Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has sought the Assam governments response to a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the third post-retirement extension granted to IFS officer and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) M.K. Yadava as Special Chief Secretary (Forests). A Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury issued the [] The post Gauhati HC seeks Assam govts response on third extension of retired IFS officer M.K. Yadava appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Researchers pinpoint key early-universe measurement with record precision
An international team, including researchers from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, has reached a major milestone in
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma opens flyover and DC office in Jorhat
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Assams CM inaugurated a railway overbridge in Jorhat, highlighting the importance of connectivity for the states development. Assam Chief Minister Inaugurates Railway Overbridge in Jorhat, Emphasizes Connectivity for Development
AI Agents Are Thirsty for Power
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Making connectivity foundation of Assams next growth phase: Himanta Sarma
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 13 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said his government was making connectivity the foundation of the states next phase of growth, asserting that improved road and rail infrastructure was essential to ensure the benefits of development reached people. CM Sarma made the remarks after dedicating a Railway Overbridge (ROB) at Cinnamara in Jorhat, which he said would ease traffic congestion at a major choke point in the historic town and form part of the states wider effort to make railway crossings traffic-free. People often ask me why Assam is obsessively building bridges in its cities, towns and villages. Its because for decades we lagged behind in connectivity and fruits of development could not reach the people, CM Sarma said in a post on X. The Chief Minister said the state was duty-bound to reverse the connectivity deficit and ensure that unhindered movement became the norm rather than an exception. He said the Cinnamara ROB was part of the governments statewide efforts to eliminate congestion and delays caused by railway crossings. The infrastructure project is expected to improve traffic movement in Cinnamara and provide commuters with a smoother route across the railway line. Such projects are also aimed at reducing waiting time for motorists and pedestrians at railway level crossings, particularly in busy urban and semi-urban areas. CM Sarma said that the connectivity was not merely an infrastructure priority but a critical requirement for Assams economic and social development. Improved connectivity can facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods while providing businesses and industries with better access to markets. It can also help connect communities to educational institutions, healthcare facilities and employment opportunities. The Chief Minister has repeatedly stressed infrastructure development as a key component of Assams broader growth strategy, with road, bridge and railway-related projects being taken up across the state. The Cinnamara ROB is significant for Jorhat, a major urban centre in Upper Assam, where growing traffic volumes have increased the need for improved transport infrastructure. CM Sarma said that the governments focus would remain on creating infrastructure that removes bottlenecks and enables faster, safer and more seamless movement. He said the broader objective was to ensure that Assam overcame its longstanding connectivity gaps and entered its next phase of development with unhindered movement becoming the norm across cities, towns and villages.
Ancient armored fish evolved two distinct ways to crush prey 385 million years ago
Long before dinosaurs appeared on Earth, fierce predatory fish developed crushing jaws and sharp teeth to survive and diversify in ancient oceans.
Third extension of former Assam PCCF challenged; Gauhati High Court issues notice
The petitioner says the Environment Ministry found lapses when M.K. Yadava was Assams Principal Chief Conservator of Forests until his retirement in February 2024
Former Assam Minister Siddeque Ahmed dies battling cancer at 63
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Why Indias schools should take note of New Yorks AI ban
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Assam CM highlights big comeback of small hog
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Assam Rifles distribute sewing machines to 22 women in Manipur village
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AI could make holiday planning easier for overwhelmed travelers
Generative AI could help overwhelmed travelers organize their thoughts, compare options and complete vacation plans they might otherwise abandon, according to new research from the University of Surrey.
