Hayden Panettiere death: DEA reportedly joins probe into what happened to late star
The investigation into the death of star Hayden Panettiere has expanded to include the Drug Enforcement Administration, TMZ reported. The actress died Sunday at the age of 36.
Heather Graham flaunts fit physique in bikinis on romantic Italian escape
Heather Graham shared stunning bikini photos from her Positano vacation with boyfriend Michele Civetta, exploring Italy
John Stamos celebrates turning 63 with a thirst trap that has fans saying
John Stamos celebrated his 63rd birthday with a thirst trap mirror selfie on Instagram.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are enrolled in a British school starting in September as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare to leave Montecito.
Disney alum Christy Carlson Romano rips Hollywood for failing child stars after Hayden Panettiere
Christy Carlson Romano compares early fame to CTE in a new op-ed, calling for stronger protections for child actors after Hayden Panettiere
The Office star Jenna Fischer exposes the grueling reality that forced her off TV
Jenna Fischer reveals why she left television series acting after 70-hour weeks and how the
Hariprasad urges SIT probe into cooperative bank irregularities involving BJP MLA
Ivan DSouza takes govt. to task over delay in Yettinahole project
Amit Shah Arrives in Chennai for Southern Regional Council Meeting
Chennai, August 20: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Chennai on Wednesday night. He is set to chair the 31st meeting of the Southern Regional Council, which will take place in Kovalam on Thursday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will serve as the vice-chairman during this meeting. Amit Shah landed at Chennai ... Read more Amit Shah Arrives in Chennai for Southern Regional Council Meeting
Sinha calls for universities to foster opportunity creators
Says true measure of Universitys success lies in its students, alumni Jammu Tawi, Aug 19:Asking varsities to transform students into creators of opportunities rather than mere job seekers, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that a university is not built by its buildings but by ideas, dreams, and possibilities. Addressing the 23rd Foundation Day [] The post Sinha calls for universities to foster opportunity creators appeared first on Northlines .
Lisa Kudrow Reflects on Friends as She Returns to Iconic Warner Bros. Lot
Lisa Kudrow is getting emotional about her unforgettable Friends journey. The actress returned to Warner Bros., where she filmed the iconic sitcom, and where she also wrapped The Comeback. Kudrow reflected on finishing Friends on Stage 24, calling it a huge and monumental part of her life. As Warner Bros. faces a major merger, Kudrow and director Michael Patrick King also shared hopes that the studios history and legacy will remain intact.#lisakudrow #friends #friendsreunion #thecomeback #warnerbros #jenniferaniston #courteneycox #matthewperry #mattleblanc #davidschwimmer #hollywood #entertainmentnews #celebritynews
Secret Letters With Kim? Trump Praises Relationship With Nuclear-Armed Kim Jong Un | WATCH
Donald Trump says he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un but refused to confirm whether the two are exchanging written letters. Trump claimed Kim possesses 57 powerful nuclear weapons and argued that his personal relationship with the North Korean leader helps contain tensions. He also linked the remarks to his demand that Iran never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Watch.
Spark | Song - Raka Raka Rakshasa (Lyrical)
Watch the song 'Raka Raka Rakshasa' from Kannada movie 'Spark' starring Niranjan Sudhindra and Lovely Star Prem. 'Raka Raka Rakshasa' is sung by Anand Sreeraj, Sachin Basrur and music of the song is given by Sachin Basrur. Lyrics of 'Spark' song 'Raka Raka Rakshasa' are written by Pramod Maravante. To know more about 'Raka Raka Rakshasa' song from Niranjan Sudhindra and Lovely Star Prem starrer 'Spark' watch the video.
Ishqnama | Song - Ki Keya (Lyrical)
Watch the Punjabi song 'Ki Keya' from the movie 'Ishqnama' starring Jai Randhhawa, Shehnaaz Gill, Saurabh Sachdeva and Anjuum Batra. 'Ki Keya' is sung by B Praak and Jyotica Tangri, with music composed by B Praak. The lyrics of 'Ishqnama' song 'Ki Keya' are penned by Jaani. Directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira and produced by Narinder Singh Rana, Sourabh Rana and Kalpna Rana, the film promises an engaging romantic drama. To know more about the song 'Ki Keya' from 'Ishqnama', watch the full video.
