INS Trishul arrives in UK for India-UK Maritime Exercise KONKAN-26
New Delhi, Oct 11: Indian Navys guided missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom. The ship is scheduled to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26 with the Royal Navy. India-UK annual bilateral maritime exercise KONKAN-26 is a testament to the enduring maritime partnership between India and the UK. Over the past two decades, the exercise has grown significantly in scale and complexity, fostering enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two Navies. Since its inception, KONKAN has evolved into a cornerstone of cooperation, showcasing the commitment of both Navies towards enhancing maritime security. The exercise is being conducted off Plymouth, UK, in two phases from 08-15 Oct 26. The Harbour Phase includes a broad spectrum of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, cultural engagements and the ship being open to visitors. The Sea Phase will encompass complex maritime operational drills across all three domains air, surface and sub-surface. Flying operations involving cross-deck landings, firing serials, air defence exercises, complex seamanship evolutions and anti-submarine exercises will add further complexity to this edition of Exercise KONKAN. The exercise is a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to ensuring secure, open and free seas and exemplifies the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035. By fostering the exchange of Best Practices and mutual understanding, KONKAN-26 will reinforce the ability of both Navies to operate seamlessly in complex maritime scenarios. The exercise stands as a testament to the enduring bonds between the Indian and UK Navies and their shared commitment to maritime peace and security.
Indias youth can provide solutions to emerging global challenges: PM Modi
New Delhi, Oct 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the world is looking for solutions to emerging challenges and expressed confidence that Indias youth have the talent and potential to provide them. Hei was speaking at Golden Jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai this evening. PM Modi stressed that the youth will play a crucial role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat, or a developed India. He said, India offers immense opportunities for young people, and urged them to realise their potential and contribute to the nations development. He asserted that the innovative ideas and solutions developed by young people would shape not only Indias future but also the future of the world. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the countrys aspirations could be achieved through collective efforts. Highlighting Indias manufacturing growth, Modi said, the expansion of the sector has generated direct and indirect employment opportunities for young people. He noted that Indias defence exports had increased 50-fold, while engineering exports had also reached a new record. The Prime Minister said India has become the worlds second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. He added that electronics exports have increased 11-fold since 2014. Modi also highlighted the expansion of Metro rail services, saying the number of cities with Metro connectivity had increased from five in 2014 to 25 at present. Referring to Tamil Nadus development, the Prime Minister said governments may change, but his commitment to the states progress and the welfare of its people remained steadfast. He said he will work with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to take the states development journey forward. On the occasion, Modi also congratulated Vishwa Hindu Vidya Kendra on completing 50 years. Recalling its beginnings in 1975 as a small school in Chennais West Mambalam area, he said the institution had started with just seven students, limited facilities and no permanent building. He credited its growth to determination and a strong spirit of service.
Trump says Russia and Ukraine reach energy ceasefire' but gives no details
Washington, Oct 11: US President Donald Trump on Sunday said Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an energy ceasefire without offering specifics on terms. Neither side immediately commented on such an agreement. The announcement comes a day after Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for attacking diesel facilities in Russia and contributing to a global shortage. Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly attacked each other's energy infrastructure during the war. Trump's brief post said only that the ceasefire takes effect immediately and that both sides had agreed to it. Do not break it! he said in his social media post. The White House did not immediately clarify the president's post or add detail. (AP)
Saudi Arabia extends airport closure, moves Riyadh schools online after deadly strike
Cairo, Oct 11: Saudi Arabia on Sunday kept its main international airport closed and moved Riyadh schools online as Yemen's Houthi rebels threatened new strikes across the kingdom, a day after a missile attack killed 12 people and wounded more than 300. Saturday's strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh marked a major escalation in the war between Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis and the kingdom and further complicated sputtering efforts to halt the US-Iran war. US President Donald Trump said he was considering whether to join Saudi strikes against the rebels, a scenario that could prompt the Houthis to halt shipping through a crucial waterway and further restrict the flow of oil out of the Persian Gulf. Later Sunday, the Houthi-run health ministry reported that a child was killed and six people wounded in a suspected Saudi airstrike on a house in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. There was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities. The ministry says 91 Yemenis have been killed and 168 injured by the Saudi-led coalition in five weeks. It said that 60 per cent of those killed were women and children. Riyadh shutters airport, schools as Houthis threaten more strikes The kingdom said Sunday that schools in the capital would hold classes online until the end of the week. Meanwhile, authorities extended an ongoing airport closure until at least 9 pm Sunday, according to Flightradar24. While the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for Saturday's attack, they have acknowledged targeting Saudi airports and oil installations in the past. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the group's military spokesperson, warned: all airlines, experts, employees, workers and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, as they are vulnerable to attack and have become a theatre of operations for our forces. He wrote on X that airports in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina were exempt. The latest attack on the Saudi airport drew condemnations from Arab countries, including Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Attacks by Iran's proxies are pushing the region into a spiral of violence, von der Leyen wrote Sunday on X. They are destabilising crucial global transport and energy nodes. Details surface about airport fatalities The attack struck an airport complex housing terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights, a regional official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to speak to the media. A Saudi statement said the dead included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a US citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese. It said several hospitals were treating the injured. The Egyptian woman was a flight attendant identified as Azza Ramzy, 28, who worked for the Saudi airline Flynas, according to the Egyptian state-run TV. The Syrian woman was a widowed mother of four who had been living in Saudi Arabia for five years, a relative told The Associated Press. The Syrian Embassy in Riyadh identified her as Buthaina Ahmad Oweida. Her niece, Nisreen Oweida, said her aunt was 56 years old, from Syria's northern Idlib province, and had left during the country's civil war. She was living in Mecca and had been returning from a visit to her sister in Riyadh when she was killed in the attack on the airport, her niece said. Trump said he would consider joining strikes against rebels The attack is expected to increase Saudi pressure on allies, including the United States, to provide military support for the kingdom. Shortly after the attack, Trump said he was evaluating whether the US should join Saudi strikes against the rebels. We're going to look at it, he said. We just found out about the recent attack. So we'll make a decision. We move very quickly. Trump said later Saturday he planned to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Asked if the US might get involved, Trump responded, We'll find out. A US attack would deepen American involvement in an unpopular regional war that has threatened Trump's Republican party in upcoming American midterm elections. Both Trump and Iran insist the American election calendar has no effect on their decisions on how to end the seven-month-old conflict. The Houthis claimed attacks earlier in the week on King Khalid International Airport that killed three Saudis, including a pilot. The airport has no military facilities. The surge in attacks, including against other Saudi airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure, has come in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the Houthis. Iran can use Houthis to pressure a key US ally The latest fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis comes as negotiations between Iran and the US aimed at ending their war appear to be at a standstill. Until recently, the Houthis had been largely on the sidelines of the Iran war. Now, the rebels are helping Iran to pressure a key US ally. Houthi attacks, along with their control of the Bab el-Mandeb waterway, also threaten to add new disruptions to the flow of oil from the region. The Saudis and the Houthis began fighting in 2015, when the kingdom entered Yemen's civil war on behalf of the internationally recognised government. Relative calm after a 2022 ceasefire ended in July, when the Houthis resumed attacks, saying the Saudis fired on the Sanaa airport as a plane from Iran was trying to land. That revived anger over the Saudi-led blockade that has largely isolated Houthi-run areas. Now, fighting has escalated, with the Saudi-led coalition providing air support for Yemeni government forces attempting to reverse recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea. Those gains gave the rebels better surveillance of shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb, a corridor that is a crucial alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been attacking ships. Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has asked France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt to deploy air defence support to the region, regional officials told The Associated Press last month, with one noting that the US has seen its own stock dwindle during the war with Iran. But Ahmed Nagi, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Yemen, said the Houthi pressure tactics could backfire. Rather than pushing Riyadh to step back, attacks on critical Saudi infrastructure could make the Saudis more determined to continue the campaign, he said.
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Two killed, four injured in Handwara road accident
Handwara, Oct 11: Two persons died on the spot after a car collided with a bike in the Nelipora Magam area of Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Sunday evening. A police official said that an Alto vehicle bearing registration No. JK05A-9562 collided head-on with a motorcycle bearing registration No. JK09E-8313 at Nelipora Magam, resulting in the on-spot death of two persons, reportedly the bike riders and four others injured. The deceased have been identified as Tahir Ahmad and Mohammad Aamir, both residents of Salkoot, Kupwara. The injured have been shifted to GMC Handwara for treatment. More details are awaited.
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'This is not development: Mehbooba flags food security risks in ease of doing business reforms
Srinagar, Oct 11: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has raised concerns over the opening up of orchards and agricultural land in Jammu and Kashmir for commercial high-rise construction, warning of potential risks to food security, the environment and public safety. In a post on X, Mehbooba shared a post by PDP MLA Waheed Para on the governments Ease of Doing Business laws and questioned the implications of allowing commercial development on agricultural land. In the name of development, J&Ks orchards and agricultural land are being opened up for commercial high rises, even as experts warn of catastrophic seismic and liquefaction risks, she wrote. This is not development. It is a dangerous betrayal of our land, our food security and our peoples lives, she added. Mehbooba also questioned who would be held accountable if the changes in land-use and construction regulations resulted in a disaster. Who will take responsibility when this reckless experiment turns into a disaster? she asked. Her remarks came after Para criticised the new Ease of Doing Business framework, arguing that provisions easing construction approvals and permitting commercial activities in residential areas could weaken regulatory oversight and urban planning. Para had also warned that construction affecting drainage channels, wetlands and floodplains could increase Kashmirs vulnerability to flooding, recalling the devastating floods of 2014. The concerns raised by the PDP leaders come amid a wider debate over the implications of the governments regulatory changes for land use, building permissions and environmental safeguards in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has projected ease-of-doing-business reforms as a means of simplifying procedures and facilitating investment. The opposition, however, has questioned whether the changes provide adequate safeguards for agricultural land, fragile ecosystems and densely populated urban areas.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah condemns alleged Delhi Police assault on MP John Brittas
Srinagar, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday condemned the alleged use of force by Delhi Police against Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, calling it unacceptable and indefensible. Unacceptable use of force by Delhi Police. Beating up an unarmed protestor, setting aside the fact that in this case the victim is actually an elected member of Parliament, is unacceptable under any circumstances and is indefensible, Omar said in a post on X. I join all my JKNC colleagues in condemning this reprehensible brutality, he added. Omars remarks came after the Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged that Brittas was brutally attacked by Delhi Police and later left by the roadside in an injured and distressed condition. Delhi Police has crossed all limits, the CPI(M) said in a post on X.
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Kashmir: Leaders express concern over attack on Saudi Arabia airport that left 12 dead
Srinagar, Oct 11: Political leaders in Kashmir on Sunday expressed concern over the missile attack on Riyadh International Airport in Saudi Arabia that left at least 12 dead and around 300 injured, asking for dialogue for a fair resolution of the crisis. In a post on X, Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said, The missile attack on Riyadh International Airport, which left at least 12 people dead and 300 injured, is deeply alarming. The fact that this is the third attack on the airport this week makes the situation even more concerning. Bukhari, a former minister, said targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a clear violation of international law and must be unequivocally condemned. Saudi Arabia has blamed the Houthis for the attack. Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed deep concern over the attack, saying it risks widening an already grave regional crisis. The deeply distressing attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in tragic loss of life and injuries to hundreds, is a dangerous escalation that only adds to the suffering of civilians in the region and risks widening an already grave regional crisis, Mirwaiz said in a post on X. Calling for restraint, he urged the rivals to enter into dialogue for a fair resolution of the crisis. All sides must exercise restraint and engage in dialogue and diplomacy for a fair resolution of the crisis, and prevent further escalation and loss of precious human lives, he added.
Saudi Arabia extends closure of airport after 12 killed in suspected Houthi missile attack
Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of its main international airport due to Houthi missile threats. A recent missile strike on Riyadh airport resulted in 12 deaths and over 300 injuries, marking a significant escalation. International leaders have condemned the attack, expressing concern over regional stability. The Houthis warned that their attacks would continue against Saudi airports and other targets. Meanwhile, U.S.
Andhra Farmer Experiments With 100 Gac Plants In 2023, Now Earns Rs 30 Lakh
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Heavy rains disrupt normal life in Jammu; waterlogging, landslides hit several areas
Jammu, Oct 11: Heavy rainfall disrupted normal life in several parts of Jammu on Sunday, inundating roads and residential areas, damaging vehicles and triggering landslides at multiple locations, officials said. A 27-year-old woman was reported missing from the Raipur Domana area after allegedly being swept away by flash floods while crossing a road with her husband, a resident said. The woman and her husband were crossing the road when they were swept away by flash floods. The man was saved but the woman remained untraced, he said. Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams rushed to the area and launched efforts to locate the missing woman, officials said. Heavy rainfall lashed Jammu from around 8.30 am and continued for over three hours, leaving several major roads waterlogged and disrupting traffic movement. Rainwater also entered houses and shops in several localities across the city. Panjtirthi, Nagrota, Roop Nagar, Dogra Chowk, Durga Nagar, Shakti Nagar and Raipur Domana were among the areas severely affected by the downpour, the officials said. Residents reported damage to cars and two-wheelers due to the heavy rainfall and ensuing waterlogging. Videos shared on social media showed rainwater gushing through narrow lanes, flooding roads and entering residential premises and commercial establishments. Landslides were reported on the Panjtirthi-Sidrah and Sidrah-Nagrota road stretches, disrupting vehicular movement and triggering traffic congestion, officials said. Authorities deployed personnel and machinery to clear the debris, with efforts underway to restore traffic movement along the affected stretches, they said. Commuters were advised to exercise caution while travelling through vulnerable stretches amid concerns over unstable slopes and slippery road conditions, the officials added. The heavy rainfall once again highlighted the vulnerability of several neighbourhoods to waterlogging. Residents of Durga Nagar, Shakti Nagar and Raipur Domana reported rainwater entering their houses and shops, raising concerns over damage to belongings, disruption to daily activities and the safety of people living in low-lying areas. The rainwater started flowing through the lanes with considerable force, and it became difficult to move around. Water entered residential areas, leaving people worried about their homes and belongings, Vijay Kumar, a resident of Shakti Nagar, said. Another resident, Sohan Singh of Domana, said waterlogging had made movement difficult and the situation deteriorated rapidly. Within a short time, the roads were filled with water. People were trying to protect their belongings while also ensuring that their families remained safe, he said.