A brief history of the hangover and its remedies
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Congress alleges Assam floods caused by illegal mining syndicates with government patronage
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Human embryo base editing can reach all cells but causes unpredictable genetic changes
A study by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has found that new cutting-edge techniques can accurately edit genes in human embryos
Congress begins shortlisting candidates for Assam by-election, says Bhupesh Baghel
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Supreme Court panel urged to halt transfer of Assam elephants to Tamil Nadu
Four captive elephants are in the process of being transferred, while a fifth, five-year-old Durga, has been moved to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Supreme Court panel urged to halt transfer of Assam elephants to Tamil Nadu
Four captive elephants are in the process of being transferred, while a fifth, five-year-old Durga, has been moved to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Why are the stars around our galaxy
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Assam conservationist urges SC panel to halt transfer of 5 elephants to Tamil Nadu
Guwahati: Assam conservationist Rohit Choudhury has urged the Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Committee (HPC) to immediately intervene and halt the ongoing transfer of four captive elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu, while seeking scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the transfer of five elephants from the state. One of the five elephants, Durga, has already been [] The post Assam conservationist urges SC panel to halt transfer of 5 elephants to Tamil Nadu appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress General Secretary in-charge of Assam, Bhupesh Baghel, has sharply criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging him to prioritize flood relief and rising prices in his own state rather than commenting on Chhattisgarhs 2028 elections. Speaking at Rajiv Bhawan on Saturday, Baghel said Sarma should be more concerned... The post Assam Congress In-Charge Bhupesh Baghel Hits Back At CM Himanta, Says Focus On Flood Relief, Not 2028 Polls first appeared on Northeast Today .
Im Really Terrified: A Mathematician Grapples With AIs Recent Breakthroughs
Steven Strogatz coauthored a book about how math is moving beyond human understanding. He spoke with WIRED about the seismic impact artificial intelligence has had on his life
Assam Rifles Seized Meth Tablets Worth
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Aizawl, seized 6.991 kilograms of methamphetamine tablets worth approximately 5.59 crore in Mizoram. The operation, carried out on Saturday under the aegis of the Indian Armys Spear Corps, was based on specific intelligence inputs. Security forces intercepted two suspicious vehicles... The post Assam Rifles Seized Meth Tablets Worth 5.59 Crore In Mizoram, Two Arrested first appeared on Northeast Today .
How to plan a wedding when you dont know what tomorrow will bring
In Gaza, weddings have become acts of defiance. Couples marry in tents and rebuild, choosing love despite suffering. How to plan a wedding when you dont know what tomorrow will bring
Assam Rifles seize Rs 5.59 crore meth tablets, arrest two in Mizoram
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What are the AI threats flagged by Anthropic? | Explained
Anthropic released information about several malicious activities detected and disrupted between December 2025 and August 2026, which had serious implications across seven key areas: scams and fraud, cyber operations, illicit distillation, influence operations, surveillance operations, conventional weapons and biological misuse
Odisha Orangutan Case: STF Questions Over 40, Black SUV Under Scanner
The Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch has questioned more than 40 people from Odisha and West Bengal as part of its investigation into the alleged smuggling of five infant orangutans rescued from a protected area in Balasore district. Investigators are particularly focusing on a black Thar SUV spotted near Bichitrapur forest [] The post Odisha Orangutan Case: STF Questions Over 40, Black SUV Under Scanner appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Rapper Lil Durk acquitted of murder-for-hire at Los Angeles trial
A federal jury has found rapper Lil Durk not guilty of attempted murder for hire of rival rapper Quando Rondo
NSE to increase Nifty 50 real-time dissemination frequency from 250 ms to 100 ms
Under the revised framework, the Nifty 50 index will be disseminated live at a frequency of 100 milliseconds, or 0.10 second, compared with the current frequency of 250 milliseconds, or 0.25 second.
Comfortable routines can often limit our personal evolution and the realization of our true potential. As Kanye West suggests, embracing a mindset geared towards learning and growth is essential, especially in a world that often promotes ease and predictable patterns. To achieve significant personal breakthroughs, we must adopt a proactive and curious approach, utilizing weekends to foster our development and maturity.
