Rapido News: Pune District collector Jitendra Dudi has asked the city police commissioner to remove Rapidos bike taxi option from the app after an FIR was registered over alleged unauthorised operations. Autorickshaw unions are demanding stricter enforcement of the order.
Delhi-NCR battles poor air quality as pollution levels rise ahead of winter
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) Air pollution continued to be a concern across Delhi-NCR on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the poor category as temperatures gradually decline ahead of winter. The deteriorating air quality has renewed concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several monitoring stations across the national capital recorded AQI readings in the poor category. The readings included 215 in Burari, 183 in Jharoda Kalan, 182 in Vasundhara Enclave, 161 in Ghummanhera, 170 in Uttam Nagar, 241 in NIH Narela, 263 at Mandir Marg, 232 in Aya Nagar, 275 in Punjabi Bagh, 269 at CRRI Mathura Road, 289 at Pusa, 274 in Sirifort, 206 at NSIT Dwarka, 249 at Commonwealth Sports Complex, 238 at JNU and 246 at Burari Crossing. Other monitoring stations also reported elevated pollution levels, including Alipur (260), R.K. Puram (281), NSUT Jaffarpur (267), Dwarka Sector 8 (268), Anand Vihar (218), DTU (276), Mundka (266), Najafgarh (255), Jahangirpuri (284), Rohini (281), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (261), Patparganj (264), Bawana (269) and Narela (273). The minimum temperature in Delhi-NCR is expected to remain around 19 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is likely to hover around 32 degrees Celsius. Delhi recorded its first poor air quality day of the season on October 21, when the AQI climbed to 245, its highest level in around 100 days. The deterioration followed Dussehra celebrations across the national capital and coincided with reports of stubble burning in neighbouring states, including Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Crackers were also burst in several parts of Delhi during the festivities, alongside the traditional burning of Ravana effigies. However, no direct link has been established between the celebrations and the subsequent decline in air quality. In response to the worsening pollution, authorities invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), intensifying measures to control dust and address local sources of emissions. The restrictions are particularly significant given the potential health impacts of prolonged exposure to polluted air, especially for children and senior citizens. Under GRAP, Stage I measures apply when the AQI falls between 201 and 300, classified as poor. Stage II is implemented at AQI levels of 301-400 (very poor), Stage III at 401-450 (severe) and Stage IV when the AQI exceeds 450 (severe plus). Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the implementation of GRAP this late in the season was unprecedented in recent years. He said the government was pursuing short-term and long-term strategies to combat pollution, with public participation and coordination between the Centre and the Delhi government forming key components of the effort. Sirsa said an 11-point action plan was being implemented, focusing on dust control, promotion of electric vehicles, curbs on vehicular emissions and the identification of local pollution sources. An Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has also been established to monitor pollution caused by construction activities. In addition, an artificial intelligence-based traffic management system is being used to improve traffic flow and help reduce vehicular emissions.
Punjab government employees staged a mass casual leave protest demanding pending dearness allowance payments, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, pension revisions and reinstatement of discontinued allowances.
Anantnag, Oct 22:Nearly two years after approval, Anantnags proposed 249-bed maternity and child care hospital remains stalled over land availability with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying, on Thursday that the Mirza Afzal Beg Memorial (MAMB) -GMC Janglat Mandi site may be insufficient despite funds being ready. The impasse leaves patients dependent on an overcrowded maternity hospital where doctors report that two to three patients sometimes share a bed. Work on the proposed maternity and child hospital (MCCH) in Anantnag requires a feasible alternative site, as the land identified at MAMB Janglat Mandi may not be sufficient for the project. Funds are ready, and the department will work to identify a suitable location so construction can begin at the earliest, Omar told reporters after the Anantnag District Development Board meeting. The Health and Medical Education Department initiated the project in November 2024, directing the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and fast-track construction at the Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beg Memorial (MAMB) campus of Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag hospital. The initial DPR of Rs 86.5 crore was returned by the Finance Department for clarification on the funding source and inclusion of furniture and furnishings. The project cost was subsequently revised to Rs 94.44 crore. The revised DPR was forwarded to the GMC principal on April 1, ths year and subsequently sent to the Health Secretary, with copies to the Finance Secretary and Director of Health Services. Officials had earlier said administrative approval and formal release of funds were pending. Around 4.5 kanal had initially been demarcated at MAMB Janglat Mandi, where the hospital was planned to be connected to Block A. However, the proposed site in the campus already houses a nursing home and oxygen plants nearby. A critical care unit and an oncology block are also under construction and a sewage treatment plant (STP) is planned, leaving limited space for the proposed hospital. Alternative locations considered include the GMC main campus at Dialgam, the existing Sherbagh site after dismantling its dilapidated maternity hospital structures, and Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital at Sarnal on KP Road. The delay has prolonged reliance on Sherbagh maternity hospital, which the PWD and Fire and Emergency Services declared unsafe in 2014. Built for 40 beds, the facility handles more than 40,000 outpatient visits and around 7000 admissions every month. The paediatric section was shifted to GMC-MAMBs already congested A Block last year following repeated fires in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. However, a proposal to shift maternity services to Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital was shelved after structural assessments by IIT Jammu and NIT Srinagar found the building unsuitable under post-2005 earthquake safety standards. During the February budget session, the government told the Assembly that Rs 5 crore had been earmarked for the project under the 2025-26 CAPEX budget. It also said the hospital could be taken up under the SASCI scheme in 2026-27. Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo had said construction would begin once the land was finalised. With the MAMB Janglat Mandi site facing space constraints and no alternative location finalised, the hospital remains on hold despite the Chief Ministers assurance that funds are ready.
Speed up sanctioned works: CM Omar directs officers
Anantnag, Oct 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday directed the Deputy Commissioner and district officers to use the favourable weather to speed up execution of all sanctioned works in Anantnag. He said the outdoor working season is short and allocated funds must be utilised before the financial year ends. Speaking to reporters after chairing a review meeting, the CM said the purpose of his visit was not just inaugurations but to review ongoing development works and issue directions to accelerate them. The Deputy Commissioner's presentation indicated that development was progressing satisfactorily, Omar said, However, two or three departments were identified where the pace of work needs to improve. The Chief Minister said nearly all MLAs attended the meeting and presented their constituents' concerns, and the government would try to fulfil as many public demands as possible. On the Maternity and Child Hospital, Omar said a proposal had been framed for the Janglat Mandi site, but the department has pointed out that the land earmarked there will fall short of the project's requirements. The funds are already in place; all that remains is finalising the land, he said. Health Minister Sakeena Itoo could not attend the meeting, he said, but the government would sit down with the department to finalise an alternative location so that work could start at the earliest. On the long-pending demand for a District Secretariat complex, the CM said almost every MLA had raised it, but there was no consensus yet on the location. One suggestion was to rebuild on the current Deputy Commissioner's office premises, but that would require temporary relocation of administrative offices during construction. Omar said he had asked the Deputy Commissioner to consult all MLAs, eminent citizens and members of civil society to agree on a feasible site. A detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared once the location is decided. Asked about the Anantnag stadium, he said nobody had raised it during the meeting. If a formal proposal comes through, we will certainly examine it, he said. He added that he would answer only Anantnag-related questions, as issues such as the Ramlila Maidan event and Panchayat elections had no connection with the district review. Earlier, the Chief Minister dedicated to the public and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 52 crore. About 11 water supply schemes were inaugurated, including Jal Jeevan Mission schemes at Semthan (Rs 6.29 crore), Shoul Sarsuna (Rs 5.66 crore) and Chontipora Baghwanpora (Rs 5.08 crore). He also laid foundation stones for the upgradation of the AshajiporaDonipawa road (Rs 3.61 crore) and a steel girder bridge over Nallah Brengi at Her-Kandiwara (Rs 3.18 crore). The review covered health, education, roads and infrastructure, youth empowerment, food and civil supplies, power and rural development. He issued time-bound directions to accelerate industrial estate development, streamline social welfare assistance, strengthen LPG buffer stocks for winter, and improve physical and financial progress under key schemes, including SASCI. He also directed banks to streamline disbursements under Mission YUVA to help local youth set up their enterprises. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Rana, Agriculture Production Minister Javid Dar, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs of Anantnag district and senior officers attended the meeting. In a post on X, the Office of the Chief Minister said: During his visit to Anantnag today, the Chief Minister dedicated to the public and laid foundation stones for developmental projects worth over Rs 52 crore, reinforcing the Government's commitment to strengthening essential infrastructure and improving public services.
BRS, Left Parties Stage Dharna Over Alleged Irregularities In Indiramma Housing Scheme
Members of the BRS, CPM, CPI, CPI(ML) Mass Line and CPI(ML) Prajapantha participated in the protest, carrying their party flags and raising slogans demanding transparency in beneficiary selection.
Watch: Chennai: CJP Tamil Nadu and Left student outfits detained over SIR agitation
CJP Tamil Nadu and Left student and youth organisations stage a sit-in against SIR in Chennai, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation. Despite being denied police permission, protesters planned a 24-hour demonstration before being detained.
Telangana ACB nabs officers seeking 25 pc cut from contractor
Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday, October 22, arrested two officers working on the Bhagirathipet Project in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district for allegedly demanding a cut up to 25 per cent on contractor bills. The accused have been identified as Project Officer Satish Reddy and Technical Officer Raju. They had demanded illegal gratification of 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 .
TARATDAC stage protest demanding inclusion in Vettri Payanam Thittam
South Africa produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George
Farm outfits write to President demanding CECs Gyanesh Kumar resignation
Samyukt Kisan Morcha to hold nationwide protest rallies on Friday, October 23; various trade unions and civil society organisations have pledged support to the farmers march
UN's Limits Clearly Visible: PM Modi Presses For 'New Solutions' At NDTV Summit
The United Nations and other global institutions have had their historical role, but in the face of today's challenges, their limits are clearly visible. Now new powers are emerging, new voices are demanding their place, and new challenges are demanding new solutions, PM Modi said.
Gurez Residents Begin Hunger Strike Over Healthcare Crisis
SRINAGAR: Residents of Gurez in north Kashmirs Bandipora district have launched a hunger strike demanding improved healthcare facilities, an inquiry into the recent deaths of a pregnant woman and her baby, and changes in the local administration. The protesters have demanded the deployment of 44 ambulances in Bagtore, Tulail and Dawar, along with the permanent []
Gujarat courts Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan industry ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027
The 11th edition of VGGS is scheduled for January 10-12, 2027, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar
Two officials arrested for allegedly demanding up to 25% commission on contractor bills
Sopore bypass bridge lane closed till Oct 31, traffic diverted
Sopore, Oct 22: Authorities on Thursday announced the temporary closure of one lane of the bridge at kilometre 1.954 on Sopore bypass road from Thursday evening until October 31 evening, issuing alternative traffic routes for vehicles travelling towards Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara and Handwara. According to an advisory issued by Additional District Magistrate Sopore S A Raina, the restrictions have been imposed in accordance with orders issued by the District Magistrate Baramulla on October 21 and 22 to ensure public safety and smooth traffic movement. Vehicles travelling from Kupwara and Handwara towards Srinagar and Baramulla, excluding heavy trucks and trailers, have been directed to use Kupwara Crossing, Iqbal Market, Clock Tower, Shah Dargah Crossing, Degree College Crossing, Chankhan Bridge and Sangrama. Similarly, vehicles coming from Srinagar and Baramulla towards Sopore, Kupwara and Handwara will be diverted through Amargarh Chowk, Chankhan Bridge, Degree College Crossing, Mandi Crossing and Sopore Bypass. The advisory further states that heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the designated diversion routes between 8 am and 8 pm. Such vehicles will be permitted to use these routes only between 8 pm and 8 am. Vehicles coming from Rafiabad, including Mazbugh and Nowpora, have been directed to use the bypass road via Ahad Bab Chowk and enter Sopore through Kupwara Crossing. The administration has directed traffic authorities to deploy adequate personnel at major crossings and entry and exit points to ensure implementation of the diversions. The restrictions will remain in force until the evening of October 31, and commuters have been advised to follow the designated routes to avoid inconvenience.
Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas charged with drug trafficking and money laundering
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, one of the states most powerful Democrats, was charged on Thursday in connection with what federal authorities alleged was a role leading a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds. Lucas, who has been in elected office for decades, used her political power to insulate the operation from scrutiny, according to an indictment charging her and six other defendants, including several of her relatives. She put her own financial interests before the people she was elected to serve, said U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche , who spoke at a news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel . Lucas surrendered, a Justice Department spokesperson said, and was expected to make an initial appearance in federal court on Thursday afternoon. The charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering, came after the FBI searched Lucas' hometown office and a cannabis shop in which she has a stake in May. At the time of the search, Lucas who has been a vocal critic of Republican President Donald Trumps administration characterized it as an attempt to intimidate her. This is the circus we always expected it to be, and we will wait for further details to have a more specific response, said Brian Woolfolk, chief counsel for the L. Louise Lucas Legal Defense Fund. Lucas says she won't be bullied by the federal government A statement attributed to Lucas posted on her social media account did not directly address the substance of the charges but said Thursday's actions amounted to the federal government wielding its full weight against a great-grandmother. I will not be intimidated. I will not be bullied. And I will not back down, Lucas said in the statement. The brash 82-year-old lawmaker has spent decades ascending the ranks of Virginia politics and has served since 1992 in the state Senate, where she is the president pro tempore, overseeing the chamber in the lieutenant governors absence. More significantly, she leads the powerful Senate finance committee, through which all legislation with any budget impact must flow. Shes used the position to stop and ultimately kill legislation she opposes. Justice Department rejects any suggestion politics played a role The indictment comes as Trumps Justice Department has faced intense scrutiny over investigations and prosecutions against foes of the president that critics have called politically motivated. Blanche rejected any suggestion that politics played a role in Lucas case, noting that the investigation began well before the second Trump administration started in January 2025. We dont do political paybacks, Blanche told reporters. A person familiar with the May search told The Associted Press at the time that the probe was opened during Democratic President Joe Bidens administration. The FBI alleges a criminal marijuana enterprise Patel said in a statement that the charges allege Lucas and a close-knit group of family members and associates orchestrated a multi-year scheme to enrich their own criminal marijuana enterprise, the Lucas Enterprise using Lucas position as Chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to insulate the enterprise from criminal scrutiny and influencing legislation to financially benefit themselves. No one is above the law, the statement said, and this FBI will continue to follow the facts with our Justice Department and ensure those responsible for criminal conduct are held accountable. Lucas has long supported legalizing marijuana A forceful advocate of legalizing marijuana , Lucas partnered in opening the shop, The Cannabis Outlet, in 2021, selling hemp and CBD products. While marijuana is legal to possess in Virginia, recreational retail sales of the drug are not yet underway, though shops across the state do sell other cannabis-derived products. Lucas also runs a network of companies that provide residential, transportation and other services to adults with intellectual disabilities. Court records related to the case for months have been sealed, though earlier this year the Department of Justice sent at least two rounds of letters notifying journalists, politicians and others in Lucas orbit that their communications with Lucas had been intercepted as part of a court-approved wiretap that ran for two one-month time spans. At the time of the search, many Democrats spoke up to defend Lucas, expressing skepticism about the basis for the search, given the Department of Justices efforts to establish criminal conduct by perceived Trump opponents. Lucas has publicly spoken about her ownership stake in the cannabis shop as recently as June, though her most recent financial disclosure forms do not list the business by name. The senator draws comparisons to Trump Lucas, who represents a district that includes her hometown of coastal Portsmouth, operates with a sometimes-profane, unapologetic style thats drawn comparisons to Trump. She amassed a six-figure following on X and national attention, using the social media platform to advocate forcefully for her priorities and to bash her critics, including former GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Shes also occasionally blasted members of her own party, including Gov. Abigail Spanberger, with whom shes had disagreements. Earlier this year, Lucas helped lead Democrats ultimately unsuccessful plan to gerrymander the blue-leaning states congressional districts into a map intended to elect 10 Democrats and only one Republican. Along the way, she posted quips about four GOP members the intended map sought to oust, joking that they soon would be working at McDonalds. She and other Democrats defended the maps as a reasonable response to Trump-backed efforts to boost the GOPs midterm advantage in other states. Lucas has been in politics for decades Lucas has notched several historic firsts in her career. According to a biography from the state library, in 1971 she became the Norfolk Naval Shipyards first female shipfitter, a physically demanding job that involves working on metal assemblies for vessels. She launched her political career in 1984, when, the biography said, she became the first Black woman elected to the Portsmouth city council. In her decades in the state Senate, Lucas has been a staunch advocate for abortion rights and increased public school funding and a leading voice on issues of racial justice and civil rights. In 2019, after Democrats flipped control of the chamber, her peers elected her to serve as president pro tempore. And in 2024, she was tapped to lead the chambers budget committee, gaining enormous sway over any legislation tied to the state budget. In that post, she played a leading role in killing Youngkins proposal to bring Washingtons NBA and NHL teams to a proposed $2 billion development in Virginia. ___ Rankin reported from Richmond. Associated Press reporter Eric Tucker contributed from Washington. This article originally appeared on Associated Press at https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/virginia-state-sen-l-louise-135756507.html
Watch: The troubling reality of Indias PhD scholars | Focus Tamil Nadu
A professor at Tamil Nadus 131-year-old Sarah Tucker College in Tirunelveli was suspended after allegedly demanding 1 lakh from a research scholar for guiding her PhD. When did pursuing a doctorate become an exercise in pleasing your professor? In this episode of Focus Tamil Nadu, we examine the alleged exploitation of research scholars through bribes, gifts, errands and harassment, and why this culture persists despite government guidelines and court interventions.
Kannada activists warn of agitation over metro link to Attibele
Bengaluru: The proposed extension of Namma Metro from Bommasandra to Attibele has triggered opposition from Kannada activists, with Vatal Nagaraj and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike leader Praveen Shetty demanding that the state government withdraw the plan. The government has reportedly instructed Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to prepare a Detailed Project Report for the proposed 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 .
Maharashtra: 8,000+ Medical Interns Reportedly Threaten Strike From Nov 1 Over Stipend Hike
Demanding their monthly pay be raised from 18,000 to 30,000 to meet surging living costs, more than 8,000 government medical interns across Maharashtra have warned of a total withdrawal of clinical duties starting 1 November.
Hundreds of protesters associated with the Rashtriya Devbhoomi Party on Thursday marched to the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat in Shimla after completing a 600-km, 21-day 'Swarn Samaj Ashwamedh Nyay Yatra', demanding the rollback of UGC provisions, enactment of a law for the protection of the Swarn Samaj and action on issues concerning social justice. The protesters, who began their march today on 21st day from near the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Shimla, travelled through Khalini and Tolland before reaching the Secretariat, covering approximately seven kilometres on foot. They subsequently gathered outside the state government complex and sought to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Police deployed at the Secretariat pushed and stopped them, and mild force was used after protesters attempted to move towards or enter the premises, as the demonstration escalated. The protesters were demanding that the government receive their memorandum and address their...
Gen Z doesn't need a 30-year SIP for retirement. They just need to get the first seven right.
Instead of demanding a intimidating 30-year commitment, the First Seven Framework encourages Gen Z to aggressively build their retirement foundation during the first seven years of their career when life responsibilities are minimal.
Ever imagined having Mandi in space? Hyderabad has a place for it
You may have tried different kinds of mandi in Hyderabad, from traditional floor seating and private cabins to restaurants with unique themes. But have you ever imagined enjoying mandi surrounded by planets, galaxies and alien-inspired decor, as if you were dining in outer space? HIYYA Space Mandi brings this unusual concept to Hyderabad, located at 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 .
Har gali mein Jantar Mantar on Oct 23; Bora, Dipke, others invited
New Delhi: People Against SIR have called for nationwide marches on Friday, October 23, demanding that Parliament impeach Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, scrap the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and restore democracy. All India Students Association (AISA) leader Neha Bora, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, actor-politician Prakash Raj, and 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 .
Nationwide stir called on Oct 23 against SIR; Dipke, Bora to join
New Delhi: People Against SIR have called for nationwide marches on Friday, October 23, demanding that Parliament impeach Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, scrap the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and restore democracy. All India Students Association (AISA) leader Neha Bora, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, actor-politician Prakash Raj, and 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 .
Bribery Scandal: Two Booked In MP
Two government officials in Madhya Pradesh, a clerk and a Block Education Officer, have been booked by Lokayukta police for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 10,000 bribe to clear salary bills worth Rs 2.30 lakh for a hostel superintendent. A trap was laid, and the clerk was caught accepting the bribe, with the Block Education Officer implicated for instructing the collection.
250-bedded maternity hospital awaits site finalisation in Anantnag: CM Omar Abdullah
Anantnag, Oct 22 : The proposed 250-bedded Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Anantnag is awaiting site finalisation, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday saying the location initially identified at Janglat Mandi had been found unsuitable due to space constraints. Speaking to reporters after chairing a district review meeting, the Chief Minister said funds for the project are available and the government hoped to start work soon after finalising an alternative site. He said elected representatives, the Health Minister, officials of the Health Department and civil society members would jointly discuss and decide the location to avoid further delays. As per the report submitted by the department, there is not enough space available at Janglat Mandi for the proposed hospital. We are, therefore, looking for another suitable location, he said. He added that the funds are available and the government hoped to start work soon once the site was finalised. He said the proposed hospital is expected to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services in south Kashmir by improving access to maternity care, newborn services and paediatric treatment. The Chief Minister also said the location of the proposed mini-secretariat in Anantnag remained undecided, adding that the issue had been raised by all MLAs. He said the Deputy Commissioner, in consultation with elected representatives and civil society members, would examine available options and take a decision on where the administrative complex should be established. The CM said one of the options under consideration is the existing Deputy Commissioners office premises. If the site was selected, alternative arrangements would also have to be made for government offices during construction. The location of the mini-secretariat is yet to be decided. The Deputy Commissioner, along with the MLAs and civil society representatives, will discuss the matter and take a decision, he said. Earlier, he chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of developmental works and ongoing projects in Anantnag district. He also laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs 52 crore.(KNO)
250-bedded maternity hospital awaits site finalisation in Anantnag: CM Omar
Anantnag: The proposed 250-bedded Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Anantnag is awaiting site finalisation, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday saying the location initially identified at Janglat Mandi had been found unsuitable due to space constraints. Speaking to reporters after chairing a district review meeting, the Chief Minister said funds for the project []
Singer Mika Singh has come out in support of his elder brother, Daler Mehndi, after a video showing MLA Subodh Uniyal reprimanding the veteran singer over his performance went viral on social media. Mika recently took to social media and claimed that Daler was approached just a day before the programme after singer Sunanda Sharma fell ill. He said the minister should be grateful to Daler for stepping in and fulfilling his commitment despite being unwell himself.
BJP cites media report, says Congress' 'regime change plot' exposed
The BJP has cited a Fox News digital investigation alleging links between protests in India demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars resignation and unrest in France and Albania. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress of coordinating with Progressive International, alleging a regime-change plot. The Congress had not immediately responded to the allegations.
