U.S. military launches new airstrikes to swiftly punish Iran for deaths of U.S. troops
The strikes were designed to further degrade Iran's ability to restrict the traffic of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said
A year-long puppetry production titled Enge Engal Nadhigal by Agai Theatre of Voices has children from a Narikurava community in Pallavaram taking centre stage as storytellers. As part of this initiative, the children were taken on a tour of the industrial north Chennai on July 18 to understand the negative impact development can have on peoples everyday lives and bring that insight into their stories
Kylian Mbappe passes Lionel Messi for career World Cup scoring record with 22 goals
Kylian Mbappe has 10 goals in this World Cup, two more than Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, which is awarded to the tournament's top scorer.
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Iran's Supreme Leader says U.S. breaches show Trump's signature is 'worthless'
Washington and Tehran have exchanged strikes after a ceasefire agreement fell apart last week, raising fears of a return to all-out war
England edge France 6-4 in chaotic World Cup bronze match
Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise were a threat as France searched for a way back into the game but they found England's second-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson in top form
Argentina coach Scaloni hails Messi before World Cup final
He has made history. He is a legend, Scaloni said of the former Barcelona player, who has already helped Argentina win a World Cup and back-to-back Copa America titles in the last five years
Sobers 'stood out' among the greats: West Indies legend Holding
The Barbados-born Sobers, who has died at the age of 89, featured in 93 Tests between 1954 and 1974, amassing 8,032 runs and taking 235 wickets
For World Cships, venue concerns have been addressed: BAI
We have put two more doors in addition to the main door so that no stray animals can enter the arena. We will also have guards stationed there at all times. Ceilings have been changed. The toilets will be of the highest standard. Cleanliness wont be an issue, says Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli qualifies on pole for F1''s Belgian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen had set the fastest time after smart coordination with Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar to give him the strongest possible slipstream on his lap
Chasing first major title, Sam Burns holds two-shot lead at The Open
Root is an ideal role model for the England team: Brook
Brook stated that the 35-year-old talisman, also a fellow Yorkshireman, was the ideal role model for his team
No concerns with the way Rohit Sharma is batting: India's bowling coach Morne Morkel
To be honest, the way we bowled in the last game was exceptional, Morkel opined. Just looking at the numbers, the high speeds that the boys generated and the areas that we bowled in were great to see
InAyodhya, weeks after allegations of money being siphoned off from donations at the Ram temple surfaced, pilgrims and residents say it has triggered a crisis of trust. Devotees say their faith in Lord Ram and the temple remains intact, but many have grown cautious about donating. Locals report a dip in visitors, though they attribute part of that to seasonal factors as well. As an SIT probe seeks accountability,IshitaMishrareports from the temple town, where faith, transparency, and the citys religious tourism hopes hang in the balance
I take everyone as my supporter, that mindset has helped me: Manika Batra
People expect me to win every match because I have been at that level for a long time. Earlier, I used to think about that pressure, but now I see it positively, says Manika
Coimbatore Ward 22 councillor quits DMK
K. K. Nagar entrance arch in Madurai demolished
HARMAN collaborates with city university on automobile tech
J&Ks mountains heating up; nights warm faster than days
Srinagar, Jul 18: Jammu and Kashmir's mountains are warming, but not in the way many would expect. A new study has found that night-time temperatures across large parts of the Himalayan region are rising far more rapidly than daytime temperatures, signalling a profound shift in the climate of one of the world's most fragile mountain ecosystems. The research published in a prestigious journal 'Scientific Reports', based on 45 years of observations between 1980 and 2024, paints a picture of a warming J&K marked by sharp geographical contrasts, seasonal variations and an emerging pattern of elevation-dependent warming. Scientists analysed temperature records from the India Meteorological Department's network of surface observatories across Jammu and Kashmir and combined them with global reanalysis datasets to examine long-term changes in annual and seasonal temperatures across the Union Territory. The findings reveal that while warming is evident across much of the region, the increase is far from uniform. Mid-elevation stations recorded the most pronounced warming trends, with Bhaderwah emerging as one of the fastest-warming locations, registering an increase in average annual temperatures of nearly 0.3C per decade, the research reads. In contrast, lower-elevation stations such as Jammu recorded weak or statistically insignificant warming trends, with annual mean temperatures showing changes of around minus 0.1C per decade over the study period. The most striking finding, however, was the rapid rise in minimum temperatures the temperatures recorded during the night and early morning hours. Researchers found that minimum temperatures increased by between 0.1C and 0.5C per decade across several mid- and high-altitude regions of Jammu and Kashmir. By comparison, daytime maximum temperatures rose much more slowly, increasing by only 0 to 0.2C per decade at most stations, the research reads. During the pre-monsoon season, warming became even more pronounced, with some mountain stations recording night-time temperature increases of up to 0.6C per decade. Scientists say this pattern is a strong indicator of elevation-dependent warming, a phenomenon increasingly being observed across mountain regions worldwide where higher altitudes warm faster than neighbouring lowlands. The study suggests that changing cloud cover, snow-albedo feedbacks, atmospheric moisture and shifts in land-atmosphere interactions may be contributing to the accelerated warming observed in the Himalayas. Climate experts warn that warmer nights could have consequences that extend far beyond rising temperatures. Night-time warming reduces the duration and intensity of freezing conditions essential for maintaining snow cover and glacier health. As a result, snow accumulates later in winter and melts earlier in spring, shortening the snow season and altering river flow patterns. For Jammu and Kashmir, where rivers such as the Jhelum, Chenab and Indus rely heavily on snow and glacier-fed water, these changes carry major implications for agriculture, hydropower generation and drinking water supplies, the study adds. The findings add to a growing body of evidence pointing towards rapid climatic changes in the western Himalayas. Previous studies led by noted earth scientist Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo have documented substantial glacier retreat across Kashmir over recent decades. Research on the Kolahoi Glacier, often referred to as the Valley's water tower, found an average mass loss of 0.91 0.42 metres of water equivalent annually between 2013 and 2018. Similarly, studies on the Hoksar Glacier reported annual losses of nearly 0.95 0.39 metres of water equivalent, while satellite observations indicate that Kashmir's snow-covered area has declined by nearly 23 per cent over the past five years. Meteorologists believe rising temperatures may also contribute to increasingly erratic weather patterns already being witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir, including intense rainfall events, cloudbursts and flash floods. The Union Territory has experienced an increasing number of extreme weather incidents in recent years, particularly across mountainous districts in the Jammu region. Researchers based their findings on daily temperature observations collected from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2024 through the India Meteorological Department's network of manual surface observatories. The data underwent multiple levels of quality checks and verification before being archived at the National Data Centre in Pune. To ensure the reliability of long-term trends, scientists tested temperature records for possible discontinuities arising from station relocation, changes in instrumentation or alterations in observation methods. The analysis found that almost all stations maintained statistically homogeneous records over the 45-year period, strengthening confidence in the observed warming patterns. Researchers employed internationally recognised techniques including the Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen's slope estimator to quantify temperature trends and assess their statistical significance. The study concludes that Jammu and Kashmir's warming is not merely a story of rising temperatures but of changing mountains, shrinking winters and increasingly vulnerable water systems. For a Himalayan region already witnessing glacier retreat, declining snowfall and growing climate extremes, the message is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The mountains of Jammu and Kashmir are warming and the nights are warming fastest of all.