Buddhi Clinic, The Hindu to organise webinar on future of integrative mental health
International conference held at Yadava College
New captain, new coach and some old faces. England start the series at Headingley
NITI Aayog Discusses TB: The Way Forward Strategy for a Tuberculosis-Free India
New Delhi, August 20: NITI Aayog organized a high-level brainstorming session on Wednesday titled TB: The Way Forward. The aim was to develop strategies and suggestions to achieve the goal of a tuberculosis-free India in a timely manner. According to information shared on NITI Aayogs official social media platform, X, the session was co-chaired by ... Read more NITI Aayog Discusses TB: The Way Forward Strategy for a Tuberculosis-Free India
Bhubaneswar Cab Drivers Protest Turns Violent: 100+ Arrested, 400+ Vehicles Seized
Bhubaneswar witnessed dramatic scenes of unrest on Wednesday as the third day of an agitation by online auto and taxi drivers escalated into widespread violence near Master Canteen Square. What began as a demand for higher passenger fares quickly transformed a busy city junction into a battleground, with protesters pelting stones, damaging vehicles, and clashing [] The post Bhubaneswar Cab Drivers Protest Turns Violent: 100+ Arrested, 400+ Vehicles Seized appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
TNCC protests against Home Minister Amit Shah
JERC equalizes power tariff, grants industrial rates to Ladakh
Srinagar, Aug 19:The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has mandated that hotels, guest houses, resorts, and homestays registered with the Ladakh Tourism Department will be reclassified for electricity billing. The Commission said that these establishments shall be charged tariffs at par with industrial consumersa move that may alter operational costs for the regions hospitality sector. [] The post JERC equalizes power tariff, grants industrial rates to Ladakhs hospitality sector appeared first on Northlines .
Data operator held in Arakkoknam over bribery charges
Train speed on Katra-Banihal section raised to 100 kmph: Rlys
Jammu Tawi, Aug 18 : The maximum permissible speed of trains on the 111-km-long new broad gauge rail section between Katra and Banihal under Northern Railways Jammu division has been increased to 100 kmph, officials said. The 111-km-long Katra-Banihal rail section is a crucial and technically challenging component of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) [] The post Train speed on Katra-Banihal section raised to 100 kmph: Rlys appeared first on Northlines .
SMBC investment strengthens Yes Bank's institutional positioning: Lender
SMBC's 24.9 per cent stake brings strategic value through enhanced corporate banking capabilities, governance practices, risk management and cross-border opportunities
Y.S. Jagan Urges YSRCP Workers to Prepare for Local Body Elections
Amaravati, August 20: Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the president of the YSR Congress Party and former Chief Minister, has called on party workers to gear up for the upcoming local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized that the party should work with the goal of achieving a significant victory, as the coalition government has ... Read more Y.S. Jagan Urges YSRCP Workers to Prepare for Local Body Elections
Holy Mace of Machail Yatra departs for Paddar
Jammu Tawi, Aug 19 : The Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) of the Shree Machail Mata Yatra, accompanied by thousands of devotees, left the Gori Shankar Temple in Sarkoot for Sub-Division Paddar early Wednesday, an official said. Earlier, the Holy Mace had embarked on its journey from Jain Bazar in Jammu, reached Doda, and arrived in [] The post Holy Mace of Machail Yatra departs for Paddar appeared first on Northlines .
Psychology says people who don't trust online doctor consultations aren't necessarily refusing technology. Their hesitation can come from the need for physical presence, direct examination, visible signs of competence and a sense of safety. Online consultations remove some of these cues. This can create doubt about accountability, diagnosis, empathy and control. Psychology explains this behaviour through security, trust transfer, cue consistency and tangibility bias.
Omar rubbishes corruption charges by BJP, says hold a probe
Srinagar, Aug 19 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday dared the BJP to have a probe conducted into the corruption charges it has levelled, saying his government does not control any investigative agency. Even if we assume for a second that their allegation is true, we dont even have the power to conceal such [] The post Omar rubbishes corruption charges by BJP, says hold a probe appeared first on Northlines .
Global Impact Forum to be held in September ahead of BRICS Summit
Ecuador intelligence chief and five Americans killed in Kenya helicopter crash
Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife Stephany Hollihan among the seven people killed in the crash.
Bilal Mir transferred as Dy Secy in JK Assembly
Jammu Tawi, Aug 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfer and posting of JKAS officer Bilal Ahmad Mir, with immediate effect. According to Government Order No. 1415-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on August 19, Bilal Ahmad Mir, JKAS, presently serving as Sub-Registrar, Khansahib, and holding additional charge [] The post Bilal Mir transferred as Dy Secy in JK Assembly appeared first on Northlines .
614 government school students provisionally allotted MBBS/BDS seats under 7.5% quota
Fatal Crash Shatters Family: 35-Year-Old Dies in Peerbagh Accident
Srinagar, August 19: A 35-year-old man died after the Alto car he was driving collided with another vehicle in the Peerbagh area of Srinagar on Wednesday evening, officials said. According to an official, the Alto car collided with another vehicle, leaving its driver critically injured. The injured man was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, the official said. The deceased was identified as Ziya Ahmad Malik (35), son of Abdul Gafer Malik, a resident of Rawalpora, Srinagar. Meanwhile, police have initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances leading to the collision.
