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FIFA World Cup: Portugal coach defends playing Cristiano Ronaldo for full 90 minutes in draw with DR Congo

It makes no sense to get the best goal scorer in world football out in a game that you need goals, Martinez said

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 3:24 pm

Tamil Nadu Governors walkout from Assembly: Data discrepancies in Lok Bhavan statement

Many reasons stated were wrong or the data was cherry-picked

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 3:21 pm

Festive gifts: Good health and self care

This festive season, choose a gifting experience that encourages self care, wellness, good health, and a natural glow

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 3:20 pm

Efforts on to improve passenger amenities at Surathkal Railway Station, Captain Brijesh Chowta

The MP inspected platform shelter and platform surface development work at the station

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 3:18 pm

Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme: Government frames rules, procedures

The rules provide for a two-stage exit option from the TAPS framework in case eligible government staff wish to exit TAPS

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 3:12 pm

West Bengal moves Supreme Court against early release of 1993 Bowbazar blast convict

In a judgment delivered on June 5, the High Court directed Rashid Khans premature release, holding that the period of incarceration already undergone was sufficient to meet the objectives of punishment and deterrence

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 3:02 pm

T.N. Governors address: TVK govt. to establish Investor Promotion Commission to fast-track approvals for companies

In his address, the Governor said the government is firm that industries must grow and workers must thrive in order to achieve the target set by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay of transforming Tamil Nadu into a $1.5-trillion economy by 2036

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 3:02 pm

Escalating cost of fresh fish upends ordinary household budgets

With the seasonal trawling ban in place, most of the daily catch comes from traditional fishing boats, including plank-built catamarans and dinghies fashioned from discarded styrofoam containers, which venture out to sea at dusk and return by dawn

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:59 pm

RGCB scientists uncover new mechanism behind malaria parasites drug resistance

When malaria parasites infect reticulocytes, they gain access to this protective environment, allowing them to grow faster and better tolerate oxidative damage caused by artemisinin treatment, the study said

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:59 pm

Sea Cadet Corps invites applications for 2026 batch

Children aged 10 to 12, studying in Classes V to VII, can collect forms at the INS Circars swimming pool on June 20

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:58 pm

Socioeconomic disparities could be major predictors of antimicrobial resistance: Study

The researchers were thus able to forecast the resistance threats most likely to grow by 2050, specifically 210 pathogen-specific traits and key socioeconomic indicators that could drive the threats

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:53 pm

Qatar government sends 1,000 fans on fully paid World Cup trip to support their national team

The Qatari fans descended on Vancouver via jets chartered by the Emir of Qatar ahead of the teams match against Canada

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:52 pm

What is Googles Project Nimbus, and why are students protesting against it?

Amazon and Googles Project Nimbus cloud contract with Israel has sparked multiple protests over U.S. Big Tech enabling the Israeli militarys violence against Palestinians

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:51 pm

Banning Telegram will not stop paper leaks: Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal asserted that banning the messaging platform was not the solution to the problem and claimed that the authorities were not serious about tackling the issue

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:45 pm

Kumari Jayawardena Feminist Archive launched

Aims to curate the globally renownedSri Lankanscholar-activists writingsspanninghalf a century

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:44 pm

FIFA World Cup: Mexican military brings down drone near South Korea's training camp, coach calls it unfortunate

Military forces used specialised equipment to detect an unregistered drone near the South Korean camp, prompting them to neutralise it

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:27 pm

Ukraine hits Moscow oil refinery, disrupting commercial flights in major drone attack

The attack comes as President Vladimir Putin is in Kazan, 700 km east of Moscow, hosting leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as Russia seeks to bolster business and other ties

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:23 pm

Greed is not good

Both vulnerable, South deals

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:10 pm

Telanganas EAGLE force tracks drug smugglers through Odisha forests, seizes 500 kg marijuana

Acting on specific intelligence, a patrol team led by Sub-Inspector of Police K. Ravi Prasad tracked the vehicle for nearly 80 km in the night-long pursuit

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 2:01 pm

Watch: Watch: TN Governor Rajendra Arlekars complete speech in TN Assembly

Watch the complete speech of Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:55 pm

Satire | Why is India not in the World Cup?