Woman jumps from window to escape Noorbagh blaze, dies
Srinagar: A woman died after jumping from a window of a three-storey residential house while trying to escape a fire in the Jehangir Mohalla area of Noorbagh in Srinagar on Sunday, officials said. An official said that the woman was on the third floor of her residential house when the fire broke out. He said []
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Pak president declares emergency in KPK, provincial govt ceases to exist
Islamabad, Oct 11: Pakistan on Sunday declared an emergency in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over the deteriorating law and order situation, bringing the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party to an end. An emergency allows Pakistan's federal government to assume key executive and legislative powers in a province during a security crisis or breakdown of constitutional governance. President Asif Ali Zardari issued a proclamation under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, citing rising terrorist attacks and a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the northwestern province, according to the presidential declaration. Under the proclamation, the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general will immediately vacate their offices. The move comes amid an ongoing protest march led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is pressing for Imran Khan's release and access to medical treatment for him. The march began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 and has passed through several districts of the province. Afridi on Saturday vowed to continue peaceful protests and rejected military operations as a solution to the province's problems. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party had initially planned to take the march to Islamabad for a sit-in, but the federal government said it would not allow protesters to enter the capital. The presidential declaration on Sunday said the emergency was imposed in view of rising terrorist incidents and the grave law and order situation in the province. The extraordinary intensity of terrorist incidents poses serious threats to the lives and property of the public, the declaration stated. It cited an increase in attacks on government installations, infrastructure and law enforcement agencies, accusing the provincial government of failing to demonstrate the resolve and take the measures needed to curb terrorism and lawlessness. The declaration said a report by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor had highlighted a breakdown of constitutional machinery and the provincial government's inability to function in accordance with the Constitution. Under the proclamation, the federal government may direct the provincial governor to assume all or some functions of the provincial government. The governor may also exercise powers of other provincial institutions and officials, including those of the Provincial Assembly, as directed by the federal government. The powers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will be exercised by Parliament or under its authority, according to the declaration, which took effect immediately. The federal cabinet endorsed the emergency proposal earlier on Sunday after a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the worsening security situation. The cabinet said the provincial government had deliberately disengaged from the fight against terrorism and recommended that the prime minister advise the president to impose an emergency. The Cabinet recommended that the Prime Minister advise the President to exercise his constitutional authority and impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan, given the gravity of the situation, an official statement said. Sources said the cabinet decided to pursue the move after exploring other options, including a last-ditch effort to engage the provincial government through mediation by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). The efforts failed to yield a breakthrough, they said. Earlier, Sharif told the cabinet that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was not doing enough to tackle terrorism and called for decisive action. The KP government is not saying a word against militancy It is time to take a decision as we have reached a moment of now or never, he said. Sharif said the law and order situation was deteriorating and accused the provincial government led by Khans party of failing to address the threat. He added that the federal government had provided at least PKR 800 billion to the province over the past 10 years to fight terrorism and improve security, but the situation had not improved. The partys key demands include an immediate meeting with Khan, access for his personal doctors, the release of his sisters and supporters arrested ahead of the protest, a proper medical check-up for his wife, Bushra Bibi, and hearings in their cases without interference. Khan, the 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician, has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 2023 and faces more than 100 cases, including corruption and charges related to inciting violence. The long march followed the failure of two rounds of talks between Khans party and the federal government. The discussions broke down over the party's demand for access to Khan before calling off the protest, while the government insisted that the demonstration be ended first. The federal government had warned that protesters would not be allowed to enter Islamabad, where security was tightened and roads along the planned route blocked with shipping containers.
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Executive magistrate releases CJP leaders on condition they 'maintain peace' for 1 year
New Delhi, Oct 11: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were under preventive arrest following their detention at the Delhi airport ahead of the Jantar Mantar protest, but were later released after being produced before the executive magistrate on Sunday. They were released on condition that they would not reach peace for a year, CJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh said. Earlier on Sunday morning, police said that the CJP leaders were put under preventive arrest after being detained by Delhi Police after their flight landed in the national capital and that they will be produced before the executive magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station. Section 126 (security for keeping peace) and 170 (arrest to prevent commission of cognisable offences) of the BNSS were invoked against the CJP leaders, according to sources. Executive Magistrate court releases Abhijeet, Saurav and Ashutosh, Singh said in a post on X after the three leaders were produced before the executive magistrate. The CJP leaders' detention on Saturday came amid an unprecedented security clampdown in Delhi, where more than 7,000 protesters were detained at multiple locations, foiling protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar. Several opposition leaders, including former chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan and Manik Sarkar, were also detained while attempting to join the protest. The CJP has renewed its call for a protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday as police continued its heavy security arrangements with over 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel to be deployed in the city. The CJP and opposition parties have been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls.
No demolition planned for proposed BC Road-Roop Nagar flyover
Jammu, Oct 11: The Public Works Departments concept plan has ruled out the demolition of any existing structures for the construction of the proposed BC RoadRoop Nagar flyover in congested Jammu city, media reports said on Sunday. The clarification came amid growing apprehensions over the possible demolition of existing structures for the proposed flyover, providing relief to residents and business establishments. Sources said that the flyover will be supported by single pillars of small diameter, which will come up along the middle of the existing road. This arrangement is aimed at enabling construction of the elevated corridor without disturbing the structures located along both sides of the road, they added. The proposed flyover will originate on BC Road a few metres before Rehari Chungi Chowk and proceed toward Roop Nagar, where it will land at the T-junction. The elevated facility will provide two-way movement, with each tube having a width of around 5.5 metres, allowing traffic to move over the existing congested road network. The second tube of the flyover will rest a few metres ahead of Ambphalla Chowk towards Manda, forming part of the overall elevated traffic arrangement planned for the area. The project is being viewed as an important intervention for the chronically congested Ambphalla-Janipur corridor, which carries heavy traffic throughout the day and witnesses frequent bottlenecks at major junctions. The movement of vehicles through Ambphalla, Janipur, BC Road, Rehari and adjoining areas has increased substantially over the years, while the available road space has remained largely unchanged.
Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Defending champions J&K opt to bowl against Madhya Pradesh in Ranji opener
Srinagar, Oct 11: Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir began their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign against Madhya Pradesh in Srinagar at SK Stadium on Sunday, with skipper Paras Dogra winning the toss and opting to field first. J&K will look to begin their title defence on a positive note, with the return of pace spearhead Auqib Nabi boosting the team's bowling attack. Captain Paras Dogra said the pacer's presence has lifted the team's morale ahead of the season opener. Squads J & K - Playing XI - (Abdul Samad, Auqib Nabi, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (Wk), Lone Nasir Muzaffar, P K Dogra (C), Qamran Iqbal, Rohit Sharma, Shubham Khajuria, Shubham Singh Pundir, Sunil Kumar, Vanshaj Sharma) Madhya Pradesh - Playing XI - (Akshay Sharma, Aryan Pandey, Atharva Mahajan, Avesh Khan, Chanchal Rathore, Harsh Gawali, Himanshu Mantri (Wk), M RAVI KIRAN, Saransh Jain, Shubham Sharma (C), Yash Dubey)
Press bodies condemn detention of journalists covering Delhi protests; demand apology, inquiry
New Delhi, Oct 11: Four journalists' organisations, including the Press Club of India (PCI) and the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), condemned the detention and harassment of several journalists covering protests in the national capital demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the organisations highlighted that police detained several journalists despite their displaying press identity cards, and seized the phones and equipment of some reporters. The statement was issued by the PCI, IWPC, Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (Delhi unit). The organisations said Delhi Police detained hundreds of protesters demanding Kumar's resignation on Saturday. Journalists covering the police action were also bundled into buses and taken to detention centres, including the Chhatrasal Stadium and the Chanakyapuri police station. Reporters from The Quint, The Wire, Scroll, Reporter TV, Navbharat Times, Newslaundry, and senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta were among those detained. The reporters said they were detained while filming detentions, despite prominently displaying their press cards, the statement said. It pointed out that police dismissed the journalists' claims of being members of the press, with some officers reportedly saying, Everybody claims to be a journalist these days. The organisations also said they received complaints that official reporting phones belonging to the detained journalists were snatched and seized. Describing the detentions as a blatant attack on the freedom of press, the organisations questioned Delhi Police's earlier position that only journalists accredited by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) would be allowed to cover the protests. Press freedom in India cannot be conditional on PIB accreditation. A large section of digital and independent media does not have PIB cards, yet they are recognised press under the law, the statement said. The organisations said they had raised these concerns in a joint memorandum submitted to the Delhi Police commissioner earlier this week but alleged that the police disregarded their suggestions. They demanded immediate and unconditional release of all the detained journalists, return of the seized phones and equipment, and a public apology from Delhi Police. The organisations also sought an inquiry into the conduct of senior police officers who allegedly ordered the detention of journalists despite being shown press identity cards. They also demanded a clear assurance that journalists wont be prevented from covering protests. The statement also criticised the extensive security arrangements in the capital, alleging that 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed, metro stations closed and internet services shut down to prevent protests. Preventing journalists from doing their job, detaining them without reason, and creating a fortress-like situation in the capital with 22,000 police and paramilitary, closed metro stations and unprecedented internet shutdowns, to stop peaceful questioning of institutions is reminiscent of a fascist state, the organisations said. Expressing solidarity with the detained journalists, the four bodies asserted that reporters must be allowed to discharge their professional duties without intimidation or interference.
Saudi authorities say attack on Riyadh airport killed 12 people and wounded over 300
Cairo, Oct 11: Saudi authorities say an attack on Riyadh airport killed 12 people and wounded over 300 more. According to a statement by Saudi authorities, the dead included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one each from Palestine, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Sudan. It said some of those injured were in critical condition. The international airport in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, was attacked again Saturday as the kingdom faces an extraordinary series of assaults in the new front in the Iran war. President Donald Trump said he was evaluating whether the US should join Saudi strikes against the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen. The Houthis claimed attacks earlier in the week on King Khalid International Airport that killed three Saudis, including a pilot. On Saturday, a missile struck a complex housing terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights and many people were wounded, a regional official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to the media. We may. We're going to look at it, Trump said of intervening. We just found out about the recent attack. So we'll make a decision. We move very quickly. The surge in attacks, including against other Saudi airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure, has come in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the Houthis. There was no immediate statement from the rebels, who earlier Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa International Airport in the Houthi-held Yemeni capital. Riyadh airport operations have been suspended Saudi civil aviation authorities said airport operations were suspended and the extent of injuries and damage was being assessed. An official notice to aviators said the suspension was through midnight. The airport had a heavy police presence, with all entrances blocked, and lights around the complex were dimmed. Flights diverted elsewhere, the Flightradar24 tracker said. Countries including the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia and Canada warned citizens to avoid the airport. The attacks on Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, have rattled markets and the region. And yet the Saudi energy ministry hours after the latest one was still promoting a major international energy conference set to begin in Riyadh on Sunday. Fighting in Yemen between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces has escalated, with the Saudi-led coalition providing air support for government forces attempting to reverse recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea. Those gains gave the rebels better surveillance of shipping on a corridor that is a crucial alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been attacking ships. Though the Houthis have told the AP and others they are only targeting Saudi shipping as part of a blockade in retaliation for one imposed on them, concerns about wider attacks persist. The Houthis previously attacked other ships after the war in Gaza began, calling it solidarity with Palestinians. A U.S. bombing campaign sharply limited that. Saudi Arabia has run low on interceptors, officials say Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has asked France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt to deploy air defense support to the region, regional officials told the AP last month, with one noting that the US has seen its own stock dwindle during the war with Iran. Officials have said US assistance has included intelligence sharing, target identification and planning for the latest offensive against the Houthis. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia said its foreign minister and Omani counterpart spoke by phone about the importance of supporting diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region. Oman, which lies across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran, has played a mediator role at times in the region. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities warned the public this week that filming, publishing or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability. Flight disruptions are growing The Houthis this week warned global airlines for the last time about the potential consequences of operating in Saudi airspace, which they described as a theater for their military operations. At least 291 flights at the Riyadh airport had been canceled over the past 24 hours, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. Before the latest attack, Air India, FlyDubai, Lufthansa Group and Pakistan International Airlines were among airlines suspending flights to and from Riyadh and other Saudi airports for varying periods. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency had expanded its guidance on Saudi airspace, noting the Houthis' ability to strike targets deeper inside the kingdom, including Riyadh, and a greater focus on aviation infrastructure. The missile and drone attacks and interception efforts create an increased risk of misidentification of civil aircraft, it said.
Waseem Qadri assumes charge as SSP Security Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 10:Senior JKPS officer Waseem Qadri today assumed charge as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Security Kashmir, taking over from Sajad Khaliq Bhat. The posting was ordered by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department as part of a major reshuffle of 100 IPS and JKPS officers vide Government Order No. 499-Home of 2026, dated October 9, with immediate effect. A 2001-batch JKPS officer, Qadri brings extensive experience across district policing, intelligence, railways and armed police formations. He was previously serving as SSP Railways Kashmir, a post he took over in November 2024. MohdYousuf has now been posted as SSP Railways Kashmir in his place. Prior to his railways assignment, Qadri served as SSP Ganderbal. He assumed charge there on August 18, 2024, succeeding IPS officer Sandeep Gupta. During his tenure in Ganderbal, he held introductory meetings with officers, emphasised teamwork and public accessibility, inspected District Police Lines, interacted with personnel on welfare and operational issues, and participated in civic action programmes, including flagging off students for Bharat Darshan tours. Earlier in his career, Qadri served as SP CID (CI) Kashmir before being posted as Commandant of the JKAP 11th Battalion around mid-2020. He has also held the charge of Additional SP Bandipora in earlier postings. On assuming the new role, SSP Qadri is expected to oversee security arrangements in the Kashmir Valley, including the protection of vital installations, VIP security and coordination with other security agencies. The outgoing SSP, Sajad Khaliq Bhat, has been transferred and posted as SSP Handwara.
AIHCEF felicitates new Chief Justice
Srinagar, Oct 10:A delegation of the All India High Court Employees Federation (AIHCEF), led by its Secretary General, Asif Iqbal Mahajan, on Friday felicitated Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati on assuming office as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The delegation, which included Deputy Registrar Shah Ji Bhat and Assistant Registrars Altaf Hussain Khan and Bashir Ahmad Beigh, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Justice and conveyed its best wishes for his tenure. The Federation expressed confidence that under Justice Bhatis leadership, the High Court would continue to uphold the principles of justice, integrity and institutional excellence. It also emphasised the important role played by High Court employees in the effective functioning of the institution and expressed hope that their dedication and contributions would continue to receive due recognition. The Federation wished the Chief Justice a successful tenure, expressing hope that his leadership would further strengthen the institutions traditions and foster an atmosphere of dignity, mutual respect and collective commitment.
Degrees alone not enough, skill-based education key: Sakina Itoo
Srinagar, Oct 10: Minister for Education Sakina Itoo on Saturday stressed the need to shift the focus of higher education from degree-oriented learning to skill development, saying academic qualifications alone would not help young people secure livelihoods unless they were equipped with practical skills. Talking to reporters in south Kashmir on the sidelines of the re-inauguration of a project, Sakina Itoo said thousands of educated youth were struggling to find opportunities after completing their degrees. She said some educated youth were suffering from depression, while the government was working to introduce skill-based courses to help them become self-reliant. It is not just about getting degrees. We have lakhs of young people who get degrees and then sit at home and suffer from depression, she said, adding that the government was trying to help such youth acquire skills and stand on their own feet. The minister said the higher education sector had witnessed mushrooming growth of degree colleges in the past, and many institutions lacked adequate faculty, infrastructure and subjects aligned with students interests and emerging demands. But over the past two years, the government worked hard to address these shortcomings by providing faculty members and introducing subjects according to demand, she told reporters. She, however, acknowledged that some gaps were yet to be plugged in the higher education sector. Itoo said the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also working to strengthen college infrastructure by providing buildings, desks, laptops, internet connectivity and smart classrooms. With regard to the newly established colleges, we faced land disputes and other local issues which continued to affect a few colleges, but efforts are being made to improve facilities in these colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, she added. She said there had been an improvement in student enrolment, with admissions in colleges increasing by 17 per cent this year. She attributed the increase in admissions to the collective efforts of the department and its officers since the formation of the National Conference government. The minister said the Higher Education Department (HED) had started the process of reviewing the availability of academic streams in colleges. We will focus on introducing subjects that students really want to pursue instead of continuing courses with little or no enrolment, she said. We are introducing subjects such as horticulture, agriculture, tourism and music, she added. She said there was a need to align higher education with local economic opportunities and students talents. Itoo said horticulture, which forms a key part of Kashmirs economy, could provide significant livelihood opportunities for educated youth, while music and other specialised subjects could help students develop their abilities and build careers. Itoo also underlined the importance of sports alongside academics, saying students needed opportunities to remain physically and mentally fit. She said the government had inaugurated sports facilities, including a hall in the Tangmarg-Gulmarg constituency, to enable students to participate in sporting activities, particularly during winter, when snowfall often restricts outdoor movement among youth. The department will continue to introduce changes aimed at making higher education more relevant to students needs. The support and participation of young people is important for the success of these initiatives, she added.
