Health & Fitness

After GST meeting, Ill consult Farooq Abdullah before taking Cabinet decision: Omar Abdullah

What Is Zombie Scrolling? Psychiatrist Explains Its Impact on Mental Health

Is mindless scrolling ruining your focus and sleep? A psychiatrist breaks down the mental health impacts of zombie scrolling and how to finally put the phone down.

Kashmir-born filmmaker Arfat Sheikh detained by ICE in US

Washington, Oct 7: An award-winning Kashmiri filmmaker Arafat Sheikh has been detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on arrival at the Dulles International Airport here, an advocacy campaign seeking his release said. Sheikh, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, was detained by ICE on September 24, the campaign Free Arafat Sheikh said. It claimed that Sheikh, who is a Kashmir-born filmmaker, is in the US on a student visa to pursue film studies at Georgia State University and has a pending immigration application. Sheikh gained international recognition for his debut feature film, Saffron Kingdom, which screened in more than 100 theaters and was streamed in 175 countries, as per Anadolu news agency. The production received honors including Best Feature Film at the Anatolian International Film Awards, Chicago Filmmakers Award, and Los Angeles Film and Documentary Awards, as well as an Emerging Filmmaker distinction at the Teaneck International Film Festival. The campaign launched online said Sheikh was detained shortly after stepping off his flight. It alleged that ICE agents took him into custody even as he presented his immigration documents. ICE, the US agency responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws, can detain non-citizens over suspected immigration violations or while their immigration status or applications are being reviewed. (With inputs from PTI)

INDIA bloc launches Save Democracy, Save Vote, Save Country campaign in J&K

Video: When Ajay Devgn Overcame His Fear And Ate Raw Fish With Bare Hands

The throwback video shows Ajay Devgn stepping outside his comfort zone as he took on a survival challenge with Bear Grylls that involved eating freshly caught raw fish.

Scindia puts 6G, AI and telecom manufacturing at centre of Indias tech ambitions

New Delhi: Ahead of India Mobile Congress 2026, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has placed 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), indigenous telecom manufacturing, and affordable digital access at the centre of Indias technology policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met members of the GSMA Board in New Delhi. In policy statements ahead of the event, Scindia outlined the Governments ambitions for 6G leadership and the expansion of domestic telecom manufacturing. According to Scindia, India has transformed itself from a country that once imported nearly 95 per cent of its mobile phones into a major manufacturing hub, with domestic mobile-phone production reaching approximately 6.27 lakh crore. India now has more than one billion broadband connections. Describing Indias technological progress, Scindia said the country followed the world in 4G, matched it in 5G, and now aims to lead in 6G.

Chef Pankaj Bhadouria Shares An Easy Way To Clean Brass And Copper Vessels Before Diwali

Chef Pankaj Bhadouria has shared a simple method that can help restore the shine of old brass and copper vessels in just a few minutes.

7 Gynecologist-Approved Signs to Stop Exercising During Pregnancy

Know when to pause your workout during pregnancy. A gynecologist shares 7 warning signs that mean you should stop exercising immediately and rest.

Russian missile strike in Ukraine's capital kills at least 2

Kyiv, Oct 07: Russian attacked Ukraine's capital with ballistic missiles overnight Wednesday, killing two people and damaging civilian infrastructure, according to Ukrainian officials. Explosions were heard across central Kyiv at around 3 am. A rocket struck a nonresidential building in the Podilskyi district, sparking a fire, a statement from the Kyiv City Military Administration said. In the Darnytskyi district, a rocket strike caused a fire at a garage complex. The blaze was extinguished and the site sustained damage, officials said. Debris from the attack was also reported in an open area nearby. The administration said two people were killed in the attack but did not immediately provide further details about the victims. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, said the broader Kyiv region was also subject to a combined attack involving drones and ballistic missiles. In the Obukhiv district, three production and storage facilities were damaged, Tkachenko said. Fires broke out at the sites but had been contained. A truck and trailer were also damaged, he said.

Why Does Your Heel Hurt When You Wake Up? Common Causes Explained

A lot of people notice pain and discomfort in their heels as they put their feet on the ground after waking up. In most cases, it subsides in some time, but if it persists and occurs regularly, medical intervention is suggested.

Girl from PoK repatriated through Chakkan Da Bagh in J&K's Poonch

Poonch, Oct 7: A 17-year-old girl from Pakistan-held Kashmir, who had crossed the Line of Control in the Nowshera sector earlier this month, was repatriated to Pakistan through the Chakkan Da Bagh crossing in Poonch on Tuesday after completion of the required legal formalities. The girl, identified as Samiya Azeem, daughter of Mohammad Azeem and a resident of Bains Gala, Seri, in Khuiretta tehsil of Kotli district, was apprehended by personnel of 6/1 Gorkha Rifles on October 2 after she crossed into the Indian side. Following completion of the necessary formalities, police and Army personnel escorted her from Police Post Lam to Chakkan Da Bagh, where she was repatriated through the designated crossing point. The repatriation was carried out after completion of the prescribed procedures in coordination with the concerned authorities. [KNT]

J&K govt orders major bureaucratic reshuffle, 49 officers transferred

Srinagar, Oct 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday ordered a major administrative reshuffle, transferring and posting 49 IAS and JKAS officers with immediate effect. The orders were issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) under Government Order No. 1612-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated October 7. Among the key changes, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra has been given the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Revenue Department, relieving Kumar Rajeev Ranjan of the charge. Dr Ashish Chandra Verma has been transferred from Tourism and posted as Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Agriculture Production Department. M Raju, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, has been relieved of the additional charge of Health and Medical Education Department and given additional charge of Hospitality and Protocol Department and Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department. R Alice Vaz has been transferred to the Transport Department as Commissioner/Secretary, while retaining charge of the Information Department. She will also hold additional charge of Civil Aviation Department and Commissioner, Civil Aviation. Saugat Biswas has been posted as Commissioner/Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department. Sarmad Hafeez has been transferred from Social Welfare and posted as Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department. Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, has been posted as Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, while retaining charge of Resident Commissioner, J&K Government, New Delhi. Naveen S L has been transferred from Civil Aviation and posted as Commissioner of Enquiries, J&K. Among other major changes, Avny Lavasa has been posted as Secretary, Tourism Department, while continuing as Administrative Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department. Anjali Sehrawat has been posted as Secretary, Public Grievances Department. Vikas Kundal has been transferred from the J&K Services Selection Board and posted as Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, with additional charge of Additional CEO, Jammu Metropolitan Regional Development Authority. Majid Khalil Ahmad Drabu has been posted as Inspector General of Registration, J&K. Rahul Yadav has been posted as Administrative Secretary, Information Technology Department, while retaining additional charge of Managing Director, J&K Power Development Corporation Limited. Owais Ahmed has been posted as Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, with additional charge of Director, Skill Development J&K. Sagar Doifode Dattatray has been transferred to the Social Welfare Department as Administrative Secretary. Devansh Yadav has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, while Rakesh Minhas has been appointed CEO, State Health Agency, J&K, with additional charge of MD, Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission. Shrikant Balasaheb Suse has been posted as Chairman, J&K Services Selection Board, while Akriti Sagar has been appointed Managing Director, J&K Tourism Development Corporation with additional charge of CEO, J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency. Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan has been posted as Managing Director, National Health Mission, J&K. Basharat Qayoom has been transferred from Pulwama and posted as Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, with additional charge of CEO, SPV for Srinagar City for implementation of the Smart City Project. Ayushi Sudan has been posted as Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation. The reshuffle also includes several Deputy Commissioners. Minga Sherpa has been transferred from Udhampur to Jammu, Abhishek Sharma from Rajouri to Kupwara, Rupesh Kumar to Samba, Jatin Kishore from Ganderbal to Budgam, Shreya Singhal from Ganderbal to the post of Deputy Commissioner, and Ananth Dwivedi from the State Health Agency to Udhampur. Mamta Yadav has been posted as Director, Information, J&K. At the district level, Mahima Madan has been posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, while Vidhu Shekhar has been posted as Vice Chairman, Jammu Development Authority. Pranjal J Hazarika has been posted as Director, J&K Archives, Archaeology and Museums, while Vivek Agarwal has been appointed Director, Employment, J&K, with additional charge of CEO, Mission YUVA. Vikas Ahlawat has been transferred from Anantnag and posted as Labour Commissioner, J&K. The order also includes changes among JKAS officers. Kuldeep Krishan Sidha has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama; Charandeep Singh as Deputy Commissioner, Shopian; Rakesh Kumar as Special Secretary, Lok Bhawan; Sachin Jamwal as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kathua; and Sushil Kesar as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi. Irfan Bahadur has been posted as Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Budgam, while Afroza Bano has been transferred and directed to await further posting orders in the General Administration Department.

This Vietnam Cafe Serves Coffee In Edible Cups You Can Eat Afterwards

A content creator visited the Kheo cafe and tried two drinks, Vietnamese milk coffee and rice milk coffee, served in the edible cups.

RBI hikes repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5 pc; changes stance to 'calibrated tightening'

Mumbai, Oct 07: After nearly three-and-half years, the Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday raised key benchmark policy rate by 25 basis points to 5.5 per cent in a bid to tame rising inflation amid continuing West Asia crisis. With the rate hike, home loans, vehicle loans and corporate loans would become expensive and EMI for existing borrowers would also go up. A hike in the short-term lending rate (repo) by the RBI marks a reversal from its previous policy action. The last repo rate hike was in February 2023, when the RBI raised the rate by 0.25 per cent to 6.50 per cent. It kept the rate unchanged through 2023-24 before beginning its rate-cut cycle in 2025. Announcing the bi-monthly monetary policy, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to raise the policy repo rate by 25 basis points. Meanwhile, retail inflation rose to 4.82 per cent in August as compared to 4.45 per cent in the previous month. MPC changed its stance to 'calibrated tightening' from 'neutral' and also underscored that rate cut is unlikely in the near term given the current conditions. Besides, MPC must have taken into account the recent actions by central banks of developed nations especially the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. Last month, the US Fed effected a 25 basis points rate hike to rein in inflation brought on by spiralling oil prices and other factors. Prior to the Fed, the European Central Bank too raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points.

Which City Is Known As The Mushroom Capital Of India?

This Himachali city has had a long association with mushroom cultivation and is home to India's premier research institute dedicated to the crop.

Rupee falls 10 paise to 96.45 against US dollar ahead of RBI monetary policy decision

In early Wednesday trading, the rupee depreciated by 10 paise, settling at 96.45 against the US dollar. Investors are keenly awaiting the Reserve Bank of India's upcoming monetary policy decisions regarding interest rates and liquidity, with many analysts predicting a rate hike due to escalating inflation concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

3 injured, over half a dozen houses damaged in Anantnag fire

Fire breaks out at two plastic granules manufacturing factories in Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 07: A fire broke out at two plastic granules manufacturing factories in the Bhorgarh industrial area here early Wednesday, Delhi Fire Service (DFS) officials said. They said the fire later spread to the terraces of two adjacent factories. The fire was reported around 4:30 am and 16 fire tenders were deployed. The blaze was doused by 6:15 am. Cooling operations are underway, the officials said. Further details are awaited.

Govt strengthening sports infrastructure, providing sports facilities to youth: MLA Shameema Firdous

Srinagar, Oct 6:The Jammu and KashmirNational Conference Womens Wing President and MLAHabba Kadal Shameema Firdous Tuesday said that sportsare an effective means of nurturing the talent of the younger generation, engaging themin positive activities and keeping them away from socialevils such as drug abuse. She was speaking while interacting with a delegation of players associated with the Football Club (FC Passionate) led by Zubair Ahmad. The players, as per a statement, apprised Shameema Firdous of the difficulties they were facing in pursuing sports. They said they wanted to build their future in sports and bring recognition to Jammu and Kashmir at the national and international levels, but lack of resources and essential facilities was creating hurdles in their path.

Nine mongooses released in 1872 spread across Jamaica within a decade

Srinagar Premier League resumes, Kanwal FC beats IFC Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 6: The Srinagar Premier League resumed Tuesday at the TRC Turf, Srinagar, under the aegis of the District Football Association (DFA), Srinagar.In the opening fixture following the resumption, Kanwal FC, as per the DFA statement, defeated IFC Kashmir 10 in a closely contested encounter. Kanwal FC went into half-time with a 10 advantage and held on to the lead until the finalwhistle. IFC Kashmir pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Kanwal FC maintained their defensive discipline to secure a narrow victory and collect three points. The resumption of the Srinagar Premier League marks the return of competitive football action at the TRC Turf, with local clubs set to battle it out in the upcoming fixtures.

Ensure adequate arrangements for Urs of Hazrat Alamdar-e-Kashmir (RA): Sagar

Srinagar, Oct 6:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar Tuesday called upon the administration to ensure adequate and proper arrangements at the shrine of Hazrat Alamdar-e-Kashmir Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA) at Charar-i-Sharief in view of the upcoming Urs. Sagar, as per a statement, stressed that all essential facilities, including uninterrupted power supply, drinking water, sanitation and cleanliness, should be ensured for the devotees so that they do not face any inconvenience. He also urged the administration to make adequate transport facilities available for devotees visiting the shrine. He has also urged the district administration to ensure adequate arrangements for devotees at the shrine of the revered saint Hazrat Mir Syed Latifullah Dwarki (RA) on the occasion of his annual Urs.

JKEJAC, JKTF raise safety, duty concerns ahead of Board examinations

Ganderbal, Oct 6: A delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Employees Joint Action Committee (JKEJAC) & Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), District Ganderbal, on Tuesday called upon Aijaz Ahmad Khan, Assistant Secretary, JKBOSE, District Branch Office Ganderbal, at his office and held a detailed and constructive interaction regarding various issues concerning the smooth, safe and student-friendly conduct of the forthcoming 10th, 11th and 12th class examinations. During the meeting, the delegation, as per a statement, placed before the officer several genuine and important concerns relating to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety and security of students, examination centres, deployment of examination staff, accessibility and other welfare-related matters. The delegation particularly emphasised that, in view of the present circumstances, wild animals are frequently moving in several hilly and remote areas, creating genuine safety concerns for students, staff and other persons associated with the examination process. The delegation therefore urged that adequate precautionary and safety measures be put in place, particularly in vulnerable and difficult areas. The delegation further requested that, as far as administratively feasible, employees assigned examination duties should preferably be deployed at examination centres within a reasonable distance of approximately 1015 kilometres from their residences, so that unnecessary hardship and travel-related difficulties may be avoided. The delegation also raised the issue of fair and transparent examination arrangements, besides seeking appropriate consideration/exemption for employees who are suffering from long-term or life-long medical conditions, as well as female employees who are on maternity leave or child-care leave, subject to applicable rules and regulations. The Assistant Secretary JKBOSE, Aijaz Ahmad Khan, gave a patient hearing to all the concerns raised by the delegation and assured that the genuine issues brought before him would be duly examined and appropriately addressed. He further assured the delegation that every possible effort would be made to ensure that the forthcoming examinations are conducted in a safe, smooth, disciplined, peaceful and student-friendly atmosphere.