Jharkhands JPSC-JSSC Reform Platform Suspends Protest for Two Months
Ranchi, August 20: The ongoing protest against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations in Jharkhand has been suspended for two months. This decision comes after the government provided assurances to the JPSC-JSSC Reform Platform, which has been protesting for 26 days. The platform stated that students have chosen to trust the government once ... Read more Jharkhands JPSC-JSSC Reform Platform Suspends Protest for Two Months
George Washington's famous inauguration overcoat was actually a rich plum color. Scientific analysis of the garment revealed its true vibrant hue. The original golden suit was made using natural dyes from colonial sources. These dyes, including shellac and logwood, created a deep purple shade. Sunlight exposure over time likely caused the fabric to fade to a golden appearance.
I-T unearths Rs 1.29 lakh cr foreign remittances
The tax probe has found that a substantial portion of the money moved to a handful of overseas destinations. Singapore, the UAE, Hong Kong, Mauritius and China together accounted for 72.3% of the total remittances. Singapore emerged as the largest destination, receiving Rs 41,885 crore while Rs 18,331 crore was remitted to the UAE and Rs 18,064 crore to Hong Kong.
Water Board Issues Warnings To Desludging Vehicle Owners
HMWS&SB warned against unauthorised desludging vehicles and misuse of its logo, announcing strict action and a new operating policy.
Raghav Chadha camp responds to questions over his role in tender corruption case
Raghav Chadha camp responds to questions over his role in tender corruption case
Union cabinet approves quadrupling of Gummidipoondi-Gudur section
Kauvery Hospital launches Regional Epilepsy Centre
Tamil Nadus encroachment problem
The Supreme Court has pulled up the State for not dealing with encroachers in Agasthyamalai
Syndicate member seeks relaxation of punching system for Calicut University faculty
The nature of academic work is fundamentally different from routine administrative duties, and it requires reasonable degree of flexibility in working hours
Chennai is the symbol of religious harmony, says T.N. Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar
What is Closing Auction Session? | Explained
CAS should be evaluated not by short-term volatility but by measurable improvements in market quality lower tracking errors, reduced closing-price variance, narrower spreads, improved liquidity and stronger price efficiency.
Four Dead from Toxic Alcohol in Bhavnagar, 18 Hospitalized
Bhavnagar, August 20: Four individuals have died after consuming toxic alcohol in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. Eighteen others have been hospitalized, with eight reported in critical condition. According to police, the counterfeit liquor was illegally brought in from Madhya Pradesh and sold in Bhavnagar. The victims consumed fake alcohol sold under a popular brand name. Gujarat ... Read more Four Dead from Toxic Alcohol in Bhavnagar, 18 Hospitalized
KOZYNAP Accelerates Retail Expansion with Fully Customized Sleep Solutions
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 19: Building on its rapidly expanding retail and hospitality presence, KOZYNAP, one of East India's fastest emerging mattress brands, is now entering its next phase of growth, strengthening its manufacturing ecosystem while expanding its footprint across India and preparing to enter newer international markets.
US to Broaden Public Charge Rules for Green Card Applicants from September 18
Officers can consider an applicant's financial resources, family circumstances, age, health, education, employment and skills, as well as the use of means-tested public benefits.
PDP delegation visits Batamaloo families of Jalandhar accident victims
Srinagar: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday day visited Batamaloo to offer condolences to the families of Ikhlas Qadir and Aneek Amin, who died in a road accident in Jalandhar, Punjab. In a statement, the party said the delegation was led by PDP General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam and included former MLA Noor Mohammad Sheikh, former State Secretary Arif Laigroo and District Coordinator Dr Ali Mohammad. The leaders expressed grief over the deaths of the two young men and conveyed their sympathies to the bereaved families. They prayed for strength and courage for the families to bear the loss. The delegation was accompanied by Mohammad Shafi Kundangar, Khalid Mir, Mohammad Ashraf, Suhail Ahmed and other party workers. The PDP leaders also prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
Rera launches drive to speed up dues recovery from defaulting builders
Medicine stores launched at Bhagalpur, Jamalpur railway stations
Draft Electoral Rolls Trigger Voter Frustration In Telangana
Telangana voters have raised concerns over the cumbersome PDF-based system for checking names in the newly released SIR draft electoral rolls.