High Court extends OPS benefit to employees appointed against posts notified before Dec 24, 2009
Srinagar, Oct 10:The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has extended the benefit of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to the District Judiciary employees appointed against the posts advertised or notified prior to December 24, 2009, but subsequently joined service under the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The District Judiciary employees appointed against the posts or vacancies advertised for recruitment prior to the issuance of SR0-400 dated December 24 2009, introducing the NPS, and are covered under the NPS upon joining service on or after January 1, 2010, shall be entitled to exercise a one-time option for coverage under the OPS, according to an order issued by Haq Nawaz Khan Principal Secretary to Chief Justice. The order issued in keeping with the direction of the Chief Justice underscores that the option shall be exercised by the concerned eligible District Judiciary employee within the stipulated period of three weeks, that is up to October 30, 2026 from its issuance date. The order further emphasises that the eligible employee shall exercise the option for coverage under the OPS by submitting the duly completed form along with the requisite supporting documents, to the concerned Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO)/ Presiding Officer. District Judiciary employees who are eligible to exercise the option, but do not exercise the same within the stipulated time, shall continue to be covered by the NPS. The order indicates that upon receipt of the option forms, along with the requisite supporting documents, from eligible employees, the concerned DDO/Presiding Officer shall verify and certify the forms, prepare a list of employees who have exercised the option, and forward these to the Chief Justice Secretariat through the concerned Principal District and Sessions Judge, on or before November 12, 2026. The Chief Administrative Officer/Accounts Officer/S.O. (Administration), as the case may be, shall also prepare a consolidated list of eligible employees of the district who have exercised the option and forward the same to this Secretariat for cross-verification, it says. Upon receipt of the option forms seeking coverage under the OPS, the Secretariat shall scrutinise each case and determine the eligibility of the applicant in accordance with the instructions contained in the related Government Order and issue appropriate orders accordingly. On issuance of the requisite order(s) by this Secretariat, the concerned DDO/Presiding Officer shall initiate the process for closure of the NPS account(s) of the employee(s) concerned through the respective Treasury Officer and undertake such further action as may be required under the Government order. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, vide SR0-400 dated December 24, 2009, introduced the Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (New Pension Scheme) in place of the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Old Pension Scheme) for all Government employees appointed or brought on the regular establishment on or after January 1, 201 0. The said Scheme became applicable to the staff of the District Judiciary by virtue of Rule 14 of the Jammu and Kashmir Ministerial and Other Staff of the Subordinate Courts (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2016, the order said. The High Court has now extended the benefit of the OPS to the District Judiciary employees in pursuance of the order ( No. 305F of 2026 dated September 28, 2026, issued by the Finance Department (Codes Department), which has introduced a one-time option for coverage under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Old Pension Scheme) for those Government employees who were appointed against posts for which recruitment had been advertised prior to the issuance of the notification introducing NPS vide SR0-400 dated December 24, 2009, and are covered under the NPS upon joining service on or after January 1, 2010.
11 of 14 development projects worth Rs 24.62 Cr unfinished in Baramulla
Baramulla, Oct 10:Eleven of the 14 development projects taken up in Baramulla town under the Capex Budget remain incomplete, with land-transfer issues, local opposition, security constraints, and a court-related dispute delaying key infrastructure work, the Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Legislative Assembly. In a written reply to a starred question raised by MLA Javid Hassan Baig during the recently concluded Assembly session, the Housing and Urban Development Department said the 14 projects, with a combined estimated cost of Rs 24.62 crore, were at different stages of implementation. Only three projects have been completed so far. The department reported cumulative expenditure of Rs 4.45 crore on the projects up to March 2026. During the current financial year, the department spent Rs 25 lakh of the Rs 1.30 crore released for the works. Among the key projects facing delays is the proposed multi-level car parking facility near the Roads and Buildings (R&B) office. Although the project received administrative approval on October 10, 2025, work has not started because the land owned by the Public Works Department (PWD) is yet to be transferred to the Municipal Council Baramulla. The site also requires the valuation and removal of poplar trees and the disposal of an existing old building before construction can begin. The three proposed gateway structures have also encountered implementation hurdles since receiving approval in September 2025. Work at Janbazpora and Khowjabagh was held up following objections from local residents, while the proposed gateway at Khanpora faced opposition from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The government said alternative sites were being identified for the affected locations, while work at Khowjabagh was progressing at a new site. Meanwhile, construction of the Municipal Council Baramullas double-storey office building, approved in December 2021, was halted until March 2026 due to a court-related land dispute and security restrictions. Work resumed after the council submitted an affidavit undertaking compliance with military security conditions, the government said. The structural framework of the building was completed in November 2024. Truss work has since been completed, while brickwork has reached around 80 per cent, according to the department. The government attributed the delays to site-specific, statutory, judicial, security-related and inter-departmental issues, stating that these were largely beyond the immediate control of the executing agencies.
Sarhad to establish school in Kashmir to honour Nana Patekar
Srinagar, Oct 10: Sarhad, a Pune-based organisation working in Kashmir for more than four decades, has announced plans to establish a school in the Valley in memory of late actor Nana Patekar, in recognition of his affection for Kashmir and his vision of contributing to the education of children in the region. According to a press release issued by Sarhad, Patekar had envisioned working for schoolchildren in Kashmir and had taken initial steps towards realising the initiative. We, Mayur Masurkar, Zahid Bhat, Salim Raina and Raju Farande, had personally met and discussed this initiative with Nana Patekar and Malhar Patekar. We are confident that Malhar Patekar and his associates will make every effort to fulfil Nanas dream following his untimely demise. As a tribute to the legendary actor and his deep affection for Kashmir, Sarhad has also resolved to establish a school in his name, Zahid Bhat said. As part of the initiative, Zahid Bhat and Salim Raina, coordinators of Sarhad in Kashmir, have expressed their willingness to offer their own land for establishing the proposed school. The organisation has been working in Kashmir for over four decades and currently runs two schools in the regionone in Dardpora village of Kupwara district and the other in Aragam village of Bandipora district. The proposed school is intended to honour Patekars association with Kashmir while carrying forward his vision of contributing to the education and future of children in the region. The announcement was made by Zahid Bhat and Salim Raina on behalf of Sarhad through a press release issued on Saturday.
The legacy of a studio that captured a century in image
I recall feeling a profound sense of anticipation when I captured the quintessential aerial shot at a Reliance refinery nearly a decade ago. In my quest for the perfect photograph, I climbed a water tank, captured the image and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. I was unaware that the endeavour would turn me into a target for a swarm of bees. As I turned to climb down the tank, a swarmor, more precisely, a stormof bees enveloped me. I tried to flee, but all I received in return were more stings. As Mr. Pavan Mehta showcases his remarkable collection of 900 camerasranging from a Yashica from the 1960s to a Rolleiflex dating back to 1905he recounts the above incident as one of the defining moments of his photographic journey. He follows it with another story, equally compelling but deeply personal that traces the history of his family's enduring relationship with photography. Mehtas at the Maharajas Service Amarnath Mehta, a young man from Gurdaspur, travelled to Dalhousie, where a member of the military introduced him to the intricate craft of photography. In 1915, he began documenting Srinagar, establishing his studio on a houseboat on the Jhelum. As the studio expanded, it went on to preserve countless moments from Gulmarg and Pahalgam in Kashmir, extending its reach to Rawalpindi and Murree, now in Pakistan. Before Partition, the Mehtas held the prestigious position of official photographers to Maharaja Hari Singh, the last reigning Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. In the early 1940s, amid the upheaval of the Second World War, authorities in Srinagar restricted the sale of photographic film to one roll per person to curb hoarding and the black market that often accompanies scarcity. A historical photograph of Europeans queuing for film remains preserved in the studio's collection. Following India's independence, Amarnath established a studio in Connaught Place in 1948, while the studio in Pakistan was eventually closed. Mr. Mehta recalls an era when family photography was a ritual woven into the fabric of everyday lifefrom celebrations to moments of grief. Around Diwali, families would gather to have their photographs taken and framed. Newly married couples would arrive in their finest attire, with women dressed in traditional ensembles and men in formal suits. Those who believed they had little time left would often choose to have their portraits taken, while relatives sometimes hurried to capture the final moments of a loved one's life in the hope of preserving the memory forever. With the arrival of smartphones, however, such practices have largely faded into the past. The Challenges of Smartphones and AI Although digital photography has made image-making more accessible than ever, it has also created a new challenge: preservation. While photographic negatives can survive for centuries under the right conditions, the long-term storage and organisation of millions of digital images present a different set of problems. Mr. Mehta emphasises the need for systematic cataloguing to ensure that these visual records are not lost in the digital age. For him, adapting to technological change is essential to survival. The studio has responded by publishing books and expanding into corporate, wedding, fashion and event photography, as well as food photographyareas that have helped make the business both commercially viable and sustainable. The studio's official Instagram account also carries short explainer reels featuring Mr. Arjun Mahatta, Pavan Mehta's son, who introduces viewers to a selection of vintage cameras. The initiative seeks to keep alive the enduring legacy of film photography at a time when digital technology dominates image-making. Photography as a profession, Mr. Mehta observes, is intensely competitive. Simply holding a camera, he argues, does not make one a photographer. A fundamental understanding of photography, acquired through study and practice, is essential to mastering the craft. Equally challenging is the task of developing a distinct photographic identity, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by AI-generated imagery. For aspiring photographers, Mr. Mehta offers a simple principle: Before you shoot, see. Prior to engaging the shutter, it is essential to meticulously contemplate your composition. You observe, you anticipate, and you click. In his view, patience, composition and an element of chance must come together to produce a photograph that approaches perfection. Asked to define photography in a single term, Mr. Pavan Mehta describes it as art cultivated by curiosity and a discipline in itself. It is, quite literally, the act of creating imagery through the manipulation of light, he says. To achieve this, it is essential to comprehend the nature of light itself. Drawing on Walter Benjamin's influential essay Little History of Photography, one can view photographs as visual records of existencefragments of time preserved for future generations. It is precisely this quality that makes photographs valuable tools for remembering and interpreting history. Picturing a Century Pavan Mehta's book, Picturing a Century (19152015), offers a compelling illustration of this idea. The book chronicles a century of the Mahatta family's photographic journey alongside the social and political transformations of the country. Mr. Mehta points out that the family did not operate as an extension of any political party, yet its cameras documented pivotal moments in India's history, including the Kargil War and the funeral procession of Jawaharlal Nehru. Through their lenses, the photographers became observersand chroniclersof events as they unfolded. The story of Mahatta began with formal studio portraits captured on fragile glass-plate negatives and has since travelled through successive technological revolutionsfrom hand-painted photographs and film to digital imaging, selfies and, eventually, artificial intelligence. The studio has continually adapted to technological change. In 1954, it began hand-painting black-and-white photographs, carefully adding colour and detail by hand. It later became India's first authorised distributor of Kodak products. When photography moved from analogue to digital, Mahatta once again adapted, embracing India's first digital imaging system. Today, Mahatta & Co. operates from M-Block in Connaught Place, in a building leased from the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). The family has operated its studio from the premises for generations. LIC, however, maintains that the studio is an unauthorised occupant. The Mahatta family disputes the claim, pointing to its longstanding presence in the building. Pavan Mahatta says the family occupied the premises even before LIC came into existence. He fears that forcing the studio to leave would mean Delhi losing an important part of its photographic heritage. The irony is difficult to miss. In the 1980s, Mahatta & Co. photographed the construction of the LIC building, designed by renowned Indian architect Charles Correa. Decades later, the studio finds itself on the other side of a dispute concerning the very premises from which it documented the city's transformation. The premises represent far more than a commercial establishment. They embody generations of the Mahatta family's photographic history in Delhi. For a studio that has spent more than a century documenting the lives, celebrations, tragedies and transformations of others, the present moment offers an unexpected turn: Mahatta & Co. has itself become part of the story it has spent generations recording. Syeda Shua Zaidi and Sadiya Tahseen are pursuing master in Convergent Journalism from AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
PDP: The cry baby of Kashmir Politics
The Peoples Democratic Party entered the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir with the promise of providing an alternative political narrative. It projected itself as a party capable of challenging the traditional dominance of the National Conference and claimed to represent a softer, more responsive and people-oriented politics. Over the years, however, the PDP has increasingly transformed itself from a party seeking to shape political events into one perpetually complaining about them. Its political vocabulary today appears dominated by grievance, victimhood and accusations against almost every other political force. In that sense, the PDP increasingly resembles the cry baby of Kashmir politicsa party that finds reasons to complain about developments but struggles to offer a convincing political roadmap of its own. The PDP was created in 1999 under the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and quickly occupied an important space in Kashmir politics. It challenged the National Conference at a time when the latter had long dominated the Valley's electoral landscape. Its promise of a healing touch appealed to sections of society looking for an alternative. After the 2002 Assembly elections, the PDP became part of the coalition government with Congress, and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed became Chief Minister under a rotational arrangement. The party had arrived as a serious political force. The difficulty for the PDP has been reconciling its rhetoric with its record in government. While in opposition, it frequently adopted an aggressive posture against those exercising power. Once in government, however, it was itself required to function within the same constitutional and administrative system it had criticised. This contradiction became particularly visible after the 2014 Assembly elections. The PDP had fought the 2014 election largely by presenting itself as a political barrier against the BJP's expansion into Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, after the election produced a fractured mandate, the PDP entered into an alliance with the BJP and formed the government. The alliance may have been justified at the time as an attempt to reconcile the electoral mandates of Jammu and Kashmir, but politically it exposed the enormous distance between the PDP's electoral rhetoric and its willingness to exercise power with the very party it had opposed. The BJP's ideological position was hardly a secret. Its views on Article 370, nationalism and the constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir had been publicly articulated for decades. The PDP nevertheless chose to share governmental responsibility with it. That historical fact makes some of the PDP's later political rhetoric difficult to separate from its own record. The death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in January 2016 was a turning point. Mehbooba Mufti eventually became Chief Minister and inherited not only the government but also the contradictions of the coalition. The unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2016 created one of the most difficult periods of her tenure. As Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti had responsibility for maintaining law and order and defending governmental action. Her language as head of government was naturally very different from the language the PDP would subsequently employ from opposition. That contrast illustrates the central problem confronting the party. When exercising power, it has defended the compulsions of governance; when out of power, it frequently portrays similar governmental compulsions as evidence of injustice. A political party is entitled to change its position when circumstances change, but repeated shifts inevitably invite questions about consistency. The collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition in 2018 pushed the PDP into a political crisis from which it has struggled to recover fully. The constitutional changes of August 5, 2019 fundamentally altered Jammu and Kashmir's political environment. Article 370 was rendered inoperative in its earlier form, Article 35A ceased to operate, and the former State was reorganised into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The PDP responded by placing these developments at the centre of its political narrative. Opposition to the August 2019 changes is a legitimate political position within democratic discourse, and the party is entitled to advocate its constitutional viewpoint. But a political organisation ultimately has to tell people not merely what it opposes but what it proposes to accomplish under existing circumstances. This is where the PDP's