Loyola College hosts workshop on digital accessibility for persons with low vision
T.N. government contemplates reducing VAT rate on aviation turbine fuel
Summer vacation for schools extended till Jul 22
Srinagar, Jul 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday extended the ongoing summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools in the Kashmir Division and the winter zones of Jammu DivisiontillJuly 22in view of theprevailing weather conditions. Education Minister Sakeena Itoo announced the decision, saying the extension was made to ensure the safety and well-beingof students amid the continuing heatwave. In view of the prevailing weather conditions, it has been decided to extend the summer vacation for all Government and recognised private schools in the Kashmir Division and the winter zones of Jammu Division up to July 22, Itoo said. The decision comes a day after several parents and students urged the government to extend the vacation, citing extreme temperatures and difficultiesinattending classes during the ongoing heatwave. The schools were earlier scheduled to reopen beforethe freshextension. With the latest order, educational institutions in the affected regions will now remain closedtillJuly 22. Authorities are expected to review the weather situation before announcing any further decision regarding the reopening of schools.
Collective Kindness: when families are committed to saving lives through blood donation
A leitmotif among blood donation organisations is the increasing difficulty in finding people with generous veins; and the solution could strangely be found in the living rooms of households, as illustrated by these two accounts from Chennai of parents inspiring their children to join the cause
T.N. government to celebrate States history on both July 18 and November 1, says Vijay
When the AIADMK was in power, the then Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced that November 1 would be celebrated as Tamil Nadu Day. However, after the DMK came to power in 2021, it changed the observance to July 18
Shutdown over civilian death during anti-militancy operation hits life in J&Ks Chenab Valley
The victim was a 30-year-old was said to be out on a picnic when he was killed
Police to step up surveillance at FIFA final streaming venues in Kochi
India needs entrepreneurs who aspire to create values: Nirmala Sitharaman
Addressing the Special Plenary Session of YiFi 2026 in Madurai, the Union Finance Minister urges the youth to move with some kind of guidance to make the best out of the changing times
Inaugural ILCA Open India International Sailing Championship concludes in Hyderabad
Cyberabad SHE Teams conduct 127 decoy operations, 31 petty cases booked
Palaniswami criticises TVK govt.s approach on custodial death issue
Felt I would be heard: a month on, real test begins for first womens police station
2,800 new electric buses to hit Delhi roads by 2028
Mines and Geology Department says it is not the competent authority to decide the issues raised in the representation
NC expels Ladakh leader Akhoon as he refuses to step down as CEC of Kargil hill council
The action follows Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoons refusal to step down as Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, failing to honour the NC-Congress 2023 pre-poll agreement for power sharing
Two arrested for pledging fake gold chain at Kolathur pawn shop
Seven GCC officials suspended following DVAC raid
GCC issues strict warnings to all officials in accordance with the instructions of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, directing all zonal officers and assistant engineers to prominently display boards containing the DVAC contact numbers in all Corporation offices to facilitate the reporting of complaints
PM to inaugurate Bhogapuram International Airport on August 1
The green field airport is poised to reshape the local economic landscape of the region, says Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
Rice federation tells T.N. Chief Minister to take up waiver for rice with GST Council
The 57th GST Council is likely to be convened in a few weeks
Local holiday for Tiruvallur on Aug 6 for Aadi Krithigai festival
Man held for smuggling ganja in government bus at Katpadi
After driving through Chittoor, the bus halted at the check post near Katpadi when a team of police personnel checked the vehicle and luggage of commuters
Annual sports day held in Walajah
As part of celebrations, track and field events, including relay race, long jump, high jump, javelin throw, discus throw, kabaddi, football, and volleyball were conducted for students
Emergency exercise conducted at Kalpakkam Department of Atomic Energy Centre
Group of five arrested in Chinnappanahalli security guard murder case
For generations, Kashmir has been celebrated as paradise on earth a valley of snow-laden peaks, gushing rivers, orchards and wetlands held in a fragile Himalayan embrace. Today, that paradise is on the frontline of global warming. What the world still debates in conferences and climate summits is already reshaping daily life in the Valley. Kashmir is warming faster than the global average. Winters are shorter and erratic; snow arrives late, melts early and is interrupted by unseasonal warm spells. The Jhelum, once following fairly predictable rhythms, now veers between distressingly low summer flows and sudden, dangerous peaks during intense rainfall. Apple and saffron growers, who lived by stable seasons, now find themselves second-guessing the weather and paying a steep price for every wrong calculation. Scientists have long cautioned that the Himalayas are among the worlds most climate-vulnerable regions. Glaciers that quietly fed our rivers are retreating and thinning. At higher altitudes, snow is more often replaced by rain. This alters a finely balanced system built on gradual melt and steady release of water. The result is a new normal: brief spells of very heavy precipitation, a greater risk of floods like those of 2014, and, paradoxically, the threat of water scarcity later in the year. This is not an abstract environmental story. It is a livelihood story. Agriculture and horticulture remain the backbone of rural Kashmir. Apple, walnut, almond and cherry production depends on adequate winter chill and predictable flowering. Warmer winters disturb these cycles and encourage pests and diseases. Saffron, already squeezed by urbanisation and groundwater stress, cannot survive without specific temperature and moisture conditions. For small and marginal farmers, a single bad season can trigger debt; repeated shocks can destroy the fragile ladder out of poverty. Climate stress is aggravated by how we are reshaping the Valley ourselves. In and around Srinagar, wetlands that once acted as natural sponges for floodwaters have been encroached upon, filled and built over. Dal and Wular, icons of Kashmirs landscape, have shrunk and degraded. Concrete continues to push into floodplains and onto riverbanks. As temperatures rise, dense urban pockets trap heat, making life particularly harsh for the elderly, children and those in cramped housing. Global warming exposes the cracks in our planning; our own choices widen them. It is tempting, and comforting, to see Kashmir only as an innocent victim of emissions elsewhere. Indeed, the Valleys contribution to global greenhouse gases is tiny compared to industrialised regions. Yet local actions still matter. Unregulated construction, deforestation, burning of waste, sand mining and the neglect of traditional water bodies erode our resilience. We are at once vulnerable to global decisions and responsible for the stewardship of our own home. If we accept this dual reality, our response must go far beyond symbolic plantation drives and occasional seminars. Climate has to become a central lens of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, not an add-on paragraph in policy documents. First, wetlands and floodplains must be treated as critical infrastructure. Protecting and restoring them is not a favour to nature; it is insurance for our lives and property. Land-use rules around rivers, lakes and marshes must be enforced even when they inconvenience influential interests. Building on floodplains is not development it is gambling with public safety. Second, urban planning needs a course correction. Master plans must integrate drainage, ventilation corridors and green spaces to reduce both flooding and heat stress. The expansion of Srinagar and other towns cannot continue as a series of ad hoc permissions. Every new colony built on a lakefront or wetland is