Augusts First Quarter Moon is set to make these 4 zodiac signs uncomfortable but for a good reason
The August First Quarter Moonisn't necessarily a sign of bad news. Its challenging energy can serve a useful purpose by making it harder to ignore what needs attention. Once these Zodiac Signsface the situation honestly, they may be better equipped to make decisions based on reality rather than wishful thinking.
Kashmirs traffic jams have long ceased to be a mere inconvenience. They are now a daily reminder of how quickly urban growth can outpace planning, discipline and infrastructure. From Srinagars choke points to the crowded arteries linking residential, commercial and institutional areas, the Valleys roads are carrying far more pressure than they were ever designed to handle. The result is predictable: lost time, wasted fuel, rising frustration and a civic problem that affects everyone, from schoolchildren and office-goers to patients and emergency responders. The knee-jerk response to traffic congestion is usually to demand wider roads, more flyovers or additional parking spaces. While infrastructure upgrades are necessary, they are not a complete solution. Kashmir cannot pave its way out of congestion alone. In a Valley where road space is limited and expansion is constrained by geography, the real answer lies in better traffic management, stronger public transport, and more disciplined use of existing roads. A major reason for the worsening jams is the sheer volume of private vehicles on the road. As car and two-wheeler ownership has increased, public transport has not expanded in a way that can absorb the pressure. When people are forced to rely on private vehicles for even short trips, the roads become clogged far beyond capacity. This is where a dependable, affordable and comfortable public transport system becomes not just useful, but essential. Equally important is the need for order. Illegal parking, roadside encroachments, unregulated loading and unloading, and indiscipline at busy junctions all add to the chaos. Even a well-designed road can turn into a bottleneck if lanes are blocked and traffic rules are treated as optional. Enforcement must therefore be consistent, not occasional. The message has to be clear: traffic discipline is not an inconvenience imposed by authorities; it is the minimum requirement for a functioning city. There is also a planning failure that cannot be ignored. New commercial establishments, schools and institutions have often come up without adequate parking or traffic impact assessments. This has shifted the burden onto roads that were already under strain. Urban planning must stop reacting after congestion appears and start anticipating where pressure will emerge next. Technology can help, but only if used properly. Smart signalling, synchronised lights, real-time traffic monitoring and better deployment of personnel can make a visible difference. So can pedestrian-friendly zones in selected areas, staggered office timings, and stricter checks on encroachments. But no reform will work unless commuters also change behaviour. Honking, lane-cutting, stopping anywhere and treating roads as personal territory only deepen the mess. Kashmir needs a traffic strategy that is long-term, practical and enforced with consistency. Roads must be managed as shared civic spaces, not battlegrounds. If authorities, planners and citizens all do their part, the Valley can begin to reclaim not just smoother roads, but a calmer urban life.
Manav Sutra: Suthars 10-for powers India past Sri Lanka and offers a glimpse of his craft
Manav Suthar secured ten wickets in the final Test match. His consistent bowling troubled Sri Lankan batsmen throughout the game. Suthar's skill and variations proved effective on the Galle pitch. KL Rahul and Gary Kirsten praised his Test match capabilities. India has found a promising spin bowling prospect for the future.
Need to find a Goldilocks balance in AI: Check Point Software CEO
On a visit to New Delhi this week, Check Point Software's chief executive officer Nadav Zafrir spoke to Udisha Srivastav and Nivedita Mookerji on the company's plans for India
CBI registers case against BluSmart's founders Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi
The CBI has filed a case against BluSmart founders. This action follows allegations of causing a significant financial loss to IREDA. Funds were reportedly misappropriated and diverted from their intended purposes. The investigation involves forged documents submitted to credit rating agencies. This has led to a substantial financial impact on the renewable energy agency.
Disillusionment at hand in Mackay
The last time Bangladesh came close to following up a landmark away victory with a series win in a SENA country was in 2021/22, when they famously beat New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. An innings-and-117-run defeat in Christchurch followed inside three days. For many, it was simply Bangladesh reverting to type after producing something spectacular.