'100 questions, 309 calls, Rs 6 lakh murder plot': In eye of storm, UP's 'killer bahu'
Horizon Industrial Parks reports consolidated net loss of Rs 10.32 crore in the June 2026 quarter
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Reported sales nil
Jolt to Trump as US judge blocks loyalty questions for federal job seekers
Jolt to Trump as US judge blocks loyalty questions for federal job seekers
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Delhi-NCR is likely to witness continued rainfall on Saturday as monsoon activity remains active over the region, coinciding with the start of the BRICS Summit in the national Capital. The weather conditions assume significance as New Delhi hosts the two-day BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The national Capital has been making final preparations for the high-profile gathering, which will bring together leaders and representatives of 11 major emerging and developing economies. The participating countries are Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. The theme of Indias Chairship 2026 is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.' According to the latest weather forecast, rainfall is expected to continue over Delhi for the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents to remain updated about changing weather conditions, particularly during spells of intense rain, thunderstorms and lightning. Rainfall could also affect traffic movement and daily commuting in the Delhi-NCR region, especially during periods of heavy showers. People travelling to work or other destinations have been advised to take weather conditions into account while planning their journeys. The southwest monsoon remains active over several parts of the country. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across around 20 states on Saturday, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, several areas are expected to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms. The weather department has issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in both East Rajasthan and West Rajasthan for September 12. Odisha is also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, with yellow warnings issued for several districts. The IMD has warned that some parts of the state could record heavy to very heavy rainfall through September 13. Bihar is expected to experience widespread monsoon activity, with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds likely in different parts of the state. Some areas could also receive heavy showers. Haryana is likely to see rain and thunderstorms as monsoon activity continues over northern India. The latest forecast suggests that some parts of the state could receive heavier rainfall along with thunderstorms. In Himachal Pradesh, several areas are likely to remain under unsettled weather conditions, with rain and thunderstorms forecast for Saturday. The IMD has issued rainfall-related warnings for multiple districts. Uttarakhand is also expected to receive fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. The state is likely to remain under an enhanced spell of monsoon activity through September 14. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the satisfactory category, according to monitoring data from various stations across the city. The recorded AQI levels included NSUT Jaffarpur (83), Punjabi Bagh (117), Shadipur (71), Mandir Marg (76), Pusa (98), Chandni Chowk (73), Commonwealth Sports Complex (82), NSIT Dwarka (113), JNU (66), Burari Crossing (86), North Campus, DU (104), IIT Delhi (82), Anand Vihar (83), Mundka (105), Rohini (114), Patparganj (79) and Nehru Nagar (115).
Pink speaks out on Jewish identity amid backlash: Wont take it quietly
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 12 (IANS) Singer Pink has spoken out about her Jewish identity and the backlash she faced after a social media repost, saying she would rather be disagreed with for her own words than judged for something she didn't write. Pink wrote a long post on Instagram, where she has clarified her views on the Israel-Gaza conflict while speaking about her Jewish identity and calling for the protection of innocent lives on all sides. She wrote: Ive been quiet in my own words for a week, which you know isnt like me. So here they are. Last Sunday I reposted somebody elses post about Macklemores set at Ed Sheerans show. It said things in words I didnt write, and I wouldnt have chosen all of them. Then the comments came, and I did what I do when Im hurt, which is post snarky memes and act like Im fine. Thats on me. She shared that a repost isnt a statement, and a meme isnt a spine. Social media makes all of us cheap and fast, and we all know it. But Id rather be disagreed with for what I actually said than hated for what anybody else wrote, so let me say it, Pink said. Pink said she was born a Jew. I didnt pick it, and Ive never hidden it. And this week a whole lot of people decided what I believe without asking me, without checking a single thing Ive ever said or done, because a repost and the word