What is compensatory afforestation? | Explained
While compensatory afforestation is suitable for a developing economy to maintain sustainability, one of its main drawbacks is that plantations are inherently different from natural ecosystems
Shots fired in Gymkhana club in Belagavi
Staff on duty told the police that an attempt was made to kill Suresh Jalgar
The controversy dates back to January 19, 2026, when Singh along with two other members organized a meeting at the club where four accused in the 2018 Bhima-Koregaon case were invited
How an unwitting cadet became a victim of Turkiyes anti-coup crackdown
We want this government to change; for it to correct the injustices that have torn us apart; they decided my childs fate; solving this problem is their responsibility said Alper Kaplins mother
Pepperstone Expands Perpetual CFDs as Markets Move Toward a 24/7 Future
Pepperstone Expands Perpetual CFDs as Markets Move Toward a 24/7 Future
Local Hero Devkumar Rai Rescues Four Trapped In Mahindra Thar As Balasan River Rises At Dudhia
Darjeeling, July 15: A major tragedy was averted on Tuesday night after a Mahindra Thar carrying four occupants got stranded in the middle of the [] The post Local Hero Devkumar Rai Rescues Four Trapped In Mahindra Thar As Balasan River Rises At Dudhia appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
FBI adds gangster Nitish Kaushal to its most wanted list
Kaushal, an Indian national, allegedly carried out acts of violence on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, including, but not limited to, kidnappings and assaults, the FBI said
Can AI moderate social media content? Heres why it falls short
Meta has spent years telling the public that better automation and more advanced models will make its platforms safer. But a detection system only catches what its been built to catch.
U.S. military will be out of Iraq by end of September, Iraqi PM and Pentagon say
American troops have been diminishing their footprint, withdrawing from areas and consolidating forces.
Micro job fair in Coimbatore on July 17
Congress seeks SIR deadline extension in Telangana
The delegation cites slow progress in voter verification, particularly in Hyderabad
Bahrain sounded its missile alert siren, while Kuwaits military said its air defences were firing to shoot down incoming missiles and drones
Why Semaglutide is an inflection point for Indias generics sector?
More than a supply chain issue and missing the first mover status, Semaglutide episode has rather exposed systemic chinks and could prove costly for Indias pharmaceutical industry, which supplies about 20% of the worlds generic medicines by volume.
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
CM Naidu calls for reforms in business rules, faster governance through technology
Naidu instructs officials to constitute a committee to redraft the Business Rules and introduce reforms that would make governance more efficient and responsive
Norway firm to set up Indias first river kinetic energy demo plant in Arunachal
Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul says the technology to generate electricity from river currents without requiring major civil infrastructure could ensure environmentally responsible utilisation of natural resources
Ram Temple corruption episode biggest proof of BJP govt. failure: U.P. Congress chief Ajay Rai
When it comes to taking credit for the temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.P. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are always at the forefront; hence they will be blamed for this heinous crime and theft at the temple, said Mr. Rai
Dr. Mustafa Kamal, the Abdullah who rooted for J&Ks pre-1953 position, dies in Srinagar
Mustafa Kamal wouldblamethe Congress for embroiling the Kashmir issue by arresting his father and party founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in 1953
France managed only two shots on target as Spain, chasing a second World Cup title, suffocated them
Statewide agitation in Haryana against parallel power licence,AgriDISCOMand smart meters
Eatery in Kochi shut down after nearly 50 hit by suspected food poisoning
Posters of Akhilesh, Mulayam in skull caps spark SP-BJP war of words
TVS Emerald inks Joint Development Agreement for four-acre land parcel in Noombal
Former SCERT Director arrested over errors in Odisha textbooks
Acts and omissions resulted in the publication and distribution of erroneous textbooks, causing wrongful loss to the State exchequer of approximately 175 crore, says Crime Branch
The poll body also agrees to examine the issue and frame guidelines, if necessary
Heatwave conditions to prevail in parts of Tamil Nadu on July 15, says RMC
The maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal by 2 C to 4 C at isolated pockets over interior and coastal Tamil Nadu till July 16
