Army commander visits Akhnoor sector in Jammu, reviews operational readiness
Jammu, Sep 14: The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, on Monday visited forward areas in the Akhnoor sector here to assess the existing security dynamics and review the operational readiness of the units, the Army said. The Army Commander commended the troops for their relentless resolve and formidable spirit in safeguarding the Nation, the Northern Command said in a post on X. Lt Gen Sharma encouraged all ranks to pursue excellence in operational capability, remain vigilant, responsive and combat-ready at all times, it said.
Salal Dam spillway gates to open from September 15 for silt flushing
Ramban, Sep 14: The Salal Power Station authorities have issued an advisory to the general public of Reasi district and villages located upstream and downstream of the Salal Dam, warning of a likely rise and fluctuation in the water level of the Chenab River due to the opening of the dams spillway gates for reservoir silt flushing. According to a public notice issued by the Office of the General Manager (Incharge), Salal Power Station, Jyotipuram, the spillway gates of Salal Dam will be opened from September 15, 2026, at 6 pm for silt flushing. The authorities said the discharge in the Chenab River is expected to remain high during the process, which may result in fluctuations in water levels both upstream and downstream of the dam. People living in villages upstream of the dam, including Dharan, Thanpal, Arnas, Sai, Lanjian, Narloo, Gari and Salmot, and downstream areas including Gujjar Kothi, Siyad Baba, Bidda, Kachhi Khera, Talwara, Nambla, Vijaypur, Bara Dari, Patta, Kashi Patta, Jedhi, Panasa, Babber, Chumndian, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur and Seri, have been advised to remain alert. The Salal Power Station has specifically advised the public not to enter or go near the Chenab River, and said that movement of people, vehicles and cattle or other animals into the river could be dangerous during the silt-flushing operation. The authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution and keep away from the riverbanks to avoid any untoward incident. The notice cautioned that anyone violating the advisory or entering the river area during the period would do so at their own risk and responsibility, and that the Salal Power Station management would not be responsible for any consequences. The advisory has also been circulated to the Deputy Commissioner Reasi, police authorities, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, CISF, Tehsildars, Fisheries Department, District Information Office and concerned police stations for necessary action and wider public awareness.
Cement moves by rail from Kathua to Anantnag in first for Jammu division
Jammu, Sep 14: In a first for Jammu railways division, cement has been loaded and transported from one station to another, marking a significant milestone in internal freight traffic in Jammu and Kashmir. The first consignment was dispatched on Monday from Shaheed Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua railway station to Anantnag goods shed following sustained efforts by the business development unit (BDU) of Jammu division, officials said. Around 66 tonnes of cement, comprising approximately 1,320 bags, were loaded in one BCN wagon. The consignment was booked by Ganpati Cement in Kathua. Railway officials said this is the first instance of a new traffic like cement being moved internally within Jammu Division. Earlier, cement consignments meant for the Kashmir Valley were transported by road. The new origin-destination pair is expected to provide an economical, safe and faster mode of transporting construction material to the Kashmir Valley, besides boosting freight revenue of the Railways and promoting environment-friendly transportation. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the development marked a new milestone in rail freight transportation in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, cement was received only as inward traffic at major rail complexes like Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Station, Kathua and Anantnag. As a result of the continuous efforts and robust logistics of Jammu Division, for the first time, outward loading of cement has been successfully started from here, he said. Singhal said the development reflected growing confidence among the industrial fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir in the railway network and would give fresh impetus to economic activity in the region. He said the Jammu division would make efforts to connect more traders and organisations with the Railways so that it becomes a more economical, reliable and eco-friendly transportation option for the trading community.
Move Over Boba, This Turtle-Shaped Chinese Herbal Jelly Is The New Food Craze
Guilinggao, a dark herbal jelly with a slightly bitter and sweet taste, is becoming a popular choice in drinks and desserts.
Big 4 Employee Spends Rs 7000 Food Allowance To Feed Security Guards
According to doctor Nilesh Nolkha, the individual has become known among the residents for sharing food with the guards.
Nashik Sweet Shop's Golden Modak Is Back, Costing More Than Double Its 2021 Price
Sagar Sweets has unveiled a lavish 'Golden Modak', priced at a whopping Rs 27,000 per kilogram.
DRI busts Pakistan-origin imports, seizes over 362 MT dry dates in Nashik
New Delhi, Sep 14: In a significant crackdown on attempts to circumvent Indias prohibition on imports from Pakistan, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has seized more than 362 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted 13 containers of dry dates imported by a Mumbai-based firm at CFS Ambad, Nashik. The consignments had arrived from Jebel Ali, UAE, with import documents declaring the UAE as the country of origin. Preliminary investigation revealed a carefully orchestrated transshipment arrangement designed to conceal the Pakistan-origin of the goods. The dry dates were initially shipped from Karachi Port, Pakistan, to Jebel Ali Port, UAE, in one set of containers aboard one vessel. At Jebel Ali, the goods were merely transshipped and transferred to another set of containers and loaded onto a different vessel for onward shipment to India through entities operated by Pakistani nationals. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India, in the interest of national security, imposed a complete prohibition on the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, with effect from 2 May 2025, vide DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated 2 May 2025. In response, DRI, under Operation Deep Manifest, has been consistently identifying, intercepting and seizing Pakistan-origin goods attempted to be imported into India through third-country routing. The seizure underscores DRIs sustained resolve to identify, disrupt and dismantle sophisticated networks seeking to circumvent trade prohibitions through misdeclaration, transshipment and manipulation of documentation, thereby safeguarding national security and straightening supply chain integrity.
NHM employees extend strike for another 72 hours across J&K
Jammu, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has extended its ongoing peaceful protest/strike for another 72 hours across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, beginning September 15. In a formal communication addressed to the Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, the Association said the decision had been taken due to the continued pendency of its long-standing demands and the absence of a concrete, time-bound resolution from the authorities. The Association said the extended protest would remain completely peaceful, democratic and constitutional, with participating employees directed to maintain discipline and uphold public order. The employees also reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue with the government and expressed hope that meaningful and time-bound measures would be initiated to address their genuine grievances. The communication, issued by the Joint Coordination Committee of the J&K National Health Mission Employees Association, said the extension would remain effective for 72 hours from September 15. The Association has also forwarded the communication to senior authorities, including the Union Ministers for Health and Family Welfare and Labour and Employment, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, the Chief Minister, and the Ministers for Health and Medical Education and Labour and Employment in the Union Territory. The continued agitation is expected to further affect health services, particularly in rural and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where NHM employees form an important part of the healthcare workforce.
Night football returns to Anantnag after 3 years; 50+ teams to compete
Sunil Sharma listens to public issues in Ramban under public outreach programme
Ramban, Sep 14: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma accompanied by BJP District President Neelam Langeh, and other senior leaders, met several delegations from Ramban as part of the BJPs ongoing mass public outreach programme across Jammu & Kashmir. During the interactions, Sharma held detailed discussions with representatives from different sections of society and patiently heard their grievances, concerns and demands. He assured the delegations that their issues would be taken up with the concerned authorities and directed that necessary steps be taken to ensure their resolution at the earliest. Sharma said that the concerns raised by the people of Ramban would be strongly highlighted by the BJP during the ongoing Assembly Session. He reiterated that the BJP remains committed to raising the voice of the common people and ensuring that their legitimate concerns receive due attention. The people of Ramban have raised several important issues concerning their day-to-day lives and development. We will strongly raise these matters in the Assembly and continue to pursue them with the concerned authorities until they are addressed, Sharma said. He further said that the BJP would continue to stand firmly with the people of Jammu & Kashmir and oppose policies and decisions that are against their interests. BJP will remain the strong voice of the people of J&K. We will continue to expose the anti-people policies and misgovernance of the NC Government and will fight for the rights, development and welfare of every section of society, Sharma asserted. Sharma assured the delegations that the BJP would remain accessible to the people and would continue its public outreach efforts to understand their problems and take them up at the appropriate forums.
What Causes Skin Patches During Pregnancy? Expert Weighs In
Experiencing dark spots during pregnancy? Find out what causes melasma and discover safe, expert-approved tips to protect and care for your skin.
Ladakh LG Saxena approves draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts
Leh, Sep 14: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts across 15 departments and services of the UT administration, opening new avenues for promotion and career progression for serving government employees, officials said. The proposed rules provide a structured pathway for eligible officers in feeder cadres to move to junior scale posts after completing the prescribed qualifying service, they said. The rules cover posts in the general administration, cooperative, employment, excise and taxation, consumer affairs and public distribution, handicrafts and handlooms, industries and commerce, information, labour, rural development, revenue, social welfare, tourism and transport departments. The draft rules have been framed following the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) September 9 amendment empowering the lieutenant governor to frame rules for group B gazetted services and posts, including those forming part of a common cadre such as the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), the officials said. Earlier, such posts were outside the L-Gs rule-making powers. The development follows Saxena's intervention with the MHA in July, when he raised the issue of delays in regular promotions in the absence of necessary recruitment rules, the officials said. Saxena thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his continued support in strengthening governance in Ladakh, they said. Strong and efficient institutions are essential for delivering responsive and effective governance. These recruitment rules will provide deserving officers in the feeder cadres a clear and structured pathway for career progression, while direct recruitment will bring fresh talent into the administration, Saxena said. The proposed recruitment pattern provides for 50 per cent direct recruitment and 50 per cent promotion in several services. Overall, 79 posts have been identified for direct recruitment and 50 for promotions, they added. The draft rules will be placed in the public domain for 30 days, inviting suggestions and objections from the stakeholders. After the examination of the feedback and necessary modifications, the final proposals will be submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for consultation and approval, as applicable, before notification, the officials said.
Restaurant Bill vs Swiggy Bill: Viral Post Shows Rs 206 Difference For Same Order
A diner's comparison of restaurant and online food delivery bills has reignited discussions around platform commissions and rising food costs.
Jackie Chan backed bid to save South China tiger, unseen in the wild for decades
ACB arrests two govt officers for accepting bribe against disbursement of loan
Srinagar, Sep 14: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (JKACB) on Monday trapped and arrested two field officers of J&K Women Development Corporation for demanding and accepting bribe against release/disbursement of a sanctioned loan amount of Rs 3 lakh under the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) scheme. The spokesperson said that Anti-Corruption Bureau received a written complaint alleging that Owais Ahamd Khan, a Field Supervisor of the Jammu & Kashmir Womens Development Corporation (JKWDC) had demanded illegal gratification from the complainant for facilitating the release/disbursement of a sanctioned loan amount of Rs. 3.00 lakh under the WEP (Women Entrepreneurship Platform) Scheme. As the complainant was unwilling to pay the bribe, thus approached the ACB and lodged a written complaint. Upon receipt of the complaint, the allegations were verified and the verification prima facie established the demand of illegal gratification. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 15/2026 under Section 7, Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 & Section 61(2) BNS, was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar, and investigation was taken up. The spokesperson said that a trap team was constituted to lay a trap. During the trap proceedings, the accused public servant, namely Owais Ahmad Khan, Field Supervisor, JKWDC, was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting illegal gratification from the complainant in lieu of facilitating the release/disbursement of the sanctioned loan amount of Rs. 3.00 lakh. During the course of the trap proceedings, another public servant, namely Meiraj- ud-din Sheikh, Field Supervisor, was also arrested on spot for his alleged involvement in the commission of the offence. The exact role and involvement of the said accused is being ascertained during investigation, spokesperson said. He added the tainted bribe money was recovered from the possession of the accused in the presence of independent witnesses. Both accused persons were subjected to medico-legal formalities and have been lodged in Police Station Shaheed Gunj, Srinagar, for safe custody. Further investigation in the case is in progress, spokesperson added.
-1789387831563.webp)
Why PCOS May Leave Women Sleepy: 6 Reasons That May Be Disrupting Sleep Quality
PCOS can leave you tired even after a full night's sleep. An expert explains what's actually disrupting your sleep quality, from hormones to hidden sleep apnoea, and when to see a doctor
Anxiety and Skin Hives: Dermatologist Explains The Hidden Connection
Stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen hives in some people. This article explains how this skin condition and anxiety are interconnected. Read on.
LoP Sunil Sharma visits Ramban; extends support to protesting NHM employees, daily wagers
Banihal, Sep 14: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, visited Ramban district on Monday and extended his support to striking National Health Mission (NHM) employees and dailywage workers, assuring them that their long-pending grievances would be raised in the Legislative Assembly. The visit came as the indefinite strike by NHM employees entered its sixth consecutive day in the district, severely affecting healthcare services at various hospitals, primary health centres and community health units where NHM doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are deployed. The ongoing agitation has disrupted routine healthcare services, including outpatient care and other essential medical activities, particularly in rural and remote areas dependent on NHM personnel. Addressing the media during his visit, Sharma said the BJP had undertaken a political outreach programme to highlight the grievances of common people and workers, irrespective of their political affiliations, religious beliefs or caste. Common people face immense difficulties in bringing their genuine grievances to the notice of the authorities. The Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to stand as their voice, he said. Sharma assured the protesting NHM employees that the party would strongly pursue their demands, including regularisation of services, job security and revision of wages, and take up the issues on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. He also stated that matters falling under the purview of the Central Government would be pursued with the concerned authorities. The striking NHM employees have been seeking regularisation, pay parity with permanent health staff, job security and the timely release of pending stipends and other dues. The BJP leader also criticised the administration for allegedly failing to address the concerns of daily wagers and contractual employees, accusing it of overlooking the difficulties faced by workers who have been awaiting resolution of their demands for a long time.
Made With Quinoa, Paneer And Moringa, This Dosa Is A Wholesome Breakfast Option
High-protein quinoa-paneer dosa combines quinoa, mixed lentils, and fenugreek for a nutritious South Indian breakfast option.
Rajasthan Restaurant Bill Goes Viral After Diner Spots Separate 'Gas' Charge
The diner said they had no issue with the GST on their bill, but a separate 10% gas charge left them questioning how the final amount was calculated.
DGP Nalin Prabhat reviews ongoing anti-terror operations in J-Ks Poonch
Poonch, Sep 14: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone Tejinder Singh, reviewed the ongoing security and counter-terrorism operations in Poonch district, with particular focus on the threat posed by Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. According to a post shared by District Police Poonch on X, the senior police officers took stock of the ongoing operations being conducted in the district and reviewed the security situation in areas considered vulnerable to terrorist movement. The top police officials were briefed about the latest developments, operational preparedness and coordination among different security agencies on ground. The visit assumes significance in view of recent attempts of infiltration and movement of Pakistan-based LeT terrorists in the Pir Panjal region.