Jew were apparently enough to fill in the rest. But let me fill it in... myself. The singer said that she doesnt speak for Israel, or for any government. Of course I dont speak for Israel, or for any government. I never have. What I said in October 2023 is still exactly what I believe: Hamas is a terrorist organization. Palestinians deserve a future that honors their humanity and their aspirations, she wrote. Protecting innocent life comes first, everywhere, and nobody should ever celebrate the death of a child. Anybodys child. Ive spent a decade as a UNICEF ambassador for kids who didnt choose the country or the war they were born into, and I have grieved every one of them, on both sides of that fence. I didnt do it from behind a screen; I went to those children and held them. Im not going to litigate a complex war in an Instagram caption, and Im not going to recite anybodys slogan to earn back a follower. Pink says she is standing up for her Jewish identity despite backlash, rejecting assumptions about her views while calling for the safety and humanity of Jews, Palestinians, Muslims and Israelis. She says she will continue speaking out in her own words. And now I'm standing up for my own people, and I thought I knew going in how lonely that would be. And it's lonelier than that. But I'm doing it anyway. Something has changed in this country, and can read it in my own comments. Pink says she feels people have unfairly labelled her and assumed her views, but she refuses to stay silent about her Jewish identity and beliefs. From the river to the sea. ionist, spat like it's a slur, by people who couldn't tell you the details of what I believe, because I hadn't told them yet. I wasn't asked. I was told. I don't think most of them hate Jews. She said that she can handle being portrayed as the villain but wont accept it quietly. Pink says that no one has to agree with one thing Israel's government does to not want the Jewish family two rows down from you to be scared or targeted at a concert. That's the scared or targeted at a concert. That's the only thing I'm asking anybody for. To the ones who are frightened this week, Jewish or Muslim or Palestinian or Israeli or just tired of all of it: I see you. And if anybody wants to really know what I think, just ask me. I'm right here. I've never been hard to find. And I'll keep speaking out, in my own words. It's Friday. For working people who have more to worry about than pop stars and pile- ons, it's the end of a hard week. It's also the 25th anniversary of September 11th, and my prayers are with the innocent souls we lost that morning. And at sundown, for Jews, it's Rosh Hashanah, our New Year. Now I'm going to go make dinner for my kids, light the candles, dip some apples in honey, pour a glass of wine and be full of gratitude. That's my tradition. It also happens to be a Jewish one. Shana tova.
5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Jakarta's Thousand Islands, no tsunami
The court directed that Junaid Qureshi, son of Hashim Qureshi, be taken into custody forthwith and handed over to the Nishat police
Indian equities end lower for fifth week amid oil, US yields concerns
Indian equities experienced a decline on Friday, mirroring Asian markets' downward trend. Both Nifty and Sensex indices closed lower for a fifth consecutive week. Rising crude oil prices and US bond yields kept investors on edge throughout the trading session. Broader market indices also saw a dip, reflecting the overall market sentiment. Despite some recovery, the market's fear gauge, VIX, increased significantly.
DC Makers Grilled For Skipping BMW for Wamiqa Gabbi
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: DC Makers Grilled For Skipping BMW for Wamiqa Gabbi Sun Pictures head gifted BMWs to the team after 'DC' crossed Rs 100 crore, sparking outrage as Wamiqa Gabbi was skipped. The post DC Makers Grilled For Skipping BMW for Wamiqa Gabbi appeared first on DESIblitz .
CoMSO questions ST representation in Meghalaya Rural Bank
Shillong, Sep 11: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has demanded transparency and corrective measures on Scheduled Tribe representation in Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) recruitment, especially at officer level. CoMSO Chairman Roy Kupar Synrem said data from recent MRB recruitment cycles shows ST representation in Office Assistant cadre at 41-46 per cent, but falls [] The post CoMSO questions ST representation in Meghalaya Rural Bank first appeared on Highland Post .
Harish Rawat Quits Congress Posts After Cash, Gold Seized From Aide
The ED said searches led to the seizure of Rs 32 lakh in unaccounted cash, gold coins and chains weighing about 200.5 grams (13 gold coins and 7 gold chains) and 12 luxury watches
The latest episode of Bigg Boss 20 saw Qazi Touqeer speak about his longtime friend Arijit Singh, showering praise on the singer and singing one of his most popular songs as a tribute. The episode also featured new tensions and lighter moments among the contestants, with promos hinting at more drama inside the house.
