Health & Fitness

Fire amoeba found in California sets heat-tolerance record at 145F

Diabetes is Not Just About High Blood Sugar: 10 Health Conditions Commonly Linked to Diabetes

If you think diabetes is just about elevated blood sugar levels, you are uninformed about other health issues that have a close connection to diabetes.

Do You Have Intestinal Worms? Find Out With These Signs

Intestinal worms are more common than we may think. However, most people fail to correlate the symptoms. Thus, we spoke to a gastroenterologist to learn about finding out if we have worms.

Which City Is Known As The Idli Capital Of The World?

Soft, steamed and usually served with sambar and chutney, idli is a breakfast staple that has found a permanent place on Chennai's food map.

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements: Should You Always Take Them Together? Doctor Answers

Vitamin D and calcium supplements are sometimes prescribed together by medical experts. But is there any scientific reason behind this, or is it a misconception?

Are Old Clothes Safe For Newborn Babies? Things Parents Should Know About Hand-Me-Downs

Can newborn babies wear old or second-hand clothes? An expert explains whether hand-me-down baby clothes are safe, and how proper washing protects delicate newborn skin.

Silent Reflux vs Acid Reflux: How Are These Two Different?

Although often used interchangeably, silent reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPR) and acid reflux are different. It is important to understand the fine line between them to receive the right treatment.

Weightlifters Don't Eat A Lot: Asian Games Silver Medallist Mirabai Chanu Shares Her Diet

Mirabai Chanu follows an extremely strict diet before competitions and eats light meals that are easy to digest.

Skin Purging or Just Acne? 6 Expert-Backed Ways to Spot the Difference

A sudden appearance of pimples after starting a new skincare product often creates confusion: is it purging or acne? Our expert helps you differentiate.

Banks to remain open on Sunday amid proposed strike

All Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will remain open and function normally on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and comes after the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27. The move has been taken to ensure that banking services remain available to customers and that their genuine banking needs are not affected over an extended period. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the opening of all bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests on September 27. The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike and said measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential banking services. The Department said the welfare and convenience of bank customers remains a priority.

'One-man autocracy' under CEC, Gyanesh Kumar must be removed: Oppn after report on differences in poll panel

New Delhi, Sep 23: Expansive red flags raised by two Election Commissioners within the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision of voters list triggered a massive political storm on Wednesday, with the Opposition accusing CEC Gyanesh Kumar of indulging in one-man autocracy and demanding his removal. Officials said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had flagged multiple issues, including deletion of names, in various states during the voter roll cleanup but the poll body was unanimous in its decisions related to the pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list. The reactions poured in after a report in The Indian Express revealed that questions were raised on issues related to the SIR of electoral rolls within the three-member Election Commission (EC) itself, time and again by two of the three Election Commissioners. The national rollout of the SIR has been under the supervision of all three Commissioners. But Sandhu and Joshi have formally objected, on record, at least 14 times over the last 10 months -- four times on a single day -- to decisions taken and orders issued, they say, without their knowledge, the report in the English daily said. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared the screenshot of the media report on X. Ramesh said that on behalf of the party, his colleague Abhishek Singhvi will be speaking in detail to the media on the sensational revelations made in the leading national newspaper on the way he CEC has destroyed the credibility and integrity of the Election Commission of India. Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said there is no doubt remaining that Kumar has no right to remain in office. How the hell can one man, acting on His Master's orders, strike off names at whim? How can he sideline fellow Constitutional officers to only take blatantly illegal steps that put our democracy in danger? he said. The right to vote is an essential Constitutional power given to every citizen, the fundamental bedrock of our democracy. If it is to be taken away, due process must be followed with utmost probity, he said. Today, when we are staring at crores of genuine voters being excluded and a similar number of bogus voters being added to the rolls, it is clear that Gyanesh Kumar was the Chief Architect of the nationwide 'Vote Chori' exercise, with the the Modi top brass pulling the strings, he alleged. We demand Gyanesh Kumar's immediate removal and a Supreme Court-monitored impartial investigation to expose the rot that has destroyed the ECI's credibility, Venugopal said. If Kumar remains in office, the people of India will come forward and make sure that our democracy is not destroyed by a mere bureaucrat, he added. Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera lashed out at Kumar, saying he is planted and being protected by the BJP to hollow out the Election Commission of India from within. It was already known that things were not exactly well within the ECI. But just how messy, dysfunctional and, frankly, disturbing things had become is laid bare by this brilliant expose by @IndianExpress, he said on X. Kumar has to be the single most sold-out bureaucrat of the Modi era who has disenfranchised crores of Indians, and he must face the law, he alleged. Congress MP Manish Tewari also reacted to the media report, saying that if the ostensible facts as reported are correct then it seems to suggest that there is an invisible hand running the Election Commission. If rules were not allegedly followed and decisions were taken that were not unanimous or by majority then all the decisions of @ECISVEEP are per -se arbitrary and capricious if not completely illegal, Tewari said on X. This is perhaps a fit case for serious considering an impeachment proceeding but more importantly the fundamental question is as to how will the credibility of @ECISVEEP be ever resurrected, he said. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal demanded Kumar's suspension and filing of an FIR to probe who is behind his actions. Former chief election commissioner O P Rawat said changes to the statutory voter registration Form 6 are absolutely wrong and illegal, while describing revelations of differences within the Election Commission as very serious and unfortunate. CPI(M) MP John Brittas said this is no longer an Election Commission, it is a one-man autocracy under CEC Kumar. Two Election Commissioners have formally objected 14 times in 10 months. They branded the addition of new voters and mass deletion 'unauthorised and illegal'. They recorded objections to secret deletions, restorations, and form 6 changes that harass young first-time voters - all while being kept in the dark, he said. This is the open subversion of the EC and our democracy too, Brittas said. Parliament must immediately start the process for the removal of the CEC. We had in fact submitted a notice for removal on 24th April, 2026 as per the constitutional stipulations - solid grounds and around 70 members signing( 50 in the stipulated number), he said. The Constitution provides this power for precisely such moments of institutional capture and subversion, he said. The Supreme Court must annul the entire SIR process without delay. When two of the three Commissioners put on record that the exercise is illegal and destructive of the electoral roll's integrity, judicial silence becomes complicity, Brittas said. What Kumar is doing is the death knell of a democratic nation, he said. Remove the CEC. Strike down the SIR. Or accept that free and fair elections in India are already being buried, the CPI(M) MP said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also cited the media report, and said A-Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail! He will have to go! His masters will flee the country and run away! TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien said on X, Five months ago, 60+ Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar. After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy.

Banned books should not be kept in schools: CS Dulloo

BJP MLA Devyani Rana opposes demand to cancel Maharaja Hari Singh holiday

7 Early Pregnancy Symptoms Other Than a Missed Period That Can Be Easy to Miss

Even before the classic symptoms like a missed period and morning sickness, your body might exhibit hints of conception that most women fail to recognise. Get more information in this article.

How To Make Crispy, Less Oily Puris At Home: 7 Easy Tips That Work

Avoid dusting dry flour when rolling puris and use fresh dough to prevent oiliness and ensure proper puffing.

J-K BJP leader's missing son traced to Delhi, being brought back

Jammu, Sep 23: The 17-year-old son of BJP Hiranagar MLA Vijay Kumar was traced to Delhi early Wednesday, a day after he was reported missing from his hometown in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Aditya Kumar, a Class 11 student, left for Delhi on Tuesday evening to meet his sister without informing his family, prompting them to file a missing person report at the local police station, the officials said. After hectic efforts, police teams traced Kumar while he was travelling on a Delhi-bound bus. Acting on leads gathered during the night-long search, the police located the bus and established contact with the teenager, who is now being brought back to Jammu, the officials said. His father had also left for Delhi on getting information about his son's whereabouts

Can A Flat Foot Be Corrected? Orthopaedic Expert Explains Flat Feet Treatments

Not every flat foot needs fixing. An orthopaedist explains when flat feet are harmless, when they need treatment, and what options, from exercises to surgery, actually work.

Shatmulyadi Loh

Shatmulyadi Loh Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Abstract Raktapitta is a complex hematological disorder in Ayurveda characterized ... Read more The post Shatmulyadi Loh appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

There will be no democracy: Mehbooba Mufti raises alarm over electoral roll changes

Srinagar, Sept 23: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday warned that India could resemble a banana republic if electoral rolls continue to be altered according to the wishes of the ruling BJP, while praising two Election Commissioners for raising objections to decisions taken by the poll panel. Speaking about reports that two Election Commissioners had raised objections on several occasions to decisions and positions taken by the Election Commission, Mufti said their dissent was important for the health of Indian democracy. Today they are trying to subvert the very fundamental of Indian democracy, which is the electoral process, by, you know, fudging the electoral rolls, which the two Election Commissioners have pointed out, she said. She said India and Pakistan, which she described as sibling states, appeared to be competing with each other in ways that harmed their own people and institutions. I feel that our both the sibling states, India and Pakistan, they are trying to undo each other, competing with each other who can damage their people the most, who can damage their country the most, Mufti said. Referring to Indias description of itself as the worlds largest democracy, she said the countrys electoral process was central to that democratic identity. Our country India, which is seen as the largest democracy in the world and which our Prime Minister proudly talks about, mother of democracy, whenever he is abroad, she said. But if it continues to be like this, you know, where electoral rolls deletion and addition happens at BJPs will, then there are dangers that at some point of time our country, which is the largest democracy in the world, is going to resemble a banana republic. Mufti also contrasted the situation in India with developments in Pakistan, particularly the detention of the sisters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. At the same time, look at Pakistan, which goes around the world as a peacemaker, as mediator of peace, is crushing dissent within its country with an iron hand, she said. Look at I mean, detaining Imran Khans sisters, who are unarmed, who are protesting very peacefully, them detaining just because they are trying to stand up for their brother. What does it speak? She said the detention of women protesters was at odds with Pakistans international image. You are going around the world as a peacemaker and, in your home, inside your house, women who have no weapons in their hands, you are detaining them, she said. Mufti said the only silver lining she could see was that India still had officials willing to question those in power. The only silver lining I can see is that in India we still have people like the two Election Commissioners who have the courage and integrity to question the people in power, she said. She contrasted this with Pakistan, saying there were no comparable voices within the establishment willing to question what she described as the arbitrary detention of Imran Khans sisters. Its a very, very sorry state of affairs, she said. Mufti also referred to the deletion of voters from draft electoral rolls, saying the scale of the changes made the independence of Election Commission officials particularly important. If we do not have people like the two Election Commissioners, I dont want to take their name at this point of time. I dont know what trouble they are going to go through, she said. They will be ED raids now, Income Tax raids now. What will happen to them? She concluded by reiterating her warning about the consequences of continued changes to electoral rolls. But if we continue like this, I mean, there will be a time when we are going to resemble a banana republic. There will be no democracy, Mufti said.

Election Commissioners flagged issues but poll body unanimous on SIR decisions: Officials

New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) lection Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had flagged multiple issues, including deletion of names, in various states during the voter roll cleanup but the poll body was unanimous in its decisions related to the pan-India Special Intensive Revision of voters list, officials said on Wednesday. The officials made the remarks in the wake of a media report that the two Election Commissioners had objected to the Election Commissions steps 14 times in 10 months amid the SIR. Responding to queries, the officials said the two commissioners had flagged decisions related to deletion of

Watch: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Makes Dosa At Rameshwaram Cafe In Bengaluru

Jyotiraditya Scindia prepares and serves dosa at the iconic Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru.

Property attached under UAPA in J-K

Srinagar, Sep 23: Police on Wednesday attached a residential property in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district under UAPA in a terror-related case. The residential property was attached under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, in connection with an FIR registered in the north Kashmir district, a police spokesman said. The attached property comprises a double-storeyed residential house at Namblan village in Sheeri belonging to accused Aijaz Ahmad Ganie, he said. During the course of the investigation, the property was found, prima facie, to have been used for providing shelter and logistical support to terrorists and facilitating terrorist activities, thereby attracting the relevant provisions of the UAPA concerning proceeds of terrorism, the spokesman said. The attachment was carried out after obtaining requisite approval from the Director General of Police, he said. A public notice was also displayed at the property, prohibiting its sale, transfer, lease, mortgage or creation of any third-party interest, the spokesman added. He said the action forms part of Baramulla Police's sustained efforts to disrupt and dismantle the logistical and support infrastructure of terror networks and to proceed, in accordance with law, against persons and properties found involved in facilitating terrorist activities.

In inaugural UN address, British PM says warnings about AI must be heeded

United Nations, Sep 23: In his inaugural speech at the UN General Assembly, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said world leaders must set up global standards to oversee artificial intelligence because fundamental decisions on this technology are too important to be left to chance. Burnham said the UK will try to persuade other countries to adopt rules on transparency and access to AI models - and, even tougher, to get tech companies to sign on, too. He said AI has immense potential but will also be a source of disruption to the way we live and work - and a multiplier of risk. Burnham also said Russia and other states are using AI-augmented misinformation and disinformation to corrode democracy, something he said Britain has faced in the decade since it voted to leave the European Union. He said he has asked British security chiefs to set up a National Centre for Information Defence to counter the threat. Burnham also chaired a meeting at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday on the Israel-Palestine issue, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. He said the two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict must be kept alive. Burnham said failure to deliver a two-state solution will corrode trust in politicians who have talked about the issue but not taken action. He told delegates from dozens of countries that the UK has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank because the E1 settlement expansion plan is a deliberate attempt to block a two-state solution. We all live in an era of low trust in politics. Many people in this room, many politicians around the world, have spoken for decades about a two-state solution. But if we fail to back those words with deeds, we will further corrode trust in the political, diplomatic and international process, the UK prime minister said. (AP)

Congress firmly supports meaningful constitutional safeguards in Ladakh: Kharge

New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the party stood firmly with the demand of the people of Ladakh for meaningful constitutional safeguards, including the Sixth Schedule, to protect Ladakhs land, employment, fragile environment, culture and identity. He also demanded that the judicial probe into the deaths of four people during statehood protests must ensure accountability and bring out the truth. On September 24, 2025, police in Leh shot and killed four people during violent protests demanding statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh. In a post on X, Kharge said that a year ago, four

Which Place Is Known As The Garlic City Of India?

There is one part of Madhya Pradesh where garlic is not just another crop. It has become a major part of the local farm economy and the identity of the region.

UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society: Congress

New Delhi, Sep 23: The Congress on Wednesday alleged that for the Modi government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform but an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, as well as a tool for stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation. The opposition party's assertion comes after former Bombay High Court judge Justice R C Chavan resigned from the Maharashtra government's panel to prepare a draft for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), citing serious reservations over its decision to restrict public feedback on crucial social issues to a Yes/No format. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the resignation of a former high court judge from the Maharashtra government's committee to draft a UCC for the state raises larger questions, apart from his several concerns on the functioning of this committee. Posting his statement on X, Ramesh said, A retired High Court judge has shown courage to resign from a committee set up by the Maharashtra government to prepare a uniform civil code for the state. Here is our statement on the non-uniform 'Uniform' Civil Codes (UCC) the HM is trying to bulldoze through in every state. Did the Constituent Assembly ever imagine a situation in which every state would enact its own separate version of a UCC? The answer is a resounding no, Ramesh said. Did the architects of our Constitution led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar ever conceive states competing with one another to have different UCCs according to the political machinations and calculations of one political party, he asked. Again, the answer is a resounding no, Ramesh added. He pointed out that on June 17, 2016, the Modi government referred the question of the UCC to the 21st Law Commission of India for detailed examination. After extensive research, the Commission published its Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law on August 31, 2018. Its conclusion appearing in paragraph 1.15 on page 7 of the Consultation Paper was clear: 'The formulation of a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage'. Instead it recommended addressing nor discrimination within individual family laws while preserving India's legal and cultural diversity, Ramesh said. The Modi government has chosen to disregard the findings of the very Commission it tasked with examining the issue because the facts, as usual, did not align with its political agenda, the Congress leader said. Over the last three years, one BJP-ruled State after another bulldozed through its own version of a UCC, Ramesh said. The UCC came into effect in Uttarakhand from January 27, 2025. Subsequently the Gujarat Assembly passed the UCC Bill on March 24, 2026, the Assam Assembly on May 27, 2026 and the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on July 21, 2026, he pointed out. Ramesh said these State-level UCCs, never envisaged in the Constitution, are not uniform. They contain different provisions, different penalties, different procedures and significant exemptions. Contrary to claims, the Uttarakhand UCC, the only one in force, continues with a number of patriarchal traditions and is creating many problems for perfectly law-abiding residents of the state, Ramesh argued. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a typically bombastic announcement that a UCC will be implemented in all NDA-ruled States before the 2029 Lok Sabha election, he said. Evidently other NDA parties have lost their voices and are being silenced by the BJP, the Congress general secretary said. For the Modi Government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform to be implemented after the widest possible consultations and public debate and with the broadest possible consensus. It is, in reality, an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, a tool for harassment and intimidation, stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation, Ramesh said. Later, asked about the statement, he said, The UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society. In a letter to the panel chairperson Justice Ranjana Desai (retd), former Bombay High Court judge Chavan criticised the committee's approach, stating that reducing complex societal questions, such as delayed marriages, perversions, infertility, and rising matrimonial disputes, to binary options undermined the primary purpose of consensus-building. The former judge said he had misunderstood that the committee aimed to gather views of the people of Maharashtra and to generate a consensus to remedy the issues of late marriages, infertility, unstable marriages, time-consuming dispute resolution mechanism and so on. Now that the misunderstanding is removed, I realise that the aim is to just provide an opportunity to people who may care, to share their responses, in a 'yes or no' format to the questions posed so that analysis of data becomes easy, the letter said. In July, the state government set up a seven-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai to draft a framework for implementing the UCC, which seeks to establish equal laws across religions on issues about marriage, divorce, and property. Justice Chavan, a former high court judge, resigned from the panel on September 19. The Congress' statement also comes days after Shah said the BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states will introduce UCC before 2029. The next Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for 2029.

India steps up efforts to eliminate hepatitis as public health risk by 2030

India reiterated its commitment to eliminating hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030, with a focus on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and care

Indonesia restores 159 hectares to protect Tapanuli orangutan habitat after disasters

Travellers Try Vietnam's Street Desserts And Their Reactions Are Worth Watching

Travel content creators Sreeta Kurera and Prisika Perera recently explored Vietnams street food scene and tried several local sweet dishes.

Maharashtra Food Authority Seizes Adulterated Food Worth Rs 1.36 Crore Amid Festive Season

The special inspection drive aimed to ensure that citizens have access to safe, quality, and adulteration-free food during the festive season.

Two policemen found dead inside car in Ramban

BANIHAL, Sept 22: Two police personnel were found unconscious under suspicious circumstances inside a car at Ziarat Morh in Sana area of Batote tehsil of Ramban district on Tuesday evening, police sources said. The two personnel were reportedly found in an unconscious state inside the vehicle and were shifted to District Hospital Ramban by local residents. However, both were declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital. The deceased have been identified as Head Constable Farid Ahmed (No. 408/Rbn) resident of Bhatti Ramban and Selection Grade Constable (SgCt) Muhammad Yaqoob (No. 309/Rbn) resident Jatgali Ramban, both posted with District Police Lines (DPL), Ramban. According to police sources, the incident came to light at around 8:30 pm when the two personnel were found inside a Fiat Vias car bearing registration number JK-19/5299 at Ziarat Morh. Their bodies were kept at District Hospital Ramban for medico-legal formalities. SSP Ramban Arun Gupta and the Medical Superintendent were present at the hospital following the incident. The exact circumstances and cause of their deaths were not immediately known. Police have initiated further proceedings to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

Palestine Embassy questions liberation of Haifa narrative, calls for historical scrutiny

The Embassy of the State of Palestine to India has questioned the description of the 1918 Battle of Haifa as the liberation of Haifa, saying that Indian soldiers who participated in the battle were serving under British command as part of an imperial military campaign that resulted in the occupation of Palestine. In a five-page position paper titled Rewriting of IndiaPalestine history: The battle of Haifa: liberation or occupation?, the Palestinian Embassy said the terminology surrounding the battle required careful and scholarly reflection and argued that the event should be understood within the historical context of British military occupation of Palestine. The Embassy said Palestine, including Haifa, was under Ottoman rule before 1918 and that British forces defeated the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, bringing Palestine under British occupation. Indian soldiers participated in the campaign as part of the British Indian Army, under British command. It argued that describing them retrospectively as having liberated Haifa risked attributing to India a sovereign military decision that the country did not possess in 1918, when it was still under British rule. The paper pointed to contemporary British terminology, saying military and parliamentary records referred to the operations in Palestine using terms such as capture, take, fall and conquer. It also noted that following the British military campaign, Palestine was administered under the Occupied Enemy Territory Administration (OETA) until its replacement by a civil administration in July 1920. The Embassy also cited Indias own historical records, including the 2014 publication Indian War Memorials Around the World, saying it does not describe the event as the liberation of Haifa. According to the paper, the publication records that the fortified town of Haifa fell to a cavalry charge by the Jodhpur Lancers and that the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade broke through and took the town. It also referred to the Teen Murti Memorial in New Delhi, stating that the memorial was established during British colonial rule to commemorate Indian soldiers who served and died during the First World War, and was not originally intended to commemorate relations between India and Israel. The Embassy said the memorial refers to Palestine and some of its cities among the places associated with the military campaigns in which Indian soldiers served. The paper further cited official Indian records to state that 491 Indian soldiers are recorded at Ramleh War Cemetery, 109 at the Gaza and Deir el Balah War Cemeteries and 47 at the Haifa Indian Cemetery, besides soldiers commemorated at other cemeteries and memorials across historical Palestine. The Embassy questioned why Haifa had become the centre of a commemorative narrative when Indian soldiers had fought across a much wider region, including the Suez Canal, Gaza, Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley, Damascus and Aleppo. It also said the first formal Israeli public ceremony commemorating the Indian soldiers was held in 2010, nearly a century after the battle. The paper argued that Britain, rather than India, was the principal military power behind the campaign, as it financed, armed and commanded the operation. It questioned why the liberation of Haifa narrative centred on Indian soldiers while Britains role was not similarly emphasised. The Embassy also stressed that the soldiers described as Indian soldiers served in the British Indian Army and came from different regions, communities and religions across British India, whose geographical and political boundaries differed from those of the present-day Republic of India. The position paper placed the soldiers participation within the wider history of British colonial rule, noting that Indian troops were deployed in military campaigns far from their homeland. It also referred to the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, arguing that the broader record of British rule should be considered when interpreting the role of Indian soldiers in the First World War. The Embassy cited Mahatma Gandhis opposition to the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine at the expense of its indigenous population, including his statement that Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English. It further pointed out that India voted against UN Resolution 181 in 1947, which proposed partition and allocated Haifa to the proposed Jewish state, and questioned how the 1918 battle could subsequently be presented as a foundation for India-Israel historical ties. The Embassy said describing the 1918 occupation of Haifa as a liberation raises serious questions and concerns in Palestine. It maintained that Haifa should be recognised as a Palestinian city at the time and that the battle took place in the context of the British military occupation of Palestine. At the same time, the Embassy said its position was expressed with full respect for the sacrifice and memory of Indian soldiers and for Indias sovereign right to commemorate its history and fallen soldiers. It called for historical remembrance of the Battle of Haifa to remain grounded in accuracy, balance and respect for the historical experiences of all concerned, while emphasising that the document represented the Palestinian Embassys perspective and was intended to contribute to discussion on the historical and legal questions surrounding the battle.

PM Modi lauds rhino conservation efforts on World Rhino Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the rhino conservation efforts in the country and said the Project Rhino has been initiated for financial and technical support to the range states for protection, habitat management, and understanding population dynamics of the endangered species. On the occasion of World Rhino Day, Modi said the country celebrates the magnificent greater one-horned rhinoceros and lauds all those at the forefront of its protection. Assam now holds nearly 80 per cent of the worlds rhino population and Kazirangas efforts to end rhino poaching have been extensively appreciated, he said in a post on X. The prime minister said on one hand, rhinos have either returned or are well protected in parts of Bihar and West Bengal, on the other hand, success of reintroduction of rhinos in Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh) is creating history. This shows the sustained commitment of our people towards animal protection and active wildlife management in the range states, he said. Taking species conservation in the country forward, Modi said he was happy to share that Project Rhino has been initiated for financial and technical support to the range states for protection, habitat management, genetic improvement and understanding population dynamics. World Rhino Day is a day of awareness for all five rhino species and the work being done to save them. Since 2011, World Rhino Day has been celebrated internationally on September 22 by rhino experts and advocates around the world. The day is especially important to raise awareness of the plight of rhinos because they are regularly poached for their horns which are sold illegally and used in traditional medicine despite no scientific proof that these remedies work.

Airtel expands family postpaid plans with Apple services

Bharti Airtel has expanded its family postpaid offerings by adding Apples iCloud+, Apple TV and Apple Arcade to its 999 and above family plans. The company said the enhanced offering will provide customers with secure cloud storage, premium entertainment content and access to games under a single postpaid plan. With iCloud+, Airtel customers can store, sync and access photos, files, passwords, contacts and other information across Apple devices, while also backing up their data securely. Apple TV provides access to the companys original series and films, while Apple Arcade offers a catalogue of games without advertisements or in-app purchases. Airtel said its 999 family postpaid plan covers a family of three and includes unlimited data with Fastlane technology, spam protection and entertainment subscriptions. The addition of Apples services is aimed at providing greater value to families through a combination of connectivity, entertainment, gaming and cloud storage. Customers can upgrade to the eligible plans through the Airtel App or at Airtel stores. Amit Tripathi, Director, Market Operations, Bharti Airtel, said the company was focused on simplifying customers digital experience by combining connectivity and entertainment in its family postpaid offerings. The enhanced plans are available to Airtel customers on family postpaid plans of 999 and above.

Bank unions to go ahead with 3-day nationwide strike from Sep 28

United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has said they would go ahead with the three-day nationwide strike beginning September 28, as a conciliation meeting before the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner on Tuesday remained inconclusive. The conciliation meeting was held a day after the Finance Ministry appealed to bank employees to refrain from resorting to strikes and resolve their remaining demands through dialogue. UFBU, which claims to represent 90 per cent of the banking workforce, is primarily seeking 5-day banking among other demands. The strike, if it materialises, may impact banking services for five days as the weekend before September 28 is a holiday. It would coincide with the half-yearly closing of the banking sector. Responding to the appeal made by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Indian Banks Association (IBA), Bank managements to defer the strike, we informed them that if there is any concrete and positive development towards implementation of our demand for introduction of 5 days banking, UFBU will consider the same, UFBU said in a statement after the meeting with the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner. Otherwise, it said, UFBU will be constrained to go ahead with the proposed strike on September 28, 29 and 30. Representatives of the DFS, Ministry of Finance, informed that the Government has been taking many initiatives for the welfare of the bank employees and the issue of 5-day Banking is also under consideration as they have to take into account the views of many other stakeholders before any decision is taken, it said. Hence, it said, they requested the UFBU to defer the strike and continue the dialogue. Bank unions under UFBU had gone on nationwide strike on September 11 over their demand. UFBUs other demands include an update and improvement of pension, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the old pension scheme (OPS). Many public sector banks have started issuing advisories to their customers to use digital channels such as Mobile Banking, ATM, Internet Banking, BC Point and UPI for banking needs if the strike materialises. The proposed 3-day strike period also coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30, a date of particular significance for reconciliation, provisioning and treasury and market operations. A disruption of this nature, combined with the preceding weekend, would result in an effective five-day closure of banking services at a particularly sensitive point in the financial calendar - causing considerable inconvenience to customers, businesses, Government transactions and international banking operations. Strikes cause disruption in banking services that inconvenience the public, impact the business of the banks, and ultimately harm the interests of bank employees and there is no fruitful outcome that is achieved through strikes, the finance ministry had said on Monday. The government assured that it remains committed to the welfare and well-being of bank employees and to addressing their genuine concerns through constructive engagement.

Ai+ launches Nova 2 Power 5G with 7,000mAh battery

Ai+ Smartphone has launched the Nova 2 Power 5G, the latest addition to its Nova 2 series, combining a dual-tone design with a 7,000mAh battery and 5G connectivity. A statement issued here said that the smartphone made its debut at a fashion show in New Delhi, where it was showcased alongside contemporary athleisure designs by Just Billi by Rashmi Chhabra. The company said the launch was aimed at positioning the device at the intersection of technology, fashion and personal expression. The Nova 2 Power features a 6.75-inch HD+ punch-hole IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor. It comes with 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB memory configurations, with storage expandable through microSD. For photography, the device features a 48MP AI primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 13MP front camera. The smartphone packs a 7,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. It also carries an IP65 rating and supports dual 5G SIM, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. The Nova 2 Power is available in Blue Gold Fusion and Blue Fusion colour variants, with additional colours listed by the company including Ocean Green, Deep Purple and Midnight Black. Madhav Sheth, CEO of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said the smartphone was designed to combine expressive design with performance and endurance. The Nova 2 Power 5G will be available on Flipkart from September 24, with prices starting at Rs 15,999, including bank offers.

