kishtwar within one month, stressing the need for a thorough and time-bound investigation. The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the inquiry is completed expeditiously and all necessary steps are taken to bring the matter to its logical conclusion. He stressed that the matter must be dealt with firmly and that stringent and exemplary action be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and prevent any delay in the process.

5th Canon C.E. Tyndale-Biscoe Invitational Football Tournament | Iqbal Memorial, Tyndale-Biscoe, SRM Welkins register wins on day-2

Day 2 of the 5th Canon C.E. Tyndale-Biscoe Invitational Football Tournament, sponsored by Genius Career Consultancy, witnessed some outstanding football, remarkable goal-scoring displays and intense competition among the participating school teams. The day, as per a statement, began with an emphatic performance by Iqbal Memorial Institute, who registered a convincing 60 victory over Linton Hall School. The winners displayed excellent attacking football, with Mueen emerging as the standout performer after scoring twice and being adjudged Man of the Match. In another impressive encounter, Tyndale-Biscoe School produced a commanding 60 victory over The Legend School. TBS dominated proceedings with excellent ball possession, attacking movement and clinical finishing. Baris was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant hat-trick and earning the Man of the Match award.

Chief Minister reviews roadmap to strengthen senior secondary education in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting of the School Education Department at the Civil Secretariat here to review a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening access to senior secondary education and improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the higher secondary level in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting discussed a phased plan to upgrade 714 High Schools into K-12 composite schools, with focus on requirements of teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure, laboratories and other essential facilities. The proposed upgradation is aimed at ensuring continuity in school education, expanding access to Classes XI and XII and reducing dropouts at the critical transition after Class 10, particularly in underserved and geographically remote areas. The meeting also deliberated on better utilisation of existing human resources, strengthening academic facilities and improving the overall school network. The roadmap envisages a planned and requirement-based approach to expansion, besides coordination with the Government of India for necessary support under centrally sponsored schemes. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised the need for a focused and need-based strategy to expand senior secondary education, with particular attention to accessibility and ensuring better educational opportunities for students across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, ACS PWD Anil Kumar Singh, ACS Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring, R Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Mission Director Samagra, Director Education Kashmir and other concerned officers.

Srinagar Premier League: Al Muqeet FC secures 71 victory over ARCO FC

Al Muqeet Football Club produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat ARCO FC 71 in an entertaining Srinagar Premier League encounter at the TRC Ground, Srinagar, on Monday. The match, as per a DFA statement, began with both teams showing attacking intent, setting the tone for what would become a high-scoring contest. Al Muqeet FC opened the scoring in the first half, putting ARCO FC under early pressure. However, ARCO responded strongly and found the equaliser before the interval to ensure the teams went into half-time level at 11. The opening 45 minutes were competitive, with both sides creating opportunities and battling for control in midfield. Al Muqeet looked dangerous going forward, while ARCO FC showed determination to stay in the contest after conceding first. With the score tied at 11, the second half promised to be decisive and Al Muqeet FC delivered a remarkable attacking display. The visitors came out with renewed intensity after the restart and quickly began to take control of the game. Their attacking movement, finishing and sustained pressure created significant problems for the ARCO FC defence. Al Muqeet FC went on to score six goals in the second half, turning a closely fought 11 contest into a comprehensive 71 victory. ARCO FC struggled to contain Al Muqeet's attacking momentum as the second half progressed. Despite their efforts to respond and regain control, they were unable to prevent Al Muqeet from extending their advantage. The result highlighted the difference between the two teams' second-half performances. While ARCO FC had competed well during the opening period and entered the break on level terms, Al Muqeet FC demonstrated greater attacking efficiency after the restart. The final whistle confirmed a convincing 71 victory for Al Muqeet FC, who walked away with an impressive result and an important three points.

PM Package employees seek enhanced security after fresh online threat

Srinagar, Aug 24:Employees recruited under the Prime Ministers Rehabilitation Package have sought enhanced security and protection following the circulation of another online threat targeting Kashmiri Pandits. In a letter addressed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday, the All PM Package Employees Forum sought a comprehensive review of security arrangements at their workplaces, residences and transit routes. The Forum said a fresh threat poster, purportedly issued by a militant outfit, had surfaced on social media and reportedly contained threats against Kashmiri Pandit employees, along with personal details such as names, addresses and vehicle registration numbers. Security agencies have yet to verify the authenticity of the poster. The employees body expressed concern over the repeated circulation of such threat communications, particularly those containing sensitive personal information. It said the matter had been brought to the notice of the concerned police and security agencies for verification and necessary action. The latest development comes a day after another threat communication targeting Kashmiri Pandits surfaced online, nearly two weeks after a similar message warned community members working in the Kashmir Valley to change their ways. Officials and community representatives have noted that the recent communications have reportedly included specific personal details of employees, including house numbers and street names. The Forum said the threats had created a deep sense of fear and insecurity among PM Package employees and their families. It sought immediate verification of the latest threat and identification of those responsible for circulating it. It also demanded immediate protection for employees whose names, addresses or vehicle details may have appeared in the alleged threats, along with necessary security advisories. The Forum urged the government to treat the matter with seriousness and take immediate measures to ensure the safety and confidence of PM Package employees and their families.

J&K UT Thang-Ta Championship 2026 concludes in Srinagar

The J&K UT Thang-Ta Championship 2026, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Thang-Ta Association and sponsored by the J&K Sports Council, concluded successfully on Monday at the Multipurpose Indoor Hall, Polo Ground, Srinagar. The three-day championship, as per a statement, held from 22nd to 24th August 2026, witnessed an enthusiastic participation of more than 550 athletes from different parts of Jammu & Kashmir. The championship provided a valuable platform for young and senior athletes to showcase their talent, discipline and competitive spirit in the traditional martial art of Thang-Ta. Ahsan Pardesi, MLA, Lal Chowk Constituency, graced the concluding ceremony as the Chief Guest. He distributed prizes and medals among the winners and congratulated all the participating athletes for their commendable performances. A special highlight of the championship was the selection of the overall Champions of Champions in the mens and womens categories. Ifra Jan from Pulwama was declared the Womens Champion of Champions, while Hammad Bashir bagged the title of Mens Champion of Champions for their outstanding performances throughout the championship. Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Pardesi appreciated the efforts of the J&K Sports Council and the J&K Thang-Ta Association for promoting sports and providing opportunities to young athletes across the Union Territory. He congratulated the winners and participants and encouraged them to continue working hard and bringing laurels to Jammu & Kashmir. The concluding ceremony was also attended by distinguished guests, dignitaries, coaches, instructors, officials, referees, parents and sports enthusiasts. The organisers expressed their gratitude to all the guests, officials, coaches, volunteers, parents and participants whose cooperation contributed to the successful conduct of the championship. The J&K Thang-Ta Association congratulated all the medal winners and appreciated the dedication and sportsmanship displayed by every athlete throughout the three-day championship. The successful conclusion of the championship marks another significant step towards strengthening Thang-Ta and promoting sporting talent across Jammu & Kashmir.

Srinagar Indoor Taekwondo Academy finishes 2nd runner-up at Chenab Open

Srinagar Indoor Taekwondo Academy clinched the second runner-up trophy at the Chenab Open Taekwondo Championship after its athletes won 17 medals, including eight gold, four silver and five bronze. As per a statement issued, the gold medal winners included Suvaid Ahmad, Abbas Khursheed, Aleena Nisar, Hafida Rafiq, Ajiya Nasir, Aayat Jan, Mehreen Jan, Seerat Ayub and Zain Nazir. Zaheeb Javaid, Essa Bin Sajid, Aiman Bashir and Suvaid Ahmad secured silver medals, while Mohammed Musineen, Mohammed Eesa Bhat, Aftab Malik, Zunaira Fatimah and Aleena Nisar won bronze medals in their respective events. In the Poomsae event, Suvaid Ahmad and Aiman Bashir secured silver medals, while Aleena Nisar won bronze. The academy team was led by international Taekwondo player and coach Zain Nazir, who is currently coaching at the Taekwondo Centre, Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh. Coach Zain Nazir congratulated the athletes on their performance and lauded their determination and hard work.

J&K Sports Council conducts football trials

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Monday conducted and concluded a series of sporting activities across the Union Territory, including Sub-Junior Football trials, the J&K Thang-Ta Championship and the District Budgam Badminton Championship. The divisional-level Sub-Junior Football trials, as per a statement, were concluded at TRC Srinagar and Mini Stadium, Parade, Jammu. A total of 46 girls were selected for the Union Territory-level trials, scheduled to be held in Srinagar from August 26, 2026. In Budgam, the two-day District Badminton Championship is underway at the Indoor Sports Hall. The championship was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Guest Bashir Ahmad Ganie, Chief Education Officer. A total of 150 players and 10 officials are participating in the championship, while around 100 spectators witnessed the inaugural proceedings. The events are part of the J&K Sports Council's continued efforts to provide competitive platforms to young sportspersons and promote sporting activities across the Union Territory.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calls for mission-mode action to address Srinagars stray dog menace

Srinagar, Aug 24:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called for a focused, coordinated and humane response to the growing stray dog menace in Srinagar, directing the concerned departments and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to accord the issue top priority and work towards tangible results. Chairing a review meeting on the issue, the Chief Minister observed that the stray dog menace has emerged as one of the foremost practical concerns for residents of Srinagar, with the issue affecting the daily lives and sense of security of citizens across the city and beyond. The Chief Minister noted that the progress in addressing the issue in Jammu through better handling of sterilisation coverage needs to be replicated in Kashmir division. He questioned why the relatively better implementation of Animal Birth Control being followed in Jammu has not been implemented efficiently in Kashmir. Within the same territory, we have success of having achieved around 80 per cent sterilisation in Jammu, while Srinagar has not been able to make comparable progress. If we have demonstrated that it can be done in Jammu, we should be able to replicate that success in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said. Seeking a clear assessment of the requirements of the concerned departments in terms of veterinary surgeons, paravets and other support staff needed in Kashmir division, Omar Abdullah assured full government support for the resources needed to undertake the work in a sustained manner and directed to immediately engage the requisite staff and take immediate action on ground to address the issue of dog menace including measures for quick disposal of garbage dumps so that dogs do not thrive on road side piles of food waste. CM exhorted SMC and JMC to deal with garbage disposal within municipal areas in quick time, which is seen as a major hazard by the public as giving rise to dog menace and giving an impression of polluted cities. He directed that a dedicated team be constituted within SMC to address the issue in mission mode, with emphasis on substantially increasing the number of trained dog catchers, scaling up sterilisation operations and strengthening the availability of veterinary doctors and trained personnel. The Chief Minister stressed that the response must be humane and in accordance with established procedures, while remaining focused on effectively controlling the stray dog population and addressing the concerns of citizens. He called for greater coordination among the Housing & Urban Development Department, Health and Medical Education Department, SMC and other concerned agencies to ensure that the measures adopted translate into measurable improvement on the ground. The Chief Minister said the objective should be to develop a sustainable and effective mechanism for addressing the stray dog issue not only in Srinagar but across Jammu and Kashmir. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary Health & Medical Education M Raju, Commissioner Secretary Education, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation and other concerned officers attended the meeting. Jammu based officers took part in the meeting through video conferencing.