a future headline in a flood or pollution story. Third, agriculture and horticulture need a deliberate transition strategy for a warmer, more volatile climate. Farmers should not be left alone to experiment at their own risk. Research institutions and extension agencies have to work with them on climate-resilient practices diversified cropping, soil-moisture conservation, smarter irrigation, and, where essential, gradual shifts to varieties that can withstand changing conditions. Credit, insurance and market support must align with this agenda, not pull in the opposite direction. Finally, there is the question of public consciousness. In much of our everyday discourse, climate events are still dismissed as natural calamities or explained purely in spiritual terms. Faith and culture are integral to Kashmiri life, but they should not be used to avoid hard questions about human responsibility. Schools, universities, mosques, shrines and media all have a role in nurturing a civic ethic that treats the Valleys ecology as a shared trust. At its core, global warming vis--vis Kashmir is an issue of justice. Those who have contributed least to the problem hill communities, small farmers, labourers, the urban poor are among those most exposed. This injustice should sharpen our resolve. Kashmir alone cannot bend the global emissions curve, but it can demand a fair voice in national climate debates and insist that development here respects ecological limits. The choice before us is stark. We can continue reading each flood, drought or failed crop as an isolated misfortune, or we can recognise them as connected warnings from a valley under unprecedented stress. To keep calling Kashmir paradise on earth without changing how we treat it is to hollow out the phrase. A truly meaningful tribute to this land is not nostalgia, but action urgent, informed and collective to secure climate resilience and ecological dignity for generations to come. ( The Author is a research scholar and teacher by profession)
The Final Sanctuary: How the Living House the Dead across Earth, Sky, and Sea
The 16th of July marked the 34th death anniversary of my dear father. In this connection, I attended the Fatiha prayer at his grave, and standing there, I was deeply reminded of how much our loved ones matter to us, even long after they have departed. The relationship between the living and the dead is one of the oldest stories of human civilization. It is written not just in our hearts, but in the very soil, air, and water of the places we call home. As the world grows more crowded and our environments change, the ways we say our final goodbyes are evolvingreflecting a delicate balance between sacred tradition and modern necessity. The Close Neighbors of Mallaratta: Kashmirs Intimate Lands In the historic quarters of Srinagar, death has never been segregated from daily life. To this day, my ancestral home, Yarkand House in Mallaratta, stands tall and firm after 115 years of construction. Just twenty feet away lies our family graveyard, Maqbara Sadat Andrabis, where my parents, grandmother, and paternal uncles rest in peace. Purchased by my great-grandfather in mid-1916 from his pious Andrabi father-in-law for the princely sum of rupees eighteen, this plot remains beautifully maintained by the family. In those good old days, keeping graveyards close to residential houses was a comforting philosophya daily, grounding reminder of mortality, love, and continuity. On a grander scale, the historic Malkha graveyard was established centuries ago as a central repository of memory for the Muslims of Srinagar. Originally a vast grape orchard spanning a thousand kanals, it was centrally located. Tragically, modern urbanization and political short-sightedness have reduced it to less than two hundred kanals. Encroachmentsranging from schools and mosques to slum colonies, stadium spaces, a gondola take-off stand, and the Rainwari Hospitalhave slowly fractured this collective heritage. Yet, Kashmirs land laws historically accommodated this sacred geography. In rural areas, freshly converted communities utilized abundant state or grazing lands, recorded in revenue registers as Kachari, Shamilat, or Abadi Deh. These final resting places were legally protected under designations like Maqbooza Qabristan or Ahli-Islam. Similarly, the Kashmiri Pandit community utilized designated lands for their last rites, formally recorded as Maqbooza Ahli-Hinoo, Shamshan Ghat, or Awarin. Whether through burial or fire, the departed remained rooted in the land. The Birdless Skies: The Changing Rituals of the Parsis While Kashmir looks to the earth, the Parsi community traditionally looked to the sky. Holding the elements of nature in absolute veneration, Zoroastrian tradition dictates that burying a body desecrates the earth, and burning it pollutes sacred fire. Thus, they constructed Dakhmas, or Towers of Silence, where the dead were left open to the elements and to vulturesa system designed as the ultimate eco-friendly act of giving back to nature. However, these ancient towers are losing their sheen. The vulture population across India has dwindled catastrophically due to inadvertent poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac. With the skies suddenly empty, the community has had to adapt. Today, many Parsis are shifting their attitudes toward modern technology, turning to electric crematoriumsparticularly in Mumbai and parts of Gujaratmarrying ancient prayers with contemporary realities. The Automated Vaults of Japan Farther east, in the hyper-dense urban centers of Japan, the challenge is sheer space. The Japanese have innovated an incredibly advanced, scientific approach to handling the dead. In modern, multi-story indoor cemeteries, they utilize deep, rounded well-like pits designed with state-of-the-art engineering. Each family possesses their own automated vault box. When a body is placed inside, specific, highly regulated chemical compounds are introduced to accelerate decomposition safely and rapidly. Within a remarkably short period, the physical remains are reduced to clean ashes. The vault is then thoroughly cleansed and prepared, efficiently making room for the next family member. It is a striking blend of profound ancestral respect and futuristic spatial efficiency. Rest in the Deep: The Ancient Law of Sea Burials For those who spent their lives moving across the vast expanse of the oceans, the final resting place is neither earth nor sky, but the deep blue. Sea burial is a time-honored tradition, particularly for sailors, explorers, or travelers who pass away at sea. Steeped in maritime protocol, the body is carefully prepared, weighted, sewn into a canvas shroud, and lowered into the ocean depths. Out of sight of land, the body gently descends to the seabed, where marine life naturally consumes the physical form, returning the traveler to the great cradle of the worlds waters. Sky Burials of Ladakh and Tibet: The Frozen Horizons In contrast to the warm oceans, the high-altitude, freezing ecosystems of places like Ladakh and Tibet offer unique challenges. In these arid, rocky, and timber-scarce environments, digging a grave into frozen earth is nearly impossible, and there is little wood available for large funeral pyres. Here, the ancient practice of Sky Burial (Jhator) takes a different form than that of the Parsis. On designated sacred mountaintops, specialized practitioners gently prepare the body, which is then offered to Himalayan vultures. In the Buddhist philosophy of these regions, the body is seen as an empty vessel once the soul leaves. Offering the physical remains to the birds is considered a final, supreme act of generosity and compassion toward other living creatures, ensuring that the lifecycle continues even on the barren, cold roofs of the world. Conclusion: A Shared Journey Home From the rose-rimmed walls of Yarkand House in Mallaratta to the automated towers of Tokyo, and from the deep ocean trenches to the windswept peaks of Ladakh, humanitys diverse funeral customs reveal a beautiful truth. We may use earth, fire, air, or water to return our loved ones to the universe, but the underlying intent remains identical: to honor our past, to respect our environment, and to ensure that those who shaped our lives are never truly forgotten. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service.Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
Doctor honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
The Chancellor also highlighted the transformative power of education in addressing inequality
The Food Came With Them; Why Didn't the Waste Go Back?