Meal satisfaction depends on the balance of food volume and nutrient density. As per Delhi nutritionist Lovneet Batra, whole fruits are more beneficial than processed jams, as they contain more fiber and water, aiding in fullness. Potatoes, with their fiber and nutrients, contrast sharply with chips, which are calorie-heavy post-frying. Air-popped popcorn also provides a greater serving size than peanuts while remaining budget-friendly. Prioritizing nutrient-dense, minimally processed items enhances the quality of meals.
Quote of the day by Carl Sandburg: Carl Sandburg's quote, There is a place where the heart beats faster, explores what it truly means to feel at home. His words point to belonging, emotional connection and the places that shape us. Home is not always an address. It can be a person, a memory or a familiar feeling. This life lesson offers a thoughtful way to understand relationships, change and where we truly belong.
Nepal flood disaster exposes cascading threats in Himalayas
A catastrophic flood in Nepal that left thousands missing began with a collapse of ice and rock high in the mountains
16,900 students join HDFC ERGO Insurance Quiz Junior 2026
The 11th edition of the HDFC ERGO Insurance Quiz Junior has attracted over 16,900 students from nearly 4,850 schools across India, with more than 340 students from 151 schools in 15 cities of Jammu and Kashmir registering for the competition. Organised by HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, the flagship initiative aims to promote insurance literacy and financial awareness among students of Classes 8 and 9. Since its launch in 2016, the quiz has expanded from 18 schools in a single city to participants across more than 1,100 cities. Over the past decade, the initiative has reached nearly three million students nationwide. Somesh Surana, Joint President, Digital Business Group & Marketing, HDFC ERGO, said the initiative seeks to help young people understand the importance of preparing for unexpected situations while encouraging curiosity and confidence among students from diverse backgrounds. This year, the quiz content is available in 10 Indian languages, with 26 participating schools from vernacular-medium backgrounds, strengthening its reach at the grassroots level. The preliminary rounds are currently underway. The top 32 teams will advance to virtual zonal rounds, from which six teams will qualify for the national grand finale. The finale is scheduled to be held physically in Mumbai on September 22.
In a historic bilateral defence milestone for India, three Indian Air Force Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) Valley in Wales, UK, to train British fast-jet pilots. Making the announcement about...
25 years of 9/11: Qaida releases video of Osama's son reportedly killed in 2019
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Artists question mismanagement, local exclusion at IFFJK
Srinagar, Sep 11:The curtains may have risen on the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) with ambitious promises of global cinema, cultural exchange, and an international platform for filmmakers, but for several local artists, filmmakers, and cultural figures, the experience appears to have been marked by confusion, poor coordination and a deep sense of exclusion. Even as the Jammu and Kashmir government highlighted an overwhelming global response, claiming that the festival had received 875 film submissions from around 50 countries, criticism from members of the local creative community has raised uncomfortable questions about whether the event lived up to the standards expected of an international film festival. At the heart of the criticism is alleged organisational chaos. One participant, Muzakir Ali, expressing strong disappointment over the conduct of the festival, described the event as completely disorganised, poorly prepared and unprofessional. According to him, the programme schedule was released barely a day before the event, only for significant changes to be made without adequate communication. The confusion, he alleged, began with registration and passes. While some participants completed the registration process, passes were reportedly being distributed on unclear grounds. Eventually, the participant claimed, entry appeared to be granted without the passes being strictly required. The larger problem, however, was the absence of information. The participant said it took nearly three hours at the venue to understand which events were taking place and where. With changes in the programme reportedly not communicated clearly, visitors were left searching for information. For an event projected as an international film festival, there was no visible information booth and hardly anyone available to guide visitors about the programme, venues or changes, the participant said, questioning the priorities behind the elaborate preparations. The criticism also extended to the scale of decoration at the venue. While elaborate floral arrangements and large-scale dcor dominated parts of the festival space, critics questioned whether the emphasis on visual grandeur had come at the cost of basic festival management and visitor facilitation. KASHMIR FACING TOTAL WASHOUT Playwright and artist Sohal Lal Kaul struck a more pointed note, contrasting the concerns of visiting filmmakers with those of the