Kashmirs Invisible Minority

On a recent summer afternoon, I shut my laptop, bunked off work a bit early, downed a mug of virgin-mojito and began the walk to Simrans study space. Simran has grown used to the offensive jokes and slurs. They came at school, at university and more recently, at work. It is dressed as harmless teasing but it is not. Her pronouns are She/they. Simran is pansexual. She remembers being bullied, threatened and physically hurt because of her sexual orientation. Yes, I was treated unfairly at school, college and now at work,she says. We leave their home after a brief chat and sit under a cluster of chinars near a popular eatery in the uptown locality of Srinagar. The conversation is not easy. There are long pauses, moments when she appears to search for the safest way to describe something that has been part of her life for years. Simran occupies a complicated space in Kashmir. She is queer, disabled and devout Muslim. None of these identities exist in isolation. Each affects the way the others are understood by the people around her. In this part of the globe, sexuality is rarely discussed openly and disability is still frequently approached through pity and protection, being both queer and disabled can mean living under layers of scrutiny. Add faith, family expectations and the realities of living in a region shaped by over three decades of turmoil, and even ordinary things like friendship, intimacy, privacy, can become difficult negotiations. For many transgender Kashmiris, invisibility is not a metaphor. It is a survival strategy. I do not want to be misread but the truth is that for a community that remains largely unseen, there is little visible queer infrastructure in Kashmir. There are few spaces where transgender people can meet openly, few dedicated support systems and limited access to professionals equipped to understand the particular pressures associated with sexuality and gender identity. Mental-health services are already stretched, while conversations around queer identities remain limited. For a disabled queer person, the gaps are even wider. The informal networks that do exist often work with limited resources. Queer support groups may not be equipped to address disability. Disability organisations have little space in their work for questions of sexuality, gender or intimate relationships. This leaves people like Simran moving between two worlds without belonging completely to either. We can now answer questions that were genuinely a no-go thirty years ago but today, we can talk about the woes of Kashmirs invisible gender minority. The problem is not simply the absence of a physical centre or support group. It is the absence of a place where someone can walk in without having to explain every part of themselves separately. Judgemental looks from my colleagues almost on a daily basis hurt me the most. Simran says. DISABILITY BRINGS MORE SURVEILLANCE Disability itself can bring intense family supervision. All eyes on me. That statement rings true for me. I feel watched, monitored and controlled all the time. Why is everyone awkwardly looking at me? Why dont they mind their own business. In conservative households, a disabled woman, for instance, is already seen as someone who needs protection. Marriage, mobility and independence can become subjects of family concern. Her movements may be watched more closely. Her phone may be checked. What is described as care can therefore become surveillance. You know why that happens? Because they rob you off of your own agency. Simran concludes. For a queer person, this creates another layer of difficulty. The very restrictions imposed in the name of safety can make it harder to develop a private life or form relationships away from family scrutiny. In Kashmir, families and neighbourhoods often remain closely connected, privacy is difficult to come by even without these additional pressures. People know where their neighbours live. Relatives know one anothers routines. Questions about marriage, relationships and family reputation are rarely considered intrusive. For a queer person, however, an apparently ordinary question can carry a very different weight. Why arent you married?, Who were you with? , Why are you going there?, Why are you always on your phone? The questions may sound familiar. The consequences of answering them honestly are not. FAITH IS NOT THE ENEMY There is a tendency to assume that a queer Muslim must choose between faith and sexuality. For many queer Kashmiri Muslims, the reality is more complicated. Faith can be a source of comfort rather than conflict. Prayer can provide a private space in which a person does not have to explain themselves to anyone. The relationship with God can be deeply personal, even when the social interpretation of religion feels restrictive. For Saqib, Simrans best-friend, faith does not necessarily cancel out queerness. The two can exist together, even when society insists they cannot. This reconciliation is rarely public. It happens privately, through prayer, reflection and an attempt to understand ones identity without surrendering another part of oneself. Family, however, can be harder to negotiate. True, that family reputation carries considerable weight. Marriage is not viewed simply as an individuals decision. It is tied to parents, siblings and the standing of the household. A persons choices can be perceived as affecting the prospects and reputation of other family members. For someone who is queer, coming out may therefore not be a single conversation. It can instead become a lifetime of omissions. A relationship that is never mentioned. A name that is never spoken. A photograph that is kept hidden. A question that is answered with silence. The person remains present, but an important part of their life is kept outside the family narrative. WHAT DOES SAFETY MEAN? For people living at the intersection of disability and queerness, safety cannot simply mean the absence of physical violence. It can mean having a room where nobody asks questions. Do we have those safe social spaces here? The answer is no. It can mean being able to make a phone call without lowering your voice. Does society respect privacy? Not really. It can mean having one person who knows the truth and does not leave. Do you have reliable people whom you can bank upon? I have seen snakes. Simran answered this question. It can mean finding a doctor who does not treat sexuality as a problem to be corrected. But you always find people who think disability is a medical problem and look at you with pity and they assume not being straight means it is wrath from God. It can mean being able to travel somewhere without calculating who might see you. That is impossible. And sometimes, safety can simply mean being allowed to exist without explanation. These systems were not designed to address the safety concerns of queer or disabled people. THE MISSING INFRASTRUCTURE The absence of support is perhaps most visible in the lack of intersectional services. A queer person may find a small support network. A disabled person may find a disability organisation. But someone who is queer and disabled may have to explain their needs twice. Disability networks face their own challenges and frequently operate within a framework centred on rehabilitation, welfare and assistance. Questions of sexuality and desire can remain almost completely outside that conversation. The result is a person who is constantly translating themselves. In one space, they are asked to explain their disability. In another, their sexuality. In another, their faith. Very rarely are they allowed to simply be all three. Official recognition of transgender people in Jammu and Kashmir remains limited. The last census, now fifteen years old, recorded around 4,000 people in the region under the third gender category. But numbers cannot tell us how many people remain invisible because they are afraid to disclose their identity. They cannot record the person who has never told their family. They cannot count the relationship that exists only through messages. They cannot measure the psychological cost of constantly editing ones life. And they cannot capture people who have learned that being visible can carry a price. Even language can become a barrier. Derogatory terms such as laanch or chakke continue to be used for transgender people, reducing complex human lives to insults. The state has also not created adequate rehabilitation homes or meaningful income-support structures for the community. Apart from a monthly pension of around Rs 1,250, the support available remains limited. There are also questions about representation. There is no Kashmiri on the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTE). These absences matter. You are a human being, an Indian citizen but the state and the society you live with treats you indifferently. Why does that happen? Arent we created by the same creator? Simran asks as evening melted into night. RESPECTING OUR AGENCY What does it take to live as a queer Muslim in Kashmir with a disability? It is a loaded question but has a simple answer. Simran beautifully answers it. Do not dictate what faith means? We know it really well. We are also highly connected to God. Allow us to use Khan-e-Khoda (Allahs Abode) and do not judge how we walk or talk. Just because you are straight doesnt mean you will take high moral ground and start policing us. Most of us are not accepted in our own families, so the only option left with us is to leave our homes and live in rented accommodation and we find it difficult to get housing. Does any welfare organization come forward to help us find a safe and dignified space? Being disabled doesnt mean we are incapable. People around us, unfortunately, do not understand this. OUTRO Kashmirs queer community remains so difficult to see. It is not absent. It is everywhere yet nowhere. And behind that invisibility are people negotiating the same things as everyone elselove, faith, family, work, loneliness and the simple desire to live without having to divide themselves into acceptable pieces. For someone living at the intersection of queerness and disability, as Simran puts it, being yourself is the most radical form of resistance. [Note: This work is funded by Queerbeat and Keshav Suri Foundation]. (Names in the article may not be real)