Every day, thousands of visitors arrive in Jammu and Kashmir carrying bags filled with bottled water, soft drinks, chips, biscuits, disposable plates, packaged snacks, fruits, and picnic meals. They have no difficulty carrying these items into the Valley's meadows, forests, lakesides, gardens, and mountain viewpoints. Yet, once the food is consumed, many somehow find it too inconvenient to carry back the empty bottles, plastic wrappers, disposable plates, cups, cans, tissues, and other waste they have generated. Instead, they leave it scattered across some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, expecting someone elseor nature itselfto deal with the mess. This simple act of carelessness has become one of the greatest environmental threats facing Jammu and Kashmir. The issue is not that tourists bring food to enjoy during their visit; the issue is that too many fail to carry back the waste they create until they reach a proper dustbin. A plastic bottle that was easy to carry when full should be even easier to carry when empty. A chips packet that weighs only a few grams should never be abandoned on a meadow or thrown into a stream. Yet this basic civic responsibility is ignored every day, slowly turning the Paradise on Earth into a dumping ground for non-biodegradable waste. Tourism is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy. It supports hotels, houseboats, transport operators, pony owners, guides, artisans, shopkeepers, and thousands of families whose livelihoods depend upon visitors. The record-breaking tourist arrivals of recent years have revived businesses and brought renewed economic optimism to the region. Tourism is, without doubt, a blessing for Jammu and Kashmir. However, tourism that pollutes cannot be called progress. Economic prosperity loses its meaning if it comes at the cost of polluted lakes, littered forests, damaged meadows, and degraded ecosystems. The very landscapes that attract millions of visitors every year are now under unprecedented environmental pressure because of irresponsible behaviour that is entirely avoidable. Across Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Aharbal, Verinag, Kokernag, Bangus Valley, Gurez, Sinthan Top, and countless lesser-known destinations, the signs of environmental neglect are impossible to ignore. Plastic bottles lie scattered across alpine grasslands, disposable food containers are left beneath towering pine trees, snack wrappers blow through pristine valleys, and picnic sites often resemble temporary garbage dumps after visitors leave. This is not merely littering. It is environmental vandalism. Nature took thousands of years to create these magnificent landscapes, but it takes only a few careless visitors to scar them within hours. The Himalayan ecosystem is among the most fragile in the world. Plastic waste discarded in these mountains does not disappear. It remains trapped beneath snow, lodged between rocks, carried into rivers, or buried beneath soil where it slowly breaks down into microplastics that contaminate freshwater, agricultural land, and eventually the food chain. Wildlife often mistakes plastic for food, resulting in injury, starvation, and death. Every discarded wrapper or bottle becomes part of a much larger ecological crisis. Dal Lake, the iconic jewel of Srinagar, provides perhaps the clearest example of this growing tragedy. While untreated sewage, encroachments, and excessive weed growth continue to threaten the lake, tourism-generated waste has become another visible scar. Floating plastic bottles, disposable cups, food packaging, and litter along its banks tarnish one of India's most celebrated natural landmarks. Similar scenes are increasingly witnessed around Nigeen Lake, the Jhelum River, Lidder River, Sindh Stream, and numerous springs that sustain local communities. The Valley's forests and alpine meadows are suffering equally. Visitors frequently stray from designated trails, trample delicate vegetation, carve names into trees, leave behind plastic waste, and light campfires in ecologically sensitive areas. Unlike urban parks, these fragile ecosystems cannot recover quickly. Damage caused during a single tourist season may take decades to heal. Adventure tourism has further intensified the problem. Trekking routes and camping sites are increasingly dotted with abandoned tents, broken bottles, fuel canisters, plastic packaging, and food waste. At high altitudes, where decomposition is extremely slow, this waste remains visible for years, silently disfiguring landscapes that were once untouched by human activity. Wildlife is paying an invisible but devastating price. Animals attracted by leftover food gradually lose their natural feeding habits and venture closer to tourist areas, increasing the risk of conflict. Plastic ingestion, excessive vehicle movement, loud music, overcrowding, and habitat disturbance continue to place enormous pressure on biodiversity across the region. Air pollution has also become an unintended consequence of mass tourism. During peak tourist seasons, endless convoys of private vehicles, taxis, buses, and motorcycles clog the roads leading to popular destinations. Traffic congestion results in higher fuel consumption, increased emissions, deteriorating air quality, and constant noise in places once renowned for their peace and serenity. Single-use plastics remain the greatest contributor to this crisis. Disposable water bottles, plastic cups, spoons, straws, carry bags, and food containers are designed for convenience lasting only a few minutes, yet they remain in the environment for centuries. No cleanliness drive, however large, can succeed unless visitors themselves stop treating nature as a dustbin. Religious tourism deserves special attention. Sacred places such as Hazratbal Shrine, Charar-e-Sharief, Kheer Bhawani, Mata Vaishno Devi, and numerous other revered shrines attract lakhs of devotees every year. These places inspire reverence, discipline, and humility. Respect for these sacred spaces must extend beyond prayer to preserving their cleanliness and dignity. Leaving litter behind at or around a place of worship is inconsistent with the values that every religion teaches. While irresponsible visitors deserve criticism, authorities must also acknowledge that waste-management systems have struggled to keep pace with the unprecedented growth in tourism. Overflowing dustbins, irregular waste collection, inadequate recycling facilities, insufficient public toilets, and weak enforcement of anti-littering laws have compounded the problem. Jammu and Kashmir urgently needs a comprehensive strategy for sustainable tourism. Strict enforcement of environmental laws, heavy penalties for littering, a complete ban on single-use plastics in ecologically sensitive areas, scientifically determined carrying-capacity limits, eco-friendly transport systems, modern waste-segregation facilities, and continuous environmental monitoring should become integral to tourism management rather than seasonal initiatives. At the same time, no law can replace individual responsibility. Every visitor should follow one simple principle: If you can carry it in, you can carry it out. Carry reusable water bottles whenever possible. Avoid single-use plastics. Keep empty bottles, wrappers, cups, and food containers in a small waste bag until a proper dustbin is available. Never throw waste into lakes, rivers, forests, gardens, or meadows. Teach children that protecting nature is as important as enjoying it. A few extra minutes of responsibility can protect landscapes that have existed for centuries. Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a tourist destination. It is one of India's greatest natural treasures, a sanctuary of biodiversity, a source of livelihood for millions, and a priceless inheritance that belongs equally to future generations. History will not judge us by the number of tourists who visited Kashmir. It will judge us by whether we had the wisdom and courage to protect this extraordinary land from becoming a victim of our own negligence. The message could not be simpler. Bring your food. Enjoy your picnic. Create beautiful memories. But when your meal is over, take every empty bottle, every wrapper, every disposable plate, every tissue, and every piece of waste back with you until you find a proper dustbin. The bag that was heavy enough to carry food into Kashmir should never be too heavy to carry empty waste out. If every visitor follows this simple principle, Jammu and Kashmir will continue to deserve its timeless title as the Paradise on Earth. If not, future generations may inherit not the paradise we admired, but the pollution we left behind. (The author is an educationist and columnist)
FIFA World Cup 2026 | The show before the spectacle
Minister inaugurates synthetic hockey turf, Kodai Vizha in Tiruvannamalai
The new hockey turf, which will be maintained by SDAT has a spectators gallery with a seating capacity of over 480 persons to watch hockey and athletics events
72nd National Film Awards winners announced
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards have been announced, honouring the best of Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. The awards recognise films that were certified by the Central Board of Film Certification during the 2024 calendar year. The biggest winner this year was Article 370, which was named Best Feature Film. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in the political thriller.
