Cabinet Okays Urban Asset Mapping
Jammu Tawi, Nov 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Friday approved the Urban Asset Mapping and Monetization Policy, 2026 and the J&K Hydropower Policy, 2026, besides clearing several land allotment proposals, including those for setting up fruit mandis at Pattan, Tral and Kulgam. Sources said that Cabinet meeting was held chaired by the Chief [] The post Cabinet Okays Urban Asset Mapping & Hydropower Policies appeared first on Northlines .
LAB to intensify Ladakh agitation ahead of polls
Ex-MP urges massive participation in elections LEH, Nov 13: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Friday announced plans to intensify its agitation demanding constitutional safeguards and an elected government for Ladakh, even as former MP Thupstan Chhewang appealed for widespread public participation in the upcoming local body elections. Panchayat and municipal elections are scheduled for [] The post LAB to intensify Ladakh agitation ahead of polls appeared first on Northlines .
YSRCP leaders on Friday have demanded that the State Election Commission ensure free and fair Gram Panchayat elections, provide protection to YSRCP candidates, enforce Supreme Court directions on CCTV surveillance and prevent the violence and irregularities witnessed during the recent municipal and local body elections. According to a press release, a delegation led by former MLA Malladi Vishnu submitted a memorandum to the State Election Commissioner, highlighting attacks, intimidation, police failures and partisan conduct of officials during the previous elections. Speaking to the media, Former MLA Malladi Vishnu cited incidents in Rayachoti, Jammalamadugu, Pulivendula, Proddatur and Palnadu, demanding special security arrangements in sensitive areas. Vishnu urged the SEC to ensure that YSRCP candidates can file nominations without fear and prevent political interference, including by ministers who, he said, had encouraged violence during earlier elections. He also stated that CCTV c...
Cabinet Gives Nod to Urban Asset Mapping and Monetisation Policy
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Friday approved the Urban Asset Mapping and Monetisation Policy, 2026 and the Jammu Kashmir Hydropower Policy, 2026, besides clearing several land allotment proposals, including those for setting up fruit mandis at Pattan, Tral and Kulgam. Sources said that Cabinet meeting was held in Jammu under the chairmanship of []
CM Urges Modi To Expedite Drought Relief, Address Sugarcane Farmers' Concerns
The Chief Minister also raised the concerns of sugarcane growers, who are demanding Rs 5,500 per tonne for the 2026-27 season against the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 3,650 per tonne.
Pakistan: Group flags 'anti-education policies', mistreatment of students in Balochistan
Digital Desk | Quetta, Nov 13 (IANS) The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) has expressed concern over what it described as growing bias in Balochistan's education system, saying the situation had created uncertainty among students. The group accused the administration of Makran Medical College in the Turbat region of displaying a deeply prejudiced attitude towards students, alleging that repeated failures in viva examinations were jeopardising the students' academic futures. The education system in Balochistan is increasingly being run in a biased manner, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. Following the same path, the Makran Medical College administration continues to adopt an extremely prejudiced attitude towards students. Students are repeatedly failed in viva examinations because of examiner bias, putting their academic careers at risk, the BSAC posted on X. While the college administration does not require teachers to hold classes regularly, students are repeatedly failed in viva examinations, and then their annual results are withheld through vivas in supplementary examinations. Makran Medical College students have previously raised their voices and protested over this issue, but no satisfactory solution has been found to date. This shows that the Makran Medical College administration is not taking this issue seriously at all, it added. The BSAC described the threatening attitude and biased examination practices adopted by the Makran Medical College administration toward students as deeply troubling and contrary to the interests of education. Educational institutions in Balochistan are being run in a manner that would not be acceptable in any business. Balochistans educational institutions have always suffered from such problems, which are unbecoming of educational institutions. Rather than jeopardizing students academic careers, educational institutions should create opportunities and modern facilities for them so that students can take advantage of them, it noted. Condemning the anti-education policies such as the mistreatment of students, threatening behavior, and examination bias in Balochistans educational institutions, the group appealed to all educational institutions, including the Makran Medical College administration, to take these issues seriously so that students careers and academic years are not jeopardised. The demands of the Makran Medical College students, who have been sitting in a protest sit-in for the past six days, should be heard and addressed immediately, and their educational journey should be made easier by ensuring access to facilities, it added. Students of Makran Medical College staged protests over alleged irregularities in viva examinations, alleging that the unjustified failures had resulted in the loss of an academic year and taken a serious toll on their mental well-being, local media reported. The protest entered its sixth consecutive day on Thursday, with students demanding a transparent and impartial examination system and an end to what they described as unjustified failures.
Ladakh Marathon To Host World's Toughest Siachen Ultra
The Ladakh Marathon is set to launch the 180-km Siachen Ultra in September 2027, an invite-only event dubbed the world's toughest high-altitude ultra-running challenge. This gruelling race will span from Warshi Village to Leh, crossing Khardung La at 17,618 feet, with the entire route above 10,000 feet, demanding completion within 30 hours amidst extreme conditions.
The Mahatma Yogeshwar Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Mussoorie celebrated its annual festival, honoring students for their academic achievements. Mahatma Yogeshwar Saraswati Vidya Mandir Celebrates Annual Festival with Honors for Academic Excellence
UP Voter Row: CM Yogi Adityanath's 1.27 Crore Claim Triggers Political Storm
A fierce political battle is unfolding in Uttar Pradesh after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that 1.27 crore Hindu voters appear in panchayat voter lists but are missing from Assembly electoral rolls. As Yogi reviews the Special Intensive Revision exercise, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is questioning the source of the data and demanding greater transparency from the Election Commission.
US lawmakers Khanna, Jayapal press progressive agenda
Digital Desk | Washington, Nov 13 (IANS) Indian American lawmakers Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal pressed progressive priorities on Thursday, with Khanna calling for an end to US aid to Israel and Jayapal criticising a Florida investigation into the Democratic Socialists of America. Khanna, a California Democrat, outlined four demands in a post on X: ending the war in Iran, a $25 living wage, Medicare for All and zero aid to Israel. Congress is back in session. Here are the four things I am demanding: he wrote, alongside a video. We need to be bold. We need to deliver. In a separate post from his official House account, Khanna said he wanted legislation ending aid to Israel to reach President Donald Trump. Trump said zero aid to Israel, he wrote. We're going to hold him accountable to his Election Day promise. I'm leading to put a bill on his desk. The description of Trumps remarks as a promise was Khannas. Jayapal, a Washington state Democrat, used her official account to share a HuffPost report about Florida Attorney General James Uthmeiers investigation of the Democratic Socialists of America, or DSA. Republicans lost so badly, they're grasping at anything to deflect from their failures, she wrote. In Florida, one of the only states they still control that was way closer than expected, they're now trying to target the DSA. It's absurd. Her Thursday post followed an interview she gave HuffPost on Tuesday. The outlet published its report on Wednesday evening. That's absurd, Jayapal told HuffPost when asked about the investigation. HuffPost reported that Uthmeier said on Tuesday he had issued a subpoena seeking documents related to DSA delegations to Cuba and China last year. According to the report, Uthmeier suggested the organisation may have violated Florida laws governing unfair business practices and fundraising by accepting money from foreign sources of concern. Those were allegations, not findings of wrongdoing. The DSA told HuffPost it was aware of the investigation but declined to comment. A spokesperson for the attorney general declined to provide details of the subpoena, citing an ongoing investigation. The scope of the inquiry remained unclear, the outlet reported. Other Democrats also criticised the investigation in comments to HuffPost. Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware called it McCarthyism, plain and simple. Representative Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican, defended the inquiry, telling the outlet that Uthmeier had taken a logical step in examining what she described as foreign influence in US elections. Jayapal separately argued for changes to health care on Thursday, a subject that overlaps with Khannas call for Medicare for All. Our for-profit health care system prioritises the earnings of private insurance companies over the price of care for Americans, she wrote. Health care is a human right. It's time we treat it that way. Khanna represents Californias 17th Congressional District, which includes part of Silicon Valley. He is a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. Jayapal represents Washingtons 7th Congressional District. Her official website lists her as chair emerita of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement.11, 2026.
Huang's NVIDIA Exit Fails To End Scandal: Senate Demands Testimony
Jensen Huang may have walked away from Nvidia, but Washington is not letting him walk away from the questions. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott is demanding answers from the former Nvidia chief and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over national security concerns and the company's China-related dealings. The pressure is mounting on multiple fronts, with three House committee chairs seeking a closed-door interview with Huang on December 1, while Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter is wanted on December 2 and Commerce official Jeffrey Kessler on December 3. Lawmakers are warning that subpoenas could follow if their demands are ignored.
Army Rescues Over 900 Stranded Tourists In East Sikkim
Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Movement At Nathula, Baba Mandir And Tsomgo Lake
Student of the Year: After Dark releases on OTT: Where to watch Karan Johars thriller series?
Student of the Year: After Dark, produced by Karan Johar, has premiered on JioHotstar. The thriller marks Shanaya Kapoor's OTT debut, with the actress playing twin sisters Aayesha and Aditi Malik. Shanaya opened up about the challenges of her double role, demanding action sequences and underwater scenes, thanking the filmmaker and crew for their support.
Crystal Crop Protection's unlisted shares are commanding a 16-18% grey market premium ahead of its Rs 455.5 crore IPO. The public issue opens on November 18, with a price band of Rs 259-272 per share.
Cummins Opens Up On Khawaja's Explosive Captaincy Claims
Australia Test captain Pat Cummins has strongly rejected former opener Usman Khawaja's claims that he was overlooked for the national team's leadership role due to his skin colour, calling the allegation serious and demanding evidence.
NZ vs IND 4th ODI: Matt Henrys six-wicket haul takes New Zealand to 244-run win
Matt Henry claimed 6/27 to bowl India out for 89, handing New Zealand a commanding 244-run victory after Will Young's 125 powered the hosts to 333
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain and snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh over the next 24 hours under the influence of an active western disturbance, even as temperatures across the state have dropped by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius during the past 24 hours. The weather department said districts including Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi and Kinnaur were experiencing cloudy conditions, with light to moderate rainfall likely in parts of these regions. Snowfall is also expected in higher-altitude areas, particularly around Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass and other high reaches of Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba. Senior IMD scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma, speaking with ANI in Shimla on Friday, said the western disturbance was still active and influencing weather conditions across several parts of the state. During the past 24 hours, light rainfall was reported in parts of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, while higher-altitude areas witnessed light snowfal...
Shreya Ghoshal calls Tadoba tiger sighting life-changing, says she related to tigress as a mother
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 13 (IANS) Stalwart singer Shreya Ghoshal recently experienced a close encounter with a Bengal tiger during her visit to Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The singer described the experience as life-changing and drew a parallel between herself and a tigress she spotted with her three cubs. Sharing pictures and a video from her visit on her social media account, Shreya wrote about witnessing the tiger in the wild for the first time. She said, I had the privilege of witnessing our majestic national animal for the very first time in his full glory in the wild. It was not just luck but pure magic to see the Chhota Dadiyall!! Our guide Sandeep with his experienced eyes found him sleeping absolutely camouflaged in the tall grasses, so we waited patiently for him to emerge. Thanking her husband for the click, Shreya said, Thanks to @shiladitya for capturing the moment through his lens. His gaze every time would give me the chills. Farooq our driver was amazing, Archie was perfectly managing our familys sheer excitement of being so close to this beautiful yet fearsome animal. We also saw the beautiful Chhoti Madhu with her three cubs from so up close. I could so relate to her as a mom, she wanted to nap but still alert. No mobile phones are allowed in the park once inside the gates, and for the right reasons. I could really experience all of it with full force and felt so humbled in the beautiful jungle, surrounded by such amazing flora and fauna. The morning was cool and the wind carried the fragrance of moist earth and all the worries of life disappeared. I was also amazed at the knowledge the locals of Tadoba have of not just the animals, but also the various birds, bugs, trees, bushes. They live in harmony with nature and deeply respect their jungles. I cant even begin to share how amazing this trip was. Life changing experience at @mytadoba I will be back! (sic) The singer's reference to motherhood comes from her own experience as a parent. Shreya and her husband Shiladitya Mukhopadhyaya welcomed their son Devyaan in May 2021. As of November 2026, Devyaan is five years old. Shreya has previously spoken about balancing motherhood with her demanding music career and described herself as a hands-on mother. Devyaan has also been seen accompanying his mother on professional outings.
Jensen Huang Resignation | Nvidia Employees Rally Behind Jensen Huang, Demand His Return As CEO
Nvidia's dramatic leadership shake-up has triggered an unexpected response from within the company. Employees are rallying behind former CEO Jensen Huang, with an internal memo reportedly attracting more than 1,600 comments demanding his return. Some staff members argue that personal controversies should not overshadow his professional contribution and Nvidia's mission. The development has drawn comparisons with Sam Altman's return to OpenAI and Steve Jobs' comeback at Apple. Meanwhile, the search for Nvidia's next CEO continues.
NZ vs IND 4th ODI: NZ end their innings at 333 runs; Will Young scores 125
Will Young scored a magnificent 125 runs off 108 deliveries to put the hosts in a commanding position, while Tim Seifert scored a 48-ball 58
Jammu and Kashmir Police attach Rs 81 lakh property of PoJK-based terror handler in Rajouri
The Rajouri Police in Jammu and Kashmir have seized immovable property valued at Rs 81 lakh belonging to Mohd Arshad, a terror handler operating from PoJK. This land in Thanamandi is part of a larger initiative aimed at dismantling terrorist networks within the area. Meanwhile, Baramulla Police conducted a separate operation, unearthing two hand grenades from Ghulam JeelReshi, with investigations underway to trace the explosives' origins and potential terrorist affiliations.
Outrage Erupts in Bihar After Police Officers Son Shot Dead
Tensions rise in Bhojpur, Bihar as locals protest the murder of a police officers son, blocking highways and demanding justice. Outrage Erupts in Bihar After Police Officers Son Shot Dead
Surge of Travelers at Panipat Railway Station as Bihars Chhath Puja Approaches
As Chhath Puja nears, thousands flock to Panipat Railway Station, demanding more trains to Bihar for the festival. Surge of Travelers at Panipat Railway Station as Bihars Chhath Puja Approaches
A Conversation Across Three Philosophical Worlds
The decisive differences emerge when we ask what kind of self is revealed through this inward inquiry. Heideggers Dasein is fundamentally characterised by being-in-the-world: it exists through concrete involvements, inherited possibilities, historical circumstances, language and temporality. It does not first exist as a self-contained essence and subsequently enter the world; its existence is already shaped by its thrownness into a particular situation and by the possibilities towards which it projects itself. Temporality is therefore central to the disclosure of its Being. akaras tman, by contrast, cannot be reduced to a historically situated or temporally unfolding individual. The empirical person is subject to change, but the deepest Self, understood through Advaita Vednta, is not ultimately defined by the changing conditions of body, mind or history. Its identity with Brahman points towards a reality that is unconditioned by these limitations. A comparable transcendental dimension appears in Ibn Arabs metaphysics, where the Real cannot be confined within the succession of temporal events or the categories through which the human mind seeks to comprehend existence. Yet an important qualification is necessary: the divine self-disclosure unfolds in the changing multiplicity of the cosmos, even though the divine essence is not exhausted or circumscribed by those manifestations. Thus, whereas Heidegger investigates Being through the finite, historical and temporal structure of human existence, akara directs inquiry towards the realisation of an unconditioned non-duality, and Ibn Arab explores how the transcendent Real becomes disclosed without ceasing to exceed every disclosure. The contrast is not simply between a temporal Heidegger and two thinkers who reject time; it concerns three different understandings of the relationship between finite existence and what cannot be reduced to its conditions. The theological implications of the thought of akara and Ibn Arab extend far beyond an abstract understanding of ultimate reality. Both thinkers insist, in their distinctive ways, that intellectual knowledge of the Divine, however necessary, does not exhaust the depth of spiritual realisation. In akaras Advaita Vednta, liberation emerges through the realisation that tman, the innermost Self, is non-different from Brahman, the ultimate reality. In Ibn Arabs Sufi metaphysics, the journey towards God involves the unveiling of deeper dimensions of the Real, whose signs are disclosed throughout creation without the divine essence ever being exhausted by its manifestations. These are not identical conceptions of divine-human unity: akaras non-duality and Ibn Arabs account of the relationship between the Real and creation belong to different theological and metaphysical frameworks. Yet both challenge the assumption that the Divine can be adequately grasped as merely one object standing opposite an independent human subject. Such realisation need not diminish reverence for God; rather, it may deepen it by transforming the very meaning of the relationship between the human being and the ultimate. The language of Martin Bubers I and Thou offers a suggestive parallel here: authentic relationship emerges when the other is encountered not merely as an object to be classified, possessed or used, but as a presence demanding openness and response. Bubers dialogical philosophy should not be conflated with either Advaita or Ibn Arabs metaphysics, but it helps illuminate a shared possibility: that spiritual understanding may transform the subject-object relationship without reducing the Divine to an object of human knowledge. The result is not the disappearance of devotion, but its deepening into humility, wonder and a more profound awareness of the sacred significance of existence. The ethical implications of this vision are equally compelling. If the deepest understanding of reality unsettles the absolute divisions through which the ego separates itself from others, then our moral relationship with fellow human beings can no longer rest solely upon utility, convenience or self-interest. akaras non-dualism invites us to question the ultimate independence we attribute to our individual identities, while Ibn Arabs understanding of divine self-disclosure encourages us to recognise the diverse forms through which the divine names are reflected in creation. Read as ethical inspirations rather than as identical doctrines, these insights can become a powerful impulse for coexistence, compassion and the rejection of exclusionary boundaries. The stranger, the neighbour and the person whose beliefs or circumstances differ from our own cease to be merely instruments within our personal projects; they become beings whose existence calls for recognition and responsibility. Here, Heideggers critique of an exclusively instrumental understanding of the world can be brought into conversation with the ethical philosophies of Buber and Emmanuel Levinas. Buber reminds us of the difference between an IThou encounter and an IIt relationship, while Levinas places the ethical demand of the Other at the centre of philosophical responsibility. Their approaches differ significantly from akaras and Ibn Arabs metaphysical visions, and Levinas in particular resists reducing the irreducible Other to a totalising system of unity. That caution is important: a philosophy of unity must never become an excuse for erasing human difference or silencing the particular voice of another person. Properly understood, unity does not demand uniformity. Instead, it can inspire us to move beyond the divisions of caste, creed, community and identity that turn contingent differences into walls of hostility. The recognition of a deeper kinship among beings can become an ethical summons to coexistence, without requiring us to deny the plurality of human experience. In this sense, the metaphysical intuition of interconnectedness acquires its true social significance when it becomes a practice of dignity, justice, dialogue and care. The environmental implications of this philosophical conversation are particularly urgent in an age when nature is increasingly approached as a storehouse of resources, a commodity to be exploited or an obstacle to economic expansion. Heideggers critique of technological enframing offers a powerful diagnosis of this instrumental outlook: the natural world is reduced to a standing reserve, valuable primarily for its availability to human purposes. akaras Advaita, although it did not formulate a modern ecological programme, may offer a different orientation by challenging the assumption that our ordinary, ego-centred perception reveals the ultimate structure of reality. If the boundaries through which we define the isolated self are not ultimately absolute, the human relationship with the wider world can be reconsidered in less possessive terms. Ibn Arabs vision provides another resource: creation may be contemplated as a field of divine signs and self-disclosure, whose forms invite recognition rather than careless domination. These perspectives resonate with the tradition of sacred ecology associated with thinkers such as Frithjof Schuon, whose perennialist approach sought to recover the spiritual significance of the natural world across religious traditions. Comparable possibilities can be explored within Indian philosophical traditions, including Advaita Vednta, where the unity of reality may support an attitude of humility towards the more-than-human world. Yet such an ecological ethic must be developed thoughtfully rather than simply attributed to akara or assumed to follow automatically from non-dualism. Metaphysical unity does not by itself supply the practical principles required for conservation, environmental justice or sustainable living. It can, however, transform the sensibility from which such principles emerge. A river then becomes more than a channel for water, a forest more than a supply of timber, and an animal more than an instrument of human convenience: each can be encountered within a wider order of significance that exceeds its immediate utility. The task of a contemporary sacred ecology is not to abandon scientific knowledge or practical environmental policy, but to bring them into conversation with a renewed sense of reverence. When the world is no longer viewed merely as an It to be mastered, but encountered as a living field of relationships, the recognition of interconnectedness may become the foundation of a more responsible relationship between humanity, nature and the cosmos. Perhaps the real beauty of these great seers and thinkers lies not in finding a final answer to the mystery of Being, but in allowing that mystery to change the way we live. akara invites us to look beyond the divisions that separate us, Ibn Arab teaches us to recognise the traces of the Divine in the vastness of existence, and Heidegger reminds us to recover our sense of wonder before a world we have grown accustomed to using rather than understanding. Their paths are different, yet each, in its own way, asks us to look again: at ourselves, at the people around us, and at the fragile world we share. Perhaps the deepest realisation is not that we have finally understood Being, but that we have become a little more humble before its mystery, a little more tender towards one another, and a little more grateful for the simple miracle of being here.
ACB arrests RDD Assistant Engineer, contractor for accepting Rs 8,000 bribe in Bandipora
Srinagar, Nov 12:The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jammu and Kashmir has arrested an Assistant Engineer of the Rural Development Department (RDD) and a contractor for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000 for clearing pending work bills in Bandipora district. The accused government employee has been identified as Mohd Rafi Moon, Assistant Engineer, RDD Block Arin, while the other accused is Hilal Ahmad Mir, son of Mohd Ramzan Mir, a resident of Gundpora, Rampora, Bandipora, who is a contractor by profession. According to an ACB statement, Police Station ACB Baramulla had received a complaint alleging that the complainant had completed five government PRI works, but the concerned Assistant Engineer was demanding Rs 11,000 as bribe for clearing the bills. The complainant alleged that after negotiations, the accused reduced the demanded amount to Rs 8,000. Despite the complainant's refusal to pay the bribe, the officer allegedly continued to withhold the bills. Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which prima facie established the commission of a cognisable offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. Accordingly, FIR No. 07/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla on November 12, 2026, and an investigation was initiated. Subsequently, a trap team was constituted in the presence of independent witnesses and a trap was laid. The ACB said the Assistant Engineer and the contractor were caught red-handed while allegedly demanding and accepting the bribe amount of Rs 8,000. The bribe money was recovered from their possession and the recovery was corroborated by independent witnesses and other evidence, the ACB said. Both accused have been arrested and taken into custody. Further investigation in the case is underway.