present difficulty becomes visible. Its politics increasingly appears centred around a catalogue of grievancesArticle 370, detention of political leaders and other persons, relations with the Centre, security measures, administrative decisions, the functioning of the elected government and the political positions of rival parties. On almost every major issue, the PDP presents itself as the aggrieved party. When the Centre acts, PDP complains. When the National Conference acts, PDP complains. When political space shifts towards another party, PDP complains. When its leaders leave, the party portrays itself as the victim of circumstances. When other parties appropriate issues once identified with PDP, it again complains of political betrayal or inconsistency. Politics, however, cannot permanently operate on grievance. A political party has to create hope, provide solutions and persuade people that it possesses a credible programme for the future. The younger generation of Kashmir is increasingly concerned about employment, education, entrepreneurship, tourism, technology, infrastructure and opportunities in the wider Indian and global economy. Constitutional and political questions remain important, but they cannot be the sole content of politics indefinitely. The PDP also faces a fundamental contradiction in its relationship with the National Conference. For years, it sought to distinguish itself from the NC. The PDP offered self-rule; the NC traditionally advocated autonomy. The PDP claimed to represent a different political approach and repeatedly attacked the Abdullah-led party for its historical record. Yet today the political space separating the two parties has narrowed considerably on several major issues. Both criticise the constitutional changes of August 2019. Both speak about restoration of constitutional protections, though their formulations and political strategies differ. Both compete for substantially overlapping segments of the electorate in Kashmir. The result is an identity problem for the PDP. If it takes positions similar to the National Conference, voters may ask why they need the PDP when the NC possesses a larger organisation and a longer political history. If it moves further towards sharper rhetoric merely to distinguish itself, it risks restricting its ability to expand beyond a particular political constituency. This dilemma has contributed to the politics of constant complaint. Instead of defining an entirely new political agenda, PDP frequently reacts to what the NC, BJP or Central Government is doing. Reactive politics may keep a party visible in newspapers and television debates, but visibility is not the same thing as political revival. The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election demonstrated the scale of the challenge. The National Conference emerged as the dominant force in the Valley, while the PDP's representation was sharply reduced compared with the position it once occupied. That electoral result cannot simply be explained away by circumstances. It represented a message from voters that the PDP needed serious political introspection. The party has nevertheless shown that it retains pockets of political relevance. Its later success in the Budgam Assembly by-election demonstrated that political space in Kashmir remains fluid and that no party can permanently take voters for granted. But an isolated electoral revival cannot substitute for rebuilding a broad political organisation and developing a coherent long-term programme. The PDP must also confront the consequences of its own political history. It cannot erase the years during which it exercised power. It cannot speak as though every controversial decision in Jammu and Kashmir was taken by somebody else. Governments headed by the PDP faced protests, security challenges, administrative controversies and difficult political decisions. Political accountability does not disappear merely because a party moves from treasury benches to opposition benches. That is precisely why perpetual victimhood becomes politically unconvincing. A mature political party accepts responsibility for its own record while criticising its opponents. It explains what it did right, acknowledges what went wrong and tells voters what it would do differently in the future. Constantly locating responsibility elsewhere may provide immediate political convenience, but it does not necessarily rebuild credibility. Kashmir itself is changing. A new generation has emerged that did not experience many of the political events which shaped the leadership of older parties in the same way. Its aspirations are increasingly connected with education, economic mobility, technology, entrepreneurship, employment and access to opportunities beyond Jammu and Kashmir. Any party seeking a durable future must speak to these aspirations. The PDP therefore faces a choice. It can continue to define itself principally through grievancesagainst New Delhi, against BJP, against NC, against administrative decisions and against changing political circumstancesor it can rediscover the reformist political energy with which it originally entered Kashmir politics. A party that once challenged the established political order cannot indefinitely survive by complaining that the political order has changed against it. The description of PDP as the cry baby of Kashmir politics is therefore not merely a rhetorical expression. It reflects a deeper political criticism: the transition of a once agenda-setting party into an increasingly reactive political organisation. Kashmir does not need political parties competing over who can articulate the greatest grievance. It needs political organisations capable of offering competing visions of development, governance, employment, peace and democratic participation. The PDP has every democratic right to oppose policies with which it disagrees. It has every right to campaign for its constitutional positions and criticise both the Government of India and the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. But opposition acquires credibility when it is accompanied by an alternative. The real challenge before PDP is therefore not to prove that it has reasons to complain. Every opposition party can find reasons to complain. Its challenge is to prove that it still has something new to offer. Until it succeeds in doing so, the image of the PDP as the cry baby of Kashmir politics will remain a political criticism that the party will find increasingly difficult to answer. Advocate Sunil Sethi, Chief Spokesperson BJP J&K
Artificial Intelligence & evolving Data Centres
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence and its widespread usage has created a major demand for faster processing and computing capabilities. As a consequence, we see specialised Data Centres coming up across the globe, especially employing GPUs (Graphical Processing Units). Such Data centres house thousands of GPUs working synchronously to address the computational workload of enormous complexity and volumes, spanning across diverse domains like Healthcare, Finance and Analytics. GPU data Centres have been in the limelight by virtue of their significant contribution to Artificial Intelligence. In fact the strong correlation makes GPU Data Centres and Artificial Intelligence go hand in hand, to the extent that their survival is inter-dependent on each other. A Graphical Processing Unit or GPU was initially created for developing high resolution graphics and video games, but now it has moved far beyond gaming, due to its enhanced processing capabilities, and has become an essential participant in AI adoption. Architecturally, a GPU is comprised of multiple cores or processors and distributes tasks across these cores, allowing these to be computed concurrently. This multi-processing capability gives GPUs a significant advantage over traditional CPUs, especially in areas with high computation load like image recognition, natural language processing, predictive analytics etc. AI needs to analyse massive amounts of data and perform billions of calculations with large datasets and complex algorithms. The need is addressed by GPUs which can perform thousands of calculations at the same time, making AI models train much faster than using CPUs. The ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently makes it an ideal hardware component for heavy workloads in the data center. Besides faster data processing, they also augment innovation in deep tech areas. Massive expansion of data centres has led to an exponential growth in the requirement of GPU chips and storage units. Adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models and autonomous systems has changed the basic blueprint of Data Centres. GPUs have become the foundation and an essential component of upcoming Data Centres, which form the backbone of AI Infrastructure. The functionality of data centres has moved from traditional general-purpose computing to high demand zero latency computing for training large language models, running real-time inferences and predictive analytics. While traditional Data Centres relied primarily on computing power, the current scenario requires parallel processing of thousands of chips with massive storage and high-speed network. However, these data centres face their own challenges due to high energy demand, heat generation and space. AI centric data centres have very high rack density (energy consumption per server rack) as compared to traditional models, implying higher power consumption and heat dissipation. This calls upon technology to optimise the infrastructure by yielding more computing power while managing adequate cooling to counter the massive amount of heat generated by GPUs and energy consumed to operate the same. Thus, Data Centre architecture is evolving to include massive compute power, ultra-fast low-latency networks, advanced cooling, large scale storage and resilient infrastructure. Today, the success of a data centre revolves around four key pillars of computing speed, cooling, power consumption and sustainability. Currently there are about 10000 data centre facilities worldwide. AI comprises about 15% of the total work load of these Global Data Centres, which is likely to go up to 40% in the next five years. As of now, major Cloud providers are investing heavily into AI centric Data Centres, as AI workloads are pushing data centre growth. The model has evolved into Compute-as-a-service, where organisations rent the computing power for their AI training and modeling. While conceiving an AI data centre one needs to consider computing capacity, storage, connectivity, Bandwidth, Space, Water, Electricity and space. Upcoming Data centres would need heavy investment in infrastructure, power, GPUs, Network and Cooling systems. The heavy resource demands are being addressed with innovative concepts like liquid cooling, renewable energy and a unified AI fabric combining compute, storage and network. Data Centres are playing a key role with the increase in volumes and complexity of datasets and evolution of Artificial Intelligence, becoming a backbone for such systems, thereby making AI ready Infrastructure a necessity. The sector is expanding rapidly, with an expected three-fold growth over next few years and will change the digital infrastructure landscape. Author is a technocrat with expertise in Data Analytics, Cyber Law and Digital Forensics. He is currently acting as consulting advisor/ mentor to several startups and an ardent supporter of causes pertaining to Environment and Sustainability.
28 Years in the Wilderness. What Next?
This October, a 57-year-old British adventurer stepped onto English soil after spending nearly 28 years walking around the world. Karl Bushby had travelled approximately 50,000 kilometres through 29 countries. He crossed jungles, deserts, frozen landscapes and political borders. To reach Britain, he even waded across the English Channel. Yet, it seems, as he approached the end of his extraordinary expedition, the most difficult part of his journey might not be behind him. It might be waiting at home. Bushby began his journey from Chile in 1998. A former British paratrooper, he had conceived the idea while serving in the army. He drew a line on a map, connecting South America to his home in Hull, England. What began as an ambitious adventure became a personal mission. Reportedly, he set himself two rules: he would not use transport to advance his journey, and he would not return home until he could complete it on foot. He expected to finish in about 12 years. It took almost three decades. However, intriguingly, there was another story unfolding behind the miles. When Bushby embarked on his journey, he left behind a family. His marriage had ended in 1995, three years before his expedition began. His son, Adam, was only eight when his father set out. Growing up with a father on the other side of the world was not easy. When Adam travelled to Alaska to meet him at 14, he recalled feeling awkward because he hardly knew his father. Today, their relationship remains important, but Bushby acknowledges that there is much to resolve. He also has a granddaughter whom he has never met. His mother, Angela, continued to wait for him. As per reports, she kept a Christmas present for him every year. The last time mother and son met was in 2015. Her concern was evident even as he prepared for his final, dangerous swim. In a letter to him, she wrote: You used to think you were useless. Well, you have proven youre not. Those words reveal something that kilometres and records cannot measure. Behind this adventure, was a son who had once struggled with self-confidence and a mother who never stopped believing in him. What kept him going? In a BBC interview, he offered a simple answer: Tenacity is emperor. He also reflected on what the journey had taught him about people. Despite the dangers he encountered, he said he had been received with open arms around the world. Yet he admitted that relationships had been harder than physical pain. Its the relationships, he said, describing the emotional cost of falling in love, losing those relationships and having to continue walking. His honesty makes his story more human. We often celebrate extraordinary achievements without asking what they demand of the people pursuing them. We admire those who refuse to give up. But persistence is not the only measure of a meaningful life. Sometimes, the courage to continue must be balanced with the wisdom to pause, reconsider and make room for others. Bushby has acknowledged that returning home will be difficult. After nearly three decades, he must confront a life without the expedition that gave his days direction. His son is an adult. His mother has grown older. His family has lived through years of experiences he could not share. He has conquered enormous distances, but rebuilding closeness will require a different kind of journey. Perhaps this is the real lesson of Karl Bushbys walk. There is nothing wrong with dreaming big, testing our limits or pursuing something that has never been done before. But a dream can be extraordinary and still carry a huge price. Success cannot be measured only by the distance travelled, the obstacles overcome or the records broken. It must also be measured by the relationships we lose in the process, and the moments we dont make time for. What if, in chasing the wilderness, we lose our way back to the life we left behind? And when we finally return, will the people, the moments and the home we once cherished still be there? For what is the point of conquering the extraordinary if, along the way, we lose the ordinary that mattered most? There is something poetic about a nomad returning home. But has home stood still while the nomad wandered or have time and life carried it somewhere he can no longer recognise? That is the real question.
JKPUF demands 8th Pay Commission benefits for all pensioners
Srinagar, Oct 10:The Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners United Front (JKPUF), headed by its Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, Saturday organised a massive protest demonstration at Floriculture Park near Sher-e-Kashmir Park, Lal Chowk, Srinagar, where a large gathering of pensioners unanimously adopted a twelve-point resolution demanding immediate intervention by the Central and State Governments on issues concerning pensioners, senior citizens, employees and the working class. The gathering, as per a statement, conveyed a clear and unequivocal message to the governments that the patience of crores of pensioners and senior citizens must not be tested any further. The pensioners demanded that the government honour their contribution to the nation by ensuring dignity, social security and equitable treatment after retirement. The resolution called for immediate implementation of the 8th Central Pay Commission for pensioners, as has been done under previous Pay Commissions. It also demanded revocation of the present Terms of Reference and the Validation Act, 2025, which, according to the JKPUF, deny pensioners their rightful consideration under the new Pay Commission. Among the major demands endorsed by the gathering were: Implementation of the 8th CPC for all pensioners of the country. Stopping recovery of commuted pension after ten years, in accordance with judgments of the Honble Supreme Court and other courts. Enhancement of the medical allowance to Rs 3,000 per month for every pensioner and removal of disparity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Extension of the central Government Health Scheme to all pensioners, irrespective of their date of retirement, and withdrawal of the restriction applicable to those retiring after October 10, 2019. Enhancement of old-age and widow pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month. Immediate withdrawal of the New Pension Scheme and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. Regularisation of eligible in-charge officers and other employees in the Education Department and other departments. Regularisation of daily wagers, casual labourers and other temporary employees and implementation of minimum wages for vulnerable categories including, Contingent paid workers of education deptt, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, cooks, SPOs, Aaya workers and other similarly placed employees.
BJP owes J&K youth answers on jobs: Sadhotra
Jammu, Oct 10:National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra Saturday lashed out at the BJP for its failure to address the growing problem of educated unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir during its nearly decade-long tenure (2014 to 2024) of misgovernance through alliance and proxy governments. Addressing a meeting at Janipur Ward No. 37 Near Gurdwara in Jammu North Assembly Constituency, which was organised by Anju Mehra, Rita Gupta, Chand Gupta and Surekha Sharma, Sadhotra, as per a statement, said the BJP owed a clear answer to the people of J&K, particularly the educated youth, on what it had actually delivered on the employment front beyond making tall promises. Thousands of young men and women spent their most productive years preparing for competitive examinations, acquiring professional qualifications and waiting for recruitment opportunities. What did the BJP give them? Promises, delays, uncertainty and, in several instances, controversies surrounding recruitment, he said. Sadhotra said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir had been made to pay a heavy price for the failure of successive BJP-backed arrangements for nearly a decade between 2014 and 2024 to create meaningful employment opportunities. He said educated unemployment was not merely an economic issue but had serious social consequences. The most painful consequence of this neglect is the frustration and despair among our youth. When a qualified young person repeatedly faces closed doors, delayed recruitments and uncertain prospects, frustration naturally grows. A section of desperate and vulnerable youth can become easy prey to substance abuse and other destructive influences. Families are being devastated, parents are watching their children lose direction and precious lives are being damaged, he said. He accused the BJP of being more interested in political slogans than in creating a credible employment ecosystem in J&K. The youth do not need lectures. They needed jobs, transparent recruitment, a growing private sector, skill opportunities and an administration that respects their aspirations. Sadhotra said, adding that the so-called Double Engine Government miserably failed in delivering jobs. He said the National Conference had consistently maintained that employment must remain at the centre of the development agenda. The government, led by Jenab Omar Abdullah he said is working towards this objective.