KTMF delegation meets IGP Kashmir, raises traders concerns

A delegation of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by its president Mohammad Yaseen Khan, on Tuesday called on newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar Singh and discussed issues concerning the trade community across the Valley. The delegation congratulated Singh on assuming charge as IGP Kashmir and expressed hope that his experience and leadership would further strengthen police-public coordination. The meeting focused on traffic management, parking, policing, movement of commercial vehicles and timely resolution of traders grievances at the district level. Representatives of various district trade bodies apprised the IGP of local issues affecting traders and business establishments and stressed the need for regular coordination between the police and the trading community. The IGP gave a patient hearing to the delegation and, according to KTMF, issued on-the-spot directions on several issues. He also directed the concerned district SSPs to examine and address the grievances raised by traders from their respective areas. KTMF senior member Javaid Ahmad Zargar, representing the Jamia Masjid and Downtown Srinagar area, raised the long-pending demand for a fire station near Jamia Masjid, citing the congestion in the area and the need for an effective emergency response mechanism. Zargar also highlighted the shortage of adequate parking facilities in Downtown Srinagar, saying traffic and parking difficulties continue to affect traders, residents and visitors. KTMF president Mohammad Yaseen Khan described the interaction as constructive and appreciated the IGPs prompt response to the issues raised by the delegation. He said traders were important stakeholders in maintaining a peaceful and orderly commercial environment and stressed that regular interaction between police and trade bodies could help resolve genuine issues before they escalate. The delegation included Qazi Tauseef, Bashir Ahmad Rather, Javaid Ahmad Zargar, president Jamia Traders Federation; Ghulam Hassan Parra, president Traders Federation Ganderbal; Mohammad Usman Turray, senior vice president Traders Federation Shopian; Mohammad Iqbal Dhobi, acting president Traders Federation Kulgam; Rouf Ahmad Reshi, general secretary Traders Federation Pulwama; Nasir Bashir, president Traders Federation Pattan; and Asif Ahmad, president Traders Federation Tangmarg. KTMF assured the police administration of continued cooperation in matters concerning public safety, traffic management, peace and a conducive environment for trade and commerce.

Dawood Ahmed elected president of Association of Industrialists Rangreth

Dawood Ahmed of M/s RS Profiling has been elected president of the Association of Industrialists, Industrial Estate Rangreth, for the 202628 term. A statement issued here said that the election was held on Tuesday through a voting process, with polling conducted from 10 am to 12 noon. The Election Commission said the electoral process was completed peacefully and in an orderly manner. Nasrullah Jan of JKW Associates was elected vice president, while Mumtaz Gilani of M/s Admiral Phones was elected general secretary. Yaseen Samdani of Rahimi Laboratories was elected finance secretary, while Farooq Ahmed of Chinar Electricals was elected publicity secretary. The results were formally declared by the Election Commission following the completion of polling and other electoral proceedings. According to a statement, the election proceedings were conducted in the presence of observers from the industrial fraternity, including Muhammad Ashraf Mir, Nizam Baba and others, representing the industrial fraternity. The Election Commission expressed appreciation to the observers, candidates, elected executive council members, participating unit holders and members of the industrial fraternity for their cooperation in ensuring a peaceful and dignified electoral process. Chief Election Commissioner Ajaz Bukhari, in the declaration issued on Tuesday, said the successful completion of the election through a voting process marked an important democratic milestone for the Association of Industrialists, Industrial Estate Rangreth. The Election Commission congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and extended its best wishes to the new governing body for the successful discharge of its responsibilities during the 202628 term.

Assistants, officers to be recruited; notification expected in a few days: J&K Bank chairman Amitava Chatterjee

Jammu and Kashmir Bank is set to issue a recruitment notification for assistant and officer-level positions within the next few days, Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee said on Tuesday. Speaking during the banks 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, Chatterjee said the bank had finalised negotiations with the agency that would conduct the recruitment examinations for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. After 2021, the bank is going for recruitment of both assistants as well as officers. The agreement for conducting the examinations for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is being finalised, and the bank will come out with a notification in a few days, Chatterjee said. He said the recruitment would be carried out in accordance with the banks operational requirements and would also take into account the need for employees with proficiency in local languages. As far as the bank is concerned, we will do what we have done in the past. There is a requirement for people with local language proficiency, though the numbers will be limited, he said. Chatterjee said the banks presence across 22 states outside Jammu and Kashmir had created a requirement for personnel familiar with local languages. The bank is present in 22 states outside Jammu and Kashmir, and we need people with local language proficiency to serve customers there. So, the bank may decide in future to hire a few employees to support our existing staff strength, he said. The recruitment announcement came during the banks 88th AGM, chaired by Part-time Non-Executive Chairman S. Krishnan and attended by Chatterjee, members of the Board, senior management, shareholders and other stakeholders. The recruitment announcement came during the banks 88th AGM, which was chaired by Part-time Non-Executive Chairman S. Krishnan and attended by Chatterjee, members of the Board, senior management, shareholders and other stakeholders. The AGM was held under the theme Trust, Tradition and Transformation. Addressing shareholders, Krishnan said the banks future growth would have to be aligned with its wider economic and social contribution to the region. Our past gives us identity. Our present gives us strength. Our future gives us responsibility. Trust is our inheritance. Tradition is our anchor. Transformation is our obligation, he said. He also highlighted the banks role in supporting entrepreneurship and said its participation in Mission YUVA was significant in creating economic opportunities for a new generation of entrepreneurs. On digital transformation, Krishnan said technology should ultimately serve the objective of improving customer experience and making banking simpler, safer and more accessible. Chatterjee, meanwhile, said the bank had maintained its growth trajectory despite challenging circumstances and had recorded its fourth consecutive year of record profitability. Notwithstanding the challenging circumstances, your Bank maintained its growth trajectory and delivered a fourth consecutive year of record profitability. Net profit reached an all-time high of Rs 2,363 crore, registering year-on-year growth of 13.5%. The growth momentum has continued into the current financial year. By June 2026, the Bank crossed the historic milestone of Rs 3 trillion in total business, he said. Chatterjee said the banks performance reflected improvements across profitability, asset quality, efficiency and capital strength. These outcomes demonstrate that our progress is broad-based, with profitability, asset quality, efficiency and capital strength advancing together. For our investors, this represents a resilient and increasingly diversified franchise, supported by strong fundamentals and a clear strategy for long-term value creation. As we grow, our focus will remain on the quality and sustainability of earnings rather than growth in isolation, he said. On digital banking, he said investments in digital platforms, data analytics, cybersecurity and process automation were improving customer experience and operational efficiency. The rapid growth of up to 94% in digital transactions during FY 2025-26 demonstrates the increasing trust customers place in our digital ecosystem, he said. Chatterjee said the bank would continue to invest in its workforce and technology while strengthening cybersecurity and customer experience. As we reflect with pride on a legacy spanning nearly nine decades, we remain conscious of the responsibility that accompanies it. Our aspiration is clear: to become the Bank of Choice. Towards this goal, we will continue to invest in our people and technology, reinforce cybersecurity, improve customer experience and institutionalise a culture of innovation and excellence, he said. During the question-and-answer session, shareholders raised queries on various aspects of the banks operations, including recruitment. Chatterjee responded to the questions. DGM and Company Secretary Mohammad Shafi Mir also read out the Auditors Report, comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Secretarial Audit Report. He informed shareholders that the e-voting results and Scrutinizers Report would be made available on the websites of the bank, its registrar and transfer agent, and the stock exchanges within two working days of the conclusion of the AGM. The AGM concluded with shareholders appreciating the banks performance during the financial year 2025-26.

Spartans Open Badminton Tournament concludes in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 22:The Spartans Open Badminton Tournament concluded on at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex (SKISC), GogjiBagh, bringing together an array of local shuttlers and sports enthusiasts from across the valley. The multi-day tournament, organised by the Spartans Badminton Club in collaboration with local sports authorities to promote grassroots racquet sports, featured competitive action across multiple categories including Under-15, Under-19, Mens Singles, Mens Doubles, and Womens Singles. Winner of Boys Under-11 Singles was Yawar Ahmad Rather, Boys Under-13 Singles , Yahya Ajaz. Boys Under-15 Singles, Ibrahim Yousuf Dar. Boys Under-15 Doubles: Yahya Ajaz / Ibrahim Yousuf Dar. Boys Under-17 Singles, Ibrahim Yousuf Dar. Boys Under-19 Singles, Rehan Manzoor. Boys Under-19 Doubles, Amaan Bhat / Mohammad Ubaid Zargar. Girls Under-13 Singles, Inaaya Raafi Baba. Girls Under-17 Singles, Bhat Aqsa. Womens Singles, Azra. Womens Doubles, Maheem / Azra. A prize distribution ceremony marked the culmination of the championship. MLA WaheedurRehmanParta and besides others graced the occasion as chief guest, presenting trophies, medals, and certificates of merit to the winners and runners-up. Addressing the gathering during the closing ceremony, the chief guest praised the organisers for creating an active competitive platform for the youth. Events like the Spartans Open play a crucial role in directing youth energy toward constructive channels, promoting health, discipline, and sportsmanship across Kashmir, Parra noted.

Yash Paul Bourney sworn in as Judge of High Court of J&K and Ladakh

Senior Judicial Officer, Yash Paul Bourney was sworn in as the Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at a solemn ceremony held in the Chief Justices Court at the Srinagar Wing of the High Court on Tuesday. Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, administered the oath of office to Justice Yash Paul Bourney. The Warrant of Appointment was read out by M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, who also conducted the proceedings of the ceremony. The ceremony was graced by Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani and Justice Sanjay Parihar. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi and Justice Shahzad Azeem joined the ceremony through virtual mode from Jammu wing of the High Court. The family members, close relatives and friends of Justice Yash Paul Bourney were also present on the occasion, lending special significance to the ceremony. Among other dignitaries present were Mir Syed Latif, Judicial Member (HOD) of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Srinagar Bench, Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, M.K. Sinha, ADGP CID, Achal Sethi, Commissioner Secretary Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, IGP Kashmir, IGP Security, Senior Advocates; Executive Members of the Kashmir Advocates Association and the J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu; Law Officers; Judicial Officers; and officers of the High Court Registry. The Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, issued the notification appointing Justice Yash Paul Bourney as the Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on September 19, 2026. Born on August 25, 1967, Justice Yash Paul Bourney hails from village Dadwara, Bhaddu, Billawar, District Kathua. During his distinguished judicial career, he has held several important judicial and administrative assignments. He served as Principal District & Sessions Judge at Leh, Baramulla, Udhampur and Jammu, besides serving as Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Srinagar and Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu. Justice Bourney also served in key institutional positions as Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Registrar Vigilance, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; and Director, J&K Judicial Academy. After serving as Principal District & Sessions Judge, Jammu, Justice Bourney was appointed on deputation as Member, J&K Special Tribunal, Jammu. He was serving in the said capacity immediately prior to his elevation as a Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Doon School Srinagar beats DPS Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 22:The grounds of Doon School Srinagar reverberated with energy, thunderous applause, and youthful enthusiasm on Tuesday as the school proudly hosted the grand inauguration of Doon Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2026 marked immediately by a statement performance. As per a statement issued, in a thrilling opening clash that set the tone for the entire championship, the girls' cricket team of Doon School Srinagar delivered a masterclass in skill and resilience, completely outclassing DPS Srinagar to secure a comprehensive and commanding victory. The electrifying atmosphere on campus transitioned seamlessly into a vibrant opening ceremony led by the anchors and a warm welcoming address by the school leadership. The ceremonial proceedings captured the spirit of unity and sportsmanship with a majestic flag hoisting, a stirring rendition of the school anthem, and the formal felicitation of esteemed guests, including AshiqHussain, SDPO ZakuraHazratbal, and Abdul QayoomBagaw, former first-class cricketer for Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the charged crowd of students and faculty, the dignitaries delivered inspiring speeches emphasising discipline, teamwork, and athletic excellence before officially declaring the tournament open, culminating in a proud commemorative team photograph. With formal proceedings gracefully concluded by a vote of thanks from the Head Boy and closing remarks from the anchors, the sporting spotlight shifted back to the pitch for the day's other highly anticipated fixture between Green Valley and Birla Open Minds Pampore. From tactical brilliance on the field to fierce, unyielding sportsmanship, the day's matches showcased exceptional regional talent and set a breathtakingly high standard for the remainder of the inter-school championship.

J&Ks dual power structure creates Devils Authority: Nizamuddin Bhat

Congress legislator from Bandipora constituency, Nizamuddin Bhat, Tuesday alleged that Jammu and Kashmirs dual power structure has spawned a devils authority, creating administrative paralysis. Talking to Greater Kashmir outside the Assembly complex, MLA Bandipora said the civil secretariat stands divided with no hierarchy and no link between authority and subordination. There is one elite class which is controlled by the Lok Bhavan and another class of officers which is controlled by the popular government. Naturally, there are two types of decisions, he said. This is the first problem, and the second problem is the lack of power with the elected government, he added. MLA Nizamuddin Bhat said the Lieutenant Governor earlier held absolute authority before the formation of the popular government. He made the law. He broke the law. He could do whatever he wanted to do because there was one single authority. This is the nature of democracy. Now they (elected government) is in power but with limited authority, he said. He said authority now stands divided at administrative, political, constitutional and legal levels. You have divided the law as well because there is one constitution which is in J&K. We are being attributed to the Reorganisation Act. When there are two laws, there is no need to go to the second law, he said. About the Wular Lake, MLA Nizamuddin Bhat said the lake was the largest clean water body in the world once, hosting a larger community. But when human fiddling, population boom and negligence at the administrative or environmental level came, our natural assets suffered, he said. He rejected the popular notion that the lake was fed by the Jhelum, Kishan Ganga or their tributaries, calling them merely flowing streams. Wulars source is not in Jhelum, not in Kishan Ganga, not his tributaries. Jehlum passes through the middle. When Jehlum has a level, it comes to the level of Wular. When Jehlum weakens, the ground is visible below. So that is not the source, he said. The actual source, he said, was a natural, gushing, oozing spring in the Watlab area that cleaned the lake and maintained its water level as well. MLA Nizamuddin Bhat said the Wular project was conceived at Rs 360 crore, with Rs 307 crore allocated in 2011 and Rs 120 crore released, leading to the formation of the Wular Development Authority (WDA). Then that Wular Development Authority was also divided. So there too, devil authority was formed again. To save this lake, Rs 360 crore was not enough money to make an authority, create human resources, infrastructure, then add inhabitants of the lake. That cannot be done in Rs 360 crore, he said. Asked about the Manasbal and Wular development authorities, both linked to tourism and equipped with monetary and human resources, MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat said the core question remains unanswered. Why has Wular lost its size and the level of the water? Why has that declined? he asked. He said the government has not adopted the scientific approach it should have and has failed to stop human fiddling. Sand mafia is either growing on Jhelum or is growing on Walur. Look at the banks of Wular; they are so deep. The sound of fish is also gone. The sound of sandals is also gone. The water is also unclean, ugly, he said. MLA Bhat said he raised the issue at various forums.

Inter-college womens badminton, table tennis tournament begins at GCW Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 22: The Inter-College Womens Badminton and Table Tennis Tournament commenced at Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar, on Tuesday, with teams from colleges across the Kashmir Valley participating in the event. Prof. (Dr.) Twinkle Suri, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K, as per a statement, inaugurated the tournament as Chief Guest, while Prof. (Dr.) ShabnamAra, Dean Students Welfare, Cluster University Srinagar attended as Guest of Honour. The dignitaries were accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the NCC cadets of the college. Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Twinkle Suri congratulated the host college for organizing the tournament and underscored the importance of sports as an integral part of education. She encouraged women students to participate actively in sporting activities and compete with confidence, dedication and sportsmanship. Welcoming the guests and participating teams, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq highlighted the role of sports in the holistic development of students. She said participation in sports contributes to physical and mental well-being while fostering discipline, confidence, teamwork and leadership. Prof. (Dr.) ShabnamAra emphasized discipline, commitment and regular participation as important elements in achieving excellence in sports and other spheres of life. She urged the participants to uphold the values of fair competition and mutual respect. The tournament has drawn 13 badminton teams and eight table tennis teams from colleges across the Kashmir Valley. In the badminton matches played on the opening day, GCOPE Ganderbal defeated Islamia College 20, Womens College Anantnag defeated Womens College Baramulla 20, GDCEidgah defeated GDC Beerwah 20, while SP College registered a 21 win over Amar Singh College. In table tennis, SP College defeated Islamia College 20, while Womens College Nawakadal defeated Womens College Baramulla 20. The inaugural session was hosted by Dr Eshrat while the vote of thanks was presented by Prof.Samina Akhtar. The tournament is being organized with the coordinated efforts of the college Sports Committee, Department of Physical Education and Sports, faculty members, NCC cadets, officials and supporting staff.