Maharashtra Intern Doctors Demand Stipend Increase, Set Ultimatum for Government Action
Intern doctors in Maharashtra protest for stipend increase, demanding a rise from 18,000 to 30,000 by November 1. Maharashtra Intern Doctors Demand Stipend Increase, Set Ultimatum for Government Action
Gulshan Kumar was shot dead while coming out of Jeeteshwar Mahadev Mandir in Mumbai on August 12, 1997
Anuradha Paudwal Recalls Gulshan Kumar's Murder Amid Tiger Shroff Shooting
Gulshan Kumar was shot dead while coming out of Jeeteshwar Mahadev Mandir in Mumbai on August 12, 1997
Sopore Bypass Bridge Lane to Remain Closed for 10 Days for Repair Work
Sopore, Oct 22: The authorities have ordered the temporary closure of one lane of the Sopore Bypass Bridge for 10 days, from October 22 to October 31, 2026, to facilitate necessary repair work. According to an official order issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla, permission has been granted for the temporary closure of one lane of the bridge at kilometre 1.954 on the Sopore Bypass Road. The order follows a request from the Officer Commanding, EE (Civil), 56 RCC (GREF), seeking permission to carry out the required repairs. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sopore, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sopore, have been directed to formulate an appropriate traffic management plan in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders. The plan aims to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimise inconvenience to commuters during the repair period. The authorities have also been directed to consult members of the Fruit Growers Association, Sopore, in view of the town's importance as a major fruit trading centre and the ongoing apple season. Sopore Fruit Mandi witnesses substantial movement of trucks and other vehicles transporting fresh produce to various markets across the country. Any disruption in the movement of fruit-laden vehicles during the peak trading season could pose logistical challenges for fruit growers, transporters and traders. The proposed traffic management plan is expected to take into account the requirements of local residents, daily commuters, commercial vehicles and apple transporters to ensure orderly traffic movement while the repair work is underway. Commuters and transporters have been advised to follow official traffic advisories, adhere to the directions of traffic personnel and cooperate with the authorities during the repair period. The repair work is intended to address the bridge's maintenance requirements. Both lanes are expected to reopen after the completion of the necessary repairs.
Shalini to Get a Red Card Elimination? Here Is Why
Some viewers are demanding a red card elimination, raising the question of whether the makers will evict her.
The two Cockroach Janta Party leaders were released after pledging not to call for protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar amid demonstrations demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Ukraine's strikes on Russian data centres disrupt key services, derail AI research
Moscow, Oct 22: Russia prides itself on its digital advances -- from an extensive e-commerce services sector to ambitious plans for developing artificial intelligence. But now, some of the key data centres at the heart of its technical prowess have been knocked out by Ukrainian drone attacks in the 4.5-year-old full-scale invasion, suffering damage that could take a long time to repair. Ukraine this month hit three main data centres belonging to tech giant Yandex, one for Russia's biggest bank, Sberbank, and one for social media platform VKontakte, the country's equivalent to Facebook. While Yandex, Sberbank and VKontakte are coy about the damage, people and businesses across Russia have reported widespread interruptions to cloud services. Banking, e-commerce, geolocation and ride-hailing services, as well as Alisa, Yandex's virtual assistant, and multimodal AI chatbots all have suffered lasting disruptions. The fallout even spread to Russia's judicial system, reportedly forcing arbitration courts to cancel or postpone sessions and cutting database access. Most experts predict repairing the damage could take months, if not years. Some warn that Moscow's aspirations to become a leader in AI development could be significantly set back. This effectively sets Russia far behind in the AI race, said Mikhail Klimarev, head of the Internet Protection Society activist group. Data centres have been hit by both sides in the war Data centres are the latest targets of aerial campaigns waged by both sides against each other's vital infrastructure. Russian missiles and drones have pummelled Ukraine's power grid and other key sites, part of Kremlin efforts to weaken morale and resistance. Moscow stepped up those attacks as winter approaches, taking advantage of a shortage of US-supplied Patriot interceptors, whose stockpiles have been drained by Washington's war with Iran. Ukraine retaliated with waves of drone attacks against Russian oil refineries, triggering a massive fuel crisis and bringing the war home to millions of civilians. US President Donald Trump has blamed the attacks for higher global oil prices, which have escalated largely due to the US war in Iran. Earlier this month, Trump struck a deal with President Vladimir Putin to import diesel oil, shocking Ukraine and its allies. Ukraine also hit huge warehouses for Russia's top online retailers, Wildberries and Ozon. Kyiv's attacks on Russian data centres closely followed Moscow's recent strikes on data centres in Ukraine, which disrupted the internet and TV broadcasts. On October 8, Ukrainian drones hit a Yandex data centre in Sasovo in the Ryazan region that houses two of the company's three supercomputers. A data centre in Kaluga was hit a day later and the one in Vladimir was struck October 11. The data centre and AI hub for Sberbank was hit October 14 in Balakovo in the Saratov region, and four days later, Kyiv struck a data centre in St. Petersburg serving VKontakte. Data centres are vulnerable While oil refineries and warehouses are easy prey, data centres are even softer targets -- massive buildings packed with servers and supporting power and cooling infrastructure. Lasting damage can result from a drone carrying a relatively light load of explosives. The vulnerability of data centres was exposed by Iran, whose drones hit two Amazon Web Services data centres in the United Arab Emirates and one in Bahrain. AWS said last month it was unable to restore access to the resources and data hosted at two of them. Yandex has run drills for an accident that could incapacitate one of its six data centres, but it was caught unprepared when its three key facilities were hit over four days. It wasn't immediately clear why air defences near the sites had failed. The problem in Russia is that they've got to cover a big country with air defence and they don't have enough, said Nick Reiners, senior geotechnology analyst at Eurasia Group. Russia's efforts to build a sovereign internet backfire Ukraine has stored critical data on servers in allied European countries, helping limit the damage from Russian attacks. But Moscow's strict digital sovereignty policy requires all data storage at home, making it extremely vulnerable. Because all the infrastructure and all the data is located inside Russia, it's relatively easier to take down, Reiners said. Klimarev predicted the data centre attacks could encourage many top Russian companies to move data abroad, while the authorities could ease their efforts to tighten internet controls to minimise the damage. Paradoxically, the strikes on data centres have saved the Russian internet from isolation, as they will now have to move computing assets, most likely, to Europe, Klimarev said. It's quite likely that many Russian businesses are now roaming the European market to rent computing assets. Russians are vexed by service disruptions Yandex dominates digital life in Russia and many former Soviet nations. It provides a wide variety of functions, including a search engine, cloud storage, payment apps, geolocation and ride-hailing services, and e-commerce platforms. Yandex is kind of like Uber and Amazon and Google and everything rolled into one, with everything concentrated in just a few data centres, Reiners said. From a strategic perspective, they're an excellent target. The attacks on Yandex caused unprecedented disruptions, paralysing payments, online orders, taxi rides and access to personal data. Moscow resident Igor Mann said he couldn't collect an order he placed with Yandex Market, an e-commerce platform. He said he tried using a virtual private network, but nothing worked. Taxi driver Pavel Belyavskiy, who gets orders via Yandex's ride-hailing app, couldn't connect with passengers. On several orders already, I've ended up waiting for a long time and had to cancel the ride because I couldn't even get in touch with the passenger, he said. The attacks also caused temporary disruptions at some major companies and banks that rely on Yandex cloud services. It's not just about convenience -- it's also about work ... tied to everyday life, said another Moscow resident, Eduard Malyavko. A blow to Russia's AI ambitions Yandex said it restored most key cloud services in the following days as it turned to other data centres in Russia. But the damage to the company's AI development efforts is widely seen as massive and longer-lasting. Yandex has invested in huge data centres as the global AI boom fuels demand for computing power. The company's three supercomputers used to develop models are ranked among the top 500 in the world. Its most powerful computer -- at the Sasovo data centre -- was ranked 19th. Yandex didn't disclose the extent of the strikes' consequences, but satellite images indicated its data centres sustained serious damage. Some observers noted that fires triggered by the attacks probably seriously damaged high-end chips and other key equipment. With this kind of hit, it's hard to expect that at least something was left intact -- the data centres' equipment is fragile, demanding and expensive, Klimarev said. Soot from the fire is bad for electronics. While Russia already lagged years behind the US and China, Ukraine's drone strikes will likely still set back Russian AI efforts further, said Connor Martin, an expert with the Council for Foreign Relations. He said in a commentary that Russia likely will struggle to quickly replace the US-designed Nvidia A100 chips powering Yandex's supercomputers. Klimarev also said the global deficit of high-end chips, combined with the sanctions on their delivery to Russia, will make repairs long and costly. I'm not sure it can be done in half a year, a year, or even at all, he said.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) Actress Kajol offered a glimpse into her Durga Puja celebrations on Wednesday. Sharing a video compilation of heartwarming moments from the festivities at Mumbai's North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, Kajol shared a video on her social media account. From interacting with a little girl to serving bhog to devotees, the actress showcased happy moments from the festival. Taking to her social media on the occasion of Bijoya, Kajol shared a series of video moments from the celebrations, and described the three things that bring the festivities together for her. Family, Bhakti and Bhog! The three things that the pujos are strung together with, she wrote, adding folded-hands emoticons and the hashtags #jaimaadurga and #shubhobijoya. In the video, Kajol is seen dressed in a bright yellow saree paired with a navy-blue blouse, traditional jhumkas and blue bangles. One of the heartwarming moments captures the actress interacting with a little girl dressed in a pink frock, who is seen blowing a kiss towards her. Kajol too is seen responding affectionately. The compilation also featured the actress serving bhog to devotees at the pandal, greeting people and smiling warmly. In another moment, she is seen standing with folded hands, offering prayers during the celebrations as the Aarti goes on. For the uninitiated, Kajol has been an integral part of the Durga Puja celebrations at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai, alongside her sister Tanishaa Mukerji and other members of the Mukerji family. This year marks the 80th edition of the celebrations, continuing a tradition established in 1948 by filmmaker Sashadhar Mukherjee, his wife Satirani Mukerji and other founding members. The festival has been carried forward through generations of the family. This year's festivities saw Rani Mukerji give it a miss, following the demise of her mother, Krishna Mukerji, on September 22. Krishna was closely associated with the family's Durga Puja tradition, and a special tribute was held in her memory at the pandal. Kajol's presence at the Durga Puja pandal often grabs attention on social media. In October 2024, a video of the actress reprimanding people at the pandal went viral. Kajol was seen snapping fingers and asking attendees wearing footwear near the idol to move aside and urging the crowd not to push against the barricades.
Couple Shot Dead in Bhagalpur, Suspect Taken Into Custody
A couple was shot dead in Bhagalpur, Bihar, sparking outrage among locals demanding justice and immediate police action. Couple Shot Dead in Bhagalpur, Suspect Taken Into Custody
Trump Halts Rally Midway As Clashes Erupt; Hecklers Target POTUS, Unleash Chaos In South Carolina
Donald Trumps South Carolina rally descended into chaos as hecklers were escorted out and punches were thrown at Clemsons T E Garrison Arena on Wednesday. Trump was interrupted six times within ten minutes of taking the stage, according to the White House pool. Officers later removed three more hecklers, including one shouting traitor and another demanding the release of the Epstein files. Another disturbance followed, prompting Trump to react as the crowd erupted into USA chants.#DonaldTrump #TrumpRally #SouthCarolina #TrumpNews #RallyChaos #BreakingNews #USPolitics #EpsteinFiles #USA
Public protests against current regime are democratic, not anarchy, says Shiv Sena(UBT) in 'Samaana'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Thursday condemned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwats recent remarks expressing concern over global and domestic public agitations. The Thackeray camp in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Samaana', argued that public movements against the Modi-Shah regime were entirely democratic, and accused the RSS leadership of inadvertently bolstering a rule that has become a crisis for India. The editorial questioned Bhagwats statements made during the Vijayadashami rally, where he claimed that protests can become tools of political selfishness and breed societal division. It pointed out that while Bhagwat criticised agitations globally -- citing unrest in France, Italy, Belgium, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh -- he overlooked the justification of public anger against authoritarian governance. The editorial interpreted Bhagwat's assertion that merely changing regimes does not solve fundamental problems as an implicit admission that the 2014 political transition under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a wasted effort. The editorial questioned whether the Sangh now regrets altering the political landscape, recalling how the RSS family actively participated in regime shifts historically, such as in 1977. Blaming the RSS-backed dispensation for pushing the country into distress, the editorial highlighted severe national issues over the past 12 years, including soaring inflation, rising unemployment, growing youth depression, commercialisation, corporate favouritism, and handing national wealth to favoured industrialists. In addition, here has been erosion of democratic institutions, the subjugation of the judiciary and the Election Commission, and the undermining of Parliament and incidents related to national security, student protests over paper leaks, and agrarian distress, it said. The Thackeray camp raised fundamental questions about the legitimacy of popular struggles. Would India have gained freedom or republic status if the masses had not joined the independence struggle? Were the agitation for the Ram Mandir or the RSS-inspired Anna Hazare movement considered acts of anarchy? Should the Sangh apologise to the nation for bringing an allegedly ruinous regime to power? it asked. Concluding the sharp commentary, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena asserted that protests are vital in a democracy to check the unbridled power of rulers. It called upon the RSS chief not to lend strength to a governance model that it terms a hreat to India's democratic fabric, emphasising that public movements against oppressive governance are firmly rooted in democratic principles.