Balancing Enterprise and Ecology
The debate surrounding the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, touches on a fundamental question: what kind of economic future are we building for our people? At its heart, the conversation is about striking a delicate, essential balance. Can we make it easier for a young graduate to launch a tech startup, a craftsperson to scale a family heritage, or a small business to expandwithout compromising neighborhood safety, degrading delicate ecosystems, or undermining the everyday quality of life? Jammu and Kashmir possesses extraordinary entrepreneurial talent, yet building sustainable industrial growth has historically been uphill. Decades of policy initiatives, infrastructure drives, and incentive packages have yielded mixed results. Geographical remoteness, infrastructural bottlenecks, administrative delays, policy shifts, and regional vulnerabilities have long discouraged outside investors and exhausted local entrepreneurs. Against this backdrop, the Ease of Doing Business Act is a timely and necessary legislative attempt to dismantle these persistent structural hurdles. However, its ultimate success will depend entirely on how fairly, transparently, and responsibly it is implemented. Economic vitality and public welfare need not pull in opposite directionsgood governance must advance both. Constructive Scrutiny Strengthens Public Trust The recent concerns voiced by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), chaired by former IAS officer Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, deserve a serious, respectful hearing. Questions raised in the public interest by seasoned administrators and civil society leaders should never be brushed aside as mere opposition to progress. Constructive scrutiny exposes hidden vulnerabilities, refines legal safeguards, and ensures that sweeping economic reforms earn genuine public confidence. At the same time, this legislation must be viewed through a holistic lens. Jammu and Kashmir faces a pressing need for productive enterprise and sustainable job creation. For thousands of educated youths entering the workforce each year, self-employment and private enterprise represent the most viable pathways to dignity and financial independence. A credible policy framework must respond honestly and empathetically to both imperatives: protecting civic welfare and enabling enterprise. The Unspoken Reality of Micro-Entrepreneurs Government programs such as Mission YUVA, Startup J&K, Khadi and Village Industries (KVI), and the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), along with expanding incubation centers across universities, are actively inspiring a new generation of founders. Yet, an uncomfortable truth remains: not every nascent venture canor shouldbe forced into a formal industrial estate. Micro and small enterprises typically begin on shoe-string budgets. In their fragile early stages, they simply cannot bear the heavy capital expenditure of acquiring commercial plots, constructing facilities, and paying high utility tariffs in distant industrial estates. Furthermore, government estates do not have the physical capacity to absorb every micro-venture spawned by state-wide employment drives. Where, then, should a young founder or a rural artisan start? This reality applies equally to rural enterprises that rely on local craft traditions, regional agricultural inputs, and neighborhood labor. Forcing these businesses to relocate away from their roots destroys their competitive advantage. Similarly, the rapid rise of digital, home-based, and service-oriented ventures requires legal recognition. These founders deserve a simple, proportionate regulatory framework that acknowledges them as legitimate contributors to the economy rather than non-compliant operators. Cutting Through Administrative Red Tape In my work as an industrial consultant, I have repeatedly observed that the single greatest hurdle for aspiring entrepreneurs is not a lack of vision or grit, but the exhausting ordeal of administrative bureaucracy. Young founders spend months moving from one department to another, chasing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), clarifications, and approvals. Crucial energy that should be invested in refining products, acquiring customers, and building financial viability is instead drained by endless paperwork and uncertainty. I have watched promising business ideas get abandoned entirely because founders were overwhelmed by overlapping regulatory demands, vague scheme criteria, and inconsistent interpretations by officials. As delays mount, capital evaporates, momentum vanishes, and hope gives way to disillusionment. This is more than an administrative inconvenienceit wastes human potential, suppresses economic activity, and erodes public trust in governance institutions. The Act addresses this bottleneck directly by streamlining approvals and establishing clear operational frameworks. While legislation alone cannot replace administrative competence, this law provides a crucial opportunity to replace bureaucratic discretion and delay with clear timelines, digital transparency, and institutional accountability. Deregulation Must Never Mean the Absence of Safeguards Easing administrative processes must never become a blanket license for unsafe, polluting, or incompatible activities in residential neighborhoods. Fragile ecosystems, agricultural lands, water bodies, and quiet residential areas require uncompromising protection. However, the solution is neither to banish every small venture to an industrial park nor to allow unrestricted commercialization everywhere. The answer lies in intelligent classification and risk-proportionate regulation. GCCs concern that permitting White and Green-category activities in residential areas could disrupt local communities is understandable. However, a rigorous analysis of the Acts statutory schedules provides reassurance: Schedule II (Negative List): Strictly bars Orange and Red-category polluting industries, heavy machinery workshops, and freight depots from operating in residential zones. Schedule III (Permissible Micro-Ventures): Restricts allowed residential activities strictly to low-impact, non-polluting micro-enterprises, imposing clear conditions regarding fire safety, quiet operation, and parking. Furthermore, Jammu and Kashmirparticularly the Kashmir Valleyhas a centuries-old tradition of household-scale craft, handlooms, and cottage industries flourishing within residential areas. These micro-enterprises sustain family livelihoods and keep priceless cultural heritage alive. Smart regulation must accommodate genuinely low-impact work while acting firmly against excessive noise, waste dumping, structural safety violations, and traffic congestion. Rules should always be calibrated to the actual impact of an enterprise, rather than the size or influence of its promoter. Safeguarding Sensitive Eco-Zones and Cultural Heritage The natural ecology of Jammu and Kashmir is highly vulnerable. Once unplanned commercialization takes root, the ecological and aesthetic damage is irreversible. Accelerated approvals must never result in a concrete jungle that strains municipal infrastructure, disfigures scenic landscapes, or alienates local residents. Crucially, Sections 21 and 22 of the Act explicitly safeguard local Master Plans and preserve statutory protections for designated Tourism Development Authority zones, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. Similarly, specific protections are preserved for notified saffron lands under the J&K Saffron Act, 2007. These statutory safeguards must remain sacrosanct, and planning authorities must enforce them firmly without granting unauthorized exemptions. Environmental Integrity and Third-Party Oversight Clean water, fresh air, dense forests, and fertile agricultural soil are essential to J&Ks public health and long-term prosperity. Section 30(4) of the Act strictly preserves all existing central and state environmental, forest, wildlife, and water protection laws. Furthermore, Section 30(5) mandates that mandatory Environmental Clearances must be secured before any physical construction begins, regardless of whether in-principle approval was granted. Regarding third-party certification for structural and fire safetya point of concern for civil societySection 23 mandates that certifying professionals must be formally empanelled, accredited, and audited by the Government. Section 14 backs this up with severe penalties for misrepresentation, unauthorized deviations, or safety oversights, including heavy fines and mandatory structure demolition. Monitored through strict high-level administrative oversight, third-party audits can accelerate compliance without diluting safety standards. A Practical Roadmap for Implementation To build widespread public consensus and ensure the Act fulfills its promise, implementation should follow seven core principles: 1. Risk-Based Regulation: Classify enterprises transparently based on their environmental, safety, noise, and traffic footprint. 2. Single-Window Digital Portal: Publish all requirements, timelines, fee structures, and application statuses on an accessible, real-time digital portal in plain language. 3. Enforceable Timelines: Enforce strict deemed-approval clauses so applications are never trapped in administrative limbo. 4. Community Safeguards: Establish localized, accessible grievance channels for residents to report genuine pollution, noise, or safety violations. 5. Consistent Enforcement: Apply regulatory standards uniformly to all businesses, without favoritism or selective interpretation. 6. Support for Small Founders: Provide clear guidance and grace periods for micro-enterprises to correct minor compliance gaps before imposing severe penalties. 7. Periodic Impact Audits: Conduct annual independent reviews to evaluate whether the law is successfully creating job opportunities without imposing unacceptable social or environmental costs. Renewing Hope for the Future Jammu and Kashmir can afford neither a rigid system that suffocates young enterprise nor an unregulated expansion that degrades public health, environmental beauty, and community character. Ease of doing business and ease of living are not opposing forcesthey are two sides of the same coin. Truly good policy must deliver both. The Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, should be judged by its real-world outcomes: whether it empowers young people to turn ideas into sustainable livelihoods, enables micro and rural ventures to operate with dignity, eliminates arbitrary delays, protects citizens from harmful activities, and restores trust in public administration. That hope matters deeply. When educated young people repeatedly encounter closed doors, bureaucratic obstruction, and delay, economic frustration can turn into deeper social alienation. Creating transparent, credible pathways to productive work is therefore not merely an economic strategy, it is a vital investment in social stability, human dignity, and the long-term future of Jammu and Kashmir. Er. S. P. Qaisar, Industrial & Business Consultant, Jammu & Kashmir
Soaring prices crushing poor: Akhoon
Srinagar, Oct 10:Apni Party Vice President Haji Mohammad Syed Akhoon on Saturday expressed grave concern over the unabated rise in prices of essential commodities and the apparent lack of effective market regulation. He said that the burden of unchecked inflation continues to fall on poor and economically weaker sections of society.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remembers father on 61st anniversary of his arrest
Srinagar, Oct 10:Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, in a post on X, remembered Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq Sahib on the 61st anniversary of his arrest in 1965. Mirwaiz, in a statement issued, said that on the intervening night of October 9 and 10, 1965, a barely 20-year-old Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq was arrested from Mirwaiz Manzil and taken out of Kashmir to an unknown destination. His arrest triggered widespread protests and police firing resulting in killings and injuries, followed by 72 hours of continuous curfew. Dozens of Awami Action Committee leaders were also rounded up from across the Valley and arrested. He said that weeks of third-degree torture at the interrogation centre in Jammu and nearly three years of imprisonment without trial weakened the Shaheed leader physically, but could not break his resolve, which he exhibited throughout his life. Today, sixty-one years later, we remember Shaheed-e-Millat and honour his sacrifice, while also paying tribute to the thousands who suffered imprisonment in the past and to those who continue to endure the torments of incarceration, separated from their loved ones because of their political beliefs, Mirwaiz said.
Srinagar, Oct 10:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Saturday said good governance and effective administration require a strong, active and empowered opposition that can highlight public grievances and hold the government accountable. He said the role of the opposition in a democracy is not confined to criticism alone, but also includes representing public aspirations, reviewing government policies and safeguarding constitutional and democratic values. Dr Farooq Abdullah, as per a party statement, said that suppressing the voice of the opposition, refusing to tolerate dissent and denying people the right to raise their legitimate concerns undermines the very spirit of democracy and renders claims of good governance meaningless. He stressed that a strong democratic system rests on freedom of expression, respect for differing opinions, public participation and institutional accountability, adding that any departure from these fundamental principles is detrimental to democracy. He expressed concern over the alleged use of intimidation, pressure and excessive force to silence dissenting voices and create an atmosphere of fear. Dr Farooq Abdullah observed that the approach being adopted to suppress people's voices in the national capital today reminds one of the treatment that the people of Kashmir have faced over the years. He said that silencing public voices, restricting dissent and ignoring legitimate demands do not resolve problems but instead widen the gap between the people and those in power. The strength of democracy, he said, lies in ensuring that every citizen has the freedom to express their views and pursue their rights through peaceful and constitutional means. He said that the vote is a valuable trust placed by the people and the foundation of democracy. Ensuring transparency in the electoral process, restoring public confidence and safeguarding the credibility of democratic institutions are therefore essential. Dr Farooq Abdullah further reiterated that the National Conference would not compromise on the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party would continue its efforts to secure the legitimate constitutional rights of the people, strengthen democratic institutions and achieve the restoration of statehood.
Mahindra Himalayan Motors launches Thar OG
Srinagar, Oct 10:Mahindra Himalayan Motors on Saturday launched the Mahindra Thar OG at its showroom on Tengpora Bypass, near New City Hospital, Srinagar, bringing the latest offering to SUV enthusiasts in Kashmir. The launch marks another addition to the dealerships portfolio as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the regions automotive market and expand customer access to Mahindra vehicles. The Mahindra Thar has established a strong identity among SUV enthusiasts, known for its distinctive styling, commanding road presence and off-road appeal. The introduction of the Thar OG is expected to attract customers looking for a vehicle that combines a rugged design with an adventurous driving experience. The launch event brought the vehicle into the spotlight for local customers and automobile enthusiasts, offering them an opportunity to explore the model at the dealership. Mahindra Himalayan Motors said customers interested in the Thar OG could visit its showroom at Tengpora Bypass, near New City Hospital, Srinagar, for further information, enquiries and bookings.
Leadless pacemakers, advanced valve procedures focus of Jammu CME
Jammu, Oct 10: Advances in cardiac care, including leadless pacemakers and minimally invasive heart valve procedures, were highlighted at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme organised by PARAS Health Gurugram in association with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jammu Chapter, on Saturday. Titled 'What Is New in Cardiology 2026', the programme featured Dr Amit Bhushan Sharma, Senior Director and Unit Head of Interventional Cardiology at PARAS Health Gurugram, who discussed emerging technologies, complex clinical cases and developments in minimally invasive cardiac treatment. A key focus of the programme was leadless pacing technology, particularly the world's smallest retrievable leadless pacemaker, designed to provide long-term pacing support while allowing retrieval when clinically indicated. Leadless pacemakers are implanted directly inside the heart, eliminating the need for the leads and surgical pocket used in conventional pacemaker systems. The technology can help reduce certain device-related complications and improve patient comfort, while advances in device longevity and retrievability are expanding treatment options for patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. Dr Sharma also highlighted the growing role of advanced interventions in treating complex cardiovascular conditions, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), MitraClip procedures and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). These minimally invasive procedures are expanding treatment options for patients with complex heart valve conditions, particularly those who may be unsuitable for conventional open-heart surgery or for whom a less invasive approach is clinically appropriate. Dr Sharma's professional training includes a DM in Cardiology from KEM Hospital, Mumbai, followed by specialised training in complex coronary angioplasty at Mount Sinai, New York, and structural heart interventions at Michigan State University, Lansing, in the United States. Drawing inspiration from his parents' legacy of medical service, Dr Sharma has pursued a career in advanced cardiology, combining international training with experience in complex cardiac interventions.
Jammu, Oct 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir was ready for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Addressing the valedictory session of the J&K Global Capability Centre (GCC) Summit 2026, LG Sinha said that J&K was poised to emerge as a significant destination for Global Capability Centres, driven by its young talent, improving infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and growing innovation ecosystem. Congratulating IIM Jammu, NASSCOM, partner institutions and the administration for successfully organising the two-day summit, he urged participants to reflect on a key question about why companies seeking their next talent hub, innovation centre, and capacity destination should J&K be their preferred choice and work together with a strong resolve to make it a reality. Drawing inspiration from the worlds highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, the LG said that J&K today reflects the confidence and ambition required to pursue transformational goals. He said that the Chenab itself, formed through the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, symbolises the spirit of collaboration. LG Sinha said that in a similar manner, GCCs bring together the global expertise, capital and technology of multinational enterprises with the talent, aspirations, and imagination of J&Ks youth to create new opportunities for growth and innovation. I see Global Capability Centres in the same spirit of courage and confluence and together they can generate a strength far beyond their separate capabilities, he said. The LG said that India was home to more than 2100 GCCs employing over 19 lakh professionals and contributing substantially to exports. He highlighted that an increasing number of GCCs were expanding beyond metropolitan centres into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, demonstrating that Indias talent pool was now widely distributed across the country. LG Sinha said that this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for J&K to strengthen its institutions, infrastructure, and innovation ecosystem. Emphasising the future direction of the GCC sector, he said that the journey of GCCs had evolved from questions of cost efficiency to excellence and capability. The LG expressed confidence that J&K could evolve from being a destination for capability centres to becoming a hub for unique global innovations originating from the region. He also highlighted the rapid transformation of J&K under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. LG Sinha said the major infrastructure developments and enhanced connectivity were supporting the rising industrial investments and the remarkable growth of the startup ecosystem. The industrial revolution we are witnessing today in parts of the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley is a living symbol of the new Jammu Kashmir. In 2020, there were only 69 startups and that number has now risen to 1,305, a growth of over 1800 percent. When the energy of young, ambitious graduates from IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu, NIT Srinagar and other universities of Jammu Kashmir is added to these figures, you see a ready workforce emerging, he said. The LG identified six key advantages that position J&K as an attractive GCC destination including strong financial support, lower operating costs, special incentives for pioneering multinational investors, the return of local talent, first-mover advantages for early GCC entrants and opportunities in niche sectors such as agri-tech, tourism-tech, and handicraft digitisation. Outlining a four-pillar roadmap for the next five years, he stressed talent development through industry-academia partnerships, building trust through credible implementation, leveraging J&Ks unique destination advantages and promoting inclusive growth through a hub-and-spoke development model. Expressing confidence in J&K's future, LG Sinha said that GCCs could become an integral pillar of J&Ks industrial ecosystem over the next decade. He said that the foundation laid during the summit could help build a new, aspirational, and innovation-driven J&K that was fully prepared to welcome Global Capability Centres from across the world. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, J&K; Padma Bhushan Rajendra Singh Pawar, Chairman, NIIT; Prof B S Sahay, Director IIM Jammu; Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, J&K; Prof Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu; Prof Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu; and Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, CEO, CITaG, IIM Jammu attended the valedictory session.
Bhalla, Ravinder visit Mogla accident injured in GMCH Jammu
Jammu, Oct 10:Former minister and JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla with former MLC and JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma on Saturday visited the seriously injured persons in road accident at Mogla-Kalakote on October 9, presently undergoing treatment in Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu. Senior Congress leaders interacted with the injured and their attendants and enquired about their response to the treatment with the concerned doctors. All four injured presently in GMC hospital Jammu were responding to the treatment and out of danger, the doctors, treating them, said. The Congress leaders asked the hospital administration to ensure best medical treatment to the injured. State Seva Dal chief Vijay Sharma, Latish Sharma, Amit Mehra and Atul Sharma accompanied the senior leaders to enquire about the condition of the injured. Two persons were killed while several others were seriously injured in a road accident at Mogla- Kalakote in Rajouri district on Friday (October 9, 2026) evening. The seriously injured were referred to GMC hospital Jammu besides other hospitals on Friday night. Senior Congress leaders have expressed deep sympathies with the bereaved families of the two killed, whose cremation took place at Mogla on Saturday. They prayed for early recovery of the injured. They demanded that the administration should immediately release adequate ex-gratia relief to the victim families.