51.5 hectares of forest land diverted for 33 Uri projects: Govt

The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the diversion of 51.501 hectares of forest land for 33 projects in Uri over the 2024-25 to 2026-27 financial years, with 20.9352 hectares allocated for the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Road, the Legislative Assembly was informed Tuesday. The figures were disclosed by the Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Javed Ahmad Rana in response to an unstarred question by Uri National Conference MLA Sajjad Shafi, who sought details of forest and agricultural land affected by government and private construction in the constituency. The Ministry said the projects were cleared under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Abhiniyam and related rules. These projects include work by the Jal Shakti Department, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Uri-II Stage-II hydroelectric project. The government said the diversions were in the public interest and subject to statutory environmental safeguards, conditions and compensatory measures to minimise and mitigate their impact. Under the applicable provisions, user agencies must provide equivalent non-forest or State forest land for compensatory afforestation, it said. If such land is unavailable, the government said afforestation is carried out over twice the diverted area on degraded forest land. Approved plans provide for 1,000 plants per hectare and 10 years of maintenance. Depending on the project, agencies must also fund slope stabilisation, muck disposal, wildlife mitigation, Catchment Area Treatment and biodiversity management measures. The Ministry said compensatory, mitigation and strip plantations have been undertaken near developmental and hydropower projects in Uri through CAPEX and CAMPA schemes, wherever feasible. The response also lists the Uri-I Stage-II hydropower project and several water-supply schemes in Boniyar and Uri among the projects involving forest-land diversion. Plantation and compensatory afforestation sites have been identified under approved plans, and the respective user agencies or companies are required to bear the costs, the Ministry said.

Winners, runner up teams felicitated with trophies, medals

Srinagar, Sep 22:Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, AkshayLabroo, Tuesday attended the Grand Finale of the District Administrations Under-19 Football Rolling Trophy-2026 at the Rugby Field, Poloview, as apart of the District Administrations commitment to creating better opportunities for youth to excel in different sporting and art disciplines. The event, as per an official statement, was organised by the District Youth Services & Sports Office in collaboration with the District Administration Srinagar, with the aim of promoting sports and encouraging greater participation of youth in sporting activities. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, who was the Chief Guest, underlined the efforts of the District Youth Services & Sports Office and the District Administration for providing young sportspersons with opportunities to showcase their talent and develop a competitive spirit. The DC said that the District Administration Srinagar has initiated the Rolling Trophy Championship across the District to nurture the talent of youth by organising drawing, painting and singing competitions, seminars and debates, besides football, cricket and other sport competitions, thereby providing young people with a platform to showcase and develop their abilities. The DC urged the youth, particularly the participating athletes, to take maximum part in sporting events and desist from involvement in any kind of drug-related activity. He emphasised the importance of sports in fostering discipline, brotherhood, teamwork, leadership and a healthy lifestyle among youth. The DC congratulated all the teams and participating players for their performances and encouraged young athletes to pursue sports with dedication and discipline. He also appreciated the Officials, Coaches and organisers for their contribution towards the successful conduct of the tournament. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also administered an oath to the participating athletes under the NashaMukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, urging them to contribute towards building a drug-free society. As many as 400 athletes from different schools of the district participated in the Football Rolling Trophy-2026. The final match was played between Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, and Sri Pratap Model Higher Secondary School. Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, emerged victorious in the final. Sheikh Arshan Asif of Boys Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar Was adjudged as player of the tournament. Later, the DC distributed prizes among the winning and runners-up teams as well as participating players who had enthusiastically taken part in the league matches. Additional Deputy Commissioner AadilFareed, IAS Probationer AakashGarg, IAS Probationer SaiKiran, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, District Youth Services & Sports Officer Ghulam Hassan, and other senior officers and officials were present at the grand finale, besides witnessed enthusiastic participation from players, Officials and sports lovers, creating an energetic sporting atmosphere at the venue.

221 of 355 panchayats have playfields, Dooru Stadium upgrade plan under consideration: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, Sep 22:Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Tuesday said that 221 out of 355 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in Jammu and Kashmir have either existing or constructed playfields under the One Panchayat-One Playfield initiative. The Minister, as per an official statement, was replying to a question raised by MLA G A Mir regarding implementation of the 'One Panchayat-One Playfield' initiative, particularly with reference to Dooru Constituency and the status of sports infrastructure and proposed playfields there. Quoting information received from the Rural Development Department, Satish Sharma said that 221 out of 355 Gram Panchayats covered under the initiative have playfields, either already existing or newly constructed. Giving details of Dooru Constituency, the Minister informed the House that 37 out of 66 Gram Panchayats have playfields. He said the Youth Services & Sports Department has taken up two playfield projects in Dooru Constituency during the past three years. The Playfield at Larkipora near ADV Road Bathuno, taken up during 2024-25 at a cost of Rs 48.55 lakh, has achieved 90 per cent completion, added. He apprised that another Playfield at Shangren has been taken up as a new work during 2026-27 at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh. Satish Sharma further informed that 26 playfield sites have been approved under AAP 2026-27 as part of VB-G RAM-G by the Rural Development Department, Anantnag, where suitable government land has been made available by the Revenue Department. He said that development of playfields by the Youth Services & Sports Department is undertaken after following all requisite formalities, including availability of encumbrance-free land, transfer of land and availability of funds. He said that sports infrastructure in Dooru Constituency is being progressively improved and upgraded through the J&K Sports Council and Directorate of Youth Services & Sports. The Minister informed that four major sports facilities are being developed or maintained in the constituency including Sports Stadium, Dooru, equipped with a change-room-cum-pavilion, cricket competition pitch, net practice pitch, chain-link fencing, main gate and dugouts. Besides, playfield at Verinag is presently under development with a change-room-cum-pavilion, cricket competition pitch, net practice pitch, chain-link fencing, main gate, dugouts and mechanical roller. The playfield at QammarShahbaad, Block Verinag, is being maintained by the J&K Sports Council while the playfield at BhahiBachoo Hiller, is being developed with cricket competition pitch, net practice pitch and chain-link fencing, he told the House. The Minister informed that a DPR amounting Rs 1,035.98 lakh has been prepared for upgradation of Sports Stadium Dooru and is presently under consideration by the Department. The proposed works included pavilion building with change rooms, seating tiers with canopy, cricket competition pitches, net practice pitches, dugouts, synthetic volleyball court, mechanical roller and floodlights, he added. Regarding proposals for development of playfields at Sayen/Sagam, Sadiwara, Chowgund, Qammar, Dudwangan, Akingam, Hiller Kokernag and other identified locations, Satish Sharma said the sites are under consideration for land transfer and development. He informed that the process for transfer of land to the Youth Services & Sports Department is underway with the Revenue Department while in the case of Sadiwara and Hiller Kokernag, the land-transfer process is yet to be initiated. The Minister said that once the land preparation and transfer processes are finalised, the department would consider the required development works, subject to availability of funds, land and feasibility. He also informed that a DPR amounting Rs 150 lakh has been prepared for development of the SayenSagam playfield, envisaging ground expansion through cutting and filling, protection works, seating tiers, cricket competition pitches, net practice pitches and a synthetic volleyball court.

Assembly should prioritise unemployment, health, education issues: Jagmohan Singh Raina

Srinagar, Sep 22: The ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session has come under criticism from All Party Sikh Coordination Committee Chairman and senior political leader Jagmohan Singh Raina, who alleged that the House is spending more time on political confrontations and Jammu-versus-Kashmir rhetoric than on issues directly affecting the public. The Assembly witnessed uproar over the cancellation of the December 5 holiday commemorating the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, founder and leader of the National Conference. During the proceedings, questions were also raised over the continuation of the holiday marking the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, with demands for its cancellation as well. Reacting to the developments, Raina, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, said people elect legislators with the expectation that their problems will be raised in the Assembly, debated and followed by concrete efforts to find solutions. He questioned why legislators were engaging in political confrontation instead of using the Assembly to bring resolutions on issues affecting ordinary citizens. Raina also expressed concern over what he described as increasing Jammu-versus-Kashmir rhetoric inside the House. He said issues surrounding Article 370 and Article 35A should not overshadow the pressing concerns for which people expect their elected representatives to work. According to Raina, the Assembly should give greater attention to unemployment, vacant posts in the health sector, shortage of doctors and paramedical staff, and vacancies in educational institutions. He alleged that thousands of posts remain vacant across different departments and questioned whether the government has a clear long-term strategy to address unemployment and staffing shortages, particularly in healthcare and education. Raina said every MLA should use the Assembly platform to highlight problems faced by people in their respective constituencies and seek practical solutions. He also referred to earlier Assemblies, saying that, in his view, legislators had maintained greater decorum and devoted more attention to government programmes, policies and public welfare.

Sajad Shafi seeksSalamabad Trade Centrefor tourism development

National Conference leader and MLA Uri Dr Sajad Shafi Tuesday said the government must hand over the defunct Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre to local stakeholders for promotion of tourism. Talking to Greater Kashmir outside the Legislative Assembly, Dr Sajad Shafi said the infrastructure at Salamabad has been lying unused since LoC trade was suspended several years ago. I requested the Chief Minister to hand over the tourism (facility) to us so that we can utilise it. Our local people can benefit from it, he said. The MLA said the trade centre was a source of livelihood for many local families before its closure. When the Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre was there, many people got employment. Now they are unemployed. When the tourism facilitation centre will be back, unemployment among the youth will be reduced, Dr Shafi said. He said a road being built from Gulmarg by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will touch Uri, opening new tourism circuits in the region. We are building a road from Gulmarg which will touch Uri. Tourists will come to Gulmarg. Beyond that, there are beautiful places they will see our Pandu Temple, Chhatti Padshahi, Baba Rangi Imam, Baba Kazi Nag, Baba Fareed, he added. People are tired of seeing Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yusmarg, Sonmarg. They must come and explore Uri, he added. MLA Dr Sajad Shafi said Uri has two hydroelectric projects, one built by Sweden, which remained functional even during the 2005 earthquake as they are fully underground. From a security point of view, it is a border area. Operation Sindoor took place. There were many conflicts. Nothing happened to those powerhouses. That is also something to look at. I want Uri to be brought to the tourism map in a new way, he said. MLA Uri further said that the rare Markhor species is found only at the Limber Wildlife Centre in Lashipura. I want to give a huge boost to tourism, he said.

JKPS officer Mohammad Zaid Malik relieved for deputation to NIA

Srinagar, Sep 22:The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has formally relieved Mohammad Zaid Malik, a 2001-batch officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS), to join the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi as Superintendent of Police. The Home Department issued an official order permitting his deputation to the central counter-terror agency. Malik will now serve in NIA , adding field experience from north and south Kashmir to the agencys investigation and operations work. Before the national assignment, he served as Senior Superintendent of Police of Baramulla, taking charge in late August 2024. Baramulla, a sensitive LoC-adjacent district, has long been a focus of anti-infiltration and law-and-order work. Maliks career has been built around operational and district commands. He has served as SP Operations in Baramulla, Anantnag and Bandipora, and as district SSP of Awantipora and Bandipora. In those postings he handled complex law-and-order situations and anti-terror operations, work that colleagues and security partners have often described as grounded in ground-level coordination with the Army and other forces. A 2023 farewell by the Rashtriya Rifles in Bandipora, when he demitted charge as SSP there, underlined that record: Army officers credited him with intelligence-led operations, jointmanship and efforts to curb crime and narcotics in the district. He had assumed the Bandipora charge in March 2021.

GVEI student Shah Mashal tops UPU 2026 letter-writing contest

Bringing laurels to Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI), Ellahi Bagh, its Class 8 student Shah Mashal secured first position at the state level in the Universal Postal Union 2026 International Letter-Writing Competition. Shah Mashal showcased her creativity, imagination and strong writing skills in the competition. In recognition of her achievement, she was awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Her achievement has brought pride to the school and encouraged other students to explore their interests and take part in literary and creative competitions. It is a reminder of the talent and potential that young students can demonstrate when given the right opportunities. The management, Principal, teachers and students of GVEI congratulated Shah Mashal on her success and wished her the very best in her future academic and creative pursuits. The school remains committed to providing students with opportunities to develop their skills, express their ideas and participate in competitions that help them learn and grow beyond the classroom.

Tourism depends on situation, not just scenic beauty: MLA JavidBaigh

Srinagar, Sep 22: National Conference MLA from the Baramulla constituency, Javid Hassan Baigh, on Tuesday said tourism was not solely dependent on the scenic beauty of the destination but was deeply tied to the prevailing situation of the place as well. Talking to Greater Kashmir outside the Assembly complex, MLA Baramulla cited the example of Gulmarg, which witnessed no visitors during the period of conflict. Tourism is not only related to beauty, it is also related to the situation. Gulmarg is a beautiful place, but during tense situation no one visited the place. You should not link tourism to beauty, MLA Baigh told Greater Kashmir. He said tourism is a culture that needs to be developed through a gradual process. I will share details of several projects for Baramulla once they materialise. When many such projects will come for Baramulla, I will share them with you. You will get an idea of where our government is and how many projects have come to Baramulla, he said. Talking about the developmental challenges in his constituency, MLA Baramulla said Baramulla's problems are inherited, with land scarcity being the foremost hurdle. The problem in Baramulla is that we have inherited from the past. For example, we do not have acute scarcity of land, he said. He said the expansion and decongestion of Sopore, a project worth Rs 500 to 1,000 crore, was under discussion. CM Omar Abdullah (sahab) called me and asked to identify 200 acres of land so that we can decongest Baramulla. I met the Commissioner Secretary of Urban Development. But the issue is that land is not available, he added. I do not have land for a hockey ground in Baramulla. Do you have any land in Baramulla? The whole land in Baramulla is either with defence or the government offices. So, how can we decongest Baramulla? you tell me, he said. He also pushed back against the perception that Baramulla alone had been left behind, saying, it wrong to say that only Baramulla is backward. Not only Baramulla, but everyone in Kashmir has seen an unexpected situation over the last 35 years, he said. He, however, said that people of Baramulla will soon receive the good news with regard to the developmental projects.