Our inevitable absence at the football tournament defies our greatness

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:40 pm

Organ trade racket: ED searches leading private hospitals in Kerala

Sleuths from the Kochi zonal unit of the ED fanned out to multi-specialty hospitals in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kottayam districts on June 18

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:20 pm

Meet Anurag Maloo, the mountaineer who speaks for glaciers

Meet Anurag Maloo, from Kishangarh in Rajasthan, who nearly died on the worlds most dangerous mountain and chose to dedicate his second life to the mountains that spared him

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:18 pm

My son will not hold any position in AIADMK, says Edappadi K. Palaniswami

He will remain only a primary member of the party and will not occupy any post in the organisation, he told journalists after the Governors address to the Assembly

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:13 pm

Messi event row : Aroop Biswas appears after skipping three police summons

Former West Bengal sports Minister Aroop Biswas arrived at the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate headquarters around 9.55 a.m., after skipping three previous summonses

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:12 pm

Two arrested with methamphetamine in Muthialpet; 800 grams of drugs seized

Police said efforts are under way to trace and arrest other absconding suspects linked to the case

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:12 pm

Two Odisha migrants arrested at Kozhikode bus station with over 4 kg of ganja

339 cases registered under Operation Toofan from June 1 to 17

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:11 pm

Governors address passes off smoothly as first session of 17th T.N. Assembly begins; House to meet for three days

The session began with the rendition of the State song Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, followed by the National Anthem. This was a break from House convention where the National Anthem is played only at the end of the Governors Address. This time, it was played towards the end, too

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 1:03 pm

Voting underway for election to lone Rajya Sabha seat in Mizoram, CM casts vote

The BJP and the Congress decided to abstain from voting

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:56 pm

Nava Kerala Sadas assault case: High Court issues notice to accused on SIT plea against bail

The notice is issued in a petition moved by the SIT against the anticipatory bail granted to the accused by the District and Sessions Court, Alappuzha

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:55 pm

Indian teenager dies in horse carriage accident during his first trip to New York

Romanch Mahajan, 18, was on his first trip to New York with his family when the incident took place on Wednesday, June 17, The New York Times reported.

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:46 pm

Successive govts failed to speed up work on irrigation projects in Cauvery and Krishna basins in Karnataka, says senior SC advocate

Government of Karnataka needs to double allocation for irrigation projects, according to Mohan Kataraki

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:22 pm

Organising Indias Ritual Economy: The Strategy Behind ServDharms Rapid Rise

New Delhi, Delhi, India --- Business Wire India

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:19 pm

T.N. Governors address: Two-language policy to continue in Tamil Nadu; govt. to conduct Social Justice Survey

Governor, in his address to the House, reiterated the governments opposition to NEP, NEET

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:15 pm

New ZentrumHub Report: AI Agents Are Starting to Book Hotel Rooms Is the Travel Industry Ready?

Free 2026 report based on 1.5 million+ real bookings shows how AI is changing who sells the hotel room.

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:12 pm

Andhra Pradesh RTC unions JAC opposes private e-buses, lease of depot land; protests on June 23-24

The unions want APSRTC to buy and run the electric buses, recruit 10,000 staff and add 4,000 buses, and have called red-ribbon protests on June 23 and 24

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:08 pm

Column by Devdutt Pattanaik | The parrot that flew to Baghdad

How a collection of Sanskrit stories influenced One Thousand and One Nights and reflected the everyday concerns of Islamic society

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:04 pm

Odisha approves nearly 76,612 crore-worth projects; set to create 50,517 jobs

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited has proposed to establish an ingot and wafers along with a Solar PV Cell Manufacturing Unit in Ganjam with an investment of 10,000 crore

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 12:01 pm

Calcutta High Court upholds decision to recognise Ritabrata Banerjee as Bengal Leader of Opposition

The court, however, called for affidavits by all parties to examine the larger question of whether the Speaker acted within the ambit of his powers while recognising the LoP.

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:59 am

Andhra Pradesh to remove 43 doctors for long absence from duty: Health Minister

The Health Minister said some doctors had stayed away for nearly four years and ignored show-cause notices, in the governments second such action in a month

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:56 am

Ahead of parliamentary body meet, Shiv Sena (UBT) says action will be taken against those who violate whip

Sanjay Raut Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar called him, during which it was discussed that those who resorted to treachery should not be spared

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:55 am

Fertiliser dealers licence suspended for alleged stock mismatch, overpricing in Kalaburagi

The dealer has been directed not to sell any fertiliser during the suspension period

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:51 am

Data centres classified to skip public hearing, environmental impact study: activist

Bolisetty Satyanarayana said the projects water and power needs could hit marine ecosystems, fishermens livelihoods and the power grid