Agha Ruhullahs Rebel Arithmetic

Every generation in Kashmir produces a politician who mistakes applause for arithmetic. Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament from Srinagar, is the latest to conflate the two in public. He styles himself a rebel for a cause, accuses his own National Conference leadership of ideological drift, and insists the party is reneging on a mandate it once campaigned to secure. It is theatre of a high order, but not, by itself, a strategy for political permanence. Before Kashmir anoints another custodian of its conscience, it is worth interrogating what such dissidence actually purchases and what history has done to everyone who attempted it before him. Dissent without departure Ruhullahs censure of his own party has been unusually indiscreet for a sitting MP within a ruling coalition. He has accused the National Conference of normalising the post-2019 status quo, claimed the party is abdicating a mandate for constitutional restoration and complained openly of exclusion from internal deliberations. He has demanded that coalition allies apologise for their complicity in the abrogation. This is a rebuke landing as forcefully on his own alliance as on the opposition. This is not the idiom of a contented party man. It is, however, the idiom of a man who has never once threatened to leave. That omission is the entire story, since Kashmirs political ledger is crowded with ambitious men who spoke like insurgents and discovered what insurgency without institutional scaffolding is worth. The graveyard both parties built If we begin with the National Conference itself. When Ghulam Mohammad Shah engineered his 1984 defection with Delhis blessing and briefly occupied the chief ministers chair, it appeared, momentarily, to herald a genuine challenge to Abdullah hegemony. It collapsed within two years and Shah lapsed into irrelevance. This is an objective lesson that patronage-fuelled secessions cannot manufacture the street legitimacy that took the original party decades to accumulate. Sajad Lone chose a more autonomous exit and has endured but endurance is his ceiling and not his floor. His Peoples Conference remains, decades on, a modest, Handwara-centric outfit but never a genuine claimant to power across the Valley. Even Omar Abdullah, the partys dynastic inheritor, forfeited the familys Ganderbal citadel within weeks of assuming the NC presidency in 2002. This was a humiliation that ought to have retired the fantasy that popularity is a birth-right. The PDPs record is, if anything, more instructive. After the 2019 abrogation and Mehbooba Muftis prolonged detention, the party haemorrhaged nearly its entire senior leadership. Altaf Bukhari, once its finance minister and a formidable power centre, departed to construct the Apni Party. Years later, that party remains peripheral and its own founders have since abandoned it too. They have found none of the durability they had bargained for. Imran Raza Ansari, scion of an influential Shia political dynasty, rebelled against Mehbooba Mufti and forecast a tsunami that would engulf her leadership. It never materialised; he drifted instead into Sajad Lones smaller house. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, a founding member of the PDP and its former deputy chief minister, quit in 2020, joined the Peoples Conference. He was then expelled from it and rejoined the PDP at Mufti Sayeeds grave, then publicly disowned it again weeks later after a perceived slight over seating at a BJP rally. A man instrumental in founding a major regional party ended his second act quarrelling over a chair. The pattern across both parties is uniform and unsentimental. Kashmirs electorate does not transfer allegiance from institution to individual, however eloquent that individual proves on a given evening. Cadre and generational goodwill remain with the party. The leader who departs discovers he owns nothing beyond his own voice. The cost of departure In the near term, an exit would almost certainly be politically ruinous for Ruhullah. His 2024 victory in Srinagar was built upon the National Conferences organisational apparatus. It was not a personal following assembled independently. When stripped of that apparatus, what remains resembles Ansari after his revolt or Bukhari after his own: a charismatic figure without the machinery to convert charisma into seats. This is precisely why Ruhullah dissents loudly from within rather than departing outright. It lets him accrue the reputational dividends of defiance while the partys infrastructure still carries him electorally. It is a shrewd calculation. It is not a principled one. A promise no one intends to honour Here candour is unavoidable: Article 370 is not returning and framing its restoration as an achievable objective is either a serious misreading of constitutional arithmetic or a deliberate strategy of keeping an old wound lucrative. The Supreme Court affirmed the abrogation in December 2023. Its reversal would demand a two-thirds parliamentary majority no plausible coalition, including one led by the Congress, has any realistic prospect of assembling. This is where Ruhullahs positioning reveals its essential hollowness. Even a Congress-led government in Delhi would be unlikely to expend national capital reopening a question the country has largely filed away as settled. Congress governments have historically subordinated regional constitutional restitution to national electoral calculus once the courts have spoken, and nothing in the partys contemporary conduct suggests Kashmir would be the exception. To construct a political identity around a pledge that no plausible government intends to redeem is not idealism. It is a calibrated method of keeping grievance perpetually serviceable and insulated from ever being tested. The likely reckoning Can Ruhullah convert present visibility into mass support that survives beyond a single electoral cycle? The raw materials exist: fluency in the vernacular of grievance, a national profile unmatched by most NC leaders outside the Abdullah lineage and a willingness to provoke his own leadership that reads as authenticity to a disenchanted electorate. What remains unproven is whether this popularity extends beyond Srinagar and central Kashmir or survives the transition from parliamentary commentary to the compromises of governance. If this is Judged against every predecessors record in both major parties, two outcomes seem most probable and neither is triumphant. He is gradually reabsorbed into the NC mainstream once the leadership judges him more useful inside than outside thereby trading rebellion for office. Or he eventually departs and discovers, as Bukhari, Ansari and Baig discovered before him that insurgency without institutional backing contracts rather than expands. Kashmir has shown remarkable consistency here for four decades. It rewards parties. It punishes men who wager everything on their own voice. Whether Agha Ruhullah becomes the exception depends on something his rhetoric has not yet evidenced: an organisation capable of outlasting his popularity, rather than one merely lending it to him for the present. Malik Daniyal is an economics graduate from Delhi University. He writes at the intersection of economy, politics and policy issues of valley.

Best of BS Opinion: Building stronger foundations for durable growth

Durable growth depends not just on expansion but on stronger foundations across telecom, education, energy, skilling and institutions

US message on Kashmir

Last week, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gors wordsthat This (Jammu and Kashmir) is an important part of Indiamade headlines across the country, and Pakistan of course found it as its duty to challenge the statement, reinforcing the divide that the two countries have on the status of this Union Territory. The cheerleaders of this important part of India are delirious, as if the American envoy had brought the moon to their homes , forgetting the reality that J&K has been an integral part of India since October 1947. These leaders and cheerleaders in the Indian media had a reason to celebrate the moment, the place, and the words: the US, as a superpower , had hesitated in acknowledging this reality. Contrary to this, Washington had been active in creating hurdles. It had challenged the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India and even suggested solutions which fit hostile frames to the Indian thinking and stand. In that sense, it is a diplomatic victory. And, of course, Pakistan has always been a protagonist of Kashmir being a disputed territory. So there is nothing new about the way Pakistans Foreign Office reacted. The biggest shock for Islamabad was that the US, which has been its ally ever since it was born in 1947, endorsed the Indian stand for Jammu and Kashmir. In diplomacy, stands are taken in national interests, they are not driven by emotions. America is a ruthless player in diplomacy. Gors words, too, were diplomatic. He used, This is an important part of India, that too in Srinagar the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It clearly implied that he was talking of J&K on this side of the LoC. In fact, he had calibrated his statement when he referred to Kashmir as incredibly beautiful, with a hint to dilute the travel advisory. Washington has recognized the reality of Kashmir being an integral part of India. Coincidentally, this has come at a time when J&K entered its eighth year since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, making it natural to link the two developments. Some quarters have welcomed Gors statement as the ultimate truth born out of the changed realities of Kashmir since 2019. That is an inescapable reality. Pakistan, by no stretch of imagination, could have echoed what Sergio Gor said in Srinagar, nor could it have kept silent over the words that dismantled its core stance on Jammu and Kashmir. Its statement reads: While appreciating President Donald Trumps offer to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in the aftermath of Marka-e-Haq, the US side was urged to ensure that its public statements should remain consistent with the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. Two major points need to be reflected upon: first, the US effected a realistic change in its attitude by looking at the ground situation; second, viewing such diplomatic statements strictly through the binary of gains and losses is unhelpful in engineering future changes to consolidate stability in this region. In October 1993, there was a time Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Robin Raphel, said : We view Kashmir as a disputed territory. We do not recognize the instrument of accession as meaning that Kashmir is forever an integral part of India. That was an era of Kashmiri youth fired by the imagination of liberating their motherland. This statement resonated with them; they felt it was precisely what they had been saying. In the mid-1990s, Frank D. Wisner, the US Ambassador to India, became a familiar face in Kashmir. He struck up good terms with all sides in Kashmir politicsthe electoral mainstream and separatists whose words had institutionalized anti-India sentiment. Wisner was the one who redefined the term mediation and portrayed America as a facilitator for India-Pakistan talks on Kashmir. There was another theory: Kashmir resolution should reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state, implying that the elections in Kashmir were not a manifestation of the will of the people. Today, the change is that the US itself has hailed the vibrancy of Indian democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah is the face of it, notwithstanding how the very people in the country who lauded the polls and the outcome as historic are working to undermine the mandate. It is bizarre that these elements do not comprehend the very essence of establishing the sanctity of the vote and its value in Kashmir during the 2024 elections. Sergio Gors statement on Kashmir proves that when the internal situation is stable, the world views it through that prism alone. This should serve as a pivotal lesson: stability on the ground must be strengthened to resonate with the urges and aspirations of a people who have undergone difficult times for generations. Indeed, since the 1980s, three generations have witnessed severe hardships. They want real change in their lives, not political rhetoric. Progress must move beyond both the claims of absolute triumph and the rigid demands that nothing short of a return to the pre-August 5, 2019 status of Jammu and Kashmir is acceptable. These two extremes represent hyper-political rhetoric that only creates a new trap of confusion in the minds of the youth. Seen in its proper perspective, the US ambassador has delivered a profound message for Gen Z in Kashmir: that they are Indian citizens and their country alone can resolve their issues. This message should be embraced and broadcasted, but not without actively involving the youth in the opportunities they seek. Gen Z in Kashmir is unique. They have experienced personal and collective trauma that their counterparts elsewhere in the country cannot even imagine. Their childhoods have been shaped by profound disruptions and troubling scenes. There is an urgent need to course-correct, rather than decry or mock them. It is deeply concerning when an emotional outburst from this group is targeted by an army of internet trolls who fail to understand their agitation. Times are changing, and if genuine success is to be achieved, the concerns of this generation must be directly addressed. Mocking or denouncing them will not help. This generation needs to be constructively engaged to achieve the ultimate goal of lasting peace and to transform J&K into a land of true opportunity.