Shopian court awards life term to man for 2019 murder

A court in Shopian on Tuesday sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of a person in 2019, observing that the case did not fall within the rarest of rare category warranting the death penalty. Principal Sessions Judge Shopian Mehmood Ahmed Chowdhary awarded life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh to Bilal Ahmad Seh, who was convicted under Section 302 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The court said the convict had been in custody since his arrest on April 21, 2019, and had spent nearly seven years in custody during the trial. The case, registered as FIR No. 19/2019 at Police Station Zainapora, initially involved charges under Sections 302, 307, 147, 148, 506, 109, 341 and 34 of the RPC. While deciding the quantum of sentence, the court considered the mitigating and aggravating circumstances and referred to the Supreme Courts guidelines on awarding the death penalty. The court noted that the case was based on four eyewitnesses as well as circumstantial evidence. It also took into account that the convict was a first-time offender, was a farmer by profession and had been supporting his family. The court observed that there were no aggravating circumstances of such an exceptional nature as to warrant capital punishment. Life imprisonment is the appropriate punishment to be awarded to the convict for commission of murder of the deceased, the court said. The court also noted that other accused named in the case, including the convicts brother and two sisters, had been acquitted, while proceedings against another accused had abated following his death. A juvenile accused in the case is facing separate proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board, according to the case record. Since the sentence is one of life imprisonment, the court directed that the case file and judgment be submitted to the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for confirmation of the sentence as required under law. The convict was directed to be sent to Special Jail Pulwama to undergo the sentence. The court also informed him of his right to appeal against the judgment and sentence before the High Court within 15 days.

Snake found in Uri water network, residents seek action

Concerns over the safety of drinking water have resurfaced in parts of Uri area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district after residents of Gawalta village found a dead snake inside a pipeline supplying water to the locality, raising questions over the maintenance and monitoring of the public water supply network. The incident comes weeks after a similar complaint from Karkroo Mohalla in Nambla, where residents had reported finding dead rats inside a water storage tank and supply pipelines. Both incidents have generated severe resentment among the local population, who accused the Jal Shakti Department of not taking care of the water tanks, pipelines and other components of the supply network. In the fresh incident, the residents said the Sokad-Gowlta Water Supply Scheme had remained non-functional for several days, leaving the village without regular drinking water. They said that despite repeated requests to employees of the Jal Shakti Department, the problem was not addressed promptly. With the supply remaining disrupted, the local residents inspected the pipeline themselves on Monday and found a dead snake lodged inside it, said Arif Hussain, a local resident. The presence of the snake triggered concern among residents over the possibility of contamination and the overall hygiene of the water distribution system. The residents of Gowlta have now urged the department to conduct an immediate inspection of the entire supply network, clean and disinfect the pipeline and ensure that only safe water is supplied to households. They have also sought an inquiry into how the reptile entered the pipeline and demanded preventive measures, including regular inspection and sanitation of water infrastructure. Residents said repeated complaints involving contamination or poor maintenance were a major issue in the area and the concerned authority should ensure monitoring of drinking-water schemes in the Uri area.

Government gets proposal to transfer 1,500 kanals of Allowpora farm to SKUAST-K

The Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Production Department has received a proposal seeking transfer of more than 1,500 kanals of its land at Allowpora in Shopian to SKUAST-K for establishing a Centre of Excellence, with the proposal subsequently forwarded to the University for examination. The issue was raised by MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay through an Un-Starred Question in the Legislative Assembly, asking whether the government had received a proposal for utilisation/transfer of more than 1,100 kanals of land belonging to the Allowpora Seed Farm to SKUAST-K for establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Horticulture, including production of quality planting material, seed multiplication and seed development. In its written reply, the Agriculture Production Department said it had received a D.O. communication from Kullay dated July 24, 2026, regarding the transfer of more than 1,500 kanals of Agriculture Department land at Allowpora to SKUAST-K for establishment of a Centre of Excellence for production of quality planting material. The proposal was received in the Agriculture Production Department and was forwarded to SKUAST-K for examination, said the department. According to the reply, SKUAST-K, in its communication dated August 19, 2026, proposed establishment of a Centre of Excellence for certified disease-free planting material, elite clonal rootstock multiplication and breeder/foundation seed production, besides diploma and short-term certificate courses, demonstration orchards, mother blocks, polyhouses and farmer-training facilities. SKUAST-K has also proposed developing Allowpora as a regional scientific and skill hub for horticulture in South Kashmir, according to the reply. However, in response to a separate question on whether a substantial portion of the farm was lying vacant or underutilised, the department said the 64.885-hectare farm was largely being utilised. Of the total area, 58.90 hectares are presently being utilised for seed multiplication activities involving maize, oats, pulses, potato and floriculture seedlings, it said. The department further said 20 hectares had been identified for establishment of a Saffron Corm Nursery, for which Rs 4.03 crore had been approved by the Government of India under PM-RKVY. A Centre of Excellence for Precision Farming is also being established under the Capex Budget/SASCI scheme during the current financial year, with an allocation of Rs 4.96 crore, the reply said. In view of the above, it is not a fact that a substantial portion of the Seed Multiplication Farm, Allowpora is lying vacant or underutilized, the department stated. On whether the land would subsequently be transferred to SKUAST-K, the department said that since the land was already being utilised for various ongoing departmental activities, including seed multiplication, establishment of a Saffron Corm Nursery and a Centre of Excellence for Precision Farming, transfer of the Allowpora Seed Farm land to SKUAST-K for the proposed purpose is not under consideration.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivers special address at Dastgeer Sahib (RA) Shrine

Srinagar, Sep 22: On the occasion of the annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq delivered a special religious address at the historic Aastan-e-AaliyaDastgeer Sahib (RA), Khanyar, Srinagar. As per a statement, a large number of devotees attended the spiritually uplifting gathering, including a significant number of women. In his address, Mirwaiz dwelt upon the fundamental message of Tawheed the absolute Oneness of Allah Almighty and highlighted the timeless teachings and spiritual legacy of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA). He said that Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) consistently called upon believers to remain firmly attached to the Quran and Sunnah, purify their hearts and souls, perform righteous deeds, and place complete trust and reliance in Allah Almighty. Mirwaiz said that at a time when Muslims across the world are passing through severe challenges, uncertainty and difficult circumstances, the teachings of the revered saint assume even greater relevance. He urged Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah Almighty through sincere prayer, genuine repentance, patience, steadfastness, firm faith and unwavering trust in Him. He emphasised that closeness to Allah must also be reflected in ones conduct towards fellow human beings, and urged the faithful to imbibe the values of humility, compassion, self-purification, righteous character and service to humanity that formed an integral part of the teachings of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA). Mirwaiz stressed that true spirituality lies in sincere devotion to Allah, adherence to His commandments and following the path shown by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). At the conclusion of his sermon and religious discourse, Mirwaiz recited a Manqabat in praise of Hazrat Peeran-e-Peer Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) and paid rich tribute to his enduring religious, spiritual and reformative services to the Muslim Ummah. Earlier, upon his arrival at Khanyar, Mirwaiz was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the people.

CS Atal Dulloo launches digital platform for legal services

In a major push to make legal services more accessible, transparent and citizen-friendly, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today launched the e-Nyaya Sarathi web portal and mobile application, providing citizens a unified digital gateway to legal information, judicial resources and government legal services. The event was attended by senior officers including ACS PWD; Principal Secretary, Home; Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Sr. AAG Mohsin Qadri; Member Secretary, J&K State Legal Services Authority; Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare; Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Secretary, RDD; Secretary, Legislative Assembly and other officers of the Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs. Members of the technical development team also attended the launch event. Developed by the Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, the platform brings multiple legal services under one roof, enabling citizens to access essential legal information and services anytime and from anywhere. The initiative seeks to simplify the publics interaction with the legal system and replace conventional bureaucratic hurdles with a more transparent and digitally accessible service delivery mechanism. Speaking at the launch, the Chief Secretary described the initiative as a significant step towards citizen-centric digital governance, emphasising that legal services should be accessible, reliable and easy to navigate. He said that e-Nyaya Sarathi would help bridge the gap between citizens and legal institutions by bringing critical legal resources directly to their fingertips. Giving details about the platform, Commissioner Secretary, Law, Achal Sethi, revealed that the portal offers a range of services, including legal aid and pro-bono assistance, a central repository of Acts, Rules, Judgments and Government Notifications, in addition to facilities like Search Your Case and Find My Court and dedicated modules for Women & Child Development and Advocate Related Matters. Adding a technology-driven dimension to the initiative, the platform also features an AI-powered chatbot to guide users through legal queries and assist them in navigating various services available on the portal. The integrated framework is aimed at making access to legal information simpler and more responsive, particularly for citizens seeking quick and reliable information. Moreover, it was also apprised that the e-Nyaya Sarathi portal is now available at www.enyayasarathi.jk.gov.in, while its mobile application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs legacy needs no official holiday: Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan

Srinagar, Sep 22:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha Member Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan Tuesday said that the discontinuation of the December 5 holiday commemorating the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and attempts to obstruct the elected governments efforts to restore the holiday, raise serious questions about respect for the democratic mandate and public sentiment. He said the manner in which BJP legislators reacted to the proposal in the Assembly to restore the holiday on Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs birth anniversary reflected their narrow-mindedness, communal outlook and hostility towards the National Conference. Choudhary Ramzan, as per a party statement, said Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs stature and legacy do not depend on any official holiday. His historic struggle against subjugation, deprivation, poverty and economic backwardness in Jammu and Kashmir and his efforts to politically awaken and empower the people, remain deeply associated with the history of the region. The measures undertaken under his leadership concerning popular rights, land reforms and social justice constitute an important chapter of modern Jammu and Kashmirs history. He said the changes made to official holidays associated with July 13, Martyrs Day, and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs birth anniversary are viewed by the National Conference in the context of its historical legacy and the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the political rights of the people. He stressed that the martyrs of July 13, 1931, hold an important place in Jammu and Kashmirs political history and that their sacrifices cannot simply be erased from public memory. Choudhary Ramzan said the National Conference has, from the outset, expressed its concerns over the fundamental changes made to Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional and administrative framework after August 5, 2019. He said the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmirs special constitutional status and its reorganisation into two Union Territories raised profound questions among the people regarding their political, constitutional and democratic rights. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have elected their representative government through the democratic process and the elected government should be provided adequate constitutional and administrative space to implement its decisions and fulfil public expectations. If an elected government decides to restore a holiday associated with the birth anniversary of a historic personality, he said, the matter should not be subjected to unnecessary administrative hurdles. He further said that decisions concerning the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which have been altered or restricted over the past several years, should be addressed through democratic processes, constitutional institutions and in accordance with the aspirations of the people.

CM Omar Abdullah presides over MoU signing between SKIMS and J&K Bank

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), aimed at expanding healthcare access and strengthening institutional financial services across Jammu and Kashmir. The MoU was signed by Director SKIMS Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie on behalf of SKIMS and J&K Bank MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee on behalf of J&K Bank Ltd. Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani among others, were present on the occasion. The agreement brings together the J&Ks premier tertiary-care institution and its leading financial institution to facilitate patient services, employee welfare, financial inclusion and support for healthcare infrastructure. A key feature of the MoU is the integration of SKIMS OPD ticketing and appointment booking system with the Banking Correspondent (BC) network of J&K Bank on a six-month pilot basis. The initiative will enable patients in far-flung and rural areas to obtain SKIMS OPD tickets and appointments locally, reducing the need for them to travel to Srinagar solely for the purpose of booking appointments. Under the agreement, SKIMS has nominated J&K Bank as a banking partner and extended customized benefits to its regular employees, including zero-balance salary accounts, waiver of specified banking charges, concessional loan rates, auto-sweep facilities among other facilities. The MoU also provides for dedicated counters at SKIMS for J&K Bank employees, while SKIMS will depute a physician to the Banks headquarters once every month to facilitate medical consultations for its staff. The partnership also envisages greater institutional support for patients and healthcare infrastructure. J&K Bank will prioritize CSR assistance for SKIMS hospital infrastructure and integrate the SKIMS Endowment Fund for poor patients with its Mpay Delight+ mobile application, enabling members of the public to contribute directly towards patient support. As part of the agreement, J&K Bank will also conduct fully funded digital financial literacy camps for SKIMS personnel and organize quarterly sessions on wealth management.

Ask the Doctor

Q: I get headaches whenever I use my phone or computer for a long time. Are screens damaging my brain? A: Screens are not known to damage the brain simply through use, but prolonged use can cause eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, neck and shoulder tension and headaches. Poor posture, glare and inadequate breaks can worsen symptoms. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust brightness, reduce glare and blink regularly. Frequent or severe headaches, especially without screen use, need medical evaluation. Q: Is every headache a migraine? A: No. Headaches can result from stress, tension, dehydration, poor sleep, eye strain, infections, sinus problems, stomach problems or migraine. Migraine may cause throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, though symptoms vary. A new, unusually severe or rapidly worsening headache, especially with weakness, confusion, fainting, seizures, vision changes, fever or difficulty speaking, needs urgent medical attention. Q: I have a headache, so I take a painkiller immediately. Is that okay? A: Occasional appropriate use may be fine for some people, but frequent painkiller use can cause medication-overuse headaches and, depending on the medicine, stomach, kidney or liver problems. If you regularly need painkillers for headaches, find the cause rather than repeatedly treating the symptom. Q: Do I really need a flu shot if I usually get only a mild flu? A: Influenza can be mild but can also cause serious illness, especially in high-risk people. Flu vaccination reduces the risk of influenza and its complications, though it does not prevent every cold or respiratory virus. Because influenza viruses change, seasonal vaccination is recommended for many people according to individual risk. Ask your doctor if it is appropriate for you, particularly if you have chronic diseases, are pregnant or belong to another recommended group. Q: Can the flu shot give me influenza? A: No. Injectable flu vaccines do not contain live influenza virus capable of causing influenza. Soreness, tiredness or a mild fever can occur briefly after vaccination and usually reflect an immune response. You can also catch another respiratory virus around the same time. Remember that protection takes time to develop. Q: My eyes burn after looking at my phone for hours. Do I need screen glasses? A: Not necessarily. Digital eye strain can cause burning, dryness, temporary blurred vision and headaches because we blink less while concentrating. Take regular breaks, blink consciously, reduce glare and keep the screen at a comfortable distance. Prescription glasses may help if you have an underlying vision problem. Blue-light glasses are not a magic solution. Persistent pain or significant vision changes need an eye examination. Q: Does using a phone in the dark permanently damage eyesight? A: Ordinary phone use in a dark room has not been shown to permanently damage eyesight, although the bright screen against a dark background can cause strain, dryness or headaches. Keep some ambient light on and adjust screen brightness. Persistent blurred or double vision, eye pain or headaches should not simply be blamed on the phone. Q: I use my phone until I fall asleep. Does it really affect sleep? A: It does. Screen use keeps the brain engaged, while light from screens can affect the bodys sleep-wake rhythm. Messages, videos and social media can be particularly stimulating. Keep the phone away from the bed, choose quieter activities before sleep and maintain a regular bedtime. Persistent sleep problems need further evaluation. Q: Can sitting in front of a screen all day cause neck and back pain? A: Yes. Prolonged sitting and poor posture can cause neck, shoulder and back pain, while looking down at a phone can add neck strain. Change position regularly, keep the screen at a comfortable height, support your back and move around during the day. Exercise and strengthening can help. Persistent pain, numbness, weakness or pain spreading into an arm or leg should be assessed. Q: I feel dizzy and get a headache after spending hours on my phone. Is it because of radiation? A: There is no good evidence that ordinary mobile-phone use causes headaches or dizziness through the radiation emitted by phones. However, prolonged use can indirectly contribute through eye strain, poor posture, dehydration, lack of sleep and inactivity. Look at the whole pattern and take regular breaks. If headaches or dizziness keep returning, particularly without screen use, consult your doctor. Q: Are sugar-free foods healthy? A: No. Sugar-free does not mean nutritious. Sugar-free biscuits, chocolates and snacks may still be high in calories, refined flour, saturated fat or salt. Some contain sugar alcohols or other sweeteners that can cause gas, bloating or diarrhoea when consumed in excess. They may also keep our preference for very sweet foods alive. Sugar-free is a label, not a health certificate. Always check the complete nutrition label. Q: Are zero-sugar drinks harmless? A: Not necessarily. They can be a better choice than sugary drinks if you are trying to reduce sugar and calories, but they are not automatically healthy. Some sweeteners can cause gas, bloating, abdominal cramps or diarrhoea, particularly in people with sensitive digestion or IBS. If a particular drink repeatedly causes bowel discomfort, stop it and see whether symptoms improve. Zero sugar does not mean zero consequences. Public Advisory: Not every health problem needs a tabletand not every health myth deserves to be believed. From WhatsApp remedies and natural cures to advice from friends and relatives, health information can easily become distorted. Before starting, stopping or changing a treatment, ask the doctornot the WhatsApp group. NOTE: These responses are for general awareness and do not replace professional medical advice. Older adults often have multiple illnesses and medicines, so individual medical advice should be taken from a qualified healthcare professional. Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org