local creative community. Outside filmmakers are bothered about issues in subtitling; Kashmir is bothered about a total washout, he remarked, reflecting the growing frustration among sections of local artists over what they see as a missed opportunity. Broadcaster and former producer of Sheharbeen at All India Radio Srinagar, Masood Uri, questioned what the festival had tangibly delivered for the region's own artists, filmmakers and producers. What have the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially local artists, filmmakers and producers, achieved from this festival? he asked. Masood said that while the festival was projected as a major cinematic initiative, the event had not, in his view, produced visible commitments that could strengthen the local film ecosystem. He also questioned why broader concerns relating to local cultural infrastructure and platforms for artists had not found adequate space in the discussions surrounding the festival. More significantly, Masood alleged that local producers, writers and artists were not adequately represented or invited. ALLEGATIONS OF DOUBLE STANDARDS Singer and composer Waheed Jeelani raised concerns about what he described as unequal treatment of local artists. A sad double standard at the so-called Film Festival, Jeelani said. Outside artists were given the main stage and every facility, while our valued Kashmiri artists were confined to peripheral spaces, with some even made to sit on the grass without basic arrangements. He questioned whether such treatment reflected the respect that Jammu and Kashmir's own artists and cultural traditions deserved. The criticism points towards a larger concern repeatedly voiced by local cultural practitioners: whether an event organised in Jammu and Kashmir can truly claim to celebrate cinema and culture if the region's own filmmakers, musicians, writers and artists do not occupy the centre of the conversation. FILM SHIFTED AT THE LAST MINUTE Artist and filmmaker Ramesh Zadoo described his experience as extremely disappointing and unprofessional after his film Batt Koch reportedly underwent a last-minute change in its screening schedule. According to Zadoo, the film had initially been scheduled for screening at SKICC, Srinagar, on September 9. However, he later learnt that the screening had been shifted to INOX Srinagar on September 10 as the closing film. The change, he said, came after he had already circulated the original screening details among his contacts, including guests and invitees. A last-minute change of this nature causes embarrassment not only to the filmmaker but also to everyone who has been informed and made plans accordingly, Zadoo said. He described the development as indicative of a serious lack of coordination, communication and professionalism in the conduct of an event of such scale. What was expected to be the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir increasingly feels like a photo-session-driven event rather than a professionally managed film festival, he said, adding that filmmakers and artists deserved greater respect. For Zadoo, the issue went beyond a single screening. Batt Koch deserves a dignified screening, proper communication and respect for the people behind the film, he said. BIG NUMBERS, BIGGER QUESTIONS The criticism stands in sharp contrast to the optimism projected by the government ahead of the festival. In an official communication, the government said the inaugural IFFJK had received 875 film submissions from around 50 countries, describing it as evidence of growing global interest in Jammu and Kashmirs cinematic potential. Organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the festival was envisioned as a platform to establish Jammu and Kashmir as a vibrant destination for cinema, creativity and cultural exchange. Festival Director Shreya Singhal had described the response as rousing, saying the festival was progressing well. But the experiences shared by artists and participants suggest a striking disconnect between the official narrative and the concerns emerging from the ground. The fundamental question being raised by the artistic community is not whether Jammu and Kashmir should host an international film festival. On the contrary, many believe the region deserves one. The question is whether the festival can succeed in the long term without professional planning, transparent communication and meaningful participation by local artists and filmmakers. An international festival, cultural practitioners argue, cannot be defined merely by the number of countries represented, celebrity appearances, elaborate venues or decorative spectacle. Its success must also be measured by the experience it offers filmmakers, the dignity it extends to artists, the opportunities it creates for local talent and the cultural legacy it leaves behind. For Jammu and Kashmir, the inaugural edition of IFFJK was an opportunity to announce itself on the global cinematic map. For some members of its own artistic fraternity, however, it has also become an occasion to ask whether, amid the lights, dcor and spectacle, the voices closest to home were heard at all. The first edition may have brought cinema to centre stage. The challenge now is to ensure that, in future editions, professionalism, communication and Kashmirs own creative voices are not left behind.