PDP holds Zonal Committee Elections in Chanapora

Srinagar, Oct 6:The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chanapora Constituency, Tuesday conducted elections for its Zonal Committee at the party office in Chanapora. The proceedings were presided over by Zahoor Ahmad Mir, former MLA and Cabinet Minister. Following the voting process, Mohd Altaf Bhat was elected as the Zonal President. The election proceedings, as per a statement, were attended by Chanapora Constituency In-Charge and PDP spokesperson Mohd Iqbal Tramboo, PDP leader Zuhaib Yousuf Mir, former State Secretary Arif Laigroo, Abdul Qayoom Bhat, Mohammad Altaf Tambakoo, Sajjad Alam, Umar Dar, Fayaz Reshi, Bilal Sofi, Mohd Younis, Roma Wani and other party leaders and workers. Speaking on the occasion, Mohd Iqbal Tramboo stressed the need to further strengthen the party organisation at the grassroots level, saying that organisational elections should not remain limited to the selection of office-bearers. These elections should mean more than merely choosing office-bearers. They should help strengthen the party at the grassroots, deepen our engagement with people and give greater meaning and responsibility to our organisational structure. The real significance of these elections will lie in how effectively we translate this organisational exercise into stronger engagement with the people, Tramboo said.

EHSAAS at DPS Baramulla blends talent, social messages

Baramulla, Oct 6:Delhi Public School (DPS) Baramullas annual event EHSAASRang-o-Noor Ki Inayat: DPS Ki Riwayat turned into a vibrant showcase of student talent, confidence and social awareness, leaving parents and guests visibly impressed. The event witnessed a series of performances by students that drew thunderous applause from the audience, with parents repeatedly rising from their seats to capture glimpses of their children performing on stage. The performances ranged from humorous acts to emotionally charged presentations, with several skits highlighting pressing social concerns, including poverty, acid attacks, drug addiction and excessive use of mobile phones. The young performers not only entertained the audience but also used the stage to convey meaningful messages, keeping parents and guests glued to their seats throughout the programme. Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syed Fakhruddin, who was the chief guest at the occasion, praised the school for its discipline, organisation and overall development. Recalling his interaction with the school management soon after taking charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Syed Fakhruddin Hamid said some issues had arisen earlier but were resolved by the school management as a family rather than treating them merely as an administrative matter. I am very impressed with this school, he said, praising the discipline and professional organisation witnessed during the event. He said the school, with around 2,000 students, was in strong and capable hands and expressed confidence about the future of its students. Fakhruddin also lauded DPS Baramullas academic and extracurricular achievements, saying the school had demonstrated progress in examinations, NEET, sports and cultural activities. I understood that in extracurricular activities, DPS Baramulla is not only ahead in the UT, but also comparable with any school in the country, he said. He assured the school management and parents of the district administrations support, saying the administration would extend whatever assistance was possible. Chairman DPS Baramulla Sheikh Mohsin Iqbal, in his address, thanked parents for reposing their trust in the institution and said the faith placed in the school by parents was sacred. Addressing the students, Iqbal said their performances had not merely entertained the audience but had inspired everyone present. He said parents had expressed their appreciation for the event, adding that DPS Baramulla would continue striving to set new benchmarks in education, sports and other fields. Principal DPS Baramulla Dr Shashwata Shiva, in his address, highlighted the institutions academic achievements, saying the school secured 100 percent CBSE Board results in Classes 10 and 12 in 2026. He said DPS Baramulla students also performed strongly in Olympiads, while around 70 percent of students from Nursery to Class 9 secured marks in the 90s in the 2025 annual examinations. He added that three students qualified NEET this year, while five secured admission to top engineering colleges. More than a dozen Class 12 students also secured admission to institutions including Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia besides other management colleges across the country, he added. Shiva said education at the school was aimed not merely at academic achievement but at nurturing students who remained rooted in their heritage while being intellectually open and confident enough to engage with the wider world. He said the Valleys cultural heritage and natural landscape provided a unique opportunity to cultivate in students an appreciation for beauty, language, culture and the living world. Our academic endeavour rests upon clear conviction. Understanding must be secured, efforts must be sustained and achievements must be accompanied by intellectual integrity, he added.

US, Israel must abandon path of confrontation: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Oct 6: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Tuesday expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in West Asia, saying that the conflict has engulfed not only the region but has also had repercussions across the world. He appealed to all peace-loving countries, particularly Arab and Muslim nations, to utilise all available diplomatic and political avenues to help bring the present crisis to an end. International institutions, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, should also play an effective role in facilitating reconciliation, dialogue and negotiations between the parties so that the region can be saved from further destruction. At the same time, Israel must be held accountable for alleged war crimes and genocide in Palestine, he said. Dr Farooq, as per a party statement, said that the United States and Israel must abandon their war-driven approach and make the protection of civilians and their lives and property their foremost priority. War can never provide a permanent solution to any problem, and the use of force only aggravates the humanitarian tragedy, he said. He also expressed deep regret over missile attacks by Houthi rebels towards the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. He said targeting or threatening the sacred places with any form of attack was deeply regrettable and had hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world. He urged the Houthi leadership to refrain completely from such actions.

JKCAG, NACM delegation meets Assembly Speaker

Srinagar, Oct 6:A joint delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG) and National Alliance on Community Forest Resources & Minor Forest Produce (NACM) met Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather in Srinagar on Tuesday. The delegation, led by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Chairman JKCAG, and Dileep Gode, National Convener NACM, presented a memorandum to the Speaker demanding enforcement of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in J&K, as thousands of claims filed by people over the last four to five years remain undecided. The delegation consisted of members of the national-level steering committee of NACM from five states: Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh. The delegation raised issues of pending FRA claims in Poonch district and evictions carried out in Hari village of Surankot a few years ago by the Forest Department. The Jammu & Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG) and National Alliance on Community Forest Resources & Minor Forest Produce (NACM) suggested holding training programmes and workshops for government officials, especially those from the Tribal Affairs, Revenue, Forest and Rural Development departments, as well as community-based organisations. The meeting was held immediately after the conclusion of a two-day National Workshop on the Forest Rights Act in Poonch, which brought together legal experts, environmentalists, civil society members, rights advocates and forest-dependent community representatives from Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and J&K. The JKCAG and NACM delegation discussed best practices from states such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where implementation of Individual Forest Rights (IFR), Community Forest Rights (CFR) and Minor Forest Produce (MFP) governance has contributed to rural livelihoods and forest conservation. The J&K Assembly Speaker assured the delegation that he would take up the matter directly with the Chief Minister and the Minister for Forest/Tribal Affairs to prioritise FRA enforcement across all districts of J&K. He also assured the delegation of working towards organising more training workshops and seminars on the legislation. The NACM delegation requested Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to visit Maharashtra for an on-the-spot assessment of areas where FRA implementation has changed the lives of forest-dwelling tribal communities. In addition to Dileep Gode and Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, the delegation members who met the Speaker included Sandeep Minhas from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh; Advocate Virender Kumar from Ranchi, Jharkhand; Kailash Babu from Kandhamal, Odisha; Dr Kishore Moge from Yavatmal, Maharashtra; Keshav Gurnoole from Gadchiroli, Maharashtra; Dr Chitaranjan from Kalahandi, Odisha; Bharat Namdev from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; and Owais Mir from J&K.

Ask the Doctor

Q: Why do I feel sleepy after a heavy meal? A: It is not simply because blood goes to the stomach. Large meals, especially those rich in carbohydrates and fats, can promote sleepiness through hormonal and metabolic changes. Poor sleep can make it more noticeable. Q: Is it bad to sleep immediately after eating? A: It can worsen acidity and reflux, particularly after a large or fatty meal. If you frequently experience heartburn at night, leaving a few hours between dinner and lying down may help. Q: Is brown bread always healthier than white bread? A: Not necessarily. Some breads are coloured with ingredients such as molasses and marketed as brown. Check the ingredient list and fibre content. Bread made from whole grains is generally a better choice than simply choosing by colour. Q: Does drinking lemon water detox the body? A: Your liver, kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal system already perform the bodys detoxification processes. Lemon water can provide hydration and flavour, but there is no special detox effect. Q: Why do I wake up tired even after sleeping for eight hours? A: Sleep duration is only one part of the equation. Poor sleep quality, irregular sleep schedules, stress, alcohol, medications and conditions such as sleep apnoea can leave someone tired despite spending enough time in bed. Q: Can sleeping with my phone beside my pillow cause brain damage? A: There is no good evidence that simply keeping a phone near your pillow causes brain damage. However, phones can interfere with sleep when used late at night, particularly because of stimulation, notifications and light. Q: Why do I get hiccupsand why do they sometimes refuse to stop? A: Hiccups occur because of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by sudden closure of the vocal cords. Eating quickly, overeating, carbonated drinks and sudden temperature changes can trigger them. Persistent hiccups need medical assessment. Q: Can you sweat out a fever? A: Sweating may occur as a fever comes down, but deliberately wrapping yourself in blankets to induce sweating is not a treatment. Excessive sweating can cause dehydration and overheating. Q: Why do I feel better after a good laugh? A: Laughter can reduce stress and muscle tension and may temporarily improve mood. It is not a treatment for illness, but the connection between emotional wellbeing and physical health is very real. Q: Can stress really cause stomach problems? A: Yes. The brain and digestive system communicate continuously through the gut-brain axis. Stress can influence gut movement, acid-related symptoms and bowel habits, and may worsen conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Q: If a medicine is available without a prescription, is it safe? A: No. Over-the-counter medicines can still cause side effects, interact with other medicines and become harmful when taken incorrectly or for too long. Available without prescription does not mean risk-free. Q: Can I take vitamins every day just to be safe? A: Not everyone needs supplements. Some vitamins can accumulate in the body or cause problems in excessive amounts. Supplements are most useful when there is a nutritional need, deficiency or specific medical indication. Q: Is a five-minute walk really worth doing if I cannot exercise for an hour? A: Yes. Some activity is better than none. Short bouts of movement throughout the day can contribute to overall physical activity. You do not have to wait for the perfect one-hour workout to become active. Q: If my pain disappears, does that mean the problem is cured? A: Not always. Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Some conditions become temporarily painless while the underlying problem remains. Recurrent, unexplained or persistent pain should be assessed rather than repeatedly masked with painkillers. Public Advisory: Your body does not come with a WhatsApp instruction manual. A neighbours remedy, a viral reel or a confident message in a family group may sound convincingbut health decisions should be based on evidence, context and the individual patient. Before you believe it, Google itor better still, ask the doctor. Note: These answers are for general health awareness and do not replace individual medical advice. Ask Your Question: WhatsApp: 6005463346 | Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org

Central University of Kashmir DIQA starts 3-day NAAC data workshop

Ganderbal, Oct 6:The Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance (DIQA), Central University of Kashmir (CU Kashmir), began a three-day sensitisation and orientation workshop on NAAC Data Consolidation and Faculty Profile Updation on the SAMARTH portal for department nodal officers at the Tulmulla Campus here on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Registrar Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir said, The quality of accreditation and ranking depends on how accurately and coherently we present our institutional data. Our focus should be on authentic, consistent and evidence-based information that truly reflects the Universitys students, faculty, infrastructure, research and resources. He further asked the participating faculty members and other employees to share the proceedings of the workshop with their colleagues. What we learn through such programmes must be shared and translated into action across the University so that we are fully prepared for the requirements of NAAC accreditation and other institutional rankings, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir added. Addressing the participants, Director DIQA Prof Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani emphasised collective ownership of quality assurance. We are all part of this university, he said, adding, we can never remain in silos. Prof Zahoor Geelani warned that the emerging accreditation system would be data-driven, data-based, and AI-based, making accuracy, consistency and preparedness indispensable. He said, We want our data to be foolproof, and urged every member to share responsibility, capacity and effort. He further observed, If we will not change, then the system will change us, calling upon the university community to continuously update skills, courses, profiles and institutional practices. Prof Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof A Ravinder Nath for his support and encouragement towards the conduct of the workshop. He acknowledged that the Vice Chancellors guidance and commitment to strengthening quality assurance initiatives have provided valuable impetus to the Directorates efforts to enhance institutional preparedness. Head, Department of Physical Education, Dr Kaukab Azeem was also present. Director Admissions Dr Arif Nazir underlined the importance of presenting institutional data accurately and consistently. Observing that NAAC is a representation of quantitative and qualitative parameters, he stressed, it is how we are representing those numbers that matters. He urged departments to take the representation data numbering, filling of the documents very seriously, asserting that accurate data affects the universitys image and demonstrates the seriousness of the work which we are doing. Earlier, welcoming the participants, Deputy Director DIQA Dr Faizan Ashraf Mir described NAAC accreditation as not just a grading system but a journey of introspection, a journey of institutional learning and continuous quality enhancement. He emphasised that Quality is not the responsibility of IQAC alone and is instead the collective responsibility of every teacher, every faculty member, every department, every school, every administrative unit. Dr Gulafroz Jan conducted the programme and Dr Faizan Ashraf proposed the vote of thanks. Later, during the technical sessions, DIQA members Dr Faizan Ashraf Mir, Dr Moyeed ul Zaffar, Dr Gulafroz Jan, Mr Arshad Meraj and Mr Imtiyaz Ahmad Najar gave detailed presentations on the filing of AQARs and the data required. In the second technical session, Er Suhail Ahmad Ahanger gave a presentation on the NIRF ranking system, while Senior Assistant Librarian Dr Tariq Ahmad Shah gave a presentation on research publications and visibility.

Heart Warns Before It Fails

A heart keeps beating every moment, whether we think about it or not. We study, work, travel, eat, sleep and remain busy with our daily lives, while the heart quietly does its work. We usually remember it only when something goes wrong. But perhaps the bigger problem is not that the heart fails to warn us. Perhaps we have become too busy to listen. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that they account for an estimated 19.8 million deaths annually, and 85 percent of those deaths can be attributed to heart attacks and strokes. These numbers are large, but behind every number is a person, a family and a life changed forever. The danger is that heart disease does not always announce itself loudly. High blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol can exist for years without obvious symptoms. A person may also experience unusual breathlessness, unexplained tiredness, dizziness, swelling or discomfort and simply blame it on stress, age, lack of sleep or a busy routine. Such symptoms can have many causes, but persistent or unusual changes should not simply be ignored. This is where the real meaning of Dont Miss a Beat lies. We often do not miss the warning because there was no warning. We miss it because we dismiss it. Chest discomfort may be called gas. Breathlessness may be called weakness. Tiredness may be blamed on work. A check-up may be postponed for another day. Sometimes, that day never comes. We should know the warning signs of a heart attack. Chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back, breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness or fainting can be important signs. Women, older people and people with diabetes may sometimes experience less typical symptoms. Such symptoms should not simply be dismissed. Medical help should be sought immediately. A heart attack and cardiac arrest are also not the same. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, while cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping effectively, usually because of an electrical problem. Understanding this difference can help people recognise and respond to heart emergencies more appropriately. Heart health does not begin in a hospital. It begins much earlier, in our homes, schools, colleges and workplaces. Eating less salt, choosing healthier food, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol under control can reduce important cardiovascular risks. The 2026 campaign also turns awareness into a simple daily action. The World Heart Federations Keep the Beat Challenge encourages people to move for 20 minutes a day during September. It does not require an expensive gym or an intense workout. Walking, cycling, playing a sport or even dancing can be a simple way to keep the body active. Twenty minutes may sound small, but small habits repeated every day can become a powerful form of prevention. This message matters in Kashmir too. Our lifestyles are changing. Many people spend long hours sitting at work, college or home, while screens and vehicles have reduced everyday movement. Salty, oily and processed foods are easily available, and some people still postpone routine health checks until a problem becomes serious. Tobacco use and environmental factors also deserve attention. Air pollution is not only a concern for the lungs; it is also recognised as an important cardiovascular risk factor. Young people should not assume that heart health is a concern only for parents and grandparents. The habits formed during youth can influence health later in life. A young student who spends most of the day sitting, rarely exercises, uses tobacco or ignores persistent symptoms may not feel at risk today, but prevention has to begin before disease becomes visible. There is another important focus in 2026. The World Heart Federation has declared this the Year of Neglected Cardiac Diseases, drawing attention to heart conditions that can remain overlooked or receive less attention. This reminds us that heart health is much broader than heart attacks alone. We often think a heart problem begins when the heart suddenly fails. But sometimes the warning begins much earlier, in the symptoms we dismiss, the check-ups we postpone and the healthy choices we keep promising ourselves we will make tomorrow. Our hearts keep working while we are busy living our lives. They may not ask for much in return, only some care, some awareness and timely attention. Mohammad Arfat Wani is a writer and nursing student from Kuchmulla, Tral, and a regular contributor to Greater Kashmir.