Kahmiri Pandits mark Balidan Diwas in Jammu; reiterate 'genocide' recognition, homeland demands
Jammu, Sep 14: Displaced Kashmiri Pandits on Monday observed 36th 'Balidan Diwas' here, paying homage to members of the community and security personnel who lost their lives to violence and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The community reiterated its demand for legal recognition of the violence against and displacement of Kashmiri Pandits as genocide and called for the establishment of a separate homeland in the Valley under direct Union protection. The programme was organised by Panun Kashmir, a representative body of migrant Kashmiri Hindus, with participants wearing black armbands as a mark of remembrance. A Veer Jyoti, dedicated to the memory of community members and security personnel who laid down their lives, was lit and later taken to the sacred Bhadrakali Temple at Thalwal, on the outskirts of Jammu, where it was installed as the Amar Jyoti. We have been observing this day since 1990 to honour the martyrs and reaffirm our commitment to continue the struggle till the achievement of our goal, which is enactment of a genocide bill and separate homeland as enshrined in the Margdarshan Resolution adopted by the community following mass migration from the valley in early 1990, Panun Kashmir chairman Tito Ganju told PTI. He said the community was not only paying homage to those who lost their lives to terrorism after 1990, but also remembering those who, it believes, suffered during what it describes as seven waves of persecution in Kashmir over the past 700 years. For the past 36 years, there has been a gross violation of our fundamental rights... Our struggle is also about safeguarding the constitutional rights, particularly the rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21, Ganju said. He reiterated Panun Kashmir's demand for reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir and a separate homeland for displaced Kashmiri Hindus, saying legislative and executive control in the proposed homeland should remain with pro-India elements. Without a separate homeland, we believe there is no other way forward, he said. He also called for the enactment of the genocide bill, proposed by the organisation in 2020, stating that the absence of statutory recognition has reduced the issue to a matter of narrative interpretation rather than acknowledgement of a crime of the highest legal order. The failure to name genocide has resulted in a lack of accountability and guarantees against recurrence, he claimed. He said the Constitution places the responsibility on the State to ensure that victims are given priority, which has still ot been achieved to this day. Ganju also raised concerns over the security of Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley under the prime minister's employment package. He said the recent threats against employees demonstrated that security concerns remained despite an overall improvement in the situation. Our children who are there are effectively hostages. Imagine the kind of trauma they must be going through, he said, adding that the government measures aimed at rehabilitation would not succeed unless the security environment changed fundamentally. These experiments will not succeed unless there is a separate homeland, and no one can offer a better solution than the victims themselves, he said. Calling for continued resistance, he said, Struggle is the only option we have. If we had not struggled, this chapter would have been closed long back. Chairman of the Jammu State People's Movement, Col (Retd) Ajay Raina linked the Kashmiri Pandits' demand for a separate homeland with the Jammu region's demand for statehood. We want the two demands to come together -- the demand of the Kashmiri Pandits (for separate homeland) and our demand for a separate state of Jammu, because neither side can truly move forward without the other, he said. He said a strong Jammu would also be important for the security of Kashmiri Pandits returning to the Valley. Panun Kashmir convenor Agnishekhar said September 14 had a particular significance for the community, linking the observance to the killing of Kashmiri Pandit leader Tika Lal Taploo in the Valley on September 13, 1989. He said the day was meant not only to remember the martyrs but also to reflect on the circumstances that led to their killings and displacement of the community. We remember why they were killed, who killed them, what the purpose was and what the intent behind it was. Our struggle is rooted in confronting that intent, he said. He said the community wanted conditions in which Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs who identify with India and Indian civilisation could return to the Valley and live with security and dignity.
Opposition parties plan to corner govt in 10-day J&K autumn assembly session from Sep 21
Srinagar, Sep 14: The 10-day autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, beginning here on September 21, is expected to be stormy as opposition parties plan to corner the Omar Abdullah government over issues like job outsourcing, rising unemployment, and the ruling party's failure to fulfil electoral promises. The BJP, the main opposition party in the J-K Legislative Assembly, said the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government has failed on all fronts. We will raise the issues about the public in the Assembly. There is an outsourcing scam, corruption is continuing unabated, and the Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies' polls are being delayed unnecessarily, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur told PTI. Thakur said his party MLAs will remind the government of its unfulfilled promises made during the 2024 assembly elections. People were promised 200 units of free electricity. Development works have come to a standstill after the elections, Thakur said. PDP MLA from Pulwama Waheed Para said his party will focus on unemployment, outsourcing, the lopsided reservation policy, and regularising daily wagers in government service. The Session's duration is short, and we will try to raise the maximum number of public issues, especially the electoral promises made by the National Conference on both the governance and political fronts, Para said. National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said his party will present its progress report to the people. The issues of the people are of paramount importance to us. The government is doing its best to fulfil its electoral promises. We do not claim that we have done everything, but we certainly are on the way to fulfil them, Dar said. He said he expects the opposition party to play a responsible role in the Legislative Assembly and not create a sensation. Parliamentary democracy envisages that the opposition asks questions about public issues and the government is answerable. We will do our part with sincerity, he said. According to the provisional calendar issued by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, the Session will begin with obituary references on September 21, followed by government business the next day. The House will discuss private members' bills on September 24, followed by private members' resolutions the next day. On September 28, the House will again discuss private members' bills, followed by government business on September 29 and 30.
BRICS summit important, but J&K must get its peace dividend: Tanvir Sadiq
UCC bill should be brought before Parliament, not through the back door: MP Shammi Oberoi
High Court issues notice to J&K govt in PIL seeking appointment of Advocate General
Srinagar, Sep 14: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday issued a notice to the government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the immediate appointment of a regular Advocate General for the Union Territory. A bench comprising Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued the notice to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir through its Chief Secretary and law secretary by October 21, the next date of hearing. The PIL, filed by advocate Harsh Dubey through counsel Kannu Karan Prasher, in Jammu, seeks a direction to the competent authority to take immediate steps for filling the constitutional post of Advocate General, which has remained vacant for a considerable period. During the virtual hearing, the Court observed that the post of Advocate General should, ideally, be filled by the next date of hearing. The petitioner, a practicing advocate before the High Court, stated in the plea that he has no personal interest in the matter and is approaching the Court in public interest, given that the continued vacancy of the constitutional office has affected the administration of justice and the discharge of statutory functions attached to the post. The petition draws attention to an earlier order dated June 4, 2025, passed by the High Court in Shri Nav Durga Jhaleri Mata Trust v. UT of J&K & Ors (WP(C) No. 1433/2025), in which the Court had already taken note of the prolonged vacancy and observed that it was rendering Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 which contemplates a role for the Advocate General in matters relating to public charitable and religious trusts practically inoperative. The petitioner also highlighted that the vacancy has affected the functioning of the Jammu & Kashmir Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, since the Advocate General serves as its ex-officio Chairperson under the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 2001 and the notification constituting the Committee (S.O. 466 of 2022). The petition seeks directions to the respondents to initiate and complete, within a reasonable time frame fixed by the Court, the process contemplated under Section 79 of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, for appointment of an Advocate General. It also seeks directions for the smooth functioning of the Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, and for the respondents to place on record an affidavit disclosing the reasons for the continued vacancy and the steps taken so far. The petitioner has clarified that the plea does not seek the appointment of any particular individual to the post, and is confined to seeking expeditious action in accordance with law.
If situation in J&K has improved, its benefits should reach people: Tanvir Sadiq
Srinagar, Sep 14: Senior National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday said the BRICS summit was an important development, but argued that any improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir must translate into tangible benefits for its people. Sadiq was responding to questions about the BRICS summit and recent statements by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, including his remarks on the situation following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in 2019. If we are only talking about the BRICS summit, then it is a good thing that economies from different parts of the world have come together, and that it happened in India, Sadiq said. However, he said the summit should not be used in isolation to assess the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. But if you are relating it to how the situation has been in Jammu and Kashmir, then if the situation has improved, I would like to raise that point again: its dividend should reach the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Sadiq said those who had contributed to the improvement in the situation should be the beneficiaries of its gains. The benefits that come from this dividend should go to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people who have participated wholeheartedly, he said. He also argued that the administration should respond to public demands if the situation in the region was indeed normal. If the situation has become better and people today come out on the roads and make their demands, then those demands should be fulfilled, Sadiq said. The NC leader also questioned whether the concerns and expectations of Jammu and Kashmirs elected government were being adequately addressed by the Centre. Where the BRICS summit is important, the BJP and the government in Delhi also need to see whether the representation and the sentiments of their elected government in Jammu and Kashmir are being fulfilled, he said. Sadiq said the Centre had yet to deliver on commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, despite two years having passed since the current elected government took office. Because it has been two years now, and what was promised to us by this very government in Delhi has still not been fulfilled, he said. I feel that while other things are important, this is also very important, Sadiq added.
Waqf Board working to modernise shrines, expand public facilities: Darakhshan Andrabi
Cleanliness cannot be achieved through govt spending alone: Mandeep Kaur
Imran Reza Ansari urges accountability over Brari Nambal landfilling
Srinagar, Sep 14: Former minister and senior political leader Imran Reza Ansari has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take strict action over alleged landfilling at Brari Nambal, saying partial demolition of the structures would not be enough to address the damage caused to the waterbody. In a statement, Ansari said the action at Brari Nambal risked becoming an eye wash if it ended with partial demolition alone. Referring to a report by Greater Kashmir, he said landfilling had allegedly continued for nearly 15 days. The bigger question is: who brought the material, who carried out the filling, and how was it allowed to continue? he asked. Ansari called for identification of those responsible, removal of the entire filling and restoration of the waterbody at the encroachers cost. He also demanded a proper investigation into the alleged violation and said that wherever offences were established, FIRs and prosecution should follow. Partially demolishing what was built after allowing the damage to happen is not enough. We need accountability for the original act as well as for any failure of monitoring, he said. Ansari stressed the need to protect Kashmirs remaining lakes, wetlands and other waterbodies for future generations. We need to keep something for our generation. Our children deserve to inherit clean lakes, wetlands and water bodies, not filled-up land and concrete, he said, adding that the remaining natural water systems must be protected from further destruction. He further said that protecting waterbodies and enforcing existing laws did not require statehood, but required political will, administrative seriousness and responsible citizenship. Quoting the Quran, Ansari said, And We made from water every living thing. (Quran 21:30) Water is a trust and a source of life. Protecting it is not merely an environmental responsibility; it is a moral responsibility, he said. Ansari urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take cognisance of the matter.
J&K first to implement National Education Policy: Education Secretary
Chowdhary Ramzan flags J&K development gaps, invites parliamentary panel for on-ground assessment
Chandigarh, Sep 14: Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday highlighted development gaps and infrastructure challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee in Chandigarh and invited its members and senior Central government officials to visit the Union Territory for an on-ground assessment. During the meeting, which reviewed the overall development scenario of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, Ramzan raised issues relating to connectivity, public infrastructure, essential services and the need for greater investment and institutional support for Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for a focused assessment of the challenges facing the Union Territory and stronger infrastructure to address its development requirements. Ramzan also invited the committee members and senior officials of the Government of India to visit Srinagar and Jammu to assess the functioning of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) system, particularly foodgrain storage and distribution arrangements. The invitation was accepted by the committee members and concerned officials, who expressed their willingness to visit Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. The date and programme of the proposed visit will be finalised separately. Senior officials, including secretaries, CMDs, directors and other officers from the Government of India, Punjab, Haryana and the Chandigarh administration, attended the meeting, which took stock of infrastructure, public services and other key areas of development.
Will take up NHM employees issue with CM, health minister: G.A. Mir
Javed Rana lays foundation stone for macadamisation of ChajjalaRamkund Road in Mendhar
Period Came Early This Month? Expert-Approved 7 Reasons It May Happen
A period arriving a few days early is often normal, but repeated changes can sometimes point to hormonal or gynaecological issues. Know the causes, warning signs and when to see a doctor.
Badaam / Almond / Prunus Amygdalus
Badaam / Almond / Prunus Amygdalus Indications, Properties & Uses REFERENCE Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vataraktarogadhikar Chapter 27 Verse 64-67 ... Read more The post Badaam / Almond / Prunus Amygdalus appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
JKMSA seeks revision of stipends, remuneration for PG, senior resident doctors
Srinagar, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) has sought a comprehensive revision of stipends for postgraduate (PG) residents and remuneration for senior resident doctors in government medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. In a representation addressed to the Health Minister, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the association urged the government to review the existing remuneration structure, citing disparities with other major government and apex medical institutions. The association also extended its support to the demands raised by the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Jammu and other resident doctors' associations across the Union Territory. JKMSA said postgraduate and senior resident doctors form an indispensable part of the healthcare system, providing round-the-clock patient care, emergency and casualty services, intensive care, operation theatre duties, labour room services and specialist consultations. It said resident doctors also undertake clinical documentation, teaching, supervision and other responsibilities alongside their medical training. The association said the existing remuneration structure needed a comprehensive review in the interest of resident doctors' welfare, equitable compensation, recruitment and retention of qualified doctors, quality of postgraduate medical education and uninterrupted patient care. Seeks parity with other medical institutions In its representation, JKMSA cited remuneration benchmarks from several medical institutions, including the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), AIIMS Jammu, Government Medical College Chandigarh and Government Medical College Jammu. According to the figures cited by the association, PG residents at SKIMS receive approximately Rs 80,000 per month in the first year, Rs 85,000 in the second year and Rs 88,00090,000 in the third year. The representation puts senior resident remuneration at SKIMS at approximately Rs 1.30 lakh per month, while the corresponding figure for AIIMS Jammu is stated to be around Rs 1.40 lakh. It also cites senior resident remuneration of approximately Rs 1.40 lakh to Rs 1.50 lakh per month at Government Medical College Chandigarh. For Government Medical College Jammu, the association listed the current monthly stipends as Rs 64,000 for first-year PG residents, Rs 68,000 for second-year residents and Rs 72,000 for third-year residents. Senior residents, it said, receive Rs 94,000 per month. The association said these figures highlighted the remuneration differences faced by resident doctors in the region and reinforced the need for a rational and time-bound review. It added that the figures could be verified against applicable official orders and pay structures during the government's review. Cites NMC regulations JKMSA also referred to the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, notified by the National Medical Commission (NMC), stating that postgraduate students are entitled to stipends on a par with those paid to postgraduate students of state or Central government medical institutions in the state or Union Territory where the institution is located. The association urged the government to assess the prevailing stipends across Government Medical Colleges Jammu and Srinagar, SKIMS, AIIMS Jammu and other applicable government medical institutions, and rectify any disparities in accordance with the relevant NMC requirements. The representation further highlighted the clinical responsibilities shouldered by PG residents and senior residents, including emergency duties, inpatient care, intensive care, operative procedures and other essential medical services. JKMSA said a fair and uniform remuneration structure would help improve resident doctors' welfare while strengthening the healthcare delivery system across Jammu and Kashmir.
Nutrition is crucial for the growth and development of children, particularly undernourished kids. A recent study found that nutritional supplements help replenish nutrients lost in children.
Mexico brought bison back after 160 years; they are now restoring desert grasslands
Scientists built a sponge pulling water from dry air; yields 1.72L per kg/day
Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan praises Kashmiri contestant Qazi Tauqeer
Srinagar, Sep 14: Salman Khan showered full praise on Kashmiri contestant Qazi Tauqeer, during the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20, saying, Theres only one rockstar amongst you all. Qazi Touqeer, the entire week you played quite well. Although, this season, Big Boss 20, receives mixed reaction- mostly criticism- ove an underwhelming cast, however Fame Gurukul 2005 winner, Qazi Touqeer has emerged as one of the shows most talked-about contestants, earning overwhelming praise from host Salman Khan during the seasons first Weekend Ka Vaar. Let me tell you guys, no matter how many stars exist in this house, theres only one rockstar amongst you all. Qazi Touqeer, the entire week you played quite well. Salman Khan said on Tauqeer's performance. Putting the spotlight on Qazi, Salman later asked Qazi, Tell me one thing: you got everything in life so soon; you became a rockstar, did a show with Arijit Singh, you won the show. Arijit is doing so well right now. You got this platform now, but what did you do in the last 20 years? Qazi replied, I did a lot of live shows. Further, Salman further said Qazi Tauqeer that people initially wondered how he sang and now hey cannot stop praising you now. The bollywood superstar said people appreciate Tauqeer's humor and performance. Furthermore, comparing Qazi's struggle with Hollywood actor John Travolta and bollwood actor Bobby Deol, Salman Khan said that even the biggest stars today, went through a bad phase, but they never gave up. Everyone faces ups and downs, and during the downtime, you have to work 10 times harder, he said, adiing that Sometimes in life, you get a few things very quickly, and you lose them also quickly. A good thing about the bad times is that it ends, and when you take good times for granted, as I do sometimes, it also ends. I know that during the bad times, keep working hard, as Qazi Touqeer did. He achieved so much, then he lost it, but he didnt stop working. Through all your struggles and challenges, the biggest effort was to stay mentally strong, which a lot of people cant do. So people should learn this from you, the host added. Bigg Boss 20 contestant Qazi Touqeer is a singer who rose to fame after participating in the singing reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005. He went on to win the show, reportedly receiving the highest number of votes recorded for a singing reality show at the time. It was during Fame Gurukul that Qazi met Arijit Singh and the two went on to become close friends.