The Politics of Remembering and Forgetting

Democracy is strengthened by debate. But it is strengthened even more when that debate is honest. Iltija Muftis recent remarks about Omar Abdullah being a weak and timid Chief Minister deserve to be taken seriously, not because the charge is necessarily convincing, but because political criticism is one of the few spaces in which a democracy can examine itself. A Chief Minister should be questioned. Governments should be challenged. Political leaders should be held accountable. But accountability cannot become a performance in which history is selectively remembered and conveniently forgotten. There is something deeply revealing about calling a Chief Minister weak because he does not announce his confrontation loudly enough. Strength in politics is not measured by the volume of a leaders rhetoric, nor by how dramatically he enters a room. It is measured by what institutions he builds, whom he listens to, what he delivers and whether he possesses the political courage to remain engaged when engagement is difficult. The real question, therefore, is not whether Omar Abdullah is sufficiently combative for his critics. The question is whether Jammu and Kashmir is being governed through democratic engagement or through political theatre. his distinction matters particularly in a place where an entire generation is struggling with unemployment, despair and a profound sense of uncertainty about its future. Young people are not merely looking for political speeches. They are looking for work. They are looking for dignity. They are looking for reasons to believe that their lives can move beyond inherited conflict and political disappointment. A generation slipping towards drugs, alcohol and hopelessness does not need another spectacle of political confrontation. It needs to be heard. That is why political outreach matters. The Chief Ministers willingness to travel, meet people, engage with representatives across political lines and remain accessible to political opponents may not produce the kind of dramatic headlines that confrontation does. But democracy is often built in precisely these unglamorous spaces. And this is where the PDP deserves to answer some uncomfortable questions of its own. If democratic space is the standard by which Omar Abdullah is to be judged, what standard are we applying to the years when the PDP itself governed Jammu and Kashmir? The BJP did not merely become a political force in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday. Its political presence, particularly in South Kashmir, was part of a larger political transformation. The National Conference resisted that expansion. The PDP, however, eventually entered into an alliance with the BJP and formed a government with it. That was a legitimate political choice. No democracy should deny a political party the right to make alliances. But political choices have consequences, and political history has a memory. One cannot invoke South Kashmir today as a symbol of political authenticity while asking the public to forget the alliances through which the BJP was given political legitimacy and governmental power in the first place. Nor can one describe todays Chief Minister as timid simply because he chooses institutional politics over perpetual confrontation. There is a difference between being weak and refusing to confuse noise with strength. Omar Abdullah inherited a deeply complicated political landscape. He did not inherit a normal state government functioning in normal circumstances. He inherited the consequences of years of institutional disruption, diminished political space and a complicated relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union government. Judging the present without acknowledging that inheritance is not political analysis. It is political amnesia. The PDP, particularly its younger leadership, has every right to challenge the National Conference. In fact, it should. Kashmir needs a serious opposition capable of questioning policy, demanding transparency and offering an alternative political imagination. But opposition cannot survive indefinitely on the politics of accusation. If the charge is that Omar Abdullah lacks courage, then show us the courage that was exercised when it mattered. If the charge is that he does not fight for his people, then explain what fighting for the people means beyond press conferences and provocative formulations. If the argument is about democratic space, then confront the record of every political formation, including your own. And perhaps most importantly, if Kashmirs youth are angry, frustrated and disillusioned, then listen to them without turning their frustration into another political weapon. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have heard enough leaders tell them who is strong and who is weak. They deserve leaders who can demonstrate the difference. A Chief Minister does not have to perform anger to prove that he cares. Sometimes political strength is the ability to keep working when the political environment rewards outrage, to speak across party lines when polarisation is easier, and to remain accountable to people who did not vote for you as much as those who did. That is not a defence of Omar Abdullah beyond criticism. It is precisely the opposite. It is a demand that the criticism of his government be serious enough to matter. Question him. Challenge him. Hold him accountable. But question everyone else too. Because Kashmir does not need a competition over who can sound the most fearless. It needs a politics mature enough to remember its own history, honest enough to confront its own contradictions and courageous enough to listen to a generation that has grown tired of being spoken for. Adv. Shriya Handoo, Research Head & Spokesperson, J&K National Conference (JKNC)

Trump moves toward levying new tariff on China for flooding market with cheap goods

Donald Trump is considering setting the new tariff at 7.5%, according to sources

Trump moves toward levying new tariff on China for flooding market with cheap goods, AP sources say

The devils of Loudun

Jesuit colleges have long been a beacon of humane discipline and structured education, enriching young minds with both classical Latin and contemporary studies. Mothers were drawn to these institutions for their nurturing approach, while scholarly uncles appreciated the emphasis on solid principles and eloquence. Meanwhile, fathers recognized the value in the focus on governance principles and the promising career paths offered to students.

Ethanol is not the whole story behind Indias sugar price surge

Sugar prices have significantly increased due to production shortfalls and rising demand. Government data shows a substantial decline in expected sugar production for the season. International market trends and domestic supply issues also contribute to the current price situation. Ethanol diversion is a factor, but not the sole cause of the sugar price surge. Policymakers are addressing broader supply and inventory concerns with import decisions.

In praise of Jomo, the joy of missing out

Jomo, the joy of missing out, offers a serene alternative to constant engagement. This practice allows individuals to cultivate their networks by strategically declining invitations. It represents an inverted opportunity cost, gaining peace by not spending time poorly. Psychologists view Jomo as mindfulness with a touch of playful defiance. Missing out is presented as the new way of keeping up with modern life.

Agnipath reforms: Why Agniveers need longer service, higher retention and better career prospects

The Agniveer scheme, initiated in 2022, is under scrutiny as discussions continue about its framework. As the government assesses input from various services and state authorities, concerns arise over the four-year service limit, which may hinder soldiers' skill development and team integration. Proposals suggest extending service to eight years to foster better retention and, ultimately, improve the operational effectiveness and morale of the armed forces.

CASO in Sopore; AK-47, grenades, IED recovered

Sopore, Aug 24: Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a joint search operation in Manzseer area of Sopore in North Kashmir on Monday. Senior Police official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the operation was conducted by the SOG Sopore in coordination with 52 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF 177 Battalion and CRPF 179 Battalion, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Tarzoo. During the search, the forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 72 rounds of ammunition, four hand grenades and one improvised explosive device from an abandoned house, the officer added.

Don't tamper with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve's buffer

Assam's reduced eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga National Park poses risks. A smaller zone could isolate the park, harming wildlife movement during monsoon floods. Removing NH-715 from regulation may increase dangerous traffic for animals. This proposal could negatively impact tourism revenues and ecosystem services. An expert committee must assess impacts and consult the public widely.

Few minutes of nothingness

The passage argues that constant multitasking and busyness leave people mentally drained, making them long for holidays to recharge. It suggests a simpler solution: take a five-minute break every day to do absolutely nothing.

Less chips chipping away at AInfra? Nvidias server price hike signals rising costs

Nvidia plans server price increases due to a global chip shortage. This shortage is expected to persist beyond the year 2027. Chipmakers are prioritizing AI-grade chips, impacting consumer electronics production. Rising server costs will increase AI model training and deployment expenses. Businesses face higher capital needs for extensive AI infrastructure development.

Farooq Abdullah asks dissenting Ruhullah to resign, seek fresh mandate

Srinagar, Aug 24: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit back at party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over his recent statements, asking him to resign from the Lok Sabha and return to the electorate if he believes his victory was secured on the strength of his personal support. Reacting to Ruhullahs public positions, Abdullah said the Srinagar MP was free to raise issues such as restoration of Article 370 in Parliament, but questioned his approach to the matter. If he thinks Article 370 can be restored, he should take up the issue in Parliament, Abdullah said. The NC chief also challenged Ruhullah to test his claim of having secured the Lok Sabha mandate through his own political standing. If you think people voted for you, resign and go back to them. We will see how many votes you get, he said. Abdullah said party members were expected to stand by decisions taken by the organisation, particularly during elections, and cited the Budgam poll to underline the importance of party discipline. He said NC workers could not reasonably have been expected to campaign against a candidate officially nominated by the party. On speculation about differences within the NC, Abdullah said disagreements were common in political organisations and should not automatically be construed as a revolt against the leadership. He also maintained that the party and the government have separate roles, saying that as NC president he did not want to unnecessarily interfere in the administration. Abdullah recalled the sacrifices made by generations of NC leaders and workers, saying the organisation had endured because of the commitment of its grassroots cadre. Asked about Ruhullahs political direction, Abdullah advised the MP to seek guidance from the Quran, while reiterating his assessment that he was presently taking the wrong path. (KNS)

Amid rising drowning incidents, Ganderbal admin issues public advisory

Ganderbal, Aug 24: Amid the rising incidents of drowning in Nallah Sindh the Ganderbal administration on Monday issued advisory, urging youth and tourists to exercise extreme caution near fast-flowing water bodies like Nallah Sindh, especially during summer months when water levels and currents remain unpredictable. The district administration issued a public advisory asking people to remain alert. In view of the risks associated with bathing/swimming in Nallah Sindh and other nallahs and water bodies across District Ganderbal, resulting in the loss of precious human lives in the recent past, people living in nearby areas are advised to avoid bathing in the stream and remain extra vigilant. As per the advisory, the parents and guardians are advised strictly prevent children from entering or bathing in Nallah Sindh and other nallahs/water bodies. Keep children under close supervision, particularly during holidays and leisure hours and explain to children the dangers of deep, fast-flowing and unpredictable water bodies. Discourage children from swimming or bathing at unprotected and unsafe locations. Ensure that children do not go near water bodies without responsible adult supervision, reads an advisory.

ISRO, private industry writing India's next space chapter: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi, Aug 24: The BJP on Monday hit back at Congress over its charge that the Modi government is pursuing an aggressive privatisation agenda in the space sector, asserting that the expansion of private participation is enabling ISRO to focus on frontier missions while industry scales up manufacturing and launch capabilities. The remarks came after Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh accused the government of strangulating and emasculating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pursuing an aggressive privatisation agenda for the space programme just as it has for nuclear energy. Ramesh claimed recent reports about ISRO's future role in India's space programme raised legitimate concerns, given the capabilities built by the organisation over six decades. MoS (Space) Jitendra Singh rejected Ramesh's criticism, saying India's space programme is ot being scaled back, but being scaled up, with ISRO focusing increasingly on frontier missions such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, as well as future missions to the Moon, Venus and Mars. Under PM Narendra Modi, India's space sector has taken a global trajectory by expanding from a predominantly government-led programme into a wholesome ecosystem integrating ISRO, industry and space startups. India's space programme is not being scaled back. It is being scaled up, he said in a post on X. At the same time, as India moves towards an ambition of 50 launches a year, industry has to become the manufacturer at scale, while ISRO develops the next generation of technologies and missions. This is the natural evolution of India's space programme, Singh added. He accused Ramesh of unning down Indian achievements and casting doubt on every step forward. Citing the growth of the space sector and the emergence of private players, Singh said the number of foreign satellites launched by ISRO has risen from 35 before 2014 to 430 today, while the number of space startups has grown to around 440 from just a handful in 2014. He cited Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 reaching orbit on July 18 this year as the first privately developed Indian rocket to do so. If India is to build a USD 44-billion space economy, we need many things happening simultaneously: ISRO research in the frontier technologies, private rocket factories, satellite manufacturing facilities, dedicated assembly, integration and testing infrastructure, commercially operated launch facilities, and a much deeper supply chain, Singh said. He noted that Sriharikota will remain at the heart of ISRO's major launch programmes, including PSLV, LVM3 and human spaceflight, while Kulasekarapattinam will add capacity for the growing small-launch sector. That is not ISRO versus industry. The model is ISRO and industry together. Together, they are writing the next chapter of India's space story, Singh said. BJP national spokesperson and national media co-in-charge Pradeep Bhandari also defended the government's space sector reforms, saying the opening up of the sector has enabled private companies and startups to move from being suppliers to developers of rockets, satellites and complete space systems. From a largely government-driven programme to an emerging national space ecosystem. That is not the weakening of ISRO's legacy. It is the expansion of India's space ambition, Bhandari said in a post on X. He said private investment in the sector had risen from USD 100.5 million in 2021-22 to USD 618.5 million by March 2026, while NewSpace India Limited's revenue had increased from Rs 321.77 crore in 2021-22 to around Rs 3,000 crore in 2024-25. Bhandari cited Chandrayaan-3's soft landing near the Moon's south polar region and the development of LVM3 and SSLV as milestones in India's space programme. ISRO gave India a formidable technological foundation over decades. The Modi government's reforms have sought to build on that legacy by enabling ISRO, private industry, startups and investment to grow together, he said. Jairam ji, I understand your frustration with India's remarkable journey in space. But the numbers tell a story that is difficult to ignore, Bhandari said.