Lolab gets 10 water supply schemes worth Rs 35.64 Cr

Kupwara, Oct 6:Ten major water supply schemes worth Rs 35.64 crore were inaugurated across the Lolab constituency on Tuesday, with the projects expected to improve drinking water supply to 5,662 households. J&K Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana inaugurated the schemes through virtual mode, while MLA Lolab Qaysar Jamshaid Lone was physically present at Lolab during the programme. The schemes, implemented under Jal Shakti PHE Division Kupwara, cover several villages and are aimed at addressing long-pending drinking water requirements in the constituency. The projects include WSS Khabutho Dar Mohalla at Rs 1.08 crore, WSS Dever Anderbugh at Rs 3.50 crore, WSS Gangbugh at Rs 3.77 crore, WSS Krusen at Rs 4.67 crore, WSS Walkhul at Rs 4.25 crore, WSS Gadwadh at Rs 0.92 crore, WSS Kawari Harden Sever at Rs 3.79 crore, WSS Mergi at Rs 0.90 crore, WSS Gundmancher at Rs 2.95 crore and WSS Surigam-Wavoora-Bon-Maindanpora at Rs 9.81 crore. Together, the schemes will cater to households in Maindanpora, Dever Anderbugh, Sogam, Krusen, Tekipora, Sever Thendipora, Rekh Muchwari, Rakhi Gundmancher, Surigam and Wavoora. Speaking virtually on the occasion, Minister Javed Ahmad Rana said ensuring clean and adequate drinking water for every household was a priority of the government. He said the schemes would help address persistent water shortages in several villages of Lolab. MLA Qaysar Jamshaid Lone expressed gratitude to the Jal Shakti Minister for his special focus on Lolab and support for strengthening drinking water infrastructure in the constituency.

Baramulla admin demolishes dairy shed on government land

Baramulla, Oct 6:The Baramulla district administration on Tuesday demolished a cowshed being used as a dairy farm on land belonging to the Flood Control Department, officials said. The demolition was carried out amid tight security and in the presence of a magistrate as part of the administrations ongoing drive to retrieve government land allegedly under unauthorised occupation. According to officials, the dairy unit, located near Stadium Colony in Baramulla, was being operated by the wife of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and her relatives. An official said a notice had been served to the occupants, directing them to vacate the government land before the demolition action was initiated. Since the occupants did not respond to the notice and failed to vacate the land, the administration proceeded with the demolition as per the prescribed procedure, the official said. The official said the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Flood Control Department and had allegedly been occupied without authorisation. The demolition was conducted in the presence of officials from the district administration and concerned departments. Security personnel were deployed in strength in and around the area as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident during the exercise. Officials said the operation was completed peacefully and without any incident. The action is part of the Governments broader exercise to identify and retrieve government land occupied illegally by individuals or private entities. Meanwhile, the encroachers were identified as Sajad Ahmad Buhroo, Tariq Ahmad Buhroo, Tabasum Guroo, Manzoor Ahmad Buhroo and others. In a statement, the authorities said that several kanals of prime State land allegedly under illegal occupation had been retrieved in Baramulla district as part of an ongoing anti-encroachment drive by the administration. The statement said the land, located in a prime area and estimated to be worth crores of rupees, was restored to government control after removing the unauthorised occupation.

From Painkillers to Precision: How Modern Pain Medicine Is Changing Treatment

For decades, pain treatment has often meant one thing: take a painkiller. A headache brings a tablet, back pain another, and persistent knee pain may lead to repeated medication. But chronic pain is rarely that simple. Pain involves an interaction between nerves, muscles, joints, the spinal cord and the brain. When it persists for months or years, simply suppressing it may not be enough. Modern pain medicine is therefore shifting from painkillers to precision. Understanding the source of pain: The first question is not always which medicine to prescribe, but where the pain is coming from. Back pain can originate from discs, facet joints, sacroiliac joints, nerves or muscles. Knee pain may arise from the joint, surrounding tissues or the nerves carrying pain signals. Two patients can have similar MRI findings but entirely different sources of pain. Modern pain specialists combine clinical examination, imaging and, when appropriate, diagnostic procedures to identify the structures responsible. From one treatment fits all to targeted treatment: Once the pain source is identified,treatment can become more precise. Image-guided procedures allow medication to be delivered close to a specific nerve or pain-generating structure. Ultrasound and fluoroscopy improve accuracy and safety. In selected patients, targeted procedures may both relieve pain and help confirm its source. The principle is simple: treat the relevant pain pathway rather than the entire body. When heat can treat pain: Radiofrequency ablation is one of the established technologies in interventional pain medicine. In selected patients with chronic pain arising from structures such as facet joints or certain peripheral nerves, radiofrequency energy can reduce pain-signal transmission. Genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment, for example, may be considered for selected patients with persistent knee pain despite conservative treatment. The goal is not simply to numb pain, but to create enough relief for better movement, rehabilitation and function. When the nervous system itself becomes the target: Some chronic pain results from abnormal nerve activity, including certain neuropathic pain conditions, complex regional pain syndrome and persistent pain after nerve injury. Treatment may involve specialised nerve blocks, radiofrequency techniques or, in selected cases, neuromodulation. Spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation use controlled electrical signals to modify abnormal pain signalling. Instead of continually increasing medication, doctors can sometimes target the nervous system itself. Ultrasound: seeing the pain pathway: Ultrasound has become an important tool in modern pain medicine. It allows specialists to see nerves, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and other structures in real time. It can guide injections and nerve blocks while helping avoid important surrounding structures, bringing greater precision to minimally invasive treatment. Pain medicine is more than procedures: Precision does not mean every patient needs an injection or procedure. Modern pain management is multimodal, combining medication, physiotherapy, exercise, rehabilitation, psychological interventions, lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, procedures. A nerve block may provide a window of relief, but strengthening muscles and restoring movement may be what produces lasting functional improvement. The goal is not simply less pain. It is to help the patient move better, sleep better and return to normal life. The problem of the painkiller culture: Painkillers remain valuable when appropriately prescribed, but they have limitations. Long-term or inappropriate use of some medicines can cause gastrointestinal, kidney, liver or cardiovascular complications. Some may also cause sedation, dependence or other adverse effects. This does not mean abandoning painkillers. It means using them thoughtfully as part of a broader strategy. Instead of always asking, Which stronger painkiller should I take?, another question may be more important: Why am I still having this pain, and can we treat its source? Pain is not always visible on a scan: Severe pain does not always have an obvious abnormality on imaging. Pain is a biological experience involving the peripheral nerves, spinal cord and brain. Severe neuropathic or chronic pain can occur even when routine scans appear relatively normal. That is why modern pain medicine focuses on treating the patient, not simply the scan. The future: personalised pain treatment: The future of pain medicine is likely to become increasingly personalised. Advances in neuromodulation, ultrasound, radiofrequency technology, regenerative approaches and digital health are opening new possibilities. Treatment may increasingly be selected according to the specific pain mechanisms operating in an individual patient. The aim is not one powerful treatment for everyone, but the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. The goal is not zeroit is life: For someone living with chronic pain, success should not always mean reducing the pain score to zero. A patient who could not walk but can now walk for 30 minutes has achieved something significant. Someone who could not sleep through the night but now sleeps comfortably has regained an important part of life. Modern pain medicine is therefore moving beyond simple pain relief towards restoring function, independence and quality of life. Painkillers will continue to have an important place in medicine, but they are no longer the only answer. From pills and image-guided interventions to radiofrequency and neuromodulation, modern pain medicine is changing how we understand and treat pain. Dr Qazi Afaan Zahoor is a Fellow, Interventional Pain & Regenerative Medicine

Government revokes suspension of GMC Jammu cardiology Associate Professor

Srinagar, Oct 6:The J&K Government today revoked the suspension of Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu. The cardiologist, who faced a scathing media trial here has been reinstated with immediate effect to GMC Jammu. The order comes nearly four months after Dr Shah was suspended amid allegations concerning cardiac procedures and reimbursement claims under the PMJAY-SEHAT health insurance scheme. Dr Shah was placed under suspension on June 20, 2026, while he was deputed to GMC Anantnag. The suspension was made due to pending departmental inquiry into allegations related to cardiac procedures and claims submitted under Golden Card. The case had received considerable media attention and vile allegations were made in sections of media, especially on social media portals. While the State Health Agency had sought clarity on 103 cases cardiac procedures that had been performed at GMC Anantnag. These procedures had allegedly been performed and uploaded under a different pacemaker package. The media trials painted a different and vitriolic story. In his defence, Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah had denied the allegations and maintained that the Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) procedures were an advanced cardiac pacing technique being used internationally. These, he said, had been performed based on clinical indications. He disputed the suggestion that the procedures were unnecessary merely on the basis of patients test results, saying that decisions regarding cardiac interventions involve multiple clinical factors. He had also denied bypassing the government supply chain, stating that the required material was procured through the government-run Amrit store. Dr Shah had further maintained that the procedures were conducted free of cost and under the cashless PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. Any exceptional patient expenditure relating to purchases made through the authorised system. He had said he had submitted documentary evidence in response to every allegation and expressed confidence that the matter would be decided on the basis of the complete record. According to Government Order No. 737-JK(HME) of 2026, dated October 6, the decision was taken on the recommendations of the Suspension Review Committee. Dr Shah has been directed to report for duty forthwith at his original place of posting, Government Medical College, Jammu. The governments latest order revokes the suspension while the related administrative process is dealt with separately in accordance with the applicable service rules. The order also states that the period of suspension will be decided separately after completion of the proceedings. Dr Shahs reinstatement allows him to resume his professional duties at GMC Jammu with immediate effect.

Apple season peaks,heavy fruit truck movement tests Shopian traffic

Shopian, Oct 6:Hundreds of trucks carrying apples through south Kashmirs Shopian town are causing prolonged traffic jams, leaving commuters struggling to navigate the roads as the fruit harvesting season reaches its peak. With harvesting operations gathering pace across the district, a large number of fruit-laden trucks enter Shopian town every day to transport apples from fruit-growing villages to the Fruit Mandi Shopian. The movement has intensified in recent weeks, with trucks travelling through the town throughout the day, particularly during peak hours. The steady flow of heavy vehicles has slowed traffic on key stretches, with commuters reporting delays in reaching workplaces and returning home. The traffic jams are more frequent near Shirmal and Rangkadal bridge, where the road leads towards Aglar Mandi, said Javed Ahmad, a commuter. He said the congestion had become a daily problem since the beginning of the harvesting season. I have been reaching late to my workplace and also getting delayed while returning home, he said. Residents said the administration should regulate the movement of heavy vehicles through the town, particularly during busy hours. Some suggested that trucks transporting fruit should be allowed to enter the town after 6 pm, when commuter traffic begins to ease. Shopian is one of Kashmirs major apple-producing districts, and the movement of trucks is critical to transporting the crop from orchards to markets within and outside the Valley. With thousands of growers dependent on timely transportation, residents said any traffic regulation should avoid disrupting the movement of agricultural produce. Mitha Gatoo, a social activist, said he understood the importance of the fruit trade to the local economy but maintained that the movement of heavy vehicles needed to be better managed. The fruit industry is the economic lifeline of the people in the area. Any disruption in the movement of trucks can result in economic losses for growers and traders, Gatoo said. At the same time, he said, the uninterrupted movement of fruit trucks should not come at the cost of regular traffic in the town. The heavy trucks should not be allowed to enter the town during peak hours, he said. Gatoo said long queues of trucks during busy hours were worsening congestion and inconveniencing commuters. He suggested that authorities could designate specific timings or routes for heavy vehicles carrying fruit so that the movement of agricultural produce continued without bringing traffic in the town to a standstill. With the apple harvest expected to remain brisk in the coming weeks, residents said an immediate traffic-management plan was needed to prevent congestion from worsening during the peak season.