LG Sinha calls for people's movement to preserve J&K heritage
Srinagar, Nov 12:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called for a people-centric movement to preserve, document and disseminate Jammu and Kashmir's civilisational heritage for future generations. Addressing a two-day seminar on 'Revival, Preservation and Sustainability of Cultural Heritage of Kashmir,' organised by Kakini Building Humanity, LG Sinha said that Jammu and Kashmir was not known only for its natural beauty but also for its profound contributions to philosophy, spirituality, language, aesthetics, and human thought. Referring to Acharya Abhinavagupta, he said that the great philosopher embodied the unity of spiritual experience, art and intellectual inquiry, and that youth should be introduced to the remarkable thinkers who emerged from Kashmir. Every university, every teacher, and every cultural institution of this land should work on translating important texts, encourage research, and provide scholars and students with a common platform. I believe that heritage must be alive, it must converse, and it must guide our new generation, the LG said. Emphasising that culture forms the foundation of every society, he said that communities draw confidence and self-respect from a deeper understanding of their history and heritage. LG Sinha underlined the importance of preserving ancient religious sites, manuscripts, museums and cultural institutions as instruments for strengthening identity and promoting mutual understanding. He highlighted the significant efforts undertaken in J&K for heritage conservation under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi. The LG said that heritage revival projects are being implemented across J&K through restoration of monuments, archival modernisation, archaeological research and cultural infrastructure development. The event was also graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, through virtual mode. Congratulating the organisers, scholars, administrators, artists, ex-servicemen, military officers and citizens participating in the seminar, the LG said that heritage is a priceless inheritance received from generations of philosophers, saints, artisans, writers and thinkers who enriched humanity through their wisdom and creativity. He stressed that the responsibility of the present generation is not merely to admire this legacy, but to preserve, organise, document and make it more accessible to society. LG Sinha called for a collective commitment to safeguarding the civilisational legacy of J&K for future generations. The preservation work has been initiated on 106 heritage projects under the first two phases, with over 40 projects already completed. Under Phase III, 321 projects have been identified and 312 have received administrative approval. The digitisation work of historical records is ongoing in the Jammu and Srinagar archives, with nearly 96.8 lakh pages digitised so far, representing about 68 percent of available documents. Under Mission GyanBharatam, the surveys have identified 43,000 manuscripts and digitisation efforts are progressing steadily. LG Sinha also highlighted ongoing work related to the Sufiana School in Srinagar, the modernisation of Abhinav Theatre and Kala Kendra in Jammu, restoration of Mubarak Mandi and research into recently discovered Kushan-era Buddhist remains in Baramulla district. Speaking about Naranag Heritage Complex in Ganderbal, he welcomed the research and documentation initiatives undertaken by Kakini Building Humanity and expressed hope that conservation and restoration activities would commence after completion of necessary procedural requirements. The LG also appreciated efforts connected with the Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage, describing it as a symbol of the regions enduring cultural and spiritual traditions. I believe that Naranag has its own distinct historical and spiritual dignity, where faith, geography, and collective memories are deeply intertwined. Therefore, I am extremely pleased that Kakini Building Humanity has also established a chair at the Indian Heritage Institute, he said. LG Sinha said that J&K has a long tradition of harmony and equal respect for all faiths. He said that the heritage of every community must be preserved with sensitivity. The vaakhs of Yogini Lalleshwari and Nund Rishi still reach peoples hearts across centuries, because their words contain eternal truths that are untouched by the passage of time. Preserving this tradition of harmony is our collective public responsibility, the LG said. He said Kashmiri Pandit's contribution to Kashmirs literary, spiritual, and cultural heritage was invaluable and their dignified return would help restore the Valleys complete social and cultural fabric. LG Sinha commended the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, scholars, archivists, museum professionals and all stakeholders associated with heritage conservation. He also lauded former army officers and civil society organisations for their continued contribution to cultural preservation and nation-building. Padma Vibhushan Padma Subrahmanyam, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha; Raja Ashraf Ali Khan, Swamini Vishwa Nireeshwari Lakshmi Priya Mata, Ramesh Hangloo, BalajiDhar and Shravanthi were felicitated for their contribution in the field of culture and heritage. Maj Gen R K Raina (Retd), Chairman Kakini Building Humanity, Cdr Sanjay Kaul (Retd), AanchalKhurana, Vice President, Kakini Building Humanity; Ramesh Kumar, Secretary, Culture Department; AnshulGarg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakash, DIG CKR; G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officials and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.
J&K Police reshuffle: 136 DSPs transferred with immediate effect
Srinagar, Nov 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday carried out a sweeping reshuffle of its mid-level cadre, transferring 136 Deputy Superintendents of Police with immediate effect. The order, issued by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, covers postings across district police establishments, CID, Security, Traffic, the Economic Offences Wing, the Special Operations Group and Armed Police formations. The Police Headquarters said the transfers had been ordered in the interest of administration. As per the order, Tejinder Kour has been transferred from SO to DIG HG Jammu to Principal CTI Jammu, while Nisar Ahmad Khan has been shifted from DSP Headquarters Kulgam to DSP PCR Srinagar. Ashaq Hussain Dar has been transferred from SDPO Zakura to DSP Headquarters Kulgam, Sachit Mahajan from DSP SKPA Udhampur to DSP CID SB Political Jammu and Junaid Wali from SDPO M.R. Gunj to DSP CID SB Srinagar. Mohd Ameen Bhat has been shifted from DSP SOG Bani, Kathua, to DSP CTC Lethpora, Tussif Ahmed from SDPO Mendhar to DSP CID CI Ramban, Imtiaz Ahmed from DSP Security Jammu to SDPO Pahalgam and Parul Bhardwaj from SDPO Mahore to DSP Headquarters Bandipora. Irshad Ahmad Ahanger has been transferred from DSP CID CI Doda-Kishtwar to DSP EOW Jammu, while Shaid Nahiem Ahmed has been shifted from SDPO Manjakote to SDPO Arnas. Aftab Hussain Shah has been posted as SDPO Bijbehara from DSP EOW Jammu, Satish Bhardwaj as DSP Personnel APHQ from SDPO Bakshi Nagar and Sheikh Mudasir Ahmad Farooqi as SDPO Magam from SDPO Bijbehara. Nikhil Gogna has been shifted from DSP Prov I PHQ to SDPO Katra, Zafar Mahdi from DSP Headquarters Bandipora to DSP 22 JKAP IR and Ahmad Shaafi Zargar from DSP DAR Bandipora to DSP Buildings Headquarters. Mohd Nawaz Khandey has been transferred from SDPO Sumbal to DSP DAR Sopore, Sheezan Bhat from DSP 7 JKAP IR to SDPO Handwara, Neeraj Kumar from SDPO Billawar to DSP Headquarters Rajouri, Lov Karan from SDPO Gandoh to DSP Headquarters Kathua and Rohit Chadgal from DSP SOG Jammu to DSP Headquarters Reasi. Khalid Ashraf has been shifted from DSP CID CI Headquarters Jammu to DSP SKPA Udhampur, while Sagara Singh, who was awaiting posting, has been posted as SO to DIG DK Range. Qazi Shamas-ul-Muzaffar has been transferred from DSP CID CIK (JIC) to DSP CID CI Budgam, Zahid Ahmad Lone from DSP Buildings Headquarters to SDPO Zakura and Zohaib Hassan from SDPO Panthachowk to SDPO Sopore. Syeed Peerzada Mujahidulhaq has been shifted from DSP Headquarters Anantnag to SDPO Khanyar, Sunil Singh from DSP CID SB Headquarters Jammu to SDPO Chenani, Shoket Ali from DSP Traffic Doda-Kishtwar to SDPO Mahore and Satish Kumar from DSP Headquarters Rajouri to SDPO Vijaypur. Imtyaz Ahmad has been transferred from DSP Security Kashmir to DSP Traffic Ganderbal-Bandipora, while Parupkar Singh has been shifted from SDPO Thana Mandi to DSP Personnel Headquarters. Dr Azhar Rashid has been posted as SDPO Tangmarg from SDPO Khanyar, Vikram Singh as DSP 16 JKAP IR from SDPO North Jammu and Kulwant Singh as DSP 3 JKAP IR from DSP CID CI Baramulla. Arun Jamwal has been shifted from SDPO Vijaypur to DSP 5 JKAP IR, Updesh Kumar from SDPO Arnas to DSP DAR Samba and Aijaz Ahmad from DSP 2 JKAP IR to DSP CID SB Poonch. Sharad has been transferred from DSP GRP Lines Katra to SDPO Manjakote, Dr Bhishm Dubey from SDPO Katra to DSP 11 JKAP IR, Javaid Ahmad Lone from DSP 17 JKAP IR to DSP TMG CID Headquarters and Syed Sleet Shah from DSP Headquarters Srinagar to DSP CID CI Headquarters Srinagar. Surinder Mohan has been shifted from DSP SOG Kalakote, Rajouri, to DSP Prov I Headquarters, Mohd Rafee Rather from DSP CID SB Srinagar to DSP CID SB Ganderbal, Viqar Younus Batt from DSP Headquarters Ramban to DSP EOW Jammu and Adil Hussain from DSP DAR Doda to DSP IO JKAP IR. Arif Hussain Malik has been transferred from SDPO Kokernag to SDPO Panthachowk, Majad Ali from SDPO Awantipora to DSP 9 JKAP, Shammi Kumar from DSP SOG Rajouri to DSP Headquarters Udhampur and Aakash Kohli from DSP EOW Jammu to SDPO Border Kathua. Dev Raj has been shifted from Principal CTI Jammu to SO to DIG HG Jammu. Revaz Ahmad has been transferred from SDPO DH Pora to DSP Traffic City Srinagar, Mehboob ul Haq from DSP Traffic City Srinagar to DSP DAR Kulgam, Faizan Ali from SDPO Tangmarg to DSP CID CIK (JIC) and Mohammad Ashril from SDPO Magam to SDPO Hazratbal. Rashad Akbar Makai has been shifted from SDPO Hazratbal to DSP CID CI Srinagar, Abid Hussain Rafiqi from DSP CID SIA Kashmir to DSP 22 JKAP IR and Dheeraj Kumar from SDPO Shaheedgunj to SDPO North Jammu. Mohd Abdullah Wani has been transferred from DSP DAR Sopore to DSP Security Kashmir, Maroof Ahmad from DSP AC HG Poonch to DSP AC HG Rajouri, Mohd Aslam from DSP Traffic Kulgam to DSP 6 JKAP and Faisal Arif Rishu from DSP EOW Jammu to SDPO Uri. Rajeev Raina has been shifted from SDPO Kangan to DSP 24 JKAP IR, Shivam Jaggi from SDPO Achchabal to DSP CID SB Headquarters Jammu and Rohit Gupta from DSP SOG Manzgam Kulgam to DSP 1 JKAP Border. Vikram Nag has been transferred from DSP SOG Srinagar to SDPO Bakshi Nagar, Mamta Sharma from DSP Crime Jammu (EOW) to DSP 1 JKAP Women, Shakir Hassan from DSP SOG Srinagar to SDPO M.R. Gunj and Faisal Hussain from SDPO Handwara to DSP Headquarters Anantnag. Sayed Aqeel Shah has been shifted from DSP SOG Kulgam to SDPO Shaheedgunj, Vikram Sarmhal from DSP 12 JKAP IR to SDPO Gandoh, Rajesh Chandan from DSP CID SS II to SDPO Thana Mandi and Sumit Bhagat from DSP 24 JKAP IR to DSP Headquarters Ramban. Rukhsana Choudhary has been transferred from DSP CID CI Headquarters Srinagar to DSP 14 JKAP IR, Farooq Ahmad from SDPO Pahalgam to DSP 8 JKAP IR, Mujahid Nazir from DSP Traffic Baramulla-Kupwara to DSP 11 JKAP IR and Sukhvir Singh from SDPO Chenani to DSP CID CI Kathua. Barkat Hussain has been shifted from DSP AC HG Rajouri to DSP AC HG Poonch, Manjeet Singh from DSP 7 JKAP Security to DSP CID SB Jammu, Sharat Chander Singh from DSP PCR Jammu to DSP 8 JKAP and Prehlad Kumar from DSP Headquarters Udhampur to DSP Complaints Headquarters. Surinder Paul Singh has been transferred from DSP Traffic Banihal to DSP 19 JKAP IR, Mohd Iqbal from DSP Security Civil Secretariat to DSP Traffic Pulwama-Shopian, Ajay Kumar from DSP DAR Baramulla to DSP 1 JKAP Border and Vishal Singh Jamwal from DSP Headquarters Reasi to SDPO Billawar. Mohd Ayoub Rather has been shifted from DSP DAR Kulgam to DSP 13 JKAP IR, Jatinder Singh from DSP DAR Udhampur to DSP 7 JKAP Security, Murtaza Ahmed from DSP CID CI City Srinagar to DSP PCR Srinagar and Arjan Chib from DSP DAR Samba to DSP 7 JKAP Security. Ravinder Singh has been transferred from DSP Headquarters Kathua to DSP Security Jammu, Shakeel Ahmed from DSP TMG CID Headquarters to DSP 22 JKAP IR, Varinder Gupta from DSP CID SB Jammu to DSP 24 JKAP IR and Manoj Kumar from DSP 5 JKAP IR to DSP DAR Doda. Gulzar Ahmad has been shifted from DSP Traffic Ganderbal-Bandipora to DSP 17 JKAP IR, Mushtaq Ahmad Paula from DSP Traffic Pulwama-Shopian to DSP 23 JKAP IR, Ghulam Hassan Bhat from DSP CID SB Ganderbal to DSP 23 JKAP IR and Mohammad Rafi Shah from SDPO Sopore to DSP Traffic Baramulla-Kupwara. Charanjeet Singh has been transferred from DSP SOG Basantgarh to DSP GRP Lines Katra, Mohd Yousuf Mir from SDPO Litter to DSP CID SB Headquarters Kashmir and Athar Samad Ahanger from SDPO Zainpora to DSP CID SIA Kashmir. Rajesh Kumar has been directed to report to IG Jammu and await further orders of posting after being shifted from SDPO Tral. Muzaffar Ahmad Shah has been transferred from DSP CID SB Headquarters Kashmir to DSP PTWS Srinagar, Mohammad Ayoub Wagay from DSP 17 JKAP IR to DSP Security Kashmir and Yawar Nissar Khan from DSP SOG Dooru Anantnag to DSP CID SB Budgam. Mayank Khajuria has been shifted from DSP SOG Kakapora Pulwama to DSP PCR Jammu, Manjot Singh from DSP SOG Sangam Srigufiwara to SDPO Litter, Sonika Verma from DSP PCR Srinagar to DSP 1 JKAP Women and Aeshal Nisar from DSP SOG Kreeri Baramulla to SDPO Sumbal. Zarqa Naquib has been transferred from DSP PCR Srinagar to DSP Headquarters Srinagar, Syed Aabid Shah from DSP SOG Uri Baramulla to DSP 8 JKAP IR, Mohd Wasim Shah from DSP SOG Budgam to DSP DAR Baramulla and Amit Khajuria from DSP SOG Hajin Bandipora to DSP SOG Srinagar. Farhan Ahmed has been shifted from DSP SOG Mirbazar Kulgam to SDPO Awantipora, Ishwer Dev from DSP SOG Mougla Rajouri to DSP Traffic Kulgam, Sohail Ahmad Wani from DSP SOG Anantnag to DSP CID CI Ganderbal and Tabassum Iqball from DSP SOG Pulwama to DSP SOG Manzgam Kulgam. Sakshi Sharma has been transferred from DSP SOG Samba to DSP 12 JKAP IR, Atif Zahoor from DSP SOG Sogam Lolab to SDPO DH Pora, Azhar Amin from DSP SOG Poonch to SDPO Mendhar and Sushant Sharma from DSP SOG Darhal Rajouri to DSP Traffic Banihal. Abhishek Kumar Kaith has been shifted from DSP SOG Pampore to SDPO Tral, Danish Javed Sheikh from DSP SOG Awantipora to SDPO Achabal and Rajat Chib from DSP SOG Hattipora Kulgam to DSP SOG Srinagar. Ravinder Kumar has been transferred from DSP SOG Ganderbal to DSP SOG Srinagar against an OAR post of DSP, while Chander Kant has been shifted from DSP SOG Imam Sahib Shopian to SDPO Zainpora. Vasu Aggarwal has been transferred from DSP SOG Bandipora to DSP CID SS II Headquarters, Aabid Hussain Lone from DSP SOG Pattan Baramulla to SDPO Kokernag, Nitish Sharma from DSP SOG Dachhan Kishtwar to DSP SOG Sogam Lolab and Shafqat Amin from DSP CTC Lethpora to DSP IO JKAP IR. Rafiq Ahmad Bhat has been shifted from DSP DAR Awantipora to DSP 3 JKAP Security, Munir Ahmad from DSP 14 JKAP IR to DSP Traffic Doda-Kishtwar, Karan Kumar from SDPO Border Kathua to DSP 16 JKAP IR and Sanjay Koul from DSP 22 JKAP IR to DSP CID CI Doda-Kishtwar. Mir Zahid has been transferred from DSP Arms/Ammunition Headquarters to DSP EOW Kashmir, while Chaman Gorka has been shifted from DSP 7 JKAP Security to DSP DAR Udhampur. The order further states that Sharat Chander Singh, at serial number 81, has been attached with CTC Sunjwan. One DSP post from the overall reserve has also been attached with Zonal Police Headquarters Jammu for drawal of salary in respect of Rajesh Kumar at serial number 102. It also directs that DSP Transport Headquarters shall, in addition to his own duties, look after the responsibilities of DSP Arms/Ammunition Headquarters. All officers have been directed to be relieved forthwith.
Heritage must stay alive, guide new generation: LG
Srinagar, Nov 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said heritage must stay alive, it must converse, and it must guide the new generation, underlining that the responsibility of the present generation is not merely to admire the legacy of Jammu and Kashmir but to preserve, organise, document and make it more accessible to society. He was addressing a two-day National Seminar on Revival, Preservation and Sustainability of Cultural Heritage of Kashmir, organised by Kakini Building Humanity. The event was also graced by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat through virtual mode. Congratulating the organisers, scholars, administrators, artists, ex-servicemen, military officers and citizens participating in the seminar, the Lieutenant Governor said heritage is a priceless inheritance received from generations of philosophers, saints, artisans, writers and thinkers who enriched humanity through their wisdom and creativity. He called for a collective commitment to safeguarding the civilisational legacy of Jammu and Kashmir for future generations. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir is not known only for its natural beauty but also for its profound contributions to philosophy, spirituality, language, aesthetics and human thought. Referring to Acharya Abhinavagupta, he said the great philosopher embodied the unity of spiritual experience, art and intellectual inquiry, and that youth should be introduced to the remarkable thinkers who emerged from the Kashmir Valley. Every university, every teacher, and every cultural institution of this land should work on translating important texts, encourage research, and provide scholars and students with a common platform. I believe that heritage must be alive, it must converse, and it must guide our new generation, he said. Emphasising that culture forms the foundation of every society, the Lieutenant Governor noted that communities draw confidence and self-respect from a deeper understanding of their history and heritage. He underlined the importance of preserving ancient religious sites, manuscripts, museums and cultural institutions as instruments for strengthening identity and promoting mutual understanding. Highlighting the significant efforts undertaken for heritage conservation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted that heritage revival projects are being implemented across the Union Territory through restoration of monuments, archival modernisation, archaeological research and cultural infrastructure development. Preservation work has been initiated on 106 heritage projects under the first two phases, with over 40 already completed. Under Phase III, 321 projects have been identified and 312 have received administrative approval. Digitisation of historical records is ongoing in the Jammu and Srinagar archives, with nearly 96.8 lakh pages digitised so far, representing about 68 per cent of available documents. Under Mission Gyan Bharatam, surveys have identified 43,000 manuscripts, with digitisation progressing steadily. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted ongoing work related to the Sufiana School in Srinagar, the modernisation of Abhinav Theatre and Kala Kendra in Jammu, restoration of Mubarak Mandi and research into recently discovered Kushan-era Buddhist remains in Baramulla district. Speaking about the Naranag Heritage Complex in Ganderbal, he welcomed the research and documentation initiatives undertaken by Kakini Building Humanity and expressed hope that conservation and restoration activities would commence after completion of necessary procedural requirements. He also appreciated efforts connected with the Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage. I believe that Naranag has its own distinct historical and spiritual dignity, where faith, geography, and collective memories are deeply intertwined, he said, noting that Kakini Building Humanity had also established a chair at the Indian Heritage Institute. Reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir has a long tradition of harmony and equal respect for all faiths, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the heritage of every community must be preserved with sensitivity. The vaakhs of Yogini Lalleshwari and Nund Rishi still reach people's hearts across centuries, because their words contain eternal truths that are untouched by the passage of time. Preserving this tradition of harmony is our collective public responsibility, he said. He said the Kashmiri Pandit contribution to Kashmir's literary, spiritual and cultural heritage is invaluable and their dignified return would help restore the Valley's complete social and cultural fabric. The Lieutenant Governor commended the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, scholars, archivists, museum professionals and all stakeholders associated with heritage conservation, and lauded former army officers and civil society organisations for their continued contribution to cultural preservation and nation-building. Padma Vibhushan Dr Padma Subrahmanyam, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Adv Raja Ashraf Ali Khan, Swamini Vishwa Nireeshwari Lakshmi Priya Mata, Ramesh Hangloo, Ar Balaji Dhar and Ar Shravanthi were felicitated for their contribution in the field of culture and heritage. Maj Gen R.K. Raina (Retd), Chairman, Kakini Building Humanity; Cdr Sanjay Kaul (Retd); Dr Aanchal Khurana, Vice President, Kakini Building Humanity; Ramesh Kumar, Secretary, Culture Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officials and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.
Slippery Roads Demand Responsible Driving
As winter tightens its grip over Kashmir, roads across the Valley are once again turning into dangerous stretches of ice, slush and uncertainty. A thin layer of frost may appear harmless, but for drivers and pedestrians it can transform an ordinary journey into a life-threatening ordeal. Every year, accidents on slippery roads remind us that road safety is not a seasonal slogan but a shared responsibility demanding action from both citizens and authorities. Driving on icy or wet roads requires patience, discipline and an understanding of changing road conditions. Speeding, rash overtaking, sudden braking and careless lane changes become especially dangerous when tyres lose their grip. Yet many motorists continue to drive as though the road beneath them remains dry and predictable. Such behaviour is not merely irresponsible; it places passengers, pedestrians and other road users at unnecessary risk. Responsible driving begins with accepting that winter roads demand a different approach. Drivers must reduce speed, maintain a safe distance and avoid abrupt manoeuvres. Vehicles should be checked before travel, particularly their tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers. Public transport operators and commercial drivers have an even greater duty because their negligence can put dozens of lives in danger at once. However, road safety cannot be reduced to individual behaviour. The administration also has a vital responsibility. Roads vulnerable to black ice and waterlogging must be identified and monitored. Warning signs should be installed at accident-prone locations, while timely removal of snow and drainage of accumulated water can prevent many hazards. In hilly and rural areas, the absence of lighting, reflectors and crash barriers makes winter travel even more perilous. The Traffic Police must ensure that enforcement does not remain limited to occasional drives after accidents. Speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving without proper tyres and using mobile phones behind the wheel must invite consistent action. At the same time, enforcement should be accompanied by public awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, markets and transport hubs so that safe driving becomes a social habit rather than a reaction to tragedy. Pedestrians, too, face heightened risks during winter. Poorly lit roads, slippery footpaths and vehicles speeding through waterlogged stretches make even short walks hazardous. Authorities must clear pedestrian pathways and ensure that road maintenance does not ignore those who travel without vehicles. The loss of life on slippery roads is often described as an accident, but many such tragedies are preventable. Weather may create the risk; negligence converts it into disaster. Kashmir needs a culture in which reaching late is considered acceptable, but driving recklessly is not. Safe roads require responsible motorists, alert pedestrians and accountable institutions. Winter will test the Valleys roads again. The real question is whether society will respond with greater caution and better governance.