Sajad Lone slams CM Omar over his power tariff hike remark, says comparisons were not made during elections

Srinagar, Aug 24: Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Monday slammed chief minister Omar Abdullah over his remark on recent power tariff hike in which the latter stated that he never promised that rates wouldnt increase. Lone highlighted that chief minister didnt make such comparisons during elections when he sought votes from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, chief minister Omar Abdullah while replying to the queries of reporters said that his government had never promised that power rates would not rise. CM Omar reiterated that the governments commitment was to provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households. I repeatedly explained in the Assembly that under the free electricity scheme, we would use solar panels to deliver this benefit to people, he said. Taking on CM Omar heavily for his remarks, MLA Handwara Sajad Lone wrote on X: Power tariffs in J&K cannot be suddenly compared to tariffs in other states at the pleasure of CM sahib. Power tariffs in J&K will be compared with tariffs in J&K in the past. What is this selective comparison. You didnt make these comparisons during elections. And CM sahib has made a statement that he never said that he will not increase tariffs. To rejig CM sahibs memory I am attaching the relevant page from NC election manifesto. The increase of 6.8% translates into an increase of more than 500 crores. This money has to be borne by the consumers. And these unsuspecting consumers were waiting for free 200 units of power per month, as promised by CM sahib in his Partys election manifesto. This is not the first increase. In the non-metered areas, electric load per household was increased, thereby increasing the bill by about 10%. We did not hear a word about tariffs in other states during elections. And all we heard was the free 200 units of power per month. You had promised this free power for all. Once in power you said only AAY ration card holders will get it. That should be 200000 families approximately. CM sahib you have been in power for 22 months. You owe each consumer ( 22*200) 4400 units of power. Thats equal to 11000 rupees. And for 200000 AAY households that is equivalent to 2200000000, which is 2200 crores. CM sahib owes 2200 crores to the people and has the audacity to put a burden of 500 crores. Have some shame. Pay up. These are the poorest of the poor souls in J&K. You lied to them through your teeth. And on the basis of those lies rode to power.

NSA Doval arrives in Beijing for talks with Chinese FM Wang Yi on boundary issue

Beijing, Aug 24: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived here on Monday for a two-day visit to take part in the Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary question with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The talks scheduled to be held here on Tuesday assume significance as they come amid uncertainties over Chinese President Xi Jinpings much-anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit on September 12-13. They also come at a time when differences over the border and Arunachal Pradesh continue to figure prominently in India-China bilateral ties. The ties between New Delhi and Beijing came under severe strain after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh. But both sides have since taken steps to stabilise relations. Announcing the Special Representatives (SR) talks at a media briefing here on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Doval and Wang will have an in-depth discussion on the boundary question as well as other bilateral, regional and international relations. The China-India SR talks are the main channel for negotiations between the two countries on the boundary issue, said Lin, adding that it is also an important platform for communication between the two sides on issues of mutual interest. In August last year, China and India successfully held the 24th round of talks, during which the two sides had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on the boundary question and reached a number of common understandings, he said. During this round of talks, which will be the 25th round, the two sides will continue the in-depth communication on the boundary question in the spirit of the common understandings between leaders of the two countries to jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil, he said. The two sides will also exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues, Lin said. Both Doval and Wang are the designated SRs for the boundary talks mechanism, which was established in 2003 to comprehensively address the dispute of the India-China border spanning 3,488 km. While success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard the structured mechanism as a useful tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries on various fronts. Besides attending the SR talks, Doval will call on China's Vice President Han Zheng, the External Affairs Ministry said in a press release on the NSA's visit. Lin, on Monday, skirted questions about Xis much-anticipated visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit next month. While there is no official confirmation about Xi's visit yet, officials on both sides are optimistic about the Chinese leader's participation, which could provide an opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit to discuss initiatives to take forward bilateral ties. Modi and Xi last met in August 2025 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. Ahead of Doval-Wang talks in Beijing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated that peace and tranquillity along the border areas are a prerequisite for good relations with China. His comments came amid reports of aggressive posturing by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri region in recent weeks. I think we went through a particularly bad patch between the summer of 2020 and the autumn of 2024, and that was primarily an outcome of the situation in the border areas, Jaishankar said at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in New Delhi. On the reports of stepped-up Chinese military activity near the Arunachal Pradesh border, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on August 12 that the China-India border situation is generally stable at the moment. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on August 11 said that India considers matters relating to border areas with China as most serious and asserted that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control is of utmost importance, as the state of the frontier will govern the overall trajectory of bilateral ties. Earlier, New Delhi also trashed Beijing's criticism of its decision to formally identify 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names, emphasising that the state is an inalienable and integral part of India and nothing can change this indisputable reality. China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet, has been releasing its set of names for the region since 2017. India termed the Chinese move as vain and preposterous, asserting that such actions will not alter the undeniable reality that the state was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India.

NC leader booked over alleged provocative remarks against BJP in Ladakh

Leh, Aug 24: Police have registered an FIR against a senior National Conference (NC) leader over his alleged derogatory and provocative remarks against the BJP in Drass district of Ladakh a few days ago, officials said on Monday. The complainant, BJP district president, Drass Fayaz Ahmed Qari, alleged that NC territorial vice president Ghulam Rasool Nagvi described the BJP as a eligion and referred to its workers as Yazidi qaum during the August 21 press conference. The complaint alleged that the remarks were provocative and could create communal tension and disturb public peace and law and order in Ladakh, officials said. Yazidi refers to Yazid ibn Muawiya, the ruler who killed Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at Karbala in 680 CE. He is known as an oppressor. They said the complainant also submitted video clips of the press conference as supporting material and sought investigation and legal action against the accused. Officials said the case has been taken up for investigation. According to the FIR registered at Police Station Drass, the case was registered on August 22 under Sections 196, 352, 353 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which are invoked for hate speech, public provocation, and malicious insults to religion.

PDPs Para demands immediate rollback of revised power tariff, dubs it anti-poor

Srinagar, Aug 24: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Monday criticised the government over burdening people with more tariffs and taxes; and demanded immediate rollback of revised power tariff. Terming the recent power tariff hike anti-people and anti-poor, PDP leader advised government to step out of its lavish corridors and face the harsh ground reality of Kashmir. In a post on X, Para said: J&K government needs to step out of its lavish corridors and face the harsh ground reality of Kashmir before burdening people with more tariffs and taxes. The 6.8% hike in electricity tariff is outright anti-people and anti-poor. It must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. He said: At a time when jobs are vanishing, businesses are on the verge of collapse, economic distress & youth anxiety is at its peak, Kashmir cannot bear any more taxes. You cannot tax people when you have completely failed to empower, socially and financially. Instead of providing relief, you hike electricity tariff by 6.8%? This is not governance, this is open punishment of the poor.

6.83% Electricity Tariff Hike Is No Big Durden, Says Former Advisor Khursheed Ganai | Interview

Three fugitives linked to Bambiha Gang deported from Malaysia: Amit Shah

New Delhi, Aug 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said three fugitive gangsters linked to the Bambiha Gang, wanted for multiple crimes including cross-border arms and narco-trafficking, have been deported from Malaysia. Indian agencies have facilitated the deportation of 51 hardened criminals in 2026 alone. In a message on 'X', his office posted, Indian agencies got three absconding Indian gangsters apprehended in Malaysia, deported them to India, and sent them to police custody. The fugitives, namely Jaspreet Singh, Ajay Singh and Pawandeep Singh, are linked to the Bambiha Gang and are accused of multiple crimes, including extortion, cross-border arms and narco-trafficking, and a foiled grenade attack in Ludhiana, it said. Under Modi Ji's vision of a safe and secure India, our agencies have facilitated the deportation of 51 hardened criminals in 2026 alone, it said.

'We are not celebrating the power tariff hike; it was a compulsion: Omar Abdullah

On criticism from opposition parties over the increase in electricity tariffs, Abdullah said his government had never promised that power rates would not rise. He reiterated that the governments commitment was to provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households. I repeatedly explained in the Assembly that under the free electricity scheme, we would use solar panels to deliver this benefit to people, he said. Abdullah argued that the tariff increase was separate from the free-power scheme and said the government had raised rates by only 6 per cent after four years. We are not celebrating the increase in electricity rates. It was a compulsion for us, he said, adding that lower power-sector losses would reduce the need for such measures in the future.

No significant weather activity till Aug-end; hot, humid conditions likely in Sep: MeT

Srinagar, Aug 24: No significant weather activity has been forcast for Jammu and Kashmir till the end of this month except for a few brief showers during 29-31 Aug at scattered place. However, the first week of the next month will likely be hot and humid across the union territory, Meterological Centre Srinagar said in a forcast on Monday. According to the weather forcast, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid between August 14 to 28 with a spell of rain accopanied by thundershower at scattered places towards early morning & afternoon hours. During August 29 to 31, J&K will continue to experience similar weather conditions up until the last day of August, with brief and intense spells of rain and thundershowers at many places towards early morning and afternoon hours. Moving towards the next month, the weather wsill continue the trend, remaining generally hot and humid along with spells of rain/thunderstorm towards early morning and afternoon hours at scattered places during September 1 to 5. In its advisory issued today, Meterological Centre Srinagar advised farmers are to continue with harvesting & other farming operations.

Air India flight from Delhi suffers bird hit at Patna airport, passengers safe

The Delhi-Patna flight, with 164 passengers on board, was about to land when the incident took place at 7:44 am

EOW Kashmir arrests accused in Rs 2 crore investment fraud case in Bengaluru

Srinagar, Aug 24: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has arrested a man accused of allegedly cheating several people of around Rs 2 crore through a fraudulent investment scheme, officials said today. The accused, identified as Junaid Ul Islam, son of Nazir Ahmad Baba, a resident of Alamdar Colony, Phase 1, Charar-e-Sharief, Budgam, was arrested from Mangammanapalya in Bengaluru, they said. The arrest was carried out in compliance with the orders of the Court of the 4th Additional Munsiff Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, which had issued a warrant against him. Junaid was wanted in FIR No. 07/2025, registered under Section 420 of the RPC at Police Station EOW Kashmir, and had allegedly been evading arrest for nearly a year. According to the EOW, the case was registered following a preliminary inquiry that prima facie substantiated allegations of cheating and financial fraud against the accused. The investigation found that the accused allegedly collected approximately Rs 2 crore from several individuals, posing as an investor associated with an e-commerce company and promising monthly returns of 10 per cent. The money was allegedly collected through multiple bank accounts. However, after receiving the funds, the accused allegedly failed to honour his commitments and subsequently became unresponsive to the investors. The EOW said the investigation prima facie established that the accused had dishonestly obtained substantial amounts by promising unusually high returns, thereby disclosing the commission of an offence punishable under Section 420 RPC/IPC. Further investigation in the case is underway. The EOW has also urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent investment schemes offering unusually high or guaranteed returns.