Fighting in Yemen intensifies as Houthis launch more attacks on Saudi Arabia
Aden, Sep 14: The conflict in Yemen intensified on Sunday, as government forces launched attacks against Iran-backed Houthi rebels along the Red Sea and Houthis fired into neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's government. The Yemeni government vowed to send more forces to the Red Sea coast and one official conceded a painful defeat last week when Houthis captured the port city of Mokha and an island on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation -- especially Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and its shipping in the Red Sea -- adds pressure on global oil supplies and prices, and that could give Iran leverage in its war with the United States. As Yemen risks descending into another civil war, the United Nations estimated that more than 80,000 people in the impoverished country have been displaced by the fighting since the start of September. One woman said a mortar shell fell nearby as she fled in the middle of the night from the town of Khawkha in Hodeida province along the Red Sea, shortly before it was captured by Houthis. I saw with my own eyes cars and buses burning, and bodies of children and women were lying on the road in a horrific scene, said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for her and her family's safety. Houthis claim attacks against Saudi Arabia Saudi authorities sounded sirens Sunday afternoon in the southern city of Abha and Khamis Mushait province, warning residents to take shelter from potential incoming fire. Both areas were repeatedly attacked by the Houthi in recent weeks. The Houthis claimed to have used drones and missiles to target Saudi Arabia, including a military base just over the border with Yemen. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree didn't provide evidence or say when the attack occurred. The Saudi civil defence overnight said a projectile fell in a different area near the border with Yemen along the Red Sea, injuring two people and damaging a mosque and several other buildings. The statement blamed the Houthis. Saudi Arabia did not announce any new attacks targeting the Houthis. The Houthis are targeting Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping as part of a recently declared blockade, but they have said they do not intend to threaten other countries' commercial shipping. Yemen says 500 soldiers killed as it vows to fight back The National Resistance, a government-allied force that had controlled coastal areas, said more than 500 government fighters were killed on the west coast over the past four weeks -- its first comprehensive toll. It also said more than 1,000 Houthis had been killed in Hodeida and Taiz provinces. A spokesman for the Houthis didn't respond to a request for comment. Yemen is home to over 40 million people who fear a return to the civil war that began more than a decade ago and killed 150,000, bringing many others to the brink of famine. Yemen's internationally recognised government and Saudi Arabia have been battling the Houthis for 12 years. A ceasefire that began in 2022 had mostly halted the fighting. A senior government official in Yemen said its forces will return to the Red Sea coast and fight back. People fleeing the Houthi advance told The Associated Press they saw forces withdrawing and urging people to run. Sultan al-Arada, a member of the ruling presidential leadership council, described the collapse of government forces in the port city of Mokha and elsewhere on Yemen's west coast as painful and regrettable. He said in the televised interview aired late Saturday that forces are currently regrouping and will return to the battle. On Sunday, Rashad al-Alimi, who leads the presidential council, sought to downplay the defeats as incidental, according to comments published by the country's state-run SABA news agency. The government, he said, will remain clear and fixed on the goal of retrieving (state) institutions and of reclaiming sovereignty over all national territories. On Sunday, the Yemeni military said it launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Mokha, the coastal town of Dhubab and elsewhere in Taiz province. The rebels reported strikes by the Saudi-backed forces in Taiz province and artillery shelling in Saada province, a Houthi stronghold on Yemen's northern border with Saudi Arabia. The advance puts Houthis closer to a major US base in Djibouti The Houthis' advance puts them just 32 kilometres from the US military base in Djibouti, on the other side of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. It's the main US base in Africa and one of several foreign military bases in Djibouti, including those of China, France and Japan. The small Horn of Africa nation is already seeing the arrival of displaced Yemenis making the perilous water crossing. More than 2,000 Yemenis have reached Djibouti, the International Organisation for Migration said Sunday. Djibouti's Economy and Finance Minister Ilyas M Dawaleh, said on X that the country's navy, coast guard and other specialized agencies were conducting rescue operations and providing emergency assistance. Yemenis displaced by fighting worry about their survival The UN migration agency said Sunday that more than 82,000 people in Yemen have been displaced since the beginning of September. The displaced people are in a very bad condition, said Ahmad al-Masawi, the director of the Al Salam camp in the southern port city of Aden, who appealed to international organisations for assistance. They left their homes quickly without any clothing or anything. They are crammed in camps, houses and even on roads. Hussein Haydara sat outside a shelter at the camp in a white undershirt, as his children waited to be assigned to a tent. He worried about how far the shelter is from schools, hospitals and markets, and wondered how they will survive the next weeks or months. Haydara had fled his home in Hodeida once before, when the Houthis took it over in 2015. But this time feels more precarious. With the first displacement, we had time to plan things but this time we were forced to escape all of a sudden. One could hardly take their children and the lightest stuff possible, he said.
Kashmiri Pandit group demands time-bound return roadmap
Srinagar, Sep 14: The Kashmir Policy & Strategy Group, chaired by senior advocate Ashok Bhan, organised a web meeting on the eve of Kashmiri Pandit Balidan Divas, with participants calling for a time-bound roadmap for the communitys return and rehabilitation in Kashmir. According to a statement issued by the group, the meeting was attended by intellectuals, former bureaucrats, academicians, media personalities, social and womens rights activists, representatives of community organisations, overseas diaspora representatives and youth. The participants paid tributes to Kashmiri Pandits who, according to the statement, were killed by militants and discussed the displacement of the community from the Valley. The meeting also discussed the impact of the communitys 37-year displacement, including loss of life, destruction, demographic changes and disruption of cultural and social ties. According to the statement, participants reiterated their resolve to return to Kashmir, with emphasis on security, dignity, equality and participation in the social and economic life of the region. The group called on the Government of India to formulate a comprehensive and time-bound Return, Rehabilitation and Restitution Roadmap in consultation with representative Kashmiri Pandit organisations. It said such a framework should address security, voluntary return, property restitution, housing and livelihood opportunities, as well as the protection of temples and cultural heritage. The participants also called for measurable targets, designated institutional responsibilities and periodic public review of the implementation of any such roadmap. The meeting concluded with a call to translate the communitys demand for return into a structured policy framework, the statement said.
Harsh Goenka Shares His Views On The All-Vegetarian Menu At BRICS Gala Dinner
The BRICS gala dinner on Saturday evening featured an elaborate all-vegetarian spread comprising more than 10 dishes.
Travellers to Mahanpur, Bhoond areas in Kathua peeved over absence of public washrooms
Travellers, tourists and local residents have expressed concern over the lack of proper public washroom facilities in Bhoond and Mahanpur areas of Kathua district, causing significant inconvenience to people travelling through these important locations. Bhoond and Mahanpur are two important stopping points where passenger buses, matadors (mini-buses) and other small vehicles regularly halt during their journeys. A large number of passengers, including tourists, women, children and elderly people, stop at these locations for rest and refreshments. However, despite being regular stopping points for public transport and private vehicles, proper public washroom facilities are reportedly not available, creating considerable inconvenience for travellers. Passengers point out that the absence of clean and accessible toilets becomes particularly problematic during long journeys. Women, elderly persons and families travelling with children are among those facing the greatest inconvenience. Mudasar Ali, a social activist from the Bani area, while expressing concern over the lack of basic sanitation facilities at these important stopping points, urged the concerned authorities to take immediate action. Bhoond and Mahanpur are regular stopping points for buses, matadors and other vehicles. Thousands of passengers and tourists travelling through these areas face inconvenience due to the absence of proper public washrooms. The authorities should establish clean and properly maintained toilet facilities at both locations, he said. Airing the grievance of local inhabitants, Mudasar said that the availability of basic sanitation facilities was essential not only for the convenience of travellers but also for maintaining cleanliness and promoting tourism in the region. He appealed to the district administration and concerned departments to take the matter seriously and ensure that proper public washrooms were constructed and regularly maintained at Bhoond and Mahanpur at the earliest.
Pittantak Loha Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages REFERENCE Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vataraktarogadhikar Chapter 27 Verse 64-67 Abstract ... Read more The post Pittantak Loha appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
Here's why you need to try out surmai at this restaurant in Mumbai
Add a squeeze of lemon, some chutney on the side, and you can immerse yourself in a typically Mumbai-style seafood indulgence.
Indulge in this delicious menu in Mumbai that celebrates Nordic cuisine
Finland chef Toni Toivanen explores a collaborative menu with a Worli fine-dine that freely moves between Nordic sensibilities, Japanese precision, and Indias diverse flavours and ingredients
New Delhi, Sep 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on Monday congratulated the Indian women's cricket team for winning the T20 Asia Cup Championship, with both terming the triumph a proud moment for Indian. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai on Sunday to lift their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title. A proud moment for Indian cricket! Congratulations to the Women's team on winning the Asia Cup, Modi said in a post on 'X'. The prime minister said the confidence of the players, their consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. May this triumph inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine, he said The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, also expressed pleasure over the victory, saying that the girls in blue are a source of inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. They are a source of great inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. I am sure, they will script many more inspiring chapters of success and excellence, she said in a post on X. My heartiest congratulations to all the members of Team India on winning Women's T20 Asia Cup Championship 2026. They played superbly as a team throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. They have done the country proud, the President said.
Trump downplays need to check AI development, says he doesn't want to cede edge to China
AI has become a major election-year issue in the US as some of the country's largest companies seed small towns with a national network of computing warehouses
18-year-old girl dies of gunshot under mysterious circumstances In Reasi
Reasi, Sep 14: An 18-year-old girl died of a gunshot injury under mysterious circumstances at her residence in Panassa area of Thakrakote block in Reasi district late last night. Officials said that the deceased has been identified as Priyanka Devi, daughter of Kapoor Singh, resident of Panassa, Thakrakote. As per initial reports, the girl allegedly shot herself dead at her house. The exact circumstances leading to the incident are yet to be ascertained. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and started investigation.(GNS)
Iranian cargo ship struck; talks between Tehran, neighbours postponed
Cairo, Sep 14: An Iranian cargo vessel was struck early Sunday off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said, and Tehran postponed a plan to brief neighbouring countries on its contested efforts to manage shipping in the strait. The attack drew attention back to the strait after threats to shipping in the Red Sea intensified last week. Iran-backed Houthi rebels battling government forces in Yemen captured an island on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency quoted the Qeshm governor as blaming a errorist enemy for Sunday's attack, which it said killed one and wounded four. There was no immediate comment by the US military, which has struck Iranian-flagged vessels during its blockade of Iranian ports and faces a new threat from Iranian ballistic missiles launched at its warships. Qeshm Island, about 22 kilometres from the port city of Bandar Abbas, is key to Iran asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz. Hours before the attack, Iran's government remained defiant. Our people can't be bullied into submission. Iran won't surrender, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a social media post. US President Donald Trump disagreed, saying on Sunday that Iran wants to make a deal so bad that hey're calling constantly. Trump spoke at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, where he was attending a tournament. Later, when asked by a reporter whether the US struck the Iranian cargo vessel early Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, I don't want to say. He then boarded Air Force One to head back to Washington. Iran aims to brief regional countries on the strait Iran had said foreign ministers from regional countries would meet Monday in Oman to discuss efforts by Iran and Oman, located on the other side of the strait, to manage shipping on it. But the foreign minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi, said on X late Sunday that the meeting had been postponed in the interests of consensus. Iran and Oman agreed to postpone the talks at the request of some regional countries, said Mohammad Ali Bak, an official in Iran's foreign ministry who was quoted by IRNA on X. Saudi Arabia has submitted amendments to the Iran-Oman agreement, citing concerns that the emerging deal could have lasting implications for the Strait of Hormuz that could negatively impact other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, according to a Gulf official familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Commercial ship traffic remains low in the Strait of Hormuz as attacks continue on what was seen as an international waterway before the US and Israel launched the war on February 28. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations monitor said Sunday that a vessel was hit by a projectile while transiting the strait, though it was not clear if this was referring to the attack Iran had reported off Qeshm. The monitor said a severe fire had broken out and that local authorities were evacuating those on board. The US has asserted that plenty of oil is getting out as its military helps to guide ships along Oman's coast, at the risk of being struck. Before the meeting in Oman was postponed, only Iraq had publicly confirmed plans to attend. Bahrain had said it would not attend, citing a lack of diplomatic relations with Tehran. Since early in the war, Iran has expressed interest in having ships pay fees for transit. It has said traffic into the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian waters, while the outbound route would pass partly through Iranian waters and partly through Oman's. There had been some optimism in the region about the planned meeting, with hope that Gulf nations might use it to assert a collective response to a war they had no part in starting. For months, they have faced Iranian attacks that Tehran has claimed target US military assets on their lands. On Sunday, Iran's president said he had a good talk over the weekend with a top official from the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of a global summit of leading developing nations. Iran has fired thousands of missiles and drones at the Gulf country, a close US ally. Pezeshkian said he met with Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, while attending the BRICs summit in New Delhi. We talked about the issues of concern so that it's possible to put the past behind us, to look toward the future and how we can build the future together, Pezeshkian said. His comments were aired live on Iranian state television.
Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia
Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen overnight claimed new attacks on neighbouring Saudi Arabia, as Yemen's Saudi-backed government described the rebels' swift advance along the Red Sea coast as a painful development in a new front in the Iran war. The Houthis' capture of a key port city and an island on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, in recent days has alarmed markets and Yemeni civilians who fear a return to devastating civil war. Overnight, the Houthis claimed more attacks with missiles and drones on Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognised government that's been fighting the rebels. A Houthi military spokesperson, Brig Gen Yahya Saree, claimed in a statement that they targeted a military base in Sharurah province in Saudi Arabia's Najran region. He didn't provide evidence or say when the attack occurred. The Saudi civil defence overnight said a projectile fell in al-Tawwal governorate near the border with Yemen along the Red Sea, injuring two people and damaging a mosque and several other buildings. The statement blamed the Houthis. It also said sirens went off in Sharurah province but didn't report casualties or damage. There was no Saudi statement on Sunday on any new attacks targeting the Houthis, who have been hitting Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping as part of a recently declared blockade. While the rebels have said there is no threat to other commercial shipping, markets remain wary, and oil prices have risen again. A senior government official in Yemen said its forces will return to the Red Sea coast and fight back, after people fleeing the Houthi advance told The Associated Press they saw forces withdrawing and urging people to run. Sultan al-Arada, a member of the ruling presidential council, described the collapse of government forces in the port city of Mokha and elsewhere on Yemen's west coast as painful and regrettable. Al-Arada, also governor of central Marib province, said in the televised interview aired late Saturday that forces are currently regrouping and will return to the battle in one form or another. On Friday, a senior military official with Yemen's internationally recognised government blamed lack of coordination between Yemen's army and multiple allied militias, saying it gave the Houthis a priceless opportunity. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't allowed to speak to the media, also said they were stunned that the Saudi air force didn't act to prevent the capture of Mokha, about 80 kilometres from the strait. The rebels' rapid advance has been a major setback both to Yemen's internationally recognised government and Saudi Arabia, which have been battling the Houthis for 12 years. The latest escalation threatens a 2022 ceasefire. The advance also puts the Iran-backed rebels just 32 kilometres from the US military base in Djibouti, on the other side of the Bab el-Mandeb. It's the main US base in Africa and one of several foreign military bases in Djibouti, including those of China, France and Japan. The small Horn of Africa nation is already seeing the arrival of Yemenis making the perilous crossing of the strait. More than 2,000 people have reached Djibouti, the International Organisation for Migration said Sunday. Djibouti's Economy and Finance Minister Ilyas M. Dawaleh said on X that the country's navy, coast guard and other specialised agencies were conducting rescue operations and providing emergency assistance.