Vikram-1: The Launch That Signals India's Space Renaissance
The successful launch of Vikram-1 by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is much more than another rocket lifting off from Indian soil. It marks the arrival of a new era in India's space journeyone where government agencies and private enterprises work together to transform the nation into a global space power. For decades, India's achievements in space were almost synonymous with ISRO. Today, Vikram-1 demonstrates that the Indian space ecosystem has matured beyond a single institution and has evolved into a vibrant innovation economy. This mission deserves to be celebrated not merely because it is India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, but because it validates a vision that policymakers, scientists and entrepreneurs have collectively pursued over the past few years. The launch is perhaps the strongest evidence yet that India's space sector reforms are beginning to bear fruit. An orbital launch vehicle occupies a unique position in the space economy. Unlike suborbital rockets that briefly touch the edge of space, orbital launch vehicles place satellites into stable Earth orbits where they can provide communication, navigation, weather forecasting, Earth observation and scientific services for years. Vikram-1, capable of carrying 350 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), enters this highly competitive global market at a time when demand for small satellite launches is increasing rapidly. The rocket itself is an impressive demonstration of indigenous engineering. Built using an all-carbon composite structure, equipped with reliable solid-fuel boosters and powered by a sophisticated 3D-printed liquid engine, Vikram-1 represents the convergence of advanced materials, digital manufacturing and aerospace innovation. These technologies not only reduce production costs but also enable faster manufacturing cyclesan essential requirement for the emerging commercial space industry. Mission Aagaman, the maiden flight of Vikram-1, carries significance far beyond its payload capacity. The mission deploys multiple customer satellites into a 450-kilometre orbit, demonstrating India's readiness to serve global commercial clients. Payloads from Skyroot, DCUBED, Grahaa Space and Cosmoserve Space illustrate how Indian launch vehicles are becoming platforms for international collaboration. Fig.The payloads include scientific instruments such as a robotic arm for removing space debris Particularly noteworthy is Cosmoserve Space's robotic arm, designed to capture orbital debris. Space sustainability is becoming one of the defining challenges of modern space exploration. With thousands of satellites expected to be launched in the coming decade, orbital debris poses serious risks to future missions. Carrying such a payload reflects India's growing awareness that commercial success must be accompanied by responsible stewardship of space. Equally inspiring are the symbolic payloads aboard the mission. Cosmic Bloom, a floral artwork of lab-grown diamond from Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds, and an 18-karat gold micro-rocket carrying microscopic sculptures of Nobel Laureate C. V. Raman, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam celebrate India's scientific heritage. They remind us that every technological leap stands on the shoulders of visionaries who imagined a future long before the technology existed. In a symbolic gesture, a handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi bearing the words Vande Mataram was also sent to space, along with messages from Skyroot team members, investors, policymakers and well-wishers across the globe. The story of Vikram-1, however, began much earlier than the launch pad. It began with a policy decision India's space reforms fundamentally altered the relationship between ISRO and private industry. Instead of being the sole operator, ISRO increasingly became an enabler, mentor and technology partner. The establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) provided the institutional framework necessary for private participation. Supported by the Indian Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe functions as an autonomous single-window agency that authorises and promotes both government and non-government space activities. More importantly, it offers a stable and predictable regulatory frameworksomething investors and entrepreneurs consider indispensable before committing resources to high-risk sectors like aerospace. The numbers already indicate the scale of transformation. By June 2026, IN-SPACe had registered more than 4,500 organisations, issued 133 authorisations and signed 106 Memoranda of Understanding. It facilitated access to ISRO facilities, technologies and technical expertise, allowing startups to leverage decades of national investment in space infrastructure rather than beginning from scratch. Its contribution extends well beyond regulation. During 2025 alone, IN-SPACe facilitated nearly USD 150 million in investments into Indian space startups. The country's top ten space startups collectively secured confirmed order books worth another USD 150 million. By mid-2026, more than 118 technology transfer agreements and 189 partnership agreements had accelerated commercialisation and collaboration between research institutions and industry. These figures reveal an important truth: successful space ecosystems are built not merely through rockets, but through policies, partnerships and investor confidence. Globally, the commercial space economy is expected to exceed one trillion dollars over the next two decades. Satellite broadband, Earth observation, precision agriculture, disaster management, autonomous transportation, defence technologies and climate monitoring will all depend heavily on affordable access to space. India possesses several natural advantages in this market. It offers cost-effective engineering talent, proven launch capabilities, a robust academic ecosystem and decades of ISRO's technical expertise. Until recently, however, these strengths remained largely confined within government institutions. The emergence of companies such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Bellatrix Aerospace and Dhruva Space demonstrates that India's entrepreneurial ecosystem is finally unlocking this latent potential. For ISRO itself, this evolution is equally beneficial. As private companies assume responsibility for routine commercial launches, ISRO can devote greater resources to ambitious scientific missions, planetary exploration, human spaceflight, reusable launch systems, lunar research and deep-space astronomy. The relationship is therefore complementary rather than competitive. There is another dimension that deserves attention. Vikram-1 has the potential to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. Young students no longer have to dream only of joining ISRO; they can now aspire to build the next aerospace startup, develop advanced propulsion systems, design satellites or create space-based services. This diversification of career opportunities is essential if India wishes to become a global knowledge economy. Yet, celebration must also be accompanied by realism. Building a globally competitive commercial launch industry requires consistent reliability, repeated successful launches, international certifications, strong supply chains and sustained investments in research and development. Space remains an unforgiving domain where even minor technical failures can have significant consequences. The true measure of success will therefore be Vikram-1's ability to establish a dependable launch record over multiple missions. India must also continue strengthening regulations governing space safety, debris mitigation, insurance, intellectual property and international collaboration. As the number of private players increases, governance frameworks must evolve with equal speed. The success of Vikram-1 ultimately represents something larger than a technological milestone. It reflects a shift in national thinkingfrom government-led capability creation to innovation-driven economic growth. It demonstrates how visionary public policy, institutional support and entrepreneurial ambition can together create globally competitive industries. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai once said that India must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society. More than five decades later, Vikram-1 embodies that philosophy in a new context. It carries not only satellites but also the aspirations of a nation determined to become a leading player in the global space economy. If this momentum is sustained through continued innovation, supportive policy and strategic investment, historians may well remember Vikram-1 not simply as India's first privately developed orbital rocket, but as the launch that ignited India's commercial space revolution. (The Author is the Dean-Academic Affairs, Garden City University, Bengaluru and an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, E-mail: bijudharmapalan@gmail.com )
Stone laid for road development works worth 3.02 crore in Vijayawada
The projects, funded under the 15th Finance Commissions Air Quality Improvement Programme, are aimed at improving urban infrastructure while reducing dust pollution
Observing World Refugee Day & the Displaced Kashmiri Pandits
One month ago, the whole world observed the International Refugee Day. In India also, many programmes were held in this regard by various organisations and the advocacy groups championing the cause of refugees. It includes those refugees also who haven't crossed borders and are called the internally displaced persons. In fact they form a very typical category of refugees and could be called 'refugees living in their own country'. The horror stories of Kashmir against the indigenous population began with the deceitful change of rule in the 14th century when the reins of power went into the hands of Sultans. They initiated persecution and killings of the Hindu community of Kashmir and forced them to get converted to Islam. The rulers were supported by clerics and other preachers from far-away lands who were hands in glove with the rulers in their agenda of persecution and conversion. For the Hindus of Kashmir, politics would always take a back seat in their life. Yet they were economically squeezed, politically marginalized and socially excluded in their own native land. The forces which made them reach such a situation were none other than those, whom the community trusted, favoured and believed in 1947, when accession and transition of power took place. The community made a conscious effort to erase the past bad memories of persecution and relied more on the promises made to them in 1947. It needs to be emphasized here that in the changed scenario, the Pandits wilfully ignored the fact of historical intent to ethnically cleanse the Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir. They even sidelined the fact that in 1947, they had faced the worst that could have happened to them. Hundreds of them were left homeless and thousands of them were forced to take recourse to exodus. The Kashmiri Pandits looked to the future with hope. They were given to believe that the people's representatives would take care of the governance and the constitution would be the ultimate law; and secularism and democracy would be the guiding principles, and that the minorities would be protected by the government's instrumentalities and the constitutional provisions. They believed and reposed trust in leaders like Sheikh Abdullah and Pt. J.L.Nehru and the state government supported by the government of India and the overwhelming Muslim majority community, which was believed to be behind the decision of the National Conference in 1947. What happened thereafter is history. The Pandits faced apartheid at the hands of those who had promised them democracy and the rule of law, and to the shocking surprise of the community, the Muslim majority community, instead of providing them protection, showed them the road of exodus to drive them out of Kashmir when there was an upsurge against the Kashmiri Pandit community in 1989-90. Even thegovernments failed in their constitutional duties to protect them. The Pandits had no choice to make because no organ of the society and the State had the willingnessand capacity to protect them in their land of origin.