Pinarayi Vijayan Raises Concerns Over Census Questions, Claims NPR Agenda
Thiruvananthapuram, August 20: Keralas opposition leader, Pinarayi Vijayan, accused the central government on Wednesday of attempting to use the upcoming census to advance the National Population Register (NPR) agenda. He warned that questions regarding parents birthplace and religion could pave the way for a citizenship process that may be divisive. In a post on social ... Read more Pinarayi Vijayan Raises Concerns Over Census Questions, Claims NPR Agenda
Vijayan Raises Concerns Over Census Questions, Accuses Centre of NPR Agenda
Thiruvananthapuram, August 20: Pinarayi Vijayan, the leader of the opposition in Kerala, accused the central government on Wednesday of attempting to use the upcoming census to further the agenda of the National Population Register (NPR). He warned that questions seeking information about parents birthplace and religion could pave the way for a citizenship-related process that ... Read more Vijayan Raises Concerns Over Census Questions, Accuses Centre of NPR Agenda
Human-Wildlife Crisis Demands Urgent, Shared Response
Kashmirs latest figures on human-wildlife conflict are more than a routine departmental update. They are a warning that the Valley is entering a phase where the struggle for space between people and wild animals is becoming increasingly deadly, frequent and socially disruptive. Around 1,700 distress calls this year, more than 14,000 over the past six to seven years, 70 deaths and nearly 700 injuries in that period, and 24 active control rooms across Kashmir together paint a picture of a crisis that can no longer be treated as a seasonal nuisance or a narrow wildlife-management issue. The Wildlife Department deserves credit for responding promptly to distress calls and for maintaining dedicated teams. The claim that all complaints were attended to is reassuring, at least in administrative terms. But the real question is not only how quickly teams respond after an incident; it is why the incidents are multiplying in the first place. A system that is forced to react to hundreds of emergencies every year is already under strain. Control rooms may help in coordination, but they are not a substitute for long-term conflict prevention. Devas comments point to the core of the problem: shrinking and disturbed habitats, changing habitation patterns, and human encroachment into forest areas. Kashmirs expanding human footprint has steadily pushed settlements, orchards and activity corridors closer to animal movement routes. Once that balance is broken, conflict is inevitable. Wild animals are not invading human spaces out of malice; they are searching for food, prey and safer movement paths in landscapes that humans have increasingly fragmented. There is also a growing agricultural dimension to the crisis. The conversion of paddy fields into fruit orchards has altered land use in ways that may have economic logic for farmers but ecological consequences for nearby communities. Fruit-bearing areas can attract animals closer to residential pockets, raising the risk of damage and encounters. This is a reminder that land-use decisions cannot be viewed in isolation from wildlife behaviour. Yet public behaviour matters too. The departments advice to avoid unnecessary movement during early morning and evening hours, travel in groups and keep children indoors in vulnerable areas is practical and necessary. But precautionary appeals will only go so far unless they are backed by sustained community outreach, better local reporting systems, stronger habitat buffers and a more visible presence in conflict-prone areas. The bigger lesson is that human-wildlife conflict in Kashmir is not merely about safety; it is about governance. It tests whether the administration can protect lives while also protecting biodiversity. The answer cannot lie in emergency response alone. It must include habitat restoration, scientific mapping of conflict zones, regulated land use, community education and stricter protection of wildlife corridors. Kashmir wants fewer deaths, fewer injuries and fewer distress calls, it must stop treating this as an episodic problem. The Valley needs a coordinated policy response that brings together the Wildlife Department, local communities, planners, forest experts and district administrations. Otherwise, the statistics will keep rising, and each number will represent another preventable tragedy.
Direct Polls for Mayors, Municipal Chiefs Get AP Assembly Nod
Bill seeks stronger public mandate and faster decision-making for urban development
Sports Minister Mandaviya meets BWF president at World Championships
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Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary unveils Jagannath Mishra statue in Supaul
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81-year-old confesses to German cold case murder of US tourist in 1994
Amy Lopez from Texas was last seen alive in September 1994 while on a visit to a fortress in Koblenz.
ISL Delayed Again! Season to Kickstart in October With 13 Teams
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned unverified claims regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.
Ladakhs Leadership Stands Firm; Presents Full Charter of NonNegotiable Demands in Leh Meeting
These visits reflect a shift toward holding consultations within Ladakh itself, signalling a more regioncentric approach by the Centre.