Worlds water cycle speeding up, raising flood and drought risks: Study
Climate change is accelerating the movement of water through the atmosphere, potentially intensifying rainfall extremes while worsening water stress in vulnerable regions, a new IIT Kharagpur study has found. Published in the Journal of Hydrology, the study by Prof. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath and his research team documents a widespread increase in atmospheric water vapour and projects further increases through the end of the century. It examines atmospheric moisture changes between 1980 and 2020 and uses CMIP6 climate models to assess future trends. The future water cycle is not simply a story of a wetter world. It is a story of a more energetic and uneven atmosphere, where some regions may experience increasingly intense rainfall while others face growing water stress, Prof. Kuttippurath said. The researchers found a clear increase in total column water vapour (TCWV), particularly over tropical oceans and major monsoon regions. By 2100, atmospheric moisture could increase by approximately 518 mm under the SSP2-4.5 scenario and 728 mm under the high-emissions SSP5-8.5 pathway. But a wetter atmosphere will not necessarily mean a wetter world everywhere. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, and when that moisture converges into storms and monsoon systems, it can provide additional fuel for intense rainfall, cloudbursts and flooding. In contrast, regions experiencing moisture divergence, declining soil moisture or changes in atmospheric circulation could face greater drying and drought risks. The study identifies significant changes across climate-sensitive regions including the HimalayaTibetan Plateau, Amazonia, Central Africa, the Sahel, Sahara and western Pacific. The HimalayaTibetan Plateau, the Third Pole, is of particular concern because changes in atmospheric moisture could affect precipitation, snow and glacier processes and river discharge, with implications for water resources supporting millions of people downstream. The researchers say the uneven response could create a future of hydrological whiplash more intense wet extremes in some regions and periods alongside prolonged drying and water stress in others. Water vapour is emerging as a critical link between global warming and future climate extremes, said S. Sarkar, lead author of the study. Understanding where atmospheric moisture is increasing and where it is becoming limited is essential for anticipating future risks to water, ecosystems and society. Indias monsoon risk The findings have particular implications for India. The study records increasing atmospheric moisture over major monsoon regions, with TCWV rising by up to about 0.16 mm per year over parts of the Indian monsoon domain. The increase does not automatically mean higher seasonal rainfall. However, greater atmospheric moisture can provide additional fuel for intense monsoon systems, potentially increasing the ingredients for episodes of very heavy rainfall and flooding. For India, which is already dealing with combinations of extreme heat, intense rainfall, floods and drought, the researchers say understanding changes in atmospheric moisture will be increasingly important for climate-risk planning. The contrast between emissions pathways is also significant. Under SSP5-8.5, atmospheric water vapour and associated radiative effects are projected to increase substantially more than under SSP2-4.5, indicating stronger water-vapour feedback and greater intensification of the hydrological cycle. The study calls for better representation of regional moisture processes and land-atmosphere interactions in climate models, alongside adaptation strategies that account for both extremes. As the researchers put it, future water security cannot be addressed by preparing for floods and droughts separately: climate change may increasingly bring too much water, too little water and sometimes both.
SKUAST-K PhD Scholar Bushra Naaz brings National Recognition at NBEC-2026
In a landmark achievement for SKUAST-K, Bushra Naaz, PhD scholar under the mentorship of Dr Ajaz Ahmed Malik, Head, KVK, Ganderbal has been declared a winner at the National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC) 2026, held in Bengaluru. The 2026 edition received an overwhelming response, with over 3,200 registrations from 34 States and Union Territories, making it one of the most competitive national platforms for science-driven entrepreneurship. After successive rounds of screening, mentoring, pitching, and evaluation on parameters such as scientific validity, novelty, feasibility, business potential, team strength, and clarity of articulation, only the most promising student advanced to the Grand Finale. Her pioneering research on plant-based meat analogues stood out for its scientific depth, translational potential, and entrepreneurial promise. In recognition of this breakthrough, Bushra Naaz received a Rs 1 lakh award, presented in the presence of Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon, and other eminent figures from Indias biotechnology ecosystem. Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated both Bushra Naaz and Dr. Ajaz Malik, stating that the achievement is a proud moment for SKUAST K and aligns with our vision to be counted among the top universities in the country. It exemplifies how our scholars and faculty are not only contributing to academic excellence but also translating research into innovation and entrepreneurship. Such recognitions strengthen our resolve to position SKUAST K at the forefront of national and global scientific leadership, he said.
Centre rolls out incentive scheme to push domestic PNG connections
The Centre has introduced a new incentive scheme to accelerate the expansion of domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, offering City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities additional access to lower-priced domestic gas for every incremental household connection. The Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections was launched on August 18, 2026, and came into effect on September 1. The scheme is aimed at increasing the number of active and billed domestic PNG connections while encouraging CGD companies to expand their networks into new areas. According to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), authorised entities are currently developing City Gas Distribution networks across 309 geographical areas covering the mainland of the country. As of August 18, India had 1.74 crore domestic PNG connections. Under the new scheme, a minimum connection threshold has been fixed for each geographical area. CGD entities that add billed domestic connections beyond the prescribed threshold during the performance period will receive an additional allocation of 200 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) of domestically produced Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas for every incremental connection. The government said the cheaper APM gas would partly replace costlier Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) currently sourced by CGD entities for their Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport operations. The resulting reduction in gas procurement costs is expected to improve the economics of domestic PNG expansion. The scheme is expected to reduce the payback period on capital invested in a domestic PNG connection from around 10 years to nearly three years, creating a stronger commercial incentive for companies to connect more households. The scheme will be implemented in two tranches over six months. PNG expansion is also being supported through regulatory and infrastructure measures. An Accelerated Approval Framework under the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, provides for faster approvals and uniform Right-of-Way charges for laying pipelines. The Centre has also encouraged states to reduce VAT on natural gas to 5 per cent, with several states having already adopted the lower rate. A nationwide National PNG Drive 2.0 was conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2026, to accelerate domestic connections, while a unified digital portal for applying for and tracking PNG connections is also being developed. The government said PNG provides households with continuous metered supply without the need to store or replace LPG cylinders and produces fewer pollutants than conventional cooking fuels.
SKUAST-K Bio-Enzyme course concludes, students pitch waste-to-wealth ideas
A week-long certificate course on Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurship, jointly organised by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India, Bengaluru, concluded at the universitys Shalimar Main Campus. Organised by the SKUAST-K Innovation and Incubation Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE), the course combined classroom sessions, practical demonstrations and field visits to landfills, waste-collection sites and fruit mandis. The programme provided students, farmers and rural entrepreneurs with practical exposure to bio-enzyme production, value addition, waste management and marketing, with a focus on converting agricultural and kitchen waste into useful and marketable products. The concluding session featured pitch-deck presentations by student innovators, who showcased business ideas based on bio-enzyme technology and waste-to-wealth models. A total of 10 ideas were received, covering eco-friendly cleaning products, organic fertilisers and waste-recycling solutions for campus and community applications. A jury evaluated the ideas on originality, feasibility, market potential and environmental impact, and appreciated the participants preparation and clarity of presentation. Addressing the valedictory session, Naveed Bhat, CEO, SKIIE, thanked the Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K for supporting the collaborative programme with the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India and congratulated the participants on completing the course. Bhat said the ideas demonstrated the potential to convert agricultural and kitchen waste into value-added, eco-friendly products and encouraged participants to take their concepts towards commercialisation. He also assured continued support from SKIIE to participants seeking incubation for further development of their ideas. The programme concluded with an emphasis on waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship, sustainable resource utilisation and innovative waste-management solutions.
Walnut harvest deaths revive debate over high-density plantations in Kashmir
Seven people have died after falling from towering walnut trees during the ongoing harvest season in Kashmir, renewing concerns over the safety of traditional orchards and reviving a debate over replacing ageing trees with high-density plantations. The recurring accidents have highlighted the risks faced by workers who climb tall walnut trees to harvest the crop, with growers saying the traditional orchard system is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. The deaths have also brought renewed attention to long-standing problems in Kashmirs walnut sector, including ageing trees, declining productivity and restrictions on the felling of existing trees. Walnut traders and growers have increasingly called for a shift towards high-density plantations, arguing that newer varieties can provide better returns while making orchard management and harvesting easier. It is high time to shift to high-density walnut plantation, said Haji Bahadur Khan, president of the Dry Fruit Association of Kashmir. Khan said many of the regions walnut trees had become old and were no longer providing the yields that farmers could expect from newer varieties. Ageing trees and low productivity have necessitated their replacement, Khan said, arguing that growers needed greater flexibility to rejuvenate their orchards. He said that GST and cheaper imports from Chile, California and other countries had reduced the demand for local produce. Bilal Ahmad, a walnut farmer from south Kashmirs Shopian district, said traditional walnut trees also posed challenges because of the amount of land they occupied. Traditional walnut trees occupy a large space and their yield is also low, Ahmad said, adding that high-density plantations could allow farmers to grow more trees on smaller plots and potentially improve returns. The push for high-density cultivation, however, faces a legal hurdle. Walnut trees in Kashmir are protected under the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969. The law requires government permission for their felling and places restrictions on cutting healthy or fruit-bearing trees. Growers say the restrictions can make it difficult to remove old or unproductive trees and replace them with newer varieties, even when the existing trees have become less commercially viable. Traditional walnut varieties can take more than a decade to begin bearing fruit and require considerable space as they mature. High-density varieties can start producing in about four to five years and can be planted at closer intervals, potentially allowing farmers to obtain higher yields from smaller holdings. For growers, the debate is therefore not only about improving productivity but also about reducing the risks associated with harvesting from increasingly tall and ageing trees. The recent deaths have added urgency to those concerns, with traders and farmers calling for a policy that would allow gradual orchard rejuvenation while protecting the interests of growers. The sector needs a transition towards modern plantations, Khan said, stressing that replacing ageing trees was becoming increasingly important for the future of walnut cultivation in Kashmir. The challenge for the authorities, growers say, is to balance the protection of walnut trees with the need to modernise orchards and make harvesting safer and economically viable.
CIK carries out raids in Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara
Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Sunday conducted coordinated searches at multiple residential locations in Shopian, Kulgam and Kupwara districts as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged dissemination of radical and anti-national content on social media platforms, officials said. The searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 05/2026 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under Sections 505 and 153-A of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Investigators seized digital devices and other electronic material during the operations. The items have been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed examination, officials said. Official sources said CIK teams, assisted by other security agencies, searched residential premises including a house in Naidgam in Shopian and another in Ladgoo Rambhama in Kulgam. The operations were conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. The raids form part of CIKs continuing probe into online activity alleged to carry radical and anti-national narratives, including the glorification and projection of individuals associated with terrorism and extremist viewpoints that investigators say could influence or radicalise impressionable minds. Officials said the forensic examination of seized devices is expected to yield digital evidence relating to communications, social media activity, account details and other material relevant to the case. Investigators are examining whether the alleged dissemination of radical content was confined to a limited set of persons or involved a wider network, and which platforms and accounts were used. The searches come a day after the National Investigation Agency conducted searches at multiple locations in a separate LeT-linked cross-border conspiracy case. CIK has, through 2025 and 2026, registered and pursued several UAPA cases over alleged misuse of social media to circulate secessionist or terror-glorifying material, seize devices and send them for forensic analysis. Sundays operation, officials said, continues that line of work amid heightened scrutiny of how extremist narratives are propagated online in Jammu and Kashmir.
With war clouds continuing to hover over West Asia, Kashmirs chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for restraint and said India, with its legacy of Mahatma Gandhis philosophy of Ahimsa, can play a constructive role in encouraging dialogue and preventing further escalation of the conflict. In a two-page letter addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Mirwaiz also cautioned against allowing the conflict to become another source of division within the Muslim community, urging the followers to stand together against sectarianism and political rivalries. It was a privilege to meet and interact with Your Excellency during your visit to New Delhi. At this grave and uncertain moment, I particularly valued your emphasis that humanity must remain at the centre of our collective pursuit of peace, he said in his letter to the Iranian president. The letter was handed over to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The Iranian president was in India to attend the BRICS summit. During his stay in the capital, the visiting dignitary met many intellectuals and scholars, including the Mirwaiz. Later, a delegation led by the Mirwaiz, along with Aga Syed Hassan and Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, met Araghchi. The Mirwaiz expressed solidarity with the people of Iran and voiced concern over the mounting humanitarian crisis in the region, including the continuing devastation in Palestine and instability in Lebanon. He broadened his appeal beyond religious or regional considerations, stressing that concern for human suffering must extend to everyone. Our concern must extend beyond Muslims alone. Human dignity has no sect or nationality. Every innocent life is precious, he said, urging the international community to remain on the side of justice, humanity and peace. The former separatist leader said the grave challenges facing the world could not be resolved through ever-widening wars and called for dialogue and negotiations to address conflicts. India, with its legacy of Mahatma Gandhis philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence), can also play a constructive role in encouraging restraint, engagement and diplomacy. The grave challenges facing our world cannot be settled through ever-widening wars. Confrontation will only aggravate them; ultimately they must be addressed through dialogue and negotiation, the Mirwaiz said. Calling for wisdom and statesmanship, he said war only multiplies human suffering. My prayer is that this difficult moment does not lead to further widening of conflict, but instead awakens the conscience of the international community and the Muslim world alike. May Allah preserve the unity of the Ummah, protect us from sectarian discord, and guide all of humanity towards justice, reconciliation and lasting peace, he said. He said Muslims across the world were already facing Islamophobia and uncertainty and warned that sectarian differences and political rivalries must not be permitted to further weaken us. Quoting a Quranic verse, he said Muslim unity did not require agreement on every political or theological question. Rather, differences should not overcome our fundamental bonds of faith, brotherhood and shared humanity. He called for Muslims to stand together against sectarianism and against attempts to transform political conflicts into divisions within the Ummah (Muslim community). The Mirwaiz also presented a small walnut-wood replica of Srinagars historic Jama Masjid to the Iranian President and said the gift carried a significance beyond the object itself. For centuries, the Jama Masjid has stood at the heart of the religious and spiritual life of the people of Kashmir, he wrote, adding that its pulpit had consistently sought to promote faith, brotherhood and the wider responsibilities of the Muslim Ummah. Highlighting centuries-old relations between Kashmir and Iran, the Mirwaiz said Persian scholarship, literature, art and spirituality had left a deep imprint upon Kashmiri civilisation. He described these as bonds between peoples that had survived changing political circumstances and generations. The Mirwaiz also recalled the visit of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei to Kashmir in the years following the Islamic Revolution, when he addressed the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid in the presence of the Mirwaizs late father, Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq. Khameneis message on that occasion focused on the Holy Quran, brotherhood and Shia-Sunni unity, he said, adding that the memory of the visit remained alive more than four decades later.
J&K scans 7.29 crore revenue records, digitises 99.4% Jamabandis
Jammu and Kashmir has made significant progress in digitising land and revenue records, with 7.29 crore revenue documents scanned and 99.4 percent of Jamabandi records digitised across 6,844 villages, according to the latest government figures. The data also highlights an expansion of digital governance and welfare delivery, with a growing number of public services being brought online and wider coverage reported under food security and social-assistance schemes. Under the IT reforms programme, e-Office has been implemented at the Secretariat, offices of Heads of Departments and district levels, while e-Office 2.0 is being rolled out at tehsil and block levels. According to the figures, more than 45,953 users across 430 organisations have been onboarded, while 1,710 services are currently available online. Over 70 lakh digital documents have also been delivered through the system. Around 114 services under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) have been integrated with auto-appeal provisions. The DigiLocker ecosystem has 188 services and 35.50 lakh registered users, while around five lakh digital transactions are being recorded daily through 942 Common Service Centre (CSC) touchpoints. The 3K Samadhan App is receiving around 300 grievances daily, with a reported disposal rate of 94 percent. More than 40 IT initiatives have also been undertaken in collaboration with BISAG-N. In the land-record digitisation drive, map digitisation has reached 94.23 percent, with 6,544 of the 6,850 identified sheets digitised. A total of 6,455 villages, or 93.4 percent, have been mapped, of which 5,700 have undergone ground-truthing. Sub-parcelisation has been completed in 1,925 villages across 20 districts. The government has also brought 881 revenue courts online through the Revenue Court Case Management System (RCCMS). Drone surveys have been undertaken in 4,368 villages, of which 3,091 have been verified. Under the SVAMITVA scheme, 58,265 property cards have been distributed across 1,491 villages. On the social-inclusion front, 25.69 lakh families, covering 103.88 lakh beneficiaries, have been enrolled under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Meanwhile, 16.61 lakh households, representing 67.84 lakh beneficiaries, are receiving free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The figures underline the administrations ongoing push towards technology-driven governance, particularly in land administration and delivery of essential public services.