NC House Divided, Exposes Ideological Dilemma

The National Conference (NC) today presents a striking political paradox. Despite its substantial strength in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and its position at the head of the elected government, some of its most consequential political challenges are emerging from within its own ranks. The widening confrontation between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the controversy surrounding MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri, and differences among legislators over Article 370, Article 35A and autonomy have brought the partys political direction under renewed scrutiny. From the BJPs perspective, these developments raise a fundamental question: has the National Conference reconciled the promises on which it sought power with the compromises and priorities of governance? What was once discussed as internal disagreement has increasingly become a matter of public confrontation. The most visible example is the widening gulf between Omar Abdullah and Ruhullah Mehdi. Their differences go beyond an occasional disagreement between two senior party figures. Ruhullah has repeatedly questioned the political course adopted by his own party after it formed the government. By September 2026, the confrontation had intensified to the point where he threatened to leave the National Conference, while senior party leaders publicly criticised his position. An NC legislator also alleged that the controversy was linked to an external attempt to divide the party. That remains an allegation by the legislator, not an independently established fact. For the BJP, the significance of the Ruhullah episode lies less in the personalities involved and more in the issues at stake. Article 370, constitutional guarantees, restoration of statehood, reservation and accountability for electoral commitments have all figured in the wider debate over the NCs political direction. When a parliamentarian elected on the ruling partys ticket repeatedly questions whether the government is remaining faithful to its commitments, the controversy becomes difficult to dismiss as a routine disciplinary matter. The question is no longer simply whether Ruhullah agrees with Omar Abdullah. It is whether the National Conference has a clearly articulated position on the constitutional and political questions that shaped its campaign. Veeri episode exposes competing pressures The controversy involving NC MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri offered another glimpse into the partys internal tensions. Veeri sought to introduce legislation concerning reservation and enhancement of the Open Merit quota. His proposal encountered opposition from his own government and the Bill was defeated. The episode reportedly left relations between the legislator and the party leadership strained. Whatever the merits of Veeris proposal, the political implications were significant. A ruling-party legislator sought consideration of an issue he regarded as important to his constituents, only to find his own government opposing his legislative initiative. The episode highlights the competing pressures confronting the NC. Its legislators must respond to the expectations of their constituencies, including those who raised concerns over reservation during the election campaign. The government, meanwhile, must reconcile competing social interests, legal considerations and administrative constraints. For the BJP, the episode reinforces the need to examine whether the National Conference has a coherent policy on reservation or whether its legislators are being left to negotiate sensitive issues individually. Reservation is not merely an internal party matter. It affects access to education, public employment and opportunities for different sections of society. Any change requires clarity on its legal, constitutional and social implications. The NC leadership must therefore explain how it intends to address these competing demands without allowing differences within its own ranks to deepen. Article 370 remains a fault line The latest Assembly proceedings have brought the ideological dilemma into sharper focus. During the September debate on restoration of statehood, five NC legislatorsJavid Baig, Tanvir Sadiq, Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Altaf Ahmad Wani and Hilal Akbar Lonemoved amendments seeking references to Articles 370 and 35A. The proceedings also witnessed opposition amendments and a BJP walkout. The amendments should not automatically be interpreted as rebellion against the party leadership. However, they demonstrate that legislators within the ruling party have differing views on how the demand for statehood should be framed alongside the constitutional changes of August 2019. The BJPs position on the constitutional changes and its approach to the restoration of statehood differ fundamentally from those of the National Conference. While the NC continues to press for the restoration of statehood and retains its political opposition to the 2019 changes, the BJP opposes any return to the pre-August 2019 constitutional arrangement. This distinction is central to understanding the political debate. The BJP has maintained its opposition to the restoration of Article 370, while the NC has continued to raise the issue as part of its broader constitutional agenda. The September Assembly proceedings demonstrated how these competing positions continue to shape political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir. For the NC, the challenge is to explain whether restoration of statehood is its immediate priority while Article 370 and autonomy remain part of its longer-term agenda, or whether the party intends to pursue these demands with equal emphasis. The distinction matters because governing priorities, political promises and constitutional objectives do not always move at the same pace. The politics of promises versus the realities of power Before the 2024 Assembly elections, opposition to the constitutional changes of August 2019 formed an important part of the National Conferences political identity. After forming the government, Omar Abdullah has increasingly emphasised restoration of full statehood as an immediate objective while administering Jammu and Kashmir under the existing Union Territory framework. The government must deal with the Lieutenant Governors administration, the Union government, the bureaucracy, finances, employment, development and public services. These responsibilities inevitably impose constraints and require political negotiation. However, from the BJPs perspective, the central issue is whether the NC has adequately explained the relationship between its electoral commitments and its governing priorities. The Chief Minister must operate within the existing constitutional and administrative framework. His critics, meanwhile, expect the government to demonstrate progress on the political commitments that helped it secure public support. This creates a difficult balance between political assertion and administrative accommodation. If the NC concentrates on statehood and day-to-day governance, its critics can question whether it has diluted its larger constitutional agenda. If it foregrounds Article 370 and autonomy, it faces a more direct confrontation with the BJPs position and the Union governments established policy. If it pursues both objectives simultaneously, it must explain how they fit into a realistic political strategy. That is the dilemma confronting the ruling party. Electoral strength is not the same as cohesion The NC leadership has rejected suggestions that the party is heading towards a split and maintained that its legislators remain with the organisation. There is insufficient publicly established evidence to conclude that the government is about to lose its legislative majority or that an organised breakaway faction has emerged. Nevertheless, the absence of an imminent split does not make the internal differences insignificant. Political difficulties can emerge well before formal defections take place. Public criticism, competing policy positions, strained relations between legislators and leadership, and disagreements over the partys ideological direction can all affect its ability to maintain a consistent political narrative. The National Conference is confronting several of these questions simultaneously. The partys organisational structure adds another dimension. Dr Farooq Abdullah remains its organisational president, while Omar Abdullah heads the government. Such an arrangement is not inherently destabilising, but differences between the organisations political priorities and the governments administrative requirements can become more pronounced when internal disagreements intensify. The NC must also accommodate a diverse political constituency: traditional supporters, younger voters, advocates of Article 370, those demanding immediate restoration of statehood, communities raising reservation concerns, and voters who primarily expect employment, development and effective administration. These expectations are not necessarily incompatible. However, managing them requires a clearly communicated set of priorities. BJP questions the NCs political direction From the BJPs standpoint, the National Conferences present difficulties illustrate the challenges of balancing campaign rhetoric with the responsibilities of government. The partys internal debates have brought to the surface questions that cannot be resolved through legislative numbers or organisational discipline alone. The NCs supporters may view the differences as a healthy expression of democratic debate within the party. Its critics may interpret them as evidence of a gap between electoral commitments and governing priorities. The political significance of these developments will ultimately depend on how the leadership addresses the issues raised. The BJP, meanwhile, remains opposed to the NCs position on restoring Article 370 and the pre-2019 constitutional arrangement. Its disagreement with the ruling party is therefore not confined to personalities or Assembly tactics; it reflects a substantive difference over Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional future. The September proceedings also demonstrated that statehood and Article 370 are distinct questions in the political debate. Support for restoration of statehood does not necessarily imply support for restoring the constitutional arrangement that existed before August 2019. For the National Conference, explaining this distinction within its own political framework is essential if it wants to maintain consistency between its campaign promises and its conduct in government. The bigger question facing the National Conference Taken separately, the Ruhullah confrontation, the Veeri reservation episode and the amendments proposed by five NC legislators can each be understood in the context of specific political disagreements. Taken together, however, they raise broader questions about the partys priorities, internal consultation and ideological direction. The central issue is not whether every disagreement signals an organisational crisis. Nor does public dissent automatically mean that the government is losing its legislative support. The more consequential question is whether the National Conference can establish a common understanding of what it wants to achieve, which demands it intends to pursue immediately, and how it will respond to the competing expectations of its electorate. The party returned to power in 2024 with a mandate to govern Jammu and Kashmir while continuing to advance its political commitments. Those two responsibilities now require it to make difficult choices and communicate them clearly. For Omar Abdullah, the challenge extends beyond managing dissenting voices. Political discipline may contain an immediate controversy, but it cannot substitute for a clearly defined political programme. For the BJP, the ongoing debate underscores its fundamental disagreement with the NCs constitutional agenda and the need to distinguish between the demand for statehood and the demand for restoration of Article 370. The National Conference remains numerically formidable in the Assembly, and an organisational breakup has not been established. Yet the public disagreements involving Ruhullah, Veeri and the partys own legislators show that electoral strength and ideological cohesion are not necessarily the same. The NC won power in 2024. The question now is whether it can reconcile the political expectations that brought it to office with the priorities and constraints of governing Jammu and Kashmir. That question will shape not only the partys internal politics but also the wider political debate in the Union Territory. Altaf Thakur, BJP J&K Spokesman

Road Accidents in J&K

For nearly four decades, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the tragic loss of human lives due to turmoil and violence. Over the years, however, the situation has improved considerably and deaths associated with violence have declined sharply. Yet another form of avoidable mortality is now demanding our attention, road accidents. The nature of the threat has changed, but the human tragedy has not. The method of taking lives may have changed, but the loss of life continues. Road accidents have become so frequent that society is gradually becoming accustomed to them. A fatal crash is reported in the morning, discussed for a few hours and soon replaced by another headline. But behind every such headline is a family whose life may have been permanently altered. The scale of the problem is serious. Official J&K Traffic Police data recorded 6,298 road accidents and 893 deaths in 2023. Government data subsequently showed that the number of reported accidents declined to 5,726 in 2024 and 5,287 in 2025. This is encouraging, but the continuing loss of hundreds of lives every year demands much greater attention. The problem is better understood through the concept of road fatality rather than simply accident frequency. A reduction in the number of crashes is meaningful only if the severity of those crashes also falls. A single accident involving a bus, passenger vehicle or a vehicle falling into a gorge can claim several lives simultaneously. The geography of Jammu and Kashmir makes the problem particularly complex. The region combines densely populated urban roads with mountainous terrain, sharp bends, steep gradients, narrow carriageways, unpredictable weather and long stretches of highways. Roads that are safe under one set of conditions can become hazardous under another. Rain, snowfall, fog, landslides, poor visibility and road-surface deterioration can dramatically alter stopping distance and vehicle control. But geography alone cannot explain the fatalities. Human behaviour is a major part of the equation. Over-speeding, dangerous overtaking, mobile-phone use while driving, fatigue, failure to wear helmets and seat belts, overloading, defective vehicles and poor lane discipline all contribute to the problem. Speed is particularly dangerous because the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle rises with the square of its velocity. Doubling speed does not merely double the energy involved in a collision; it increases it roughly fourfold. Yet it would be scientifically incorrect to place the entire responsibility on drivers. A modern road-safety system recognises three interacting components: the human, the vehicle and the road environment. If accidents repeatedly occur at the same U-turn, junction, curve or crossing, the first question should not always be, Why was the driver careless? It should also be, What is wrong with the road system? This is where black-spot analysis becomes important. If accidents repeatedly occur at the same location, the site requires scientific examination. Traffic volume, turning radius, sight distance, road gradient, lighting, signage, lane markings, speed, pedestrian movement and conflict points should all be studied. A U-turn that appears convenient on paper may become dangerous under actual traffic conditions. Jammu and Kashmir therefore needs to move from a reactive system to a predictive road-safety system. Every accident should generate useful data: exact location, time, weather, road condition, vehicle type, speed, direction of movement, collision type and severity of injuries. When thousands of such records are analysed together, patterns emerge. Artificial intelligence and geographic information systems can help identify locations and circumstances associated with unusually high risk. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has to take the lead in this effort. These are not merely technical problems; they are problems being faced by ordinary people in their daily lives. The Government must come forward, bring the concerned departments and experts together, sit collectively, study the evidence and develop practical solutions rather than responding only after tragedies occur. The solutions increasingly lie in science and technology. GIS-based accident mapping, intelligent traffic management, automated speed enforcement, CCTV analytics, road-safety audits, vehicle fitness monitoring and data-driven traffic planning can significantly improve safety. But technology can deliver results only when there is the institutional willingness to use it. The Government should consider establishing a J&K Road Safety Observatory, bringing together traffic police, transport authorities, road engineers, health professionals, universities and data scientists. Its task should be to identify where, when and why people are dying on our roads and recommend measurable interventions. Every major accident-prone location should undergo a Road Safety Audit. Unsafe U-turns should be redesigned or removed. Blind curves should receive appropriate engineering treatment. Crash barriers, reflectors, lighting, warning signs and road markings should be standardised. Speed limits should reflect the actual engineering characteristics of individual roads. Enforcement also needs to become more intelligent. The objective should not simply be to issue challans, but to change dangerous behaviour. Automated systems can detect speeding and other violations consistently, while reducing excessive dependence on manual enforcement. Emergency response is equally important. The first few minutes after a serious crash can determine whether an injured person survives. Ambulance availability, trained first responders, trauma-care facilities and rapid communication systems must therefore form an integral part of road-safety policy. But technology alone is not enough. There must also be a change in administrative thinking. The role of government is not merely to make policies; it is to provide good governance that people can actually feel in their daily lives. Safe roads, reliable traffic management, effective public transport, timely emergency services and responsive administration are all visible expressions of good governance. If the Government trusts science, it must also be prepared to listen to scientific evidence and act upon it. Experts should not merely be invited to meetings; their findings should translate into decisions, budgets, engineering changes and measurable outcomes. We have already seen that difficult problems can be addressed when government institutions act with determination. The reduction in deaths associated with turmoil over the years demonstrates that sustained intervention can save lives. Road safety deserves the same seriousness. The question, therefore, is not simply how many accidents occurred this year. The more important question is: how many of those deaths could have been prevented? If a dangerous U-turn is known, why should it remain? If a black spot is identified, why wait for another victim? If speeding is repeatedly responsible for fatal crashes, why not use technology to control it? If road design contributes to accidents, why should corrective action wait for another tragedy? For the past 36 years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have experienced too much loss. We cannot allow road accidents to become another accepted source of death. Science can identify the problem. Technology can provide the tools. But only good governance can turn those solutions into action. The ultimate measure of governance should be simple: whether people feel safer while living their ordinary lives. Dr Nasir Shah, Former Additional Director JKSTIC, DST, has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation, and educational awareness across J&K.

CS assesses revised SAPCC 2.0

Srinagar, Oct 6:Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a meeting to assess the revised Jammu and Kashmir State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC 2.0), calling for further refinement of the plan by incorporating clearly defined, department-wise actions, outcomes and timelines up to 2030. The meeting was attended by several Administrative Heads including ACS, PDD; ACS, Tourism; ACS, PWD; Principal Secretary, DMRR&R; Commissioner Secretary, H&ME; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Secretary, Transport; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Representatives from MoEFCC and senior officers of the concerned departments. The revised SAPCC, prepared by the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment, seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for strengthening climate resilience in J&K while aligning the Union Territorys climate response with Indias Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Paris Agreement and the emerging climate risks specific to the region. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasised that a climate action plan should translate into clear, actionable and time-bound interventions. He directed the department to incorporate the actions to be undertaken by each concerned department, along with their expected outcomes and milestones, over the period up to 2030. He observed that every plan should have clearly defined goals and a well-laid-out strategy to achieve them within a specific timeframe. He called for prioritising interventions keeping in view the strengths, constraints, vulnerabilities and available capacities of the UT so that the proposed measures can be implemented effectively on the ground. The Chief Secretary also stressed greater inter-departmental convergence and dovetailing of climate interventions with ongoing schemes and programmes to optimise resources and avoid duplication of efforts. He called for assigning clear responsibilities and measurable indicators to departments for effective monitoring of progress. In her presentation, the Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Sheetal Nanda highlighted climate projections based on IPCC pathways, including SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. She revealed that under the moderate-emission scenario, temperatures are projected to rise by around 1.5C during 20212050, with implications for water resources, agriculture, health and ecosystems. It was also projected that the annual precipitation is projected to increase by around 5 per cent under the moderate-emission scenario and up to 15 per cent under the high-emission scenario, with the assessment pointing towards shorter cold seasons and greater variability and intensity of rainfall events. The Commissioner Secretary further detailed that the climate vulnerability assessment has evaluated 42 indicators across agriculture, water, health and forest sectors, identifying district-specific vulnerabilities and risks to facilitate targeted interventions. The revised plan proposes 55 emission mitigation strategies, with an estimated mitigation potential of 2.6 million tonnes of CO equivalent by 2030. These include promotion of solar energy, including floating solar plants, greater utilisation of small hydropower and wind energy, strengthening of grid infrastructure, reduction of transmission and distribution losses, promotion of electric mobility and deployment of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems. Besides, 100 adaptation actions have been proposed across five key sectors along with Disaster Risk Reduction measures. These include expansion of micro-irrigation, achieving universal household tap-water coverage, rainwater harvesting, strengthening health facilities in underserved areas, restoration of degraded catchment forests with native species and construction of retaining walls and other slope-protection measures at vulnerable locations. The meeting was also informed about the proposed institutional mechanism under SAPCC 2.0, envisaging a Governing Council headed by the Chief Minister to meet annually and an Executive Council chaired by the Chief Secretary to meet twice a year for overseeing implementation and inter-departmental coordination. Implementation of the action plan is proposed to be monitored quarterly through a digital dashboard, with departmental nodal officers updating defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress against targets. The Chief Secretary directed that the revised framework should clearly establish who will do what, by when and with what measurable outcome, while ensuring that the interventions are aligned with J&Ks specific ecological, geographical and socio-economic realities. The revised SAPCC 2.0 is proposed to be placed before the State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) for formal approval before its submission to the National Level Steering Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for its early implementation on ground.