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:50 am

Governors address in T.N. Assembly: Illicit mining and tax evasion will be dealt with an iron hand, says Arlekar

The Governor was giving his first address to the State Assembly after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led coalition government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay assumed office

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:44 am

Tirupatis Ratan Tata Innovation Hub opens Idea Lab, Studio Room for startups

The Collector reviewed startup technologies in healthcare and infrastructure, among them a squint-diagnosis device and a hand-rehabilitation glove

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:44 am

A Meghalaya food festival is bringing flavours of the Northeast to Hyderabad

The Meghalaya on a Plate festival spotlights tribal cuisines from the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities, with rice, fermented ingredients and slow-cooked meats at its heart

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:37 am

Taiwan not 'provoking' China, hopes new U.S. arms sale package can be approved soon, President says

China's military is extending into the Western Pacific, and its various forms of coercion continue to intensify, Mr. Lai said

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:35 am

Watch: FIFA World Cup Portugal held by DR Congo to a 1-1 draw

Portugal were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup Group K match on Wednesday.

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:34 am

Three killed as lorry rams stranded goods vehicle on NH-163 in Telanganas Jangaon

According to police, the accident was reported around 2 a.m. after the goods carrier which was transporting grocery items from Hyderabad to Devaruppula, suffered a tyre burst near the bridge

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:25 am

Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer: Tom Holland battles the Hulk as Peter Parkers powers spiral out of control

The upcoming chapter in the Marvel and Sony franchise finds Peter Parker facing a dangerous new evolution, a powerful enemy, and a world that no longer remembers who he is

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:21 am

Ashvitas Vessels of Vulnerability Celebrates R Varadarajans enduring artistic legacy

On view at Ashvitas until July 17, this retrospective traces a lifelong engagement with abstraction, emotion and human vulnerability, offering a poignant reflection on grief, and memory

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:20 am

Drug culture has taken deep roots in Tamil Nadu: Governor in address to Assembly

DMK raises slogans over poor law and order in the State

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:19 am

Watch: US and Iran sign deal to end West Asia war, oil prices fall

The United States and Iran have signed a landmark agreement aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia, raising hopes of a major diplomatic breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions.

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:18 am

Amaravati to get quantum and AI innovation centre with IBM on June 18

The State government said the Amaravati centre would link 380 quantum innovation cells and over 3,000 students and professors across engineering colleges

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:16 am

Congress jabs govt. over Iran-U.S. MoU signing, calls it severe setback to PM's foreign policy

Jairam Ramesh argued that the MoU represents a serious blow to the U.S. that along with Israel started the war with Iran on February 28 this year with maximalist aims that have just not been realised

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:08 am

World Music Day 2026: Hyderabad to light up with music

On World Music Day, you can sing along at Fte de la Musique, the free, open-air music festival, soak in the rhythms of Mediterranean with the Alright Mela or join a chorus rendition of the National Anthem in three-part harmony by Hyderabad Voices

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:01 am

Google Gemini co-lead Noam Shazeer to join IPO-bound OpenAI

Shazeers move comes as leading AI firms compete for talent while racing to develop advanced models

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 11:00 am

Samuel Moutoussamy: Where does the DR Congo player get his surname from?

As a defensive midfielder, Moutoussamy played a pivotal role in defending the powerful attack of the opposite team; Moutoussamy had two shots on goal besides the 84% pass percentage

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:58 am

Two arrested for 'hurling' petrol bombs at RSS office in Jharkhands Ranchi

The two accused were apprehended from Lohardaga district on June 17, and a car used by them was seized, police said

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:53 am

Iran-U.S. MOU opens doors for Iran to stake claims in Strait of Hormuz

While Iran had presented a toll on the Strait of Hormuz as a means of funding post-war reconstruction, the agreement provides for a separate massive reconstruction fund in addition to oil-sale revenues

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:53 am

Americas Iran playbook: after coercion, a return to diplomacy

Despite any difference in ideologies, political a liations or strategies, every U.S. administration comes to the realisation that Iran cannot be bullied with airstrikes, sanctions or diplomatic isolation; treading the same path, Trumps latest deal aims to address the most pressing dangers

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:45 am

Stock markets recover early lost ground; trade higher

The BSE benchmark traded 108.95 points up at 77,264.57, and the Nifty quoted 44.25 points higher at 24,132.60

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:41 am

Rahul Gandhi speaks with family of U.P. sailor killed in U.S. attack, Congress alleges govt. abandoned citizens