J&Ks peak power demandrises to 3,325 megawatts
Jammu and Kashmirs peak electricity demand has crossed 3,300 megawatts (MW), reaching 3,325 MW in 2025-26, while the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), which oversees the electricity sector in J&K and Ladakh, has projected a slower increase in demand over the next three years. The figures are part of JERCs examination of the business plan and tariff proposal of the J&K Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL) for the three years from 2026-27 to 2028-29. JKPTCL had projected a faster increase in electricity demand, using an annual growth rate of 3.08 per cent. On that basis, it had estimated peak demand at 4,033 MW in 2026-27, 4,154 MW in 2027-28 and 4,278 MW in 2028-29. JERC has instead adopted a lower annual growth rate of 1.97 per cent after examining actual figures reported by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). According to the actual CEA data cited by the Commission, peak electricity demand in J&K and Ladakh increased from 3,076 MW in 2021-22 to 3,137 MW in 2022-23, 3,181 MW in 2023-24, 3,236 MW in 2024-25 and 3,325 MW in 2025-26. In simple terms, the highest amount of electricity required in the region increased by 249 MW over five years. Peak demand is the maximum electricity requirement recorded at a particular time. It is important for the transmission system because power lines and substations need enough capacity to carry electricity during the hours when consumption is at its highest. The CEA figures also show that the region did not always have enough electricity available to meet its peak requirement. In 2021-22, peak demand was 3,076 MW while peak supply was 2,826 MW, leaving a gap of 250 MW. The shortfall declined to 170 MW in 2022-23 and 48 MW in 2023-24. The gap widened sharply in 2024-25, when demand reached 3,236 MW but only 2,836 MW was met, leaving a shortfall of 400 MW, or 12.4 per cent. The situation improved in 2025-26, when peak demand of 3,325 MW was fully met, according to the actual CEA figures cited by JERC. JERC said JKPTCL had based its original forecast on the CEAs Load Generation Balance Report. The Commission pointed out that actual figures were also available in the CEAs monthly Executive Summary on the power sector and found these figures more appropriate for calculating the recent demand trend. Based on the actual figures, the Commission calculated a compound annual growth rate of 1.97 per cent for peak demand over the five-year period. It has therefore taken 3,325 MW, the 2025-26 peak, as the base figure for future planning. Using that growth rate, peak demand would rise to around 3,391 MW in 2026-27, 3,457 MW in 2027-28 and 3,525 MW in 2028-29. This is significantly lower than JKPTCLs original projection of 4,278 MW by 2028-29. The difference between the two estimates is around 753 MW. JERC also noted that the peak demand recorded during 2026-27 up to the time of its assessment was 3,063 MW, below the 3,325 MW peak recorded in the previous financial year. Despite this, the Commission retained 3,325 MW as the base figure because the overall trend in peak demand during the preceding five years remained upward. For the common consumer, the numbers point to a simple trend: J&K is using more electricity than it did five years ago, particularly during periods of highest consumption, but the electricity panel does not expect demand to rise as rapidly as JKPTCL had estimated. The difference is important for the transmission network. JKPTCL is responsible for carrying electricity through the high-voltage network to different parts of J&K and ensuring that transmission infrastructure is capable of handling the maximum load. If demand increases, more capacity may be required in the form of transmission lines, substations and associated equipment. But building infrastructure far ahead of actual requirements can also lead to higher costs. This is why demand forecasting plays an important role in deciding the pace and scale of investment. The recent figures also show that rising demand by itself does not automatically result in a power shortage. In 2025-26, the region recorded its highest peak demand in the five-year period considered by JERC and still managed to meet the entire requirement at peak. At the same time, the 400-MW shortfall in 2024-25 shows how quickly a gap can emerge when available supply is unable to keep pace with demand. JERCs decision therefore provides JKPTCL with a more conservative basis for planning its transmission requirements during the current three-year period. The Commission has not said that demand will fall; rather, it expects the increase to be more moderate than the transmission utility had projected. The final trajectory will also depend on how electricity consumption develops across homes, businesses, industry and other sectors, as well as on the availability of power and the capacity of the transmission network to deliver it when demand peaks. For now, the central figure is clear: J&Ks peak electricity requirement has reached 3,325 MW, and JERC expects it to increase to around 3,525 MW by 2028-29 under the approved growth assumption.
Operation Gadol 4th anniversary commemorated
The Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police jointly commemorated the fourth anniversary of Operation Gadol, the September 2023 counter-terrorism operation in the Gadol forests of Kokernag in south Kashmirs Anantnag district, with a wreath-laying ceremony and a Chinar plantation drive at the 19 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion Headquarters in Larkipora. The ceremony was held in remembrance of the four personnel who laid down their lives during the operation Colonel Manpreet Singh, KC (P), SM; Major Aashish Dhonchak, SC (P), SM; DSP Humayun Muzzammil Bhat, KC (P); and Sepoy Pardeep Singh, SC (P). Officials said their courage, leadership and devotion to duty continue to inspire both the security forces and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The event was attended by SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure and Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Rohit Rattan, along with officers and other ranks of the Army and J&K Police. Floral tributes were paid to the four martyrs during the wreath-laying. Officials described the commemoration as a reaffirmation that the sacrifices of September 2023 have not faded from institutional memory. The ceremony served as a solemn reaffirmation that the sacrifices made during the operation continue to be remembered with the deepest respect and gratitude, officials said. As a lasting tribute, four Chinar saplings were planted near the main gate of the battalion headquarters, now known as Colonel Manpreet Singh Dwar. Officials said the four trees stand together as a living memorial to all four fallen personnel. The Chinar, closely tied to the landscape and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, was chosen for its association with strength, resilience, longevity and continuity across generations. The Chinar Corps, in a separate statement, said it stood in solemn remembrance of its fallen heroes. Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten, their legacy shall never fade, and their courage shall continue to inspire all who serve the nation, the statement said. Operation Gadol was launched in mid-September 2023 after specific intelligence on the presence of terrorists in the densely forested higher reaches around Gadol in Kokernag. A joint column of 19 Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police, led from the front by the battalions commanding officer, established contact in difficult, cliff-and-forest terrain. In the opening burst of fire from a well-concealed position, Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak, DSP Humayun Muzzammil Bhat and Sepoy Pardeep Singh were fatally hit. Colonel Singh, of the Sikh Light Infantry and then commanding 19 RR, was a Sena Medal awardee who had earlier declined a peace-station posting to remain with the battalion in south Anantnag. DSP Bhat, from the Police Special Operations Group and the son of a retired senior police officer, was a young father. All four were later decorated posthumously Colonel Singh and DSP Bhat with the Kirti Chakra, and Major Dhonchak and Sepoy Pardeep Singh with the Shaurya Chakra among the rare instances of two Kirti Chakras and two Shaurya Chakras arising from a single operation.
Prof Romshoo elected NASI Fellow
Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), has been elected as Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), the countrys oldest science academy, established in 1930. The prestigious Fellowship recognises Prof. Romshoos sustained contributions to Earth and Environmental Sciences and adds to the recognition of his scientific work. He will be formally inducted into the Academy during the 96th annual session of NASI at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, in December 2026. Prof. Romshoo has made significant contributions to glaciology, hydrology, climate change and remote sensing, with particular emphasis on understanding climate-change impacts on Himalayan glaciers and water resources. To mention, Prof. Romshoo is already an elected Fellow of the prestigious Indian Academy of Sciences, besides being a Fellow of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing and the Indian Society of Geomatics. He is also a recipient of the prestigious J. C. Bose Fellowship and several international, national and state-level awards and honours.
MLA Javid Baig calls for overhaul of education system
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig Sunday said the existing curriculum must be drastically reduced and children should be equipped with practical and vocational skills to prepare them for an increasingly challenging employment landscape. In his address during a day-long conference organised by the J&K Teachers Forum (JKTF), Baig called for a fundamental overhaul of the education system saying the country was facing a serious mismatch between the number of educated youth entering the job market and the employment opportunities available to them. He said India has a very large young population, with around 70 crore people below the age of 30, while thousands of graduates enter the job market every year with limited employment opportunities. Every year, 50,000 graduates leave our colleges, and we cannot give more than 8-10 percent employment, Baig said. He stressed that the issue required a serious rethink of existing education and economic policies. The MLA questioned whether merely framing policies and repeatedly discussing their implementation would be sufficient when the economy was unable to absorb the growing number of educated young people. He also raised concerns over growing disparities in access to quality education, saying the education system had developed multiple layers in which children from affluent families have access to elite institutions while a large majority study in comparatively under-resourced schools. The education system should not be confined to academic qualifications alone but there should be greater emphasis on vocational and traditional skills, he said. I would like my eighth or tenth child to know about carpentry, handicrafts and he should know about knitting, he added. He said traditional crafts and skills associated with Kashmir should also be incorporated into the education system so that children could acquire skills that could help them earn livelihoods beyond conventional white-collar employment. Baig also questioned the relevance of an excessively lengthy syllabus, saying it should be substantially reduced to provide space for practical learning. If I get a chance in my life, I will tell you to reduce this syllabus to 30 percent, he said. He added that students should be given greater exposure to practical skills rather than being burdened with excessive academic content. The MLA also highlighted the role of teachers in transforming the lives of students, recalling how teachers had influenced his own life despite the absence of adequate infrastructure and facilities during his childhood. He said teachers could change the destiny of children even when the system failed to provide adequate support. There are so many teachers here. You cannot do anything. You cannot change the system that is inside it. Meaningful educational transformation will require changes at the systemic level, he added. He also spoke about the growing competition in professional education, particularly medical education, saying students from India were increasingly pursuing medical training abroad while employment opportunities for qualified professionals remained limited. Baig urged teachers and education stakeholders to look beyond conventional approaches and critically examine the long-term consequences of the policies being advocated. He called for a broader debate on the future of education, employment and the younger generation. The challenge before policymakers is not merely to educate children but to ensure that the education they receive are equipped to survive and succeed in the real world, he added.
Government, private school children have same aspirations, educational goals: JKTF
The representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) Sunday called for equal focus on the interests and future of students across the education system saying there was no divide between children studying in government and private schools as both have the same aspirations, values and educational goals. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a Teachers Conference at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, a senior representative of the JKTF said teachers in both government and private schools ultimately share the same responsibility of shaping the younger generation. All the teachers, whether they belong to private or government schools, have the same values. Our children belong to government schools as well as private schools. They all have the same mission and the same goal, he said. The statement comes amid continuing discussions over issues concerning private schools, including fee hikes. The Forum representatives said the government should intervene wherever an increase in fees was found to be unreasonable or unjustified. If there has been a fee hike, the government should look into it. If there has been an irresponsible or irrelevant hike, the government should look into it, the representative said. The JKTF representative said the Baramulla conference was organised not merely as a Teachers Day event but also as a platform to discuss issues confronting the education sector and recognise teachers for their contribution. Teachers representing all 18 educational zones of Baramulla district were part of the programme, while clerical and CPW staff associated with the department were also felicitated for their services. The Forum said a committee had been constituted under its leadership to identify teachers deserving appreciation through surveys conducted across different zones. The representative said the organisation would continue to take up issues concerning teachers with the government and press for their resolution. Among the major concerns raised during the conference was the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), which he described as a burning issue for teachers. The Forum also demanded that the large number of vacancies in the Education Department be filled as early as possible. There are around 30,000 vacancies in the Education Department. They should be filled, he said. The Forum also flagged the in-charge system, saying that teachers were being entrusted with responsibilities without receiving corresponding promotions in official records. Transfer-related issues concerning regularised Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers were also highlighted during the conference. The representative said many such teachers had already completed 20 to 25 years of service and that their concerns needed to be addressed. He further pointed to difficulties faced by teachers in correcting official records and dealing with admission-related issues, saying that teachers often have to approach the department for changes in records maintained on government portals. Beyond service-related demands, the Forum said its conference also sought to strengthen the role of teachers in shaping students beyond academics. The representative said teachers were being sensitised so that they could, in turn, guide students towards development, patriotism, nationalism and other positive values. Today's children should be given the right direction and shown the right path, he said. He stressed that teachers have a crucial role in ensuring that students are guided towards positivity. He said the JKTF would continue organising such programmes while ensuring that academic time of students was not affected. The Forum also called for a positive approach within the education system, saying teachers should focus on identifying students who need additional attention and work towards ensuring that no child is left behind.
Prayers, protests mark day 4 of search as minor drowned in Bandipora remains untraced
With moist eyes, hands are being raised in prayers both silent and loud, seeking the recovery of a 14-year-old boy who drowned in the Madhumati stream in Kaloosa of north Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday. On Sunday, rescue efforts were intensified, with the SDRF, police and local volunteers putting in every effort to fish out the body of Momin Ahmad Ganie of Ganie Mohalla in Kaloosa. Momin was swept away by the raging waters of the Madhumati on Thursday evening when he and his friend were on a cycling trip neaby his home. Momin drowned after he spotted a cricket ball floating on the water's surface. After chasing it for some distance, collecting it and throwing it towards his friend, Momin slipped and fell into the water. Before his friend or his sister, who was some distance away, could react, Momin was nowhere to be seen. Ever since, Momin's mother has not left the riverbank. She has been waiting for her only son, among four sisters, to return. Those visiting the spot join in prayers, asking for divine intervention and hoping the family can find closure. Locals recall Momin, a fourth-standard student at a local government school, as a bright student who excelled in studies, with an energy that lit up the faces around him. On Friday, local women staged a sit-in, asking the administration to ramp up the rescue and recovery operation, with local MLA Nizamuddin Bhat also putting in efforts to cut a crate and lower the water level in the Madhumati, aiding rescuers in the search for Momin's body. Former MLA Usman Majid also visited the site, urging the administration to recover the minor's body sooner. Notably, Hamza Sheikh, a volunteer rescue swimmer, also arrived in Bandipora on Friday, aiding the search efforts. Pertinently, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), which diverts water from the Kishanganga river in Gurez, which then discharges into the Bonar Nallah and Madhumati, has been turning off the turbines during the day to help with the recovery efforts. However, Momin remains untraced.
LG VK Saxena launches mega project to revive shrinking Tso Kar Lake
In a major effort for high-altitude ecological restoration, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena launched an ambitious project to revive the rapidly drying Tso Kar Lake in the high-altitude Changthang region of Ladakh. The landmark initiative aims to channelise up to 320 million litres of glacier meltwater daily to restore the Ramsar site to its former scale. Over the past decade, Tso Karonce spanning nearly 11,000 acreshas desiccated by almost 70 percent, shrinking to just 3,200 acres. The sharp decline has severely degraded surrounding pastures, disrupted local salt-trading traditions and threatened wildlife habitats, including nesting grounds for the endangered Black-necked Crane. Tso Kar, one of Ladakhs iconic high-altitude glacial lakes, once covered nearly 11,000 acres but has now reduced to around 3,200 acres. The shrinking water body has also affected its ecosystem, with a sharp decline in migratory birds, including the famed Black-necked Crane. The project was conceived after LG Saxena visited Tso Kar on August 10, 2026, where local villagers and the Nambardar informed him about the lakes rapid decline and the resulting reduction in bird populations and grazing land. Following the visit, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to conduct a detailed survey. After around 15 days of groundwork, the department submitted its report on August 30, initially proposing an 11-km RCC channel. However, citing ecological concerns, Saxena directed officials to avoid constructing a new RCC channel and instead use a simple earthen channel to divert the glacier water. With winter approaching and temperatures expected to fall sharply, work was subsequently taken up on a war footing. The revival of Tso Kar is also expected to benefit local communities, particularly Pashmina goat herders who depend on surrounding grazing lands. The Rupsho Kharnak stream originates at an altitude of around 18,000 feet, approximately 11 km from Tso Kar. At present, a substantial volume of its glacier meltwater flows unused into the Sindhu River. The administration expects that diverting the water could help restore the lake significantly within a year. The initiative follows the successful channelisation of around 90 million litres of Stok Glacier water into canals serving Igoo-Phey and Chuchot villages near Leh for irrigation. Under the Tso Kar revival plan, water from the Rupsho Kharnak stream will be diverted through a series of three natural depressions located along its route towards the lake. The first depression covers around 270 acres, the second 24 acres and the third around 10 acres. Check dams equipped with three RCC pipes will be constructed at the outlets of each depression to regulate water levels and control downstream flow. Water from the third depression will then be channelised into Tso Kar, located around 400 metres away, using gravity flow. The administration plans to rely on simple, low-cost earthworks rather than constructing new concrete channels. Work on the project began on September 2, and from September 9, around 20 cusecs of water has reportedly been successfully diverted into the first depression. The pond has already begun filling rapidly, with around 20 per cent of its area reportedly covered with water within four days. The project is also expected to create three new freshwater wetlands before the water reaches Tso Kar. These wetlands will allow sediments to settle naturally and ensure that relatively clean water enters the main lake. Together, the three depressions are expected to hold nearly 1,230 million litres of water. The newly created wetlands, visible from the Leh-Manali Highway, could also become additional tourist attractions while providing new habitats for migratory birds. Speaking about the initiative, LG VK Saxena said the success of the Stok Glacier project had demonstrated that large-scale and sustainable water management could be achieved in Ladakhs cold desert through simple engineering solutions. He said the Rupsho Kharnak project would serve as a model for high-altitude ecological restoration while supporting agriculture, rural livelihoods and long-term climate resilience. The administration expects the project to combine ecological restoration, tourism development and livelihood support while helping preserve the unique high-altitude ecosystem of Tso Kar for future generations.