Humanitarian considerations warrant compassionate approach: CAT

Srinagar, Oct 6:Observing that humanitarian considerations warranted a compassionate approach in the peculiar circumstances of a case, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has allowed a doctor serving on deputation as Deputy Medical Superintendent at Government SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, to continue at her present place of posting. Dr Nowsheen Zaffar has petitioned the tribunal, seeking extension of her deputation to care for her critically ill father suffering from a life-threatening disease. Besides seeking a compassionate view, she came up with the plea that preservation of family life is an incident of Article 21 of the Constitution of India. A Bench of Judicial Member, M S Latif, while issuing notice on Nowsheens plea, directed the Deputy Advocate General who accepted notice on behalf of the government to file the reply within two weeks. Meanwhile, the tribunal ordered that subject to objection of the other side and till the next date of hearing, the applicant shall be allowed to continue at her present place of posting strictly in terms of the conditions as laid down in order dated October 11, 2024 and in accordance with the recommendation of the Medical Superintendent, Government SHMS Hospital, Srinagar dated July, 24, 2026. The tribunal passed the direction after noting that the medicos father had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma with multiple lytic lesions of bones and was undergoing active chemotherapy. Dr Nowsheen who holds a substantive post at Government Medical College, Jammu, had been deputed as Deputy Medical Superintendent at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, on compassionate grounds. She thought her counsel submitted that she had been looking after her ailing father, particularly after the death of her mother, and that being a doctor enabled her to provide appropriate care to him. She submitted that the deputation at this stage would not only violate Article 21 of the Constitution of India but would also be against the human rights of both the father and the daughter, given the ailment and her right to look after ailing father. The Tribunal observed that although the competent authority is ordinarily empowered to decide the deployment of an employee in public and administrative interest, humanitarian considerations could be taken into account in exceptional circumstances. It also noted that the Medical Superintendent, SMHS Hospital, had recommended extension of the applicants deputation, citing both her fathers ailment and the need for smooth functioning of the hospital and continued delivery of quality patient-care services.

Rigorous verifications lead to identification of Bangladeshis in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 6:Months-long verification drive by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, targeting migrant workers at orchards, brick kilns and construction sites, has led to the identification of Bangladeshi nationals living and working in Kashmir, officials said. The exercise, which has been underway for nearly seven months, involved calling migrant workers to police stations and verifying their identities and documents, including Aadhaar cards. A senior J&K Police officer said discrepancies found during the registration process prompted further scrutiny of some workers. The workers were asked to produce their Aadhaar cards during a registration exercise and discrepancies in the information provided by them led to further verification, the officer said. The official said fresh data was being collected on migrant workers across Kashmir following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of foreign nationals. Following their initial identification, the suspected foreign nationals were placed in a designated camp while authorities began the process of establishing their nationality. The details of these nationals were shared with authorities in Bangladesh. Once their nationality was confirmed, we initiated the process to deport them under provisions of the Foreigners Act, the officer said. The development comes a day after the Jammu and Kashmir administration deported the first batch of 150 Bangladeshi nationals from the Union Territory. The group was flown from Srinagar to Bagdogra in West Bengal in an Indian Air Force aircraft and subsequently handed over to the Border Security Force for further movement towards the international border. Another batch of 150 Bangladeshi nationals is scheduled to be deported on October 7, officials said. According to the Police, around 600 Bangladeshi nationals are currently believed to be living in Jammu and Kashmir, with the majority residing in Kashmir and a smaller number in the Jammu region. A majority of them are putting up illegally in Kashmir and a very small number in Jammu. We have flown the first batch of 150 to Bagdogra from Srinagar. We will be flying another batch tomorrow, the officer said. The deportation process is being carried out in coordination with the central agencies and authorities in Bangladesh. The BSF is expected to escort the deportees to designated transit points in West Bengal before they are taken across the international border. The action against Bangladeshi nationals comes amid a separate eviction drive targeting Rohingya settlements in Jammu. Landlords have been served notices to clear plots occupied by Rohingya settlements, following which settlements in areas including Narwal, Karyani Talab and Sunjawan have been evicted, leaving several families displaced. The developments also come months after a Centre-appointed High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes, headed by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navalkar, began examining demographic changes and alleged illegal immigration in Jammu and Kashmir. The committee was constituted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a High-powered Demography Mission during his Independence Day address last year. The committee subsequently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in July before undertaking a field visit to Jammu and Kashmir. It toured parts of the Jammu region from August 10 to 12 and also visited the Rohingya settlement at Karyani Talab in Narwal.

Population enumeration under census 2027 in snow bound areas of J&K, Ladakh concludes: CPCO

Jammu, Oct 6:Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Amit Sharma on Tuesday stated that the population enumeration, as part of Census 2027, was successfully completed in the designated snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) and entire Ladakh Union Territory from September 1 to 30, 2026. Amit Sharma, while addressing a press conference here, said that five-day revision round also concluded on October 5 to incorporate omissions, corrections so as to ensure no household was left out in the crucial decennial exercise. The population enumeration in the designated snow-bound areas, according to him, covered 5,292 Enumeration Blocks (EBs) including 4,597 in Jammu and Kashmir and 695 in Ladakh, involving enumeration across remote and difficult-to-access areas requiring extensive preparation, specialised field arrangements and close coordination with district administrations and Special Charges, CPCO said, while describing the successful completion as a significant milestone in the preparations for Census 2027. He maintained that the Army and Central Para Military Forces personnel were covered under Census 2027, with population enumeration of special charges completed through paper schedules in view of security concerns. An important component of the exercise was enumeration in Special Charges including the Army, para military forces and other central forces. Population Enumeration was completed in 125 Special Charges of Defence and CAPFs in the snow-bound areas of J&K and 47 Special Charges in Ladakh. Dedicated arrangements were made for these locations, with paper schedules used for enumeration and operational doubts and queries being resolved in real time, he said. CPCO shared that the concerned forces extended full support and supervision, while digitisation of the collected data was currently in progress. As a very positive development, we had regular meetings with the Ministry of Defence. The Army, which has a very large presence among the Special Charges, is providing direct data to us through its central database, he informed. Amit Sharma reiterated that that the census operation a decennial exercise, conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the office of the Registrar General and the Census Commissioner of India and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India were entirely two separate exercises and one should not have any doubts between the two. Giving a detailed account of census operation, he shared that the snow-bound population enumeration was preceded by self-enumeration from August 17 to 31, 2026, followed by field operations from September 1 to 30, 2026. In Ladakh, the entire Union Territory was covered during the September exercise, with 695 Enumeration Blocks (EBs) completed367 in Leh and 328 in Kargil. With population enumeration now completed in UT of Ladakh, it has become the first in the entire country to complete population enumeration for Census 2027, he said. In UT of J&K, according to him, the snow-bound operation covered 16 districts and 95 Charges. Doda recorded the highest number of completed EBs at 798, followed by Kishtwar with 602; Ramban with 418; Anantnag with 377 and Baramulla with 359. Reasi recorded 345 completed EBs and Udhampur 313. Kishtwar district was declared fully snow-bound and hence has become the first district in the entire country to complete population enumeration for Census 2027. CPCO Amit Sharma appreciated the coordinated efforts of the district administrations, census functionaries, Special Charges, enumerators and supervisors and the cooperation extended by residents. He observed that the completion of the exercise across difficult and remote terrain demonstrated the preparedness of the census machinery and the effectiveness of the field-level arrangements put in place for areas where geography and climatic conditions required a separate enumeration schedule. The successful field operation was backed by an extensive preparatory exercise. Nodal Officers and District Coordinators were deployed in the districts for field training, preparation and demarcation of Enumeration Blocks, distribution of census kits and ensuring that prescribed manuals reached the Charges, he asserted. Amit Sharma said that the exercise also received close attention from the senior leadership of the Census Organisation. Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, undertook visit to J&K in August and his maiden visit to Ladakh during September to personally review the implementation and progress of population enumeration in the snow-bound areas. Sunil Kumar, Additional Registrar General, visited J&K during the preparatory phase in August. Both senior officers expressed satisfaction with the progress of preparations, training and field operations, CPCO said. Amit Sharma also shared that the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India also deputed observers to monitor the population enumeration in snow-bound non-synchronous areas. The observers examined adherence to Census instructions and timelines, functioning of digital applications and devices, operational issues, respondent cooperation and the quality and progress of fieldwork, besides interacting with Principal Census Officers, Charge Officers, supervisors and enumerators. Their field visits established the smooth conduct of the exercise and the officers from Delhi appreciated the timely completion of training, EB formation, distribution of materials, fieldwork and publicity activities, he said. Amit Sharma especially mentioned that public participation was strengthened through a sustained multi-channel publicity campaign across the snow-bound areas. The outreach included advertisements in major newspapers, publicity vans with LED screens, banners at J&K Bank branches, pamphlet distribution, a seminar-cum-discussion at Bhaderwah campus of the University of Jammu, a quiz competition in Kishtwar, and radio jingles in Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri and Dogri on Akashwani and Red FM. Hoardings were also installed at district headquarters, bus stands and other public places. The campaign contributed to wider awareness, with residents extending enthusiastic cooperation to the enumerators and supervisors, he said, adding, With the snow-bound enumeration now concluded, the remaining population enumeration in the non-snow-bound areas of J&K is scheduled for February 2027. Amit Sharma said that the Directorate would now focus on the prescribed post-enumeration processes for the completed areas while simultaneously ensuring that preparations for the February exercise in the remaining areas of J&K should remain on schedule. Ladakh, having completed population enumeration across the entire Union Territory, stands outside the February 2027 enumeration schedule. CPCO Amit Sharma shared that alongside population enumeration, work on the District Census Handbook (DCHB) was progressing in both Union Territories. Training for DCHB fieldwork was completed across all districts by September 27, 2026, while fieldwork was scheduled for completion by October 30, 2026. In J&K, the exercise involves 284 Charge Officers, 65 Town Officers and 2,854 Village Officers, while in Ladakh 17 Charge Officers, 2 Town Officers and 56 Village Officers have been engaged. The snow-bound operation was supported by substantial logistical and financial arrangements, with approximately Rs 49.2 Cr released to the respective districts for IT infrastructure, POL, contingency, honorarium and training allowances, he informed. Amit Sharma said that the completion of the snow-bound operation represented an important step in the phased conduct of Census 2027, while stressing that the focus would remain on data quality, completeness and adherence to prescribed procedures through the subsequent stages. The final population figures for Ladakh and the snow-bound areas of J&K will form part of the nationwide Census results, which are scheduled to be released after completion of the overall Census exercise in MarchApril 2027.

African park once called a silent graveyard now has 37 rhinos and seven calves

World Architecture Day commemorated at SKICC

Srinagar, Oct 6:The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Srinagar Centre, concluded its World Architecture Day 2026 celebrations at SKICC, Srinagar. The event brought together architects, academicians, professionals, distinguished guests, students and members of the architectural fraternity from across Jammu & Kashmir. The programme commenced with the formal inauguration and welcome address by Ar. Irshad Majid, Chairman, IIA Srinagar Centre. In his address, he highlighted the importance of architecture in shaping sustainable, inclusive and culturally responsive built environments, while emphasising the role of the architectural fraternity in contributing to the development of the region. A key highlight of the programme was the presentation and professional discourse led by eminent architects from outside the region. Ar. Leena Kumar from Bengaluru and Ar. Surinder Bagha from Chandigarh shared their experiences, perspectives and insights on contemporary architecture, design practice and the evolving role of architects. Their presentations provided a valuable platform for professional learning, dialogue and interaction. The event was attended by architects from the IIA Srinagar Centre and across the Kashmir Valley, along with representatives of the IIA J&K Chapter from Jammu. The programme also witnessed participation from students pursuing architecture through IIA, providing them an opportunity to engage with senior architects and gain exposure to contemporary professional practice. The programme also featured a presentation by Nerolac, the Official Event Sponsor, highlighting the significance of materials, colours and innovation in contemporary architectural practice. The IIA Srinagar Centre presented an overview of its initiatives and professional activities, as well as its ongoing efforts to strengthen the architectural profession and foster greater engagement among architects, institutions, government and society. The evening culminated in an Award Ceremony, during which distinguished architects and contributors were recognised and felicitated for their valuable contributions to the profession and the wider architectural community. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ar. Aamir Rafi, Vice Chairman, IIA Srinagar Centre, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, speakers, architects, students, award recipients, members of the architectural fraternity and for their valuable support and participation.

Govt appoints Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Chief of Air Staff

Srinagar, Oct 6:The government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit presently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, with effect from the afternoon of October 31, 2026. The present Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh superannuates office on October 31, 2026. Born on December 09, 1966, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. Prior to assuming charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Dixit has served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Staff Service College (Bangladesh) and National Defence College. He has more than 3500 hours of extensive flying experience on various aircrafts including to name a few; Mirage-2000, variants of Mig, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, HAWK and Tejas. He is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor. During his service career spanning approximately four decades, he has been actively involved in numerous operations and exercises including Op-Sated Sagar, Op-Rakshak and Op Sindoor. During his illustrious career, the Air Marshal has held a number of significant field and staff appointments. He commanded a front-line fighter air base in Western Sector and a premiere fighter training base in Southern Sector. The operational capability of Indian Air Force has improved with contribution of the Air Officer in various capacities. He was awarded VayuSena Medal in 2006, Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026 in recognition of his exemplary and distinguished service.

Underage driving turns e-rickshaws into major road safety concern in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 6:Death of a woman who was hit by an e-rickshaw in Srinagar's Ishber Nishat area has once again brought the spotlight on growing concerns over overloading and underage driving of e-rickshaws across the city. The woman, who was injured after being hit by an e-rickshaw on Monday, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, adding to a series of accidents involving the increasingly popular mode of public transport. Over the past few years, battery-operated e-rickshaws have largely replaced petrol-powered auto-rickshaws in Srinagar and several other parts of Kashmir. While they have emerged as an affordable and accessible transport option, commuters say poor regulation, overcrowding and inexperienced drivers have made many journeys unsafe. Residents said one of the biggest concerns is rampant overloading. Although an e-rickshaw is designed to carry only a four passengers, many are routinely seen carrying five or even six people. Passengers are often made to sit beside the driver, while children are squeezed into the narrow middle space. It becomes frightening when e-rickshaws are packed beyond capacity are driven by teenagers. We keep wondering what will happen if it suddenly hits a pothole or brakes hard, said Shabir Ahmad, a commuter from Bemina. Another commuter, Nusrat Jan, said she frequently avoids boarding overcrowded e-rickshaws despite the convenience they offer. They are available almost everywhere now, but many drivers don't refuse extra passengers. The vehicle starts tilting even on uneven roads, and you don't feel safe, especially with children on board, she said. The issue has become more pronounced with the rapid expansion of e-rickshaw services in areas such as Bemina, Batamaloo, Parimpora, Pantha Chowk and along the Bypass, besides the city's downtown localities. Commuters said another worrying trend is minors operating e-rickshaws. Many alleged that underage boys are driving the vehicles with little knowledge of traffic rules or passenger safety, increasing the risk of accidents. Sometimes you can clearly see that the driver is very young. They drive fast, take sharp turns and try to overtake other vehicles even on busy roads. It puts everyone at risk, said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Batamaloo. People also pointed to the city's damaged roads and potholes, saying the lightweight vehicles are more prone to losing balance. Several e-rickshaws have overturned in the past after hitting uneven road surfaces, leaving drivers and passengers injured. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Mehboob-ul-Haq, acknowledged the concerns and said the Traffic Police are conducting strict enforcement drives on a daily basis. We are taking action against violators every day. Personally, I have challaned several drivers, and even today action was taken against many for different violations, he said. The officer said enforcement alone cannot solve the problem unless passengers also act responsibly. If commuters refuse to board overloaded e-rickshaws, the practice will automatically decline. In places like Jahangir Chowk and across downtown and uptown Srinagar, e-rickshaws are available every two to three minutes. There is no need to risk your life by boarding an overloaded vehicle, DSP Mehboob added. He said the department is maintaining a strict vigil against minor driving, rash driving, overloading and other traffic violations involving e-rickshaws as well as minibuses and other public transport vehicles. With another life lost, commuters said stricter regulation, regular inspections and greater public awareness are essential to ensure that the convenience offered by e-rickshaws does not come at the cost of road safety.