Health Department reviews winter readiness in Poonch
Poonch, Nov 12: The Health Department has stepped up winter preparedness measures to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in remote and snowbound areas of Mandi tehsil in Poonch district. As part of the preparations, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Mandi, Dr Riyaz Jan, visited several Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and other healthcare facilities in far-flung areas to assess their readiness for the winter season. During the visits, he reviewed the availability of essential medicines, attendance of medical and paramedical staff, heating arrangements and emergency healthcare services. Dr Jan said the department was making efforts to ensure quality healthcare at the doorstep of residents in remote areas, where heavy snowfall and harsh weather often make access to medical facilities difficult. He said special attention was being given to areas vulnerable to heavy snowfall to ensure timely medical assistance and uninterrupted services during the winter months. The BMO added that all necessary measures were being taken to minimise public inconvenience and ensure that residents, particularly those in remote and border areas, continued to receive medical attention during extreme weather conditions.
Future of 12,000 NHM employees uncertain
Srinagar, Nov 12: The future of nearly 12,000 National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Jammu and Kashmir remains uncertain, with the government yet to make headway on their demands for salary revision, retirement benefits and social security, amid given assurances. The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) UT-Level Coordination Committee said the employees had deferred their strike in March following assurances from the Health and Medical Education Department that their demands would be addressed within two months. Musadiq Rafiq Para, Vice President of JKNHMEA, said in a press conference in Srinagar that the association had met Health Minister Sakina Itoo after the employees launched a strike across hospitals in J&K. During the meeting, the minister had taken up their three major demands and assured them that the government would work towards resolving the issues. We deferred the strike on the assurance of the Health Minister and were asked to give the government two months to address our demands, Para said. He said the association continued to submit representations and follow up on the matter, but no concrete progress had been made even by September 8. Despite repeated representations and assurances, we have no clarity on the status of the file or the progress made on our demands. Nearly 12,000 employees continue to work without a concrete policy safeguarding their future, he said. The association has urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakina Itoo to honour the assurances given to employees and provide a time-bound resolution to their concerns. It has also sought an opportunity to meet the Chief Minister to discuss the matter. The employees are demanding a secure service policy, revision of salaries, retirement benefits through a golden handshake scheme and social security measures to protect them and their families. On the recent five per cent annual salary hike, the association said it was part of the routine annual increment and did not address the long-pending demand for a comprehensive salary revision. It also expressed concern over the timing of the increase. Para said NHM employees form an important component of healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir, working across government hospitals and health institutions. Despite their continued services, the association said, their service conditions and long-term employment security remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Health Minister Sakina Itoo told reporters that the salary-related issue had been recommended to the Government of India and would be pursued further. She said the remaining issues were under process. The March and September agitation was announced after years of growing frustration among NHM employees over the government's continued neglect of their long-pending demands. Despite repeated protests and representations over the years, the employees said little concrete action had been taken to address their concerns or secure their future.
Sector 39 mandi plan: 3 auctions but no takers
Sonam Wangchuk claims he is under house arrest in Leh amid protests over winter polls
Digital Desk | Leh, Nov 13 (IANS) Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday claimed that authorities have placed him under house arrest in Leh after he and other regional representatives demanded the postponement of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections scheduled for December. Taking to social media platform X, Wangchuk stated that dozens of armed guards had been deployed around his residence, disputing official claims that he was merely advised to remain indoors. I AM UNDER HOUSE ARREST. Dozens of armed guards surround my house while the government version says 'I have been advised to stay at home'. All for asking uncomfortable questions like... why is the Judicial Enquiry Commission Report (of last year's killings in Leh) delayed and a phoney Council election is foisted on people with rocket speed in mid-winter, Wangchuk posted. He further alleged that the entire region of Ladakh is protesting and claimed that the reach of his X, Instagram, and YouTube accounts had been drastically suppressed. In a video message accompanying his post, Wangchuk said he and his associates had been demanding the release of the inquiry report on last year's firing in Leh, alleging the administration was trying to sidestep the issue by rushing through the council elections. Yesterday evening we were planning a dharna against this when some people calling themselves policemen came and told us we should not move out. They were wearing masks and hoodies, and they looked more like hooligans than policemen, Wangchuk alleged in the video. He added that after he told the personnel he was prepared to be arrested, they escorted him to his institute, where his residence is also located, and instructed him not to leave the premises. Dozens of policemen have been placed around to enforce my house arrest. Authorities are publicly saying that I have been advised to remain at home as a prohibitory measure. Peaceful dharnas were held yesterday, and these will continue to be held tomorrow so that our demands are accepted, he said. The administration has notified elections for eight LAHDCs, with polling scheduled for December 4. Wangchuk and local leaders have strongly opposed the winter schedule, saying extreme cold forces a large part of the population, including students, to temporarily relocate outside the region in December.
Debutant Saqib Khans Seven-wicket Haul Keeps Pakistan Alive In Rawalpindi Test
ICC World Test Championship: Debutant pacer Saqib Khan took a sensational 7-130 in 34 overs to bring Pakistan back into the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground on Thursday. The visitors looked set to clinch a commanding lead but were bowled out for 446, just 12 runs ahead of Pakistan declaring their first innings at 434/9. By the time stumps arrived, which came early due to bad light and then subsequent rain, Pakistan reached 33/1 in their second innings, with their lead standing at 45 runs, though they lost opener Tayyab Arif at the very end. Sri Lanka resumed on 404/4 with two centurions at the crease, and a sizeable lead looked a formality. Saqib, who had taken two wickets on day three, changed that in the first over of the morning by removing Dhananjaya de Silva for 167. That wicket ended a 249-run fifth-wicket stand, the highest association for Sri Lanka for that wicket in mens Tests against Pakistan. Kusal Mendis, the other centurion, followed soon after for 119. Both batters were caught behind off the debutant Saqib. Sonal Dinusha, who arrived in Pakistan in good form after impressing against India at home in August, put up some resistance with a gritty 20 before becoming Saqibs fifth victim. The pacer kept going and ran through the lower order to complete his seven-wicket haul, as Sri Lanka went from 404/4 to 446 all out. Saqibs figures are the fourth-best by a Pakistan bowler on Test debut. Only Mohammad Zahid (7-66), Mohammad Nazir (7-99) and Abrar Ahmed (7-114) have done better, in terms of runs conceded. With the final days play remaining, all three results are still possible. Pakistan have nine wickets in hand and a slender lead. The series counts towards the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship points. Sri Lanka are seventh in the table with a points percentage of 33.33, while Pakistan are ninth and last on 4.63 PCT. Brief scores: Pakistan 434/9 decl. & 57/1 in 21/2 overs (Mohammad Taha 24 not out; Asitha Fernando 1-10) lead Sri Lanka 446 all out in 117.2 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 167, Kusal Mendis 119; Saqib Khan 7-130) by 45 runs Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Mumbai: Woman and 13-year-old girl suffer burns in LPG cylinder fire in Andheri
The incident was reported at 7:35 pm at Bombari Chawl, near Khandeshwar Mandir in Kajuwadi, Chakala. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the fire was caused by a flash fire from the main valve of an LPG cylinder in the kitchen of Room No. 2 on the ground floor of a ground-plus-one-storey structure
Food Safety Officials Inspect Mandi, Shawarma Restaurants In Karimnagar
Officials focused on the manufacture and sale of raw egg mayonnaise, which is prohibited in Telangana: Reports
Digital Desk | Agartala, Nov 12 (IANS) Amid a controversy over alleged derogatory remarks by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Tafajjal Hossain about the food habits and lifestyle of the tribal community, the ruling party in Tripura on Thursday served a show-cause notice to the legislator, asking him to submit his explanation within seven days, failing which disciplinary action would be initiated in accordance with party rules. In the show-cause notice, Tripura BJP Disciplinary Committee Convener Tapas Bhattacharjee said that a video which recently went viral on social media had come to the notice of the state party leadership. In the video, Hossain was allegedly heard making objectionable and derogatory remarks about the food habits and daily lifestyle of the state's tribal communities. The notice stated that the content and manner of presentation in the video had caused widespread resentment and concern among members of the tribal community and various other sections of society, the notice said. It also added that maintaining harmony among different communities in Tripura's diverse social and cultural environment was a collective responsibility of every public representative, and such conduct was in no way acceptable from an elected representative holding a position of responsibility. The BJP disciplinary committee also took exception to what it described as speculative statements made by the MLA in the names of the incumbent Chief Minister Manik Saha and a former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, saying that such remarks had triggered adverse reactions among the people of the state. With the approval of the State BJP President Abhishek Debroy, the notice directed Hossain to clarify his role and position on the issues raised within seven days of receiving it and submit a written explanation to the party's state headquarters, saying why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. The notice warned that failure to submit a satisfactory response within the stipulated period would invite action under the party's disciplinary rules. The controversy erupted after a video circulated on social media on Tuesday, purportedly showing the BJP legislator making objectionable comments about pig and pork, a popular food among tribal communities in the Northeast. Non-tribals also occasionally eat pork. On Wednesday, Hossain expressed regret over his remarks and appealed for peace and communal harmony. In a video message posted on social media, the MLA sought to clarify his comments, allegedly made at Sonamura in Sepahijala district. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha earlier said on Thursday that the law would take its own course and that the party was also examining the matter. The Chief Minister added that he had already discussed the issue with State BJP President Abhishek Debroy and that the matter was under consideration. MLA Tafajjal Hossain has already expressed regret over his remarks. The matter should be looked at from this perspective. However, such remarks should not be made, CM Saha told the media. Several tribal organisations affiliated with the BJP's ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), as well as the Opposition CPI-M, have lodged complaints at various police stations in Agartala, demanding legal action against Hossain, 52. TMP founder and supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma demanded an apology from the legislator, while State CPI-M Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury urged the state government to take appropriate action. In an earlier development, the BJP had served a show-cause notice to Hossain in October last year for making adverse comments against former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik. Hossain was elected to the Tripura Assembly from the Boxanagar constituency in Sepahijala district for the first time in the 2023 Assembly elections. Pork is among the most preferred meats across the eight Northeastern states, with the annual pork trade in the region estimated at Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore. Assam is the largest supplier of pork in the region.
India-China War Unlikely, Pak Warship Collision, IAF Pushback: Ex-Navy Chief Sunil Lanba | DefenceHQ
Will India and China ever go to war? Why does India hold the advantage over China in the northern Indian Ocean? And what does a former Navy chief make of the Pakistani warship that collided with an Indian destroyer?In this episode of DefenceHQ by The Times of India, Prasad Sanyal speaks to former Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba (retd) about India's maritime strategy, the growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean, the collision with a Pakistani warship and the future of India's military power.Lanba explains why he believes India and China are unlikely to go to war, calls the conduct of the Pakistani warship's commanding officer most unprofessional and speaks candidly about the Indian Air Force's reservations over integrated theatre commands.He also reveals how a joint military plan prepared a year before Pulwama helped shape India's response at Balakot, why India needs three aircraft carriers, how delays have hurt the submarine programme and why he calls India's shipbuilding capacity pathetic. From sea-based nuclear deterrence to drones, modern naval warfare and the challenges of military integration, the former Navy chief offers an insider's perspective on India's defence preparedness.YouTube Tags: Admiral Sunil Lanba, Sunil Lanba interview, Prasad Sanyal, Indian Navy, India China war, China Navy, Pakistan Navy, India Pakistan, Pakistani warship collision, INS Kolkata, Operation Sindoor, Pulwama, Balakot airstrike, Indian Air Force, theatre commands, Indian aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant, Indian submarines, Project 75I, nuclear deterrence, nuclear triad, Indian Ocean, naval warfare, Indian defence, military strategy, DefenceHQ, TOI DefenceHQ, Times of IndiaHashtags: #DefenceHQ #IndianNavy #SunilLanba #PrasadSanyal #IndiaChina #PakistanNavy #TheatreCommands #TheTimesOfIndia00:00 Intro & Highlights02:20 Meet Former Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba03:55 Indias Maritime Power & Why the Seas Matter06:40 India-Pakistan Warship Collision Explained08:05 What Happens When Rival Warships Get Too Close?09:35 Admiral Lanbas Journey in the Indian Navy11:05 Navigation Before GPS: How the Navy Operated12:50 Tracking Chinese Ships in the Indian Ocean15:55 Commanding Indian Navy Warships17:35 Indias Naval Indigenisation Journey21:40 Can Indian Warships Defend Against Drone Attacks?24:15 Why India Needs Aircraft Carriers27:20 Why Landing on an Aircraft Carrier Is So Difficult28:50 Why India Needs Three Aircraft Carriers29:30 How the Navy Responds During a Crisis31:30 Indias Submarine Fleet & The China Challenge33:40 Why Indias Submarine Programme Faced Delays35:55 Nuclear vs Conventional Submarines38:00 The Cost of Delays in Submarine Projects39:00 Indias Nuclear Deterrence & Second-Strike Capability41:30 Working With Army & Air Force Chiefs43:25 Why India Needs Integrated Theatre Commands46:05 What Is Holding Back Theatre Commands?48:20 Navy vs Army vs Air Force: Command Challenges50:45 What Does the Indian Navy Need Today?52:55 Chinas Massive Navy vs India54:30 Indias Advantage Over China in the Indian Ocean55:00 Rapid Fire: Carrier, Submarine, BrahMos & More56:05 Admiral Lanbas Favourite Warship58:05 The Indian Navy of 203558:35 What India Still Doesnt Understand About the Sea59:40 Why India Needs Holistic Maritime Power1:00:28 Closing
ACB Arrests RDD Assistant Engineer, Contractor in Bandipora Bribery Case
SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested an Assistant Engineer of the Rural Development Department (RDD) and a contractor for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000 to clear pending bills for five government works in Bandipora district. The accused Assistant Engineer, identified as Mohd Rafi Moon, posted at Block Arin, had []
Sikh riot victims' kin burn Sonia's memoir over massacre account
Families of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, supported by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), protested by burning copies of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. They object to her portrayal of the communal massacre, which she describes as ragic and shameful but also states Rajiv Gandhi's heart held no bigotry or rancour despite governance failure. Protesters allege the account does not reflect historical events and the suffering of the Sikh community, demanding justice even after four decades.
The Centre will be enumerating caste through an open column for everyone apart from SCs and STs during the Population Enumeration phase of the 2027 Census, which yielded over 46 lakh caste names during 2011 SECC
Political Leaders React Strongly to Terror Attack in Kulgam
Political leaders condemn the recent terror attack in Kulgam, demanding strict action against the perpetrators and highlighting ongoing security concerns. Political Leaders React Strongly to Terror Attack in Kulgam
Bagalkot sugarcane farmers continue protest seeking higher prices
The growers who are protesting are demanding 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane in the district
With Student of the Year: After Dark gearing up for its premiere tomorrow, Shanaya Kapoor has penned an emotional note reflecting on her experience of working on the series. The actress also shared a series of behind-the-scenes pictures, offering fans a glimpse into the making of the show, her demanding preparation and the team that helped bring the project to life. Calling the series extremely close to her heart, Shanaya expressed gratitude to everyone associated with the project. This show means everything to me, and it wouldn't have been possible without the entire, incredible, insane and best team, she wrote. The actress also extended a special note of thanks to filmmaker Karan Johar for placing his trust in her and giving her the opportunity to be part of the popular franchise. Highlighting the opportunity to take on a double role at this early stage of her career, Shanaya acknowledged the experience as an important step in exploring her acting abilities. Thank you for believing in me. Hope I make you proud, she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) Shanaya reserved another special mention for director Reema Maya, whom she fondly referred to as The captain of the ship. Appreciating the creative freedom and guidance she received during the shoot, the actress wrote, You allowed me to express in my own way and whenever we got it right.. it was the best feeling on set. The BTS photographs also shed light on the extensive physical preparation involved in bringing the series to life. From intense action training to challenging underwater sequences, Shanaya appeared to have pushed herself beyond familiar territory for the project. Acknowledging the team's efforts in helping her navigate these challenges, she shared, Thank you so much for pushing me to places I thought I couldn't go. Another significant aspect of the project for the actress was portraying Aditi and Ayesha, two characters with distinct journeys and personalities. Reflecting on the process of understanding and bringing them to the screen, Shanaya wrote, Aditi and Ayesha, two characters to understand, empathise with, grasp and love. I learned and opened up so much during this process. As the premiere draws closer, the actress admitted to feeling nervous while also expressing excitement about audiences finally getting to experience the show. Having explored a double role, demanding action sequences and two distinct characters, Shanaya is looking forward to sharing the result of the team's efforts with viewers. Student of the Year: After Dark premieres tomorrow on JioHotstar, with Shanaya Kapoor stepping into a new phase of her acting journey. Also Read: Shanaya Kapoor recreates Alia Bhatts iconic Radha moment ahead of Student Of The Year: After Dark release
Bengaluru Metro Row: Congress, BJP Clash Over Centre's Funding Share
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates a new stretch of Bengaluru's Pink Line, but the Metro expansion has triggered a political face-off between the Congress and BJP. The Karnataka government has questioned the Centre's financial contribution, demanding a larger share of funds and faster approvals for upcoming projects. While the state says it is shouldering a disproportionate share of the expenditure, the BJP has challenged its calculations, particularly the inclusion of BMRCL loans. Amid the political blame game, questions remain over funding, accountability and Bengaluru's growing infrastructure needs.
The end of an era at Nvidia: Jensen Huang quits as CEO after 33 years
Huang's departure follows reports of two extramarital relationships and allegations involving a suspected Chinese intelligence operation Chief financial officer Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor The leadership change comes as Nvidia faces growing scrutiny over its business links to China and national security concerns Jensen Huang's departure from Nvidia marks the end of one of the longest and most consequential leadership tenures in the technology industry, leaving the world's leading AI chipmaker facing an unexpected succession challenge. The 63-year-old co-founder has stepped down as chief executive after 33 years at the company, following reports about his personal relationships and allegations that one of the women involved was connected to a suspected Chinese intelligence operation. Nvidia confirmed the resignation on Thursday, thanking Huang for his contribution to the company and the wider technology industry. Jensen's contributions to NVIDIA are profound. NVIDIA is one of the most consequential technology companies in the world. The Board and the company thank Jensen for his immeasurable contributions to the company and the industry, the company said in a statement. Chief financial officer Colette Kress will take over as interim chief executive while the board searches for a permanent replacement. The company said it would consider both internal and external candidates. Nvidia chairman Harvey Jones said Kress had helped guide the business through a period of extraordinary growth and had a strong understanding of its operations, customers and financial position. The board also expressed confidence that the leadership transition would not disrupt the company's operations, customer commitments or product roadmap. What led to Huang's departure? The controversy began with reports that Huang had an extramarital relationship with Alice Huang, a former director at Megaspeed, who is not related to him. The woman was reportedly suspected by US intelligence of facilitating shipments of Nvidia microchips to Chinese companies as part of a foreign intelligence operation. The allegations have not been established as fact, and China has rejected the espionage claims. Huang later acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in a message to Nvidia employees, saying he was deeply sorry. He did not provide further details. Reports subsequently emerged alleging that he had also been involved in a relationship with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of healthcare, who is married. Nvidia's board commissioned an independent investigation led by law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz following the reports. The allegations have raised questions about executive conduct, corporate governance and the potential national security implications of the company's relationships in China. The controversy has also attracted political attention in Washington. Republican leaders of three House committees requested closed-door testimony from Huang about his reported interactions with the alleged intelligence operative. Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons separately wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, demanding that records relating to Nvidia's business dealings with China be preserved. The Chinese foreign ministry rejected the espionage allegations, describing them as purely unsubstantiated and an attempt to smear the country. What happens to Nvidia after its co-founder leaves? Huang's departure creates a significant leadership challenge for a company that has become central to the global artificial intelligence boom. He co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and led its transformation from a graphics processor manufacturer into the dominant supplier of chips used to train and run advanced AI systems. Its processors have become essential infrastructure for technology companies investing billions in artificial intelligence, placing Nvidia at the centre of the competition between the US and China. The company has grown into one of the world's most valuable businesses, with a market capitalisation approaching $4tn. Its position has also made Huang one of the most influential figures in the technology industry. His exit comes at a sensitive time for Nvidia's relationship with Washington. The chief executive had argued that allowing American chipmakers to sell to China would help preserve US technological leadership and prevent Chinese customers from turning to domestic alternatives. However, some US lawmakers have pushed for tighter restrictions, warning that access to advanced processors could strengthen China's military AI capabilities. The controversy has added pressure to that debate, particularly as lawmakers seek greater scrutiny of Nvidia's dealings with Chinese companies and institutions. Huang's successor will therefore inherit more than a rapidly growing chip business. The role will involve navigating export restrictions, political scrutiny, competition from rival chipmakers and the enormous spending commitments underpinning the AI industry. For now, Kress will oversee the transition. Whether Nvidia can maintain its strategic direction without the founder who shaped its rise will be one of the biggest questions facing the company.
How Everyday Americans defeated million-dollar campaigns to Win Against All Odds
Descriptor: They were written off, vastly outspent, and forced to campaign out of rented vans or while balancing demanding 9-to-5 jobs. Yet, a wave of everyday citizensfarmers, army veteran, small-town mayor proved that you dont need a multi-million-dollar war chest to win. By trading expensive ad buys for relentless door-to-door campaign, showing up at local town halls, and shaking hands at community parades, these underdog candidates pulled off impossible victories and rewrote the political campaign playbook.
Bihar CM assures permanent bridge between Saran and Ballia
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 12 (IANS) Hopes have been renewed for the construction of a permanent bridge between Bihars Revealganj in Saran district and Sitab Diara in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has assured that the government will pursue the construction of a permanent bridge instead of a pontoon bridge on the route. The bridge would provide all-weather connectivity between these two districts. The Chief Minister said he would meet Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss the project and initiate the necessary steps. Choudhary gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Atal Dwar at Jharam Ghat in Saran district on Thursday. During his visit, the Chief Minister also inspected Atal Vatika, Yagyashala and Jeevika Rasoi, which have been developed as part of a rejuvenation initiative at Ram Ghat. He also unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee and paid floral tribute to him. At the event, local MLA Chhoti Kumari met Choudhary and submitted a memorandum seeking the implementation of three major development projects in the region. Her primary demand was the construction of a permanent bridge between Revelganj and Sitabdiara. She said the project would provide reliable, year-round connectivity to thousands of residents of Saran and Ballia, while strengthening trade, social interaction and economic ties between the two regions. Sitab Diara is located in the Saran district (Chhapra) of Bihar, with parts of the village also extending into the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. Responding to the demand, Choudhary assured her that he would take up the matter with Gadkari. As her second demand, the MLA sought expedited construction of a Marine Drive connecting Bishunpura and Revelganj. She said the proposed road would improve regional connectivity and open up new opportunities for development. The third proposal was to include Ahilya Sthan Godna, believed to be the maternal ancestral home of Lord Hanuman, in the Ram Circuit. She said the move would promote religious and cultural tourism and generate employment opportunities for residents. The Chief Ministers assurance has revived hopes among residents, who have long been demanding a permanent bridge to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between the two regions.