Srinagar has 64,416 stray dogs, 15,266 sterilised in over 2 years: Govt

Srinagar has an estimated 64,416 stray dogs, according to a scientific survey conducted by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in 2023, the Government stated today. It said nearly one-fourth of the dogs in Srinagar, that is 15,266 stray dogs, were sterilised between June 2023 and September 2025. The figures have been provided by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) in a written reply to a starred question raised by MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq. According to the reply, the 2023 survey carried out by SMC used the Lincoln-Petersen Formula to estimate the stray dog population within SMC limits. The Animal Welfare Board of India has recognised it as a scientific survey and it found approximately 64,416 in Srinagar. The government has stated in the reply to the question of the legislator that from June 2023 to September 2025, SMC sterilised 15,266 stray dogs and immunised 15,725 dogs. The surgeries and vaccinations were carried out at Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres at Tengpora and Shuhama. The government also said dog-bite cases in J&K were being recorded and monitored through the State Surveillance Officer under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The IDSP operates under the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir. It has also said that SMC currently has ABC centres at Tengpora Bypass and Shuhama in SKUAST. Together, these facilities have a combined kennel capacity of 121. An additional ABC centre at Ahal Chatterhama is also coming up, with the kennel capacity of 60. The three centres will have an aggregate kennel capacity of 181, once the third one is ready, according to the government. The department said ABC/ARV programmes are also being implemented in Jammu. The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has sterilized 50,000 dogs since 2014. However, keeping in view the scale and geographical spread of the stray dog population in the urban areas of the Union Territory, the existing infrastructure and operational capacity require further augmentation and strengthening to ensure wider, effective and sustained coverage, the reply states while acknowledging gaps in efforts to control stray dog population. It listed its strengthening efforts as: the expansion of ABC centres, strengthening veterinary manpower and dog-catching facilities, augmentation of holding/isolation and post-operative facilities, expansion of sterilisation and ARV coverage, scientific identification and record-keeping of sterilised/vaccinated dogs, regulation of designated feeding points, improved solid-waste management and intensified public awareness. The government has said that veterinary surgeons/doctors have been deputed to municipal corporations and urban local bodies to for helping in ABC/ARV programme.

Diabetes and Your Kidneys: Dont Wait for Symptoms

When we talk about diabetes, we usually think about high blood sugar. But diabetes can affect almost every part of the body. One of the organs that can quietly suffer over the years is the kidney. Diabetic kidney disease is one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. The worrying part is that it often develops silently. A person may have significant kidney damage and still feel completely normal. The kidneys usually do not give us an early warning that something is going wrong. High blood sugar, when poorly controlled over a long period, can gradually damage the tiny blood vessels and filtering units inside the kidneys. The damage may begin long before a person notices any symptoms. Many people believe that kidney disease must cause pain, less urine or swelling of the feet and face. That is not always true. Early kidney disease often causes no symptoms at all. Swelling around the eyes or feet, unusual tiredness, poor appetite, nausea, itching or breathlessness may appear as kidney function becomes more severely affected. By then, the disease may already have progressed considerably. This is particularly important in India, where diabetic kidney disease is common. A recent analysis of Indian studies estimated that about 44% of people with type 2 diabetes may have diabetic kidney disease. So, should we wait for symptoms? Absolutely not. Screening should come before symptoms. Two simple tests are particularly important: Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): This checks for small amounts of protein leaking into the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney damage. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): This gives an indication of how well the kidneys are filtering the blood. Importantly, the urine test may become abnormal before there is an obvious fall in kidney function. That is why both tests matter. Current diabetes guidelines recommend that people with type 2 diabetes have their UACR and eGFR checked at least once a year. Finding kidney disease early gives us a better opportunity to slow its progression. Good control of blood sugar and blood pressure is important. Depending on the individual patient, doctors may also prescribe medicines that protect the kidneys, including certain SGLT2 inhibitors or medicines that act on the renin-angiotensin system. Cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors also need attention. Unnecessary medicines that can harm the kidneys should be avoided, and some patients may need to see a kidney specialist. Message: Do not wait for swollen feet, puffy eyes or breathlessness before checking your kidneys. By then, kidney disease may already be advanced. The best time to check your kidneys is often when you feel perfectly well. For someone living with diabetes, kidney screening should become as routine as checking blood sugar. It is not a test to be done only when symptoms appear. Check early. Detect early. Protect the kidneys.

Dr Google and the Self-Diagnosis Generation

It is late at night. A young person feels a headache and searches for the reason. Soon, a headache seems connected to several serious diseases. The pain may not have changed, but the fear has. This is how Dr Google has become part of our lives. In Jammu and Kashmir, people can find health information within seconds through Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp and AI tools. It becomes a problem when online information is treated as medical advice. There is nothing wrong with searching for health information. The internet can help us understand diseases, prevention and medical terms. For people in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, it can provide basic information when reaching a doctor or specialist takes time. Still, there is a clear difference between learning about health and diagnosing or treating ourselves. Health information means learning about a condition. Self-diagnosis means deciding that we have a disease without proper assessment. Self-treatment means starting treatment on our own. Both can be risky. A search engine cannot examine a patient. It cannot check blood pressure, listen to the chest or take a complete medical history. A headache may be caused by poor sleep, dehydration, stress, migraine, infection or other conditions. Online searching can also create health anxiety. A person may read about the worst disease and become frightened. Another may find a harmless explanation and ignore a problem that needs attention. Social media has made this problem wider. A health video can receive thousands of views without being correct. Some posts are personal experiences or advertisements. Something that worked for one person may not work for everyone. WHO has warned that false health information can create confusion and lead to harmful decisions. Artificial intelligence has added another challenge. A person can give a description of their symptoms, and the AI tool will respond within seconds. The AI can assist in explaining the medical jargon or in formulating the questions that one may need to ask the physician. People should be careful about sharing unnecessary personal medical information with untrusted online services. Self-medication is another concern. Some people take old medicines, use someone elses prescription or choose medicines after searching symptoms online. When proper assessment is needed, a pharmacist should not replace a doctors diagnosis. Antibiotics need particular care because misuse and overuse can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and make infections harder to treat. In Jammu and Kashmir, this issue has direct implications for access to medical facilities. People living in villages far away from hospitals require substantial time, energy, and finances to go to a doctor. While internet technology can teach people how to ask certain questions, it cannot be a substitute for proper medical treatment. The answer is not to stop using the internet. We need to use it wisely. Before trusting a health claim, check its source and evidence, and ask whether someone is trying to sell something. Most importantly, are we learning about our health or trying to become our own doctor? When do we need to stop looking for information and get professional help? Symptoms such as severe illness, shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain and other cases that constitute an emergency should be addressed by medical professionals immediately. Doctors and nurses will always be needed in healthcare because healthcare is about people, not symptoms. Doctors ask, examine, evaluate and give advice to patients. Nurses educate their patients about treatment and prevention. The internet is a powerful health tool. We should use it to become better informed, not to replace professional care. Google can help us ask better questions. It cannot replace the person who examines us, listens to us and cares for us. Mohammad Arfat Wani is a writer and nursing student from Kuchmulla, Tral, and a regular contributor to Greater Kashmir

3 accused arrested in Jammu woman-hanging case: SP Anna Sinha

Superintendent of Police (SP), Headquarters Anna Sinha on Tuesday stated that three persons were arrested, in connection with the death of a woman under suspicious circumstances in R S Pura on September 20. SP Sinha, in a press conference, shared that a six-member medical board conducted the post-mortem of the deceaseds body. The exact cause of death will be established after the report, she added. Sinha said that the Police acted swiftly in the case and arrested the three persons within one hour. No one will be spared. Statements are being recorded and the action will be taken as per law after the investigation, she said. The last rites of the deceased 38-year-old Sushma Devi were performed by her agitated family and relatives at her in-laws place on Monday after protests.

6 injured in Doda accident

Six persons, including two women, were injured after a car met with an accident in the Bhalla area between Bhaderwah and Doda on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. According to official sources, a car bearing registration number JK06C-3312 met with an accident in the Bhalla area, resulting in injuries to all six occupants. The injured were shifted to the Associated Hospital of Government Medical College (GMC), Doda, for treatment. The injured have been identified as Ramesh Kumar (55), son of Raj Ram, resident of Dranga; Surinder Kumar (45), son of Bodh Raj; Rajni Devi (38), wife of Surinder Kumar; Riya Devi (19), daughter of Surinder Kumar, all residents of Gutasa; Rohit (23), son of Sunil Kumar, resident of Drodhu; and Sonu Kumar (30), son of Bablu Ram, resident of Jammu. Hospital authorities stated that all six injured persons were under treatment.

Doctor Sahab, Is This Alzheimers?

Our Moul Mouj Dementia Helpline has been receiving a steady stream of calls from families worried about memory loss. Some callers are frightened. Some are confused. And many are simply trying to understand whether a small change they have noticed in a parent or spouse is just ageing or something more serious. Listening to these calls made me think that perhaps, on World Alzheimers Day, we should not write another article full of medical terminology. Instead, let us answer the questions families are actually asking. Here are five of the most commonand most relatablequestions. My mother forgets where she kept her glasses. Is this Alzheimers? Not necessarily. Forgetting where you kept your glasses, keys or phone can happen at any age, particularly when you are distracted, tired or stressed. The more important question is whether memory problems are becoming frequent and beginning to interfere with everyday life. There is a difference between occasionally forgetting something and repeatedly forgetting important information. For example, forgetting where you put your keys is common; repeatedly forgetting what these keys are used for is more concerning. Alzheimers disease usually involves a gradual decline in memory and other thinking abilities. If forgetfulness is becoming more frequent or affecting daily activities, it deserves a proper medical assessment rather than a diagnosis based on guesswork. My father remembers things from 40 years ago but forgets what I told him yesterday. Why? This is something families notice quite often. Older memories can sometimes remain surprisingly clear while recent memories become increasingly difficult to retain. This happens because the brain does not store and retrieve every type of memory in exactly the same way. However, this pattern alone does not prove that someone has Alzheimers disease. Sleep problems, depression, anxiety, certain medicines, hearing difficulties, vitamin deficiencies and other medical conditions can also affect memory. What matters is the overall pattern. Is the person repeatedly asking the same question? Forgetting recent conversations? Missing appointments? Getting lost in familiar places? Struggling with familiar tasks? If these changes are persistent or worsening, a medical evaluation is worthwhile. She knows everyone in the family, but she has started getting lost in places she knows. Should we worry? Yes, this deserves attention. Getting lost in a completely unfamiliar place can happen to anyone. But becoming confused in a neighbourhood, market or route that someone has known for years is different. Alzheimers and other forms of dementia can affect a persons ability to understand where they are and how different places relate to each other. Sometimes the person may appear perfectly normal while sitting at home but become confused when outside. Families should not dismiss such incidents as simply old age. It is also important not to frighten or shame the person. Arrange a medical assessment and take practical safety precautions, particularly if the person is going out alone. My husband keeps asking me the same question. When I answer, he asks it again five minutes later. Should I keep correcting him? Constantly correcting someone with memory problems can sometimes create frustration without solving the problem. If a person repeatedly asks, When are we going to the doctor? even after being told, they may genuinely have forgotten the answer rather than deliberately ignoring you. Repeating the information calmly, writing it down or using a visible calendar may work better than saying, I already told you that. Try to focus less on winning the argument and more on reducing the persons anxiety. And remember: repeated questions are not necessarily stubbornness. Sometimes they are a symptom of impaired short-term memory. Is there anything we can actually do, or is Alzheimers just a hopeless disease? An Alzheimers diagnosis can be frightening, but it does not mean that nothing can be done. There is currently no simple cure that reverses Alzheimers disease, but early assessment and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms in some people. Just as importantly, doctors can look for other conditions that may be contributing to memory problems. Regular physical activity, good control of blood pressure and diabetes, adequate sleep, social interaction and staying mentally and socially active are all important parts of healthy ageing. Most importantly, the person with dementia still needs dignity, companionship and understanding. A diagnosis may change a familys routine. It should never take away a persons identity. Why do I think of writing this? The reason is simple. The questions coming to our Moul Mouj Dementia Helpline are not textbook questions. They are questions from daughters worried about their mothers, sons struggling to understand their fathers, spouses who have noticed a change, and families who are unsure what to do next. Most useful Alzheimers Day message is therefore not Learn everything about dementia. It is this: Notice the change. Dont panic. Dont ignore it. And dont label every forgotten name as Alzheimers. Sometimes a memory lapse is simply a memory lapse. Sometimes it is a warning sign. The difference deserves a proper conversation with your doctor.

Shooting stones, landslides block NH-44 up-tube at Moud

Persistent shooting-stone, landslides activity triggered by slope erosion continued to disrupt traffic on the Srinagar-bound carriageway of the SrinagarJammu National Highway (NH-44) at Moud, prompting authorities to keep the affected up-tube closed as a precautionary measure. Officials said the vulnerable stretch between the Gamun cut point and Dewal remained under close observation as loose rocks and debris continued to fall from the uphill slope. The slope has reportedly developed two major fault lines following erosion, increasing the risk of further rockfall. The Srinagar-bound up-tube will be reopened only after the authorities are satisfied that the slope has attained sufficient stability and the threat from shooting stones has been brought under control. Assessment and remedial measures are being undertaken to ensure the safety of commuters and road workers. Meanwhile, traffic movement through the nearby Dewal stretch on the UdhampurSamroli section is also being regulated cautiously amid ongoing widening and restoration works. Officials said the work is being carried out in a phased manner to minimise the risk of sudden slides and falling boulders from the vulnerable slope overlooking the highway. Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police, National Highway, Ramban, Raja Adil Hameed, along with NHAI engineers, managers visited the affected stretches and reviewed the situation. They discussed possible measures for stabilising the vulnerable slopes and ensuring safer traffic movement. The Moud and Dewal stretches have emerged as key vulnerable points amid ongoing four-laning and slope-cutting works. Traffic authorities and executing agencies are maintaining close coordination and regulating traffic as required. Motorists have been advised to follow traffic advisories, avoid unnecessary stoppages and exercise extreme caution while passing through vulnerable stretches of NH-44, particularly during ongoing slope stabilisation and road-widening operations.