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi among 250 detained

New Delhi, Oct 6:Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the around 250 people detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday night following an over eight-hour sit-in protest inside the Akashvani Bhawan premises, after they were stopped from marching towards the Election Commission's office here. Around 50 MPs were among detainees, according to police sources. The detainees were being taken to New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp. Police forcibly removed Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress MPs and leaders including K C Venugopal, Pawan Khera, K Suresh, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Imran Pratapgarhi, as the Akashvani premises were cleared of protesting MPs. Gandhi had earlier entered the Akashvani premises on Parliament Street and started a dharna after police thwarted an attempt by opposition MPs to march towards the Election Commission office, located around 300 metres away. The opposition MPs were protesting over vote chori in the wake of media reports alleging irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The sit-in continued for more than eight hours before police began clearing the premises and detaining protesters.

Approves Rs 10,000-cr SME Growth Fund

New Delhi, Oct 6:The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the governments commitment of Rs 10,000 crore towards the establishment of the SME Growth Fund (SGF) to provide direct equity investments to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and help create a new generation of Indian companies capable of competing globally. The initiative is part of the measures announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 to provide equity, liquidity and professional support to the MSME ecosystem. The government said existing funds provide equity support to enterprises, but most focus on early-stage businesses and largely cover micro enterprises. A structural gap, it said, remains in the availability of growth-stage equity capital for small and medium enterprises. The SGF is aimed at catalysing growth-oriented capital for SMEs across manufacturing, services, technology, innovation-driven sectors and strategic value chains. The government said the initiative would address the financing gap faced by viable SMEs seeking to scale operations, innovate, expand internationally, adopt advanced technologies, undertake acquisitions and emerge as industry leaders. The fund will provide patient growth equity capital to high-potential SMEs with demonstrated business viability and scalability. A majority of the funds allocation will be directed towards small and medium manufacturing-focused enterprises. It will also consider SMEs operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. By providing long-term capital, the initiative is expected to help Indian SMEs expand capacity, adopt advanced technologies, enter international markets, integrate into global value chains and undertake strategic investments. The government said the fund would help create a strong pipeline of Indian companies with the scale, innovation capabilities and competitiveness required to become champions in their respective sectors. Under the initiative, the Government of India will provide an aggregate commitment of Rs 10,000 crore to an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SGF framework. The government said the fund would complement existing measures to strengthen the SME sector, including digitalisation initiatives, credit support mechanisms, ease of doing business reforms, public procurement reforms, startup promotion initiatives and production-linked incentive programmes. The SGF is also expected to support balanced regional industrial development by investing in industrial clusters, including those in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Such investments, the government said, would strengthen local supply chains and generate quality employment opportunities. The initiative is part of the governments broader effort to strengthen Indias entrepreneurship ecosystem, deepen the domestic capital market for growth-stage enterprises and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Ferozson Exports honoured with Navshristi 2026 Excellence Award

Bhadohi, Oct 6:Ferozson Exports Pvt. Ltd., led by Director Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, has been honoured with the Navshristi 2026 Excellence Award for Innovative Design Pattern for its hand-knotted carpet at the 50th India Carpet Expo Golden Jubilee Edition in Bhadohi. A statement here said that the award recognises the companys work in combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and innovation in the handmade carpet sector. The winning entry was evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising experts and academicians from leading institutions, including IIT Delhi, the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT). The entries were assessed on parameters including creativity, innovation, design excellence and craftsmanship. Several companies representing different carpet-producing regions of India were also honoured under various categories of Navshristi 2026, highlighting the diversity and design capabilities of the countrys handmade carpet industry. The award was presented in the presence of Mukesh Kumar Gombar, Chairman, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), and Prof Dr R.K. Varshney, Director, IICT. Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, Director, Ferozson Exports Pvt. Ltd. and Alkhuddam Group, said the award was a proud moment for the company and an encouragement to continue innovating while preserving traditional craftsmanship. He said the recognition would further encourage the companys efforts to blend traditional Kashmiri carpet-making skills with contemporary design and innovation, while strengthening the global presence of Indian handmade carpets. The 50th India Carpet Expo, being held as the Golden Jubilee edition, brings together manufacturers, exporters, designers and buyers from the handmade carpet sector and provides a platform for showcasing Indias diverse weaving traditions and contemporary design capabilities.

CSIR-IIIM holds flora conservation outreach at Verinag

Srinagar, Oct 6: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Branch Laboratory Srinagar, organised a one-day outreach programme on the conservation of critically endangered flora of the Kashmir Himalayas at its Field Station in Verinag on Tuesday. Titled Preserving the Paradise: Conserving Critically Endangered Flora of the Kashmir Himalayas, the programme was organised under the CSIR Mission Mode Project on Bioresource Conservation and Prospection (BioCaP) to raise awareness about the conservation of endangered plant species and the importance of protecting the regions rich floral diversity. The programme brought together scientists, forestry experts, Forest Department officials and students to promote greater awareness about native plant species and their ecological and medicinal significance. Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu and CSIR-NBRI, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, attended the programme as the chief guest. Addressing the participants, he emphasised the need to create greater awareness among the younger generation about the importance of conserving natural resources and protecting biodiversity. Dr Ahmed also highlighted the significance of Indias traditional knowledge, particularly relating to medicinal and aromatic plants, and stressed the need to integrate such knowledge with contemporary scientific research. He said conservation efforts should not be limited to protecting plant species but should also encompass the preservation of traditional knowledge systems and the potential applications associated with these bioresources. A key component of the programme was an interaction with Forest Department officials under the Know Your Forests initiative. The session familiarised participants with the importance of forests, threats facing native vegetation and the role of local communities and other stakeholders in conservation. The Tree Talk activity introduced participants to native plant species and encouraged students to observe and understand the floral diversity in their surroundings. The programme also featured a Conservation Innovation Challenge, providing young participants an opportunity to develop practical and innovative ideas for protecting plant biodiversity. Under the Healing with Nature segment, medicinal plants and their healthcare applications were showcased, highlighting the link between the regions plant resources, traditional knowledge and modern scientific research. The outreach programme sought to strengthen awareness about the ecological and medicinal value of the Kashmir Himalayas flora while encouraging greater participation of students and local stakeholders in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Cabinet celebrates Modis 25-year head of Govt run

New Delhi, Oct 6:The Union Cabinet on Tuesday passed a resolution congratulating Prime Minister NarendraModi on completing 25 years of continuous leadership as head of government. Far more than a customary tribute, it celebrated the extraordinary journey of PM Modi guided by principle of 'Nation First and Citizen First'. The resolution said that three overwhelming mandates in Gujarat and support in three successive LokSabha elections reflect the enduring trust that public have reposed in PM NarendraModi. The ten salient features of the resolution capture the unbroken thread connecting his leadership of Gujarat with his leadership of India. The resolution traces how PM Modi carried Gujarats successful initiatives to the national stage. SWAGAT, through which he personally heard citizens grievances, received the United Nations Public Service Award in 2010. It later inspired PRAGATI, bringing governments together to review stalled projects, resolve obstacles and accelerate completion. Jyotigrams separate agricultural electricity feeders similarly became a national approach, extending Gujarats experience across India. The resolution said that PM Modis sensitivity towards poverty grew from watching his mother struggle with everyday hardships and encountering deprivation during his travels. The resolution connects these experiences with programmes delivering homes, water, banking and healthcare. Nearly 60 crore Jan Dhan accounts, over 4 crore homes and 25 crore people moving out of poverty show how personal understanding became public action, bringing families dignity. The resolution said that PM Modis determination to help people shape their futures runs through the resolution. Approximately 3.5 crore women became Lakhpati Didis, while the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provided for womens reservation. Startups, skills and education reform expanded youth opportunities. PM-KISAN transfers exceeded Rs 4 lakh crore, while PM-JANMAN brought focused support to particularly vulnerable tribal communities, extending development to those historically left behind. The resolution gives particular emphasis to PM Modis willingness to pursue reform despite political risks. GST, welfare delivery reforms and the replacement of colonial laws demonstrate his determination to address longstanding challenges. The resolution said that his appeals on cleanliness, digital payments and local products drew citizens into change. It said that reform emerged as a sustained commitment of his leadership, strengthened by conviction, public participation and national purpose. The resolution said that under PM Modis leadership, public capital expenditure rose from Rs 2 lakh crore to over Rs 12 lakh crore, alongside highway expansion and railway electrification. Electronics production increased from around Rs 2 lakh crore to more than Rs 13 lakh crore. Defence production and semiconductor manufacturing further reflect his determination to strengthen Indias ability to meet its needs. The resolution said that PM Modis faith in technology emerges through achievements spanning everyday services and scientific frontiers. Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and mobile connectivity improved welfare delivery, while UPI transformed payments. The resolution said that developing Indias own COVID vaccines and landing Chandrayaan-3 near the Moons south pole demonstrated PM Modis vision of a scientifically capable, self-reliant, Atmanirbhar Bharat. Private space participation and work in artificial intelligence, quantum technology and biotechnology carry forward the vision celebrated in the resolution: technology improving lives while expanding national possibilities. The resolution highlights PM Modis ability to give India direction through global upheaval. During COVID, he united the country, backed domestic vaccine development and enabled rapid vaccination. During the West Asia crisis, timely decisions and energy security measures helped India withstand disruption. The resolution said that his leadership combined immediate responses with capabilities built over years, giving the country resilience and confidence in difficult times. It said that 2016 surgical strikes, 2019 Balakot air strikes, and 2025 Operation Sindoor illustrate the national security red lines established under PM Modi. The resolution places these alongside the removal of Article 370, 'One Rank One Pension' and creation of the Chief of Defence Staffs post. It said action against Maoist terrorism and peace efforts in the Northeast bring out leadership combining national resolve with development, stability, and public trust. The resolution links Indias rising stature with PM Modis ability to build cooperation across divisions. Consensus at G20 and BRICS, advocacy for the Global South and the African Unions G20 inclusion reflect his diplomatic leadership. Vaccine Maitri demonstrated how Indias capabilities could serve others. Honours from 36 countries underline the international regard accompanying PM Modi and Indias growing influence and contribution to shared solutions. The resolution said PM Modis vision unites development, cultural confidence, and environmental responsibility. Climate action progressed from Gujarats dedicated department to renewable energy expansion and international partnerships. Yoga, millets, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and Ram Lallas consecration strengthened Indias connection with its heritage. The resolution culminated in renewed commitment to his vision of collective effort towards a prosperous, self-reliant, and developed India by 2047.

Director Sericulture takes stock of development needs in Uri border villages

Baramulla, Oct 6:Director Sericulture J&K and Visiting Officer for Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II), Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, undertook a two-day field visit to the border villages of Shahdara and Ghallan in Sub-Division Uri to assess developmental needs and review implementation of ongoing interventions. During the visit, Bhat reviewed basic infrastructure, public amenities, connectivity, service delivery and livelihood opportunities, besides identifying areas requiring greater inter-departmental coordination and administrative attention. He visited Government High School Shahdara, Government Boys Middle School Jabda and Government Boys High School Ghallan, where he assessed educational infrastructure, availability of basic amenities and other developmental requirements. He also interacted with teaching staff and took note of issues affecting the institutions and surrounding communities. A key component of the visit was interaction with local residents, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives, community members and other stakeholders. Bhat sought first-hand feedback on government services, infrastructure, connectivity, livelihood and employment opportunities and implementation of VVP-II interventions. He assured residents that the issues raised would be documented and taken up with the concerned departments for necessary action. He stressed that VVP-II should result in visible and tangible improvements in the quality of life in border villages. Bhat subsequently reviewed the progress of VVP-II interventions with representatives of various line departments and directed them to ensure effective coordination, regular field monitoring and time-bound execution of approved works. He also called for updated records of field-level progress, proper coverage of eligible beneficiaries under government schemes and clear department-wise action plans to address the gaps identified during the visit. He emphasised that sustained inter-departmental coordination, responsive administration and regular engagement with local communities were essential to achieving the objectives of VVP-II and accelerating socio-economic development in border areas.

Chief Justice calls for technological sovereignty, justice for farmers

Srinagar, Oct 6: Addressing a special session of the 60th Diamond Jubilee Convention of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, called for ensuring that technological advancement in agriculture is accompanied by protection of farmers digital, economic and legal rights. The three-day Diamond Jubilee Convention, hosted by SKUAST-K, brought together nearly 700 agricultural engineers, scientists, technocrats and students from India and abroad. The convention focused on themes including Women Leading Engineering Innovations in Smart Farming and AI and Robotics for Gen-Z Farming. Today, every soldierwhether it be a farmer, a scientist, a teacher, a lawyer, or a judgewill have to be equipped with that kind of technology, he said, drawing a parallel with the changing nature of modern warfare and the increasing use of drones and other advanced technologies. Earlier, the Chief Justice visited the exhibition stalls set up outside the auditorium and reviewed technologies related to drip irrigation, crop monitoring and drone-based agricultural applications. He stressed the need to make such technologies accessible and understandable to farmers so that they can effectively adopt them. Speaking during the session, Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir A Ganai SKUAST-K, highlighted the need to accelerate technological interventions in agriculture to unlock the sectors untapped potential. He said while the Green Revolution helped India overcome food shortages, the country now needs to focus on technology, skilled human resources and innovation to address emerging agricultural challenges. The Vice Chancellor also underlined concerns related to technological and data sovereignty in agriculture, particularly with the increasing use of drones, sensors and digital platforms. He stressed that farmers rights must extend beyond markets, land and water to the digital domain as well. The technical sessions featured addresses by Shri N.S. Rathore, Former Vice Chancellor, MPUAT, Udaipur, and Former Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR, on AI-Driven Agricultural Technology, Smart Skills & Advanced Agricultural Techniques, and Prof. V.P. Singh, Distinguished Professor, Texas A&M University, USA, on Mathematical Modelling of the Water-Energy-Environment-Food Nexus. The session also highlighted the research and innovation ecosystem of SKUAST-K. Over the past five years, the University has generated 148 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), including 62 product patents and five global patents, besides supporting 115 student startups and more than 130 commercialised products.