SC's 13 queries to FSSAI: 'Give details on shape, size, colour of food label'
UPI Tap and Pay Goes Live: Make Payments Without Scanning QR Code or Opening a UPI App
UPI payments are becoming even easier with the launch of a new Tap and Pay feature that can reduce the need to scan QR codes or manually open a UPI app for every transaction.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have launched UPI Tap & Pay along with a...
How one RNA nucleotide switch activates fluorescent dyes
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Gauhati High Court says talaq-e-hassan is a valid form of divorce
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BRICS Summit Raises Questions on Currency Negotiations and Indias Role
Anish Gawande questions the BRICS agenda and Indias role amid economic challenges, highlighting concerns over GDP data and recent controversies. BRICS Summit Raises Questions on Currency Negotiations and Indias Role
Single nanostructure enables independent control of two light resonance modes
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RBI moves to suck out excess liquidity
New genome study rewrites the early history of grasses, the world
An international team of scientists, including Donald Danforth Plant Science Center member emerita Elizabeth
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Java, Indonesia, at a depth of 376 km
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Java, Indonesia, at a depth of 376 km
AI helps find hidden human proteins and reveals what they do
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The petitioner submitted in the court that authorities moved quickly to demolish the mosque, tearing it down within three days of the eviction order.
Tensions Rise Between Kerala PSC and Crime Branch Over SIT Inquiry
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Emerging SARS-CoV-2 sublineage RE.2.2 displays distinct structural features
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Compost microbe yields enzyme that tackles polyurethane foam and nylon
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Microplastics fall across rural Switzerland, adding over 200 tons yearly to land and water
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10,000 years of wheat and barley selection reveal shared climate-adaptation genes
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Authorities Remove Illegal Occupations Linked to Toxic Liquor Case in Sagar
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Congress questions NC govts stand on Vande Mataram
Srinagar, Sept 11: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Friday hit back at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his remarks on the Vande Mataram controversy, saying the CMs response was detached from reality and that the issue was about the conduct of the government, not the people. Reacting to Omar Abdullahs comments, Karra wrote on X, that expectations had been directed clearly and exclusively towards the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and questioned why the people of J&K had been brought into the debate. The public has nothing to do with this debate. It is the government that is expected to stand upright, Karra said, arguing that the controversy should not be shifted from the government to the people. He said the CMs remarks raised two questions, including whether any person in Kerala had been jailed when the state government chose to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day parade. Karra also questioned whether people were wrong in expecting the J&K Chief Minister to uphold what he described as secular and inclusive values, citing the examples of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana, where he said state events had limited the rendition to the first two stanzas. Are we wrong to expect our Honble CM to be equally capable of standing up for secular and inclusive values? Karra asked. Taking his argument further, the PCC chief brought the recently concluded International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir into the controversy, rejecting what he termed an attempt to dilute the responsibility of the government by referring to who was or was not present at the event. Karra said IFFJK 2026, titled Rang-e-Cinema, was a state event jointly organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), and was inaugurated by Omar Abdullah himself. Who else was or wasnt present is irrelevanta superfluous detail meant only to distract from the core issue, he said. The PCC chief maintained that the central question was not about the attendance of individuals but about the position taken by the government at an official event. His remarks come amid a political debate over the rendition of Vande Mataram at the IFFJK inaugural event, with opposition parties questioning the governments handling of the matter and seeking clarity on the decision. Karra said the government could not evade scrutiny by invoking the presence or absence of members of the public, insisting that accountability for a state-organised event rested with the administration.
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HC directs Punjab to allot sites to Op Blue Star oustees at Rs 1k/ sq yd