Monks Arrested In Sri Lanka Over India-Aided Project Protest
Three Buddhist monks staging a fast-unto-death protest in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, were arrested on Thursday. They were demanding the withdrawal of an India-aided government development plan for the sacred Buddhist site. The arrests followed a clash at the protest site, which also led to the detention of a defrocked monk and four civilians. India had announced grant assistance for the project in April 2025, aiming to improve infrastructure and facilities in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meet the 5 homegrown artists joining global K-pop stars at HYBEs Weverse Con Festival India
India is getting ready for a musical moment unlike any other. On March 27 and 28, 2027, New Delhi will host the first-ever international edition of HYBEs celebrated Weverse Con Festival, bringing together some of the biggest names in K-pop and a diverse mix of contemporary Indian talent. The excitement has already translated into an extraordinary response, with all five ticket categories selling out within 90 minutes of general sales opening on October 30, following an equally impressive response to the Mastercard pre-sale. The overwhelming demand reflects the anticipation surrounding a festival that promises to bring some of the world's biggest music acts to India. The star-studded international line-up features K-pop and global powerhouses BUMZU, Dayoung, ENHYPEN, Eric Nam, HWASA, Lara of KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, Lee Hyun, Rhea Raj and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), alongside sharing the festival stage with these global names are five Indian artists Gini, King, RANJ X CLIFR, Reble and DJ Zelo. For Indian musicians, Weverse Con presents an opportunity to share the stage with global K-pop stars, connect with wider audiences and foster meaningful collaborations across cultures and music communities. With K-pop commanding an increasingly passionate following in India, the presence of homegrown artists adds to this growing cultural exchange, bringing contemporary Indian music into the global spotlight. As the countdown begins, here's a closer look at the five Indian artists bringing their own sounds, identities and musical influences to this landmark festival. KING: The hitmaker bringing Indian hip-hop to the mainstream From the viral success of Tu Aake Dekhle to the global streaming phenomenon Maan Meri Jaan, King has established himself as one of India's most recognisable rap and pop performers. Known for combining hip-hop sensibilities with infectious hooks, melodic storytelling and an unmistakable stage presence, he has built a following that extends well beyond the traditional rap audience. His musical journey has also seen him collaborate with international names, including Nick Jonas on Afterlife, introducing his music to an even wider audience. At Weverse Con, King brings an established catalogue of crowd favourites and a distinctly Indian pop-rap identity to the festival. GINI: The indie-pop voice bringing emotion to the mix With her understated vocal style, intimate songwriting and melodic indie-pop sensibility, Gini represents a distinctive side of India's evolving independent music scene. Her music leans into emotion and atmosphere, offering a refreshing contrast to the high-energy performances elsewhere on the line-up. Known for songs such as Sukoon and Falling Asleep, Gini has been building a connection with listeners through music that feels personal and relatable. Her inclusion brings an independent Indian singer-songwriter perspective to the festival. RANJ x CLIFR: Where Carnatic meets contemporary R&B If musical experimentation is the name of the game, RANJ x CLIFR bring plenty of it to the table. The duo has carved out a distinctive space with a sound that moves between R&B, hip-hop, jazz, house and space-pop, while drawing on their early experiences with Carnatic fusion. Tracks such as Mutual, UNO and Attached showcase their ability to bring different musical influences together while retaining their individual identity. Their journey from a Carnatic fusion background to contemporary independent music reflects how Indian musical foundations can evolve into fresh, globally accessible sounds. REBLE: The fearless voice of a new generation of Indian rap Bringing an unapologetic attitude and a powerful lyrical presence, Reble is among the exciting new voices making their mark on Indian hip-hop. Known for her sharp delivery, fearless writing and commanding energy, the rapper has steadily built recognition for a sound that refuses to be boxed into conventional expectations. Her growing mainstream visibility has been further amplified by tracks associated with the Dhurandhar soundtrack, including Naal Nachna and Run Down the City Monica. With her ability to move between hard-hitting rap and high-energy performance, Reble represents a new generation of Indian artists carving out their own space in the industry. DJ ZELO: Bringing the beats and festival energy Every great music festival needs an artist who knows how to keep the energy moving, and DJ Zelo brings that electronic and DJ-led dimension to the Indian line-up. With performances built around rhythm, crowd engagement and high-energy mixes, he adds a different flavour to a programme spanning K-pop, pop, hip-hop and independent music. His inclusion also highlights the diversity of India's contemporary music landscape, where DJs and electronic performers are increasingly becoming an integral part of the live festival experience. At Weverse Con, DJ Zelo will bring a celebratory, dance-floor-ready energy to the two-day celebration. Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna partners with HYBE INDIA to discover young female talent in India
BJP legislator Maithili Thakur refutes land grabbing claims against her father, demanding evidence from accusers to clear her familys name. BJP Legislator Maithili Thakur Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Challenges Accusers to Present Evidence
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday accused the opposition of opposing cow protection and Gau Seva, alleging that the same parties had earlier questioned the existence of Lord Shri Ram and created obstacles in the construction of the Ram Mandir. Dhami was participating in the inauguration ceremony of Kamdhenu Lok at Kamdhenu Lok Bhawan in Haridwar. He said the opposition described Gau Seva as a symbol of a regressive mindset, while asserting that his government considered cow protection central to faith as well as the rural economy. The opposition claims that Gau Seva is a symbol of our regressive mindset. These people neither like Gau Mata nor those who are devoted to her. These are the same people who, for years, committed the sin of denying the very existence of Lord Shri Ram, he said. Referring to the construction of the Ram Mandir, the Chief Minister alleged that opposition parties had attempted to obstruct the process through legal interventions. And whe...
Nearly 3,000 Christians in Shivamogga Demand Repeal of Karnataka
Nearly 3,000 Christians in Shivamogga Demand Repeal of Karnatakas Anti-Conversion Act Shivamogga: Demanding the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of the Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, popularly known as the Anti-Conversion Act, nearly 3,000 Christians belonging to various denominations and rites from Shivamogga, Davangere and Chitradurga districts participated in a peaceful silent procession [] The post Nearly 3,000 Christians in Shivamogga Demand Repeal of Karnatakas Anti-Conversion Act appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Chhath Puja celebrations sparks row in Mumbai over artificial ponds; MNS, Sena UBT raise objections
A political controversy has erupted in Mumbai over Chhath Puja celebrations , with opposition parties demanding that the festival be organised in artificial ponds to prevent pollution at beaches and riverbanks. The debate has also intensified over the playing of Bhojpuri songs at Wadala railway station, with the UBT Shiv Sena lodging a complaint with railway authorities and warning of protests if the practice continues.
India U-19 Storm Into Asia Cup Final With Commanding Win Over Afghanistan, Set Up Pakistan Clash
India U-19 delivered a clinical performance to defeat Afghanistan U-19 by eight wickets in the semi-final of the Mens Under-19 Asia Cup at Al Amerat, Oman. Led from the front by captain Lakshya Raichandani, who earned the Player of the Match award for his standout display, the Indian colts dominated proceedings to seal a convincing [] The post India U-19 Storm Into Asia Cup Final With Commanding Win Over Afghanistan, Set Up Pakistan Clash appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
The Fulcrum of Growth: Indias upward and inevitable trajectory
Digital Desk | In late October, New Delhi hosted the internationally recognised standards body, TIC Councils first global board meeting, a strategic gathering that underscored a unified message from global leadership: Indias economic trajectory is an undeniable reality, and World Inc is decisively bullish on its future. The decision to host the TIC Council Global Board Meeting in New Delhi alongside the TIC Council India Summit is a direct endorsement of Indias economic trajectory, stated Florian Anderhuber, Director General of the TIC Council. He was mirroring a sentiment echoed by several global boards in dateline India. As the established global order faces disruption on multiple fronts, international leaders are increasingly looking to India to brainstorm and ideate a future for shared development. New Delhi currently boasts a rare combination of political stability, policy continuity, and an ever-growing consumption marketplace. This was further evidenced when New Delhi hosted the inaugural Bloomberg New Economy Forum, drawing 500 global leaders with Michael Bloomberg to chart the future of global growth, a gathering Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed as proof of Indias growing role in the global arena. Endorsing this broad sentiment, noted global economist Jeffrey Sachs recently predicted that India would become the world's largest economy in the coming decades, provided it sustains its growth momentum through investments in education, jobs, and climate resilience. In doing so, Sachs subtly acknowledged the indispensable role of domestic infrastructure heavyweights, such as the Adani Group, in executing the massive physical transformation required to shoulder this scale of economic expansion. This high-level confidence is matched by hard macroeconomic data. Moody's Ratings has just upgraded Indias GDP growth forecast to 7 per cent for the current fiscal year, up from its earlier projection of 6.5 per cent, citing strong domestic consumption, broad-based economic momentum, and resilience to global shocks. Episodes of Indian ascendancy are playing out globally. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently showcased Reliances Jamnagar to the world as a seat of refining prowess. While India-US trade ties have faced occasional headwinds, India Inc continues to make its mark, with POTUS recently hosting the Essar Group to mark a $15 billion steel plant announcement in Iowa. In parallel, the Tatas have announced a major auto foray in Europe, while JSW is set to relaunch Volkswagen in a majority-owned joint venture to manufacture passenger vehicles for India and the world. Domestically, the last quarter witnessed a unique bull run spearheaded by the listing of Reliance-owned Jio. Together with its home competitor Bharti Airtel, India now proudly seats two companies in the top ten telcos globally, and the connectivity story has only just peaked. The Jio listing demonstrated a staggering hunger and appetite for massive fund raises, cementing India's reputation as the emerging IPO capital of the world. With 2027, barely 45 days away, the overwhelming bullishness is unmissable. The sentiment transcends the countrys business geography with states competing to fetch big-ticket global investors. At the heart of the global attention is among other things, the collective power of the Indian consumer who is positioned as a single most potent co-hort. Even when the word faces push against globalization, the Indian consumer is the key pillar for profitability of several global majors across business verticals, from auto and FMCG to GCCs and fintech. This resilience features a strong developmental arc, with the World Banks October country report estimating that 500 million citizens have been lifted out of poverty. However, any growth story, especially one of this magnitude, poses structural socio-economic challenges. India's large inequities have recently assumed political hues, with a restless youth demographic demanding a revamped education system and greater job creation. Indias demography, long billed as its key strength, faces severe headwinds and runs the risk of slipping into a liability if the government does not mount quick ecosystem-aligning reforms. Alongside the government, the private sector, which has unexpectedly shied away from big-ticket capex, must shoulder a larger chunk of this responsibility. As venture capitalist Hemant Mohapatra noted, India's rise will be messy. But inevitable. That messiness is a lived reality. Creaking urban infrastructure and mega-metros are currently unable to keep pace with their growth ambitions, and the macro bullishness often contrasts sharply with on-the-ground bottlenecks regarding the ease of doing business. In response, India Inc has discreetly been pushing for long-pending land and labour reforms to translate high-level optimism into ground-level execution. India is known to consistently disappoint eternal optimists and chronic pessimists alike. The truth is that India moves forward even when a lot tends to pull it back. Driven by the aspirations of 1.4 billion people, its core strength remains political stability marked by a near-national consensus for making this Indias decade. The journey is complex, competitive, demanding, and often fragmented, but undeniably upward. (Rakesh Khar writes at the intersection of politics, business, technology, and society.)
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 12 (IANS) The Karnataka Congress has proposed to repeal the amendments made to the Anti-Conversion law by the previous BJP government during the upcoming Winter Session of the State Legislature, triggering a fresh political confrontation between the ruling party and the BJP. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and MLC, B.K. Hariprasad, made the announcement at a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday, stating that the government would restore the earlier legal position, claiming that the BJP had introduced draconian and stringent provisions in the law with the intention of harassing religious minorities. We will repeal the Anti-Conversion Bill in Karnataka during the upcoming Winter Session. We will restore the earlier status quo. The government will fulfil the aspirations of the people. The BJP had amended the Bill with the intention of harassing minorities, Hariprasad said. The announcement has drawn a sharp reaction from the BJP, which accused the government of facilitating religious conversions and warned that it would strongly oppose the move. Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said the BJP's legislation did not prevent anyone from voluntarily embracing another religion but was intended to prohibit conversions through force, coercion or inducements. There should not be any pressure on people who want to convert to another religion. If a person wishes to embrace another religion voluntarily, it is their right. They can submit the necessary documents through the Deputy Commissioner and convert to any religion. Our Constitution allows this, he said. However, he maintained that forced conversions or conversions through the offer of money or other inducements should not be permitted. If the government withdraws this law, it would mean that it is allowing other religions to forcibly convert people. The BJP will oppose such a move, he claimed. Reacting to protests by minority organisations demanding the withdrawal of the anti-conversion law and the cow slaughter ban law, Narayanaswamy alleged that such demands were intended to facilitate forced religious conversions and continue cow slaughter. If minorities are demanding the withdrawal of these laws, does it mean that they want forced conversions to continue and want to continue cow slaughter? Anyone who wants to convert voluntarily has that right. We have no objection to that, he said. The controversy centres on the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, introduced by the previous BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai. The legislation prohibits religious conversions through misrepresentation, force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraudulent means or marriage. Controversially, under the Act, reconversion to a person's immediate previous religion is not treated as conversion. The legislation also prescribes a procedure for those intending to change their religion. A person intending to convert must submit a declaration to the District Magistrate at least 30 days in advance. The person conducting the conversion must also give prior notice. Following the conversion, the individual is required to submit another declaration within 30 days and appear before the District Magistrate for verification of identity and intention. The District Magistrate is empowered to invite objections from the public and order a police enquiry into the circumstances and intention behind the proposed conversion. The Act provides for imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of Rs 25,000 for unlawful conversions. In cases involving minors, women, members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and persons of unsound mind, the punishment ranges from three to 10 years, with a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Mass conversions involving two or more persons attract imprisonment of three to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Repeat offenders face imprisonment of five years or more and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. Offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable. With the Congress announcing its intention to repeal the amendments in the forthcoming winter session scheduled to be held in December, the issue is expected to become a major political flashpoint between the ruling Congress and the BJP in the Legislature.
Shanaya Kapoor reveals challenges of playing a double role early in her career
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) Actress Shanaya Kapoor has revealed the challenges of playing a double role early in her career in the series Student Of The Year After Dark. Reflecting on her experience, the actress said the project pushed her to explore her acting range while navigating several demanding aspects of the shoot. Taking to social media, Shanaya thanked filmmaker Karan Johar for giving her the opportunity to take on a double role and allowing her to showcase different facets of her performance. The actress also acknowledged director Reema Sen for giving her the space to share her creative inputs. Shanaya further spoke about the demanding action and underwater sequences, which pushed her beyond what she thought she could manage. She credited the action team as well as the underwater team for guiding and supporting her through the difficult moments. The actress said that while there were difficult days during the shoot, the belief and support of the people around her helped her navigate the challenges. Sharing a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the set, the Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan actress shared, This show means everything to me, and it wouldnt have been possible without the entire, incredible, insane and best team. I want to thank @karanjohar for giving me this opportunity to carry forward such a special special franchise and allowing me so early on in my career to play a double role that allowed me to show my range as an actor. Thank you for believing in me. Hope I make you proud. Thank you @apoorva1972 for your support and guidance always, and for always being there whenever and I literally mean whenever. To the entire action and underwaterteam from action director Bunty Sir @vikramdahiya707 to the underwater team led by Sukesh Sir @sukesh_viswanath thank you so much for pushing me to places I thought I couldnt go. There were difficult days and without your belief in me I woundnt have been able to do any of it! @underwater.cartel you held my hand throughout the most challenging underwater shots. Thank you. Thank you to everyone on the crew this was a challenging series to shoot, and I know each day, each minute, each second was crucial. It wouldnt have been possible without all of you. Concluding her note, Shanaya urged everyone to watch the show and wrote, Please do watch our show Student Of The Year After Dark TOMORROW on @jiohotstar its made with a lot of sweat, blood, and tears (literally) only for you guys! I love you all. Student Of The Year: After Dark reimagines the 2012 campus-romance franchise as a gritty murder mystery. The series marks Shanaya Kapoors OTT debut, with the actress stepping into a double role as twin sisters Aayesha and Aditi Malik. Produced by Karan Johar, the Hindi thriller series is scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar on November 13, 2026.
Srinagar, Nov 12: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed a two-day National Seminar on Revival, Preservation and Sustainability of Cultural Heritage of Kashmir, organised by Kakini Building Humanity. The event was also graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, through virtual mode. Congratulating the organisers, scholars, administrators, artists, ex-servicemen, military officers and citizens participating in the seminar, the Lieutenant Governor said that heritage is a priceless inheritance received from generations of philosophers, saints, artisans, writers and thinkers who enriched humanity through their wisdom and creativity. He stressed that the responsibility of the present generation is not merely to admire this legacy, but to preserve, organise, document and make it more accessible to society. He called for a collective commitment to safeguarding the civilisational legacy of Jammu Kashmir for future generations. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Jammu Kashmir is not known only for its natural beauty but also for its profound contributions to philosophy, spirituality, language, aesthetics and human thought. Referring to Acharya Abhinavagupta, he said that the great philosopher embodied the unity of spiritual experience, art and intellectual inquiry, and that youth should be introduced to the remarkable thinkers who emerged from the Kashmir Valley. Every university, every teacher, and every cultural institution of this land should work on translating important texts, encourage research, and provide scholars and students with a common platform. I believe that heritage must be alive, it must converse, and it must guide our new generation, he said. Emphasising that culture forms the foundation of every society, the Lieutenant Governor noted that communities draw confidence and self-respect from a deeper understanding of their history and heritage. He underlined the importance of preserving ancient religious sites, manuscripts, museums and cultural institutions as instruments for strengthening identity and promoting mutual understanding. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significant efforts undertaken in Jammu Kashmir for heritage conservation under the leadership of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He noted that heritage revival projects are being implemented across the Union Territory through restoration of monuments, archival modernisation, archaeological research and cultural infrastructure development. It is pertinent to mention that preservation work has been initiated on 106 heritage projects under the first two phases, with over 40 projects already completed. Under Phase III, 321 projects have been identified and 312 have received administrative approval. The digitisation work of historical records is ongoing in the Jammu and Srinagar archives, with nearly 96.8 lakh pages digitised so far, representing about 68 per cent of available documents. Under Mission Gyan Bharatam, the surveys have identified 43,000 manuscripts and digitisation efforts are progressing steadily. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted ongoing work related to the Sufiana School in Srinagar, the modernisation of Abhinav Theatre and Kala Kendra in Jammu, restoration of Mubarak Mandi and research into recently discovered Kushan-era Buddhist remains in Baramulla district. Speaking about Naranag Heritage Complex in Ganderbal, the Lieutenant Governor welcomed the research and documentation initiatives undertaken by Kakini Building Humanity and expressed hope that conservation and restoration activities would commence after completion of necessary procedural requirements. He also appreciated efforts connected with the Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage, describing it as a symbol of the regions enduring cultural and spiritual traditions. I believe that Naranag has its own distinct historical and spiritual dignity, where faith, geography, and collective memories are deeply intertwined. Therefore, I am extremely pleased that Kakini Building Humanity has also established a chair at the Indian Heritage Institute, he said. The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that Jammu Kashmir has a long tradition of harmony and equal respect for all faiths. He emphasised that the heritage of every community must be preserved with sensitivity. The vaakhs of Yogini Lalleshwari and Nund Rishi still reach peoples hearts across centuries, because their words contain eternal truths that are untouched by the passage of time. Preserving this tradition of harmony is our collective public responsibility, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said Kashmiri Pandit's contribution to Kashmirs literary, spiritual and cultural heritage is invaluable and their dignified return would help restore the Valleys complete social and cultural fabric. The Lieutenant Governor commended the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, scholars, archivists, museum professionals and all stakeholders associated with heritage conservation. He also lauded former army officers and civil society organisations for their continued contribution to cultural preservation and nation-building. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha; Adv. Raja Ashraf Ali Khan, Swamini Vishwa Nireeshwari Lakshmi Priya Mata, Ramesh Hangloo, Ar. Balaji Dhar and Ar. Shravanthi were felicitated for their contribution in the field of culture and heritage. Maj Gen R.K Raina (Retd.), Chairman Kakini Building Humanity, Cdr. Sanjay Kaul (Retd.), Dr. Aanchal Khurana, Vice President, Kakini Building Humanity; Ramesh Kumar, Secretary, Culture Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officials and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.
Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh team up for action and romance in 'Gunmaaster G9' trailer
Highlights Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh come together for the first time in the action-romance Gunmaaster G9. The trailer features gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, romance, humour and music. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026. Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh are bringing action and romance together in their upcoming film Gunmaaster G9, with the newly released trailer offering a glimpse of their on-screen pairing. Unveiled at an event in Pune on Wednesday, the trailer introduces Hashmi in a more physically demanding action role, featuring gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and romantic sequences. The launch event was attended by Hashmi, Deshmukh, co-stars Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Singh, director Aditya Datt and producer Deepak Mukut. Emraan Hashmi explores a new action avatar Hashmi said Gunmaaster G9 gave him the opportunity to explore a different side of his acting career, with the role requiring extensive physical preparation. I'm known for playing characters who have often found themselves in dangerous situations, but Gunmaaster G9 takes that to another level. This time, I am not just reacting to the danger; I am right in the middle of the action, he said in a statement. The actor underwent an intensive training programme involving martial arts, gun shooting and preparation for physically demanding stunts. He added that he wanted the action sequences to look convincing while allowing audiences to see a side of him they had not experienced before. Genelia Deshmukh on working with Emraan Hashmi Gunmaaster G9 marks the first time Deshmukh shares screen space with Hashmi. The actor said she enjoyed the film's combination of different entertainment elements. What I enjoyed about Gunmaaster G9 is that it doesn't restrict itself to one mood. There's action, but there's also romance, humour, music and emotion, she said. Deshmukh added that working with Hashmi for the first time was something she had been looking forward to. Khurana also highlighted the film's larger-than-life sequences and mix of characters, saying he believed the theatrical experience would appeal to audiences. When will Gunmaaster G9 release? Directed by Aditya Datt, Gunmaaster G9 is produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir under the banner of SRE Studios LLP. Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt Ltd presents the film. Datt said the project brings together large-scale action and music while presenting Hashmi in an avatar audiences have not seen from him in a long time. The film's music is composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Also featuring Abhishek Singh, the action romance is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on November 27, 2026.