Auto retail accelerates in J&K, sales rise 47% in September

Srinagar, Oct 6:Automobile retail in Jammu and Kashmir recorded a strong year-on-year growth of 47.06 percent in September 2026, with total retail sales reaching 21,234 units compared to 14,439 units in September 2025, according to data shared by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) J&K. However, the sector registered a marginal month-on-month decline of 2.5 percent, with September retail at 21,234 units against 21,788 units in August 2026. The growth was broad-based across all major automobile categories, with three-wheelers and construction equipment recording the sharpest year-on-year increases. Two-wheeler retail grew 50.31 percent to 11,938 units in September 2026, compared to 7,924 units in the corresponding month last year. The segment remained the largest contributor to overall automobile retail in J&K. Three-wheeler sales recorded an 84.21 percent increase, rising to 1,750 units from 950 units in September 2025. Commercial vehicle retail also registered strong growth of 46.41 percent, with sales increasing to 1,123 units from 767 units a year earlier. Construction equipment recorded the highest percentage growth among the categories, surging 205 percent to 61 units in September 2026 compared to 20 units in September 2025. Passenger vehicle retail rose 33.69 percent year-on-year to 6,067 units from 4,538 units in September 2025, indicating sustained demand for personal mobility despite the marginal month-on-month softening in overall retail. Tractor sales increased 32.88 percent to 295 units in September 2026 against 222 units in September 2025. Sanjay Aggarwal, Chairperson, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) J&K, said the September performance reflected strong consumer sentiment and improving economic activity across the Union Territory. September 2026 achieved a growth of 47.06 percent YoY, but on a month-on-month basis there was a slight degrowth of 2.5 percent, Aggarwal said. He said the broad-based growth across automobile segments was particularly encouraging, pointing to the 33.69 percent growth in passenger vehicles and 50.31 percent increase in two-wheelers. The strong performance of three-wheelers, commercial vehicles and tractors also reflects increasing economic and business activity in the region, he said. Aggarwal said the automobile industry was now looking towards the upcoming festive and marriage seasons for further demand momentum, with Navratras, Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali expected to support vehicle purchases. He said the festive period traditionally witnesses higher consumer spending and increased demand for personal mobility, particularly in the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments. The upcoming festive and marriage seasons are expected to bring renewed momentum to automobile retail in J&K. These periods traditionally witness increased consumer spending and higher demand for personal mobility, particularly in the Passenger Vehicle and 2-Wheeler segments, Aggarwal said. He added that the marriage season would be another important demand driver, particularly for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, as families often plan vehicle purchases around weddings and other family occasions. At the same time, he said commercial vehicles and three-wheelers could benefit from increased economic and commercial activity during the festive period. According to Aggarwal, dealers across J&K are preparing for a potential increase in customer enquiries and showroom footfall. Attractive product offerings, financing options and festive campaigns by manufacturers and dealerships are also expected to support demand. We therefore remain cautiously optimistic that the combination of the festive and marriage seasons can help the industry sustain its positive YoY growth momentum and potentially offset some of the recent month-on-month softness, he said.

Foundation stone for Cafe, Guest House laid at Govt Silk Factory Rajbagh

Srinagar, Oct 6: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today laid the foundation stone for construction of Caf House and renovation of existing Guesthouse at Government Silk Weaving Factory Rajbagh, a unit of Jammu and Kashmir Industries Limited. MLA, Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department Vikramjit Singh besides others were present on the occasion. The project is being executed by the J&K Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (JK SICOP) and aims to enhance the overall ambience of the premises while creating additional facilities for the visitors and stakeholders. The initiative is also expected to generate additional revenue for Jammu & Kashmir Industries Limited (JKI), thereby contributing towards its financial sustainability and institutional revival. During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the JKI showroom within the premises of Government Silk Factory, which showcased a wide range of products made from renowned mulberry silk and local wool, which is integral to the regions cultural and textile heritage. While appreciating the quality, design and originality of the products, the Deputy Chief Minister commended JKI for its efforts in preserving traditional skills, especially those related to the world-famous Kashmiri mulberry silk. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the project reflects the Governments commitment to modernisation and optimum utilisation of existing industrial assets, strengthening the institutional infrastructure of public sector undertakings and exploring avenues for revenue generation through productive use of available resources. He urged the JKI officials to work with dedication and enhance the production and subsequent sales for overall development of the organisation. He asked them to continue their efforts in promoting local crafts, which are vital for the regions economic growth and employment generation. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Lal Chowk highlighted the importance of preserving and upgrading the infrastructure of the Government Silk Weaving Factory, Rajbagh, given its significance in promotion of the regions traditional silk industry and preservation of Jammu and Kashmirs rich textile heritage. Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce highlighted that the employees of any organisation play a vital role in shaping its future. He stressed upon the JKI employees to work with integrity and sense of responsibility which will directly contribute to the progress of our industries and the prosperity of our society. Managing Director JKI, Managing Director JKSICOP, Director Finance, I&C Department, Director Planning, I&C Department and other senior officers of the Department were also present on the occasion.

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Govt orders inquiry against GMC Baramulla CMO

Srinagar, Oct 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated a departmental inquiry against Dr Azmat Gowhar Khan, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla, over allegations concerning his association with a private healthcare company. As per Government Order No. 719-JK(HME) of 2026, dated October 6, the Health and Medical Education Department has appointed Abdul Gani Raina, In-charge Chief Medical Officer, Baramulla, as the Inquiry Officer to inquire into the charges against Dr Khan. The government has also appointed Khursheed Ahmad Damnoo, Accountant, GMC Baramulla, as the Presenting Officer to present the department's case during the inquiry. The inquiry has been ordered under Rule 33(4) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956. The Inquiry Officer has been directed to conduct the proceedings in accordance with the prescribed rules and provide the charged officer full opportunity of hearing, defence and cross-examination. According to the order, the inquiry will examine whether Dr Khan's directorship in M/s Clinnova Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. from May 23, 2020, to June 12, 2020, amounted to a violation of Rule 10 of the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971. The inquiry will also examine Dr Khan's claim that his association with the company was inadvertent and arose in the backdrop of a matrimonial dispute, and that there was no mala fide intent. The Inquiry Officer has been tasked with scrutinising the authenticity of documents submitted by Dr Khan in support of his defence and examining the draft articles of charge, statement of imputations, gist of evidence and verification reports of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Drug Control Officer. The proceedings will include recording of oral and documentary evidence presented by both sides. The charged officer will be given an opportunity to inspect documents, cross-examine witnesses and present his defence. The government has directed the Inquiry Officer to ensure compliance with Rule 34 of the J&K CCA Rules, 1956, and principles of natural justice. The inquiry will also determine whether the alleged lapse amounted to deliberate misconduct or was a technical or procedural violation without mala fide intent. The Inquiry Officer has been directed to submit a reasoned report within 30 days of his appointment, clearly stating whether the charges are proved, not proved or partly proved, along with recommendations for appropriate departmental action under Rule 30 of the J&K CCA Rules, 1956.

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Neuberg Diagnostics has consolidated its operations with NM Medical in Maharashtra to enhance diagnostic and preventive healthcare. This partnership combines their strengths in advanced radiology, pathology, and genomics, providing comprehensive diagnostic services. Neuberg aims to raise significant funds through an IPO in the coming financial year. The collaboration will facilitate the establishment of integrated diagnostic and wellness centers across Maharashtra.

Democratisation of tech essential to ensure no section of society left behind: PM Modi

New Delhi, Oct 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed that democratisation of technology is essential to ensure that no section of the society is left behind and that technology and digital services should be made affordable and accessible, particularly for the Global South. Interacting with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) board members here, Modi also emphasised that technology must become a tool for inclusive and sustainable development. The prime minister stressed that democratisation of technology is essential to ensure that no section of the society is left behind, according to a statement issued by the PMO. Modi underlined the need to make technology and digital services affordable and accessible, particularly for the Global South, and highlighted the importance of taking technology to the last mile to prevent a widening digital divide. In my interaction with the GSMA Board, stressed the following: Technology for the last mile. Affordable access for the Global South. DPI as a force multiplier. Technology-led solutions to cyber fraud. Global standards for emerging tech. Clear identification of AI-generated and deepfake content. Our digital future must expand opportunity while strengthening trust, he said in a post on X. The interaction took place ahead of the India Mobile Congress. The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem, representing mobile operators and organisations across the ecosystem and adjacent industries. The prime minister highlighted the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a transformative force, particularly for developing countries. He noted that discussions on DPI with several world leaders have demonstrated its growing global relevance and added that such platforms can serve as a springboard for countries of the Global South. Addressing the growing challenge of digital and cyber fraud, Modi said the problem requires technology-driven solutions. He suggested sustained awareness messages for users to warn people about potential fraud calls. Modi also highlighted the need for global standards and common rules for emerging technologies. On the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated content, he suggested exploring mechanisms to allow users to immediately identify its origin. The GSMA board members highlighted India's emergence as a global leader in digital and mobile connectivity. They noted the rapid expansion of 4G and 5G, the scale of digital public infrastructure and the growth of the telecom and mobile manufacturing ecosystem. They appreciated India's investment-friendly policy framework and emphasised the role of secure, resilient and trusted digital infrastructure in supporting continued digital growth, the statement said. The board members also highlighted growing opportunities for international cooperation with India in areas including 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital inclusion and satellite connectivity.

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CBI arrests fireman for taking Rs 15,000 bribe in J-K's Udhampur

Jammu, Oct 6: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested a fireman in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district for allegedly demanding a bribe for processing an NOC for construction of a hotel in Katra, an official said. Nitish Singh Jamwal, posted in the office of Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Udhampur, was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from the complainant, a CBI spokesperson said. He said the CBI registered the instant case against the accused based on a complaint, wherein it was alleged that the accused fireman initially demanded a bribe of Rs 40,000 from the complainant for processing and issuance of the Fire and Emergency Services NOC for his hotel at Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. After negotiation, the accused agreed to accept Rs 15,000 from the complainant, leading to his arrest, the spokesman said, adding that further investigation is underway.

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Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is new chief of Indian Air Force, replacing AP Singh

New Delhi, Oct 6: The Government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, with effect from the afternoon of October 31, 2026. The present Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh superannuates office on October 31, 2026. Born on December 09, 1966, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of Indian Air Force on December 06, 1986. Prior to assuming charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Dixit has served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Staff Service College (Bangladesh) and National Defence College. He has more than 3500 hours of extensive flying experience on various aircrafts including to name a few; Mirage-2000, variants of Mig, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, HAWK and Tejas. He is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor. During his service career spanning approximately four decades, he has been actively involved in numerous operations and exercises including Op-Sated Sagar, Op-Rakshak and Op Sindoor. During his illustrious career, the Air Marshal has held a number of significant field and staff appointments. He commanded a front-line fighter air base in Western Sector and a premiere fighter training base in Southern Sector. The operational capability of Indian Air Force has improved with contribution of the Air Officer in various capacities. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, AtiVishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026 in recognition of his exemplary and distinguished service.

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DRDO conducts successful flight trial of indigenous developed High-Altitude Platform

New Delhi, Oct 6: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the successful flight trial of indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS). The experimental flight attained an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level (AMSL) and remained at an altitude of 20 km AMSL for more than 30 minutes, before it was commanded to descend back to ground. The system was successfully recovered and flight performance data was analyzed. Real-time video data and all other vehicle parameters were acquired from the Airborne platform at Ground Control Station during the entire flight, which showed intended flight performance. System carried various instrumentation and control electronic packages like an inertial measurement unit, Global positioning system receiver, onboard cameras, altitude control mechanism besides various other sub-systems. The trial was conducted in coordination with various agencies, namely Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities. The High-Altitude Platform, a lighter than air system as a long endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform, is being designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, IAF, PSUs and Industry on successful flight trial of High-Altitude Platform and stated that the successful trial is an important milestone in Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey towards realizing a long endurance stratospheric Airship. Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Rajesh Kumar Singh has congratulated the teams associated with the flight trial of high-altitude airship platform.

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Census 2027: Snow-bound enumeration completed in J&K, Ladakh, says Director of Census Operations

Jammu, Oct 6: Director of Census Operations, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma on Tuesday said the Census 2027 exercise was progressing smoothly in the twin Union territories, with population enumeration in snow-bound areas completed and the main enumeration in the remaining areas, including Srinagar and Jammu, scheduled for February. Sharma, who is also the Chief Principal Census Officer of J&K and Ladakh, said while the house listing operations had been completed in June, the District Census Handbook (DCHB), which began on October 1, will continue till October 30. The population enumeration in the snow-bound areas of J&K and Ladakh was successfully completed 100 per cent from September 1 to 30. A five-day revision round was also completed on October 5 to incorporate corrections, omissions and other changes reported after the initial enumeration, Sharma told reporters here. He said the detailed population enumeration exercise in the snow-bound areas covered 5,292 enumeration blocks (EB) across the two Union territories. Of these, 4,597 EBs were in Jammu and Kashmir and 695 in Ladakh, reflecting the extensive scale of the exercise undertaken ahead of the winter season. He said the enumeration involved a large field machinery deployed across remote, difficult and snow-bound areas, with enumerators and supervisors undertaking door-to-door coverage to ensure that every eligible person was included in the Census. Among the districts, Doda accounted for 798 enumeration blocks, Kishtwar 602, Ramban 418, Anantnag 377, Baramulla 369, Reasi 345, Udhampur 313 and Kupwara 230, Sharma said, highlighting the substantial field exercise involved in covering the snow-bound areas. He said Ladakh and Kishtwar districts were entirely designated as snow-bound, while several other districts of Jammu and Kashmir had partially snow-bound areas. The remaining plain areas would be covered during the main population enumeration exercise in February, following the requisite notification. The District Census Handbook exercise, which began on October 1, will continue till October 30, Sharma said. He said Census 2027 was India's first fully digital Census, with enumerators using digital devices and citizens being provided the facility of Self-Enumeration. Jammu and Kashmir has performed exceptionally well in Self-Enumeration. It ranked first among the Union Territories and eighth overall in the country, the director census said. He said the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India had deployed independent observers who visited different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to assess field-level implementation, verify the use of digital devices and interact with Census officials, supervisors and enumerators. Sharma said Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan had himself visited several remote and strategically located areas of Ladakh, including Turtuk, Bogdang, Pangong, Chushul, Nyoma, Chumar, Kargil and Zanskar, and reviewed the Census preparedness and field operations. He said Additional Registrar General Sunil Kumar had also visited Jammu and Kashmir in August to review preparations for the exercise. On the census coverage principle, Sharma said the exercise followed the extended de facto approach, under which a person was counted at the place where he or she was found during the enumeration period. Whether it is a migrant labourer, a person working in another state or anyone else present at a particular place during the Census enumeration, the person will be counted where he or she is found, he said, adding that determination of the legality of a person's stay was the responsibility of the concerned government agencies and not the Census authorities. He said the Centre had released around Rs 49.2 crore for census-related requirements in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including IT infrastructure, training, honorarium, and contingency expenditure. Sharma also highlighted the extensive publicity campaign undertaken to create awareness about the Census, including newspaper advertisements, LED screens, publicity vans, pamphlets, seminars, university programmes, quiz competitions, radio jingles and hoardings. He said an MoU had also been signed with Jammu and Kashmir Bank for displaying Census-related publicity material at its branches, describing the initiative as a first-of-its-kind arrangement in the country. He said the main population enumeration in the remaining areas was yet to be conducted and provisional population figures at the national level were expected only after completion of the exercise next year. The director said the census data would provide the foundation for government planning and policy formulation, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, social welfare, connectivity and other development programmes. Census data is the foundation for development planning. The data being collected now will be used for planning and development for years to come and will also contribute to the goal of a developed India by 2047, Sharma said.

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J&K authorities demolish illegally built house of Afzal Guru's relative in Baramulla

Srinagar, Oct 6: Authorities on Tuesday demolished an illegal shed allegedly constructed by relatives of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru on state land in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The shed, constructed on a flood basin in Sopore area, was demolished during a drive carried out by a team of the Revenue Department, the officials said. They said the structure was erected on state land in violation of government regulations. The officials said family members of Guru, who was convicted in the 2001 Parliament attack case and executed in February 2013, allegedly built and occupied the structure.