Amit Shah Celebrates Indias Victory Over Pakistan in Hockey World Cup 2026
Amstelveen, August 19: In an exhilarating match at the FIH Mens Hockey World Cup 2026, India triumphed over Pakistan with a score of 5-3, securing their place in the next round. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his joy over this remarkable victory, stating that the team has maintained Indias dominance that has persisted for ... Read more Amit Shah Celebrates Indias Victory Over Pakistan in Hockey World Cup 2026
Supreme Court turns to Gen Z, Gen Alpha to educate elders on solid waste management
Court questions the notion that waste is a problem of the sanitary workers alone; says every individual should take responsibility and asks District Collectors to engage with households and educational institutions
New Kamrup-M district office inaugurated at Rupnagar
Varanasi prepares for flood threat, rescue teams on alert
Natural Farming-Moving Ahead for Sustainable Agriculture and Atmanirbharta
India has made rapid strides in the agriculture sector over the past decade. As per the Economic Survey- 25-26, the growth rate in the past 5 years has been over 4%. There has been bumper production of food grains, horticulture and oilseeds, which is an outcome of adoption of technologies by farmers, supported by concerted government policies such as expansion in irrigated area, better water use efficiency, along with timely and adequate availability of fertilisers. The share of horticulture crops is also rising substantially and witnessing an even higher growth. However, there are rising concerns related to excessive use of chemical fertilisers resulting in declining soil health and plateauing of productivity of major crops. As per the agriculture scientists, the gradual decline in Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) has resulted in a vicious cycle of farmers progressively increasing the dosages of chemical fertilisers with minimal incremental rise in productivity. The Soil Health and Fertility scheme of the Government has enabled distribution of 26 crore Soil Health Cards. The pan-India analysis of the data so generated reveals a highly concerning trend of very low Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) along with deficiencies in other important micro-nutrients. The SOC, which should be more than 1 % in a healthy soil, is hovering around 0.5 % on average, and in some regions declining to critically low levels of 0.3 %. Low SOC reduces the porosity of soil, which has a dual adverse impact of lowering water seepage and water retention capacity. As a result, rains and irrigation water flow away, draining the topsoil, and neither penetrates through to raise the groundwater level nor is readily available for plant development. The other adverse impact of low SOC is to reduce the nutrient uptake capability of plants grown on such soils. More and more fertilisers are required to reach the same levels of productivity. The enhanced dosages of chemical fertiliser further reduce the fertiliser use efficiency, harming soil health while the nation uses its precious foreign exchange to import chemical fertilisers or their raw inputs for domestic production. Excessive chemical fertilisers and unbalanced use of pesticides have also reduced the friendly microbes and insects, which play a role in improving soil porosity and transferring nutrients from deep soil to topsoil, to be absorbed by plants. The other even more worrying impact is that on the quality and safety of produce. The chances of excessive chemical fertilisers and pesticides entering into the food and fodder chain and finally for human consumption, creating a health hazard, also increase. There have been instances reported of fruits, vegetables, foodgrains and other commercial crops breaching the Minimum Residual Levels of pesticides, leading to rejections of exports and consequent impact on Brand India in the global market. While these concerns have been voiced for some time, the Government launched the National Mission for Natural Farming in the year 2024 with overarching objectives of promoting livestock or cow-based chemical-free farming for a more sustainable cultivation that will improve soil health, in particular SOC, increase the nutrient uptake efficiency and reduce the nations dependence on chemical fertiliser and pesticides. Natural farming, commonly termed as prakritik kheti or Zero Budget Farming by many of its proponents, is based on a technology that has been tried, tested and validated by farmers for many years with very encouraging results. Its based on a holistic technological solution utilising materials that are locally available, including cow dung and cow urine of local breed cows, at virtually zero cost to the farmer. While the Beejamrit formulation, used for seed treatment, helps in better germination and hardy plants, cultures of Jeevhamrit, ghan-jeevhamrit and sapthayankur drastically enhance friendly microbe culture and productivity of soil. Plant health is protected by applying saunthastra and khatti lassi for preventing bacterial and fungal infections, while formulations of neemastra, brahmastra, agniastra and dashpani ark are applied for control of insects and pests of various kinds. The careful preparation and application of appropriate doses of each of the above cultures have demonstrated intended results of better soil health, without compromising productivity and improved quality of produce. The mission has been progressing with the collaboration of States/ UT Administrations with targeted coverage of more than 7.5 lakh hectare, covering more than 18 lakh farmers in clusters of a minimum of 50 hectares. A trained team of scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, assisted by Farmer Trainers and Krishi Sakhis as resource persons are acting as foot soldiers, sensitising, training and encouraging the farmers for adoption. While on-farm development of the cultures is encouraged for farmers owning local breeds of cows, a large number of bio-input resource centres have been set up, primarily at local dairies or cattle shelter homes to produce and provide these cultures to farmers at nominal cost. The mission is being implemented through a science-driven strategy so that farmers adopt these practices without any misgivings or hesitation. The Indian Council of Agriculture (ICAR) has developed region- and crop-specific potential maps indicating where natural farming will be effective. Concerted efforts are underway at ICAR Institutes and Agricultural Universities to scientifically validate the efficacy of this indigenous technology for large-scale adoption. Multiple trials taken under the supervision of ICAR institutions have yielded very positive outcomes on many crops, and the same are now being disseminated through the Mission. Marketing of natural products is another critical strategy that will enhance the incomes of farmers and encourage them to continue with these practices. The National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) has developed protocols for certification for natural farming. Already, a large number of farmers have obtained Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification that will enable them to sell their certified niche product at premium prices. While pure natural farming with certification, marketing and branding linkages is being promoted through the ongoing mission, the strategy of promoting a hybrid model wherein adoption of natural farming practices with reduced dosage of chemical fertilisers can also result in sustained productivity, contributing to improved soil health. This model may also have broad acceptance. Practitioners have affirmatively stated that adoption of natural farming practices in a hybrid model leads to a progressively reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers. So much so that after some time, farmers can completely do away with chemicals in farming, maintaining the same productivity and income levels, in several crops. To face the challenges emanating out of the current ongoing Middle East crisis, our honble Prime Minister has issued a seven-point appeal to the citizens of the country, which includes judicious use of chemical fertilisers and adoption of natural farming. While the adoption of natural farming is encouraging sustainability of agriculture, it is also facilitating enhancement of the economic value of livestock, which are generally abandoned once they cross the milking age. The spin-off impact is that of safe food for domestic consumption and export, while reducing the precious foreign exchange of the nation. (The Author is a former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Courtesy: PIB)
On Independence Day, Mizoram puts football at the heart of its celebrations
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Charity complains about Channel 4 documentary examining ADHD
The ADHD UK charity complains to media regulator Ofcom about the programme, titled The Great ADHD Myth?