Antibiotic resistance is no longer a distant threat spoken of in medical journals; it is a crisis unfolding in the Kashmir Valley. In clinics, hospitals, and even homes, drugs that once cured common infections are beginning to fail. Behind every such failure is a human story: a child with recurring fever, an elderly patient with a stubborn wound, a young mother battling an infection that refuses to respond. The Valley cannot afford to ignore this creeping emergency. For years, antibiotics have been dispensed and consumed with little restraint. Over-the-counter sales without prescriptions, self-medication, incomplete courses, and the casual use of strong drugs for minor ailments have become a dangerous norm. In many places, a chemists counter has become the first point of consultation, reducing doctors advice to an optional step. This culture of convenience has come at a high cost. Bacteria are learning to outsmart the very drugs designed to defeat them. Kashmirs fragile health system is especially vulnerable. Government hospitals are overburdened, private healthcare is often costly, and rural primary health centres struggle with staff and resources. In such a setting, antibiotic resistance threatens to widen existing inequalities. The poor will be hit hardest, forced either into catastrophic health spending for advanced treatments or into silent suffering when infections become untreatable. At the same time, hospitals risk becoming hubs for drug-resistant infections if protocols are lax. The problem, however, is not confined to human health alone. The unchecked use of antibiotics in poultry, livestock, and even horticulture is contaminating soil and water, creating reservoirs of resistance that flow back into our lives. The Valleys rivers and lakes, already stressed by pollution, may also be carrying resistant microbes downstream. What looks like a medical issue is, in truth, an environmental and societal one. Kashmir needs a clear and urgent response. First, the sale of antibiotics must be strictly regulated. Chemists should not be allowed to hand out powerful drugs without valid prescriptions, and repeated violations must invite penalties. Second, doctors, both in the public and private sectors, must lead by example, prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and educating patients about completing courses. Antibiotic stewardship programmes in all major hospitals, including GMCs and district hospitals, are no longer optional. Equally important is public awareness. People must understand that an antibiotic is not a quick fix for every cough, cold, or fever. Schools, colleges, religious institutions, and media houses can play a vital role in spreading this message. Simple measures: hand hygiene, vaccination, safe food and water can reduce infections in the first place and thereby the need for antibiotics. The Valley has successfully mobilised around issues like polio eradication and COVID-19. The fight against antibiotic resistance demands similar seriousness, coordination, and transparency. If we delay, we risk entering a post-antibiotic era where routine surgeries, childbirth, and minor injuries become life-threatening. Antibiotics are a precious, shared resource. In the Kashmir Valley, already burdened by limited healthcare infrastructure and economic constraints, losing them would be devastating. Policymakers, health professionals, chemists, and citizens must act together before the drugs we rely on today become useless tomorrow.
Rethinking Development in the Kashmir Valley
The Kashmir Valley stands at a critical crossroads. On one side lies the promise of rapid infrastructure, tourism, and energy projects; on the other, the fragile ecology and social fabric that have sustained this land for centuries. Sustainable development in Kashmir can no longer remain a slogan in government documents and summit speeches. It must become the guiding principle for every road built, every project cleared, and every rupee spent. The Valleys environment is sounding clear alarms. Glaciers are retreating, weather patterns are increasingly erratic, and water bodies are shrinking or choking under pollution. Dal and Wular, once the pride of Kashmir, now mirror our collective neglect. Unplanned urbanisation, sand and boulder extraction from rivers, and reckless construction in floodplains have turned natural buffers into zones of risk. The 2014 floods were not just a natural calamity; they were a stark reminder of what happens when development ignores ecology. At the same time, livelihoods, aspirations, and dignity cannot be put on hold in the name of conservation. Youth unemployment remains dangerously high, agriculture is under stress, and tourism is vulnerable to both political and climatic shocks. A sustainable pathway for Kashmir must therefore rest on three pillars: ecological protection, inclusive economic growth, and local participation in decision-making. Hydropower, roads, and tunnels may be billed as engines of progress, but they must pass the test of transparency and accountability. Environmental impact assessments should be rigorous, not ritualistic. Local population must be consulted, compensated fairly, and made partnersnot victimsof change. Traditional knowledge about forests, water channels, and cropping patterns should inform planning, rather than be dismissed as obsolete. There is immense untapped potential in eco-tourism, organic horticulture, high-value agriculture, and renewable energy at a human scale. Strengthening local self-governance, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and enforcing building codes could save both lives and livelihoods in the long run. Universities and research institutions in Kashmir should be at the forefront of mapping climate risks and guiding policy. Sustainable development is not about choosing between the environment and the economy; it is about refusing false choices. For the Kashmir Valley, the cost of short-sighted development will be unbearable. The time has come for policymakers, institutions, and citizens alike to insist that every project answers a simple question: does it secure the future of our land and our people, or mortgage it?