Iran's rial currency hits new record low as US prepares to announce more sanctions

Dubai, Aug 24: Iran's currency hit a new record low Monday, with the rial dropping to 2.02 million to the US dollar as markets opened, as the economy has been battered by ongoing sanctions and an American naval blockade. The drop on Iran's informal currency markets came as Washington prepared to announce even more extensive sanctions that it said would be an economic D-Day and would add further pressure. The currency had already been under pressure before the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, amid double-digit inflation and negative growth but has been hitting new record lows as nearly six months of war have taken an even greater toll.

PDP stages protest in Srinagar against electricity tariff hike

J&K Apni Party leaders, Workers Protest Against Electricity Tariff Hike in Srinagar

Three families evacuated after land subsidence, cracks in houses in J-K's Ramban

Ramban, Aug 24: Three families comprising 10 members were evacuated as a precautionary measure after land subsidence and cracks in residential houses were reported in a village in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The land subsidence at Kulthi Chakka Kundi in Tehsil Rajgarh, along the banks of the Chenab River, triggered panic among the local villagers, particularly in the wake of recent heavy rains that have affected several areas of the district, they said. Administrative, revenue and rescue teams rushed to the affected area and shifted the affected families to safer locations. Tehsildar Rajgarh Major Singh said one non-residential structure belonging to Bhagat Ram was washed away, while cracks had developed in the residential houses of Chaat Ram, Chaman Lal and Bhushan Lal due to land subsidence over the past couple of days. Singh said he visited the affected area along with an State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team and shifted the affected families. They were provided tents for temporary accommodation. The Naib Tehsildar and other officials are stationed in the village and are closely monitoring the situation, he said. Locals, however, reported cracks and damage to several other houses, including those belonging to Dev Raj, Hari Ram, Santosh Singh, Fallal Singh and Shashram. BJP Ramban district president Neelam Kumar Lange also visited the affected area and demanded compensation and rehabilitation for the affected families. He also expressed concern over the absence of any minister or MLA from the National Conference-led government at the site, alleging that no minister or MLA had visited the affected area to assess the situation. Local residents apprehended that recent water releases from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project following heavy rains may have contributed to ground instability. However, officials said the exact cause of the land subsidence and cracks is yet to be established. One person, along with a sand-extraction boat, who was swept away by strong currents in the Chenab River near Pul Doda in Doda district Monday morning was also rescued by the SDRF. The rescued person, a non-local worker employed as an operator of the sand-extraction machine, was engaged by a private company that had been awarded the contract for sand extraction in the area, officials said. They said efforts are currently underway to retrieve the machinery from the river.

Fake airline job racket busted in Delhi, six arrested

New Delhi, Aug 24: Delhi Police has busted a fake airline job racket with the arrest of six people, an official said on Monday. The accused were involved in allegedly duping job seekers on the pretext of providing them employment in airlines, he said, adding that the police are probing the network and the extent of the fraud. Further details will be shared in a press conference awaited.

Imran Khan's party demands immediate cardiac care for him at Shifa International Hospital

Islamabad, Aug 24: Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's party has condemned what it called the continued failure of authorities at a state-run hospital after the CT Coronary Angiography (CTA) was not conducted on him despite cardiologists complaining about potential risks of cardiac complications. In a statement on Sunday, Central Secretary Information of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sheikh Waqas Akram, said the authorities had failed to provide 73-year-old Khan with a medically recommended diagnostic test despite the availability of a functional CT scanner at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Dawn newspaper reported. Khan was taken to PIMS on Friday for an eye procedure and other diagnostic examinations. Doctors reportedly recommended a CTA of the heart, but hospital officials said the required facility was unavailable. He was subsequently returned to Adiala jail without undergoing the test. The party condemned what it called the continued failure of authorities and demanded that the test should be immediately conducted at Shifa International Hospital. ...This cannot be dismissed as an isolated administrative lapse; it reflects a deeply troubling pattern, Akram said. He said the required specialist facilities were available at Shifa International Hospital. Akram also referred to a Supreme Court order concerning Khan's comprehensive medical examination and treatment at Shifa International Hospital, alleging that authorities had bypassed the directive and instead transferred him to a facility where the CT angiography was not performed. When the necessary facilities were available at Shifa International, deliberately taking Khan to a hospital unable or unwilling to perform the procedure raises a grave question: was the decision made in advance to prevent the CT Coronary Angiography from being conducted? he asked. Akram said a government medical board had examined Khan on August 10 following complaints of heart palpitations and severe headaches. He said a cardiologist at PIMS had already recommended the CTA on August 1 due to fluctuating blood pressure, restlessness and potential risks of cardiac complications, given Khans age and prolonged isolation. Taking notice of the reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday formed an inquiry committee, headed by the establishment division secretary, to establish facts and fix responsibility. On Sunday, Akram reiterated the party's demand to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad without any delay which the Supreme Court had also directed on August 18. Even the governments own doctors considered this diagnostic test necessary, Akram stated. He said these reports had intensified concerns regarding repeated delays and apparent negligence in providing Imran Khan with timely and appropriate medical care. Akram rejected the governments assertions that Khan had been receiving adequate medical care. Regarding the prime ministers decision to constitute an inquiry committee following reports of the failure to conduct Imrans CTA, he said the move raised serious questions as to why the medically recommended test was not conducted in the first instance. Why coordination between the cardiology and radiology departments had failed, and why Imran Khan was not taken to Shifa International despite the availability of the required facilities there. Akram also called for the prompt disclosure of his (Khans) complete medical records, reports and diagnostic results to his family, personal doctors and legal team. Imran Khans heart health cannot be subjected to political calculations, administrative excuses or further delay, Akram declared. Political victimisation must never be permitted to endanger a human life through the denial or postponement of essential medical care. The decision to take him to a facility where the required test was not conducted, despite the availability of the necessary facilities at Shifa International, has created serious concerns that the procedure was intentionally prevented, he alleged. The government and all relevant authorities will bear full responsibility for any further deterioration in his condition, Akram warned. Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, in a corruption case and has remained in custody since then. He has been lodged in Adiala Jail, a detention facility on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. The PTI founder's relatives and supporters have repeatedly alleged human rights violations, and accused the authorities of restricting his access to adequate medical care, family visits and legal counsel.

Body of 11-year-old retrieved from Nallah Sindh in Ganderbal after two-day search

Kangan, Aug 24: The body of an 11- year-old boy was retrieved from Nallah Sindh in Ganderbal following an intensive two-day joint search and rescue operation. The deceased has been identified as Mohsin Ahmad a resident of Bamloora area of Ganderbal. The incident occurred when Mohsin reportedly slipped and was swept away by fast-flowing currents while taking a bath in Nallah Sindh near Qamaria park Ganderbal on Sunday. Alarmed onlookers immediately alerted local authorities after he failed to surface. Personnel from the Ganderbal Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units from Ganderbal and Gund, Army , F&ES and local residents immediately mobilized a multi-agency search effort downstream. The search operation continued for 2nd day today and the body has been retrieved from water. Officials said after necessary medico-legal formalities the body will be handed over to the family for last rites. Local police have registered a case regarding the incident. Local administration officials have issued repeated advisories urging youth and tourists to exercise extreme caution near fast-flowing water bodies like Nallah Sindh, especially during summer months when water levels and currents remain unpredictable.

From lungs to brain: Delhis pollution may have a deeper health cost

New Delhi, Aug 22: For Delhiites, the health cost of breathing polluted air may go beyond coughing, breathlessness and heart problems, with a Delhi University review suggesting that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could also affect the brain. Studies reviewed by DU professors have linked long-term exposure to particulate matter with changes in brain structure, memory, attention and other cognitive functions. Researchers said PM2.5 can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, affect the energy-producing system of brain cells and interfere with the blood-brain barrier, which normally protects the brain from harmful substances. Some of the smallest particles may also reach the central nervous system through the nose and the olfactory pathway, the review said. The review, conducted by DU professors from the Department of Environmental Studies, examined 129 peer-reviewed articles on the neurological effects of particulate matter and found growing evidence linking long-term exposure to PM2.5 with cognitive impairment and structural and functional changes in the brain. Air pollution is no longer only a lung and heart problem; it is increasingly a brain-health problem. Research now links long-term particulate-matter exposure with cognitive decline, impaired neurodevelopment and biological processes associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, Vandana Mishra, one of the researchers associated with the study, said. Mishra added that fine particulate matter has even been seen to breach the blood-brain barrier, a dangerous side effect of pollution. One key concern highlighted in the review is that prolonged exposure to air pollution has been associated with changes in the physical structure of the brain. A growing body of evidence strongly demonstrates that chronic exposure to ambient air pollution, particularly PM, leads to region-specific structural and functional alterations in the human brain, spanning across developmental and ageing stages, the study says. Neuroimaging and other studies have reported reductions in brain volume and cortical thickness, particularly in areas such as the frontal and temporal lobes that are involved in cognition. These structural changes have been associated with problems in memory, attention and executive functions such as planning and decision-making, the study adds. The review also cites evidence of changes in the hippocampus, a region important for memory, as well as disruption in connections between different areas of the brain. In older adults, long-term exposure has been associated with reduced brain volume and impaired hippocampal function. At the same time, changes in the prefrontal cortex and increased white-matter abnormalities have also been reported. The researchers caution that such findings should not be interpreted as proof that air pollution alone causes neurological diseases. Much of the existing evidence concerns structural and cognitive changes rather than confirmed cases of diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. The findings also raise particular concerns for children and young people because their brains are still developing. The review cites studies reporting reduced grey and white matter volumes in children exposed to air pollution, along with possible effects on IQ, attention and behavioural regulation. Research on prenatal and early-life exposure has also linked pollution exposure with impaired cognitive development and lower intelligence scores in children. The review notes that early-life exposure can affect biological pathways involved in brain development and synaptic plasticity, the process through which connections between brain cells are formed and strengthened. The concern is not limited to children. The review cites evidence of subclinical neurodegenerative changes in otherwise healthy young adults, suggesting that prolonged pollution exposure could potentially contribute to premature ageing of the brain. According to the review, several processes may work together to cause the neurological effects. PM2.5 exposure can activate microglia, the brain's immune cells, leading to inflammation. Persistent inflammation can affect nerve cells and their connections. Pollution can also cause oxidative stress, damaging proteins, fats and DNA, while affecting mitochondria, which provide energy to cells. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex may be particularly vulnerable because they have high energy requirements and play important roles in memory, learning and decision-making. The review also highlights the role of metals and other toxic substances carried by particulate matter. These can interfere with communication between nerve cells and affect white matter development, particularly in the developing brain. For Delhi, where exposure to particulate pollution can be a recurring part of daily life, the research adds another dimension to the city's air pollution problem, suggesting that the impact of polluted air may not always be immediately visible and could extend to the brain over prolonged exposure.