Delhi AAP MLA Jarnail Singh reported receiving a threatening message demanding Rs 7 crore. The message, purportedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, threatened harm against Arvind Kejriwal and his daughter. Singh filed the complaint with Mohali police, prompting authorities to register a case. Police confirmed that they are investigating the incident under multiple relevant sections of law.
Kuki Woman Killed In Manipur Gunfight
A Kuki woman was shot dead and a man injured during a gunfight between suspected militant groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Thursday. The incident occurred amidst protests by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) demanding jurisdiction changes and an investigation into previous killings, with the state government considering transferring the case to the NIA.
Moderates and progressives both claim credit for Democrats' midterm wins
After a primary season that featured a string of wins for the Democratic Party's progressive wing , the moderates are striking back by claiming credit for a landslide midterm takeover of Congress. The party will return to Capitol Hill in 2027 with at least 54 Senate seats and 255 House seats, thanks to wins in deep-red districts and states such as Kansas and Iowa. And many of the candidates, such as megachurch pastor and Kansas Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton, avoided staking out controversial progressive policy proposals. It is incredibly striking and profound that Democratic moderates were able to hand Trumpism some of its biggest defeats this cycle, Kate DeGruyter, a spokeswoman for Third Way, a centrist Democratic group, told USA TODAY. The debate over how and why Democrats won will influence what measures the new majority caucuses will take up first and how far those actions should go. Third Way struck early, with a Nov. 4 memo that claimed high-quality moderate candidates were the majority makers in this year's midterms. Of the 44 House seats that flipped this cycle, about 29 came from red districts that President Donald Trump won by double-digit margins in 2024. The group calculates those candidates outperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris 's 2024 margin by an average of 15 percentage points in those districts. Democrats have similarly flipped at least seven Senate seats in states the president won with contenders who've ripped the White House, but stopped short of demanding Medicare for All or abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That's a pretty profound answer to this question that we've long debated about whether all of the energy is on the left, DeGruyter said. There was a hell of a lot of energy in North Carolina and Georgia and Kansas and Texas, and that is why Democrats have an incredible opportunity here to take back the middle from Trump. Democrats who flipped red states and districts hold mixed views Like many of the Democrats who flipped Republican seats, Hamilton who won by 5 percentage points in Kansas, which hasn't sent a Democrat to the Senate since Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president stressed being independent-minded . Hamilton, a 62-year-old Methodist pastor and former Republican, espoused views cheered by the Democratic base such as opposing tax breaks for AI data centers, expanding Medicare coverage for seniors and investigating private equity consolidation to break up monopolies . He also supports restoring what he called disastrous cuts to Medicaid through the president's one, big beautiful bill. But in post-election interviews, the Kansas Democrat has already begun positioning himself as a counterweight to more liberal-minded colleagues on Medicare for All, which he said isn't the right approach on health care. Even though it sounds great, I don't think it's going to pass, Hamilton said during a Nov. 8 interview on CNN's State of the Union. You're talking about an entire health insurance industry with millions and millions of employees that is going to be affected by Medicare for All. Oliver Libby, a Democratic consultant, said there will be many mothers to the success the party had this fall but noted that many Americans are drifting away from party and ideological labels. He attributed the decisive margin this month to a coalition of independents and previously disengaged voters, who largely backed Democrats in purple districts. People who have been homeless politically came in in overwhelming numbers, and not just came in for Democrats, but switched sides or came off the sidelines profoundly in this cycle, Libby said. I don't think this was a victory for the Democratic brand, he added. I'm not entirely sure the Democrats have a brand right now, and I think that's something that they absolutely have to fix between now and the 2028 presidential race. Democrats running in red states in 2026 were often difficult to pigeonhole ideologically. Sen.-elect Josh Turek, who won in Iowa after Trump carried the state by double digits two years ago, prefers creating a public health insurance option to Medicare for All. On social issues, the two-time Paralympic gold medalist released an ad that infuriated some Iowa Democrats and trans rights supporters for opposing transgender women competing in female sports and taxpayers paying for sex changes. Libby points out that roughly two-thirds of self-described moderate voters supported the Democratic candidate in their local contests, up from the approximately 6 in 10 moderates who backed Harris in 2024, the Associated Press reported. Progressives push back against centrist narrative Progressive activists say many of the candidates being labeled moderate by centrist groups are better described as outsiders. Many of those candidates running in historically Republican areas ran against corporate power and the Washington establishment of both parties. If those who call themselves moderate want to put their label on issues that we've (championed) and trying to make more popular for years, then great, we have consensus around our issues that's awesome, said Adam Green, cofounder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a left-leaning grassroots group involved in several primary contests this year. The PCCC backed Sen.-elect James Talarico, of Texas, along with candidates such as Rep.-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York, one of six democratic socialists heading to Washington. During much of the Texas Senate race, Talarico, who prevailed by 12 percentage points, railed against billionaires. He often talked about U.S. politics being more top versus bottom rather than left versus right. On the senator-elect's website , Talarico said he supports making billionaires pay their fair share in taxes, including by imposing a higher tax on their income and capital gains, which Green and others say sounds much more like Sens. Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, and Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts, than so-called moderate Democrats. But Talarico also tried to back away from the progressive label as he campaigned in a state that hadn't elected a Democrat to the Senate in over 30 years. During the course of the campaign, the 37-year-old state legislator and Presbyterian seminary student said he opposed abolishing ICE and reversed course on supporting trans athletes in girls' sports. The PCCC's sister organization, PCCC Institute, shared its How Dems Ran database, which examined 60 competitive midterm elections, exclusively with USA TODAY. Research examined those candidates' debates, speeches, social media content, campaign ads and websites, finding Democrats who won even in red states and districts supported many left-leaning proposals. Roughly 98% backed a ban on stock trading by lawmakers, according to the group's research. Another 85% supported some version of expanding public health care coverage through either Medicare for All, a public option, or Medicare buy-in. An October KFF poll showed 66% of U.S. adults favor having a national health plan, the largest total since the foundation began measuring the issue in 2017. That support includes 72% of independents and 34% of Republicans who support Medicare for All, according to the survey. If the corporate-aligned Democrats at Third Way want to somehow lay claim to that style of politics, we've just won the battle for this whole of the Democratic Party, Green told USA TODAY. Some progressive candidates also won in swing states, such as Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed, who supports Medicare for All and ending U.S. aid to Israel. He won Michigan by 8 percentage points and has been touted by progressives as proof their movement can win, in the words of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, anywhere. Populists who defy center or left label Some red-state winners, such as Rep.-elect Sam Forstag, of Montana, created a populist message that was embraced by top progressive figures from the outset of his campaign against Republican Aaron Flint to replace Ryan Zinke, a Republican who served as interior secretary in Trump's first term. The 32-year-old union leader and political newcomer won by three percentage points in a western Montana district, which borders Idaho, that Trump won by four times as much in 2024. He was endorsed by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez but later received support during the general election from the moderate Blue Dog Coalition. We don't see our, like, fundamental lived experience reflected in the people who are representing us purportedly in Congress, Forstag told USA TODAY. He believes in expanding Medicare, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and banning congressional stock trading. But he also favors reforming ICE over abolishing the agency and supports protecting gun rights. Forstag will join both the rival Blue Dogs and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He explained his desire to embrace populism in a social media video Nov. 9, saying both factions are needed to achieve the American people's goals. I will be one of just a few Democrats who are sitting in both of those caucuses, he said. You see, the overlap is, well, giving us the chance to fight for populist economic policies that are actually going to help working people. Rep.-elect Brian Poindexter bested scandal-ridden Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, a Trump White House alum whose bitter divorce battle involved domestic violence allegations from Emily Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, by 10 percentage points. Poindexter's campaign contrasted Miller's biography with the union ironworkers rugged image. He is counted among the flips by centrist groups, but progressives point out that he called for ending tax breaks for the wealthy, banning dark money spending in campaigns and supported a phased in approach for Medicare for All. During that race for the northeastern Ohio seat, Poindexter also expressed his support for law enforcement when he ran campaign ads featuring an Ohio sheriff. When you see the world through the prism of outsider, insidereverything makes sense, Green said about the midterm outcomes for Democrats. Poindexter ran as an economic populist outsider and spoke to many of those same people who voted for Trump, he added. I don't think he's run away from his values, but even Trump voters don't self-identify in many cases as being of one ideology. They want someone who's going to shake up a broken economic and political system and stand up to corporate power. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Moderates and progressives both claim credit for 2026 Democratic wins This article originally appeared on USA TODAY at https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/11/12/democrats-midterms-blue-wave-moderate-progressive/92705249007/
Kevin Malloy Succeeds Diana Puketapu-Lyndon As New Zealand Cricket Chairperson
High Performance Sport New Zealand: Kevin Malloy has taken over as chairperson of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after his predecessor, Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, retired from the board on Thursday, having completed the maximum nine-year term allowed for a director. Malloy, previously the deputy chair, was chosen by his fellow directors at a board meeting held straight after NZCs 132nd Annual General Meeting (AGM). I want to begin by thanking Diana, who has given nine years of service to this Board and led with real courage through one of the most demanding periods in the games recent history, he said in a statement on Thursday. Diana joined the board in 2017. Six years later, she broke new ground, becoming the first woman and the first person of Maori descent to chair NZC. Malloy has been an NZC director since 2019 and brings a mix of sports governance and corporate experience to the job. He spent 29 years with global media agency Starcom, with postings in London, Hong Kong and New York, where he ran the worldwide Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble accounts before rising to CEO of International Operations. Malloy will finish his three-year stint as chair of Super Rugby Pacific in December and also serves on the boards of Kiwibank and Tourism New Zealand. It is an honour to be asked to lead NZC as Chair, and its a responsibility I take on with a strong understanding of how much the game means to so many New Zealanders, he said. The AGM also brought changes to the rest of the board. On the advice of the Board Appointments Panel, members elected Raewyn Lovett ONZM and Jono Brent as directors, while Anna Campbell and Ali Shanks were returned for fresh three-year terms. Mike Devonshire, who was also due for renewal, was not recommended for reappointment and stepped down after three years. Lovett has spent more than 20 years in sports governance, having chaired Sport New Zealand, High Performance Sport New Zealand and Netball New Zealand, and co-chaired the International Working Group on Women and Sport. Brent was a chartered accountant and CANZ member from 2003 to 2023, and has also been a chief executive in the infrastructure sector. He led Canterbury Cricket as chair for three years and, over the past year, has headed the development of the Community Cricket New Zealand strategy. My thanks go to Mike Devonshire for his valuable contributions over the past three years, and I want to welcome Raewyn and Jono, who bring outstanding governance, financial, and community cricket experience to the table, said Malloy. Looking ahead, Malloy said the board knew the game had to move with the times. The landscape of cricket is evolving rapidly, both here and around the world, and while that brings challenges, it also brings opportunities. Its an exciting time for NZC. Were in the middle of a vibrant inbound tour by India with record attendances; our BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS have major tours and ICC events on the horizon, and we are also preparing to co-host the ICC Mens T20 World Cup in 2028. He said NZ20, the boards preferred model for the future of the domestic T20 competition, had generated considerable interest, but the grassroots and high-performance programmes were just as much of a priority. NZ20 is an aspirational concept with an incredible potential, which is why the Board chose it as the preferred option for the future of our domestic T20 competition. I know theres plenty of work going on in that space and were hopeful of some positive updates from the NZ20 Establishment Committee in the near future. More broadly, the Board understands that cricket has a job to do to grow our game. We know we are competing for attention against a myriad of other sports and entertainment products, so its upon us as an organisation to ensure Kiwis continue connecting with and loving cricket, he added. Malloy takes over as NZC emerges from a difficult financial year. The audited accounts for the 12 months to July 31, 2026, adopted at the AGM, showed a deficit of NZD 7.3 million, well above the NZD 1.8 million budgeted. With reserves of NZD 25.2 million, NZC is projecting a surplus of more than NZD 10 million for FY27, largely on the back of Indias mens all-format tour. Former NZC and ICC chair Greg Barclay CNZM was elected a Life Member at the AGM. Former players Rachel Pullar and Gary Troup ONZM and international umpires Steve Dunne and Steve Woodward were made Honorary Members. Ex-New Zealand cricketer Mark Greatbatch remains NZC president and is now in the second year of his three-year term. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
New Delhi, Nov 12: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the Defence Forces to strengthen and sustain both offensive and defensive dimensions of the element of surprise to maintain operational readiness against conventional and emerging threats arising from rapid technological advancements and the evolving nature of modern warfare. Addressing the Air Force Commanders Conference in New Delhi on November 12, 2026, he emphasised the need to continue bolstering intelligence and surveillance capabilities, enhance integration among systems and identify potential threats before they unfold. Our Defence Forces must develop capabilities and methods that leave the adversary with no time to react or recover, while simultaneously ensuring that we are never caught off guard by an unexpected move from the enemy. Surprise can manifest in various forms, both conventional and electronic. Our intelligence and surveillance mechanisms must be further strengthened and operational preparedness enhanced to ensure that our personnel remain alert, agile and equipped to respond effectively to any emerging challenge, said the Raksha Mantri. Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that contemporary conflicts are extending beyond traditional battlefields into non-contact domains, with missiles, drones and advanced weapon systems playing a significant role. Referring to the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, he stated that drones and air defence systems have emerged as critical components of modern warfare. He exhorted the Commanders to remain prepared for emerging challenges such as kamikaze drones, surveillance and counter-drone operations. Raksha Mantri called upon the Indian Air Force (IAF) to develop dedicated doctrines and architectures for emerging domains of warfare, including electronic, cyber and space. He emphasised that enhanced preparedness in these domains would strengthen the ability to address future challenges. Victory in future conflicts would depend not merely on the number of aircraft, but also on technological sophistication, speed of response and precision of preparations, he said, urging the Commanders to make these emerging challenges a core priority, with focus on integrating them into institutional thinking, planning and operational processes. Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that the Defence Forces are undergoing a transformative phase, encompassing reforms in wide-ranging areas, including organisational structures, jointness & integration, and operational concepts. He added that the changing security environment necessitated continuous adaptation and a forward-looking approach to military preparedness. Raksha Mantri commended the IAF for effectively implementing its doctrines and operational methods during and after Operation Sindoor, appreciating the professionalism, restraint & judgement demonstrated by the air warriors in successfully executing their assigned tasks. He stated that the lessons learnt during the operation were clearly reflected in the IAF's evolving operational procedures, particularly through the increased emphasis on drones and air defence systems, which are vital to national security. These lessons, he added, are shaping the pace and direction of the transformative changes underway in the Defence Forces. Highlighting the coordinated and complementary contributions of all the three Services effectively demonstrated during Op Sindoor, Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Forces for the synergy and integration. He underlined that jointness and integrated efforts must continue to guide military planning and operational execution. While appreciating the IAF for enhancing the skills and capabilities of its personnel in keeping with rapid technological advancements, Raksha Mantri urged the Commanders to sustain efforts towards training air warriors in emerging technologies. He underscored the importance of leveraging the technological knowledge and expertise of young recruits, stating that their capabilities could contribute significantly to stronger decision-making and organisational development. On the Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the decision was taken following feedback received from the Defence Forces, reiterating the Government's commitment to incorporating the Services suggestions into policy decisions. He expressed confidence that the Second Tour of Duty initiative would contribute to further bolstering the three Services. As part of this conference, Raksha Mantri launched a suite of Artificial Intelligence (Al) applications developed in-house by the IAF's Al Centre of Excellence of the Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking (UDAAN). The applications will be utilised to automate and expedite tasks across the domains of operations, administration and aerospace safety, and are deployed on the IAFs secure network. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the IAF's pursuit of technology-driven transformation and enhanced operational capabilities. The inaugural session was also attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, and Secretary (Defence Finance) Shri Vishvajit Sahay. Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all Commands of IAF, all Principal Staff Officers & all Director Generals. The two-day conference is being attended by the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all Commands of IAF, all Principal Staff Officers & all Director Generals. The theme of this years conference is The Year of Empowerment: Maximising Efficiency Through Decentralisation. The conference provides a forum to the senior leadership of the IAF to discuss critical issues pertaining to operations, maintenance and administration.
Over the years, PVR INOX Pictures, the motion picture arm of PVR INOX Limited, has distributed several interesting films, not just from Indian cinema but also from Hollywood and other international markets. Under the leadership of Nayana Bijli, Lead Distribution, Licensing & Content Acquisition, PVR INOX Pictures, the company has expanded its focus beyond conventional film distribution to include diverse cultural content, special film festivals and live events. After releasing acclaimed films like Marty Supreme, The Drama, The Invite, and others, Nayana Bijli is now gearing up to release I Play Rocky, which sheds light on how the 1976 cult classic Rocky was made. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nayana Bijli spoke about an eventful 2026, the growing appetite for diverse content, plans to go beyond films and why she has high hopes for I Play Rocky. How has 2026 been for PVR INOX Pictures? PVR INOX Pictures has released about 87 films, which is definitely a growth from last year. The Invite, The Drama, Marty Supreme and The Housemaid are some of the films that have been instrumental for us this year. When we think of niche Hollywood titles, we don't expect them to have such a profound impact at the Indian box office. But surprisingly, and in a positive way, they have done very well for us. We have also seen great hits from the anime genre. Shin Chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers In India and Doraemon: Castle Of The Undersea Devil pulled in audiences. Doraemon was huge for us and beat all our expectations. It performed on par with Bollywood films! 2026 has shown that there's a huge appetite for authentic storytelling, no matter which genre, region or language the films come from. That is translating into box office collections. That's why we are keeping our ears to the ground when it comes to acquisition and distribution. It was fascinating to see The Invite attracting audiences for several weeks. Also, PVR INOX Pictures distributed the biggest Malayalam film of all time, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, in Karnataka and North India. Earlier, Id barely find a non-Malayalam-speaking viewer watching a Malayalam film in a cinema outside Kerala. That's no longer the case. Do you also see a change in consumer behaviour? Absolutely. When it comes to regional cinema, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is one of our top 10 performing films in this financial year. We also had certain Bengali titles like Saptadingar Guptodhon, which made it to our top 10. I think it goes to show that there's a demand for good, authentic stories. As for The Invite, it had a slow start. But the word of mouth was so strong that audiences started demanding more shows. As a result, the film ended up having a longer run than usual. When it comes to Hollywood films, Indian audiences are now very clued in to what's happening internationally. The excitement builds up even before the films arrive here. The Invite was released globally a few weeks before its India release. The word of mouth was so strong that audiences here were already eager to watch it. PVR INOX hosted live screenings of the BTS World Tour: Arirang concerts in India. What was the response like? We premiered three different BTS tour events one in April, one in June and the third in October. Each time, it was a two-day event. These events get a slightly limited release compared to Hollywood films as they depend on permissions, availability, technical setup and other factors. But the response was tremendous. Audiences, especially Gen Z, came out in full force. That encouraged us to bring all three events to cinemas. Now, we have a Katy Perry concert screening lined up as well. These have been great learnings for us. Musicians have such strong fan followings. Even if fans are not watching them perform in person, seeing their favourite artists on the big screen is an experience in itself. Do you think there's a possibility of screening a Diljit Dosanjh concert or a concert by another popular Indian artist in cinemas in the near future? We keep trying. There are no specific details that I can share right now. However, it's something I am working on. Apart from distribution, I also work on live events and bringing alternate content to cinemas. We are always tracking concerts, musicians, artists, comedy shows, poetry performances and anything else that has an audience. The goal is ultimately to make cinemas an entertainment destination, no matter what form of entertainment it may be. After all, there's an audience in India for every type of content. PVR INOX Pictures is releasing I Play Rocky this Friday, November 13. What can Indian audiences expect from the film? I Play Rocky is releasing on 120 screens across India. It has a universal theme that everyone can relate to. Of course, there's the whole legacy of the Rocky series. Incidentally, this year marks 50 years since the release of the first Rocky film. People who watched it when it came out will be curious to see I Play Rocky because of the nostalgia and legacy associated with it. The film is about Sylvester Stallone fighting to get Rocky made. It's about his determination. He was struggling at the time, but he had this belief and confidence that the film had to be made. Hence, the theme is very powerful and will resonate with people. Our campaign for I Play Rocky began a month ago. It is one of the longest campaigns we have done for a film because we found the story so powerful. We had seen the film and knew that it would have a big impact. Our campaign theme was 'Every legend was once told 'No'. We took this line and partnered with several fitness centres and gyms. We even organised six to seven marathons across India, which saw around 3,000 participants. We amplified the slogan throughout the campaign because the film has such a powerful hook. The campaign received a great response on social media. Hence, I have high hopes for the film's performance. The fact that it carries the legacy of Rocky and has such a relatable theme will really help. I Play Rocky releases just a week after Ramayana. Was it a challenge to release the film at this time? We generally have a lot of films releasing in November and December. But I believe there's an audience for every type of film. In fact, I think Ramayana has helped us. A lot of people have gone to cinemas to watch Ramayana, where we have put up posters of I Play Rocky. So, I feel Ramayana has really helped the visibility of our film. That's a good thing. When people go to watch one film, they discover another promising film. I Play Rocky may have a different audience or even an overlapping audience, but it'll have its own audience. So, I am not too worried about it. If the story is good, people will come, no matter when you release it. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Godzilla Minus Zero to FINALLY release in India on November 20; PVR INOX Pictures Nayana Bijli confirms IMAX release
'Pay Rs 7cr': Kejri, daughter get death threat from Bishnoi gang
Delhi AAP MLA Jarnail Singh has filed a complaint with Mohali police after receiving a death threat message targeting party leader Arvind Kejriwal and his daughter, demanding Rs 7 crore. The caller, claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, made the threat on November 6. Police have registered a case and are investigating.
'Civil War-Like' Scenes In Spain: Violence & Riots Hit Barcelona & Madrid Amid Mass Protests
Spains first general strike in 14 years has brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets over housing, wages and the cost of living with parts of Barcelona and Madrid descending into clashes between protesters and police. Spains Interior Ministry said 575,000 people joined demonstrations nationwide. In Barcelona, stores were damaged, bins set ablaze and fireworks launched towards police, while officers responded with tear gas and other crowd-control measures. Authorities said 49 people were arrested in strike-related incidents. Transport was also disrupted, with interruptions to Barcelonas public transit and some flights cancelled nationwide. Behind the unrest is a wider housing and affordability crisis, with protesters demanding stronger tenant protections, higher wages and more public housing. The turmoil comes only weeks before Spains November 29 snap election, pushing housing and the cost of living further into the political spotlight.
Kareena Kapoor Ayat-ul-kursi pendant row: Hindu outfit backs bebo
Bhopal: After Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson, Abbas Hafeez, sent a legal notice to Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan over her social media photographs featuring her wearing a huge vintage emerald pendant bearing a Quranic verse, a Hindu outfit has backed the star. Demanding the removal of the social media photographs and a public apology over Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bandipora-Gurez road closed after snowfall blocks Razdan Pass
Bandipora, Nov 12: The Bandipora-Gurez road was closed to traffic on Thursday following continuous snowfall that blocked the route to the north Kashmir valley in Bandipora district. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez confirmed that the road was closed amid moderate snowfall across Razdan Pass, which connects Gurez valley with the rest of the district. An Officer Commanding (OC) of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) said snowfall had continued since morning and machinery had been deployed for snow clearance. Snowfall has continued since morning and the machinery is on the road clearing the snow, he said. He added that the snow depth on the pass had reached around six inches. Meanwhile, moderate to light snowfall was recorded across several hamlets and upper reaches of Gurez valley, including Peer Baba, Kanzalwan, Bagtore, Tulail, Kilshay and Gujjran, among other areas.