Multi-agency contingency response rehearsal held at Baramulla Railway Station
Police in Baramulla conducted a Contingency Response Rehearsal at Railway Station Baramulla to assess and further strengthen the preparedness, coordination and response mechanism of various security and emergency response agencies during a simulated contingency situation. The rehearsal, as per a statement, was conducted under the supervision of SP Operations Baramulla and witnessed active participation of SOG Baramulla, CRPF units including 53 Bn with K9 Team and 2nd Bn, OCAPS Baramulla, 52 RR, BSF 31 Bn, RPF, GRPF, Police Station Baramulla, Police Post Delina, SDRF Baramulla, Fire & Emergency Services, GMC Baramulla, MI room DPL Baramulla, BSD/AST/PSK9, SDRF Baramulla along with other concerned personnel. The exercise focused on inter-agency coordination, mobilisation, communication, response preparedness, evacuation and emergency management, besides assessing the effectiveness of the existing contingency response mechanism at the railway station. The rehearsal also provided an opportunity to identify operational gaps and areas requiring improvement, enabling participating agencies to further enhance their readiness and ensure a coordinated and timely response to any unforeseen situation.
Mirwaiz, Aga Hassan, Imran Ansari call for dialogue, restraint during meet with Iranian FM
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, along with Aga Syed Hassan and Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi and exchanged views on the grave situation confronting the region, the need for restraint and diplomacy, and the importance of safeguarding unity within the Muslim Ummah. During the interaction, the delegation, as per a statement, conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the climate of fear and insecurity created by war. They also referred to the continuing devastation in Palestine and the loss of life and instability in Lebanon, saying the widening cycle of conflict had created an extremely serious situation across the region. Mirwaiz said that at such a critical moment, wisdom, restraint and statesmanship were needed more than ever. War only multiplies human suffering. However serious the differences may be, endless confrontation cannot resolve them. Ultimately, even the most difficult disputes have to return to dialogue, engagement and negotiation, he said. He stressed that the present conflicts must not be allowed to deepen sectarian divisions within the Muslim world. At a time when Muslims in many parts of the world are already facing Islamophobia, insecurity and uncertainty, he said political rivalries and sectarian differences should not be permitted to further weaken the Ummah. Our differences must never overcome the larger bonds of faith, brotherhood and shared humanity. The suffering of people in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon and elsewhere should bring us closer in compassion and responsibility, not push us further apart, Mirwaiz said. He recalled the historic association of Iran with Srinagars Jama Masjid, including the commemorative gathering held there following the passing of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini (RA) in 1989. He also recalled Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khameneis historic visit to Kashmir in the early years following the Islamic Revolution, when he addressed the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid in the presence of Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq (RA), stressing the message of the Quran, brotherhood and Shia-Sunni unity. On the occasion, Mirwaiz presented Foreign Minister Araghchi with a specially crafted walnut-wood souvenir depicting the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, symbolising the enduring cultural and spiritual bonds between the people of Kashmir and Iran. Referring to the wider regional and global situation, Mirwaiz said South Asias own experience had demonstrated the heavy human cost of prolonged tensions and unresolved disputes and had reinforced the need for sustained engagement and dialogue. He said India, with its legacy of Mahatma Gandhis philosophy of Ahimsa, could play a constructive role in encouraging restraint, diplomacy and peaceful engagement at a time of growing international tensions. The grave challenges facing our world cannot be settled through ever-widening wars. Confrontation will only aggravate them. Human dignity has no sect or nationality, and every innocent life is precious. We must remain on the right side of history on the side of justice, humanity and peace, Mirwaiz said. The delegation expressed hope that the present crisis would not widen further and that diplomacy, dialogue and reconciliation would prevail over confrontation.
India complete junior Asia Cup hockey hat-trick, qualify for World Cup
Sanika Chandrakant Manes early strike proved decisive as India qualified for the junior women's hockey World Cup by winning the AHF Junior Asia Cup title for the third time in a row after defeating China 1-0 in a closely fought summit clash, here Sunday. Sanika struck in the 17th minute as the defending champions retained their continental crown. The title clash began with nervous energy on both sides, with neither team able to establish control in the early exchanges. China enjoyed greater possession and looked to put India under pressure, but the defending champions remained composed, soaking up the pressure and working hard to negotiate the opening phase without conceding. As the quarter wore on, Indias defensive structure grew stronger, ensuring the hosts were unable to create a clear-cut opening. India, however, made their first real opening count. Two minutes into the second quarter, Sanika showed excellent awareness and intelligent off-the-ball movement to sneak in behind a Chinese defender and position herself just five metres from goal. She got her stick to a long slap-push into the Chinese circle and produced a deft deflection that beat goalkeeper Xu Mengjiao to put India ahead. China came closest to restoring parity when they earned the only penalty corner of the match. However, their direct effort was ruled out after the ball entered the goal above the permitted height of the backboard, much to the relief of the Indian contingent and the disappointment of the home crowd. India then came close to doubling their lead just two minutes before half-time when captain Khaidem Shileima Chanu found space for a shot on target, but the Chinese goalkeeper reacted sharply to palm the effort away. India took their slender 1-0 advantage into the break, setting up a tense second half. China resumed with renewed intent and came close to an equaliser seven minutes into the third quarter. A well-worked move saw a Chinese attacker overlap from the baseline before sending a dangerous cut-back into the area in front of goal, but Indias defence read the danger perfectly and intercepted the pass before it could reach its intended target. The final quarter turned into a test of Indias defensive resolve. The defending champions stayed disciplined, compact and alert around their circle, closing down spaces and repeatedly frustrating the hosts attacking moves. China pressed for the equaliser in the closing stages, but India held their shape and defended their slender advantage with composure to seal a memorable 1-0 victory and lift the trophy. India finished the tournament unbeaten. After topping the Elite Pool with three wins and a draw, they thrashed South Korea 5-1 in the semi-finals before edging China 1-0 in the final to successfully defend their title and become three-time champions. Hockey India announced a prize of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.
New Delhi, Sep 13:Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 15 sit-down bilateral meetings with heads of states or heads of governments in the last three days on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Government sources said on Sunday that in addition to these bilateral deliberations, the prime minister also had pull-aside meetings with various world leaders and leaders of international institutions. The leaders with whom Modi had the bilateral meetings included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi also had bilateral meetings with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Philippines Ferdinand R Marcos Jr and Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo, besides others. India hosted the BRICS Summit on September 12-13 and it was attended by the leaders of the 11 member countries and 10 partner countries of the grouping, besides some international organisations.
New Delhi, Sep 13:Prime Minister NarendraModi on Sunday sought to project BRICS as a platform through which the Global South can have a greater voice in shaping international solutions, saying the grouping's credibility had grown because the experiences and concerns of developing countries were being heard and addressed collectively. From my personal experience, I can say that the Global South countries confidence in BRICS has grown, because within BRICS: Their voices are heard. Their experiences are respected. And solutions are developed not for them, but together with them, PM Modi said. His remarks came as India has increasingly sought to position itself as a voice for the developing world and use groupings such as BRICS to promote a more inclusive model of global growth. The PM said the strength of BRICS lay in its diversity and cooperation, with member countries rooted in different realities but able to advance together. We may be rooted in different realities, but together, we rise through cooperation, and blossom for humanity, he said. PM Modi said India had initiated the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal to connect small enterprises with knowledge, finance and new markets. The BRICS Urban Mobility Hub had also been established to facilitate the sharing of best practices among cities, he said. The PM said BRICS' wider objective was to ensure that the benefits of solutions developed within the grouping were not restricted to its members. Building on these four pillars, through BRICS we have sought to promote inclusive global growth, he said. We believe that the benefits of solutions developed within BRICS should not remain confined to BRICS alone. They should be made adaptable and accessible to meet the needs of the Global South, PM Modi said. He also linked India's approach to development with its civilisational view of the environment, saying nature had traditionally been accorded the status of a mother. In Indian civilisation, nature has been accorded the status of a mother, the PM said. For centuries, we have believed that development and the environment are not alternatives to each other, but are complementary. He said BRICS had similarly emphasised the need to strike a balance between human development and the environment. This is the foundation of Sustainability. It is also our responsibility towards future generations, PM Modi said. He said the grouping had made progress on several fronts. For Smart Grids and Energy Storage, BRICS had established the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence, which, the PM said, would help make clean-energy systems more reliable, efficient and accessible. The Centres of Excellence for Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture would connect traditional knowledge with modern science, he said. PM Modi said principles developed for community-based climate adaptation would make indigenous knowledge an important foundation for climate action. He said these initiatives were part of BRICS' effort to promote inclusive growth and make cooperation within the grouping relevant to countries beyond its membership. The PM again stressed that solutions emerging from BRICS should be adaptable to the needs of the wider Global South rather than remaining confined to the bloc. He said the growing confidence of Global South countries in BRICS was rooted in a sense of participation rather than one-way policymaking. Their voices are heard. Their experiences are respected. And solutions are developed not for them, but together with them, PM Modi said. He said the diversity of the grouping should remain central to its identity and cooperation should drive its future. May our diversity remain our identity, our cooperation become our inspiration, and our progress serve the cause of all humanity, the PM said.
As we are aware that India, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa came together in 2006 to form BRICS & since then, the grouping has emerged as an important stage for some of the worlds fastest-growing and most influential countries. Spread across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America, these nations bring together vast populations, large economies, rich natural resources and considerable geopolitical stature. Their growing role reflects the broader shift in global economic and political power beyond the traditional centres of influence. These countries have unique strengths in different sectors like , Brazil is a major agricultural and resource power, Russia is influential in energy, defence, and geopolitics, India is a fast-growing economy with a large young population and expanding technological capabilities, China is a global manufacturing, trade, and technological powerhouse and South Africa provides an important gateway to the African continent. Together, the original five gave BRICS considerable influence in global trade, finance, development, and international diplomacy, while providing a stronger voice for the Global South. Today, BRICS has expanded beyond these five and represents an even larger share of the worlds population and economy. It has created major ties among these nations to enhance cooperation on economic, political, and social issues.This bloc represents 40% of the worlds population and a large portion of global GDP growth. India is a main and founding member of BRICS initiatives. It has hosted BRICS multiple times, and all these summits have been very sensitive and crucial for countrys political and geopolitical growth. India represents the most populous and a rapidly growing nation, advocating for reforms in global governance, greater representation of developing countries, and equitable global economic rules. BRICS holds great significance for India as it provides a stage to engage with other major emerging economies, fostering a better understanding of geopolitical influence. It supports India in key areas such as securing a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, as well as ensuring food, energy, and supply chain security amidst global crises. Furthermore, BRICS help India to shape rules in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, cyberspace, biotechnology & other allied things. The platform offers India increased diplomatic clout and stronger global partnerships, along with opportunities for enhanced trade and investment with member countries. It also provides support in addressing global economic challenges and regional security issues, while boosting Indias aspirations as a global leader and a reformer of international institutions. Hosting BRICS will change Indias role in the world order, politics, and trade in presence of existing challenges of global governance dominated by Western powers, promoting a multipolar world order. It strengthens South-South cooperation and offers an alternative development sample and enhances Indias strategic autonomy and bargaining power in international trade and diplomacy. Also it encourages diversified trade routes and partnerships, reducing dependency on Western markets. Indias growing influence within BRICS and the Global South contrasts with Pakistans geopolitical alignments, potentially shifting regional power dynamics. BRICS focus on stability and economic cooperation could persuade Pakistan to engage constructively in South Asian issues. Since, India strengthens its position through BRICS, it is likely to impact security and trade relations in the region where it is much needed. Thus, BRICS serves as a vital stage for India to assert its global role, drive reforms in international governance, and build economic and strategic partnerships aligned with its growth and geopolitical goals. The evolution of this grouping could reshape global power structures and significantly influence regional dynamics, including India-Pakistan relations too. It strengthens South-South cooperation and offers an alternative development sample and enhances Indias strategic autonomy and bargaining power in international trade and diplomacy.