Mr. Gandhi assured the family of all necessary help

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:34 am

The new grammar of energy security must not be misdiagnosed

It is a fallacy to view the critical mineral supply chain as a monolithic entity comparable to the global oil market

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:29 am

FIFA World Cup: Luis Diaz shines as Colombia outclasses Uzbekistan

Fayzullaev scores Uzbekistan's first World Cup goal; Munoz, Diaz and Campaz score for Colombia who lead Group K

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:28 am

Voting for Karnataka Legislative Council polls begins June 18

The ruling Congress, which has 37 members in the 75-member Upper House, is expected to achieve a majority with victory assured in four seats

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:22 am

Rupee falls 21 paise to 94.71 against U.S. dollar in early trade

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading at 0.14% up at 100.23

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:20 am

How lopsided was the SpaceX IPO that raised $85.7 billion?

The grand entry of the biggest ever IPO has raised concerns over the relaxation of rules enabling wealth concentration in the hands of a few

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:19 am

In Hyderabad: new breakfast place, an Andhra food fest and a curry leaf ice cream

Artisanal bakes and creative egg dishes for breakfast to celebrating Andhra flavours or trying a curry leaf ice cream, here are some options for you in Hyderabad

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:07 am

When draws are mightier than wins

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:07 am

OpenAI chief tells G7 to 'not cede responsibilities' to AI giants

The remarks came on the final day of the three-day G7 summit hosted by France, which gathered leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, along with invited guests

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 10:01 am

AI must empower people: PM Modi at G7 Summit

France, June 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Outreach Session on Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of Artificial Intelligence, at the G7 Summit in Evian, France. The Prime Minister highlighted that while Artificial Intelligence was a transformative force with the potential to redefine the direction of human civilization, it must also empower people. He elaborated that it was with this larger thought that India had hosted the AI Impact Summit recently. Underlining India's human-centric or MANAV [human] vision for AI, he stated that the technology must be anchored in the principles of inclusivity, security, and public good. Noting that India has always viewed cyberspace as a global public good, Prime Minister emphasized that democratic countries must have access to AI models that can secure their critical information infrastructure and help them deal with cyber threats. He called for an integrated approach to AI development where safety, speed and efficiency are dealt together. In this regard, he made four suggestions: AI systems should be safe-by-design; AI deployment must be accompanied by common standards, testing frameworks, and regulatory guidelines; there should be effective global cooperation to deal with deepfakes, misinformation and cyber fraud; and the benefits of AI must reach countries of the Global South to ensure an inclusive world, as per the statement. The Prime Minister concluded by stating that AI must expand human potential, empower human choice and protect human dignity, and noted that India would continue to work with partners to promote these objectives, the statement said. Meanwhile, PM Modi met US President Donald Trump on the margins of the G7 Summit. He commended President Trump for his efforts that had resulted in an understanding to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia and restore peace and stability across the broader region. He also underlined the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to ensure the safety of seafarers. The two leaders reviewed the substantial progress achieved under the India-U.S. COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) since their meeting in Washington DC in February 2025. They welcomed key developments across the defence, strategic technologies, energy, and bilateral trade sectors. The statement said that the leaders noted with particular satisfaction the significant progress made in negotiations towards an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and instructed their officials to work towards a balanced, mutually beneficial, and commercially meaningful agreement at the earliest. The US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, will be visiting India next week in this connection. Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across all domains for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples, the statement said. (ANI)

RisingKashmir 18 Jun 2026 9:57 am

Tamil Nadu Assembly LIVE: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to address House for the first time

DMK MLAs, led by Udhayanidhi Stalin, stage a protest outside the Tamil Nadu Assembly, raising slogans against TVK government and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over law and order issues

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 9:51 am

Two shooters held after encounter in Yamuna Khadar murder case

The accused, identified as Atif and Ismail, were allegedly captured on CCTV cameras opening fire on Rashid in broad daylight