AIBE mandatory for law graduates enrolled from 2010: HC
Srinagar, October 10:Fresh law graduates and advocates provisionally enrolled with the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will be granted absolute certificates of enrolment only after qualifying the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE) and producing the Certificate of Practice (COP) issued by the Bar Council of India within two years, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh said on Friday. In this regard, the matter was placed before the Chief Justice who referred it to High Court's Rules Committee which resolved to recommend the implementation of Rule 9, 10 and 11 of Chapter-III, Part VI of the Bar Council of India Rules, All India Bar Examination (AIBE) for Enrolment of Advocates across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, according to a notification, issued by Registrar General M K Sharma. Subsequently, the matter was put before the Full Court for consideration in its meeting held on October 8, 2026, which upon deliberations had been pleased to approve the recommendations of the Rules Committee dated August 19, 2026. In compliance to AIBE Rules, 2010 read with the Full Court Resolution dated October 8, 2026, a notification has been issued asking all the law graduates enrolled as advocates from the academic year 2009-10 onwards to qualify the AIBE if they have not already cleared the examination, making the requirement applicable to the prescribed category of advocates across the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The High Court through the notification has further directed all advocates enrolled with the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh after July 1, 2010, who have qualified the AIBE, to submit copies of their Certificates of Practice to the Registry within one month from the date of issuance of the notification. The directions have been issued in accordance with the All-India Bar Examination Rules, 2010, which require advocates covered under the prescribed provisions to pass the examination to become entitled to practise law. Under the rules, the AIBE is conducted by the Bar Council of India to assess advocates in substantive and procedural law. The examination is required to be held at least twice a year, while the prescribed syllabus is to be published at least three months before the scheduled examination. The rules also provide that unsuccessful candidates may reappear in the examination without any limit on the number of attempts. Advocates who successfully clear the examination are entitled to a Certificate of Practice issued by the Bar Council of India. The notification also provides for amendments to the instructions and guidelines accompanying the application form for enrolment as an advocate, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules.
Srinagar Jammu National Highway open for regulated 2-way traffic
Ramban, Oct 10:The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open to regulated two-way traffic on Saturday. However, the commuters continued to face delays at several locations between Udhampur and Banihal due to ongoing road repair and widening works, single-lane stretches, vehicle breakdowns and the movement of nomadic livestock herds. Traffic authorities reported slow vehicular movement on several vulnerable and construction-affected stretches, where restricted road width and ongoing maintenance work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) continued to disrupt traffic flow. In the Udhampur sector, a damaged stretch measuring around 30 to 40 metres at Dewal has been reduced to a single lane, with an uneven road surface further slowing down vehicular movement. Similar traffic restrictions were reported on the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. Traffic movement was also affected by the breakdown of three vehicles between Nashri and Ramsoo. Meanwhile, nine nomadic livestock herds were reported moving along the Banihal-Nachlana sector as nomadic families and their animals descended from high-altitude pastures towards the plains of Jammu. The movement of livestock, coupled with ongoing construction activities and narrow road sections, contributed to congestion at several points. Traffic authorities have advised motorists to maintain lane discipline, avoid unnecessary overtaking and refrain from wrong-lane driving. Commuters travelling between Ramban and Banihal have been urged to exercise extra caution, particularly at locations vulnerable to shooting stones and landslides and on stretches affected by construction work and livestock movement. Travellers have also been advised to check the latest highway status with the Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu before starting their journeys and to follow the advisories issued by the J&K Traffic Police. In view of widening work on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers remains subject to daytime restrictions from 7 am to 7 pm. Tankers carrying inflammable material are not permitted to pass through tunnels, while up-bound tankers are allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys strictly according to the prescribed schedule. Goods-carrier operators transporting perishable commodities and livestock have been directed to comply with traffic regulations and advisories. Heavy vehicle operators have also been advised to avoid overloading and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and have sufficient fuel before commencing their journeys. Commuters have further been urged to avoid unnecessary stoppages between Ramban and Banihal, particularly along stretches vulnerable to landslides and shooting stones. According to traffic authorities, subject to favourable weather and satisfactory road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles, private cars and goods carriers are proposed to be allowed to ply in both directions on NH-44 on Sunday. Authorities have urged commuters to remain alert, cooperate with traffic personnel and road maintenance agencies, and follow the latest official advisories to ensure safe and smooth movement along the strategically important highway.
J&K Govt asked to fill vacant posts in schools
Jammu, Oct 10:Former minister and senior BJP leader Sukhnandan Choudhary on Saturday criticised the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the failure of his government to address the shortage of teaching staff in government schools, particularly in the Jammu province. He warned that the future of thousands of school-going children could not be sacrificed due to the government's neglect of the education sector. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, accompanied by BJP media incharge Dr Pardeep Mahotra, BJP Kisan Morcha president Rakesh Pant and former DDC member Balbir Lal, Choudhary expressed serious concern over the shortage of principals, headmasters, lecturers, and subject-specific teachers in government schools. He demanded that Omar Abdullah immediately take corrective measures to fill the vacant posts or accept responsibility for the deteriorating situation and resign from the position of heading the government in Jammu and Kashmir. Choudhary said that numerous government schools continued to struggle with a lack of essential teaching staff. He pointed out that several higher secondary schools were functioning without principals or lecturers in important subjects, while high schools were facing shortages of headmasters, mathematics teachers, physical training teachers and other essential staff. How can the government talk about educational development when government schools are struggling to provide students with teachers for their subjects? The Chief Minister must answer to the parents whose children are suffering because of these deficiencies. The future of our children cannot be held hostage to administrative apathy, Choudhary asserted. Presenting a detailed list of schools facing staff shortages, he highlighted deficiencies in Marh, Chamb, Pallanwala, Chowki Choura, RS Pura, Bishnah, Dablair, and other areas. He said these were not merely administrative shortcomings but serious issues directly affecting students' access to quality education, academic performance, and future opportunities. The senior BJP leader further questioned why such glaring vacancies had remained unaddressed despite the importance attached to education in government policies and budgetary allocations. He called for an immediate assessment of staff requirements in every government school, followed by the time-bound deployment of principals, lecturers and subject teachers according to actual needs. Choudhary also raised concerns over the possibility that the continuing weaknesses in government schools could benefit certain private educational institutions at the expense of students from ordinary and economically weaker families. He called for a transparent investigation into the reasons behind the persistent staff shortages, stressing that any allegation of deliberate neglect must be examined objectively. He demanded that the Omar Abdullah-led government move beyond announcements and take concrete action on the ground, ensuring that every government school has the teaching staff necessary to provide students with quality education.
Mehboobas condemnation without PDPs participation under scrutiny
Srinagar, Oct 10:Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday drew parallels between restrictions imposed in New Delhi during protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the communication blackout and security clampdown in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. However, the absence of PDP leaders from the oppositions street mobilisation in Delhi has raised questions about the partys political positioning and its willingness to participate in a coordinated opposition campaign against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. Criticising the restriction on X, Mehbooba posted: Todays Delhi is a chilling reminder of Kashmir after the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. People were locked in their homes, the internet was shut down, and an entire region was placed under siege. The BJP then brazenly claimed that nobody had protested. Today, with Delhi under siege, trains halted, and roads to Jantar Mantar sealed, they may repeat the same lie, claiming that nobody protested against Gyanesh Kumar. First crush the protest, then deny it ever happened. This is how enforced silence is passed off as consent. While her words echoed the concerns articulated by most opposition leaders, the partys visible participation in the protests has remained conspicuously limited. The political messaging has raised a question that the PDP has yet to answer publicly. If the restrictions in Delhi evoke such strong comparisons with Kashmir, why has that outrage not translated into PDP leaders visible presence at the protests? Talking to Greater Kashmir, PDP chief spokesperson Mehbooba Beg said, In principle, every sensible citizen protests this naked onslaught of democracy. The institution of the Election Commission of India has got into disrepute. Registering protest is important, whether one does it through tweets, statements, or hits the streets. He said that the Delhi protests are genuine as the vote theft affects the 13.5 crore people including the women of West Bengal, the minorities, and the citizens of the entire country. The senior PDP leader said that the CEC Gyanesh Kumar should tender his resignation as he headed an institution that was once led by an honest person like T N Seshan. CEC Gyanesh Kumar brought such an institution into disrepute and for that history will not judge him kindly, he said. The Indian Express investigation illustrated that anti-BJP voters had been deleted across the country and the protest is important as there was a small winning margin on many seats. Furthermore, the stand taken by the other two Election Commissioners has also made the issue of vote theft clear. Beg said that PDPs stand against New Delhi had been clear after August 2019. It was for the consistent stand taken by the PDP that the PDP chief Mehbooba Muftis mother (Gulshan Nazir) had been grilled by the Enforcement Directorate, he said. While Mehbooba took to microblogging site X on Saturday, all senior PDP leaders and legislators Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, Muhammad Fayaz Mir, and Rafiq Ahmad Naik - as well as Mehboobas daughter, Iltija Mufti, were conspicuous by their absence from the Delhi mobilisation. Talking to Greater Kashmir, MLA Kupwara Muhammad Fayaz Mir and MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik said that no directions had been issued to them for participating in the Delhi protests. Im in Kupwara and, so far, I havent received any such direction, Mir said. Naik said that he was the partys foot soldier and would do whatever was asked of him by the party high command. Their participation could have lent greater weight to the PDPs condemnation of the restrictions and demonstrated that its opposition extended beyond statements and social media posts. PDPs non-participation in Delhi mobilisation leaves the party open to questions about the consistency of its opposition and the extent to which it is prepared to join a campaign beyond its own political platforms. PDP has continued to criticise the BJP-led Centre over the loss of J&Ks special status, restrictions on political activity, and other questions of civil liberties. While Mehboobas latest remarks reinforce the PDPs confrontational public posture towards the Centre, the partys absence from the Delhi protests raises questions about whether it is seeking to avoid antagonising Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government while keeping its options open with the Congress and the wider INDIA bloc. The political metaphor of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds captures the suspicion surrounding this approach, as it has been denouncing the Centres actions but is avoiding an unambiguous demonstration of solidarity with those challenging it on the streets. PDP cannot entirely avoid scrutiny by invoking those complexities. If it believes the restrictions represent an assault on democratic freedoms, PDP leaders must explain whether they consider participation in a common opposition campaign necessary, and if not, why. Silence on that question risks allowing its opponents to portray the partys position as selective. For Mehbooba, the immediate challenge is to reconcile the force of her public condemnation with the absence of her partys prominent faces from the streets. The PDPs statement may have strengthened the oppositions argument about the curtailment of dissent. However, its absence has opened a different debate one about whether the PDP is prepared to match its rhetoric with participation. Until the party clarifies that position, the contrast between Mehboobas words and her partys political presence is likely to remain a source of scrutiny for the PDP.
Frustrated BJP protesting against opposition: Congress
Jammu, Oct 10:Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has alleged that a frustrated ruling party (BJP) was protesting against opposition Congress while a central government has imposed undeclared emergency in the national capital and elsewhere to stop the leaders and activists trying to join the ongoing struggle for democracy in New Delhi. Reacting to the BJPs protests against opposition Congress in Jammu and elsewhere, JKPCC chief spokesperson, Ravinder Sharma termed the reaction of BJP as utter frustration of ruling party, which he alleged, was being witnessed probably first time in the democratic history of the country. The large-scale protests in the entire country against the Vote Chori and the media expose about this fact as how blatantly the norms have been violated by the CEC under the command of central government to give electoral benefits to the ruling party, has caused frustration amongst the cadres of BJP, Ravinder Sharma alleged. The state of undeclared emergency in the national capital and elsewhere in BJP ruled states reflects the fear of the Modi-government. The move to curb all democratic means of showing peaceful dissent, fully guaranteed by the constitution, is a sign of utter fear and frustration in the government, he claimed. Sharma said that all such attempts of the central government, which already detained a large number of peaceful protestors in the capital, would fail. More and more people will take to streets to Save democracy till CEC resigns and the electoral system is freed from the governments clutches and control, he said.
124 former IAS, IFS officers write open letter to citizens; defend EC, SIR
New Delhi, Oct 10:A total of 124 former IAS, IFS and allied services' officers have issued an open letter to the citizens of India, strongly defending the Election Commission (EC) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, while questioning allegations of vote rigging without credible evidence. Highlighting India's transformation from an era of booth capturing, ballot-box stuffing and poll violence, the officers said today's electoral system has multiple layers of checks and safeguards, including polling agents, EVM sealing, strong-room security and VVPAT verification. They cited last year's Bihar Assembly polls, which recorded no re-polling and the highest voter turnout since 1951. A system cannot be honest when you win and rigged when you lose, the letter said, pointing out that under the same EC, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre lost several state polls as well as its parliamentary majority in 2024. The signatories to the letter include former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal and former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers R D Kapur, Samirendra Chatterjee, Gopal Krishna, Vivek Bhardwaj and Navneet Sehgal.
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BJP stages protest outside Congress office in Jammu
Jammu, Oct 10:Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday held a protest demonstration outside the Congress office in Jammu, accusing the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and his other party colleagues of resorting to double standards. Led by J&K BJP vice presidents Priya Sethi (former minister) and Rekha Mahajan; general secretary Sanjita Dogra; Mahila Morcha president Neha Mahajan and other senior leaders, the protesters declared that India would not tolerate the insult or humiliation of women. J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma was prominent among those present. J&K BJP general secretaries Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan, MLAs Dr Narinder Singh, CP Ganga, Dr Devinder Manyal, Vikram Randhawa, Prof Gharu Ram, Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Surinder Bhagat and Rajiv Bhagat, state office bearers, Morcha Presidents and other senior leaders were also present. Raising slogans against Congress, the demonstrators criticised the Congress leadership for, what they alleged, practising double standards on women's dignity while using slogans such as smashing the patriarchy to mislead the public. The protesters demanded Rahul Gandhi's resignation, holding him accountable for the conduct and politics of his party. Sat Sharma, addressing the demonstrators, said that Rahul Gandhi should resign, take responsibility for the conduct of his party and stop preaching about women's empowerment while serious questions were being raised about the behaviour of Congress leaders towards women. He asserted that the dignity of women could not be compromised for political convenience and that those who lectured the nation on women's rights must first demonstrate consistency through their own conduct. Sat Sharma criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership alleging that their public claims of standing for women's rights contradicted the conduct attributed to Congress leaders. He said that allegations of misbehaviour towards female police personnel by Congress leaders and workers demanded serious accountability. He further accused Congress of pursuing a political agenda targetting national security agencies and undermining public confidence in constitutional institutions. Questioning Congress's silence over serious allegations against one of its MPs in a molestation case, Sat Sharma asked why Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders had not shown the same vocal concern for women's dignity in that matter. He stressed that women's respect was not a political slogan but a fundamental social responsibility and Rahul Gandhi must answer for his party's double standards and resign rather than evade accountability. Priya Sethi said that women's dignity must remain above partisan politics and that Congress must answer for the contradiction between its public messaging and the conduct it is accused of defending. Rekha Mahajan said that women deserved respect, security and equal dignity in every sphere of life, adding that political slogans could not substitute for accountability. Sanjita Dogra said that women expected sincerity and consistency from political leaders, not selective outrage on issues concerning their rights. Neha Mahajan said that BJP's women workers would continue to raise their voices against every instance of disrespect towards women and demand accountability from those holding public office.