President Murmu addresses first historic convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur

New Delhi, Oct 6: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu today conferred degrees on the first graduating batch of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bilaspur at the Institutes first Convocation, marking a major milestone in the growth of the institution and its contribution to medical education and healthcare in the country. Addressing the graduating students, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, lauded the graduates and the gold medallists, as well as the parents, guardians and teachers who supported them through their academic course. She stated that, as the first batch to graduate from AIIMS Bilaspur, they have a special role in shaping the identity and legacy of the institution. She implored them to uphold its reputation through their conduct, commitment and service, reminding them that the medical profession carries a responsibility towards humanity. She encouraged the graduates to keep the needs of people at the centre of their work, particularly those living in remote and inaccessible areas with limited access to specialised healthcare. Given the geographical location of AIIMS Bilaspur, she asked the Institute and its graduates to work towards strengthening tertiary healthcare in the region, including through telemedicine, expert consultations, training of medical personnel and the use of modern technology. The President also highlighted the role of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in reducing the financial burden of healthcare for economically vulnerable families, under which eligible beneficiaries receive health cover of 5 lakh per family per year. She noted that more than 2 lakh crore has been spent on treatment under the scheme and asked stakeholders to endorse that information about these health protection measures reaches people in far flung areas. She also stressed the need for leading institutions such as AIIMS to contribute to the development of basic and cost effective healthcare solutions. Exhorting the graduates to remain lifelong learners, the President asked them to keep pace with changing medical practices and health services, while translating research into innovation that improves people's lives. The field of medicine is not just a field of science and technology. It is actually a field of compassion and trust as well, she said. Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri Kavinder Gupta commended the graduates on their achievement and highlighted the important role being played by AIIMS Bilaspur in bringing specialised healthcare closer to people in Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states, particularly those from remote and tribal areas. Recalling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis remarks on the occasion of AIIMS Bilaspurs inauguration, he noted that the Institute is extensively contributing to healthcare, education and research and has strengthened Himachals footing in the health sector. Conveying his regards to the graduating students, he reminded them that their degrees carry a responsibility towards society and the nation and urged them to place compassion, sensitivity and service at the centre of their professional journeys. He expressed confidence that the graduates would use their knowledge and service spirit to contribute to the nation and said, I believe that these graduate students of AIIMS Bilaspur will make a new identity with their talent, their knowledge and their service spirit in various fields of the country and will make an important contribution in the construction of a Viksit Bharat. Speaking at the Occasion, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J.P. Nadda expressed happiness and pride at witnessing the inaugural batch of AIIMS Bilaspur complete its academic journey. Highlighting the expansion of medical education in the country, he shared that the number of medical colleges has increased from 384 to over 800, while undergraduate medical seats have risen from 51,348 to 1.42 lakh. Addressing the gathering, he shared the Governments target of adding 75,000 undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats by 2029, including an allocation of 15,000 crore for the creation of 10,000 additional MBBS and PG seats. Highlighting the expansion of the AIIMS network under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister noted that while the country had only one AIIMS for several decades, 16 new AIIMS have been established in the last 12 years. He urged the audience to recognise the scale of this expansion and the efforts to widen access to quality medical education and specialised healthcare across the country. Speaking about AIIMS Bilaspur, Nadda noted that the Institute has expanded beyond its initial target of 750 beds and now has 776 beds, with 26 specialties and 15 super specialties fully functional. He highlighted the availability of complex surgical procedures, cardiac catheterisation interventions, neurosurgery, comprehensive care, cancer care and radiotherapy services, noting that this progress has been achieved within the last five years. He also shared that the Institutes OPD consultations have crossed 12 lakh and IPD admissions have crossed 1 lakh over the last four years. Nadda spoke highly of the AIIMS Bilaspur faculty and staff for the pace at which the Institute has developed and expressed confidence in its continued growth. Addressing the graduating students, he urged them to uphold the reputation of AIIMS Bilaspur and carry its values of excellence and service into their professional journeys. With your rapid growth, I am certain that very soon AIIMS Bilaspur will be at par with any other AIIMS in the country he said, while expressing confidence that the graduates would provide high quality services and work for humanity. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also extended his best wishes to the graduating students and AIIMS Bilaspur on the occasion. Gracing the event, Shri Harsh Mahajan, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Lt Gen (Dr.) Daljit Singh (Retd.), Executive Director, AIIMS Bilaspur and Prof. (Dr.) Narendra Kumar Arora, President, AIIMS Bilaspur, were also present. A total of 92 students received their degrees at the ceremony: 43 MBBS, 26 BSc Honours Nursing, 9 BSc Allied Healthcare and 14 MD/MS students. The President also presented Gold Medals to meritorious students across disciplines in recognition of their academic performance. The awardees included Ms. Sagarika and Mr. Rakshit Vashishth from MBBS, Ms. Bhawna Thakral from BSc Allied Healthcare Science, Ms. Bhavya Malhotra from BSc Honours Nursing and Mr. Prateek Goel from MD, Community & Family Medicine. About AIIMS Bilaspur AIIMS Bilaspur began its academic endeavour with the induction of its first MBBS batch in January 2021, followed by the first batches of Allied Healthcare Sciences and Nursing Sciences in 2022. The Institute was formally inaugurated in October 2022 in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Since then, it has steadily expanded its academic, clinical and research capacities. During 2024 to 2025, the Institute recorded more than 3 lakh OPD consultations and provided emergency medical services to over 17,000 people. More than 3,500 major surgeries, over 900 minor surgeries, more than 1,000 cardiac catheterisation procedures and over 3,200 dialysis sessions were carried out during the year, while its diagnostic laboratories conducted more than 10 lakh tests. The Institute currently has around 620 students pursuing various undergraduate, postgraduate and super specialty courses, reflecting its growing role in medical education alongside healthcare delivery. The Convocation marks a significant step in AIIMS Bilaspurs institutional journey, as its pioneering batch moves from academic training into professional service. The newly qualified doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals and postgraduate specialists will attend patients and strengthen public health across the country.

Gundipora road restoration reaches 70% completion after 2025 floods

Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to create future champions

New Delhi, Oct 06: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday approved the governments commitment of Rs 10,000 crore towards establishing the SME Growth Fund (SGF) to provide growth capital to small and medium enterprises and help create Indian companies capable of competing globally. The initiative, announced as part of the Union Budget 2026-27, seeks to address the structural gap in growth-stage equity financing available to SMEs, particularly those looking to scale operations, adopt advanced technologies, expand internationally and integrate into global value chains. Under the scheme, the government will provide an aggregate commitment of Rs 10,000 crore to an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SGF framework. The fund will focus primarily on small and medium manufacturing enterprises, while also considering SMEs operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The government said the fund is designed to provide patient, long-term equity capital to high-potential SMEs with demonstrated business viability and scalability. The initiative is expected to help enterprises expand capacity, improve productivity, adopt new technologies, enter international markets and undertake strategic investments, thereby strengthening their competitiveness and export potential. The government said the SGF would complement existing measures aimed at strengthening the SME ecosystem, including credit support, digitalisation, ease of doing business reforms, public procurement measures, startup promotion and production-linked incentive programmes. The initiative is also expected to support balanced regional industrial development, strengthen local supply chains and generate quality employment, particularly through investments in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The government said the fund would help foster a new generation of competitive Indian enterprises and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Govt eases NoC norms for private schools, drops multiple certification requirements

Srinagar, Oct 06: In a major relief to private schools seeking statutory approvals, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has amended the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules, 2010, removing several requirements related to school permissions and certifications. The amendments were notified by the School Education Department on October 5, 2026, through an order issued under Section 29 of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002. The order in this regard has been issued by Commissioner Secretary School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Sharma by the orders of J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. Under the amended rules, several provisions under Rule 4 and Rule 6 have been omitted, while certain requirements have been replaced with self-attested certificates from the concerned schools. For traffic safety compliance, schools will now be required to furnish a self-attested certificate stating that necessary compliance with traffic rules has been or will be made to ensure the safety of students. Similarly, requirements concerning school buildings have been simplified. Schools can submit a self-attested certificate confirming that the building has been constructed according to the prescribed norms and relevant building laws, with necessary safety measures in place. The amended rules also provide for self-attestation regarding installation of necessary fire-safety equipment in school buildings. In another provision, schools have to certify that chemicals, if any, kept in laboratories are stored safely in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court and other Courts respectively. The government has also deleted a number of sub-clauses under Rule 6, including provisions under clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), further reducing the procedural requirements under the rules. The amendments are expected to ease the compliance burden on private schools and streamline the process of obtaining permissions/NOCs while retaining self-certification requirements relating to key areas including student safety, building safety and fire protection as well. The Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has extended gratitude to the government for granting much awaited relief to the schools. Talking to Greater Kashmir, president PSAJK Nazrul Islam Baba extended gratitude to the chief minister Omar Abdullah, J&K LG Manoj Sinha, minister for education Sakina Itoo and Commissioner Secretary SED for easing the burden of NoC for private schools. It was a much awaited relief for the private schools. We express our gratitude and thanks to the Government, he said. He also extended gratitude to Directors of School Education Kashmir and Jammu division . This decision is a commendable step towards simplifying the administrative process, reducing unnecessary educational burden, and creating a more conducive and supportive environment for private educational institutions, Baba said. He said the need for multiple NOCs was a source of concern for many school administrations, especially those serving in rural, remote, backward, and economically weak areas. These institutions continue to strive to provide quality education to children despite financial difficulties, infrastructure issues, and various administrative responsibilities, PSAJK president said. The decision to abolish several unnecessary NOCs will help the schools to focus more effectively on their core responsibilities, he added.

Omar Abdullah welcomes SC scrutiny of voter deletions, rules out UCC in J&K

Srinagar, Oct 06: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Courts intervention in the issue of voter deletions, said the INDIA blocs campaign against the Election Commission would continue and ruled out implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the INDIA bloc had finalised a calendar of programmes during a recent meeting in Delhi, with the campaign beginning with a march by its Members of Parliament to the Election Commission. Todays programme was a march to the Election Commission, and this campaign will continue, he said. Abdullah said the media had begun highlighting concerns over voter deletions, an issue he claimed had repeatedly been raised by the opposition. It is a good thing that questions are now being raised in the Supreme Court as well, he said, referring to the court seeking responses from the Election Commission and the Government of India on the deletion of names from electoral rolls and the basis for those deletions. We will have to wait and see to what extent the matter can be rectified through the courts, he added. We will not implement UCC here On the Uniform Civil Code, Abdullah categorically ruled out its implementation in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned the BJPs approach of pursuing the measure through individual states. We will not implement the Uniform Civil Code here, he said, adding that several other state governments had also opposed its implementation. Abdullah argued that a law intended to be uniform should be debated and considered at the national level rather than introduced separately by individual states. If they have the courage, let them bring a law in Parliament and debate it there. Let us see whether it gets passed, he said. Claiming that the BJP did not have the numbers to secure the passage of such legislation in Parliament, Abdullah alleged that the party was pursuing the measure incrementally through states where it was in power. That is why the BJP is implementing it gradually, state by state, which is wrong, he said. If we look at democracy in its true sense, this issue should be debated at the Centre and not separately in different states, he added. Questions action against Rohingya refugeesJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Courts intervention in the issue of voter deletions, said the INDIA blocs campaign against the Election Commission would continue and ruled out implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Union Territory Abdullah also questioned the action being taken against Rohingya refugees living in Jammu and Kashmir, saying they had been given shelter after fleeing their country. Those who have come from Bangladesh without permission are a separate matter. But the Rohingya, who are being unnecessarily targeted, are a different case, he said. He said the refugees had been allowed to stay until conditions in their country improved. When they were driven out of their own country, we gave them shelter and some space to stay here until conditions in their country improved, Abdullah said. Taking action against them suddenly now seems strange to me, he added. The chief minister, however, said the matter was beyond the control of his government, as the action was being taken by the Government of India with police assistance. The police are not under our control either. It would be better to put these questions to those who exercise command over the police, he said. Mobile connectivity, underground ducts On the administrations recent decisions concerning mobile connectivity and underground utility ducts, Abdullah said the government intended to improve access in areas that remain without mobile signals and reduce repeated digging of roads. At a time when we are talking about artificial intelligence, there are still areas in Jammu and Kashmir where mobile phone connectivity is unavailable, he said. He said the Cabinet had decided to allot land to BSNL in areas without mobile signals to facilitate the installation of mobile towers. Explaining the decision on underground ducts, Abdullah said roads were frequently dug up by different departments to lay water pipelines, electricity infrastructure and telecommunications cables. One department after another keeps digging up the roads, he said. He said installing ducts during road construction would allow departments to use the same infrastructure instead of repeatedly excavating roads. That was the purpose of the decision. Now it needs to be implemented, he said. Asked how satisfied he was with his governments performance as it approached two years in office, Abdullah said it was too early to assess its record. Let two years be completed first. After that, we will tell you what we have done and what we have not done, he said. Abdullah also declined to comment on reported remarks by former chief minister Farooq Abdullah concerning Jawaharlal Nehru, saying he had not heard the statement and did not know the context in which it was made. I cannot comment on what was said or the context in which it was said, because I am hearing this from you for the first time, he said.

Can You Buy Maternity Health Insurance After Pregnancy?

Majority of health insurance plans do not allow you to buy maternity health insurance for a pregnancy that has already begun. This is because policies usually have certain eligibility rules for maternity benefits. These rules determine when pregnancy-related expenses are payable under the policy. Insurance for pregnant women are different across insurers and chosen plans. Reviewing the policy details helps clarify the available benefits and eligibility conditions. Continue reading to learn more about maternity insurance in detail. Why is Existing Pregnancy Not Covered Under Health Insurance? Existing pregnancy is typically not covered under a newly purchased medical insurance policy, as the maternity benefits are subject to eligibility conditions and waiting periods. Insurance is intended to cover future medical requirementswhereas what has started is not covered. Thus, an ongoing pregnancy falls outside the scope of the new policy. The exact terms and conditions of the policy might differ across insurers and plans. Before buying a policy, it is important to be aware of the maternity benefits, waiting periods, exclusions, and eligibility to clarify coverage. What are the Benefits of Choosing Maternity Health Cover? Maternity health cover helps manage eligible expenses while you are pregnant and giving birth. The benefits offered differ across policies and their terms. Cashless Claim Facility A cashless facility can make hospitalisation expenses easier to manage. At respective network hospitals, the insurer settles approved expenses directly, depending on the terms and conditions in the insurance policy. Extensive Coverage For maternity cover, eligible expenses are related to pregnancy, delivery and post-natal care. Specific coverage, limits and waiting periods vary from one policy to another. Tax Benefits Health insurance premiums may be eligible for any tax benefits under the Income Tax Act. The available benefits depend on individual eligibility conditions and existing tax rules. Key Factors to Consider for Maternity Insurance for Pregnant Women Maternity insurance provides financial support during pregnancy. Here are the key factors to consider to choose the right maternity insurance for pregnant women: Waiting Period Go through the waiting period before buying a policy. Maternity benefits may only be applicable after completion of the waiting period. Complications Coverage Re-read the policy and determine if pregnancy-related complications are included. This coverage is subject to the terms, limits and exclusions. Number of Pregnancies Covered Check if the policy mentions any time limit on the number of pregnancies covered. This may differ depending on the plan and should be outlined in detail. Terms and Conditions of Policy Understand the policy wording and check maternity cover, exclusions, sub-limits, eligibility and claim conditions. This clarifies the coverage available. Explore Maternity Health Cover with IndusInd General Insurance IndusInd General Insurance provides maternity coverage as an add-on to health insurance plans. The cover might include eligible expenses for pregnancy, childbirth and maternity complications. It may also include pre-natal, post-natal, and newborn baby care, as per policy terms. The Health Infinity plan provides an add-on for Mother and Child Care with benefits for both mother and newborn. Before purchase, check the applicable waiting period and coverage limit, and choose the appropriate maternity health cover based on your healthcare needs.

Omar Abdullah Welcomes SC Taking Up Vote Deletion Issue, Rules Out UCC in J&K

Mehraj Malik praises Ghulam Nabi Azad, calls for sustained fight for J&K statehood