Three arrested on charges of youths murder
India hosts 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jaipur
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Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini engages with foreign students, urges global collaboration
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A yr after womans death in accident, WhatsApp msg helps cops uncover her murder
Siddaramaiahs absences fuel speculation over next move
The absence of Congress leader Siddaramaiah from a significant party meeting has stirred up political chatter. Having declared he wont run in the 2028 assembly elections, the focus now shifts to his son Yathindra, who is likely to carry on his father's political journey. With Shivakumar regularly seeking Siddaramaiahs advice and appointing Yathindra to the cabinet, these developments lead many to doubt Siddaramaiahs commitment to an active role in politics.
Why Multilateralism Still Matters: Lessons from the Colombo Plan
Having served from 1999 to 2003 as the first Indian Secretary-General of the Colombo Plana regional intergovernmental organization built entirely on the spirit of collective progressI feel compelled to share my perspective on the alarming global drift toward unilateralism today. Conceived at the 1951 Commonwealth Conference on Foreign Affairs in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), the [] The post Why Multilateralism Still Matters: Lessons from the Colombo Plan appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Study finds a 15 percent increase in traffic deaths after major music streaming releases
Drivers may be more distracted on days when a big new album drops.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has shared his love for diverse books with fans. His reading journey includes fantasy, science fiction, and psychological fiction novels. He utilized books like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' for character preparation. Biographies and thrillers also feature prominently on his extensive reading list. These selections offer insight into the actor's interests beyond cinema.
Students protest teachers shortage at Azamgarh inter college
The Drying Tears of the Himalayas: Why Kashmirs Water Crisis is a Warning to the World
There was a time when summer in Kashmir arrived not as a season, but as a celebration. The gentle snowmelt would breathe life into the Valley, filling the rivers with a rush of crystal-clear water, while the mighty glaciers stood resilient, promising a steady bounty to sustain the land through the sunlit months. Today, that rhythm is broken. Summers now pass in an anxious blur of unprecedented heatwaves and parched earth, reducing once-roaring streams to a trickle, and the vast water towers of Asia are quietly fading. It is because, in the Paradise on Earth, we are choking the very natural systems meant to protect our future. The Vanishing Mirrors of the Valley The tragedy of Kashmirs water is unfolding right before our eyes, but it is moving slowly enough that we risk becoming numb to it. According to a new report published on 30, April 2026, A damning report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) laid bare a terrifying reality: nearly three out of four lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have either entirely vanished or shrunk dramatically. Out of 697 lakes catalogued across Jammu and Kashmir, 518 have either vanished entirely or shrunk to a shadow of their former selves. These water bodies have been swallowed by reckless urban expansion, concrete encroachments, siltation, pollution and decades of institutional indifference. That is 74 per cent of a regions liquid heritage, lost. Of the 697 lakes surveyed, 315, nearly 45 per cent, have not just been reduced or degraded but erased completely. One of the major reasons, the CAGs findings revealed, is a troubling absence of coordination. The Forest Department, Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, Fisheries Department, and the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing all hold overlapping mandates. Yet the audit found no unified framework binding them together. Lakes fell through the cracks, not because no one owned them, but because too many agencies did. None was willing to take primary responsibility for their decline. Iconic lifelines like the Dal and Wular lakes, which once acted as massive natural sponges, soaking up excess water to prevent catastrophic floods, are suffocating under layers of untreated sewage and silt. When we destroy a wetland, we don't just lose a view; we destroy natures own engineering system for climate resilience. The Melting Lifelines Glaciers in Kashmir act as natural water reservoirs, gradually releasing meltwater into rivers and streams during the summer months. Their continued shrinkage affects irrigation, drinking water supplies, hydropower generation and horticulture-dependent livelihoods across the Valley. The Jhelum river system and several of its tributaries depend heavily on snow and glacier melt originating in the higher Himalayas. Environmentalists say a major and worrying sign is the rapid