Sopore bypass-bridge to face 10-day lane closure from October 22 for repairs
Sopore, Oct 21:The Sopore Bypass Bridge will see a temporary closure of one lane for 10 days, beginning October 22, to facilitate repair work, following an order issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla. According to the official order, permission has been granted for the temporary closure of one lane of the bridge at kilometre 1.954 on the Sopore Bypass Road. The repair work is scheduled to continue from October 22 to October 31, 2026. The order was issued in response to a request from the Officer Commanding, EE (Civil), 56 RCC (GREF), seeking permission to carry out the necessary repairs. In view of the proposed closure, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sopore, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sopore, have been directed to formulate an appropriate traffic management plan in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders. The plan is intended to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimise inconvenience to commuters during the repair period. Particular emphasis has been laid on consulting members of the Fruit Growers Association, Sopore, given the importance of the towns fruit trade and the ongoing apple season. Sopore Fruit Mandi, one of the regions major fruit trading centres, witnesses substantial movement of trucks and other vehicles carrying fresh produce to markets across the country. Effective traffic management is therefore particularly important for fruit growers, transporters, traders and other road users. Any disruption in the movement of fruit-laden vehicles could create logistical challenges during the peak trading period, making timely planning and coordination essential. The proposed traffic plan is expected to consider the needs of local residents, daily commuters, commercial vehicles and apple transporters to maintain orderly traffic movement while repairs are underway. Commuters and transporters have been advised to follow official traffic advisories, adhere to the directions of traffic personnel and cooperate with the authorities throughout the closure period. The repair work is aimed at addressing the bridges maintenance requirements, with both lanes expected to reopen after the necessary work is completed.
J&K doubles MBBS, BDS interns stipend day after agitation begins
Srinagar, Oct 21:Strike has worked for MBBS, BDS interns in J&K. A day after the interns launched their second round of indefinite strike over the delay in stipend enhancement, a formal order was issued today. The government order issued on Wednesday has doubled their monthly stipend to Rs 25,000. The order was issued by Health and Medical Education Department Wednesday evening. The government Order No 747-JK(HME) of 2026, sanctioned an increase of stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000 per month for MBBS and BDS interns. The revised stipend will also be paid to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). The enhancement will take effect from October 1, 2026. The development comes a day after the interns resumed their agitation on October 20. They had accused the government of failing to honour its written assurance to finalise the matter within 30 days. Last month, the interns had suspended a nine-day strike, held from August 31 to September 8. The strike had been called off after the government assured them that the matter would be resolved within 30 days. However, the deadline passed without any order, trigerring the interns to resume protests and announce an indefinite strike. On Tuesday, news of a formal order eing prepared started doing rounds, however, the All-India Medical Students Association maintained that the strike will not be called off till government issues the order. Between the last agitation and today, weeks of uncertainty over the proposed hike passed. The interns had insisted that another assurance would not suffice and that only a formal government notification would meet their demand. The revised stipend represents an increase of Rs 12,700 per month. The annual payout for interns has increased from Rs 1.476 lakh to Rs 3 lakh for each intern. The interns had been demanding an increase to Rs 30,000 per month. They had cited the long period without a revision and rising living costs.
Washington orders U.S. embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia after near-daily Houthi attacks
Saudi Arabia has faced near-daily attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis, including a strike on Riyadh's international airport that was the kingdom's deadliest in years (Giuseppe CACACE) The United States has ordered non-essential US embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, the State Department said on Wednesday, as the kingdom comes under sustained deadly attacksby Yemen's Houthis. Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a social media post explaining the measure. The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, he added. A diplomatic source in the Middle East told AFP that some families of US embassy personnel were also being withdrawn in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain, but Pigott stressed that Wednesday's order was for the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and their families in Saudi Arabia only. Saudi Arabia has this month come under near-daily attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis, including a strike on Riyadh's international airport that was the kingdom's deadliest in years, as the war with the group escalates. On Wednesday, the Saudi energy ministry said that falling debris from the successful interception of a drone targeting an oil facility killed two people and injured a further two. The attempted attack resulted in the deaths of two individuals, a Filipino and a Nepali, and injuries to two others, the ministry said in a statement. It did not say who launched the drone aimed at Shaybah oil field near the UAE border. Earlier on Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reported intercepting six drones. One person was killed and eight others wounded in an attack on Dammam airport in eastern Saudi Arabia, aviation officials said. In June, a four-year-old truce in Yemen's civil war collapsed, reviving the conflict that dates back to 2014. The Saudi-led coalition has backed the internationally recognized government since 2015. - Iran explosions - The US previously ordered non-essential staff to leave the Gulf ahead of the start of its war against Iran in late February and again in July before US President Donald Trump called off a new wave of strikes. Late on Wednesday, Iranian state media reported the sound of explosions in the southern Hormozgan province overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, breaking a spell of relative calm. A few minutes ago, the sound of several explosions was heard in the Karpan area of Sirik, in Hormozgan Province, the official IRNA news agency said. It added that local sources have not yet disclosed the nature of these explosions. In late February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing the country's supreme leader, along with senior military commanders. Iran has attempted to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, demanding all ships seek its authorization to cross. In peacetime, the strategic waterway carried around a fifth of the world's oil supplies. In retaliation, the United States has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports and ships. bur/gh/sst This article originally appeared on AFP at https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/washington-orders-us-embassy-staff-203401687.html
Indian cricket team is preparing for a challenging series against New Zealand after a demanding travel schedule. Players will need to adjust to New Zealand's conditions ahead of five T20Is. Team captain Shreyas Iyer is optimistic about their adaptability despite travel fatigue and acclimatization. Bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar are returning to the squad, seeking to make significant impacts. The series will test the team's performance dynamics across various playing conditions.
We now have a phone with two active fans to keep it chill, and a ginormous battery too.
Putting an active cooling fan inside a gaming smartphone is not a revolutionary idea. Red Magic phones have done this for a while, but Honor apparently thinks a single fan isnt enough to cool the demanding Qualcomm flagship chip, so it included two in its new Win 2 gaming smartphone. The Chinese company unveiled the []
EUROPE BOILS OVER! 10,000 Protesters Hit NATO Nation As Riots In France And Italy EXPLODE | Watch
Thousands of students and teachers marched across Greece, including in Athens and Thessaloniki, demanding more state funding for education, better school facilities and affordable student housing.The demonstrations also reflected wider anger over high rents, rising energy costs and weak purchasing power, with protesters voicing solidarity with similar movements elsewhere in Europe. Greeces government says hundreds of millions of euros are being invested in student housing and education upgrades.#greece #athens #greeceprotests #europe #france #italy #franceprotests #thessaloniki #eu
French Open: PV Sindhu holds nerve; Ayush Shetty stuns Srikanth
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu survived a thrilling deciding-game fightback to advance to the women's singles second round at the French Open 2026 badminton tournament in Paris on Wednesday, while Ayush Shetty came from a game down to defeat compatriot Kidambi Srikanth, according to Olympics.com. Sindhu, ranked 10th in the women's ranking, defeated Thailand's Supanida Katethong 21-14, 8-21, 23-21 in a 64-minute opening-round encounter at the Arena Grand Paris. The Indian shuttler appeared to be cruising towards victory in the deciding game after building a commanding 19-8 lead. However, Katethong produced a remarkable fightback, winning 11 consecutive points to draw level at 19-19 and put Sindhu under pressure. Sindhu eventually halted her opponent's momentum and held her nerve in the closing stages to clinch the game 23-21 and secure her place in the round of 16. The victory marked Sindhu's sixth win over Katethong in their 10 career meetings. She will next face Japan's Riko Gun...
From job seekers to job creators: 22% students already entrepreneurs
Shillong, Oct 21: More than one in five Indian college students has already started a business, matching the global average, according to the GUESSS India 2025 report released by IIT Mandi. The national survey of 25,783 students from over 1,200 institutions across 34 states and UTs found that 43 in 100 students want to start [] The post From job seekers to job creators: 22% students already entrepreneurs first appeared on Highland Post .
Jamia forms panel amid students
New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has constituted a committee to draft the constitution of its students union, which was dissolved in 2006, amid an ongoing student protest demanding restoration of elected student representation on campus. According to a separate notification issued by the Chief Proctors office on Wednesday, October 21, disciplinary action initiated against protesting 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 .
CBI nabs Delhi hospital medicine specialist, contractual supervisor in Rs 1 lakh bribery case
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday apprehended a medicine specialist and a contractual supervisor at Delhis Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh in connection with a tender, according to an official statement. The accused have been identified as Harender Kumar, a Specialist (Medicine) in the hospitals Medicine Department who also serves as the Nodal Officer for Outsourcing, and Pradeep Kumar, a contractual Supervisor, Nursing Orderly. The CBI said it registered a case on Wednesday against Harendrer Kumar, who is posted at Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital in Pitampura, following a complaint alleging that he had demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. According to the agency, the bribe was allegedly sought on the pretext of ensuring that a tender awarded to the complainant was not cancelled, facilitating the timely clearance of bills and preventing unnecessary red flags from being raised in the complainants file. Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and caught the medicine specialist while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs 1 lakh through Pradeep Kumar. The agency alleged that the payment was sought in return for extending favours to the complainant, including ensuring that the tender remained valid, facilitating the timely processing and clearance of bills, and avoiding adverse observations in the relevant file. Both accused were apprehended during the operation, the CBI said. Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether any other persons were involved in the alleged bribery arrangement and to examine other aspects of the case. The CBI said the strict action against corrupt public servants underscores its firm commitment to curbing corruption. The agency has urged citizens to report such matters if they come across such instances of corruption and are demanded bribes by public officials.
Women lay siege to Tasmac outlet near Manamadurai demanding its closure
Cong Calls Modi-Shahs Silence Criminal Indifference Over Puri-Epstein Photo
Since earlier this year, the Congress has been demanding Puri's resignation on grounds that his name figures in the Epstein files released in the United States. Puri has, in the past, denied the charges levelled at him by the opposition party.