Sakeena pushes for better technical aid to farmers
Kulgam, July 18: Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, today presided over a district level farmers' awareness programme organised by the Department of Horticulture, Kulgam, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (CSS-MIDH) at DK Marg in D.H. Pora. The programme was organised to create awareness among the orchardists and farmers about modern horticultural practices, scientific interventions and various government schemes aimed at enhancing the farmers productivity and income. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stressed the need to provide farmers with proper technical guidance and continued institutional support to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods. The Minister also inspected an exhibition comprising stalls established by the Department of Horticulture and various allied departments. The stalls showcased departmental schemes, technological interventions and services available to the farmers while technical experts provided on-the-spot guidance and addressed field-level queries. The participants were also briefed about the flagship schemes being implemented by the Department of Horticulture for the benefit of orchardists. During the technical session, the experts from SKUAST-Kashmir apprised the participants of the University's research and extension initiatives for the farming community. They delivered an informative lecture on integrated insect pest management, emphasising scientific, eco-friendly and sustainable approaches for effective pest control in fruit crops. The Department of Horticulture displayed a wide range of locally grown and exotic fruits, quality planting material and different fruit varieties, highlighting Kulgam's rich horticultural potential. An innovative Horticulture Help Desk was also established to provide technical guidance, grievance redressal and information on departmental schemes. On the occasion, publication, Building a Greener, Prosperous Kulgam, documenting the achievements made under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) during the last three years was released. The Minister also listened to various public issues and demands raised by the people and assured them of appropriate redress. Later, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the Horticulture Development Office Complex and an additional classroom at Government Middle School Kounsarbal and Babapora. During her visit, Sakeena Itoo also inaugurated the Rapid Sand Filtration (RSF) Plant at Ahmadabad Trangzadoo.
Er Rashid backs statehood protest, announces hunger strike
Srinagar, July 18: Jailed Baramulla MP Er Rashid on Saturday extended support to the National Conference's proposed July 20 protest for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood but asserted that the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) would continue to seek restoration of all constitutional and political rights of the people. A message from Er Rashid, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, was read out by AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi during a press conference in Srinagar, attended by senior party leaders. In his message, Rashid accused the National Conference of restricting its political agenda to statehood while abandoning broader issues such as Article 370, Article 35A and other constitutional rights. He alleged that the party had failed to fulfil the promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections and criticised regional parties for not doing enough to safeguard the rights of the people. Despite the criticism, Rashid said the restoration of statehood remained a legitimate demand and deserved support in the larger public interest. He said the Centre should have restored statehood immediately after the 2024 Assembly elections and claimed the National Conference should have insisted on it before forming the government. Announcing AIP's solidarity with the July 20 protest, Rashid said he would observe a day-long hunger strike and undertake a barefoot march to Parliament on July 21 to press for a meaningful, time-bound dialogue between the Centre and the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir. He, however, clarified that AIP's support for the protest should not be construed as an endorsement of the National Conference's political stand on other issues. Addressing the press conference, Inam Un Nabi said AIP has consistently advocated restoration of statehood along with Articles 370 and 35A, release of political prisoners, revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), an end to the use of the Public Safety Act (PSA), and restoration of democratic rights. He termed the National Conference's decision to protest for statehood as oo little, too late, alleging that limiting the struggle to statehood alone ignored the broader aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Apni Party backs statehood demand, skips NC's Jantar Mantar protest
Srinagar, July 18: Apni Party on Saturday extended support to the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir but announced that it would not participate in the National Conference's proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. The decision was taken at a meeting of the party's senior leadership at its Srinagar headquarters and announced by party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari at a press conference. Bukhari said the demand for statehood reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has been one of the party's core agendas since its formation in March 2020. We fully support the demand for restoration of statehood, but we have decided not to be part of the proposed protest, he said. He maintained that the restoration of statehood and other constitutional rights could be achieved through meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement with the Centre rather than protests and confrontation. History has shown that confrontation has only resulted in the loss of rights. Dialogue remains the most practical and effective way to secure the aspirations of the people, Bukhari said. Taking a swipe at the National Conference, he said the ruling party had taken six years to raise the issue of statehood and had announced the protest without consulting other political stakeholders. Had there been broader consultations, a more effective strategy could have emerged, he said, adding that important issues such as statehood, constitutional safeguards for land and jobs, and the release of detainees require a united political approach. Bukhari also said the National Conference, being an elected government, should utilise constitutional and political channels to pursue the issue with the Centre instead of resorting to street protests. Responding to questions, he said the Apni Party would continue to hold the National Conference accountable for what he termed its failure to deliver on governance despite receiving a strong public mandate. He also urged the Centre to fulfil its commitment to bridge the Dilli aur Dil ki Douriyan and initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while reiterating the party's demand for restoration of constitutional rights. Senior party leaders, including Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Ashraf Mir and Abdul Majeed Padder, were present at the press conference.
Meiyazhagan receives special mention for sound mixing in 72nd National Film Awards
Dr. Farooq acknowledges condolence messages
Srinagar, July 18: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who extended condolences and support following the demise of his younger brother, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal. In a statement, Dr. Farooq thanked people from across Jammu and Kashmir and the country for standing by his family during their bereavement. He expressed appreciation to those who attended the funeral, Namaz-e-Janazah , condolence meetings and prayer gatherings, and offered prayers for the departed soul. He also thanked political leaders from across the country for conveying their condolences through telephone calls, messages and other expressions of solidarity. Dr. Farooq acknowledged the support of religious scholars, political and social organisations, shrine custodians, civil society members, the media fraternity, Members of Parliament, ministers, legislators, National Conference leaders and workers, relatives, friends and well-wishers. He said the overwhelming outpouring of love, compassion and prayers had provided strength and solace to the bereaved family during the difficult time. Praying for the well-being of all those who stood by the family, Dr. Farooq said he hoped Almighty Allah would reward them for their kindness and accept their prayers and goodwill.