Beyond the New Delhi Declaration
The success of Indias BRICS presidency should not be measured merely by the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. Declarations are important diplomatic instruments, but their real value lies in what they enable beyond the conference hall. For India, the larger dividend of its BRICS leadership lies in diplomacy, security, bilateral engagement, economic opportunities, institutional reform and, importantly, in strengthening its voice in shaping the emerging international order. India assumed the BRICS chair at a particularly turbulent moment. The international system is witnessing geopolitical rivalry, wars, protectionism, sanctions, fragmented supply chains, technological competition and growing dissatisfaction with the existing architecture of global governance. Against this backdrop, New Delhi had the difficult task of keeping an increasingly diverse BRICS together while ensuring that Indias own strategic and developmental interests remained firmly on the agenda. The outcome, therefore, needs to be assessed on a wider canvas than the summit declaration. A significant diplomatic gain One of the most important gains for India is the continuing effort to place terrorism firmly at the centre of the BRICS security agenda. The condemnation of the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir at the BRICS level was particularly significant. India had argued that condemnation of terrorism must be a matter of principle, not diplomatic convenience. The BRICS consensus gave political weight to that position. For New Delhi, this is more than a symbolic statement. Cross-border terrorism affecting Jammu & Kashmir has long been one of Indias central security concerns. India has consistently maintained that terrorism cannot be compartmentalised according to political convenience and that there can be no distinction between good and bad terrorism. The significance of raising the issue in BRICS is that Indias security concerns are thereby located within the larger international struggle against terrorism rather than treated merely as a bilateral India-Pakistan issue. The next step must be practical. BRICS cooperation should produce stronger mechanisms against terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, safe havens and terrorist networks. India should continue to press for international accountability of those who sponsor, facilitate or finance terrorism. The Pahalgam reference thus represents an important diplomatic gainbut its real value will depend upon whether political condemnation evolves into sustained multilateral action. An institutional legacy Perhaps the most consequential institutional idea associated with Indias presidency is the strengthening of the BRICS Troikathe previous, current and incoming presidencies. BRICS has grown substantially in membership and ambition. Its agenda now covers political and security cooperation, trade, finance, technology, health, agriculture, climate, energy and people-to-people relations. Such expansion makes continuity increasingly important. The annual change of chairmanship can otherwise produce discontinuity. An initiative launched by one presidency may lose momentum under the next. A stronger Troika can preserve institutional memory, coordinate priorities and ensure that important initiatives survive changes in leadership. For India, the strategic advantage is obvious. New Delhis influence need not end when its chairmanship ends. It can continue to participate in the institutional steering process and help ensure that priorities launched under its presidency are carried forward. The proposed use of a digital mechanism to track decisions, responsibilities and implementation can complement the Troika. This could transform BRICS from a largely summit-driven grouping into a more continuous institution. The Troika also has geopolitical significance. An expanded BRICS brings together countries with very different political systems, economic interests and foreign-policy orientations. India and China remain strategic competitors even as dialogue improves; Russia has a distinct relationship with China and the West; Iran and the Gulf countries have complex regional interests. BRICS therefore requires managed diversity, not artificial uniformity. Indias vision of the Troika can help preserve BRICS as a platform for a multipolar and inclusive world rather than allowing it to become an anti-Western bloc. The real success of a presidency is not merely how effectively a country conducts its year in office, but how much of its vision survives after it leaves office. If the Troika becomes an effective continuity mechanism, Indias institutional legacy could extend well beyond 2026. The China dividend The BRICS platform has also provided India with valuable diplomatic space for high-level engagement with China. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping is important not because it resolves the complex India-China relationship, but because sustained dialogue is indispensable to managing it. Indias interests require peace and tranquillity along the border, greater economic balance, protection of national-security interests and continued diplomatic communication. China, meanwhile, remains an important economic and geopolitical power whose influence cannot be ignored. BRICS gives both countries a multilateral setting in which engagement can take place without requiring either side to abandon its larger strategic position. For India, the objective should be neither confrontation for its own sake nor premature normalisation. It should be competitive coexistence with safeguards, reciprocity and respect for Indias sovereignty and security interests. Russia and strategic autonomy The Russia dimension is equally important. Indias relationship with Russia has historically rested on strategic trust, defence cooperation, energy, nuclear power and space. In the present geopolitical environment, however, the relationship requires diversification and modernisation. BRICS provides India with an additional platform to broaden the relationship into trade, technology, energy, connectivity and industrial cooperation. At the same time, Indias Russia policy reinforces the larger principle of strategic autonomy. New Delhis relationships with Russia and the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and other partners demonstrate that India does not view international relations through the prism of exclusive alliances. That autonomy is becoming increasingly valuable in a fragmented world. The Global South dividend The most enduring political gain from Indias BRICS presidency may be the strengthening of its claim to leadership of the Global South. India has repeatedly argued that emerging and developing economies deserve greater representation in institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the IMF and the World Bank. BRICS provides an important coalition-building platform for that objective. But Indias aspiration should go beyond rhetorical leadership. It should seek practical partnerships in development finance, food and energy security, health, climate resilience, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, agriculture and capacity-building. Indias advantage is that it can speak simultaneously to the developed world and the developing world. It has relationships with Washington and Moscow, Brussels and Beijing, Tokyo and the Gulf, while retaining strong political and economic links across Africa, Latin America and Asia. This gives New Delhi the possibility of becoming a bridge power in an increasingly divided international system. Rhetoric to economic opportunity Economic cooperation is another major area in which India can secure tangible gains. During its chairmanship, India has promoted greater intra-BRICS trade, services, MSME access to finance, resilient supply chains and diversification of global value chains. The Jaipur Consensus and guiding principles for MSME credit are examples of efforts to move towards practical economic cooperation. The discussion on greater use of national currencies and cross-border payment mechanisms is also important. India should approach this issue pragmatically. BRICS need not create a common currency to reduce transaction costs or improve financial resilience. Interoperable payment systems, local-currency settlement and compatible financial infrastructure could themselves generate significant benefits. Indias experience with digital public infrastructure gives it an opportunity to contribute technologically as well as politically. Technology as the new instrument of influence Indias digital transformation is another under-appreciated BRICS asset. Digital public infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, digital health, agriculture technology and affordable technological solutions can become important instruments of Indias development diplomacy. For many developing countries, the Indian model is attractive precisely because it seeks scale and affordability rather than dependence on expensive infrastructure. If India succeeds in making its digital platforms, standards and institutional expertise useful to BRICS partners, it will gain not only commercial opportunities but also standards-setting power. That is a subtler and potentially more durable form of geopolitical influence. A multilateral summit that multiplies bilateral gains One of the practical advantages of hosting BRICS is that a multilateral summit creates multiple bilateral opportunities. India can use the BRICS network to deepen relations in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education, technology, tourism and culture with member and partner countries. The significance of these bilateral conversations should not be underestimated. In contemporary diplomacy, multilateral platforms often function as accelerators for bilateral negotiations. A successful presidency therefore produces a multiplier effect: one multilateral platform generates many bilateral conversations and potential partnerships. Legal and institutional diplomacy Indias BRICS presidency has also expanded into less traditional areas of diplomacy, including judicial and legal cooperation. The BRICS Justice Ministers engagement on mediation and arbitration, for example, has sought to strengthen capacity-building, institutional reform and cooperation in alternative dispute resolution. For a rapidly expanding trading and investment relationship among BRICS countries, predictable and efficient dispute-resolution mechanisms can have considerable economic significance. Indias legal institutions, universities and professional bodies can thereby become part of a broader network of Global South institutional cooperation. The strategic message The larger strategic message of Indias BRICS presidency is perhaps best captured in three propositions: India can convene without aligning; lead without dominating; and cooperate without surrendering strategic autonomy. This is particularly important because BRICS itself is not homogeneous. Its members have different political systems, economic models and strategic priorities. Its expansion gives it greater geographical weight but simultaneously makes consensus more difficult. Indias success should therefore not be judged by whether BRICS becomes a counterweight to the West. That would be too narrow and ultimately contrary to Indias interests. New Delhis greater objective should be a more representative, multipolar and inclusive international order, in which BRICS is one important pillar but not an instrument of confrontation. The unfinished task The real test begins after the summit. India must ensure that its BRICS initiatives do not remain confined to declarations, seminars and working groups. The next phase must focus on implementationgreater trade and investment, interoperable payment systems, technology partnerships, resilient supply chains, energy cooperation, development finance and mobility of skilled professionals. Similarly, the commitment to combating terrorism must translate into stronger cooperation against terrorist financing, radicalisation and transnational networks. And the Troika must become more than a ceremonial arrangement. It should be empowered to monitor implementation, preserve institutional memory and carry forward the priorities of successive presidencies. India should also continue using BRICS to build support for reform of the global governance architecture while maintaining constructive relations with the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and other partners. Beyond the Declaration The New Delhi Declaration is therefore only one measure of Indias BRICS success. The deeper gains lie in the diplomatic space India has created with China and Russia; the reaffirmation of its strategic autonomy; the strengthening of its Global South credentials; the internationalisation of its technological and developmental experience; the opportunity to expand trade and investment; the elevation of terrorismincluding the Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmirwithin the BRICS security discourse; and the possibility of institutionalising continuity through the Power Troika. Indias greatest BRICS dividend may ultimately be neither economic nor diplomatic in isolation. It is the gradual transformation of convening power into agenda-setting power. In a fractured world, countries that can bring competing interests to the same table acquire influence disproportionate to their formal power. India has demonstrated that capacity. The challenge now is to convert it into enduring institutions, measurable outcomes and a sustained voice in shaping the international order. The true success of Indias BRICS presidency will not be what was written in the Declaration at New Delhi, but what the world does with the ideas, partnerships and institutions that India leaves behind. Author is a noted Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court and a geo political analyst.
I was a college going student in Delhi in 2012 when the Hindi film Jab Tak Hai Jaan had hit the cinema theaters. There was visible excitement in the air among the audiences because it was a Shah Rukh Khan film directed by the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. However, what had caught my attention then was that the film had been partly shot in Kashmir because the legendary filmmaker had a deep and undeniable love for the valley. I had not visited Kashmir then and my forays into Kashmir were mostly through books and textual sources and most importantly through the cinematic lens. In that sense, I was visibly excited to see Kashmir come alive on the silver screen time and again. For instance, I can never forget Anushka Sharmas dreamy portrayal of a happy-go-lucky girl serenading along the Dal Lake in Kashmir from the film. The iconic song Jiya Re became the hit that it did back in the day because Kashmirs scenic locales provided a perfect backdrop for it. Another film that I can recall that made me an indelible impression on my mind was filmmaker Vishal Bharadwajs Haider. In my opinion, this film had holistically depicted Kashmir for what it truly was: a paradise lost much like John Miltons masterpiece of the same name. The depiction of the river Jhelum as the river of life and death in the film has remained etched in my mind until today. The film was a visual treat for anybody and everybody. Again, the scenic locales of Kashmir accentuated Shahid Kapoors performance in the film and his soliloquy described the plight of the average Kashmiri like no other film had in the past. Similarly, Alia Bhatts portrayal of a young girl who found her freedom in captivity in the film Highway greatly resonated with me. Her zest for life found expression while she walked around Aru Valley in Kashmir. Much like Imtiaz Alis films, this film redefined the meaning of cinema for me, and enabled me to better understand myself. However, from a cinematic standpoint, the use of the mountainous terrain acted like a metaphor giving the lead protagonist the opportunity to navigate lifes barriers and aim for the top. Salman Khans Bajrangi Bhaijaan too depicted Kashmir as jannat or heaven. The song Bhar do Jholi picturised on the legendary singer Adnan Sami at the Charar-i-Sharif shrine in Kashmir had a transcendental quality attached to it, transporting us to a spiritual reality that we can only aspire to reach in our quotidian existence. Art of Film Appreciation These films are just among the many that have been shot in Kashmirs picturesque valleys in recent years and I have had the privilege of viewing them on the silver screen. These films talk to the audience the way no other platform can. Cinema has a language and vocabulary of its own and the silver screen weaves its own magic every time. While the enduring love for Kashmir has brought filmmakers to Kashmir almost on a routine basis since the 60s and 70s, with films like Junglee (1961), Kashmir ki Kali (1964) and Aradhana (1969) among others being shot in the valley, film making has now inspired a new generation of people like me to study, learn and understand the culture and history of this region. This engagement is likely to benefit Kashmir, especially the local people in several ways. If films are shot in Kashmir, they are likely to become a source of considerable revenue for the state exchequer and the people. Kashmirs portrayal on screen is likely to bridge the gap and make us aware of the realities of the people living in the valley and beyond. Thus, the arrival of filmmakers into the region will come to provide Kashmir with a platform to become a raconteur in its own right and provide its own perspective to a larger audience. Since films bring people together and watching a film is often a richly rewarding collective experience for most, the audience who may have had a clichd understanding of the region may become a muse and may come to assimilate with the local population albeit for a fleeting moment when they may come to engage with specific characters on the screen. If a film is engaging and visually appealing, the spectator could become visibly engrossed with the process of watching the film and the film may become a deeply entrenched part of his identity as well. This is the beauty of cinema as the audience gets transported back in space and time on almost every single occasion. Therefore, the very act of filmmaking enables the translation of vision into action through concerted effort as characters come alive on screen. Putting Kashmir at the Centre of Filmmaking It is now the right time to make Kashmir the protagonist again and bring filmmakers to the valley. Kashmir has recently organised its first international film festival and this is the step in the right direction. The smooth conduct of the film festival transformed Kashmir into a world-class destination for filmmakers and cinema lovers alike. The floating screen on the tranquil waters of the Dal Lake was a win-win in any case for it is distinct and unique. Incidentally, such innovations provide Kashmir with the rare opportunity to demonstrate its own richness and serenity while providing the viewer with a serendipitous experience. However, on a closing note such film festivals should provide more actionable outcomes. Their conduct should lead to the creation of a film ecosystem in Kashmir with film studios and film education institutes coming up in the region. Such film festivals should be organised on a regular basis and this line-of-effort should not remain a one-off event. Such attempts will ensure that Kashmir comes to the foreground in the realm of filmmaking and does not remain relegated to being a pretty backdrop in films. It is possible that a new generation of Kashmiri filmmakers will be born out of this movement and a new cinematic renaissance will have its genesis in Kashmir in the years to come. Author is a political analyst based in New Delhi.
Sand, Stone and the Sustainability Dilemma
Jammu and Kashmir is beginning to face a construction-material crisis at a time when demand for roads, bridges, housing, hospitals, schools, drainage systems and other infrastructure is rising. Restrictions on quarrying operations and curbs on the extraction, lifting and transportation of mining material have created difficulties for ongoing development works. The Government has valid reasons for tightening control over the extraction of sand, gravel, stone and other minor minerals. The regions rivers, mountains and fragile ecosystems cannot be treated as unlimited sources of construction material. Yet the emerging shortage exposes a deeper problem: development needs and natural-resource management have not evolved together. Construction cannot continue without material and mining cannot continue without ecological limits. The challenge is therefore not to choose between development and the environment but to create a system in which both can coexist. What we are witnessing may only be the beginning. If the gap between demand and legally available material widens further, construction costs could rise, government projects could face delays, contractors could come under pressure and transportation costs could increase. Prolonged shortages could also create incentives for illegal extraction. The issue must therefore be seen not as a temporary supply disruption but as a warning about how Jammu and Kashmir plans and sustains its development. There is no question that indiscriminate mining has consequences. Excessive extraction from riverbeds can alter river systems, disturb sediment transport and damage aquatic and riparian ecosystems. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes sustainable sand-mining framework recognises these risks and emphasises scientific assessment of extraction and replenishment. This principle should become central to Jammu and Kashmirs mining policy. A blanket approach in which all extraction is either permitted or prohibited is unlikely to work. Some areas may be ecologically unsuitable for mining while others may support controlled extraction if scientific limits are respected. The region therefore needs regulated and transparent mining rather than unrestricted extraction or restrictions that make legitimate material unavailable. The present crisis also reflects how resources were used in the past. For decades, sand, gravel and stone were largely treated as commodities that could be extracted whenever demand increased. The question of how much nature could sustainably provide often received less attention than the immediate need for construction. Development was measured through roads built, buildings completed and projects commissioned but not always by the natural resources consumed to achieve them. Had Jammu and Kashmir adopted a stronger culture of conservation, efficient use and recycling earlier, pressure on natural sources could have been lower. This is not an argument against development. The region needed development and continues to need it. The issue is the model of development. A finite resource cannot be treated as unlimited without eventually creating a crisis. Natural construction material is also ecological capital. Once a river system is seriously disturbed or a quarry is exhausted, replacing that resource is not straightforward. Sustainable development requires us to calculate not only what we need today but what must remain available tomorrow. Environmental protection, economic activity and social wellbeing must therefore be considered together. A practical way forward is to establish clearly identified and scientifically assessed quarrying zones where extraction can take place under strict annual limits, environmental safeguards and continuous monitoring. Riverbed mining should be based on replenishment studies rather than arbitrary estimates. At the same time, Jammu and Kashmir must reduce its dependence on virgin construction material. One of the biggest opportunities lies in construction and demolition waste. Old buildings, damaged structures, road reconstruction and urban redevelopment generate large quantities of concrete, masonry and asphalt that can potentially be processed and reused after meeting engineering standards. Japan provides an important example through its Construction Material Recycling Law, which promotes the sorting and recycling of specified construction materials. The lesson is not that a foreign law can simply be copied but that construction can be treated as a circular system. Material from an old structure need not automatically become waste; it can become a resource for the next structure. Jammu and Kashmir could establish construction-material recycling facilities near major urban centres and require large government projects to examine the use of recycled aggregates wherever technically appropriate. Road projects should similarly assess how much existing material can be reclaimed and reused while excavated material from tunnels, drainage works and other infrastructure projects should be evaluated for possible reuse rather than automatically sent to dumping sites. International experience also shows that construction waste can become an important resource. The European Union has increasingly emphasised the recovery and recycling of construction and demolition waste. Jammu and Kashmir can adopt the same principle on a scale suited to its own needs. Government tenders could require major contractors to submit material-management plans showing the source of aggregates, expected consumption and proposed handling of construction waste. Manufactured sand and other technically suitable alternatives should also receive greater attention where they can safely substitute for naturally occurring river sand. The objective should be to diversify the supply base and reduce dependence on a limited number of natural sources. Such measures would not only reduce pressure on rivers and quarries but could also create new local industries, employment and investment in recycling and material processing. The Government must also improve coordination between development departments and agencies regulating mining. A project should not reach the execution stage before authorities ask where its required construction material will come from. Before major infrastructure projects are tendered, material availability should be assessed alongside land, finance and technical approvals. A regional construction-material dashboard could provide information on legal quarry capacity, available stocks, expected demand and alternative sources. Strategic stockyards for critical public works could help projects withstand temporary supply disruptions if they are tightly regulated to prevent hoarding and artificial price manipulation. The construction industry must also accept responsibility. Contractors, builders and consumers cannot demand unlimited access to natural resources while leaving the environmental consequences entirely to the Government. The sector should minimise material wastage, adopt efficient construction practices and increase recycling wherever technically possible. Government procurement can accelerate this transition by encouraging projects that demonstrate resource efficiency and responsible sourcing. Over time, every major project should have a material footprint just as it has a financial cost. If a building requires a certain quantity of aggregate, planners should ask whether that quantity can be reduced, substituted or partly recovered from recycled material. This would bring sustainable development out of policy documents and into everyday construction. The immediate responsibility, however, remains with the Government. Restrictions may be necessary to protect the environment but restrictions without adequate alternatives can create another problem. If legal material becomes difficult to obtain while demand remains unchanged, prices will rise and illegal mining may become more attractive. The answer is not to abandon environmental restrictions but to build a reliable legal supply system alongside them. Environmentally suitable extraction zones should be identified, scientific assessments completed, legitimate permissions streamlined and monitoring strengthened while alternatives such as recycled aggregates and manufactured sand are developed. Most importantly, resource availability should become part of infrastructure planning from the beginning rather than an issue considered only after a project has been sanctioned. Jammu and Kashmir is therefore at a crossroads. The present shortage may appear to be a problem of quarries, permits and transportation but its implications are much larger. If the response is simply to open more sources and extract more material, todays construction crisis could become tomorrows ecological crisis. If restrictions continue without a dependable legal supply chain, development itself could suffer. Neither extreme is sustainable. Jammu and Kashmir needs a carefully managed construction-material economy based on scientific extraction, strict action against illegal mining, recycling, alternative materials, efficient construction and long-term planning. The crisis now emerging should not be dismissed as a temporary inconvenience. It is an opportunity to correct a development model that has depended too heavily on natures apparent abundance. Judicious use in the past could have eased the pressure we face today. The lesson for the future is clear: Jammu and Kashmir must build, but it must also preserve the natural foundation on which that development depends. Peerzada Mohsin Shafi hails from Anantnag and is an infrastructure columnist
Lets make Srinagar cleaner, greener!