Arvind Kejriwal Receives Death Threat In Lawrence Bishnoi Gang's Name, Rs 7 Crore Demanded
Arvind Kejriwal received a death threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang demanding seven crore rupees ransom.
Kejriwal, Daughter Threatened With Death By Caller Claiming Links To Bishnoi Gang
The police are investigating a death threat against former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, allegedly issued in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with the caller demanding Rs 7 crore. The threat was reported by Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh, who told the Delhi Police that he had received a phone call and a WhatsApp message from a person claiming to be a member of the gang with links abroad. In a complaint filed with the police in Punjab's Mohali on November 6, Singh said the caller demanded Rs 7 crore and threatened to kill Kejriwal and his daughter, Harshita Kejriwal, if the money was not paid.
AIDWA protests demanding arrest of TVK MLA Arul Vignesh
The News Mill
In an era where supernatural thrillers are finding an increasingly curious audience, actress Sheena Chohan is all set to play an unconventional character in the upcoming film Justice and Death. Playing a ghost who is on an unusual search for her own colourful coffin, Sheena steps into a mysterious world that is unlike anything she has explored on screen before. Starring Sheena Chohan alongside Rajshri Deshpande and Bidita Bag, Justice and Death is directed by Bappaditya Bandopadhyay and produced by Homemade Films, with Shankar Dey. The film brings together three interconnected stories, each exploring different dimensions of justice, human relationships, faith, mortality and the supernatural. What makes Sheenas character particularly intriguing is her unusual journey. She portrays a young woman who exists in the supernatural realm and finds herself searching for her own colourful coffin, while sharing an unconventional connection with a gravedigger. Blending mystery, eccentricity and emotional depth, the character takes her into an entirely different performance space, demanding a unique understanding of physicality, psychology and expression. Talking about what drew her to the character and why she chose to take up this unusual role, Sheena Chohan said, I was immediately drawn to how unusual and unpredictable this character was. I have never played anyone like her before, and that was precisely what excited me. Playing a ghost searching for her own coffin is such an unconventional concept, but beneath that supernatural exterior lies a fascinating emotional world. It challenged me to move beyond my usual understanding of a character and explore a completely different side of performance. I learnt that sometimes the most unusual characters have the most human emotions. It was an opportunity to experiment, take creative risks and discover something new as an actor. Speaking about her preparation and the process of inhabiting this mystical character, Sheena added, My theatre training played a huge role in helping me approach this character. I spent time researching, understanding her psychology and exploring how to inhabit someone so mysterious and otherworldly. I wanted to find the human emotions beneath the supernatural exterior and develop her physicality, energy and silences. We shot in the hills of Cherrapunji, and I remember staying alone in an old, almost haunted bungalow. The atmosphere of that place was incredibly evocative. I genuinely felt its mysterious aura, and it became a wonderful source of inspiration, helping me absorb the energy of the surroundings and bring an authentic sense of mystery to my performance. I had tremendous fun discovering and creating her. With its three parallel narratives and unconventional storytelling, Justice and Death aims to be a distinctive cinematic experience. For Sheena, the film marks an addition to her filmography, allowing her to experiment with a character that challenges conventional ideas of life, death and everything in between. Justice and Death is all set to release soon on a leading OTT streaming platform.
Asus ProArt P14 review: Nvidia RTX Spark shines, but comes at a price
Asus ProArt P14 debuts Nvidia RTX Spark in India, aiming to handle demanding creative workloads and run AI models locally. Does it deliver on both fronts? Let's find out
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Nov 12 (IANS) After Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson, Abbas Hafeez, sent a legal notice to Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan over her social media photographs featuring her wearing a huge vintage emerald pendant bearing a Quranic verse, a Hindu outfit has backed the star. Demanding the removal of the social media photographs and a public apology over it, Hafeez said his objection was not to the actor wearing the jewellery but to the manner in which the religious inscription was displayed on social media, claiming it had hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community. Hafeez's advocate Mohammad Zafar said the pendant carried a verse from the Holy Quran, which is considered sacred in Islam, and that religious practices prescribe ritual ablution before touching or reciting the holy texts. The legal notice seeks the removal of the photographs and related posts, an apology and an assurance against displaying the religious inscription in a manner considered disrespectful. Hafeez said the pendant was associated with the heritage of the Begums of Bhopal and was worn as an expression of faith rather than as a fashion accessory. He, however, clarified that the issue was his personal initiative and should not be linked to the Congress party, its ideology or political position. The controversy centres on an emerald pendant described by celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor as an approximately 200-year-old heirloom of the former Bhopal royal family. Kapoor had shared photographs of Kareena wearing the jewellery as part of her Diwali look. The historical connection is linked to the Pataudi family as actor Saif Ali Khan's grandmother Sajida Sultan was the daughter of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. She married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and their son was former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif's father. Meanwhile, Hindu Utsav Samiti president Chandra Shekhar Tiwari has extended support to Kareena and said she did not need to apologise to anyone. A pendant is meant to be worn around the neck, close to the heart. If it bears Quranic verses, she would not have worn it at any place considered disrespectful. She does not need to apologise to anyone, Tiwari said. He also argued that Kareena, being the daughter-in-law of the erstwhile Bhopal royal family, could naturally wear jewellery belonging to her mother-in-law. The Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch have also expressed support for the actor. There was no immediate public response from Kareena Kapoor or her representatives to the legal notice.
Maninee De opens up about her emotionally challenging role in Raqs
Maninee De discusses her emotionally demanding role as a widowed single mother in the upcoming short film Raqs. The actress talks about portraying grief, guilt and helplessness while raising a child, and explains why she enjoys the short-film format
Nationwide Strike in Spain Highlights Deepening Housing Crisis
Millions join Spains first nationwide strike in 14 years, demanding action against the housing crisis and rising rental costs. Nationwide Strike in Spain Highlights Deepening Housing Crisis
'READ THE ROOM': Jim McGoverns Brutal Attack On Trumps Tariffs; Clash With GOP US House Debate
U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern is turning up the heat on President Donald Trump over his controversial trade and economic policies, demanding urgent legislative action and calling for a House vote to repeal Trump's tariffs.The Democratic Representative from Massachusetts is sharply criticizing Trump's tariff strategy, raising concerns over its economic impact on American businesses, consumers, and the broader U.S. economy. McGovern is pushing Congress to take action, challenging the Trump administration's trade agenda and intensifying the political battle over tariffs.#jim mcgovern #donald trump #trump tariffs #tariff repeal #us politics #trump news #breaking news #house vote #congress #democrats #republicans #trump economy #trade war #us economy #tariff war #washington politics #political news #trump administration #jim mcgovern vs trump #tariffs Times Of India (TOI) Is The Largest Selling English Daily In The World. Times Of India Videos Bring You Global News, Views And Sharp Analysis. We Track India's Global Rise, Her Increasing Engagement With The World, The Changing Geopolitical Landscape Amid Conflicts And Wars And The Emerging World Order. INTERNATIONAL NEWS | GLOBAL CONFLICTS | MIDDLE EAST WAR | CHANGING WORLD ORDER #TOILive | #TOIVideos Subscribe to the Times Of India YT channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live.Join Millions Reading TOI; Download Our App At http://toi.in/app-ytVisit our website https://www.timesofindia.com/Follow us on X/ @timesofindia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimesofIndiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/timesofindia/Follow the TOI WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/3RYl0J9For daily news & updates and exclusive stories, follow the Times of India
The shared scars of the himalayan belt
Nepal- The air above the Langtang Lirung peaks, high above 5,000 metres, has been warming quietly for decades, softening the ancient permafrost that binds rock to ice. On August 26, 2026, the mountain finally surrendered to the heat. What followed was not a mere landslide, but a 142-million-cubic-metre avalanche of bedrock, ice, and mud. The high-altitude collapse unleashed a violent flow that tore down the Lhende Khola, Bhote Koshi, and Trishuli river valleys at speeds exceeding 188 kilometres per hour. When the wall of debris slammed into the valley floor, the impact registered on seismographs as a 5.5-magnitude earthquake. In the lower valleys, there was no time to run. Within minutes, the infrastructure of modern Nepal was erased. The Gyirong border post vanished, concrete bridges shattered, and a violent surge overwhelmed vital hydropower plants, sealing hundreds of laborers deep within underground tunnels. Today, the silence in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts is broken only by the shifting mud and the desperate efforts of rescue teams. The human toll is baffling: at least 1,400 lives are confirmed lost, while families hold onto fading hope for more than 5,500 people still missing. Search operations have become an agonizing, dangerous gamble, fought across choked communication lines and mountains of debris. For scientists, tracing the source of the disaster took little time. A rapid attribution study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group pointed squarely at the invisible culprit: decades of global carbon emissions and human influence on the climate. The warming atmosphere has systematically destabilized the worlds highest peaks, turning frozen monuments into fluid hazards. The tragedy has left Nepal facing an estimated $4.8 billion (4.2 billion) economic loss; an impossible figure for a nation already stumbling from consecutive years of unprecedented seasonal flooding. The crisis has forced Prime Minister Balendra Shah onto the international stage, transforming local mourning into a fierce diplomatic battle for international climate justice. Pushing the polluter-pays model directly to global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, Shah stated,Vulnerable mountain nations should receive immediate loss-and-damage compensation from the industrialized countries that fueled the crisis. High in the Himalayas, the mud is beginning to dry, but the structural foundations of the region have changed forever. The catastrophe in northern Nepal stands as a harsh reminder that for the communities living in the shadow of the worlds highest peaks, the costs of climate change are no longer a future projection; they are already being paid in blood and stone. Why This Feels Close to Home Srinagar The air coming out of Rasuwa contains a sound I know in my bones. It is the raw, jagged panic of fractured phone calls, the sight of concrete buildings sinking into the mud like wet cardboard, and the sudden, eerie silence when the lines go silent.Watching it hit me hard in the chest. In a split second, I was pulled back to September 2014, when my own world went completely underwater during the Great Flood of Kashmir. For more than a week, the rain had been relentless. A heavy, grey sheet of water hammered our roofs, raising a collective, unspoken terror across the valley. On the day the river finally gave way, warning announcements blared through the streets hours before the breach. We took every precaution we could think of. But the truth is, no one could have anticipated the sheer scale of the devastation that downpour was carrying. Take all your necessary documents and things to the third floor, my father insisted. His voice was steady but urgent as he gathered the meager rations we had in store. By 3:00 AM, the noise arrived; a terrifying, low roar of gushing water. It wasnt confined to its banks; it was tearing down our concrete roads. I ran from my room to wake the others, just as my brother came bounding downstairs, his face pale with the same fatal realization. Within minutes, the muddy, freezing water swallowed nearly two floors of every house in our community. The shock left us completely paralyzed. Suddenly, we were trapped in the desperate, narrow space between life and death. Around us, the neighborhood became a canvas of pure terror. The elderly and sick were stranded on upper levels, unable to move without help. Children shivered in the damp, biting air, crying quietly as we held them close to our chests. Pregnant mothers were terrified they would go into labor right there on the zinc roofs. My relative, Rumana, was heavily pregnant in Indranagar at the time. The intense terror and shock brought me into labor pains which almost continued up to a week later, she later recalled. In the moment, I thought this is the end. She was eventually ferried through a verandah into a rescue boat brought by a neighbor, and her daughter was born healthy a week later, against all odds. For days that bled into weeks, we lived on absolute scraps, rationing every single bite. With the cell towers drowned, our phones became useless bricks. We were entirely cut off, unable to reach neighbors just three houses away, let alone family outside the valley. That heavy, agonizing silence stretched out, leaving us completely in the dark about who was alive and who had been lost. Staring out at a vast, brown sea, it felt like the literal end of the world. Then came the agonizing choice. We are almost out of food, my mother whispered. We had to get the children out. When a few private boats finally paddled through the debris, our relief was instantly cut by an ugly reality: the boatmen were demanding money and gold to ferry people to safety. Even in the face of death, human greed didnt take a back seat. My uncle pulled out a meager, crumpled sum of `3,000, pleading for our lives. The man took it. We squeezed into the boat; a mini capsule of luck floating on the lethal current. But my father refused to step in. I am staying here, he said flatly. You all need to leave immediately and look for help. Tears streamed down my face as I begged him to come, but he wouldnt budge. In the chaos, burglaries and home invasions were rampant, and he chose to defend what little we had left. He stayed in that flooded shell of a house alone. For sixty days, while the rest of us took sanctuary in a crowded school on higher ground, my dad lived through a private, slow-motion nightmare inside our drowning home. He was entirely cut off from the world, trapped above an ocean of stagnant, toxic water and a heavy, suffocating silence. His whole universe shrank to a single, damp upper room. Food was a luxury; he survived on sheer will, meticulously rationing expired biscuits and stale rice, never knowing if the next handful would be his last. As hard as the starvation and isolation were, it was the environment that almost broke him. The floodwaters drove thousands of rodents out of the ground, and suddenly, my dad was sharing his tiny sanctuary with aggressive, displaced mice. They chewed through the last of his clean clothes, scurried over him in the pitch-black nights, and bit at his skin while he tried to sleep. The constant fear of infection, paired with that relentless, scratching sound in the dark, was pure psychological warfare. He was deeply, profoundly down, starving, mentally exhausted and quietly mourning the destruction of everything he had spent his life building. Yet, day after agonizing day, he stayed. He stood guard against the looters paddling through our old neighborhood, absolutely refusing to let the chaos steal the last remnants of our familys dignity. When the waters finally receded after months, we were reunited. There were no celebrations, but we at least had each other. He looked at us, his voice thick with emotion, and said, It was pure agony in there, but I just couldnt bring myself to leave our home. I am so sorry... I tried, but I couldnt save your childhood photographs. The water took them before I could get downstairs. Hearing him apologize broke our hearts. He was sitting there, his body painfully thin and his hands scarred from the bites, feeling guilty about pictures. We hugged him tight and told him the truth: we didnt care about the photos; we thanked him for saving our home, and more importantly, for surviving. Seeing his eyes through it all, unbroken despite everything, healed something deep inside us. That was the exact moment I knew, without a single doubt, that my father was the bravest man I will ever know. Coming home was its own unique trauma. The house we returned to was a rotting, mud-caked ruin, stripped of everything that made it a home. The structural integrity was completely shattered, forcing us to pull together what little strength we had left and rebuild entirely from scratch. That process broke something deep inside us. The physical exhaustion of moving damp bricks and scraping away toxic silt was nothing compared to the profound mental and emotional toll that settled over every member of my family and our community. We entered a state of collective, chronic hyper-vigilance. For years afterward, a sudden cloud-cast sky or a heavy night of rain would trigger intense panic, racing heartbeats, and sleepless nights of pacing the floor. The financial ruin strained our relationships to the breaking point, as the overwhelming weight of debt and displacement stripped away our sense of safety. Our neighbors, once vibrant and deeply connected, became isolated ghosts of themselves, navigating a quiet, unaddressed epidemic of depression and post-traumatic stress. We rebuilt the physical walls, but the invisible, psychological fractures in our well-being remained, leaving us mourning not just our lost possessions, but the secure, unburdened versions of ourselves we could never get back. The Real Cost: A Ticking Himalayan Bomb The mountains do not speak in the sterile language of policy, yet we constantly try to force them to. We split the shared trauma of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region into tidy columns of disaster statistics, climate assessments and infrastructure budgets. But if you stand on the mud-slicked banks of the Jhelum River here in Kashmir, or walk through the shattered, terraced hillsides of Rasuwa in Nepal, the language of this crisis is visceral. It is written in the smell of river silt drying inside a ruined kitchen. It is the silence of a missing neighbor, the hollow look of a shopkeeper staring at buried inventory, and the collective terror that grips a community every time dark clouds gather on the horizon. What happened to us in Kashmir and what is unfolding in Rasuwa today are not isolated strokes of bad luck. They are the structural heartbreaks of a single, systemic failure stretching across the spine of Asia. We have misread these mountains, treating a living, shifting landscape as if it were a flat, static plain. In both Srinagar and Kathmandu, the ancient wetlands that once functioned as natural sponges, quietly absorbing the fury of heavy monsoons, have been choked under layers of concrete. Driven by an aggressive, poorly planned rush toward urbanization, we have paved over the very arteries our rivers need to flow. When the heavy rains come, the water has nowhere left to go but into our living rooms. We call this development. We carve massive highways into fragile, seismic slopes, erect heavy multi-story concrete buildings on loose topography, and dam pristine rivers to generate immediate revenue. We build for todays balance sheets, completely blind to the ecological shocks of tomorrow. Meanwhile, overhead, the atmosphere is shifting. The Hindu Kush-Himalaya region is warming at a rate significantly higher than the global average. Up in the high peaks, the ice is listening. Glaciers are destabilizing, forming volatile, top-heavy glacial lakes, while predictable monsoons warp into violent, unpredictable cloudbursts. Nepals crisis may have begun with the roar of a high-altitude glacial collapse and Kashmirs with the sudden sky-shattering violence of severe rainfall, but the root causes are identical, human-made, and accelerating. To halt this cycle of grief, governments across the Himalayan belt must pivot away from the exhausting cycle of reactive rescue operations. We cannot keep waiting for the tragedy to happen just so we can deploy helicopters, hand out food packets, and take photos of the devastation. We need aggressive, proactive systemic change: Respecting the Rivers Space: Enact and fiercely enforce zero-tolerance bans on commercial and residential construction within active floodplains, ancient river channels and ecological buffer zones. The rivers will always claim their paths back; it is up to us to stay out of their way. Building for the Topography: Discard generic, flatland construction blueprints. Infrastructure in the hills must mandate climate-resilient, lightweight, and seismically flexible designs that work with the fragile topography rather than cutting aggressively into unstable slopes. Erasing Borders for Safety: Disasters do not carry passports. We need Early Warning Systems (EWS) and integrated satellite monitoring operating seamlessly across India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan. Real-time data sharing on glacial lake volumes must reach downstream communities days, not hours, before the water does. Healing the Invisible Scars: We must acknowledge that rebuilding a life requires more than just brick, mortar, and emergency rations. Governments must integrate decentralized, trauma-informed psychological rehabilitation directly into disaster response policies. The invisible scars of displacement and loss linger for decades; our healing strategies must last just as long. The floods eventually recede, leaving behind cracked earth, ruined photographs and quiet, traumatized communities. But the systemic vulnerability remains. Until we change how we live alongside nature, we are merely waiting in line for the next inevitable tragedy. Hamna Mir, GK School of Communication alumna
The Chainsmokers Face Brutal Backlash After Demanding Justin Jefferson Leave Minnesota Vikings
The Chainsmokers face fierce backlash from NFL fans after demanding Justin Jefferson leave the Minnesota Vikings, with supporters firing back at the duo over their controversial comments.