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 9:31 am

US-Iran sign 14-point MoU ending military operations, reopening Hormuz

Washington DC , June 18: US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have virtually signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and launching a 60-day process to negotiate a final agreement on sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme. Citing a White House official, CNN reported that Trump personally signed the memorandum on Wednesday while meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The agreement, which was also signed by Pezeshkian, immediately came into effect. CNN reported that the United States released the official text of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. A senior US administration official described the agreement as a mechanism to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, address Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium and create a framework for phased economic relief linked to Iranian compliance. This is fundamentally an agreement that allows us to open the Strait of Hormuz immediately, commit the Iranians to destroying the nuclear dust, and then gives us a dial where if the Iranians dial up their good behaviour, we respond by dialling up the kind of economic and sanctions relief that can make them a more prosperous country, the official was quoted by CNN as saying. According to Press TV, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the text of the memorandum had been finalised and signed by both sides. He stated that consultations with Oman and other countries had been underway for some time and that arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz had largely been agreed upon. Baghaei said safe maritime passage would be ensured while preserving he sovereignty and authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The 14-point agreement includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon, and a pledge to conclude negotiations on a final deal within 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. Under the memorandum, the United States will begin removing its naval blockade and related restrictions, while Iran will facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for an initial 60-day period. The document also outlines plans for the phased lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, Treasury waivers for Iranian oil exports, and a US-backed reconstruction and economic development programme for Iran worth at least USD 300 billion. According to Press TV, Iran reaffirmed in the memorandum that it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The agreement also provides for discussions on the future of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Fox News had earlier reported that the broader framework would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the American blockade, initiating a 60-day negotiation period on Iran's uranium enrichment activities, sanctions relief measures and a structured ceasefire arrangement involving Israel and Hezbollah. (ANI)

RisingKashmir 18 Jun 2026 9:28 am

NSE Files for 30,000-crore IPO; set to become India's biggest-ever public issue

The filing marks a major milestone for NSE, whose listing plans had been stalled for nearly a decade due to regulatory hurdles, including the co-location controversy

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 9:19 am

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Uzbekistan vs Colombia LIVE updates: Colombia's Daniel Muoz scores first goal

Colombia will be facing the World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, on June 17, 2026

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 8:57 am

PM Modi in Paris LIVE updates: Modi arrives in Paris, meets members of Indian diaspora

Modi is scheduled to attend VivaTech 2026 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and interact with the Indian community

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 8:55 am

Sanskritik YatraSindhu Darshan festival celebrates Indias cultural diversity

Srinagar, Jun 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala and All J&K Christian Sabha, organized the vibrant Sanskritik Yatra 2026Sindhu Darshan Festival at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. MLA Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, graced the occasion as the chief guest while MLA Ramnagar, Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj, attended as the guest of honour. Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, was the special guest on the occasion. The programme was attended by the artists, religious leaders, students, cultural enthusiasts and citizens in a unique celebration of Indias rich cultural heritage and collective commitment towards a drug-free society. Secretary JKAACL Harvinder Kour highlighted the importance of cultural exchange programmes in strengthening the national integration and preserving Indias rich artistic traditions. She said that such initiatives provide an ideal platform for the artists from different regions to interact, learn from one another and celebrate the spirit of Unity in Diversity. Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi lauded JKAACL, NZCC and All J&K Christian Sabha for organizing a programme that combined cultural celebration with a powerful social message. He observed that art, culture and languages are invaluable assets of every society and serve as bridges connecting people across regions, faiths and communities. He said that in an era marked by social and ideological divisions, cultural initiatives have an important role in promoting mutual respect, harmony and national integration. Referring to the theme of the programme, Pardesi expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth and emphasized that society must collectively address this challenge. He urged the young people to channel their energies towards education, sports, creativity and community service. Stressing that the future of the nation rests in the hands of its youth, he said that every stakeholder including parents, teachers, religious institutions and civil society organizations must work together to protect young minds from the dangers of addiction. He described drug abuse as a social challenge that can only be overcome through awareness, compassion, guidance and sustained community participation. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Ramnagar Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj, described the programme as a meaningful initiative that successfully integrated cultural exchange with social awareness. He said that the theme Unity of Religions Against Drug Abuse carries immense significance in the present times and demonstrates how cultural and religious institutions can contribute positively towards nation-building. Referring to the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the campaign reflects the government's commitment to eliminate the scourge of drugs and creating a healthier society. Dr. Bhardwaj emphasized that art and culture are powerful mediums for educating and sensitizing youth about social issues. He stated that the vision of a Viksit Bharat can only be realised through a healthy, educated and empowered youth population. Various interfaith leaders, including representatives of different religious communities, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the collective responsibility of society in combating the drug abuse. They highlighted the crucial role of parents and families in sensitizing the children about the harmful consequences of addiction and promoting ethical and moral values from an early age. The audience was enthralled by a series of mesmerizing cultural performances representing the rich cultural ethos of different states of the country. Artists from Manipur presented the graceful Lai Harobba, Gujarat showcased the energetic Dandia Raas, Maharashtra presented the vibrant lavni while artists from Kashmir captivated the audience with an enthralling Dhamali folk dance. Odishas traditional Goti Pua, Rajasthans world-famous Kalbelia, and Punjabs energetic Bhangra added colour and vibrancy to the festival. Renowned folk and Sufi singer Manak Ali further enthralled the audience with soulful renditions blending spirituality and folk traditions.