Candlelight vigil held in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuks hunger strike
NC committed to restoring J&K's constitutional rights: Dr. Farooq
Srinagar, July 18: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that his party would continue its peaceful, democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status and the constitutional rights of its people. Dr. Farooq Abdullah voiced deep concern over what he described as the growing climate of hatred, communalism, religious intolerance and social polarization in the country. In a statement, the NC chief, while calling for collective action, appealed to all secular, democratic and patriotic forces to unite against attempts to undermine India's unity, integrity, composite culture and constitutional secular character through divisive politics. Addressing a gathering of senior party leaders, office-bearers and a large number of party workers, Dr. Farooq said India's freedom was not won by any single community or religion but was secured through the collective sacrifices of people belonging to every faith, region and background. He observed that the Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the fundamental rights to equality, religious freedom, freedom of expression and justice, adding that these constitutional and democratic values continue to constitute the bedrock of the nation's unity, strength and progress. Referring to Jammu & Kashmir's constitutional relationship with the Union of India, Dr. Farooq said the accession of the erstwhile State was accompanied by specific constitutional assurances under which it enjoyed a distinct constitutional position. He expressed regret that these constitutional guarantees were diluted over the decades, ultimately culminating in the abrogation of the region's special constitutional status. Reaffirming the party's longstanding position, he said the National Conference would continue its peaceful, democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir's special constitutional status and the constitutional rights of its people.
Five of family found dead in Raipur; police suspect murder-suicide
Preliminary investigations suggest the man poisoned his family members before ending his life, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed following a detailed post-mortem and forensic analysis
Aamir Khan receives alleged threat from Lawrence Bishnoi gang, police verifying social media post
No formal complaint has been lodged by the actor or his representatives regarding the alleged threat so far
Left parties condemn Wangchuk's removal, use of force; back ongoing protest
In the early hours of day 21 of the protest fast at Jantar Mantar, when the presence was a little thin, Delhi Police succeeded in removing Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site, said CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya
Illegal structures of drug peddlers demolished in Budgam
Budgam, July 18: The District Administration Budgam, in coordination with Budgam Police, has intensified its drive against drug peddlers by demolishing several illegally constructed properties allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking, as part of its ongoing campaign to curb the drug menace in the district. Officials said that the joint teams carried out a demolition drive in the Magam Sub-Division, targeting illegal structures in the Chairu and Mazhama areas. The operation was conducted in the presence of revenue and police officials. During the drive, authorities demolished three illegally constructed shops, removed unauthorized fencing, and cleared encroachments over five marlas of land allegedly occupied by individuals involved in drug peddling. Officials said the action is part of the administration's sustained efforts to identify and dismantle illegally acquired assets belonging to those engaged in narcotics-related activities, while reinforcing its commitment to eliminating the drug trade from the district. Earlier, the District Administration and Budgam Police conducted a similar demolition drive in the Khansahib Sub-Division, where four illegally constructed shops, a cowshed, and a tile factory were razed in the Parnewa and Arigam areas. The operation was also carried out in the presence of revenue and police officials. The administration reiterated its resolve to continue strict action against drug peddlers and warned that all illegally acquired properties linked to narcotics trafficking would be identified and demolished in accordance with the law. It also appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and police by sharing credible information about drug-related activities, emphasizing that community participation remains essential in the fight against the growing drug menace.
Sensitise public about establishment of bone bank at GRH
Manasbal Lake hosts youth water sports festival to boost tourism
Ganderbal, July 18: The Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) on Saturday organised a day-long Water Sports Festival at the scenic Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal district, bringing together around 150 students from different schools to promote water sports, eco-tourism and outdoor recreational activities among the youth. The festival featured a range of competitions and demonstrations, including canoeing, kayaking, open water races and other water-based sporting events. Students from various educational institutions participated enthusiastically, making the event a vibrant celebration of adventure sports and environmental awareness. The programme was organised in collaboration with an NGO working in the field of youth development and community engagement. Speaking to reporters, WMDA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahsan-ul-Haq Chishti said the event was aimed at creating awareness and generating interest in water sports among school children. He said participants from different schools were given an opportunity to experience and compete in multiple water sports disciplines in a safe and organised environment. He said Manasbal Lake, known as the deepest freshwater lake in Kashmir, offers immense potential for water-based recreational and adventure tourism. He added that WMDA has been organising eco-friendly activities from time to time to promote the lake as a sustainable tourism destination while encouraging local youth to take part in adventure sports. Dr. Chishti said nearly 150 students participated in the day-long festival, competing in canoeing, kayaking, open races and several other events. He said the authority plans to organise such programmes on a regular basis to identify and nurture young talent in water sports. He further said WMDA intends to develop structured training programmes for children so that they can acquire skills in different water sports disciplines. Our objective is not only to promote tourism but also to encourage children to make the best use of the beautiful natural resources available at Manasbal Lake through organised and eco-friendly recreational activities, he said. The festival concluded with appreciation for the participants, as officials expressed hope that regular water sports initiatives would help establish Manasbal Lake as a major centre for adventure tourism and youth engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.
CCB busts honey-trap and robbery gang
T.N. government implements e-Zero FIR system for faster action against cyber financial scams
Cyberfraud complaints on 1930 helpline involving a loss of more than 1 lakh will be integrate dwith the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System for the registration of an e-Zero FIR
Medical colleges to decide faculty eligibility: NMC
Srinagar, July 18:The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified that the responsibility to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in medical institutions will now rest with the concerned appointing authorities, medical colleges, universities, limiting routine requests for eligibility certificates and clarifications from the regulator. The clarification has been issued by Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) under the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025 (MIQF-2025), which came into force following the notification of the new regulations on June 30, 2025. The notice has also been circulated by the NMC to all directors, principals and deans of medical colleges across the country for compliance. According to the NMC, it has been receiving a large number of routine applications from faculty members, medical colleges, universities, NBEMS-accredited hospitals and other stakeholders seeking eligibility certificates or clarifications for appointments and promotions to teaching posts. However, the Commission said the MIQF-2025 regulations comprehensively define qualifications, teaching experience, research publication requirements, training and other eligibility conditions, making most such references unnecessary. The regulator has therefore decided that the PGMEB will no longer entertain routine requests where eligibility can be determined directly from the provisions of the regulations. Instead, institutions themselves will be responsible for assessing whether candidates fulfil the prescribed norms for appointment or promotion. The Board, however, will continue to examine exceptional cases involving ambiguity, interpretation of regulations, equivalence of qualifications, transitional provisions or other complex regulatory issues. Such references must be submitted only through the Dean, Director, Principal, Registrar or another competent appointing authority, along with complete supporting documents and justification, the NMC said. The NMC has also introduced a non-refundable processing fee for each such reference. Applications submitted directly by individuals will not be entertained unless the institution fails to forward a genuine case involving ambiguity within 60 days of receiving the request. In such cases, applicants may directly approach the PGMEB after submitting documentary evidence, an undertaking affirming the correctness of facts and proof of payment of the prescribed fee. The public notice further provides that candidates dissatisfied with the decision of the competent authority may seek a review by the NMC within 30 days by submitting all relevant documents along with the prescribed fee. The PGMEB will examine such cases on merit and endeavour to dispose of them within 60 days. The Commission said the new mechanism intends to promote accountability in faculty appointments and promotions, reduce repetitive processing of routine eligibility requests, minimise administrative burden, public grievances and avoidable litigation, while ensuring that genuine cases requiring regulatory interpretation receive timely attention.