Best Black Friday MacBook and Mac deals 2026: Air, Pro, mini
Macworld Best Black Friday Mac deals so far U.S. 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB/16GB) : $1,099 ($200 off, MSRP $1,299) 15-inch M5 MacBook Air (1TB/16GB) : $1,549 ($250 off, MSRP $1,799) 14-inch, M5 MacBook Pro (1TB, 16GB) : $1,799 ($200 less than M6 model) 16-inch, MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 1TB) : $2,749 ($250 off, MSRP 2,999) 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2TB/36GB) : $3,899 ($500 off, MSRP $4,399) Mac mini, M6 (16GB, 256GB) : $779 ($120 off, MSRP $899) Best Black Friday Mac deals so far U.K. MacBook Neo (512GB ): 719.97 (79 off, RRP 799) 13-inch MacBook Air, M5 (512GB/16GB) : 1,199 (100 off, RRP 1,299) 15-inch MacBook Air, M5 (512GB/16GB) : 1,348.97 (150 off, RRP 1,499) 14-inch MacBook Pro M6 (1TB, 16GB ): 1,830.97 (168 off, RRP 1,999) 16-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro (1TB/24GB) : 2,649.97 (349 off, RRP 2,999) 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Max (2TB): 3,999 (100 off, RRP 4,099) Mac mini, M6 (16GB, 256GB) : 809 (90 off, RRP 899) Mac Studio, M5 Pro : 2,289.97 (209 off, RRP 2,499) P RICES CHECKED NOVEMBER 11, 2026 Deals change quickly, so we will update this page throughout November Black Friday is one of the best opportunities to save on a Mac, with retailers competing to discount MacBooks and desktop models including recently released machines. Last year, U.S. shoppers could get a 13-inch M4 MacBook Air for $749, saving $250, while the then-new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro fell to $1,349, also $250 off. Selected M4 Max MacBook Pro configurations received $500 discounts. U.K. highlights included 150 off the entry-level M4 MacBook Air and savings of around 350 on selected MacBook Pro models. This years deals need a different perspective because Apple raised Mac prices in June. The MacBook Air went up by $200/200, while some MacBook Pro configurations increased by as much as $500/500. October Prime Day helped offset those increases: the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 512GB storage fell to $1,099, saving $200, while selected high-end MacBook Pros received discounts of up to $600. Desktop offers included around $120 off the entry-level M6 Mac mini and $200 off the M5 Max Mac Studio. Those increases mean we may not see a return to earlier record-low prices this Black Friday, even when retailers offer substantial discounts. However, Novembers sales could still bring some of the best prices available under Apples higher pricing, making this a worthwhile time to buy if you need a new Mac. Were comparing current offers with previous selling prices and equivalent configurations not simply the biggest advertised saving to help you identify genuine value. Below, youll find our picks across MacBooks and desktop Macs; for discounts on Apples other products, see our best Apple Black Friday deals . Which Mac or MacBook should you buy this Black Friday? MacBook Air Our best overall choice Ida Blix The MacBook Air is our recommendation for most buyers. Both sizes offer a lightweight, silent laptop for everyday work, studying, and occasional creative projects. Choose the 13-inch for portability or the 15-inch for more workspace without MacBook Pro pricing. Wed prioritize a competitive price on the memory and storage you need. For regular lengthy exports or other sustained demanding tasks, consider a MacBook Pro with active cooling instead. U.S. Black Friday price: October Prime Day brought the 13-inch M5 Air with 16GB memory and 512GB storage to $1,099, and the equivalent 15-inch to $1,299. Last Black Friday, the older M4 models with 256GB reached $749 and $949 respectively. We are already seeing up to $250 off the 1TB models , and $200 off the 512GB options , bringing the price back to the original MSRP before Apple increased prices. U.K. Black Friday price : October offers included approximately 1,199 for the 13-inch M5 Air and 1,349 for the 15-inch, both with 512GB storage. Last Black Fridays M4 models with 256GB reached 849 and 1,025. Match storage capacities when comparing generations. So far in November 2026 we are seeing the same 100 off the 13-inch MacBook Air , and 150 off the 15-inch model as we saw in Prime Day this October. MacBook Neo Our budget choice, at the right price Eugen Wegmann The MacBook Neo suits browsing, schoolwork, streaming, and office apps. Its lower starting price makes it appealing, but its fixed 8GB of memory leaves less room for demanding workloads. Check which configuration is discounted: only the 512GB version includes Touch ID. Both lack a backlit keyboard, MagSafe, and Thunderbolt. Compare clearance MacBook Air stock before deciding how much those compromises save you. U.S. Black Friday price : Octobers $689 price for the 256GB Neo was only a small reduction from its $699 asking price and the current $9 saving is equally small. U.K. Black Friday price : We saw a Prime Day low of 549. So far this Black Friday month we are seeing 79 off the 512GB MacBook Neo . MacBook Pro M6 Best step up from the Air Macbook Pro M6 Aufmacher Halyna Kubiv The standard M6 MacBook Pro is worth considering if you want a better built-in display, more connections, and cooling for sustained workloads without paying for a Pro or Max chip. It comes in a 14-inch size, with a non-touch Liquid Retina XDR display, HDMI, and an SDXC card slot. It starts with 16GB memory and 1TB storage, so account for those specifications when comparing prices with an Air or older Pro. Despite the newer generation number, the standard M6 isnt automatically the better choice for demanding work than an M5 Pro or M5 Max. U.S. Black Friday price : The M6 model wasnt available during October Prime Day. Its M5 predecessor with 16GB memory and 1TB storage reached $1,839. We arent seeing discounts on the M6 yet, but you can get the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro for $200 less than the new model. U.K. Black Friday price : Last Black Friday, the older 14-inch M5 with 16GB memory and 1TB storage reached approximately 1,619. We are already seeing 168 off the 14-inch, M6 with 1TB, 16GB , bringing the price to 1,830.97. MacBook Pro M5 Pro Best for demanding professional work Foundry The non-touchscreen M5 Pro MacBook Pro is a strong choice for development, photography, video editing, and heavier multitasking. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, it offers professional performance without the Max chips higher price. Compare it with the touchscreen version using the same memory and storage. Both offer M5 Pro configurations, so a discounted non-touch model could be particularly good value if its existing XDR display meets your needs. U .S. Black Friday price : October prices included $2,339 for the 14-inch M5 Pro with 24GB memory and 1TB storage, and $2,749 for the equivalent 16-inch. So far this Black Friday month we are seeing $250 off the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 1TB) . U.K. Black Friday price : The equivalent configurations reached approximately 2,250 and 2,700. Last Black Friday, selected previous-generation M4 Pro models received discounts of around 350. So far this Black Friday there is a 349 saving on the 16-inch M5 Pro model . MacBook Pro M5 Max Best for demanding graphics and video Stephan Wiesend Consider the non-touchscreen M5 Max MacBook Pro if your work benefits from additional graphics power or more memory than an M5 Pro supports. Complex 3D projects and demanding video production make a stronger case for it than everyday productivity. Wed choose the configuration around the work you do. A larger advertised discount on a Max doesnt necessarily make it better value than a less expensive Pro that meets your needs. Our MacBook Pro buying advice explains the options. U .S. Black Friday price : October offers included $3,499 for a 14-inch M5 Max with 2TB storage and $3,899 for a 16-inch with 36GB memory and 2TB storage. Last Black Friday, selected M4 Max configurations were $500 off and this Black Friday month we are already seeing $500 off the M5 Max models . U .K. Black Friday price : October coverage included a 14-inch M5 Max with 2TB storage at 3,799, saving 300. This time there is 100 off the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max . Touchscreen MacBook Pro Best for its OLED display Roman Loyola/Foundry The touchscreen MacBook Pro is most compelling for its OLED display and thinner, lighter design. Improved blacks and reduced blooming could matter more to your everyday experience than touch controls, particularly if you spend most of your working day using the built-in screen. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes with M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, these models offer comparable processing performance to their non-touch equivalents. Compare matching configurations: the regular premium is $400/400, so consider how much youll benefit from the display before paying extra. U .S. Black Friday price : These models arrived in November, so there are no equivalent October Prime Day or Black Friday 2025 prices. Compare any offer with the matching non-touch M5 Pro or M5 Max model. Its early days so we dont expect to see big savings here this Black Friday. U .K. Black Friday price : We dont expect to see significant price drops since these Macs launched so recently. Mac mini M6 Our best-value desktop choice Foundry The M6 Mac mini suits buyers who already own a display, keyboard, and mouse. It offers a compact desktop for everyday work and lighter creative projects. Check storage carefully: the entry-level model has a restrictive 256GB SSD. U .S. Black Friday price : Octobers entry-level M6 mini reached approximately $780. Last Black Friday, the older M4 equivalent was $479. So far this November weve seen $149 off the 512GB model . U .K. Black Friday price : Octobers M6 model reached approximately 824, compared with 499 for the M4 last Black Friday. There is 135 off the 512GB Mac mini in the U.K. Mac mini M5 Pro Best compact desktop for professional work Ida Blix The M5 Pro mini offers more processing power and memory capacity for demanding work without moving to a Studio. Compare upgraded configurations carefully: if the total approaches Mac Studio pricing, check which machine better suits your workload. U .S. Black Friday price : The 24GB/512GB M5 Pro mini reached approximately $1,550 in October. Last Black Fridays M4 Pro equivalent was $1,249. So far this November weve seen $150 off the 512GB model . U .K. Black Friday price : Octobers M5 Pro configuration reached approximately 1,647. The previous-generation M4 Pro with 24GB/512GB was 1,269 last Black Friday. There is 150 off the 512GB Mac mini M5 Pro in the U.K. iMac Best complete desktop setup Foundry The iMac combines a 24-inch 4.5K display with the computer and matching accessories. Compare the two-port and four-port versions carefully: the latter adds processing power, connections, and a Touch ID keyboard. Factor those differences into the final price. U .S. Black Friday price : The M6 wasnt available during October Prime Day. The entry-level M4 predecessor reached approximately $1,360 in October and $1,149 last Black Friday. Weve not seen any savings yet. U .K. Black Friday price : Octobers four-port M4 with 256GB storage was 1,620. Last Black Friday, comparable four-port M4 stock reached 1,349. These are predecessor prices rather than M6 targets. The new iMac models arent discounted at the moment. Mac Studio Best for demanding desktop workflows Fundry The M5 Max Studio suits demanding graphics, video, and other professional workloads. Compare it with the M5 Pro mini first. The considerably more expensive M5 Ultra is for exceptional workloads requiring its additional performance and memory; most buyers wont need it. Budget for a display and peripherals. U.S. Black Friday price : Octobers M5 Max Studio with 36GB memory and 512GB storage reached approximately $2,300. Theres currently a $50 saving , but thats smaller than Octobers approximately $200 discount. U.K. Black Friday price : The Mac Studio is 209 off in the U.K. Should you buy a Mac or MacBook now or wait for a better deal? With Black Friday approaching, wed avoid paying full price unless you need a Mac immediately. But sales stretch across much of November, so an early offer can be worth taking if it matches or approaches a previous low for the same configuration. Waiting can be a gamble if youre buying clearance stock with a particular screen size, memory capacity, or finish. The M5 MacBook Air remains an appealing purchase at a good discount, with a replacement not expected until 2027. The recently updated Mac mini and Mac Studio are also worth considering if they meet your needs. The main reason to wait is a better price rather than an imminent replacement. MacBook Pro buyers no longer need to wait for the rumored October launches: the standard M6 and OLED touchscreen models are now available. However, their recent arrival may limit initial discounts. Non-touch M5 Pro and M5 Max models could offer better value, particularly if you dont need the touchscreen versions improved display and lighter design. If your existing M4 or M5 MacBook Pro still meets your needs, theres little reason to upgrade simply because a newer option exists. The M6 iMac has only just arrived, replacing the aging M4 version. Compare a modest saving on the latest model with a substantial clearance discount on its predecessor, rather than assuming the older machine is automatically the better deal. Previous prices need context this year. Following Junes increases, a discount from Apples current asking price may still leave you paying more than before the increases. Compare retailers as well: Amazon competes with Best Buy, Walmart, and B&H in the U.S., and retailers including Currys and John Lewis in the U.K. Our MacBook Pro buying advice explains the current choices. Which Mac specifications are worth paying for? The cheapest Mac isnt always the best value. Use Black Friday to get a configuration that will serve you for longer within your budget, but dont pay for performance or features you wont use. Check the exact chip, screen size, memory, and storage. A standard M6 and an M5 Pro or M5 Max serve different needs: the newer generation number alone doesnt tell you which is better for your work. For MacBook Pro listings, distinguish the OLED touchscreen version from non-touch models. Avoid saving a small amount by buying too little memory or storage. Most current Macs start with 16GB of unified memory, but the MacBook Neo has a fixed 8GB, and some desktop configurations include only a 256GB SSD. Unified memory cannot be upgraded later. An external SSD can add storage, but it cannot compensate for insufficient RAM. Once the processor meets your needs, additional memory may be more useful than a faster chip. Compare a discounted Air with the Neo, too: the M5 Air starts with twice the memory and storage of the entry-level Neo. Our Mac buying guide explains which specifications suit different workloads. Check whether the configuration includes nano-texture glass. This optional finish reduces glare and reflections, which can help in bright rooms or near windows, but increases the price. If reflections rarely bother you, standard glass may offer better value. Should you buy an older Mac or MacBook? Foundry An older Mac can be excellent value if its price reflects its age and configuration. Compare its actual selling price with the discounted price of the newer equivalent, rather than focusing on a large percentage saving from its original launch price. Previous-generation Apple silicon models are the most promising starting point. A discounted M4 MacBook Air or standard M5 MacBook Pro may meet your needs comfortably. Older Pro and Max configurations can also be worth considering if they provide the memory, graphics performance, and connections your work requires for substantially less money. Check what the saving buysand what you give up. An older Mac with more memory or storage could be more useful than a newer entry-level configuration. Conversely, a cheaper older Air with 256GB storage isnt directly comparable with an M5 Air that starts with 512GB. The non-touch M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros also remain current options, despite the arrival of the standard M6 and touchscreen models. Be much more cautious with Intel Macs. Their software support is winding down, and a low purchase price may leave you with a machine that has a limited useful life for current apps and macOS features. Check compatibility with the software you need before buying any older model. For used or refurbished Macs, check battery condition on laptops, warranty coverage, and the returns policy. Confirm that Activation Lock has been removed and that the Mac isnt still enrolled in an organizations management system. For more advice read: Should I buy a MacBook Neo? Should I buy a MacBook Air? Should I buy a MacBook Pro? Should I buy a Mac mini? Should I buy a Mac Studio ? Mac or MacBook deals to avoid Treat large advertised discounts carefully. Following Junes price increases, $400 off may simply bring a Mac closer to what it cost before the increase. Compare previous selling prices for the same configuration, rather than judging the offer solely against todays recommended price. Check whether the price includes AppleCare+ or another protection plan. Some Amazon listings bundle coverage with the Mac. If you dont want it, a listing without coverage could be cheaper; if you do, compare the bundle with buying the Mac and coverage separately. Check for a bundled power adapter, too. Some Mac laptops are sold without one in the U.K. and EU. A charger bundle may be useful if you need an adapter, but could mean paying extra unnecessarily if you already own a suitable one. Compare the complete setup cost. A Mac mini or Studio requires a display, keyboard, and mouse or trackpad, while adapters and docks can add to the cost of any Mac. Finally, distinguish cash discounts from gift cards, trade-ins, financing, and membership-only offers. Read the conditions, check the seller, and confirm whether the Mac is new, refurbished, or used, along with its warranty and returns policy. How we choose Mac and MacBook deals Macworld has covered the Mac since its launch in 1984, and our recommendations draw on decades of experience and hands-on reviews. We consider performance, display quality, battery life, portability, connectivity, and everyday use alongside price to explain which Macs suit different buyers. Our reviews help us assess which upgrades are worth paying for. We look at whether additional processing power benefits demanding workloads, when more memory is useful, and whether a premium display justifies the extra cost. A MacBook Air may offer better value for everyday work, while a Pro, Max, or Ultra configuration needs to earn its higher price through the work it enables. We combine those findings with current prices and previous offers, matching the exact chip, screen size, memory, and storage. Following Apples June price increases, we also consider earlier selling prices rather than judging a deal solely against todays recommended retail price. A large advertised discount doesnt automatically make an offer exceptional. We consider the complete purchase, too: the retailer, product condition, warranty, and any conditions attached to the price. For desktop Macs, we also account for the display and accessories youll need. Our Mac buying guide and MacBook comparison explain how to choose the right model and configuration. For more offers, visit our Black Friday coverage and our roundups of the best iPad deals , AirPods deals , and Apple Watch deals . Latest Mac & MacBook Deals Check below to find the best price we are seeing right now for each configuration compared to the best price we have ever seen and the full price. U.S. deals MacBook Pro Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest 14-inch, M6, 1TB, 16GB $1,999 at Amazon $1,999 14-inch, M6, 1TB, 24GB $2,199 at Amazon $2,199 14-inch, M5, 1TB, 16GB $1,799 Get the deal at Amazon $200 less than new model $1,999 (Discontinued) $1,699 $1,499 14-inch, M5, 1TB, 24GB $1,999 Get the deal at Amazon $200 less than new model $2,199 (Discontinued) $1,899 $1,699 14-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB $2,289 Get the deal at Amazon $210 off $2,499 $2,199 $1,983.94 14-inch, M5 Max, 2TB $3,599 Get the deal at Amazon $500 off $4,099 $3,599 $3,299.99 16-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB $2,749 Get the deal at Amazon $250 off $2,999 $2,699 $2,449 16-inch, M5 Max, 2TB $3,899 Get the deal at Amazon $500 off $4,399 $3,899 $3,649 14-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB, Touchscreen $2,899 at Amazon $2,899 16-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB, Touchscreen $3,399 at Amazon $3,399 MacBook Air Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest 13-inch, M5, 512GB, 8-core $1,099 Get the deal at Amazon $200 off $1,299 $1,099 $900 13-inch, M5, 1TB, 10-core $1,349 Get the deal from Amazon $250 off $1,599 $1,399 $1,100 15-inch, M5, 512GB $1,299 Get the deal from Amazon $200 off $1,499 $1,299 $1,100 15-inch, M5, 1TB $1,549 Get the deal from Amazon $250 off $1,799 $1,349 $1,349 MacBook Neo Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest A18-Pro, 256GB $689 Get the deal at Amazon $10 off $699 $599 $690 A18-Pro, 512GB $789.99 Get the deal at Amazon $9 off $799 $699 $790 Mac mini Deal MSRP Lowest M6, 256GB, 16GB $779 Get the deal at Amazon $120 off $899 $779.99 M6, 512GB, 16GB $949.99 Get the deal at Amazon $149 off $1,099 $949.99 M6, 512GB, 24GB $1,149.99 Get the deal at Amazon $149 off $1,299 $1,149 M5 Pro, 512GB, 24GB $1,549 Get the deal at Amazon $150 off $1,699 $1$1,549.99 Mac Studio Deal MSRP Lowest M5 Max, 512GB, 36GB $2,449 Get the deal at Amazon $50 off $2,499 $2,299 M5 Ultra, 1TB, 96GB Out of stock $5,499 $5,499 iMac Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest M6, 256GB, 10-core, 2-ports $1,499 at Amazon $1,499 M6, 256GB, 12-core, 4-ports $1,699 at Amazon $1,699 M4, 256GB, 8-core $1,334 Get the deal at Amazon $165 less than new model $1,499 (Discontinued) $1,299 $1,149 U.K. deals MacBook Pro Deal RRP Old RRP Lowest 14-inch, M6, 1TB, 16GB 1,830.97 Get the deal at Amazon 168 off 1,999 1,830.97 14-inch, M6, 1TB, 24GB 2,044.97 Get the deal at Amazon 154 off 2,199 2,044.97 14-inch, M5, 1TB, 16GB 1,839 Get the deal at Amazon only 8 less than the new model 1,999 1,699 1,528.97 14-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB, 24GB 2,499 at Amazon 2,499 2,199 1,978.97 14-inch, M5 Pro, 2TB, 24GB 2,349 Get the deal at Amazon 2,999 $2,699 2,349 14-inch, M5 Max, 2TB 3,999 Get the deal at Amazon 100 off 4,099 3,599 3,238.97 16-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB 2,649.97 Get the deal at Amazon 349 off 2,999 2,699 2,428.97 16-inch, M5 Max, 2TB 4,399 at Amazon 4,399 3,899 3,508.97 14-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB, Touchscreen 2,899 at Amazon 2,899 16-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB, Touchscreen 3,399 at Amazon 3,399 MacBook Air Deal RRP Old RRP Lowest 13-inch, M5, 512GB, 8-core GPU, 16GB 1,199 Get the deal at Amazon 100 off 1,299 1,099 988.97 13-inch, M5, 512GB, 10-core GPU, 16GB Out of stock 1,399 1,199 1,154.97 13-inch, M5, 1TB, 10-core, 16GB 1,465 Get the deal at Amazon 134 off 1,599 1,399 1,169.97 15-inch, M5, 512GB, 16GB 1,348.97 Get the deal at Amazon 150 off 1,499 1,299 1,168.97 15-inch, M5, 1TB, 16GB 1,669.32 Get the deal at Amazon 130 off 1,799 1,699 1,534.97 MacBook Neo Deal New RRP Old RRP Lowest A18-Pro, 256GB Out of stock 699 599 549 A18-Pro, 512GB 719.97 Get the deal at Amazon 79 off 799 699 617.97 Mac mini Deal RRP Lowest M6, 256GB, 16GB 809 Get the deal at Amazon 90 off 899 823.97 M6, 512GB, 16GB 964 Get the deal at Amazon 135 off 1,099 1,039.99 M6, 512GB, 24GB 1,299 at Amazon 1,299 1,299 M5 Pro, 512GB, 24GB 1,549 Get the deal at Amazon 150 off 1,699 1,647 Mac Studio Deal MSRP Lowest M5 Max, 512GB, 36GB 2,289.97 Get the deal at Amazon 209 off 2,499 2,289.97 M5 Ultra, 1TB, 96GB Out of stock 5,499 5,499 iMac Deal RRP Old RRP Lowest M6, 256GB, 10-core, 2-ports 1,499 at Amazon 1,499 M6, 256GB, 12-core, 4-ports 1,699 at Amazon 1,699 M4, 256GB, 10-core 1,599 Get the deal at Amazon 100 less than new model 1,699 1,499 1,249.00
Out of the Smog of Delhi into the Choke of Kashmir
The Transport Authorities across Jammu & Kashmir issued a directive that should have arrived half a decade ago: an urgent interim advisory instructing the public to halt and defer obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for bringing older, deregistered motor vehicles from the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi into the Union Territory. The advisory explicitly covers vehicles phased out under statutory environmental ceilings established by judicial mandatesspecifically, 15-year-old petrol vehicles and 10-year-old diesel vehicles. The administrations stated reasons are threefold: Process on Hold: Halting all transfers and re-registrations pending comprehensive governmental policy review. Ecological & Policy Scrutiny: Confronting the reality that fragile Himalayan air basins cannot absorb the tailpipe emissions of megacities. Consumer Protection: Warning citizens against sinking hard-earned savings into rolling liabilities that face sudden administrative debarment, financial forfeiture, and confiscation. While official circles frame this advisory as a routine administrative pause, those who study urban geography, transport kinetics, and regional ecology recognize it for what it truly is: an emergency handbrake pulled on a runaway train. For the past several years, Jammu & Kashmirmost acutely the Kashmir Valleyhas served as an unmonitored dumping ground for North Indias vehicular refuse. Lakhs of end-of-life automobiles, condemned by Delhi's stringent green mandates, have been trucked, driven, and papered across the Banihal corridor. They line our boulevards, clog our rural arteries, devour productive working hours in gridlock, and choke the delicate lungs of our mountain ecosystem. Halting NOCs is an essential first step. However, an advisory is merely a tourniquet. To stop the hemorrhage, the administration must replace stopgap circulars with a permanent structural remedy: the immediate, aggressive implementation of a localized Registered Vehicle Scrapping Policy (RVSF), strict vehicular carrying-capacity quotas, and a revitalized multimodal public transit grid. Part I: The Mechanics of a Secondary Vehicular Pipeline The Delhi Mandate vs. Peripheral Vulnerability To understand how Kashmirs roads reached saturation, one must trace the regulatory imbalance between the center and the periphery. Following Landmark rulings by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India, the National Capital Region enforced strict operational life cycles on personal and commercial internal combustion engines: ten years for diesel compression-ignition engines and fifteen years for spark-ignition petrol platforms. Once these thresholds expire, the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation and regional RTOs automatically mark these vehicles as Deregistered. The vehicle can no longer ply the roads of Delhi under pain of impoundment and immediate dispatch to registered scrap yards. However, regulatory frameworks contained a massive concession: owners and intermediaries were permitted to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to sell these end-of-life machines to other Indian states and Union Territories, provided the receiving jurisdiction had not yet formally capped vehicular age. The Used-Car Bazaar Boom This regulatory concession fueled an aggressive, high-margin grey economy across Jammu and Kashmir. Overnight, second-hand automobile brokers, unregulated roadside open-air car bazaars, and digital classified portals pivoted into high gear. The economic arbitrage was irresistible: A luxury German saloon or a rugged Japanese-engineered SUV nearing its tenth year in South Delhi, carrying an intrinsic value of scrap metal (40,000 to 90,000), could be purchased in bulk lots at auction for a pittance. Driven up National Highway 44 into Jammu, Udhampur, Anantnag, and Srinagar, these vehicles were polished, retrofitted with cosmetic accessories, and marketed to local youth, middle-class households, and taxi operators for 2.5 lakh to 6 lakh. The pitch was seductive: high-end luxury, prestige badges, and heavy-duty four-wheel drives at a fraction of showroom prices. The result was an unprecedented influx. Over the last four years, an estimated several lakh deregistered vehicles from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab have migrated into the Valley. What was celebrated as affordable car ownership was, in economic reality, a mass transfer of environmental debt and mechanical depreciation from Indias wealthiest metropolitan basin directly onto the fragile balance sheets and lungs of Jammu and Kashmir. Part II: The Paralysis of Everyday Life The Arithmetic of Spatial Impossibility Urban planning relies on a simple metric: the ratio of paved road surface area to registered vehicular square footage. Srinagar, a historical city shaped by historic waterways, linear urban corridors, and dense historic settlements, cannot expand its road network indefinitely. The geographic footprint of the valley is naturally bounded: rivers, wetlands, steep mountain ranges, and vital agrarian orchards restrict horizontal expansion. When you inject hundreds of thousands of full-size sedans, commercial transporters, and sports utility vehicles into this closed geographic bowl, the physical system breaks down: The Geometry of Gridlock: The average passenger vehicle occupies approximately 8 to 10 square meters of road space when static, and requires up to three times that area when moving safely at 30 km/h. When road surface area grows by less than 2% annually while the private fleet swells by double-digit margins via cheap outside inflows, gridlock ceases to be an intermittent inconvenience; it becomes the default state of existence. Loss of Productive Human Capital: From the Batamaloo corridor to the Dalgate-Hazratbal stretch, and across the arterial spines of Pantha