We are watching your every move: Fresh threat letter targets Kashmiri Pandit families

Srinagar, Aug 24: A fresh threat letter purportedly targeting Kashmiri Pandit families has raised security concerns, with the communication naming individuals, listing personal details and warning those associated with the return and rehabilitation of displaced families in Jammu and Kashmir. The contents of the letter suggest an attempt to intimidate families who have rebuilt their lives outside the Valley, reported News 18. Personal details published in threat What has particularly alarmed security circles is the alleged inclusion of names and specific addresses of individuals in the communication. The disclosure of such details has raised concerns that the message may be intended as a targeted threat rather than a generic warning. The letter reportedly describes some Kashmiri Pandits as pawns, traitors and white-collar terrorists, while accusing them of working for political interests in Delhi. It also warns individuals allegedly involved in efforts to advance the RSSs ideological agenda in Jammu and Kashmir. The communication further warns those facilitating the return or rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. We are watching your every move, the letter reportedly states, followed by a warning that calamity strikes when it must. The letter reportedly claims that Kashmiri Pandits who remained in the Valley and did not avail themselves of earlier government rehabilitation schemes are safe. It simultaneously threatens those involved in efforts to facilitate the return of displaced families. Security agencies examining letter The emergence of the letter has also drawn attention to references to groups such as the United Liberation Council. Security agencies are examining whether such names are being used by militant networks or their affiliates to issue threats while attempting to project the communications as coming from local organisations, reported News 18. Security agencies are examining the authenticity and provenance of the communication, as well as the identities of those responsible for issuing the threats.

Iran official says support for new sanctions would be 'act of war,' other Middle East news

Dubai, Aug 24: The new head of Iran's top security body warned Sunday that Tehran will see any country's support for new US economic measures against the Islamic Republic as an act of war, while Iran's president defended an MoU with the US. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday is expected to announce the new measures after the US vowed to impose an unprecedented level of economic warfare and isolation on a country that has lived for decades under sanctions. Also Monday, Pakistan's army chief is expected to visit Iran as mediators try to revive talks. Meanwhile, attacks calmed on the Strait of Hormuz, but posturing did not, as a recently created Iranian authority listed dozens of vessels it said will face restrictions on future transits. Here's a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Sunday. Full coverage can be found here. Iran's security chief sharpens warning to neighbours. The hard-line leader of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, issued his latest warning on X, with the comments quickly shared by Iranian state media. It came a day after Rezaei's most extensive public comments since being named to the post this month. If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner, he had told the state broadcaster in an interview that aired late Saturday. He said Iran would target other oil-shipping routes from the Persian Gulf alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. Rezaei, a former Revolutionary Guard commander and military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was part of senior appointments widely seen as hardening Tehran's political and military stance. Iranian president wants to move past neither war nor peace' Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier Sunday said the memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June was the best way to move beyond a situation of neither war nor peace, adding that Tehran can't attract investment nearly six months after the war began. There is not a single provision in this agreement that amounts to capitulation, Pezeshkian said in a speech published by state-run IRNA. The supreme leader sets the policies, and we will follow that path. The interim deal opened a 60-day period for talks aimed at ending the war and reaching an accord on Iran's nuclear program. That period ended last week with no signs of compromise or extension. No attacks confirmed on the strait, but new restrictions There were no confirmed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 48 hours, a multinational coalition overseen by the US Navy said Sunday, with shipping traffic still at reduced levels. The US military said its blockade of Iranian ports had redirected 70 commercial ships and disabled three as of Sunday. Iran's recently created Persian Gulf Strait Authority, sanctioned by the US, published a list of dozens of ships it said had violated arrangements for transiting the strait and would face future restrictions like fines or seizures. The strait had been considered an international waterway before the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran and Oman, on the strait's other side, are now discussing management of it, which likely will include ships paying fees. Pakistan's army chief will visit Tehran Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir will lead a delegation to Tehran on Monday, Iranian state television reported, citing Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei. Two regional officials said the visit was part of Islamabad's efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran and urge them to return to the negotiating table. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. Iran executes man arrested during January protests The Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency reported the latest execution connected to nationwide protests early this year, saying Majid Adineh was arrested January 9 in Mohammadshahr, west of Tehran. The judiciary said forensic examinations indicated the handgun found on him had been fired on January 8-9. Mizan said Adineh had joined the unrest following calls by groups opposed to Iran's government and alleged that he had received training from groups outside the country. He was convicted under Iran's law imposing harsher penalties for espionage and cooperation with hostile states. Israeli settler arrested in beating of Palestinian amputee Police arrested a 16-year-old boy from the Israeli settlement of Avigayil in the beating of a 61-year-old Palestinian, Saeed Muhammad Ibrahim Rabah, outside his home in the occupied West Bank, a year after he lost a leg after being shot by a settler. Rabah told The Associated Press that the violence at his home in Khirbet al-Rakeez on Saturday was an effort to make families leave, but we will remain, no matter what happens. Separately, the West Bank Health Ministry said a 14-year-old in the Askar refugee camp in Nablus was shot dead by Israeli forces, who did not immediately comment. The uncle of Islam Maher Ajouri, Nehad Ajouri, called the shooting indiscriminate. And Israel's military said it detained a suspect in a stabbing attack that wounded a 24-year-old Israeli man in the area of al-Auja in the West Bank. Israel's emergency services said the man was in moderate condition. Airstrike in Gaza kills a four-year-old child Four-year-old Mohammed Taha died after an Israeli airstrike hit a central Gaza house on Sunday and wounded at least five others, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the casualties. Israel's military later said it struck and killed a Hamas commander in central Gaza. The hospital confirmed that the man named Ismail Abu Ful was killed. An Israeli strike in southern Gaza wounded at least seven people, including three children, according to health officials at Nasser Hospital. The military did not immediately comment. And Defence Minister Israel Katz in a statement said he instructed the military to act immediately and forcefully to prevent launches of balloons, kites or drones from Gaza toward nearby Israeli communities. Before the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants on Israel when 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage burning kites and balloons were sent from Gaza into southern Israel, causing fires and other damage. Hamas, in a statement Sunday, accused Israel of using children's toys as a pretext for attacks and further displacement of Gaza residents.

NSA Doval to visit China today to attend Special Representatives talks with FM Wang

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Monday to take part in the India-China Special Representatives (SR) talks on the boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Doval and Wang are scheduled to hold the 25th round of SR talks on Tuesday, according to official sources. Both Doval and Wang are the designated SRs for the boundary talks mechanism, which was established in 2003 to comprehensively address the vexed boundary dispute of the India-China border spanning 3,488 km. While success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard the structured mechanism as a useful tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries on various fronts. The upcoming talks assume significance as they are being held ahead of the much-anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. While there is no official confirmation about Xis visit, officials on both sides are optimistic about the Chinese leaders participation, which could provide an opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit to discuss initiatives to take forward bilateral ties. The two leaders met in August last year on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. Ahead of Doval-Wang talks in Beijing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated that peace and tranquillity along the border areas are prerequisite for good relations with China. His comments came amid reports of aggressive posturing by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri region in recent weeks. I think we went through a particularly bad patch between the summer of 2020 and the autumn of 2024, and that was primarily an outcome of the situation in the border areas, Jaishankar said at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in New Delhi on Saturday. At the end of the day, peace and tranquillity in the border areas is a prerequisite for good relations, and the state of the border, to a very large measure, naturally would determine the state of the relations, he said. On the reports of stepped-up Chinese military activity near the Arunachal Pradesh border, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on August 12 that the China-India border situation is generally stable at the moment. China and India held the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs, Guo said. The two sides agreed to maintain communication via diplomatic and military channels and jointly uphold peace and tranquility in the border areas, he said. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on August 11 said that India considers matters relating to border areas with China as most serious and asserted that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is of utmost importance, as the state of the frontier will govern the overall trajectory of bilateral ties. Earlier, New Delhi also trashed Beijing's criticism of its decision to formally identify 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names, emphasising that the state is an inalienable and integral part of India and nothing can change this indisputable reality. China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet, has been releasing its set of names for the region since 2017. India termed the Chinese move as vain and preposterous, asserting that such actions will not alter the undeniable reality that the state was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India.

PHDCCI Kashmir appoints Hardeep Singh Dutta as Baramulla district convenor

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir, has appointed Hardeep Singh Dutta as its District Convenor for Baramulla as part of its efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence and expand its engagement with the business community across the Kashmir Valley. The appointment was announced by PHDCCI Kashmir Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw in the presence of Co-Chair Javaid Anim. In his new role, Dutta will lead the Chambers outreach and membership initiatives in Baramulla and facilitate greater engagement with entrepreneurs, traders and industrialists in the district. He will also work towards connecting the local business community with PHDCCIs resources, networking opportunities and policy advocacy platforms. Speaking on the occasion, PHDCCI Kashmir Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw said the appointment of district convenors was an important step towards ensuring that the Chambers activities and services reach businesses across the region. PHDCCI will extend its reach to all districts of the Kashmir region with the appointment of convenors. We are dedicated to working for the economic development of all districts, ensuring inclusive opportunities for everyone, Shaw said. The Chamber said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen the regional business ecosystem, support local industries, facilitate investment and promote inclusive economic development across Jammu and Kashmir.