Naqiyah Haji is set to explore a different side of her acting career with Party Animals, in which she will star opposite Viraj Ghelani. After playing Dr. Nats in Heartbeats Season 2, the actress will be seen as Sakshi, a carefree party girl, in the upcoming entertainer that revolves around humour, chaos and unexpected situations. Describing the film's tone, Naqiyah called it a desi version of The Hangover meets 21 Jump Street. She believes the film's youthful setting and relatable situations will appeal to today's audience, particularly Gen Z. Party Animals is a young, youthful film. Its fun, chaotic, and something I think todays generation will really relate to, she shared. In Party Animals, Naqiyah plays Sakshi, a young woman who enjoys living in the moment and making the most of life. The character is a departure from her role as Dr. Nats in Heartbeats Season 2, which streams on Prime Video and MX Player. In the series, she portrayed a doctor dealing with the effects of childhood abuse, including its impact on her mental health and her struggle with alcohol addiction. Moving from an emotionally demanding character to a lively and carefree personality has given Naqiyah an opportunity to explore a different genre and performance style. Playing Sakshi has been a lot of fun because Ive jumped directly from playing a doctor to playing this completely different party girl. Its been a fun, challenging, and exciting experience as an actor, and Im really looking forward to people seeing this side of me on screen, she said. With Viraj Ghelani alongside her, Party Animals aims to bring together youthful characters, humour and unpredictable situations. The film's focus on the experiences and energy of young people is expected to be central to its narrative. Speaking about what she hopes audiences take away from the film, Naqiyah said, Most importantly, I hope Gen Z relates to the characters, has a great time watching the film, and just enjoys the madness! she concludes. With Party Animals, Naqiyah is set to move away from the emotional complexity of Dr. Nats and take on the spontaneous, fun-loving Sakshi. The film will see her share screen space with Viraj Ghelani in a role that offers audiences a different side of the actress. Also Read : Viraj Ghelani and Arjun Tanwar starrer Party Animals trailer out ahead of November 20 release
CPI(M) warns against undermining democratic processes in local body elections
Party seeks fresh nomination opportunity at places where irregularities have been reported, releases manifesto demanding greater financial autonomy for local bodies
Imphal Protests: CM Event Targeted Amidst Killings
Protesters in Manipur clashed with police outside a sports complex where the Chief Minister was present, demanding action over the recent killing of three Meitei men. A 48-hour shutdown has affected normal life in Imphal Valley districts, and effigies of political figures were burnt. The state continues to grapple with ethnic conflict.
Two Youths Stabbed During Dussehra Celebrations in Nuapada
Dussehra festivities on Khariar Road took a violent turn when two youths were brutally stabbed near the Ram Mandir, triggering widespread tension and panic across the region. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening during a Sambalpuri orchestra performance by Archana Padhi, which followed the traditional Ravan Podi (effigy burning) celebrations. The victims have been identified [] The post Two Youths Stabbed During Dussehra Celebrations in Nuapada appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Student bodies call anti-SIR protest at Dharna Chowk on Oct 25
Hyderabad: Student organisations have called for a protest at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park on Sunday, October 25, against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protest will start at 3.30 pm. The organisations are demanding immediate revocation of the SIR, complete transparency in voter lists and protection of SC, ST, BC, and minorities 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 .
Gujarat CM meets Western Naval Command chief, discusses security of states coastline
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) The security of Gujarats strategically important coastline and the Indian Navys activities to protect it were discussed when Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, met Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. During the courtesy visit, Vatsayan briefed the Chief Minister on various measures undertaken by the Navy to safeguard Gujarats coastline, which is strategically significant because of its location along the Arabian Sea. Vatsayan assumed charge as the 35th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in May this year. Before taking up the appointment, he served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters. He joined the Indian Navy in 1988 and has served aboard several prominent warships during his career. The Western Naval Command plays a key role in safeguarding Indias western coastline, protecting the countrys maritime borders and securing vital trade and energy routes. Its area of strategic interest encompasses the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean, as well as important maritime passages such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Suez Canal, the Mozambique Channel and the Cape of Good Hope. These routes are significant for international shipping and energy supplies, making maritime security an important part of the Navys responsibilities. The meeting focused on the Navys activities concerning Gujarats coastline. Vatsayan also presented a memento to Patel during the visit.
Delhi Police seeks 3-day additional custody of CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) The Delhi Police on Wednesday sought three more days of judicial custody for Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case. The two activists were brought to Mandir Marg Police Station for production before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court after the expiry of their previous judicial custody. CJP Legal Affairs Head Ratna Singh also arrived at the police station ahead of the proceedings. The hearing before the SEM court is currently underway, and the magistrate is yet to pronounce its decision on the Delhi Polices request for a further three days of judicial custody. Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court permitted Das and Ranka to withdraw their plea seeking their release and challenging the SEM court's order extending their custody, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter. A single-judge Bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad had asked the counsel appearing for the two activists to consider withdrawing the petition and await the proceedings before the SEM court before pursuing an appropriate legal remedy. It observed that if the activists secured relief from the SEM court, continuing with the proceedings before it would serve no purpose. The development comes after SEM Ritu Raj, on Monday, extended the judicial custody of the two CJP leaders till October 21, observing that their conduct raised concerns over the likelihood of a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity. In its order, the SEM court recorded that the two leaders had allegedly breached bonds furnished before the SEM, South-West District, on October 11 and subsequently committed a breach of peace in the present case. The magistrate also cited material placed on record by the investigating officer regarding the apprehension of a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity. The order had further directed the duo to furnish fresh sureties after finding the earlier ones unfit following an inquiry. Das and Ranka, along with CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, were among 14 people detained on October 13 after they allegedly entered Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructed police personnel from discharging their official duties. The CJP members were protesting against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and had raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police had earlier opposed their release, citing alleged repeated violations of law and apprehensions that their release could lead to further violations and instigation of others.
Portugal Erupts Over Housing Crisis As Thousands Protest After Police Clear Camps In Lisbon & Porto
Thousands of protesters rallied across Portugal on Tuesday after police dismantled housing protest camps in Lisbon and Porto, triggering fresh demonstrations over soaring rents and unaffordable homes. Protesters are demanding rent controls, more public housing and stronger safeguards against eviction, while Prime Minister Lus Montenegros government defends measures intended to boost the rental market. The unrest follows demonstrations in France, Spain, Italy and Albania, highlighting a wider European backlash over housing insecurity, rising living costs and declining public services.
Govt hikes monthly stipend for MBBS, BDS interns to Rs 25,000
Srinagar,: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday enhanced the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns, including Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, following prolonged protests by medical interns demanding fulfilment of the governments assurance. According to an order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, the enhanced stipend []
Congress Slams Haryana BJP's Two-Year Rule
The Haryana Congress has strongly criticised the BJP government's two-year tenure in the state, alleging widespread misgovernance, unfulfilled election promises, a surge in crime, and rampant corruption. Senior Congress leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja, highlighted issues faced by farmers, traders, and youth, demanding accountability and a white paper on the government's performance.
Bollywood Actor Govinda Visits Puri Srimandir on Vijaya Dashami
Bollywoods legendary actor Govinda recently filled the holy atmosphere of Srimandir with profound devotion as he visited Puri to seek the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami. Chanting Jay Jagannath, the celebrated actor entered the 12th-century shrine and partook in the magnificent darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and [] The post Bollywood Actor Govinda Visits Puri Srimandir on Vijaya Dashami appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
BJP-ruled Centre took away people''s right to vote under SIR: Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, has raised concerns about 90 lakh deleted voter names in West Bengal. He emphasised that only a small fraction of appeals were addressed, with 91 percent deemed unjustified. The Congress party is demanding accountability and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Tharoor announced a mega rally planned for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan to protest these issues.
Homes razed near Delhi Race Course mosque, families displaced
New Delhi: Nearly 700 families have been displaced after their houses, located near Delhis historic Race Course Masjid, were reportedly demolished. Delhi Police denied that any demolition took place, saying neither the mosque nor the neighbouring temple has been affected. Nahi hua demolition. Na toh masjid na mandir ka hua hai (No demolition took place, 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 .
Reputation Won't Win India The Series, Must Put Pressure Back On New Zealand: Shastri
ODI World Cup: India will need more than their reputation to get the better of New Zealand on their home turf, former head coach Ravi Shastri said on Wednesday, urging the visitors to soak up the pressure and turn it back on the hosts right from the opening T20I on Thursday. The five T20Is will run till November 1, before the five-match ODI series takes centrestage in terms of 2027 Mens ODI World Cup preparation. It is followed by a two-match Test series, to be played in Wellington and Christchurch from November 19 to December 1. Apart from this, India A are also touring New Zealand for three red-ball games, starting on October 24 in Lincoln. New Zealand will come hard at India. They know their conditions, they do their homework and they make you earn every win. India have the firepower, but reputation won't win them this series. They have to get out there, take the pressure and put it straight back on New Zealand. That is what I'll be watching for from the first T20I on October 22, Shastri said in a statement issued by broadcasters Sony Sports Network on Wednesday. Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane looked ahead to the Test leg of the tour, saying wins in both matches would be key to India's hopes of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final, to be played from June 9-13 at The Oval. He also welcomed the return of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad. India's tour of New Zealand is a crucial one, with so many aspects to look forward to. NZ conditions provide a very different challenge in Test cricket and the Indian batters will be tested. Winning the two Tests will be crucial to staying in contention for a spot in the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) Final. I'm really happy to see Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in the squad; his experience will come in handy in the T20Is. Overall, it's going to be a tough tour with back to back games which will test the bench strength too. I would advise the team not to think too far ahead, but to focus on each match and stick to their plans, he said. Off-spin great Ravichandran Ashwin described a trip to New Zealand as one of the sternest tests in the game. A tour of New Zealand is one of the most demanding assignments in world cricket because it constantly tests a team's ability to adapt. Every format presents a different challenge, whether it's reading conditions in T20s, building momentum in ODIs or showing patience and discipline in Test cricket. India has the quality to compete across formats, and I'm looking forward to analysing what promises to be a fascinating series, he said. Ashwin will be part of the English, Hindi and Tamil coverage during the T20Is, while Rahane joins the Hindi line-up for all three formats and Shastri will be a part of the English line-up for the white-ball games. Former New Zealand players Stephen Fleming (T20Is only), Tim Southee, Simon Doull, Shane Bond, and Ian Smith will add their knowledge of the home conditions and the opposition during various phases of the multi-format series. The broadcaster's commentary panels for the tour:- English T20I: Gaurav Kapur, Ravi Shastri, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stephen Fleming, Tim Southee, Simon Doull, Shane Bond, Ian Smith. ODI: Samir Kochhar, Ravi Shastri, Stephen Fleming, Tim Southee, Simon Doull, Shane Bond, Ian Smith. Test: Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar, Stephen Fleming, Tim Southee, Simon Doull, Shane Bond, Ian Smith. Hindi T20I: Samir Kochhar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, Ajay Jadeja, Vivek Razdan, Atish Thukral, Murali Karthik. ODI: Gaurav Kapur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Gavaskar, Ajay Jadeja, Vivek Razdan, Maninder Singh, Anjum Chopra, Atish Thukral. Test: Samir Kochhar/Gaurav Kapur, Ajinkya Rahane, Ajay Jadeja, Maninder Singh, Vivek Razdan, Murali Karthik, Atish Thukral. Tamil T20I: Ravichandran Ashwin, WV Raman, R Sridhar, Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, Bharat Arun, Sastika Rajendran, S Badrinath. ODI: WV Raman, R Sridhar, Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, Bhagavathy Prasad, Malolan Rangarajan. Test: WV Raman, R Sridhar, Bhagavathy Prasad, Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, S Badrinath, Sudhir Srinavasan. Telugu T20I: Venkatapathy Raju, Gnaneswara Rao, Sandeep Kumar, Rakesh Deva, Hari Kishore M. ODI: Venkatapathy Raju, Ravi Teja, Sandeep Kumar, Gnaneswara Rao, Rakesh Deva. Test: KS Bharat, Venkatapathy Raju, Gnaneswara Rao, Sandeep Kumar, Rakesh Deva. Kannada T20I: Venkatesh Prasad, HS Sharath, Sumanth Bhat, Raghavendra Raj. ODI: Venkatesh Prasad, Sujith Somasunder, HS Sharath, Sumanth Bhat, Raghavendra Raj. T20I: Venkatesh Prasad, HS Sharath, Sumanth Bhat, Raghavendra Raj. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
CJP leaders withdraw from Delhi HC plea challenging their judicial custody
Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday withdrew from the Delhi High Court their plea challenging the extension of their judicial custody by a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM). Justice Subramonium Prasad told the counsel appearing for the CJP co-conveners to await the outcome of the hearing scheduled before the SEM later in the day, and approach the appellate court if their grievance continues. While permitting Das and Ranka to withdraw the case, the judge clarified that he has not made observations on the merit of the matter. During the hearing, the court orally observed that a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution was not an appropriate remedy in this case. The case was taken up by the court after the CJP leaders sought an urgent hearing in the high court, which is shut due to the Dussehra break. Das and Ranka assailed the SEM's October 19 order remanding them to two days' judicial custody in the high court. They were taken into custo
Jammu Kashmir Handicapped Association Protests in Srinagar, Seeks Redressal of Long-Pending Issues
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association staged a peaceful protest at Srinagars Press Enclave on Wednesday, demanding that the government address the long-pending issues and concerns of persons with disabilities. Association State President Abdul Rashid Bhat called for concrete measures to protect the rights and improve the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jammu []
The upcoming episode of Bigg Boss 20 is set to feature a confrontation over an alleged house-rule violation involving current captain Scout OP, Yung DSA, and Asif Khan. In the latest promo released by the makers, Bigg Boss reprimands Scout, while Uditi Singh questions him about the incident. The promo begins with Yung DSA calling Scout into the washroom, with Asif joining them shortly afterwards. The situation draws attention when Uditi is heard commenting on the contestants being inside the washroom. Bigg Boss 2 log washroom mein gaye hai. Captain khud rules break kar rahe hai, Uditi says, questioning why the captain himself appears to be disregarding the rules. Bigg Boss warns housemates over rule violation The promo then shows Bigg Boss reprimanding Scout over the rule violation. Bigg Boss points out that the entire house will have to face the consequences because the captain has broken one of the important rules. The promo does not reveal the exact punishment. Uditi Singh confronts Scout OP Following Bigg Boss' reprimand, Uditi is seen confronting Scout about the incident. She questions his conduct, while Scout defends himself by pointing out that other contestants have also broken rules inside the house in the past. His response shifts the discussion towards whether the rules are being applied consistently to all contestants or whether the captain should be held to a higher standard. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JioHotstar Reality (@jiohotstarreality) The exchange also places Scout in a difficult position, as his responsibilities as captain could make his actions more significant than those of other housemates. Promo arrives amid speculation over another alleged rule break The latest promo has surfaced amid speculation about a separate incident involving Scout. Reports and discussions surrounding the show have suggested that he allegedly used the kitchen gas stove to light a cigarette before smoking inside the living room. The garden area was reportedly closed at the time because of preparations for a captaincy task. Qazi Touqeer, Uditi Singh and Arishfa Khan were reportedly among the contestants who objected to the incident. According to the circulating accounts, Bigg Boss subsequently reprimanded the housemates and imposed a penalty by cutting 50% of their ration. However, the latest official promo does not confirm that the washroom incident and the alleged cigarette-related incident are connected. It also does not establish whether the ration penalty shown in reports was imposed specifically because of the incident involving Scout, Yung and Asif. Also Read:Bigg Boss 20: Aamrapali Dubey gets emotional over double-standard accusations; says, My image is spoiled unnecessarily
Cipla's Berok Zindagi Turns Asthma Awareness Into an Immersive Cultural Experience
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 21: This Durga Puja, Cipla brought its pioneering patient awareness campaign - Berok Zindagi, to the heart of Kolkata's festivities. Taking its 'Asthma ke liye #InhalersHainSahi' message to pandal-goers, the campaign featured larger-than-life inhaler installations at Santosh Mitra Square, Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, and Shibmandir Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samiti from 14-20 October.