Lorry runs over elderly man while reversing onto Vanagaram-Poonamallee service road
Chennai needs expanded airport, has limited direct flights to Europe: NITI Aayog
Passengers and industry representatives stress need for a modern second airport to attract airlines;Chennai trails behind Bengaluru in international flight connectivity; bigger airport will serve citys rising population, business needs, says report
Wangchuk not alone: At least 21 continue indefinite hunger strike
Three AISA activists enter 21st day of hunger strike; protesters have been advised by doctors to rest as much as possible, conserve energy and speak less
Traffic curbs on Gulmarg route today
Budgam, July 18: The Traffic Police Rural Kashmir have issued a traffic advisory for motorists travelling to Gulmarg and other areas of the Beerwah subdivision in view of the 2nd Safar procession scheduled to be held in Magam on July 19. According to an official advisory issued by Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic Rural Kashmir), Liaqat Ali, vehicular movement through Magam town will remain affected from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on account of the religious procession. Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through the town during the specified period. The advisory said that Magam town will remain a complete no-ply zone during the procession, and traffic will be diverted through alternate routes. As per the traffic plan, Srinagar-bound heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) from Gulmarg will be diverted from Mangloora via Lalpora, Mamoosa, Shirpora, Zangam and Narbal to Srinagar. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) travelling to Srinagar from Gulmarg will be diverted from Chichiloora via Lalpora, Mamoosa, Shirpora, Zangam and Narbal. Similarly, Gulmarg-bound HMVs from Srinagar will be diverted from Kanihama-Batapora via Hanjibugh, Makhama, Badran Stop, Aripanthan, Kandhama, Bamrada, Aboora and Wusan before reaching Tangmarg and Gulmarg. LMVs heading towards Gulmarg will be routed from Kanihama-Batapora via Hanjibugh, Makhama, Badran Stop, Goigam, Chichiloora, Tangmarg and onwards to Gulmarg. Traffic travelling towards Srinagar from Beerwah will be diverted from Badran Stop via Makhama, Hanjibugh, SK Pora, Wadwan, Soibugh, Hajibagh Sharifabad and Parimpora near Toyota Ansari Motors before proceeding to Srinagar. The Traffic Police have urged commuters to cooperate with the traffic management plan and follow the directions of traffic personnel to ensure smooth movement and avoid inconvenience during the procession.
Women Empowerment : 2.5 lakh women in J&K emerge as Lakhpati Didis under NRLM
Srinagar, July 18: Amid a massive for women empowerment, the Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a major feat under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, with 2.50 lakh women achieving annual household incomes of at least Rs one lakh through sustainable livelihood activities under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM. According to details accessed by Rising Kashmir on Digital Aajeevika Register (DAR) Analytics Dashboard, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, J&K has 96,700 Self Help Groups (SHGs) comprising 8.14 lakh women members as on March 31, 2026. Against a target of 2.33 lakh Lakhpati Didis, J&K has identified 2.75 lakh potential beneficiaries, while 2.50 lakh women have already achieved the status, registering an achievement rate of 107.43 per cent. The details reveal that of the total, 2.33 lakh Lakhpati Didis earn between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh annually. Around 15,000 women have annual incomes between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh, while 1,900 earn between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh. Nearly 396 women fall in the Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh category, 190 earn between Rs 5 lakh and 50 women have crossed the Rs 10 lakh annual income mark. Crop-based farming remains the largest livelihood activity with 64,300 beneficiaries, followed by animal husbandry (17,400), trading (43,400), wages (39,500), services (31,500) and manufacturing (21,500). Smaller segments include regular income sources (11,000), Non-Timber Forest Produce (5,200) and aquaculture (5,100). The dashboard also indicates that 1.37 lakh women depend on a single livelihood activity, while 89,100 have diversified into two income-generating activities, 20,300 into three activities and 4,600 into more than three. According to the details, General category women account for the highest share at 1.50 lakh, followed by OBC (46,500), SC (31,500) and ST (22,600). The programme has also benefited 2,400 Divyangjan and 10 transgender beneficiaries. Among educational groups, matriculates form the largest segment with 94,800 beneficiaries, followed by those with no formal education (51,900), Class XII pass (46,900), up to Class V (33,300) and graduates and above (15,000). District-wise analysis places Kupwara at the top in terms of Lakhpati Didis with the official details figuring a total of 23,900 women in the list, who have achieved the status followed by Jammu with 19,600. Jammu district has been figured at the top in terms of SHG membership, followed by Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, Rajouri, Kathua, Udhampur, Budgam, Poonch and Doda, reflecting widespread participation in the rural women's livelihood programme across Jammu and Kashmir.
Panels examining Bill for removal of Ministers and VBSA Bill defer meeting on adopting draft reports
The decisions come just before the Monsoon Session of Parliament is to commence. Opposition calls it big victory, says the humiliation that Modi government suffered in the defeat of delimitation-related Bills in April still lingers
Lok Sabha Speaker approves merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena
Rebel TMC leaders Sudip Bandopadhyay and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar are invited for a meeting of floor leaders by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju
Ragging is corrosive assertion of power, says Madurai High Court Bench
IIM-Ks Kochi campus opens at Cusat metro station
Archaeology Dept. collaborates with Servants of Knowledge to digitise heritage collections
Under theagreement, Servants of Knowledge (SoK) will undertake the digitisation of approximately 18,000 rare books and 1,000 archival publications housed within the Departments library in Mysuru.
Maharajas College governing council members nominated
Malayalam actor Lenaa Kumar on her new book on menopause
The actor talks about writing her second book about menopause, dealing with perimenopause and her desire to help women going through it
National Film Awards: Mithya adjudged Best Kannada Film, bags two more honours
Along with the Best Kannada Film award, Mithya, produced by Rakshit Shetty and directed by Sumanth Bhat, also won in Best Child Artist and Best Actor in a Supporting Role categories
Amit Shah inspects indigenous border security technology in West Bengal
This three-day trip is his first visit to the State after theSuvenduAdhikari government took charge of West Bengal
Those who endanger safety of daughters or traders belong only in jail or hell: Yogi Adityanath
The Chief Minister inaugurates development projects work 574 crore in Bulandshahr
CJP questions police action after Wangchuks removal From Jantar Mantar
Dramatic scenes unfolded at Delhis Jantar Mantar on Saturday after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the protest site by Delhi Police and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. While the police say the move was necessary due to his deteriorating health and was carried out under High Court directions, the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, has accused the authorities of a crackdown on protesters and alleged a lack of transparency over Wangchuks condition.
Cuban Ambassador calls for lifting of energy blockade imposed by the U.S.
The restrictions on oil trade has affected the entire Cuban economy and has become a collective punishment against the population, he said
AI-Powered Connectivity: APAC Charts a Path to a Smarter Digital Future
AI-Powered Connectivity: APAC Charts a Path to a Smarter Digital Future
CM assures one acre land to FLO and FICCI