Economy needs support, not more burden: KCCI

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed serious concern and strong resentment over the recently announced 6.83 per cent hike in power tariffs by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), terming the decision insensitive and ill-timed given the prevailing economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, the Chamber said the economy of Jammu and Kashmir is already passing through a challenging phase, with businesses across sectors facing weak demand, rising operational costs and an uncertain economic environment. At a time when households, businesses and industry require relief and support for economic recovery, increasing electricity tariffs would impose an additional financial burden on consumers and enterprises, KCCI said. The Chamber observed that the global business environment is also fragile, with geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in West Asia having adversely affected economies, trade and household incomes. The resultant uncertainty has affected consumer spending and business confidence, making it imperative for governments to adopt measures that reduce costs and encourage economic activity rather than add to the existing burden. KCCI said Jammu and Kashmir's economy is particularly vulnerable because several key sectors are already under stress. Industry is facing unprecedented downturn ; Tourism, which remains a major contributor to the local economy, is facing challenges; handicrafts and exports have witnessed a decline; retail trade is under pressure; and the horticulture sector is also confronting serious difficulties. The Chamber said the tariff hike would compound these problems by increasing the cost of operations across sectors. It said the impact of higher electricity tariffs would not be limited to power bills. For industries, commercial establishments, workshops, hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses, electricity is an essential operating input. Any increase in its cost directly raises operational and production expenses and can ultimately result in higher prices for goods and services. This, in turn, could have a cascading effect on the entire economy. The Chamber also expressed concern over the implications of the hike for households, saying reduced disposable income could further affect consumer demand at a time when retail and other consumer-facing businesses are already struggling to maintain activity. KCCI recalled that it had participated in the previous JERC public stakeholders' consultation and had submitted its objections in writing against the proposed tariff hike. The Chamber said it had clearly conveyed that the prevailing economic circumstances did not warrant any additional burden on consumers and businesses. KCCI further noted that the JERC public hearing this time on the tariff revision was not adequately publicised, leaving consumers and stakeholders largely unaware of the opportunity to put forth their objections and concerns. The Chamber further recalled that during the period when the tariff proposal was under consideration, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had given assurance that the government would not go for a power tariff hike. KCCI said the subsequent imposition of the increase has therefore come as a matter of serious concern, particularly when the economic situation remains fragile. KCCI stressed that its opposition is rooted in the broader economic consequences of the decision. Higher electricity costs would particularly affect small businesses and MSMEs, which often operate on narrow margins and have limited capacity to absorb additional recurring expenses. The increase could affect profitability, employment, investment and expansion plans. The Chamber said the government should focus on reducing the cost of doing business and creating conditions conducive to investment and economic revival. It maintained that while the financial sustainability of the power sector is important, tariff decisions must also take into account the paying capacity of consumers and the overall health of the economy. KCCI has demanded that the 6.83 per cent power tariff hike be rolled back immediately and kept in abeyance until the economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir improves. The Chamber urged the government and concerned authorities to reconsider the decision in the larger public and economic interest and provide relief to households, traders, industries and other economic stakeholders rather than adding to their existing burden.

AI can accelerate business, but can't replace human judgment: Manoj Sinha

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha graced the valedictory function of the Induction & Orientation Programme at IIM Rohtak and addressed the 8th batch of the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) and the 6th batch of the Integrated Programme in Law (IPL). The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the institutes pioneering initiatives in sports management, its commitment to gender diversity, 100% placements, and outreach programmes such as skill development for the daughters of UT of Jammu Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that induction today is not merely about career opportunities or institutional brand value. In a rapidly transforming world, students must understand that the environment they prepare for will change dramatically by the time they graduate. He noted that technological progress is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, making lifelong learning essential to adapt to the evolving landscape. I want the spirit of adapting to change and working constructively to take deep root in your minds. Remember, the most important question in life is never What do I do? The real question is: What do I know so well that, despite all challenges and changing circumstances, I can re-establish myself fully in the market? The truth is that the ground beneath our feet is changing, right now, far faster than ever before, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted that artificial intelligence will soon become as ubiquitous as Excel in management, just like an invisible, powerful infrastructure rather than a subject of study. Yet, he stressed that leadership, trust, and decision-making remain fundamentally human responsibilities. No technology can answer what should be created, what should be trusted, or how people should be led. AI tools can accelerate the speed of the business-management processes, but they cannot change the fundamental nature of decision-making, he said. For law students, the Lieutenant Governor underlined that while AI can draft contracts, it cannot interpret human intent or deliver justice with empathy. The legal systems enduring role lies in accountability and fairness. He said these are the qualities machines cannot replicate. The Lieutenant Governor commended the IPM students for their farsighted choice to study management and leadership at a young age, urging them to treat their years at IIM Rohtak not merely as a degree pursuit but as a journey of self-discovery. He said the students of the Integrated Programme in Law are also entering a profession that has played a highly distinctive role for centuries. He encouraged all students to ask questions, engage in respectful disagreements, and explore diverse fields beyond the curriculum. New ideas develop through meaningful dialogue and healthy differences of opinion. Do not limit yourselves to the curriculum, because studying diverse fields will broaden your vision. In the coming years, you will not only acquire knowledge, but also discover yourselves. You will enjoy successes and face challenges; at times you will be proud of your decisions, and at times you will learn from them. These very experiences will make you not only better business leaders, but also better human beings, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that while no one can predict the world of tomorrow, wisdom, moral courage, and values will remain the greatest support of students. He urged them to sharpen curiosity, strengthen character and commit to contributing positively to society and the nation.

At 80, Kashmir couple refuses to let pottery die

For Muhammad Ramzan Kumar and his wife, both in their 80s, a clay pot still finds its way out of a small workshop in Baramulla district. While the clay wheel has outlasted markets, modernisation has taken over houses, Kumar and his wife are carrying forward the age-old tradition. For decades together, Muhammad Ramzan Kumar, a resident of Wagoora village, moulded clay with his hands while his wife walked almost every street and village not only for the survival but to keep the tradition alive. At times, we receive the payments after months. But we still keep moulding it to build the trust and keep surviving on it, Kumar said. For Kumar, it is not mere a source of livelihood but a promise the couple has made to each other to keep the craft alive that once echoed through every household in Kashmir. This craft is fighting for its breath, but we both are determined for its survival till our last breath, he added. For Muhammad Ramzan Kumar, clay pottery is a legacy even if people have got used to modern stainless steel or plastic. Pottery has its connection with every Kashmiri family irrespective of its space on the shelf in a kitchen, he said. The couple have been in the trade since they married. He recalled the time when pottery was at its peak and when earthenware was treated as essential, especially tumaknari, the ceremonial pots used in Kashmiri weddings. I make the pots. My wife sells them. It is not only about earning money but to keep it alive as it was given to us by our ancestors, Kumar said. His wife, who has undergone two surgeries over the years, still helps her husband in shaping the clay. Since my marriage, I have been doing this. I go from village to village every day, she said. Amid the struggle to keep the tradition alive, Kumar, however, is convinced that the business is shrinking and sinking with each passing day. Very few families are left in the trade. Most of the people have stopped practising it and are trying their luck in other ventures, he added. He said demand for pottery was less because people have become modernised. But my wife and I are undeterred. At this age, I feel proud that I have contributed something to our traditional culture, he said. Our elders and people of my age have emotions connected to it. These days we see people holding programmes highlighting Kashmiri culture but those lectures remain confined to only four walls, he added. While the tradition is fading but the couple in this village at times brings back childhood memories to many households. My grandmother used to cook and eat on earthen pots. Those days the food would taste altogether different, said Suhail Khan, a resident. Muhammad Junaid, a resident of a nearby village, while purchasing a small handi said the culture was slipping away. When I see him (Ramzan uncle) still working at this age, I feel a sense of loss. We are watching our culture slipping away, he added.

Best of BS Opinion: Power without guardrails becomes a risk

Power needs limits, markets need protection, development needs ecological restraint, capital narratives need scrutiny, and technology needs human oversight

The long and not the short of it

Weddings and cinema now feature extended durations, surprising many guests and viewers. Music also embraces longer tracks, rejecting shorter radio edits for full experiences. This preference for unabridged content reflects a desire for authenticity and status. The long way around has become the fashionable route in modern society. The uncut experience is now considered chic over efficient abridged versions.

How Indias consumers are reshaping the future of food and business

India is a fast-growing consumer market and a source of innovation. Its food processing sector connects farmers with consumers seeking quality and convenience. Young consumers expect speed, transparency, and authenticity from brands. Technology accelerates innovation, enabling faster responses to local needs. Companies succeeding will be responsive, responsible, and human-centric.

Landslide at landfill in capital of Guinea kills 30 people, officials say

Conakry (Guinea), Aug 23: Amountainous heap of refuse collapsed at the largest landfill in Guinea's capital Conakry early Sunday killing 30 people, according to an updated toll released by the central government. Authorities said heavy rains, which started at around 2 am washed over the refuse at Dar Es Salam, triggering a landslide that buried nearby shacks. A search and rescue operation was underway to find survivors. Six people were seriously injured and several homes were destroyed. The site, an open-air waste dump, which is the largest in the city, had been designated for closure on Sunday, according to Lt. Col. Bald Mamadou Bailo, the sanitation officer for the military engineering battalion. Locals living around the landfill had been given eviction notices, which forced many to vacate the area, but many were still around at the time of the disaster, according to authorities. We will ensure that the remaining families are relocated elsewhere, said Dienabou Tour, the minister of territorial administration and decentralisation, at the scene.

Polly Jean Harvey's 'Yuri-G'

PJ Harvey's 1993 song 'Yuri-G' uses Yuri Gagarin as a symbol of distance. The lyrics express a profound sense of personal desolation and lovesickness. Harvey's raw voice and grinding rhythm create an elemental and ritualistic intensity. Repetitive words build a cosmic longing, transforming desire into something mythic. The stripped-down music pulses with primal steadiness, delivering gorgeous power.

India needs a transparent rulebook for the business of influence

India lacks a transparent framework for public scrutiny of lobbying efforts. The recent debate over UPI merchant discount rates highlights this significant gap. A proposed Regulatory Advocacy and Market Access Act would mandate disclosure. This act aims to distinguish evidence from advocacy and domestic from foreign interests. Such transparency is crucial for informed policy-making and public trust.

Don't miss the cannabis bus

Countries worldwide are lifting cannabis restrictions, leading to a global market resurgence. North America is spearheading this movement with significant buyouts in Europe. While many nations permit medicinal use, recreational access remains limited in most places. India, with its historical connection to cannabis, should now embrace this emerging global market. Indian firms can leverage Ayurveda's therapies for medical research and international expansion.

How to beat morning blues

The central message is that work becomes more manageable when people focus on their responsibilities in the present, rather than being burdened by expectations about what lies ahead.