RisingKashmir 18 Jun 2026 8:53 am

Pre-conference workshop on applied AI held at CUK

Ganderbal, Jun 17: As a prelude to the International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence (2AI2026), scheduled from June 1819, 2026, Department of Information Technology, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration University of South Dakota, AI Research Lab, USA, partnered by Springer and CCIS, organized a pre-conference workshop on Artificial Intelligence at the Tulmulla Campus, here on Wednesday. Addressing the participants, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, described Artificial Intelligence as the elephant in the room that can no longer be ignored, noting that AI has already become an integral part of modern life and education. He underscored the need for integrating AI into different disciplines and professional domains rather than viewing it merely as a standalone field. He stressed that while new technologies often generate apprehensions, they simultaneously create opportunities and new categories of employment. Prof. Shahid Rasool urged the students to focus on understanding how AI can augment expertise in their respective fields and contribute to national development, particularly in the context of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Professor, Department of Computer Science, Central University of Karnataka, Prof. R. S. Hegadi said that conferences should not only serve as venues for presenting research papers but also as platforms for transferring practical knowledge to budding researchers and students. Referring to the overwhelming response received by 2AI2026, he observed that the conference had attracted a large number of quality research submissions and maintained rigorous standards of selection. Prof. Hegadi stated that AI is poised to influence every aspect of human life and that the future will require a large pool of engineers, scientists and technologists capable of harnessing its potential responsibly. Naseer Butt, Principal Engineering Manager, Microsoft, described the present era as a transformational moment in human history, where technologies once considered futuristic have rapidly become part of everyday life. He observed that AI is reshaping industries, redefining workplace expectations and creating new avenues for innovation. Sharing his experiences, Butt explained how AI-powered tools have significantly accelerated problem-solving, software development and decision-making processes. He remarked that Artificial Intelligence is not replacing human creativity but rather extending human capabilities and enabling individuals to achieve more than ever before. Speaking on the occasion, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science Engineering, Poornima University, Jaipur, Dr. Debasmita Ghosh Roy, focused on the practical and ethical dimensions of AI. She elaborated on the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of AI systems and cautioned participants against the uncritical use of generative AI tools. She highlighted concepts such as prompt engineering, model bias and responsible AI usage, emphasizing that effective implementation requires a sound understanding of how these technologies function. Drawing examples from healthcare applications, she stressed that AI-driven systems must be designed and deployed carefully, particularly in sensitive sectors where inaccuracies can have serious consequences. Earlier, in his welcome address, the event organiser and Asst Prof. Dr. Yash Paul, said the pre-conference workshop will generate discussions on AI-enabled innovation, ethical challenges, workforce transformation, indigenous technological development and the future of AI-driven societies. He thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath for his unwavering support and commitment for this initiative. He said that the proceedings of the conference will be indexed in the Scopus. Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, scholars, students of the CUKashmir, Dr. Maheshkumar H. Kolekar, Associate Prof. IIT, Patna, Dr. Suresh Jange, University Librarian, Gulbarga University Karnataka, were present. Er. Afaq Alam, Sr Asst Prof. proposed the vote of thanks. Thereafter, technical sessions were held during which Mr. Naseer Butt and Dr. Debasmita Ghosh Roy made presentations.

RisingKashmir 18 Jun 2026 8:45 am

JK Pensioners Welfare Federation President Lenin Sampat visits Bpora

Srinagar, Jun 17: Lenin Sampat, State President of the Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners Welfare Federation and Senior Citizens Civil Society, visited District Bandipora on Wednesday. During the visit, he held a detailed meeting with local pensioners, attended by District President Mohd Maqbool and District General Secretary Gh. Rasool Wani of Sumbal. A wide range of issues concerning pensioners was discussed in the meeting. It was also decided that a district-level Convention of pensioners of Bandipora will be convened shortly.

RisingKashmir 18 Jun 2026 8:42 am

Messi team writes toBidhannagarPolice; blames Aroop Biswas for fiasco

Communication reportedly names security lapses, unscheduled interactions and the presence of unaccredited personnel at Salt Lake Stadium

The Hindu 18 Jun 2026 8:39 am