Will be compelled to consider fast or march: Sonam Wangchuk on crawckdown in Delhi
Srinagar, Oct 10:Climate activist and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk has condemned the crackdown on student leaders and activists in the national capital, issuing an ultimatum that he will be compelled to consider an Anshan fast or Padyatra march if those detained are not released by Sunday. The activist expressed deep distress over the detentions following demonstrations in Delhi. Terming the current situation akin to an undeclared emergency, Wangchuk stated that he had earlier called for unity and peaceful demonstration but had not anticipated such severe action by law enforcement authorities. In a video message posted on X, Wangchuk described the situation in the national capital as an undeclared emergency and expressed concern over the detention of several political leaders who had planned to participate in a protest demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Yesterday when I posted a message appealing for unity and peace in today's protest, I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY. I was happy there were so many leaders to lead the movement, but I now learn that they have all been arrested. I hope those arrested will be released soon. I will be compelled to consider an Anshan Fast or Padyatra March if they are not released by tomorrow, he said.
Is prevailing situation not akin to emergency, asks DyCM
Jammu, Oct 10:Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday took exception to the detention of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders and curbs to prevent its protest in the union capital, asking if the current situation was not akin to emergency. Protest is democratic right and detention is wrong. The allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) have been made by his own colleagues- the two other Election Commissioners. The allegations against CEC warrant an investigation and therefore he should resign on moral grounds. BJP leaders, off and on, refer to the emergency and criticise it. But is the prevailing situation less serious than an emergency? What do the curbs in the union capital, completely paralysing it, convey? They raise questions over democratic rights, Choudhary said, on the sidelines of a public function here. He was responding to media queries on the side about the developments unfolding in the union capital amid CJPs call for protest and detention of its leaders. Choudhary asserted that there was a need for a transparent voting process to strengthen democracy and make it vibrant. The Deputy Chief Minister also defended the meeting of opposition leaders with the President Droupadi Murmu, by describing it as a move aimed at protecting the freedom and integrity of constitutional institutions by airing issues before the custodian of the Constitution as he referred to the President. He also criticised the alleged use of force against the young protesters, particularly the women. He accused the BJP of diverting attention from real issues of the country like unemployment by labelling the protesters who raise genuine issues as anti-nationals and dividing the country.
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When in power, no reforms; after retirement, objections: KEEMA on GCCs statement
Srinagar, Oct 10: The Kashmir Electric Equipment Manufacturers Association (KEEMA) has expressed deep dismay over the objections raised by a group of retired bureaucrats operating under the banner of the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC). In a statement issued on Saturday, KEEMA President Raja Nayeem Ahmad Khan said the apprehensions expressed over the legislation risked undermining progressive economic reforms and discouraging investment in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on behalf of the industrial and manufacturing fraternity, Khan questioned the timing and intent of the objections, stating that those who had administered the region for decades bore a moral responsibility to explain why practical, pro-growth procedural simplifications could not be envisioned or implemented during their tenures. He said public policy and economic progress could not be held hostage to generalised apprehensions raised after retirement. Khan maintained that the Ease of Doing Business Act was designed to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic red tape while preserving robust legal and environmental safeguards. Vague warnings about regulatory changes, without identifying specific provisions or demonstrating actual adverse consequences, would only discourage local enterprise and fresh investment, he said. Emphasising the importance of manufacturing and traditional livelihoods, the KEEMA president said modern industrial frameworks were vital for local manufacturing units, traditional handicrafts and artisanal activities that form an important part of Kashmirs economic and cultural foundation. He said legitimate economic activities operating within valid land-use parameters should be supported rather than viewed through a lens of unwarranted suspicion. Highlighting Jammu and Kashmirs employment challenges, Khan said the region needed responsible industrial growth and employment generation. He cautioned that halting progress through speculative opposition could harm youth employment and penalise local manufacturers striving to compete in a modern economy. Khan said KEEMA fully supported a transparent, fair and investment-friendly industrial ecosystem and urged the government to continue implementing reforms that empower local manufacturers. He also challenged the Group of Concerned Citizens to substantiate its claims through an open debate backed by evidence rather than speculative apprehensions. Calling upon the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) and the wider business fraternity to defend the regions economic interests, Khan urged them to stand against what he described as misinformed interference in the reform process. Let policy be shaped by facts, law, and the public interest, not by unfounded apprehensions, Khan said in the statement.
Encash Mahindra unveils Thar OG at Athwajan showroom
Srinagar, Oct 10:Encash Automotive Pvt. Ltd., an authorised dealership of Mahindra & Mahindra, unveiled the Thar OG at its Athwajan showroom in Srinagar on Saturday. The vehicle was unveiled by Qazi Irfan, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Kashmir, and Arshad Qadri, Divisional Head, J&K Bank, in the presence of Maham Rouf, CEO of Encash Automotive, senior officials from financial institutions, customers and SUV enthusiasts. Speaking at the launch, Maham Rouf said the Thar OG succeeds the three-door Thar introduced in 2020 and carries forward the iconic SUVs appeal while enhancing its design, capability and everyday usability. She said the new model represents another chapter in the evolution of the Thar, retaining the features and character appreciated by enthusiasts while incorporating improvements aimed at a new generation of customers. Addressing the gathering, Qazi Irfan commended the additions introduced in the Thar OG, including the M_Glyde 4G platform, advanced PENTALINK suspension, DAVINCI damping technology, electronic locking differential and terrain modes. He also emphasised the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and practising safe driving. Arshad Qadri said Mahindra had evolved the Thar for a new generation while preserving its distinctive boxy design, authentic character and strong road presence. Congratulating Encash Automotive on the unveiling, Qadri highlighted the hassle-free vehicle financing facilities offered by J&K Bank to customers seeking to purchase their preferred vehicles. The Thar OG is priced at Rs 10.32 lakh onwards, ex-showroom. The model retains the appeal of the Thar brand while introducing changes aimed at enhancing its design, capability and suitability for everyday use. Established in 2023, Encash Automotive currently operates at four locations across the Kashmir Valley: Athwajan and Lawaypora in Srinagar, Wanpoh in Anantnag district, and Gangoo in Pulwama district.
J&K will always remain our integral, inalienable part: India at UN
United Nations, Oct 10: India slammed Pakistan at the UN, saying it is regrettable that Islamabad continues to abuse the platform of the world organisation by peddling lies and falsehoods about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. India exercised its Right of Reply in response to a statement by Pakistan in the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly Friday on the Agenda Item Decolonization. The Committee deals with Special Political and Decolonization issues. It is regrettable that Pakistan continues to abuse this august forum by peddling lies and falsehoods about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Member of Parliament Mahima Kumari Mewar said. Delivering Indias strong Right of Reply, Mewar said a country like Pakistan, with an established record of military dictatorship, sham elections, incarceration of popular elected leaders, religious extremism and sponsoring terrorism as an instrument of state policy should, in future, refrain from preaching homilies at this platform. Jammu and Kashmir is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India, she said. India called upon Pakistan to stop the grave and ongoing human rights violation in the areas illegally occupied by it, where the population is in open revolt against Pakistans military occupation, repression, brutality, and illegal exploitation of resources. Mewar said that in the last few months, the Pakistani armed forces and their proxies have killed dozens of innocent civilians who were agitating for their basic rights, freedoms and basic necessities. Mewar is part of a visiting delegation of 15 Members of Parliament, who arrived here earlier this week for a UN familiarisation trip. The Members of Parliament had a diverse range engagements in the UN during the visit and also met members of the Indian diaspora at a special reception hosted at the Consulate General of India in New York.
FADA J&K seeks Ease of Doing Business reforms, One UT, One Trade Certificate
Srinagar, Oct 10:A delegation of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Jammu and Kashmir, led by its chairperson Sanjay Aggarwal, met Transport Minister Satish Sharma to discuss issues affecting the ease of doing business in the automobile sector across the Union Territory. The delegation highlighted procedural difficulties faced by automobile dealerships in obtaining Trade Certificates and called for simplified documentation, uniform implementation of rules and a transparent, time-bound compliance mechanism. During the meeting, Aggarwal said the automobile sector had emerged as an important pillar of Jammu and Kashmirs economy, generating employment for around 20,000 people while contributing to government revenue, consumer services and the growth of the automotive ecosystem. He said further improvements in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) framework were essential to unlock the sectors potential and encourage fresh investment in the Union Territory. Raising concerns over the Trade Certificate application process, Aggarwal said automobile dealers in J&K were currently required to submit approximately 16 documents to obtain the certificate. He pointed out that the extensive documentation requirements were creating difficulties for dealers and delaying the completion of applications. He also referred to the three-month, one-time relaxation recently provided by the government to eligible automobile dealers who had already initiated the statutory process for obtaining Trade Certificates. However, he said the existing documentation requirements continued to pose significant challenges despite the temporary facilitation. Aggarwal further highlighted the recent closure of some automobile dealerships in J&K, citing the cumbersome documentation process for obtaining Trade Certificates. He stressed the need to rationalise the requirements to ensure that regulatory compliance did not become an unnecessary obstacle to business operations. Referring to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), the FADA chairperson said the documentation requirements prescribed under the applicable rules were considerably fewer than those currently required in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the government to review the process in line with the relevant provisions of the CMVR. Drawing a comparison with neighbouring Punjab, Aggarwal said the documentation requirement there was understood to be around six documents. He maintained that reducing unnecessary procedural requirements would make compliance easier without compromising statutory obligations. The delegation also called for the implementation of the One UT, One Trade Certificate system in Jammu and Kashmir. Aggarwal said dealerships operating across multiple districts were currently required to obtain separate Trade Certificates for different districts, increasing the compliance burden and restricting operational flexibility. He proposed that a single Trade Certificate should enable a dealer to conduct business anywhere in the Union Territory, describing the arrangement as consistent with the principles of Ease of Doing Business. He cited the GST registration framework, under which branches can be endorsed, as a model for consideration. Aggarwal requested the Transport Minister to issue suitable directions to the concerned authorities for simplifying and rationalising Trade Certificate applications across J&K in accordance with the applicable CMVR provisions. He said such measures would support the governments objectives of improving the business environment, transparency and digital governance. Transport Minister Satish Sharma gave a patient hearing to the delegation, appreciated the concerns and suggestions put forward by FADA J&K, and assured the members that the issues discussed would be addressed on priority.
SKUAST-K, IMI to host 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit from October 12
Srinagar, Oct 10:The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) will jointly host the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress-2026 at the universitys Shalimar campus from October 12 to 14. The three-day national-level event, themed Contouring Sustainable Himalayan Landscapes for Inclusive Viksit Bharat, will bring together policymakers, scientists, administrators, farmers and development professionals to deliberate on climate-resilient agriculture, mountain ecosystem conservation and inclusive development pathways for the Himalayan region. A key highlight of the summit will be discussions on the proposed Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at strengthening the policy framework for sustainable development in the regions fragile mountain ecosystems. Three publications focusing on climate resilience in the Himalayas and the development of high-integrity agricultural carbon markets in India will also be launched. These include a Farmers Guidebook, an Article 6.2 Toolkit and an Environmental and Social Management Framework. Developed by SKUAST-Kashmir, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), the publications are intended to support informed and equitable participation by farmers in carbon markets, facilitate credible international carbon-market cooperation and strengthen environmental and social safeguards for agricultural carbon projects. The summit will feature three major events attended by prominent political and administrative figures. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, will be the chief guest at the inaugural function scheduled for October 12 at 10 am. Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh will attend a special session on October 13 at 2 pm. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, will be the chief guest at the valedictory function on October 14 at 3 pm. The summit and the accompanying Agriculture Science Congress are expected to provide a platform for discussions on sustainable mountain development, agricultural innovation and policy interventions to address the environmental and economic challenges facing the Himalayan region.
From job seekers to job creators: JKEDI concludes 2 entrepreneurship training batches
Pulwama, Oct 10:The Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Pulwama, today successfully concluded two batches of the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme at the Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama. Organised in collaboration between JKEDI and GDC (W) Pulwama at the district level, the 20-day training programme drew an enthusiastic response from students, who participated actively throughout the sessions. Professor Sami Jan, Principal of the college, attended as the Guest of Honour. The valedictory function was also attended by Nafia Nazir, Range Officer, JKEDI South Kashmir; Raiyees Manzoor, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Pulwama; Dr. Suraiya, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, GDC Women Pulwama and other officers concerned. Addressing the participants, Raiyees Manzoor emphasised the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is the path to self-reliance. The future belongs to those who embrace emerging opportunities with a positive mindset and choose to become job creators rather than job seekers, he said. Professor Sami Jan expressed satisfaction over the successful conduct of the programme and congratulated JKEDI for organising the 20-day training within the college. She noted that the collaboration between JKEDI and the institution had provided valuable practical exposure to students and would inspire more young women to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Nafia Nazir further motivated the participants, encouraging them to convert the skills acquired during the training into sustainable enterprises and to view entrepreneurship as an empowering career option. The ESDP under the RAMP scheme equips aspiring entrepreneurs with essential competencies in business development, financial planning, and market awareness. Both batches recorded strong student participation and received positive feedback, reflecting the growing interest among youth in enterprise creation. Such district-level partnerships between JKEDI and academic institutions continue to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and expand self-employment opportunities across the region. The JKEDI team reaffirmed their commitment to providing ongoing mentorship and support to the trainees.
Waqf Board to constitute Core Committee for uniform Friday sermons
Srinagar, Oct 10:The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, under the chairmanship of Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, has decided to constitute a Core Committee of Muftis, Imams and Khateebs to identify and finalise common topics for Friday sermons across shrines, Jamia Masjids and other religious institutions associated with the Board. The decision was taken during a meeting of Maulanas, Muftis, Imams and Khateebs held at the Central Office of the J&K Waqf Board in Sonwar, Srinagar, on Saturday. The meeting was attended by Board Members Dr. Ghulam Haleem and Syed Mohammad Hussain Haqani. Religious representatives associated with institutions across the Jammu Division also participated through video conferencing. During the deliberations, participants discussed the importance of coordination among religious scholars and maintaining uniformity in the themes of Friday sermons across Waqf-associated religious institutions. It was decided that the proposed Core Committee would finalise sermon topics in advance and communicate them to the concerned religious scholars for implementation. The themes will focus on promoting religious awareness, moral values, social harmony, unity and other matters of public and community interest in accordance with Islamic teachings. Chairperson Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi emphasised the importance of collective efforts and effective coordination among religious scholars to ensure that Friday sermons convey a constructive and meaningful message to the public. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination among religious institutions and encourage sermons that promote moral responsibility, unity and harmony within society. Prominent religious scholars who participated in the meeting included Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi of Kaba Marg, Anantnag; Moulana Riyaz Ul Haq Noorabadi of Asari Sharief, Dargah Hazratbal; Moulana Amir Ud Din Shah, Mirwaiz of Charar-i-Sharief; Moulana Abdul Hamid Nayeemi, Imam-o-Khateeb of Zaldagar; Moulana Peer Hessain Qadri, Imam of Jamia Masjid Sonwar; and Moulana Syed Mudassir Geelani, Imam-o-Khateeb of Dastigeer Sahib (RA), Khanyar, Khateeb, Molana Farooq Naqshbandi Jamia Masjid Umar Rail Head,Jammu, Mufti Inayatullah Qasmi Jamia Masjid Talab khatikan Jammu, Mufti Manzoor Ahmed Jamia Masjid Sunjwan Jammu, Molana Syed Ahmed Jamia Masiid Malik Market Jammu, Mufti Mohd Ashraf MisbahiJamia Masjid Reasi, Molana Farooq Misbahi Jamia Masjid Poonch, Molana Farooq Naqshbandi Jamia Masjid Eidgah Rajouri, Molana Gulam Mohiuddin Jamia Masjid Kot Ranka Rajouri and Molana Gulam Rasool Jamia Masjid City Rajouri along with other religious scholars from various districts.