melting of the glaciers that feed Kashmirs rivers and streams during summer months. Studies and recent observations have shown accelerated ice loss in several glaciers, including the famous Thajwas Glacier near Sonamarg. Researchers have warned that the glacier has lost a substantial portion of its ice volume over recent decades due to rising temperatures and erratic snowfall patterns. Scientists say glaciers initially release more water as they melt rapidly, but over time the shrinking ice reserves reduce long-term water availability downstream. This threatens irrigation, hydropower generation and drinking water supply for thousands of households dependent on glacier-fed systems. Independent weather observers say Kashmirs changing climate pattern is becoming increasingly visible through shorter winters, weak western disturbances and prolonged dry spells. If the valleys are losing their mirrors, the mountains are losing their crowns. Kashmirs glaciers, which have sustained agriculture, orchards, and households for centuries, are retreating at an unprecedented pace. Researchers caution that while accelerated melting may initially increase river flows, the long-term impact could be a decline in water availability as glacier reserves continue to diminish. A report published in National Herald India on 31 May 2026 cites a recent comprehensive study by the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Kashmir, led by noted glaciologist Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo (Vice Chancellor, IUST). They analysed nine benchmark glaciers across the Kashmir Himalayas using Landsat satellite data collected between 1980 and 2013. The findings point to a significant climatic shift in the upper reaches of the Valley, where temperatures are rising more rapidly at elevations above 3,000 metres. The study revealed that glaciers in the region have lost nearly 17% of their total area over the past three decades. Even more concerningly, the high Himalayas are warming faster than the low-lying cities. A Global Crisis Hits Home According to meteorological data, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a rainfall deficit of 26 % between March 1 and May 6 this year. The UT also witnessed its seventh consecutive dry winter, with precipitation during December 2025 to February 2026 remaining far below normal. An ETV Bharat news report published on 13 May 2026 highlights that the rainfall shortage has affected districts unevenly, but some areas have recorded alarming deficits. Shopian reported nearly 71 % below-normal rainfall during March-May, making it one of the worst-hit districts. Kathua recorded around 63 % deficiency, followed by Kulgam at 53 %, Anantnag at 46 % and Budgam at 40 %. Kishtwar, Udhampur, Doda, Pulwama, Bandipora and Ramban also remained below seasonal averages. Srinagar recorded a deficit of over 20 % during the same period. If the valleys are losing their mirrors, the mountains are losing their crowns. Kashmirs glaciers, which have sustained agriculture, orchards, and households for centuries, are retreating at an unprecedented pace. This is no longer a distant threat confined to scientific journals. It is an immediate crisis of water scarcity. According to local meteorological data, Kashmir suffered an alarming rainfall deficit of 26% between March and May this year, hot on the heels of its seventh consecutive dry winter. In districts like Shopian, the deficit skyrocketed to 71%. A recent report by The Guardian highlighted that famous Kolahoi Glacier near Pahalgam is thinning rapidly, losing about 0.65 meters of ice thickness annually for every 1 o C temperature rise. Local farmers in Pulwama and Budgam are already facing the consequences. Irrigation canals that used to flow steadily through the summer are running dry by June. Paddy fields are cracking, and apple orchardists are looking at the sky in despair. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has consistently warned that mountain ecosystems are the first responders to climate change. When the Water Towers of Asia fail, the shockwaves will travel far downstream, threatening the drinking water and food security of millions of people across the subcontinent. Moreover If a region historically defined by its glacial abundance, sprawling wetlands, and endless freshwater can face dry taps, cracked fields, and vanishing springs in 2026, no region on Earth is safe. Kashmir is the canary in the coal mine for global climate resilience. So there is a wake-up call asking us to stop trying to conquer nature with concrete and instead design our future in harmony with it. If we protect nature today, nature will protect us tomorrow. If we allow Kashmirs glaciers to melt away and its water bodies to turn into dust, we aren't just losing our heritage; we are compromising our very survival. Therefore, let the drying springs of Kashmir be the wake-up call we can no longer afford to ignore. (The author works as a Science Teacher in the J&K School Education Department and is currently Pursuing Research at the School of Education, Central University of Kashmir)
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