Thousands Throng Puri Srimandir for Divine Raja Besha Darshan of Holy Trinity
The 12th-century shrine of Puri Srimandir is witnessing an atmosphere of profound devotion and spiritual jubilation as Lord Jagannath, along with His divine siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, are adorned in the magnificent Raja Besha on Wednesday to mark the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees from across Odisha and neighbouring [] The post Thousands Throng Puri Srimandir for Divine Raja Besha Darshan of Holy Trinity appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Probe Hindu temple attack as hate crime: US lawmakers
Over 100 US lawmakers, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have written to FBI Director Kash Patel demanding an investigation into an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois as a federal hate crime. They also sought answers on measures to address online threats targeting Indian-Americans, criticising the Trump administration's past messaging for legitimising racial stereotypes.
Delhi HC to urgently hear pleas by CJP's Das, Ranka, AISA's Neha Bora
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday agreed to urgently hear Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka's plea against the extension of their judicial custody by a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM). Justice Subramonium Prasad will also take up a separate petition by the All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora against a Delhi Police's October 17 notice asking her to execute a bond before a SEM for keeping peace. Das and Ranka have assailed the SEM's October 19 order remanding them to two days' judicial custody in the high court, which is shut this week due to Dussehra vacation. Bora's plea pertains to a notice dated October 17 under section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), asking the student leader to appear before the SEM on October 19 and show cause why she should not execute a personal bond of Rs 10,000 with one surety for keeping peace for a period of enquiry. Section 126 empowers the SEM to require a person to execute a
High drama unfolded in Jaipur as senior Rajasthan Congress leaders staged a sit-in protest (dharna) at the Jaipur police Commissionerate office. A heavy police deployment remains in place around the commissionerate premises, with barricades erected to prevent unauthorised entry. Amid the protest, Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra injured his leg after slipping. He (State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra) has sustained an injury to his leg; a doctor has just examined him. He will not be able to move around for the next several days. These people have locked the toilets, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Rajasthan Assembly Tikaram Jully said. Congress is demanding a Zero FIR in connection with the alleged assault on National Students' Union of India (NSUI) National Secretary Ritu Barala. Congress leaders and party workers gathered in large numbers at the Commissionerate, raising slogans against the state government and the police administration, alleging a complete b...
Agartala, October 21: Allegations of racial harassment involving a young man from Tripura in Delhi have triggered widespread condemnation, with political leaders from the state demanding an apology and strict legal action against a social media content creator accused of making derogatory remarks. The controversy erupted after a video allegedly featuring Amir Shaukeen, who describes... The post LoP Jitendra, Tipra Mothas Pradyot Demand Action Over Alleged Racial Abuse of Tripura Youth in Delhi; Content Creator Amir Shaukeen Seeks Forgiveness first appeared on Northeast Today .
A total shutdown called by the Native People's Committee Manipur (NPCM) for 48 hours statewide from Monday midnight, demanding decisive security action against armed groups responsible for the attack in the Khongbal Tangkhul area that killed three Meitei people and injured several others, crippled normal life. The shutdown covered both hill and valley districts, and protests are also continuing until the government demonstrates credible action towards meeting the committee's demands. Health services, religious activities and institutions, and essential services will be exempted. Shops, markets, business establishments, banks, private offices and educational institutions
Trump Erupts, Yells & Warns Reporters In Explosive Oval Office Showdown
Donald Trumps latest Oval Office clash descended into a fiery shouting match as the US president snapped at journalists, barked Quiet! and warned one reporter to be careful. The confrontation escalated when Trump turned on journalist Andrew Feinberg, demanding, Whats wrong with you? Are you a sick person? The explosive exchange unfolded as reporters questioned Trump during a White House announcement, with the presidents sharp retorts and repeated interruptions turning the press briefing into a tense showdown.
Vaibhav Vyapaar Shares to list today; Check GMP ahead of debut
Vaibhav Vyapaar shares are scheduled to list on the NSE SME platform on October 21, with the IPO commanding a grey market premium of around 6%. The Rs 42.10 crore issue was subscribed 2.27 times. The NBFC plans to use Rs 32 crore from the proceeds to strengthen its capital base.
Albanian police clash with anti-government protesters for an 8th day
Protests in Tirana escalated as police employed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators seeking reform. Students are demanding lower tuition fees, enhanced state investment in education, and government accountability regarding corruption. Protests have erupted across several European countries due to rising living costs and housing concerns among citizens. Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the violence but acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters' grievances.
DC Srinagar participates in Dussehra celebrations, Bhandara at Magarmal Bagh
Srinagar, Oct 20: On the occasion of Dussehra, celebrated with great reverence, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a devotional Bhandara celebrations were organised at Kali Mata Mandir Magarmal Bagh with all fervor and rituals. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo also paid a visit to the Mandir and participated in the Hawan and bhandara. The event witnessed the presence of devotees from various parts of the district and paid their reverence at the temple. The bhandara was also organized with devotees coming together at the temple to mark the festival. The gathering highlighted the importance of traditions and community participation in celebrating this auspicious occasion of Dusherra.
Ruhullah accuses BJP of creating hostile atmosphere for Kashmiris within, outside J&K
Srinagar, Oct 20:Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday accused the BJP of creating a hostile environment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that Kashmiris were facing harassment and suspicion both within the J&K and in other parts of the country. Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Ruhullah said the situation had not normalised since 2019 and alleged that the relationship between J&K and the Union government had instead become hostile. Instead of normalising Kashmir, it has been polarised, he said. Ruhullah said that the BJP was responsible for the hostility faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Kashmiris were being treated as suspects in their own homeland, citing the verification, restrictions on movement along highways and the continued detention of prisoners without trials. Ruhullah expressed concern over incidents of alleged harassment of Kashmiris outside J&K. Referring to a recent incident in Karnal, Haryana, he alleged that Kashmiris were increasingly being viewed with suspicion in other states as well. On protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Ruhullah said the demonstrations were genuine and reflected an attempt by students, activists and concerned citizens to reclaim democratic space. Democracy has been suppressed over the past 10 to 12 years. But the public protests were the beginning to exercise the right to expression, he said. He however cautioned that it was too early to say it had been fully restored. Drawing a comparison with Kashmir, Ruhullah referred to the shutdown in Delhi, the detention of activists and internet restrictions during the recent protests. He said people in Kashmir have experienced similar measures on a much larger scale. Srinagar MP also called for criminal proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner if allegations of compromise were established, and demanded a review of elections conducted under his tenure . The protests represented an effort to challenge authoritarianism and seek accountability. Safeguarding the Constitution and democracy requires sustained public engagement, Ruhullah said. Reacting to National Conference President Farooq Abdullah's remarks on abrogation of Article 370, he said the decision was wrong and doing commentary on it was not sufficient. The decision of August 5 is wrong. Everyone knows this. But to reverse it, to stand against it institutionally, democratically and peacefully, what is the government doing? What is the party doing? Ruhullah said. He criticised the performance of the J&K government, saying people were disappointed with both its political agenda and governance after two years in office. He cited concerns relating to electricity, employment, reservation, students, interns, prisoners, and the protection of jobs, questioning what tangible achievements the government could point to in addressing public grievances. Ruhullah said the people of J&K also seek clarity on constitutional guarantees and the restoration of statehood, adding that the government's response to these issues only contributed to public disappointment.
MBBS, BDS interns strike resumes, stipend may rise to Rs 25,000
Srinagar, Oct 20:A few hours after MBBS and BDS interns of J&K announced a fresh strike demanding enhancement of their stipend, reports of J&K government having approved the hike started doing rounds. The interns association however said the strike will continue till a formal order is issued by the government. As per reports J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved doubling the monthly stipend of MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir to Rs 25,000. No order in this regard was issued till this report was filed. The absence of a formal government order has left the MBBS and BDS interns indefinite strike unresolved. The reported approval comes amid renewed protests by interns, who resumed their agitation on Tuesday. This was announced after the expiry of a written government assurance to finalise the stipend enhancement within 30 days. The proposed revision would raise the monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000, an increase of Rs 12,700. The interns have maintained that they will not call off their strike until the government issues the official order. All India Medical Students Association insisted that approval on file cannot substitute for a formal administrative decision. The interns had earlier been assured that the matter would be finalised within 30 days, as recorded in government notes dated September 4 and 9. However, the deadline passed without an order, prompting them to resume their agitation. The Associations J&K Joint Secretary said the students welcomed the decision, but a formal order would be awaited before the strike is called off. On Monday evening, MBBS and BDS interns held candlelight marches at Government Medical Colleges and SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina. They were carrying placards highlighting the government's failure to meet its commitment. A delegation of interns also met senior Finance and Health and Medical Education officials at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting failed to provide a clear timeline for issuance of the order, according to an AIMSA representative. The interns have been demanding an increase to Rs 30,000 per month. They have cited the prolonged stagnation in their stipend and rising living costs. The reported approval by the Chief Minister signals movement on the demand. However, the present strike is set to affect healthcare delivery across Level II and Level III hospitals of J&K. The interns have warned that if the delay continues they would consider a hunger strike. The previous strike of interns lasted 9 days, from August 31 to September 8 this year. The strike had been called off after Health and Medical Education Department had assured the striking students that their demands would be met in 30 days.