3rd Edition of Kashmir Marathon: Div Com Kashmir reviews preparations
Srinagar, Oct 10: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg Saturday chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the 3rd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon, taking stock of the arrangements being made by the nodal Tourism Department and other stakeholder departments for the smooth and successful conduct of the event. The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Tourism, and officers from the departments of Information, PHE, KPDCL, R&B, SMC, YSS, Health, JKTDC, Hospitality and Protocol, SSCL, SRTC, Agriculture, Sports Council, LCMA, SDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other concerned departments. During the meeting, it was informed that the Kashmir Marathon will be held on October 25, with a three-day Marathon Expo scheduled to be organised at Polo Ground. The event has attracted significant international participation, with 67 foreign nationals from 12 countries having registered so far. Both the full marathon, covering 42.19 kilometres, and the half marathon, spanning 21.09 kilometres, will be conducted on the same day in the morning. To ensure the safety and well-being of participants, 17 aid stations will be established along the marathon route to provide necessary assistance. Addressing the meeting, the Div Com directed all concerned departments to nominate nodal officers to ensure effective interdepartmental coordination and timely execution of assigned responsibilities. Emphasising the need to enhance the visual appeal of the marathon route, he called for beautification through the placement of potted flowers. He also directed the Roads and Buildings Department to conduct a thorough inspection of the route and ensure that all potholes are filled to provide a smooth and safe running surface. The concerned authorities were further instructed to undertake the pruning of trees along the marathon loop. Highlighting the importance of maintaining the scenic beauty of Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the need to ensure cleanliness around Dal Lake. He also directed the deployment of volunteers at appropriate locations and the establishment of medical camps with adequate staff to address any health-related emergencies during the event. Meanwhile, the Traffic Police was directed to publicise designated parking locations well in advance to facilitate participants and ensure the smooth regulation of vehicular movement on the day of the marathon. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited were directed to ensure the proper functioning of streetlights along the marathon route. The Sports Council was instructed to make lighting arrangements at Polo Ground for the smooth conduct of the event. The SMC was further directed to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation along the marathon route and at the inaugural venue. The Divisional Commissioner emphasised that close coordination among all stakeholder departments and timely completion of preparatory measures would be essential for the successful organisation of the 3rd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon. Highlights Marathon will be held on October 25 67 foreign nationals from 12 countries registered so far Full marathon, covering 42.19 kilometres, half marathon, 21.09 kilometres, to be conducted on same day 17 aid stations to be established along marathon route
Mohammad Qais wins bronze at Junior National Soft Tennis Championship
Srinagar, Oct 10: The 21st Junior National Soft Tennis Championship, which commenced on 05 October, 2026 concluded on Saturday with a grand closing ceremony at Sher e Kashmir indoor Sports Complex. As per a statement issued, Mohammad Qais of J&K won the Bronze Medal in this prestigious National Soft Tennis Championship. The six-day championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from young and talented soft tennis players from across the country. The players displayed excellent skills, discipline, determination, and competitive spirit throughout the tournament. The closing ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Hussain, President Soft Tennis Iran along with dignitaries of Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India and J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association were also present on the occasion.
Uphold highest standards of judicial conduct: Chief Justice
Srinagar, Oct 10:Chief Justice High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, today interacted with judicial officers in the Conference Hall of the District Court Complex, Srinagar, and later attended a felicitation programme organised by the Kashmir Advocates Association. During the interaction with judicial officers, Chief Justice emphasised the importance of discharging judicial responsibilities fearlessly, compassionately and with unwavering commitment to the rule of law. He highlighted the vital role of the judiciary in safeguarding citizens rights, ensuring access to justice and maintaining public confidence in the justice delivery system. Chief Justice stressed that collective responsibility, mutual trust and institutional harmony were essential for strengthening the functioning of courts. He encouraged judicial officers to work collaboratively, uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct and foster a peaceful and conducive working environment. He expressed satisfaction with the professional competence and dedication of judicial officers serving in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and underscored the importance of continuous learning and guidance from senior judicial officers. At the outset, Naseer Ahmad Dar, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar, welcomed the Chief Justice on behalf of the judicial officers of the district. He expressed gratitude for the interaction and reaffirmed the commitment of the District Judiciary, Srinagar, to quality adjudication, timely disposal of cases and reduction of pendency. Later, the Kashmir Advocates Association organised a felicitation programme at the District Court Complex, Srinagar, to welcome the Chief Justice. Speaking on the occasion, Adv. Waseem Gul, President of the Kashmir Advocates Association, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Justice on behalf of the legal fraternity and also welcomed the newly appointed Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar. Highlighting the role of the District Court as the first accessible forum of justice for ordinary citizens, the Association President emphasised the importance of a constructive partnership between the Bench and the Bar. He assured full cooperation in strengthening the administration of justice and sought the Chief Justices guidance on improving court infrastructure, enhancing facilities for lawyers and litigants, strengthening legal aid, promoting alternative dispute resolution and providing structured training for young advocates. The Association President also announced that the Association had accepted in principle the induction of five women lawyers into its Executive Committee, with the decision to be formalised shortly. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice expressed happiness at interacting with members of the Bar and the judiciary at Srinagar. Drawing upon his experience as a lawyer, he emphasised the need to encourage and support women advocates, observing that their active participation was essential for the progress of the legal fraternity. Chief Justice recalled the pioneering contribution of Cornelia Sorabji and stressed the importance of bringing women lawyers to the forefront. Appreciating the Associations decision to induct women members into its Executive Committee, the Chief Justice described lawyers as vital custodians of access to justice and constitutional rights. He urged the legal fraternity to respond to evolving societal expectations and emphasised the need to embrace technology, observing that failure to adapt could leave institutions behind. The programmes underscored the shared commitment of the Bench and the Bar to strengthening the justice delivery system, upholding the rule of law and preserving the dignity and independence of the institution of justice.
Srinagar Premier Division Football League: AL Muqeet FC beat Kashmir United FC 42
Srinagar, Oct 10: In an exciting encounter of the My Youth My Pride Srinagar Premier Division Football League 202627, AL Muqeet FC registered an impressive 42 victory over Kashmir United FC on Saturday at TRC Synthetic Turf, Srinagar. As per a DFA statement, both teams displayed competitive football, but AL Muqeet FC proved more clinical in front of goal to secure a well-deserved win. The league, organised by the District Football Association Srinagar (DFA Srinagar), continues to provide a competitive platform for local football clubs and emerging talent to showcase their skills.
150 students participate in annual athletics meet at NIT Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 10: The Annual Athletics Meet (Men and Women) commenced at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, with around 150 students participating in the event organised by the institutes Student Activity and Sports (SAS) Centre. The meet, as per a statement, aimed to promote physical fitness, sportsmanship and healthy competition while encouraging students to balance academic pursuits with sports and extracurricular activities. Prof. Mohammad Abid Bazaz Dean Students Welfare said sports and extracurricular activities were essential for the holistic development of students. Education is not confined to classrooms. Participation in sports helps students develop leadership, discipline, teamwork and resilience. The institute remains committed to providing students with opportunities to pursue their interests alongside academics, he said. Dr Manoj Kumar, In-charge Faculty, SAS, said the event was part of the institutes efforts to encourage greater participation in sports and fitness activities. Sports play an important role in the overall development of students. The athletics meet provides them an opportunity to showcase their abilities, build confidence and develop discipline and a spirit of healthy competition, he said.
KU retains 4-star rating under Ministry of Educations Innovation Council framework
Srinagar, Oct 10:The University of Kashmir (KU) has retained its 4-Star Rating under the Institutions Innovation Council (IIC) framework of the Ministry of Educations Innovation Cell (MIC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The University secured a total score of 76.79 out of 100 in the latest IIC performance assessment, declared on October 5, 2026. The rating recognises the Universitys initiatives to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and encourage students and faculty members to translate ideas into practical solutions. Institutions securing a 4-star rating are considered among the best-performing institutions with a streamlined campus ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. The Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), Institute of Technology (IoT), Zakura Campus, which also serves as KUs Institution Innovation Council, facilitates activities aimed at nurturing creativity, entrepreneurial thinking and start-up development across the University. Congratulating the CIIE team, Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said the continued recognition reflected the importance the University places on promoting an innovation-driven academic environment. Retaining this rating is an encouraging recognition of our continued efforts to nurture innovative thinking and entrepreneurial talent. We want our students and researchers to feel empowered to explore new ideas, develop practical solutions and contribute to society through their creativity and enterprise, she said. Registrar, KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, congratulated the team and said the achievement reflected the varsity's commitment to creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship. Director, IoT, Zakura Campus KU, and Chairman, CIIE, KU, Prof. M. Tariq Banday, said the rating shows the collective efforts of the CIIE team in building a culture of innovation and enterprise. Under the MICAICTE framework, the Council undertakes a range of activities throughout the academic year, including innovation and entrepreneurship awareness programmes, expert interactions, ideation and problem-solving sessions, design thinking, intellectual property rights awareness, exposure visits, idea competitions, hackathons, prototype showcases, mentoring and start-up development initiatives. These activities include those prescribed under the IIC calendar, MIC-driven initiatives, celebrations and self-driven programmes, with outcomes documented and reported through the designated IIC portal.
Unnerved Panamanians sleep in streets as aftershocks rattle quake-hit towns
La Villa de Los Santos (Panama), Oct 10: Unnerved residents of rural Panama awoke Saturday on the streets as the aftershocks of two powerful earthquakes that roiled the country shook their communities for hours. The 7.7- and 6.6-magnitude earthquakes toppled buildings near the epicenter and prompted evacuations across the Central American country. Seismologists at the University of Panama recorded dozens of aftershocks, including ones measuring magnitude 5.8, 5.5 and 5.2. The earlier quake, felt as far away as neighbouring Colombia, was centred about 10 km southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, in the central province of Herrera, according to the US Geological Survey. It struck at a depth of 10 km. Panamanian authorities had not attributed any deaths to the earthquakes. In La Villa de Los Santos, a colonial-era community about 64 km northeast of the epicentre, homes and a historical Catholic church collapsed. People who spent the night on the streets were waiting for the government's guidance on what to do next. We've been here since 1 pm yesterday; we haven't moved, Tony Jimenez, whose home partially collapsed, said while sitting with relatives under a tent. It was a terrible thing. I can tell you with absolute certainty that in my 90 years, I had never experienced anything like it. It was intense truly intense. Images of crumbling buildings and deep fissures slicing through roads added to fears across a region battered by a series of devastating earthquakes in recent months. Two back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled Venezuela's La Guaira state in June, killing more than 6,500 people and leaving 17,000 homeless. In August, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia killed at least 289 people. The notably lower toll in nearby Panama may have been due to the country's strict building codes, especially governing construction of skyscrapers in the capital, said Carlos Valdes, head of the Seismology Department at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Omar Smith of the National Civil Protection Service said that damage was concentrated in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos. He said there were no reports of damage in Panama City. Smith said several injuries have been reported, including one person struck by debris from a partially collapsed structure in the city of Penonome, around 150 km from the capital. He confirmed a partial collapse and cracks at the cathedral in the district's main square, as well as damage to the governor's office building and the Dos Continentes hotel. The Church of San Atanasio in La Villa de Los Santos collapsed. It was declared a National Historic Heritage Site in 1938. Elsewhere, including in Veraguas province, large fissures ran along roadways. Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, one of the region's busiest airports with more than 20 million passengers in 2025, temporarily suspended operations after the first quake but said Friday afternoon that it was reopening. The Panama Canal Authority said operations were continuing normally along the global trade route. It said its priority was the safety of employees, vessels and crews and that specialised technical teams were inspecting facilities for possible damage. The last major earthquake to cause widespread damage in Panama struck in 1991. A magnitude 7.4 quake, centred in nearby Costa Rica, killed 23 people, injured 559 and left thousands of people homeless in the border Bocas del Toro region. Earthquakes are common, especially along Panama's border with Costa Rica and its Pacific coast, because of the interaction of several tectonic plates, including the Cocos, Nazca and Caribbean plates. Panama lies along the Ring of Fire, a 40,000-km arc of volcanoes and fault lines around the Pacific Basin, where most of the world's earthquakes occur. (AP)
Two men from Punjab arrested with pistol, cash, heroin in Jammu
Jammu, Oct 10: Police arrested two peddlers on Saturday and recovered a pistol, over Rs 1.48 lakh, 22 grams of heroin, an electronic weighing machine and two mobile phones from them, an official said. A police spokesperson said police arrested Sonu Kumar of Chak Murar and Anmol Arora of Amritsar (Punjab) during a vehicle check in the Bishnah area on the outskirts of Jammu, and seized the private car they were travelling in. The latest arrest followed the successful busting of a major cross-border narcotic smuggling racket, which resulted in the arrest of four accused, including a Punjab resident, in the nearby Arnia sector of Jammu on October 5. Police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and the Arms Act at Bishnah Police Station and opened an investigation. The spokesperson said further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the suspected contraband, the origin of the recovered cash and weapon, and the accused's possible backward and forward linkages with other persons involved in illegal drug trafficking.
LG Sinha sees global capability centres as key to J&Ks industrial growth over next decade
Jammu, Oct 10: Jammu and Kashmirs industrial landscape could undergo a significant transformation over the next decade, with Global Capability Centres (GCCs) becoming a key driver of investment, employment, and economic growth, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday. Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day J&K GCC Summit at IIM Jammu, he said the Union Territory could emerge as a major GCC destination, backed by its young talent pool, improving infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and an expanding innovation ecosystem. He congratulated IIM Jammu, NASSCOM, partner institutions and the administration for successfully organising the summit, urging participants to reflect on a key question about why companies seeking their next talent hub, innovation centre and capacity destination should make Jammu and Kashmir their preferred choice and work together with a strong resolve to make it a reality. Drawing inspiration from the worlds highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir today reflects the confidence and ambition required to pursue transformational goals. He observed that the Chenab itself, formed through the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, symbolises the spirit of collaboration. In a similar manner, GCCs bring together the global expertise, capital and technology of multinational enterprises with the talent, aspirations and imagination of Jammu Kashmirs youth to create new opportunities for growth and innovation. I see Global Capability Centres in the same spirit of courage and confluence and together they can generate a strength far beyond their separate capabilities, he said. The Lt Governor said India is home to more than 2,100 GCCs that employ over 19 Lakh professionals and contribute substantially to exports. He highlighted that more GCCs are expanding beyond metropolitan centres into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, showing that Indias talent pool is now widely distributed across the country. He said this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen its institutions, infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. Emphasising the GCC sector's future direction, the Lt Governor said the journey of GCCs has evolved from questions of cost efficiency to excellence and capability. The industrial revolution we are witnessing today in parts of the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley is a living symbol of the new Jammu Kashmir. In 2020, there were only 69 startups and that number has now risen to 1,305, a growth of over 1,800 per cent. When the energy of young, ambitious graduates from IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu, NIT Srinagar and other universities of Jammu Kashmir is added to these figures, you see a ready workforce emerging, he said. He identified six key advantages that position Jammu Kashmir as an attractive GCC destination, including strong financial support, lower operating costs, special incentives for pioneering multinational investors, the return of local talent, first-mover advantages for early GCC entrants and opportunities in niche sectors such as agri-tech, tourism-tech and handicraft digitisation. Outlining a four-pillar roadmap for the next five years, the Lt Governor stressed talent development through industry-academia partnerships, building trust through credible implementation, leveraging Jammu Kashmirs unique destination advantages and promoting inclusive growth through a hub-and-spoke development model. Expressing confidence in J&K's future, he said GCCs can become an integral pillar of Jammu Kashmirs industrial ecosystem over the next decade. An IIM Jammu spokesman said the summit concluded with deliberations centred on technology and innovation, talent and workforce transformation, investment, and a roadmap to position Jammu & Kashmir as an emerging destination for GCCs. The summit's highlight was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Indian Institute of Management Jammu and KPMG Advisory Services Private Limited. The collaboration aims to strengthen industryacademia engagement through academic programmes, executive education, research, consultancy, skill development and industry-oriented learning, contributing to talent development and the growth of the GCC ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, the spokesman said.