Remembering valour of Indian soldiers

Every 23rd September, while the worlds attention turns elsewhere, the Indian Army pauses to honour a battle fought over a century ago on distant shores. Haifa Day commemorates one of the last great cavalry charges in military history and one of Indias most overlooked contributions to world history. In the autumn of 1918, as World War I raged across Europe and the Middle East, the Mediterranean port of Haifa stood as a strategic prize. Controlled by the Ottoman Empire, it served as a crucial supply hub for Turkish and German forces retreating northward through Palestine. For British General Edmund Allenby, capturing Haifa was not merely about territory but about severing enemy supply lines and securing dominance of Allied Powers over the Mediterranean coast. The task fell to an unlikely force, the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade composed largely of soldiers from three Indian princely states namely Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad. On the morning of 23rd September 1918, the Mysore Lancers attacked Haifa from the north while the Jodhpur Lancers advanced between Mount Carmel and the Kishon River. Despite facing entrenched Ottoman machine-gun positions and artillery fire, the Indian cavalrymen charged forward with lances and swords. In an age when warfare was rapidly mechanizing, this was a throwback to another era, horse-mounted warriors storming modern defences. The Jodhpur Lancers alone captured approximately 1,350 Ottoman and German prisoners. Haifa fell within hours. The nearby port of Acre followed soon after. Around 44 Indian soldiers paid the ultimate price and their names now inscribed at the Haifa War Cemetery.Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat lost his life in the battle and was posthumously remembered as the Hero of Haifa for his gallantry and leadership during the Battle of Haifa. Here lies the paradox, while Israeli history textbooks now teach schoolchildren about the Indian soldiers who liberated Haifa, most Indians have never heard of this battle. The Teen Murti Memorial in New Delhi erected in 1922 to honour these soldiers, stands relatively obscure compared to monuments commemorating later wars. This amnesia reflects a broader pattern in how India remembers its military history. The contributions of Indian soldiers in World War I where over 1.3 million served, with more than 74,000 killed, remain unacknowledged in popular consciousness. Haifa is merely one chapter in a much larger untold story. Today, the 61st Cavalry Regiment which was formed after Independence by merging the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers retains Haifa as a battle honour. Every September, ceremonies are held both in India and at the Haifa War Cemetery, where Indian diplomats and Israeli officials gather to pay tribute. In recent years, the Haifa municipality has worked to ensure that Indian soldiers contributions are included in school curricula and public memory. As Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav noted at one such ceremony, It is being corrected in our history books that Indian soldiers played a significant role in the liberation of our city. In an era when India seeks to strengthen its global partnerships and assert its historical contributions to world affairs, Haifa Day offers more than ceremonial value. It represents a bridge between civilizations, a reminder of Indian valour and a lesson in historical memory. Nations that remember their heroes inspire future generations. By commemorating Haifa Day more prominently, India can instill pride in young Indians about their ancestors global contributions. As we mark another Haifa Day, it is time to move beyond token ceremonies. Schools should include the Battle of Haifa in history curricula. Media should tell these stories more widely. The government could consider elevating Haifa Day commemorations to greater national prominence. The soldiers of Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad did not fight for fame, they fought for duty. But their descendants owe them more than silence. We owe them remembrance. On 23rd September, as wreaths are laid and bugles sound at Teen Murti and Haifa, let us resolve to ensure that this forgotten chapter of Indian history finds its rightful place in our national story. Dr Arun Manhas, Director Industries & Commerce, Jammu

Mega Rajput Sammelan to be held in Ramban

The Shree Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, Ramban, is set to organise a Mega Rajput Samelan at the Higher Secondary School, Ramban, on Wednesday, September 23, to commemorate the 131st birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh. According to the programme details issued by the organisers, the event will begin at around 10 am and will highlight the legacy, valour and contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh. Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in PMO and Member of Parliament from the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, will be the chief guest, while Sher Singh Rana of Roorkee, Uttarakhand, will be the guest of honour. The sammelan will be presided over by Narayan Singh, chairman of the Trust, Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, while MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju will attend as the guest of honour. The organisers have also announced the presence of Mahash Mandaleshwar Mahant Shri Rameshwar Dass Maharaj and Mahash Mandaleshwar Swami Shri Akshranand Giri Maharaj. As part of the programme, a rally will be taken out from the ward No. 2 petrol pump in Ramban to the Higher Secondary School, Ramban, the venue of the sammelan. Dharam Chand Anthal, chairman of Shree Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha, Ramban, and Karan Dev Singh, president of the Sabha, have asked the members of the community and the public to participate in the programme.

Politics and Good Manners

Politics is an important part of public life. In a democratic society, people will naturally have different opinions about leaders, parties, policies and the future of the country. There is nothing wrong with disagreement. In fact, thoughtful disagreement can help society find better solutions. The problem begins when disagreement turns into personal attacks, insults, hatred and bad language. Today, we are increasingly seeing such behaviour in political discussions. One person makes a statement, another responds angrily, and soon the matter spreads across social media. Groups are formed around different opinions. People start defending their own group and attacking the other. Sometimes even a small political disagreement becomes a personal fight. Words are used which can hurt the dignity of another person, and these words are then shared thousands of times. We should stop for a moment and ask ourselves: What effect is all this having on the minds of our young people? Our children and young people are watching us. They are growing up in an environment where mobile phones and social media are part of everyday life. They see political speeches, arguments, comments and videos almost every day. What they repeatedly see and hear slowly becomes part of their understanding of society. A young mind is like a garden. What we repeatedly put into it will influence what grows there. If we fill it with knowledge, kindness, hope and good examples, these qualities can grow. If we constantly expose it to anger, hatred, humiliation and abuse, these things can also leave a deep impression. This does not mean that every young person will behave badly because of political arguments. But repeated exposure to aggressive language can gradually make such behaviour appear normal. A young person may begin to think that shouting is strength, insulting someone is acceptable, and disagreement means that the other person is an enemy. Psychologically, young people learn a great deal through observation. They watch the behaviour of adults and public figures and often copy what they see. If they see respected people responding to criticism with anger, they may learn the same habit. If they see people refusing to listen to anyone with a different opinion, they may become less willing to listen themselves. Over time, this can affect the way young people communicate with their friends, classmates, colleagues and even members of their own families. A political disagreement may begin on social media, but the habit of hostility can eventually enter ordinary social relationships. There is another danger. Constant exposure to negative political content can create a feeling that society is permanently divided. Young people may begin to believe that people cannot trust one another and that every discussion must have a winner and a loser. Such thinking can reduce cooperation and increase suspicion. We need young people who can think independently, listen carefully, ask questions and disagree respectfully. We need young people who can sit with someone who has a different opinion and still recognise their human dignity. A healthy society does not require everyone to think alike. It requires people to learn how to live and work together despite their differences. Our political leaders have a special responsibility because their words influence large numbers of people. A leader who speaks with dignity sets an example for society. A leader who remains calm when criticised teaches patience. A leader who accepts a good idea even when it comes from an opponent teaches fairness. There is no weakness in speaking politely. There is no weakness in saying, I disagree with you. There is no weakness in accepting that another person may have a different point of view. Real strength is the ability to control ones words and emotions. But the responsibility does not belong to politicians alone. We, as citizens, also decide what becomes popular on social media. When we repeatedly share an insulting speech, an angry video or an unverified accusation, we help give it a larger audience. We may think we are only forwarding a message, but every share contributes to the atmosphere in which our children are growing up. Before forwarding something, we should ask ourselves a few simple questions: Is it true? Is it useful? Is it fair? Will it help people understand an issue, or will it simply create anger? If a statement is false, there is no reason to spread it. If it is unnecessarily insulting, there is no reason to give it another life. We should learn that not everything we receive on our phones deserves to be passed on. Social media can be used differently. It can become a place where good ideas travel quickly. We can share the achievements of our students, teachers, scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs and social workers. We can celebrate people who serve society quietly. We can share knowledge about education, health, science, employment and new opportunities. They need to hear about possibilities, not only problems. They need examples of people who worked hard, overcame difficulties and contributed to society. They need encouragement to learn skills, start enterprises, conduct research, explore technology and create employment for themselves and others. Our political discussions should also move in this direction. Instead of spending endless time discussing who insulted whom, we should ask more important questions. How can we create jobs for our educated youth? How can we improve the quality of education? How can we support small businesses and entrepreneurs? How can we strengthen tourism, agriculture, horticulture, technology and scientific research? How can we make our towns and villages better places to live? We should also teach our children that service to society is more important than personal glory. Public life should not be a race for power or recognition. Its real purpose should be to improve the lives of people. A person may hold a different political opinion from us and still be a good human being. We should never forget this simple truth. Our differences should not destroy our relationships. Our political choices should not decide whom we love, respect or help. We can disagree on politics and still work together for education, peace, development and the welfare of our communities. We should teach our young generation humility. We should teach them to listen before responding, to understand before judging and to speak after thinking. We should teach them that every human being has dignity and that words can either heal or hurt. This is particularly important because words remain in the mind. A harsh comment may be forgotten by the person who made it, but it may remain with the person who received it. Similarly, a kind word can give someone courage for many years. The future will not be built only through government programmes, roads, buildings and institutions. It will also be built through the character of our people. If we want a peaceful and progressive society tomorrow, we must cultivate respect, kindness, honesty, cooperation and unity today. Political differences will always exist. Governments will change. Leaders will come and go. But the values we teach our children can remain for generations. Let us therefore stop making negativity the centre of public life. Let us not give unnecessary importance to every angry statement. Let us not make insults popular by repeatedly circulating them. Let us demand accountability, but with dignity. Let us question decisions, but with reason. Let us disagree, but without hatred. Most importantly, let us remember that our young people are watching us. They are learning from our words, our behaviour and even from what we choose to share on our phones. We have a responsibility to leave them a better social environment than the one we inherited. Let us fill our conversations with hope, our politics with dignity and our social media with useful knowledge. Let us teach our children that humility is strength, kindness is courage, peace is wisdom and unity is a source of progress. The future generation is listening to us. Let us give them words worth remembering and examples worth following. Dr Nasir Shah, Former Additional Director JKSTIC, DST, has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation, and educational awareness across J&K.

Synergise tradition with innovation, human-centric technology: LG Sinha

The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday emphasised that technology must remain humanitys servant and the decisions affecting human dignity, livelihood, health and freedom must always be made by accountable humans, not machines. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating a series of new facilities at the University of Jammu. The inauguration included a modern sports complex, a shooting range, high-mast lights for the cricket stadium and the Tawi Guest House complex, developed at a cost of nearly Rs 10 Cr. These facilities, the Lieutenant Governor noted, would empower the Universitys athletes, scholars and visitors, strengthening its role as a hub of excellence in the Union Territory. Congratulating the Vice-Chancellor and stakeholders, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that while infrastructure was important, the true transformation of an institution was in the values, ideas and innovations nurtured within its walls. He reminded the audience that every generation experienced change, but the intensity of transformation in the present era, driven by artificial intelligence, was unparalleled. The Lieutenant Governor in his address raised a critical question - In the age of AI, what does it mean to be educated? He highlighted global concerns about AIs accelerating power, citing experts. He warned that AI, as a quadruple-use technology, could operate independently, producing both beneficial and harmful outcomes. The day technology becomes the master of humanity, our very existence will be at risk. Machines can calculate, but they cannot feel. Machines can predict, but they cannot bear responsibility for decisions. Machines can mimic the language of compassion, but they do not stand at a patients bedside at midnight, nor do they carry the moral weight of a judges verdict, he said. My clear view is that every decision that deeply affects a persons freedom, livelihood, health, education, or dignity must have a human behind it, who understands the decision, accepts responsibility for it, and can be held accountable, LG Sinha asserted. The Lieutenant Governor outlined five pressing challenges for higher education. He said focus should be on relevance and curricula must adapt rapidly to match the pace of change. He observed that rote learning should be avoided and classrooms must focus on application and purpose, not memorisation. He highlighted that students must provide original answers, prioritizing curiosity and reasoning and technology must not widen the gap between rural and urban learners. It is true that no technology can replace a teacher. But it is equally true that technology will certainly change the teachers role. The teacher of the future will not merely be an information-giver; they will be a mentor, a guru, a questioner, and an inspiring personality who ignites curiosity and builds character in students, the Lieutenant Governor said. For students and teachers, LG Sinha shared six guiding messages- embrace lifelong learning, cultivate uniquely human capacities like creativity and empathy, build bridges across disciplines, contribute to national development, balance academics with sports and remain rooted in traditions and values. He urged students to become embodiments of both science and Sanskar. The Lieutenant Governor encouraged youth to dream big, linking aspirations to service for society and the nation. He reminded them that they are the first generation growing up with AI as a companion, and bear the responsibility of shaping a future where humanity flourishes. Powerful tools in honest hands can achieve great work, but in the wrong hands, the same tools can cause serious harm. In the age of AI, the modern tools and machines have become more powerful than ever, and so the hands that wield it must possess greater steadiness, values, Sanskar, and wisdom, the Lieutenant Governor said. Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP, Jammu; Shridhar Patil, DIG, JSK Range; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Heads of Departments, faculty members and students attended the inaugural ceremony.

Man complained of lack of care for diabetes before death in ICE custody: Family

A 36-year-old Costa Rican man whose family says he complained of not receiving proper care for his diabetes is the third detainee in less than six months to die at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Louisiana

$29,595 robot scans Colorado River for invasive fish DNA before they spread

Judge strikes down a Trump policy barring some immigrants from Head Start preschools

A federal judge has struck down a Trump administration directive that would have barred some immigrants from accessing Head Start preschools, plus other federal programs

Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk sets sights on hair-loss market

The condition is part of a list of areas, including addiction and menopause, where Novo sees potential overlap with either its core scientific expertise or the skills it's recently built in selling prescription drugs directly to consumers.

Algae grew for 40 generations on the ISS; spaceflight produced 50% more DNA changes than Earth

Hugh Jackman backs Australian sanctuary campaign to help koalas

Budgam police solve gold theft case; stolen gold recovered, accused arrested

Budgam, Sep 22: Budgam Police have solved a gold theft case registered at Police Station Charar-i-Sharief with the arrest of the accused woman and recovery of the stolen gold bangle. Police Station Charar-i-Sharief received a written complaint regarding the theft of a gold bangle from the wrist of the complainants mother during their visit to the Charar-i-Sharief Shrine. Acting on the complaint, Police Station Charar-i-Sharief registered FIR No. 70/2026 under Section 303(2) BNS and initiated an investigation. During the course of investigation, CCTV footage and other available evidence were meticulously analysed, which led to the identification of the suspected accused involved in the commission of the crime. The accused woman, identified as Dolly Jan, Wife of Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Daughter of Mohammad Rafiq Sheikh R/o Shaltang A/P Lalpora Tangmarg, was subsequently apprehended by the investigating team. During questioning, the accused disclosed her involvement in the commission of the crime, following which the stolen gold bangle was recovered from her possession. Further investigation into the case is underway.