Jalen Hurts Medical Care Under Fire as NFLPA Seeks Full Investigation
The NFLPA is demanding a full investigation into Jalen Hurts medical care after his blood clot scare, raising fresh questions about the Eagles handling of the quarterbacks health.
Interns across J&K hospitals strike again over stipend
Srinagar, Oct 20: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir hospitals have resumed their strike demanding an increase in their monthly stipend, alleging that the government has failed to issue a formal order despite repeated assurances. On Tuesday, interns at various medical colleges across the Union Territory held a candlelight march, reiterating that they would continue their agitation until the government issued a written order implementing the stipend hike. President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, said the interns wanted the government to issue the formal order without further delay. No written order, no end to the strike, Dr Khan said, adding that repeated assurances from the authorities had failed to inspire confidence among the protesting interns. The agitation intensified after the expiry of the stipulated 30-day period without the issuance of the promised government order Referring to government record notes dated September 4 and 9, 2026, the interns said the authorities had committed to finalising the matter within 30 days but had failed to meet the deadline. The protesting interns maintained that the issue was no longer about holding meetings or receiving assurances but about implementing a commitment that had already been made in writing. Dr Khan said the interns appreciated the confirmation regarding the proposed stipend enhancement but stressed that the association could not call off the agitation solely on the basis of an announcement. He said the interns had received similar assurances in the past and were now seeking a formal government order clearly specifying the implementation of the enhanced stipend. On September 8, the Jammu and Kashmir Government had stated that the stipend of MBBS and BDS interns, who had been on strike for more than a week, would be finalised within a month based on the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee. The assurance came after a delegation of medical interns from various medical colleges across J&K met Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo and sought an enhancement in their monthly stipend. However, the interns had initially rejected the proposed one-month timeline and continued their agitation, insisting that the enhancement be formally notified through a government order. The interns have been demanding an increase in the monthly stipend paid during their one-year mandatory internship after completing their MBBS or BDS degrees. In July last year, the Health Minister had stated that the stipend would be increased very soon and that the file was under process. Since then, medical students and associations have repeatedly raised the issue with the authorities, pointing out that the stipend had not been revised for the past seven years. The matter was also raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in February 2026. The government had acknowledged that a committee constituted in 2023 had recommended an enhancement, but the proposal was still awaiting the required financial concurrence.
The arrival of artificial intelligence in education has changed the meaning of the classroom. A student can now ask a machine to explain a difficult concept, summarise a book, solve a mathematical problem, translate a passage or even write an essay within seconds. Information, once carefully gathered from libraries, teachers and textbooks, is now available at the touch of a screen. But while AI can make learning faster, it cannot make education meaningful on its own. The central question before us is not whether artificial intelligence should enter the classroom. It already has. The more important question is what will happen to the relationship between teachers and students when a machine becomes capable of answering almost every academic question. For generations, education has rested on a human relationship. A teacher does not merely deliver facts. A teacher observes hesitation in a students eyes, notices a sudden silence, recognises a loss of confidence and sometimes understands a problem that the student has not expressed in words. This human attentiveness cannot be replicated by an algorithm, however advanced it may become. A machine can provide an answer. A teacher helps a student understand why the answer matters. This distinction is becoming increasingly important. AI tools can produce fluent essays, generate presentations and complete assignments. But education is not simply the production of correct sentences or impressive answers. It is the development of judgment, curiosity, discipline, empathy and responsibility. If students begin to depend on AI for every intellectual task, they may acquire information without developing the ability to think independently. The danger is not technology itself. The danger lies in allowing convenience to replace effort. Teachers, therefore, must not view AI only as a threat to their authority. Nor should they treat it as a shortcut that can replace teaching. AI should be used as an aid, not as a substitute for the teacher or the students own intellectual labour. It can help teachers prepare lessons, identify learning gaps, create examples and offer different explanations for difficult subjects. It can help students practise, revise and explore beyond the limits of the textbook. But its use must remain guided by human judgment. The teachers role in the AI age is not diminished; it is made more demanding. Earlier, a teachers responsibility was largely to provide knowledge and explain concepts. Today, teachers must also teach students how to evaluate information, recognise bias, protect privacy, question machine-generated answers and use technology ethically. They must help students distinguish between assistance and dependence, between learning and copying, and between originality and imitation. This requires a new kind of digital literacy. A student should know that an AI-generated response may sound confident while being factually wrong. They should understand that technology can reflect the biases present in the data on which it has been trained. They should also learn that feeding personal information, private conversations or sensitive academic records into unknown platforms can create serious risks. The classroom must become a place where such questions are discussed openly. There is also a moral dimension to the issue. The relationship between a teacher and a student is built on trust. When a student submits work entirely produced by AI as their own, that trust is weakened. The concern is not merely about cheating in an examination. It is about the gradual weakening of honesty as a value. Education loses its purpose when marks become more important than learning and appearance becomes more important than effort. At the same time, institutions must be careful not to respond with fear alone. A blanket ban on AI may appear decisive, but it will not prepare students for the world they will enter. Artificial intelligence is already shaping workplaces, public services, research and communication. Students must learn to use it responsibly rather than remain unaware of its possibilities and dangers. Schools and colleges should formulate clear and practical policies. Students should be told when AI assistance is permitted, how it must be acknowledged and which tasks require independent work. Assessments should increasingly test reasoning, discussion, creativity and personal understanding rather than only the reproduction of memorised content. Oral presentations, classroom debates, project work and reflective writing can help teachers determine whether a student has genuinely understood a subject. The teacher-student relationship must also become more conversational. In a world where information is abundant, the teachers greatest contribution may be the ability to ask the right questions. A good teacher encourages a student to examine assumptions, defend an argument, listen to an opposing view and connect knowledge with lived experience. These are not mechanical processes. They are part of the formation of a thoughtful human being. For students, AI should be treated as a questioning partner, not an invisible author. They can ask it to explain a concept in simpler language, suggest alternative viewpoints or identify weaknesses in an argument. But the final judgment, interpretation and responsibility must remain their own. A student who uses AI to avoid thinking may complete an assignment, but a student who uses it to deepen thinking may genuinely learn. In this transformation, emotional connection will matter even more. Young people are not only seeking information; they are also dealing with anxiety, competition, loneliness and uncertainty about the future. A digital tool may respond instantly, but it cannot replace the encouragement of a teacher who believes in a students potential. It cannot take responsibility for a vulnerable child, mediate a conflict or inspire courage during failure. The future classroom should not be a battle between teachers and machines. It should be a space where technology supports human teaching and human values direct technology. The teacher must remain the mentor, the student the learner, and AI the instrument. Education will succeed in the age of artificial intelligence only when it remembers that learning is not the same as receiving information. It is a relationship through which knowledge becomes wisdom, discipline becomes character, and curiosity becomes purpose. The machine may know more answers. But the teacher must continue to show students how to live responsibly with them. (The Author is a lecturer in HED and a columnist)
The Child Who Knew the Answer but Not the Question
In a Class VI classroom somewhere in Kashmir, a teacher asks, What is photosynthesis? A girl rises and recites the definition flawlessly, word for word. The teacher nods, satisfied. Minutes later, the same girl glances at the walnut tree outside the window and wonders why its leaves turn yellow in October. She does not ask. She is unsure whether the question belongs in a science class, and she fears being wrong in front of her peers. She knows the answer. She has no idea she is standing in front of the question. This small moment holds a large contradiction. Are we educating children to understand the world, or training them primarily to reproduce what they have been told? Can we transform education by changing curricula, textbooks, assessment patterns, and administrative instructions if the mindsets shaping everyday schooling remain unchanged? Policy Vision and Classroom Experience The National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 are, at their core, a call to think differently about children. They speak of the holistic development of learners, of conceptual understanding in place of rote memorisation, of competency-based, experiential, and inquiry-based learning, and of assessment that supports learning rather than merely classifying learners. They emphasise critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, constitutional values, and responsible citizenship. They also recognise that children come to school with diverse languages, cultures, and experiences, and that this diversity is a resource for learning, not a problem to be managed. The vision is compelling. Yet anyone who has spent time in schools knows how stubbornly everyday practice resists it. Syllabus completion, examination results, record-keeping, and familiar routines can quietly outrank the question of whether children are actually learning. Why do reforms so often change the language of schooling faster than its experience? Perhaps because we have treated reform as a matter of documents rather than of beliefs. A new vocabulary of competencies and learning outcomes can be adopted in a week. A belief about what a child is, and how a child learns, takes years to change. Teachers, parents, leaders, and administrators carry assumptions about authority, discipline, intelligence, and success that no circular can rewrite. The task is not to abandon schooling as we know it. Schools hold immense value: they provide structure, continuity, shared knowledge, and a community of peers. The task is to question those practices that prevent schooling from fulfilling its educational purpose. The Child as Active Learner For generations, the dominant image has been of the child as a vessel waiting to be filled. Yet any parent who has watched a toddler dismantle a toy knows better. Children observe, question, explore, imagine, and construct understanding from their experiences. They arrive at school as thinkers. The difference between remembering and understanding is visible everywhere. A child may memorise the formula for the area of a rectangle yet be unable to work out how much carpet a room needs. Another may reproduce the definition of evaporation without being able to explain why wet clothes dry faster in the summer sun than in a damp Srinagar winter. Real learning happens when children connect new ideas with what they already know, test their thinking, meet different perspectives, and gradually refine their understanding. This does not mean the adult should step back. Child-centred education is not education without guidance. Children need knowledgeable teachers who can explain difficult concepts, provide scaffolding, correct misconceptions, and introduce them to bodies of knowledge they could never rediscover alone. A child cannot invent algebra or the periodic table through curiosity alone. The aim is to build children's capacity to think, not merely their ability to repeat what others have thought. The Teacher's Changing Question At the heart of the change lies a simple shift in the question a teacher asks at the end of the day. From Have I taught this chapter? to What have my students understood? The first measures coverage. The second measures learning. With this shift come others. A question from a student becomes a starting point for inquiry rather than an interruption of the lesson. A mistake becomes evidence of developing understanding rather than a failure to be punished. Silence and obedience are no longer the only signs of a good student; thoughtful participation matters as well. Teachers begin to notice that children differ in pace, language, experience, and need, and that teaching every child in precisely the same way is not equality but oversight. Assessment turns from a final verdict into continuous feedback. We must be honest about the conditions in which teachers work. Prescribed curricula, large classes, limited resources, examination pressure, and administrative demands are real. A teacher in a remote school with multi-grade classes, or one posted in a high-altitude area where the school year is cut short by snow, cannot be blamed for choosing efficiency over experiment. Teachers are not the obstacle to reform; they are its most important agents, and they need support worthy of that role. Teacher development must be sustained, reflective, and rooted in real classroom problems. Teachers need time to examine children's work together, to learn from colleagues, to try something new and discuss what happened, and to exercise professional judgment within the curriculum. Nor does purposeful facilitation replace explicit instruction. The skill of good teaching lies in knowing when to explain, when to demonstrate, when to question, when to guide, and when to step back and let children explore. Curriculum and Life The curriculum is humanity's accumulated knowledge, offered to the young. Its purpose is not merely to be completed but to equip children with concepts, skills, values, and intellectual tools for understanding life. It becomes powerful when children can use it to interpret the world around them. Consider what Jammu and Kashmir offers. A local market is a classroom for arithmetic, measurement, economic exchange, language, and social relationships. An apple orchard invites questions about plant growth, seasonal change, estimation, biodiversity, agricultural practice, and sustainability. A stream or lake raises questions about ecosystems, pollution, public responsibility, and scientific evidence. Traditional crafts such as papier-mch, carpet weaving, and woodwork connect geometry, design, material science, history, and the dignity of