Chowk, Bemina, and Rawalpora, daily commuters lose anywhere between 90 minutes to three hours per working day trapped in stagnant traffic. Multiply those hours across a workforce of hundreds of thousands, and the economic drain on J&Ks Gross State Domestic Product runs into thousands of crores annually. Emergency Response Failure: Ambulances attempting to reach tertiary healthcare hubs such as SKIMS Soura or SMHS Hospital routinely find themselves trapped in unyielding lines of deregistered, smoke-belching hatchbacks and multi-utility vehicles. Seconds lost in transit represent human lives sacrificed to vehicular anarchy. The Street-Level Decay Beyond the main expressways, the influx has eaten away at communal and public life. Neighborhood residential lanes (kuchas), historic city squares, and pedestrian footpaths have become informal parking bays. Pedestrian safety has collapsed; children can no longer cycle or play outside their front doors, and senior citizens navigate obstacle courses of bumper-to-bumper metal parked along drainage reserves. Part III: The Environmental Catastrophe in an Inverted Mountain Basin Atmospheric Trapping and Winter Inversions Proponents of the unrestricted used-car trade often argue: If a vehicle is mechanically sound, why should its chronological age matter? The answer lies in mechanical thermodynamics and atmospheric physics. A diesel engine past its tenth year or a petrol engine crossing fifteen years experiences profound mechanical degradation: High-pressure fuel injectors lose calibration, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion. Catalytic converters and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves clog, degrade, or are removed by unscrupulous resellers to avoid repair costs. Piston ring clearances widen, leading to low-by and the open venting of burnt engine oils. These aged engines produce exponentially higher concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM_{2.5} and PM_{10}), Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than modern Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles. Now, place this fleet inside the bowl of the Kashmir Valley. During the late autumn and winter months, Kashmir experiences severe meteorological temperature inversions. Cold, dense air descends from the snow-capped Pir Panjal and Zabarwan ranges, settling into the valley floor. A warm layer of air sits over this cold pool like a thermal lid, preventing vertical atmospheric mixing. When thousands of aging Delhi engines pump out plumes of exhaust during cold morning starts, this soot and toxic gas cannot disperse. It hovers at ground level, creating a toxic chemical soup. The white winter mists of Kashmir have turned into acrid, grey photochemical smog. The Public Health Bill The biological consequences are devastating: Pediatric and Geriatric Respiratory Crises: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, and acute respiratory infections spike sharply across district hospitals during winter. Carcinogenic Load: Ultrafine particles (PM_{2.5}) cross the alveolar-capillary barrier directly into the human bloodstream, driving systemic vascular inflammation, early-onset strokes, myocardial infarctions, and elevated risks of lung and bladder cancers. Himalayan Cryosphere Degradation: The deposition of black carbonsoot from aging diesel exhaustsonto nearby alpine glaciers accelerates radiative heat absorption. This speeds the retreat of regional ice reserves like the Kolahoi Glacier, endangering the primary freshwater source of the Jhelum River basin. Part IV: The Illusion of Cheap Mobility To understand why the public enthusiastically bought into this secondary market, one must dismantle the false economics of the used-car trade. | Cost Dimension | Fresh Ownership / Regulated Purchase | The Imported Deregistered Vehicle | Initial Upfront Capital | Moderate to High (Showroom price, road tax, local insurance) | Artificially Low (Distress sales, liquidation prices) | | Fuel Efficiency | Optimized (Modern engine mapping, direct injection) | Heavily Degraded (2040% loss in thermal efficiency) | | Maintenance & Overhaul | Predictable, covered by warranty | Extreme (Constant failures: suspensions, turbos, sensors) | | Residual Asset Value | Clear depreciation curve, stable resale value | Plummets to zero upon administrative bans or deregistrations | | Legal/Compliance Risk | Zero; clear title deeds, local records | High; fake NOCs, unpaid challans, sudden policy bans | | Net Socio-Economic Cost | Sustainable mobility asset | Total wealth destruction masked by low entry price | Middle-class families and young entrepreneurs purchasing a cheap 12-year-old vehicle believe they are acquiring an economic asset. In reality, they are buying a liability. The suspension systems engineered for smooth national highways shatter against mountain roads, rutted district corridors, and winter frost-heaves. Spare parts for phased-out iterations are obsolete or priced at extortionate rates by local mechanics. Fuel consumption is abysmal, draining household budgets at each fill-up. When the state inevitably restricts these vehicles, as signaled by the 9th November advisory, the residual market value of these cars collapses instantly to zero. The owner is left with an unusable steel carcass parked outside their homeone that cannot be legally transferred, cannot be insured, and cannot be driven without risking impoundment. Part V: The Imperative for an Immediate Vehicle Scrapping Policy The interim advisory ordering a halt to Delhi NOCs is a necessary defense. But treating the symptom at the border does nothing to solve the millions of tons of rolling metal already congesting our streets. Jammu & Kashmir needs a comprehensive, forward-looking Registered Vehicle Scrapping Policy (RVSF). 1. Why Phased Bans Are Not Enough Merely banning the import of outside vehicles does not remove the dangerous inventory already inside our borders. If the government relies solely on police crackdowns and punitive roadside checks, it creates administrative corruption and penalizes working-class citizens who acted in good faith under previously lax regulations. The state needs an orderly, incentivized, institutional off-ramp. 2. The Core Pillars of an Effective J&K Scrapping Policy A. Development of Modern Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) The informal, highly polluting Kabaad Mandis in Shalteng or Channi Himmat are incapable of environmentally sound vehicle retirement. Dismantling a vehicle requires stripping hazardous materials: lead-acid batteries, ozone-depleting air-conditioning refrigerants, toxic engine oils, brake fluids, and heavy metals. The government must establish state-of-the-art, automated RVSF hubs in designated industrial zones in both Jammu and Srinagar divisions. These facilities must operate on high-efficiency recovery models: Modern shredders and shears that separate ferrous metals, non-ferrous alloys, glass, and rubber. Zero-discharge drainage systems to capture toxic effluents before they enter surrounding groundwater and agricultural soil. Clean metal smelting links that re-feed high-grade steel and aluminum scrap directly into domestic manufacturing, lowering regional industrial input costs. B. Financial Monetization and Incentive Framework Citizens will not surrender aging vehicles out of goodwill alone. A scrappage policy must make retirement financially more attractive than keeping an illegal car running. Scrappage Certificate Value: Upon surrendering an end-of-life vehicle, the owner must receive an official Certificate of Deposit (Scrappage Certificate) certifying the scrap metal value of the vehicle (benchmarked at 4% to 6% of an equivalent new vehicle's ex-showroom price). Significant Road Tax Concessions: The J&K Government should grant an automatic 25% road-tax waiver on the purchase of a new, clean (BS-VI or EV) vehicle against a valid Scrappage Certificate. Manufacturer Participation: The transport department must partner with major automobile manufacturers to ensure an additional 5% discount on new vehicle invoices when accompanied by proof of scrapping. Direct Cash Buybacks for Low-Income Owners: For owners of old, lower-value commercial carriers or light passenger vehicles who cannot afford a new purchase, the state should offer direct cash-for-clunkers buyouts, funded partly through regional green pollution cesses collected from highway tolls. C. Mandatory Automated Fitness Testing (ATS) Age limits can occasionally trigger legal challenges regarding arbitrary property deprivation. The state must neutralize this by relying on objective engineering: Roll out state-run, uncompromised Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across all districts. Eliminate manual inspections, human discretion, and roadside paperwork. If a vehicleregardless of whether it is registered in Delhi, Punjab, or J&Kfails computer-monitored automated tests for brake efficiency, suspension integrity, structural rust, and real-world emissions, its fitness certificate must be automatically revoked within the central Vahan database. Vehicles failing two consecutive fitness audits must be mandated for scrapping within 60 days. Part VI: A Holistic Blueprint for Urban Mobility in J&K Eliminating deregistered out-of-state junk and scrapping end-of-life vehicles solves half the equation. The other half requires providing the public with dependable, efficient alternatives. If people cannot move comfortably, they will continue to find informal, chaotic ways to acquire private personal transport. Mandatory Automated Testing (ATS) - Dedicated BRTS Corridors Registered Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) - Waterway River Taxi Networks. Fiscal Tax Rebates for Green Fleet - Protected Walkways & Bikeways. 1. Electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRTS) The introduction of electric smart buses under smart city initiatives in Jammu and Srinagar has demonstrated strong public demand. However, a fleet of a few hundred buses across an entire metropolitan region is a drop in the ocean. The administration must scale public bus networks to a minimum of 2,500 dedicated electric low-floor buses across the twin capital cities and regional district hubs. Establish dedicated right-of-way transit corridors along high-density arteries, ensuring public transport moves faster than private gridlock. Institute smart, unified ticketing systems allowing seamless transfers between feeder vans, main bus trunks, and rural transport services. 2. Revitalizing Waterways: The Jhelum as an Active Transit Corridor Kashmirs historical lifeline, the River Jhelum, along with its network of flood spill channels and navigation canals, remains criminally underutilized in modern urban transit planning. Riverine transit bypasses on-road choke points entirely. Deploying modern, enclosed, low-wake electric river catamarans operating between Pantha Chowk, Rajbagh, Lal Chowk, Chattabal, and Noorbagh would take tens of thousands of daily commuters off Srinagar's crowded central roads. 3. Integrated Micro-Mobility and Pedestrian Preservation Cities thrive when designed for human beings, not sheet metal: Invest in protected, segregated bicycle lanes and continuous pedestrian walkways across all urban centers. Enforce strict penalties for sidewalk encroaching, restoring walkability to commercial centers like Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and Gandhi Nagar. Encourage electric three-wheeler and micro-mobility feeder networks to resolve the critical last-mile connectivity void that forces residents to rely on private cars for short shopping and school runs. 4. Decentralization of Public Services Urban traffic in J&K is compounded by hyper-centralization. In both administrative capitals, key public offices, major medical centers, universities, and commercial distribution zones remain clustered in tight urban cores. Moving administrative offices, regional courts, and wholesale markets to peripheral, well-planned bypass zones will immediately thin commuter surges into downtown corridors. Call to Action: The Hour of Decisive Leadership The Regional Transport Authorities' November 9th interim advisory is an important move. It signals that our administrative bodies recognise the clear and present danger posed by the unchecked influx of out-of-state vehicular liabilities. However, public policy cannot survive on interim advisories. Temporary suspensions create backlogs, incentivise covert smuggling, encourage forged paperwork, and keep the market in anxious suspension. The time for half-measures has passed. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir must turn this interim advisory into a permanent statutory ban on the inter-state transfer and re-registration of any vehicle past its metropolitan operational lifespan. Simultaneously, the state must clear administrative hurdles and immediately launch an Integrated Jammu & Kashmir Clean Mobility and Vehicle Scrappage Mission. To the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir: we must re-evaluate our cultural relationship with automotive ownership. A societys development is not measured by how cheaply its citizens can purchase another citys discarded vehicles; it is measured by the quality, reliability, dignity, and efficiency of its public infrastructure, the cleanliness of its air, and the safety of its streets. Let us close the doors permanently to the discarded pollution of external metropolises. Let us scrap the ageing machines choking our roads, reclaim our public spaces, and build a modern, sustainable mobility ecosystem worthy of Jammu and Kashmirs environment, its heritage, and its people. (The author is a renowned social reformer & Mobility Expert with over two decades of experience. For feedback, email: umarbhat07@gmail.com)
Changing Faces of Terror in Jammu and Kashmir
Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its methods, operational geography, recruitment patterns and ideological messaging have evolved in response to changing security arrangements and political circumstances. While the overall scale of terrorist violence has declined considerably from the levels witnessed during earlier decades, the nature of the remaining threat presents new challenges for security agencies and civil society. The challenge today is not merely to eliminate armed terrorists but to dismantle the wider ecosystem that enables terrorism to survive, regenerate and exploit social vulnerabilities. For decades, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir was characterised by organised militant groups, cross-border infiltration, attacks on security installations and attempts to create an atmosphere of fear through violence. The visible presence of armed militants, their organisational structures and their support networks provided identifiable targets for counterterrorism operations. The security environment has changed substantially. Conventional militant formations have suffered considerable setbacks, but the threat has increasingly acquired more dispersed and less predictable characteristics. From Organised Militancy to Hybrid Terrorism One of the important developments in the changing security landscape is the emergence of what is commonly described as hybrid militancy. Unlike conventional militants who operate through identifiable underground networks, hybrid operatives may lead ordinary civilian lives and become involved in terrorist activities without maintaining a continuous militant profile. This creates a difficult challenge for intelligence agencies and police organisations. Traditional approaches based on identifying established militant networks are not always sufficient when individuals can operate within ordinary social environments. The response requires stronger intelligence coordination, effective investigation, community confidence and the ability to identify terrorist support structures through lawful means. However, it is equally important that ordinary citizens are not subjected to suspicion merely because of their geographical, religious or social identity. Security operations must remain intelligence-led and evidence-based. The Changing Geography of Terror Another important development has been the changing geographical pattern of militant activity. For many years, the Kashmir Valley remained the principal theatre of militancy. More recently, areas of the Jammu division, particularly mountainous and forested belts, have experienced renewed security challenges. The difficult terrain of the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions creates operational complications. Forests, mountainous routes and scattered settlements make surveillance and search operations more demanding. An ACLED assessment published in 2026 highlighted the increased concentration of militant activity in Jammu during 2025, while also drawing attention to the vulnerabilities of civilians and security personnel in the region. This development demands a comprehensive security response that takes into account the geographical and social characteristics of different areas. Jammu cannot be viewed merely as a secondary security theatre. Its mountainous districts require sustained intelligence networks, effective coordination and adequate institutional preparedness. Terrorism and the Changing Nature of Target Selection The targeting of civilians has emerged as one of the most disturbing dimensions of contemporary terrorism. The attack on tourists at Pahalgam in April 2025 demonstrated how terrorist violence can be directed towards innocent civilians and how such attacks can generate consequences far beyond the immediate loss of lives. Targeting tourists, vulnerable communities and people engaged in ordinary economic activities is intended not only to spread fear but also to damage confidence, disrupt economic activity and create social divisions. Such violence must be understood as an assault on the larger social and economic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. The response must therefore extend beyond conventional security operations. Protection of civilians, confidence-building and the preservation of communal harmony must remain essential components of the counterterrorism strategy. The Digital Dimension of Radicalisation Terrorism is no longer dependent exclusively on physical networks and traditional methods of recruitment. The digital environment has created additional challenges through online propaganda, extremist messaging and the circulation of material intended to glorify violence. Young people are particularly vulnerable when extremist narratives exploit unemployment, social alienation, misinformation and identity-related grievances. Countering such radicalisation requires more than surveillance and enforcement. Educational institutions, families, community organisations and responsible public representatives have an important role in strengthening social resilience. Digital literacy, credible public communication and opportunities for constructive youth participation must become part of a wider strategy to prevent extremist influence. The External Dimension Cannot Be Ignored Cross-border terrorism remains an important element of India's security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. India has consistently maintained that terrorist organisations operating from across the border receive support, training and logistical assistance. Pakistan has rejected India's allegations concerning its involvement. Whatever the diplomatic disagreements, the security challenge requires constant vigilance along the Line of Control, effective border management and continued efforts to prevent infiltration. At the same time, the international dimension of terrorism financing and the use of narcotics networks to support unlawful activities require sustained attention. The objective must be to disrupt the financial, logistical and organisational structures that sustain terrorist violence. Security Gains Must Be Consolidated There is considerable evidence of a long-term reduction in terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Government figures show a substantial decline in terrorist-initiated incidents and casualties compared with earlier years. These gains represent the combined efforts of security forces, intelligence agencies, police organisations and local institutions. However, reduced violence should not lead to complacency. The changing character of terrorism requires continuous adaptation in intelligence capabilities, technology, inter-agency coordination and community engagement. Security policy must also recognise the importance of public confidence. Citizens are not merely beneficiaries of security arrangements; their cooperation is essential to lasting stability. The Political and Social Responsibility The fight against terrorism cannot be left exclusively to security agencies. Political leadership has an equally important responsibility to maintain social cohesion and prevent extremist violence from becoming a source of communal polarisation. All political parties must demonstrate clarity in their rejection of terrorism. There should be no ambiguity in condemning attacks on innocent people, irrespective of the identity of the victims. Equally, the response to terrorism must not become a reason to stigmatise entire communities. Terrorism must be confronted through law, intelligence and institutional strength, not collective suspicion. The political establishment must also address the social and economic conditions that can be exploited by extremist organisations. Employment opportunities, quality education, regional development and meaningful participation in democratic institutions contribute to the resilience of society. Beyond Counterterrorism: The Goal of Lasting Stability The changing faces of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrate that security challenges cannot be addressed through a static strategy. The era of large-scale conventional militancy may have receded, but the emergence of hybrid threats, changing operational geography, digital radicalisation and targeted civilian attacks requires continued preparedness. The ultimate objective should not merely be a reduction in the number of terrorist incidents. It should be the creation of an environment in which terrorism loses its social space, its financial support, its recruitment potential and its ability to influence political and economic life. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed enormous human suffering because of terrorism. Its people deserve an enduring peace in which education, employment, tourism, investment and ordinary social life can flourish without fear. The real victory against terrorism will come when the gun loses its relevance, extremist ideology loses its appeal and the people of Jammu and Kashmir become confident stakeholders in a peaceful and prosperous future. (The Author is the chief spokesperson of the BJP J&K UT)
Akhilesh-Tikait meeting puts farmers at Centre of 'PDA' politics in Uttar Pradesh
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 12 (IANS) In a significant political outreach aimed at strengthening ties with the farming community ahead of future electoral battles, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav held a meeting with prominent farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and discussed a wide range of issues affecting cultivators across Uttar Pradesh. Following the meeting on late Wednesday evening, Yadav shared a detailed message on social media, asserting that farmers remain the most distressed section of society and deserve both dignity and fair compensation for their labour. In his post on social media platform X, Akhilesh Yadav said that greenery should not merely symbolise prosperity, but that prosperity itself must reach every household, courtyard and village. He stressed that such an objective can only be achieved when farmers, agriculture and rural communities receive due respect and adequate value for their hard work. According to Yadav, his discussion with Tikait revealed that farmers across Uttar Pradesh continue to face serious challenges. Referring to the Samajwadi Party's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) social justice plank, Akhilesh Yadav remarked that those who are suffering are part of the PDA and added that the letter A in PDA also stands for Annadata, meaning farmers who feed the nation. The statement is being viewed as an attempt by the Samajwadi Party to expand the PDA narrative by placing farmers at its core. Yadav claimed that growing support from the farming community would help ensure the success of the PDA in every village and at every polling booth. The meeting comes at a time when farmer-related issues continue to dominate public discourse in Uttar Pradesh. Farmer organisations led by Tikait have repeatedly raised concerns over minimum support prices (MSP), pending sugarcane dues, crop losses and procurement-related issues. In recent months, Tikait has also participated in protests and agitations demanding better returns and policy support for cultivators. Reiterating the importance of agriculture to the nation's economic and social well-being, Akhilesh Yadav said, When the fields smile, the nation will smile. He said that villages and the country can prosper only when 'annadatas' (farmers) are prosperous. The struggle for farmers' dignity, rights and fair remuneration, he added, forms the real strength of the PDA movement.
Jain Dhyan Mandir to Open in Karwan
Hyderabad's Jain community will inaugurate a meditation shrine featuring all 24 Tirthankaras and Dadaguru at the historic Shri Jain Kushal Dadawadi temple on November 15.
Around 20 People Fall Ill After Eating At Karimnagar Hotel
Around 20 people reportedly developed health problems after eating at a mandi hotel in Karimnagar town on Friday night, with the incident coming to light on Wednesday.
TMP demands apology from Tripura BJP MLA over remarks against tribal community; CPM seeks action
Digital Desk | Agartala, Nov 11 (IANS) A controversy has erupted in Tripura over alleged derogatory remarks by BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain against the tribal community. Ruling BJPs ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder-supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma demanded an apology, while CPI (M) state secretary and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Chaudhury urged the state government to take action against the legislator. Hossain, however, expressed regret over the remarks and appealed for peace and communal harmony. The controversy follows the circulation of a video on social media, purportedly showing the Boxanagar MLA making objectionable comments about the food habits and cultural identity of Tipra Motha supporters and tribal people. Reacting strongly, TMP chief Debbarma said the food habits of indigenous communities were an integral part of their culture and tradition and that nobody had the right to ridicule or dictate their choices. Yes, we eat pork. This is our taste, our culture and our traditional food, he said in a video message, asserting that people from the Northeast should not be subjected to discrimination or humiliation over their dietary practices. Demanding an apology from Hossain, the tribal leader urged his community not to remain silent when its dignity and identity were questioned. He also expressed hope that the BJP leadership would disapprove of the alleged remarks. Drawing a parallel with the recent controversy involving social media influencer Amir Shaukeen over alleged derogatory comments against Northeastern people, Debbarma said the attitude reflected in the two incidents was similar. Meanwhile, Left leader Chaudhury condemned the alleged remarks, describing them as deeply objectionable and contrary to Tripura's tradition of communal harmony and mutual respect. He said an elected representative who had taken an oath under the Constitution was expected to maintain dignity and exercise responsibility in public discourse. The CPI (M) leader urged Chief Minister Manik Saha and the state government to take appropriate action against the MLA, asserting that political affiliation should not shield anyone from accountability. Chaudhury also called upon BJP leaders to publicly distance themselves from the alleged remarks. The controversy has surfaced at a politically sensitive time, as the BJP and its ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), despite contesting against each other in the April elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), subsequently joined hands to form the Executive Committee of the tribal council. The Tuesdays participation of Chief Minister Manik Saha and Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma in the expansion of the TTAADC Executive Committee and the swearing-in- ceremony had underscored their political engagement as alliance partners. The latest episode has, however, brought the issues of tribal identity, mutual respect and political accountability into the spotlight. However, BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain expressed regret over his remarks and urged peace and communal harmony. In a video message posted on social media, the MLA sought to clarify his remarks made at Sonamura in Sepahijala district, alleging that the CPI (M) was distorting his statement and carrying out a politically motivated misinformation campaign. The MLA said he had never intended to hurt anyone through his words. However, expressing regret, Hossain said that if any of his remarks had hurt his tribal brothers and sisters, he was sincerely sorry. He also appealed to people not to pay heed to what he described as misinformation and urged everyone to maintain peace and communal harmony.
Hyderabad Protest Seeks Release Of Noida Activists
Students and activists stage a protest at Sundarayya Park, demanding the release of workers and activists arrested over the April 2026 labour movement in Noida.
Three Women Injured in Faridabad Car-Ambulance Collision, Villagers Protest
A car collided with an ambulance in Faridabad, injuring three women and sparking a protest from local villagers demanding justice. Three Women Injured in Faridabad Car-Ambulance Collision, Villagers Protest