Surrounded by forests and dotted with water bodies, Jammu and Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar was known for fresh air till few years ago. In 2023, Srinagar ranked 4th in a city-wise survey on air quality across the country. In the latest Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, Srinagar has obtained 26th rank as per new parameters for measuring air quality. Though it is a matter of concern, it throws a challenge for improving air quality. Srinagar scored 162.6 points while Delhi, which has been topping the countrys worst air quality, has secured the 21st rank with 172 points. The assessment of air quality is based on several parameters including measures to address road dust management, solid waste management, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction waste, demolition waste and other emission sources. Srinagar is grappling with solid waste management of over 600 metric tonnes per day. The problem is compounded by legacy waste of 11 lakh tonnes which has accumulated over decades at Achan landfill site. With rise in temperature, a pungent smell emanating from the landfill site engulfs entire Srinagar and causes air pollution. The National Green Tribunal has passed a slew of directions to ensure scientific garbage disposal at Achan. The J&K Government recently approved a Rs 361-crore 800-TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management project at the site to put in place a mechanism for scientific collection, segregation, processing and disposal capacity. It has been observed that Air quality in Kashmir deteriorates in Autumn and Winter due to temperature inversions and topography. Kashmir is bound by Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayan mountain ranges which lock the valley and prevent air masses from escaping, resulting in a rise in air pollutants. Temperature inversion in Autumn and Winter restricts vertical mixing of air and triggers build-up of haze primarily comprising dust PM10 and PM2.5 and smoke mostly black carbon. The PM2.5 concentration in Srinagars air on January 9, 2023 reached 28.2 g/m, which is 5.6 times over the World Health Organisations air quality values. A byproduct of temperature inversions in Kashmir is a build-up of hazean aerosol mixture composed of fine particles found in smog, smoke, and dust. The trapped aerosols absorb and scatter incoming sunlight, creating a layer of poor visibility. Srinagar is the largest contributor of smog, smoke, and other human-caused aerosols in Kashmir. Rising air pollution levels even caught the attention of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Americas civil space programme and it released a satellite picture of Kashmir Valley shrouded by haze in 2022. Experts have been attributing prevalence of haze and smog to crop burning and temperature inversion phenomenon. As per a study Black carbon in contrasting environments in India: Temporal variability, source apportionment and radiative forcing, air quality is deteriorating fast in ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir and Srinagar in central Kashmir due to increased human and mechanical interventions. Black carbon (BC) is a component of particulate matter (PM) in air that is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials such as gasoline and coal, as well as biomass or biofuels. It absorbs incoming solar energy making it the second significant contributor to global warming, along with CO2, methane, and volatile organic compounds. As per a study published in Lancet, around 10,000 deaths in J&K annually upto 2019 are attributed to air pollution. Pollutants trapped in smog are harmful for the respiratory system of humans, especially young and old children besides people with underlying diseases. Smog lowers the working of lungs and leads to an increase in respiratory ailments. In the last several years, there has been a spurt in respiratory diseases in Kashmir due to air pollution. A study published in Nature Scientific Reports suggests that air quality in Srinagar deteriorates significantly, particularly during winter, where the level of PM2.5 touches a peak value of 348 g/m against the Indian permissible limit of 60 g/m. The haze, laden with high black carbon and particulates induces irritation of the pulmonary tract resulting in frequent coughing, sneezing especially among children and elders. Pollution from cement factories, macadam plants, brick kilns besides emission from old diesel vehicles and burning of solid waste also contribute to deteriorating air quality. The air of Srinagar was so clean that Britishers set up Chest Diseases Hospital over a hillock Rustam Giri at Dalgate in 1880. The hospital was a sanatorium where Tuberculosis patients were supposed to inhale fresh air as there were no anti- biotics available at time to cure these patients who visited the hospital from different countries. Now the same hospital is filled up with patients from Kashmir mainly to treat respiratory ailments due to rising pollution levels. Though under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), several measures are underway to reduce air pollution in Srinagar, more efforts are needed. Government needs to undertake massive plantations in Srinagar by creating green zones, reducing dust cover, and installing covered garbage bins. There is a need to shift to non-conventional clean energy sources like electric vehicles, and electric hamams, incentivising use of public transport to reduce vehicle emissions. Scientific measures to harness renewable energy must be explored to overcome energy shortages. This will subsequently reduce biomass and coal burning. Awareness programmes should be organised to disseminate information about harmful effects of air pollution due to burning of stable, firewood and garbage. Let the government and stakeholders join hands and take measures to make Srinagar greener and cleaner. Let us and our future generations breathe a fresh lease of air. Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir
189 years after import, possums damage half of trees in rare New Zealand forest
Australias Green Triangle forests grew; wetlands now face falling water levels
The Next Rs.1,000-Crore Opportunity In India's Food Industry
India's snacking habits are shifting from occasional indulgence to daily necessity, but the definition of an acceptable snack is narrowing.
IGP Kashmir emphasises on intelligence-based operations
Srinagar, Sep 13: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar today visited District Baramulla and Police District Sopore and chaired separate review meetings to assess the prevailing security scenario, counter-terrorism grid, law & order preparedness, crime situation and overall operational preparedness. IGP Kashmir was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Dr Vinod Kumar. During the first leg of his visit, IGP Kashmir visited District Baramulla, where he paid homage to the fallen heroes at the Martyrs Memorial, District Police Lines Baramulla, and remembered their supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. Thereafter, IGP Kashmir chaired a comprehensive security and operational review meeting at Baramulla. SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh briefed the IGP regarding the prevailing security scenario, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, intelligence inputs, area domination measures, security of vulnerable locations, law & order preparedness and crime situation in the district. All Gazetted Officers of District Police Baramulla attended the meeting and briefed IGP Kashmir regarding their respective areas of responsibility and operational assignments. IGP Kashmir stressed upon strengthening intelligence generation at the grassroots level and conducting intelligence-based specific operations against terrorists and the terror ecosystem. He emphasised maintaining sustained operational pressure, adopting a proactive and coordinated approach, and underscored the importance of effective surveillance, fine-tuned naka/interception mechanisms, and close coordination among field formations. As part of his visit to Baramulla, IGP Kashmir also inspected Police Station Baramulla to review its functioning. He impressed upon the officers and personnel to ensure professional and responsive policing, effective crime prevention and investigation, proper maintenance of records and prompt redressal of public grievances. Later, IGP Kashmir visited Police District Sopore, where SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib along with SDPOs and DySsP Operations, presented a detailed briefing on the prevailing security scenario and measures being undertaken across various fronts. Concluding the visit, IGP Kashmir appreciated the efforts of the officers and personnel across both districts and exhorted them to continue working with professionalism, vigilance and commitment towards maintaining a peaceful and secure environment.
Can You Reverse Fatty Liver Without Medicines? Heres What Actually Helps
Managing fatty liver is crucial to prevent liver complications. While doctors generally prescribe medications, early stages of fatty liver can be treated naturally without medicines. To learn more, read this article.
Police arrest 4 drug peddlers in Anantnag and Kulgam; contraband recovered
Srinagar, Sep 13: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Police in Anantnag and Kulgam districts have arrested four drug peddlers in three separate operations and recovered contraband from their possession. A police spokesperson said that in the first operation, a police party from Police Station Bijbehara, during naka checking at Katriteng-Waghama Road, apprehended two persons identified as Ubaid Rashid Dar son of Abdul Rashid Dar resident of Waghama, and Javaid Ahmad Parray son of Mohd Maqbool Parray resident of Jablipora. During their search, 4.49 grams of brown sugar was recovered from their possession. In this connection, FIR No. 259/2026 has been registered at Police Station Bijbehara, and investigation has been initiated. He said that in another operation, a police party from Police Station Anantnag, during routine checking near Batapora Bridge, apprehended Shahid Maqsood Khuroo son of Maqsood Ahmad resident of Guri Kharipora Anantnag. During search, Charas was recovered from his possession. Accordingly, FIR No. 303/2026 has been registered at Police Station Anantnag, and investigation has been set into motion. Meanwhile, in Kulgam, Police arrested another drug peddler during dynamic naka checking in the jurisdiction of Police Station Devsar. At Sopat near Ziyarat Sharif Link Road, a dynamic naka party intercepted a suspicious person identified as Rouf Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Rashid Dar resident of Gund Tankipora. During search, a polythene bag containing 746 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. In this connection, FIR No. 65/2026 has been registered at Police Station Devsar, and investigation has been set into motion, spokesperson said. J&K Police appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and extend their cooperation by sharing credible information regarding drug peddling or any other suspicious activities with the Police. They added the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
Ladakh LG sanctions Rs 1.52 crore aid for statehood protest violence victims
Leh, Sep 13: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday sanctioned Rs 15 lakh each to the next of kin of the four persons who lost their lives in the September 24 violence last year in Leh. Leh witnessed large-scale protests last year, demanding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to Ladakh. Violence erupted during the agitation, leaving four people dead and scores injured allegedly in police firing. An ex-gratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh for persons who sustained major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for those who sustained minor injuries has also been approved, a Lok Bhavan spokesman said. He said the total financial commitment of the administration under the approved compensation measures will be Rs 1.52 crore, comprising Rs 60 lakh for the four deceased, Rs 72 lakh for 24 persons with major injuries and Rs 20 lakh for 20 persons with minor injuries. The incident had resulted in the loss of four lives, while 43 civilians sustained major or minor injuries. As Ladakh did not have a general policy prescribing compensation in cases of death or injury arising from incidents of public unrest or rioting, the administration examined the matter with a view to extending appropriate humanitarian assistance to the affected families and individuals. Saxena, after taking over in March this year, accorded priority to the matter and worked towards finalising an appropriate compensation package for the affected families and injured persons, the spokesperson said, adding that the compensation is intended as a measure of support and solidarity with the affected families and individuals. He expressed his deep gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his sensitive, humanitarian and guiding approach, and for always standing in solidarity with the victims and their families. While no compensation amount can replace a life lost or erase the pain endured, the Ladakh Administration firmly stands beside every affected family in their journey towards healing and overcoming the grief, Saxena said.
Nepal flood death toll reaches 1,388
Kathmandu, Sep 13: The death toll in Nepal flash floods climbed to 1,388 on Sunday as more bodies were recovered from the eight affected districts, authorities said. The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal. According to the latest data released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 364 bodies were recovered from Chitwan district, 230 from Nawalparasi East, 222 from Nawalparasi West, and 199 from Nuwakot. Similarly, 185 bodies were recovered from Rasuwa, 77 from Gorkha, 71 from Dhading and 38 from Tanahun. Two others died while undergoing treatment in Kathmandu. Only 104 of the recovered bodies have so far been identified and handed over to their families. The joint command of security personnel has continued its search and rescue operations, with the number of missing people estimated to be 5,130. A total of 13,728 people have been rescued so far, officials said.
Hyderabad Man Finds Same Meal Costs Rs 206 More On Swiggy, Internet Calls It 'Cost Of Convenience'
An X user shared a picture showing the price difference between items purchased directly from the restaurant and the same items listed on Swiggy.
7 Possible Reasons Why Your Iron Is Low Despite Eating Iron-Rich Foods
Iron is essential for the human body. Its low levels can disrupt several bodily functions. People with low iron levels are often recommended an iron-rich diet and supplements, but if they arent helping, it needs medical intervention.
BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states to introduce UCC before 2029: Amit Shah
Mumbai, Sep 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states will introduce Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before 2029. Shah was speaking to reporters here while highlighting the achievements of the Centre over the last 12 years and the BJP's 25-year journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Triple talaq has been abolished, giving Muslim women equal rights. We have introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states and I am confident that in the 21 BJP-NDA ruled states, we will introduce the UCC before 2029, Shah said. The next Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for 2029. He said the government had strengthened the country's criminal justice system through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and claimed that several states had recorded a 30 per cent increase in the conviction rate in a single year. He also said a system was being established to ensure justice could be delivered within three years. On national security, Shah said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A had been achieved without a single drop of blood being shed or a bullet being fired, and asserted that Kashmir was now fully integrated with India. He said the government had ended five decades of Naxalism and signed more than 14 peace agreements in the country's North-East region. More than 9,000 people have surrendered and today we have taken the North-East on the path of development, Shah said. He said surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor have established a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. On being asked whether the 1951 baseline would be used for implementing National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, Shah said the Centre was holding discussions with its allies and political parties on the issue. We are discussing these issues with our allies and also with the political parties of Manipur. Whatever decision is taken, we will inform you, he said. Asked about illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators and their detection in cities such as Mumbai, Shah said the government would not disclose the tools used to identify them. You are asking the Home Minister to make the tools public and tell you how it will be done. Then how will we catch them? They will also come to know, he quipped. Shah reiterated the government's resolve to identify and deport illegal infiltrators from the country. I repeat our resolve that we will take out each and every illegal infiltrator from this country, identifying them one by one and sending them out, he said. On the government's anti-drugs campaign, Shah said he had recently launched the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' and would visit every state as part of the campaign. He said he had spoken to a chief minister the previous day and a full-day meeting would be held to ensure the campaign reaches the grassroots. It will definitely reach the grassroots and India will achieve victory over drugs, Shah said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated India has entered a new era of performance politics. He said corruption, casteism, and dynastic politics have ended since 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has freed the country from policy paralysis and poor decision-making. A campaign called 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will promote public participation for a developed India. This initiative marks Modi's birthday and significant years of his governance.