work. Concerns such as waste management, road safety, and water conservation can become age-appropriate projects. This is the movement from problems to projects: children identify a question, gather information, examine evidence, work together, propose solutions, and reflect on what they have found. But let us be clear. Contextual learning must complement, not replace, systematic teaching. Mathematics, science, languages, and the social sciences demand conceptual depth, deliberate practice, and academic rigour. Connecting learning with life is meant to make knowledge more meaningful, not less demanding. From Fear to Feedback Nothing shapes classroom culture as powerfully as assessment. When marks become the dominant measure of achievement, teachers feel compelled to teach to the test, parents begin to equate marks with intelligence, and children learn to associate learning with fear. A child who is afraid of being wrong will not ask the question that matters. Good assessment gives a clearer picture of what children know, understand, can do, and still need help with. Questioning, observation, portfolios, project work, rubrics, peer interaction, and constructive feedback all contribute to that picture, and they align with the competency-based and holistic vision of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. This does not mean abandoning examinations or lowering expectations. It means ensuring that examinations measure worthwhile learning and lead to improvement. Assessment must serve the learner's progress; it must never become an instrument of humiliation, comparison, or exclusion. From Pressure to Partnership Children's relationship with learning is formed long before they reach a classroom, and it continues to be shaped at home. Many parents sincerely want their children to succeed, and many are responding to genuine anxieties about examinations, jobs, and the future. Yet anxiety travels. It reaches children through constant instruction, comparison with cousins and neighbours, sarcasm, and approval that depends almost entirely on performance. There is a vital distinction between unconditional respect for a child and accountability for a child's actions. Parents can set boundaries, insist on responsibility, and correct wrong behaviour without making a child's dignity or sense of belonging conditional on marks. Listen before instructing. Welcome questions, even when the answers are not at hand. Offer age-appropriate choices and responsibilities. Respond to mistakes with reflection rather than ridicule. Resist comparisons that turn learning into a contest for adult approval. Talk about friendships, experiences, and interests, not only homework. Children need emotional security as much as academic guidance. When parents and teachers work as partners rather than as rival authorities, children gain curiosity, resilience, and a healthy relationship with learning. The Community and the Learning Space Education cannot remain the sole responsibility of schools and families. Communities hold knowledge that no textbook contains: the farmer who understands soil and weather, the artisan whose hands carry generations of skill, the health worker, the writer, the local entrepreneur. Such people should be more than occasional chief guests at annual functions. Children should learn with them and from them, understanding livelihoods, local history, environmental challenges, and civic responsibility. Community knowledge deserves respect, and it also deserves examination through evidence, critical thinking, and ethical reflection. The regions of Jammu and Kashmir each offer their own languages, landscapes, and traditions, and the aim is to engage that diversity thoughtfully, not to reduce it to postcard stereotypes. The spaces in which children learn speak just as clearly. A classroom communicates a philosophy through its seating, displays, resources, and routines. If children are only expected to listen, copy, and reproduce, the room reinforces passivity. If they are invited to investigate, discuss, create, and question, the room supports thinking. Flexible seating where feasible, walls that display children's questions and developing work, accessible books, and purposeful use of libraries, playgrounds, school gardens, and the neighbourhood do not require expensive infrastructure. They require imagination and the willingness to see ordinary spaces as sites of learning, which is exactly the experiential vision of NCF-SE 2023. From Compliance to Enabling Change None of this will endure if the system around schools continues to reward only compliance. Teachers cannot be expected to nurture curiosity if the system measures only procedural conformity. Parents cannot be expected to value deep learning if public measures of success are marks and ranks. Schools cannot sustain innovation if every departure from routine is viewed with suspicion. Several directions follow. Teacher education should be aligned with the classroom practices NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 envision. Professional learning communities and peer observation should become regular features of school life. School-based projects should connect curricular goals with local contexts. Academic monitoring should become supportive and reflective, focused on children's learning rather than on the neatness of registers. Teachers should enjoy reasonable professional autonomy within curricular requirements. Educational progress should be judged through multiple forms of evidence, not records of compliance alone. And parents and communities should be drawn into honest conversations about what schooling is for. Mindset change cannot compensate for teacher shortages, poor infrastructure, or excessive workloads. Sustainable transformation needs both changed attitudes and enabling conditions. Small Steps, Larger Purpose Where might we begin? A teacher can choose one meaningful question or local problem and design a structured learning experience around it. A parent can replace some routine instructions with attentive listening and give a child a decision to make. A school head can create time for teachers to discuss classroom experiences and examine student work together. An administrator can encourage responsible experimentation, reduce avoidable procedural burdens, and make monitoring about the quality of learning. A community can offer its knowledge and invite children into real concerns. These are starting points, not substitutes for policy support, professional development, adequate resources, or accountability. The Girl and the Walnut Tree Return to the girl in Class VI. Imagine her teacher pausing after the definition and asking, Where have you seen this happening? Imagine her question about the yellowing leaves being welcomed, tested, and followed through a small investigation in the school garden. Imagine her parents asking at dinner, What did you wonder about today? rather than How many marks did you get? Imagine a local orchardist visiting to explain what he observes in autumn, a classroom whose walls display her questions, and a school leader who trusts her teacher to teach this way. She would not know less. She would know more, and know it more deeply, because her knowledge would be connected to the tree outside her window. Transformation begins when adults reconsider not only what children must learn, but how they learn, what they are capable of becoming, and what a society expects its schools to achieve. A child's mind is not a container to be filled but a flame to be tended. And flames, as every Kashmiri who has sat by a kangri in winter knows, are kept alive not by commanding them, but by caring for them. (The Author is a Senior Academician, Content Creator and a Teacher Educator writing on educational research, policy, and reform. He can be mailed at: sheikhgulzar1970@gmail.com)
Ajaz Jan lays foundation for two Poonch roads
Poonch, Oct 20: MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in Mandi block of Poonch district, with a combined sanctioned cost of around 21.01 crore. The projects are aimed at improving rural connectivity and providing residents of remote and hilly areas with better access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services. The first project involves the construction and maintenance of the 5-kilometre L027 Link Road from NABARD Road at Jallian towards Gujjaran. Sanctioned under Package No. JK114043, PMGSY-IV, Batch-I of 202627, the project has been allocated 11.6823 crore. The second project covers the 4.15-kilometre L041 Link Road from Rajpura PS Road at kilometre 1.600 to Ziarat Arai Gali. The project, listed under Package No. JK11-4053, PMGSY-IV, Batch-I of 202627, has a sanctioned cost of 9.3293 crore. Both projects include provisions for road construction and subsequent maintenance to ensure long-term usability and improved transportation facilities. The roads are expected to benefit residents of adjoining villages by easing travel difficulties, improving access to essential services and supporting local economic activities. The development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen road infrastructure across the Haveli Assembly Constituency, particularly in remote and hilly areas where connectivity remains a key concern. Road projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees are being undertaken across the constituency to address longstanding infrastructure needs and improve access to public services, according to the information provided.
Dussehra celebrated with religious fervour in Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 20: Dussehra was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm across Srinagar on Tuesday, with hundreds of devotees, local residents, tourists and security personnel participating in the festivities that marked the victory of good over evil. The celebrations featured the traditional Shri Ram Jhanki (religious procession encompassing tableau of Lord Ram), which began from the Indira Nagar temple and passed through various parts of the city before culminating at the JKCA Practice Ground near Church Lane. As dusk fell, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath were set ablaze, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over evil amid chants of Jai Shri Ram and colourful fireworks. The venue witnessed a festive atmosphere as devotees, members of the local community and visitors gathered to witness the annual event. Security personnel also joined the celebrations, while the district administration made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Barricading, security deployment, traffic regulation and other facilities were put in place to facilitate devotees. Preparations for the festival had begun several days in advance. Organisers said the effigies were brought to the venue a day before Dussehra and installed with the help of artisans and volunteers, while the ground was kept ready for the celebrations. Mohit Bhan, a senior member of the Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti, said Dussehra in Kashmir always carried a message of peace, harmony and the victory of truth over falsehood. This festival is not only about the burning of Ravana's effigy. It reminds us that truth and righteousness always prevail over evil. It was great to see the support of the administration, police and people from the majority community who extend their support every year. Their participation reflects Kashmir's age-old culture of communal harmony and brotherhood and that is the true spirit of today's celebration, Bhan said. Members from the Pandit community said the Shri Ram Jhanki (procession) remained one of the highlights of the annual celebrations, bringing together people from different backgrounds in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. Many local residents also turned up to witness the celebrations, with several youngsters recording videos and taking photographs of the procession and the Ravana Dahan. It is always a pleasant sight to see people from different communities celebrating together. Such events strengthen mutual respect and remind everyone that Kashmir's identity has always been rooted in coexistence and brotherhood, said Aamir, a resident of Srinagar who was present at the event. Tourists visiting the Valley also joined the celebrations and described the experience as memorable. The atmosphere of this festival here is completely different from anywhere else. Watching the procession and celebrations here, with locals participating together, made the experience very special. It reflects the warmth and hospitality that Kashmir is known for, said a tourist from New Delhi. The festival also attracted enthusiastic participation from the younger generation, with many residents gathering at the venue well before sunset to witness the burning of the effigies. Families, children and elderly people remained present throughout the programme as devotional songs and prayers filled the air. As the towering effigies went up in flames at the JKCA Practice Ground near Church Lane, devotees greeted one another and offered prayers, bringing the celebrations to a close on a joyous note. Meanwhile, on the occasion of Dussehra, celebrated with great reverence, which symbolises the victory of good over evil, devotional Bhandara celebrations were organised at Kali Mata Mandir Magarmal Bagh amid fervour and rituals. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo also paid a visit to the Mandir and participated in the Hawan and bhandara. The event witnessed the presence of devotees from various parts of the district and paid their reverence at the temple. The gathering highlighted the importance of traditions and community participation in celebrating this auspicious occasion of Dussehra.
Grand Dussehra Shobha Yatra draws crowds in Jammu
Jammu, Oct 20: Jammu witnessed grand Dussehra celebrations as the Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj organised a Shobha Yatra under the leadership of its chairman and Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi, drawing large crowds and showcasing the regions cultural and spiritual traditions. The celebrations marked the victory of good over evil, featuring a colourful procession with decorated chariots and tableaux depicting Lord Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman, followed by the traditional burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnad at Parade Ground. The Shobha Yatra began at Deewan Mandir after traditional prayers performed by Sethi. It passed through Moti Bazar, Sabzi Mandi, Rajtilak Road, Purani Mandi, Old Hospital Road, City Chowk, Shalamar Road and Raghunath Bazar. Devotees also offered prayers at the historic Raghunath Temple before the procession moved towards Parade Ground amid chants of Jai Shri Ram. Local artists who had participated in the nine-day Ramleela at Deewan Mandir joined the procession, bringing scenes from the Ramayana to life. The main attraction was the burning of the three effigies at Parade Ground, where thousands gathered to witness the spectacle. Artists portraying Lord Rama and Lakshman ignited the effigies, which went up in flames amid cheers from the crowd. According to the organisers, the effigies were prepared by artists from Uttar Pradesh over nearly a month. Elaborate security and traffic arrangements were put in place to facilitate the celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, Sethi said Dussehra conveyed the enduring message that truth and righteousness ultimately prevail. He said the large public participation reflected the people's devotion and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. He also highlighted the values of harmony, compassion and unity associated with Sanatan Dharma, calling for these principles to be passed on to younger generations. Sethi appreciated the Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj for organising the event and providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent. He also extended Vijayadashami greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to uphold righteousness and social harmony. Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj president Anil Masoom, general secretary Bharat Bhushan and other members of the organisation were present. Masoom highlighted the festival's cultural significance and its role in bringing people together while familiarising younger generations with the Ramayana. The celebrations concluded with the symbolic burning of the three effigies, reaffirming Dussehra's traditional message of the triumph of good over evil.