Meet 17-year-old Cavon Hajimiri, who built a wearable to detect approaching vehicles

7-Day Plan For Instant Bridal Glow: Try This Drink For Fresh Skin Boost

Beetroot is a source of folate and other nutrients, while fennel and tulsi are commonly used in Indian kitchens.

Amit Shah says govt will collectively succeed in uprooting drug trade from India by 2029

New Delhi, Sep 22: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today inaugurated the 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads of States/UTs in New Delhi. On this occasion, the Union Home Minister launched Television Commercials (TVCs) to spread awareness against narcotic substances and laid the foundation stone of new zonal complexes of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Lucknow and Dehradun. During the event, the best-performing ANTF of States and UTs were also honoured. In addition, the Union Home Minister launched the newly designed website of the NCB. In the two-day conference organised by the NCB, ANTF heads from 36 States and Union Territories, along with representatives of concerned government departments and other stakeholders, are participating. In his address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have for the past five years been taking one step after another in an effort to achieve the difficult goal of a drug free India. He said that the time has now come to deliver a decisive blow against narcotics, which have become the most serious threat to the country and the world, and to achieve victory through collective efforts. Shah said that by 31 December 2029, we will collectively succeed in uprooting the drug trade from India. Shah said that in the past five years we have achieved success against several challenges such as terrorism in Kashmir, insurgency in the Northeast and the problem of Naxalism. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with the cooperation of all the states, we have ended these major problems that have confronted the country for decades. He said that the fight against drugs is the most difficult of all battles, but we cannot abandon this fight. Shah said that to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047, to save future generations and to connect the youth with Indias development, the only option before us is to make India drug-free. We will have to fight this problem unitedly and with passion, and we must achieve victory. Union Home Minister said that the Vision Document 2026-2029 is like the Gita for all those involved in this fight. This Vision Document has been prepared with great effort after discussions with more than 35 departments. He said that we have prepared the complete roadmap after taking suggestions from all stakeholders, and it has been given to everyone with definite targets. Targets and timelines have also been fixed in it. The Home Minister said that it will also be reviewed after some time. Shah added that the MHA or the NCB cannot do all this alone. We all have to fight this battle with top priority and complete dedication, and we have to win it as well. Shah said that it should be our shared responsibility and resolve to end this menace of drugs that is hollowing out future generations. Our resolve should be that we will not allow even one gram of drugs to enter the country from anywhere in the world, nor will even one gram of drugs go from our country to the world. He said that we have prepared this roadmap with a resolve for the welfare of youth across the world. Shah said that we will have to work for a drug-free India with sensitivity, with an understanding of its importance, and as the topmost priority. He said Meet once the parents and siblings of even one young person afflicted by drugs. Until you meet them, intensity in this fight cannot arise in you. A weeping, wailing mother, a younger sister, and a boy who ranked in the top 10 in the Class 10 board examination is slowly moving towards death, while his helpless parents watch. There can be no greater sorrow than this for anyone, and for us too it is a national loss. A talented child who was going to contribute to Indias development in the days to come - his life is ending midway. There can be no greater loss than this for us and for the country. Union Home Minister said that we have to fight the battle against drugs with clarity. He said that the focal points of this fight have already been identified, and a roadmap has also been prepared at the state level to take intelligence, investigation, financial action and prosecution in one direction. Shah said that in the first ANTF conference we had created an institutional mechanism and strengthened it. In the second ANTF conference, we discussed capability, action and execution in order to convert that mechanism into action. Today, the third ANTF conference will convert this roadmap into a decisive battle. Shah said that whatever we have done so far is not enough. Until the Principal of every school, the Patwari of the village, the PSI of the police station, the Director General of Police and the Chief Secretary of the state, and even the Home Secretary of the Government of India, work in one direction, we will not achieve success. He said that todays conference is the most important because this time we will move forward towards complete victory by fixing Target, Timeline and Accountability. Union Home Minister said that we now have to move from Meeting to Mission, from Reporting to Result, from Seizure to the dismantling of Networks, and from Case to Conviction. He said that until all departments of the state governments and the Government of India engage in this work, we cannot move forward. Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of building a Viksit Bharat by August 15, 2047 before the 140 crore citizens of the country, when India will be at the forefront globally in every sector. He said that if we are to achieve this goal, we cannot do so with a youth power and future generation hollowed out by addiction. He stated that India is the youngest country in the world, which is why the threat is also the largest for us in the global context. This is our necessity because the health, skills, labour, and thinking capacity of the youth alone can lead the country to that goal, and drugs damage all four of these capacities. Union Home Minister said that for emerging challenges such as synthetic drugs, diversion of precursor chemicals, new communication technologies, dark-net, drug markets, crypto, dead-drop delivery systems, and international drug networks, a team of officers who think 'out-of-the-box' should be constituted in every state, and success should be shared and implemented across the entire nation. Shah stated that the Vision Document 20262029 rests on four pillars: Enforcement, intelligence & operations, Control of precursor & synthetic drugs, Demand & harm reduction, and Capacity building & coordination. Over 100 targets have been categorized across these four pillars. Under the target of registering 1 lakh Nashamukt Mitras outlined in the Vision Document, various ministries have registered 46,780 Nashamukt Mitras so far, and they are already operational. To take this campaign to the grassroots level, Nashamukt Mitras will visit 10 lakh schools, colleges, and institutions across the country in the coming days to caution the youth and sensitize campus directors. Shah said that today we are discussing converting the roadmap into results, and the most crucial element of the brainstorming taking place over these two days is compassion. Our goal should be to transform the ANTF into an Anti-Narco Mission Command, and State Chief Secretaries will need to adopt a different approach regarding manpower, technology, budget, and other resources. The Home Minister added that the Government of India is emphasizing technology and forensics in capacity building. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that instead of maintaining a seizure-centric approach, we must move forward with the objective of dismantling entire networks. Our priority, along with backward-forward investigation, must also include financial investigation and tracing digital links. Our strike must hit the funds earned by drug dealers. Shah said that cartels must be targeted at three levels: the entry point, the inter-state distribution system, and the local sales networks within districts. Further, districts will be categorized into three clusters: those where drugs are manufactured or enter the country, those serving as transportation corridors, and those where consumption takes place. Union Home Minister stated that we must increase the utilization of PITNDPS, as there is a strong need for it in the country. A complete roadmap from investigation to conviction must be formulated in coordination with public prosecutors. A dedicated campaign must be launched to deport foreign accused present in India and blacklist them so they can never re-enter the country. Moreover, the fugitives who are supplying drugs to the country from abroad should be caught and brought before the Indian courts. By targeting borders and production centres, all loopholes must be plugged. Every ANTF should integrate the entire process of converting information to actionable intelligence into the work culture of their respective state police force. The Home Minister expressed confidence that we will succeed in this fight against drugs and emerge victorious. Participation in this national conference will assist states, departments, and agencies under the 'Whole of Government Approach' to move forward with renewed resolve to effectively combat drug trafficking across the country over the next three years. The deliberations held during the conference will help strengthen the effective enforcement of drug control laws and make the strategies adopted to protect the country's youth from drugs more impactful. This national event will provide an effective platform to bolster a future-ready partnership between the NCB and ANTFs of States and Union Territories to tackle drug abuse and fulfil the pledge of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

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Pak must act against cross-border terrorism before world believes it would do what it says: MEA

New Delhi, Sep 22: Pakistan must take credible action against cross-border terrorism before the world believes Islamabad would do what it says, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday. During his bi-weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked how New Delhi viewed the comments by Pakistans Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who on Tuesday said the armed forces were determined to defeat terrorism amid the rising threat of militancy in the country. Pakistan needs to demonstrate action and firm commitment. And it must take credible action against cross-border terrorism before the world believes it would do what it says, he said.

Drugs control body advises against indiscriminate use of painkillers, antibiotics

New Delhi, Sep 22: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has advised the public, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, retailers and hospitals against the indiscriminate use of painkillers and antibiotics, highlighting the associated risk of chronic kidney disease and other renal complications. In a circular dated September 21, the drug regulator called for rational, safe and responsible use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, besides strict adherence to prescription requirements and stronger antimicrobial stewardship. The circular issued by Drugs Controller General (India) Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi said that import, manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the rules framed under it. As per the said rules, all drugs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics are required to be sold and distributed in the country on prescription of an RMP/specialist only, it said. The CDSCO said various drugs, including NSAIDs and antibiotics, have been placed under Schedules G, H, H1 and X of the Drugs Rules, 1945, considering their potential risks, and require appropriate medical supervision. Most of NSAIDs are included in the Schedule H of Drugs Rules, 1945. Thus, they are not to be sold by retail without the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner as is required in Rule 97 of Drugs Rules, 1945, the circular said. It added that most antibiotics are included in Schedule H1 and carry warnings that they are dangerous to take except in accordance with medical advice and should not be sold by retail without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. In view of the above, it is mandatory to ensure that these drugs shall only be used when clinically indicated, in the appropriate dose and for the appropriate duration, and under the supervision of a Registered Medical Practitioner, it said. For the general public, the CDSCO advised that NSAIDs or painkillers and antibiotics should not be taken indiscriminately, repeatedly or for prolonged periods without medical advice. It also said antibiotics should not be used for self-medication or for conditions where antibiotic treatment is not clinically indicated, such as most uncomplicated viral infections. The regulator advised people to take prescribed antibiotics strictly as advised and not share them with others or use leftover medicines. Individuals, particularly those with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors for renal impairment, have been advised to inform their healthcare professionals before using NSAIDs. The public is advised to seek medical advice where pain, fever or other symptoms persist or recur rather than repeatedly using painkillers or antibiotics on their own, the circular said. For healthcare professionals, the CDSCO said NSAIDs and antibiotics should be prescribed only when clinically indicated, after considering the patient's clinical condition, age, comorbidities, concomitant medicines and relevant risk factors. It advised that he lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration should be considered when prescribing NSAIDs, particularly for patients at increased risk of renal impairment. The circular also called for appropriate precautions in patients with renal impairment, dehydration, cardiovascular disease or other conditions that may increase the risks associated with NSAID use. On antibiotic use, it said these drugs should be prescribed judiciously and in accordance with applicable antimicrobial stewardship principles, taking into consideration the likely causative organism, site and severity of infection and, wherever appropriate, relevant microbiological investigations and local susceptibility patterns. Unnecessary combination therapy, inappropriate antibiotic selection, incorrect dosing and unnecessarily prolonged duration of antibiotic treatment should be avoided, it said. The CDSCO also directed pharmacists, retailers and distributors to strictly comply with statutory requirements relating to the sale and distribution of Schedule H, H1 and other prescription drugs. Schedule H/H1 drugs shall not be sold at retail except in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Drugs Rules, 1945, it said, adding that pharmacists and retailers should not encourage or facilitate self-medication with antibiotics or prescription-only NSAIDs. Hospitals and healthcare institutions have been advised to strengthen systems for rational prescribing and monitoring of NSAIDs and antibiotics and promote antimicrobial stewardship, prescription review and appropriate patient counselling. The Drugs Control Authorities in the states and Union Territories have also been asked to create awareness among healthcare professionals, pharmacists, retailers and the general public regarding the risks associated with indiscriminate use of NSAIDs and antibiotics, and ensure compliance with applicable provisions. In view of the above, all concerned are advised to take necessary steps to promote rational, safe and responsible use of NSAIDs and antibiotics, and to prevent avoidable adverse drug reactions, renal complications and antimicrobial resistance, the circular said.

CDSCO flags indiscriminate use of painkillers, antibiotics over CKD risk

Drug regulator asks healthcare professionals and pharmacists to discourage indiscriminate use of NSAIDs and antibiotics, citing risks of kidney damage and CKD

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Article 370, 35(A) abrogation was fulfillment of Sardar Patels unfinished dream: J&K LG

Srinagar, Sep 22: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched the book Sardar Patel and Kashmir: The Untold History. He paid homage to the foresight and nation-building genius of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and expressed gratitude to Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan Ji. The Lieutenant Governor commended the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan for its unparalleled contributions to spiritual upliftment, education, and humanitarian service. He also congratulated Dr. Rizwan Kadri for editing and publishing this important work. In his speech, the Lieutenant Governor described Sardar Patel as the architect of modern India, whose indomitable will and practical wisdom ensured the integration of 562 princely states into a united country. He emphasized that Sardar Patels vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat continues to define the essence of Indias democracy and unity in diversity. The Lieutenant Governor recalled Sardar Patels firm stance on Jammu Kashmir, noting his declaration that we will not give even an inch of Jammu Kashmirs territory to anyone. He reflected on Sardar Patels deep understanding of the nations pulse and his ability to connect with the common people, workers and communities across India. Through his indomitable willpower, clear vision, selfless diligence, and skilful organisational strength, he ensured that the dream of an undivided India became a reality. I also believe that had Sardar Patel been given the responsibility for Jammu Kashmir, perhaps the problems that the people here endured for more than six decades would not have arisen, he said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the books significance as a serious attempt to re-evaluate history with honesty and impartiality. He cautioned that for too long, historical narratives were shaped by ideological biases that overlooked the decisive contributions of leaders like Sardar Patel. He urged the new generation of writers to treat history as a mirror of truth, not as a tool for glorification, and to learn from past decisions to guide the future. He also described the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019 as the fulfilment of Sardar Patels unfinished dream. The Lieutenant Governor noted that this constitutional change was not merely legal but a profound step towards psychological and emotional integration, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all communities in Jammu Kashmir. In August 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation witnessed a historic constitutional change. New possibilities of education, employment, entrepreneurship and development opened up for the youth. The Prime Ministers decision proved that when national interest becomes the supreme priority, no obstacle remains permanent. This is the same firm willpower whose glimpse we saw in Sardar Patels nation-building efforts in 1947. I believe that by consigning the era of Article 370 to history, Jammu Kashmir now stands at the threshold of a new future, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also outlined 4 priorities for Jammu Kashmirs future- peace through zero tolerance towards terrorism, rapid development through infrastructure and connectivity, empowerment of youth by linking them to Indias digital economy and startup culture, and revival of cultural heritage to strengthen tourism and human values. He envisioned Srinagar, Jammu, and other cities of the Union Territory as vibrant centres of education, trade, and innovation. He described the book as a lighthouse that illuminates Sardar Patels dream of a united, confident India. He called upon citizens to dedicate themselves to the ideals of unity, integrity, and patriotism, and to build an India that leads the world not only economically but also through moral leadership, cultural richness, and democratic values. Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj; Kishor Makwana, Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Castes; Dr. Rizwan Kadri; Swami Bhagwat Priya Das Ji; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; senior officials, prominent literary personalities and office bearers of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan attended the book launch ceremony.

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