Over 100 plastic surgeons gather in Chennai to mark World Plastic Surgery Day
T.N. food Minister Venkataramanan meets Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi
Signal failure disrupts trains services on Beach-Tambaram and Chengalpattu corridor
The disruptive rise of Indias new political generation
For decades, Indias political establishment spoke of youth as the future, but that future has arrived sooner than expected
The Arsenal Moves to the Industrial Park
TECHNOLOGY & NATIONAL SECURITY Sometime in the coming weeks, India's Ministry of Defence is expected to issue a Request for Proposal inviting private companies to build the Astra Mk-2, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with a reach of 180 to 200 kilometres. Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, the Tata Group, Mahindra and ICOMM are reported to be in the running. A frontline Indian missile is about to roll off a private assembly line for the first time. The logic behind the move is hard to fault. Bharat Dynamics Limited, the state-owned firm that has long held a near-monopoly on tactical missile production, cannot keep pace with demand from the armed forces and export clients. Defence exports touched a record Rs 38,424 crore in the year to March 2026, and Indonesia has expressed interest in the Astra. The order book has outgrown the factory. The timing, though, carries a problem the announcement cycle has skipped past. India is distributing missile production across corporate India at the precise moment the world's battlefields have made missile factories the first thing you strike. What actually changed Under the incoming Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026, the ministry has ended BDL's exclusive hold on tactical missiles. DRDO has distributed ten to twelve missile development programmes across public and private firms, and four private companies, Adani Defence and Aerospace, Bharat Forge, ICOMM and Solar Defence and Aerospace, have been designated Development-cum-Production Partners. The projects span an indigenous anti-ship missile, the Rudram series of anti-radiation missiles, a man-portable air defence system, a 1,000 kg glide bomb and a drone-launched precision munition. The direction of travel is clear. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh told the CII Annual Business Summit in May that the time had come to involve private industry in ballistic missile production as well. The Pralay, a tactical ballistic missile with a 500 kilometre range, is widely expected to be the next programme opened up. All of this follows the earlier decision to end Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's monopoly in aerospace manufacturing. The sequencing is deliberate. The factory is now the target Look at what 2026 has done to missile factories elsewhere. Ukraine has struck at least six Russian plants tied to Iskander production since March, part of at least 48 recorded attacks on Russian defence-industrial facilities between January and June. Thirteen came in June alone. Russia has answered in kind. Its June strike on the Lasar Group drone plant caused an estimated 35 million dollars in damage and, by a Russian military analyst's own assessment, destroyed design documentation that will take longer to replace than the building. In West Asia, the US-Israeli campaign against Iran severely damaged four ballistic missile production facilities, including Khojir and Parchin, within weeks. The pattern across three separate conflicts is the same. Air defence can intercept a missile in flight. Nothing intercepts the loss of the line that builds it. Production has replaced the launcher as the centre of gravity, and serious military planners everywhere have updated their target lists accordingly. The exposure gap A BDL plant sits on defence land behind defence-establishment security, with a vetted workforce and networks built for classified work. A private missile line will sit where private factories sit: in a commercial industrial park, on corporate IT. And it will belong to a company that answers to shareholders. That last detail matters more than it appears. A listed company has disclosure obligations. Capacity expansion and large defence orders surface in investor presentations and quarterly filings. An adversary assembling a target list no longer needs an intelligence operation. It needs a broking account. India is dispersing the arsenal without dispersing the armour. The cyber exposure scales the same way. Reporting around India's new space cybersecurity guidelines put cyberattack attempts during Operation Sindoor at over 1.5 million, with attacks on government networks rising nearly sevenfold. That pressure was aimed at one hardened government perimeter. Missile production will now live on five or more corporate networks, each with its own vendor tiers, each only as strong as its weakest supplier's email server. The case for dispersal, taken seriously The strongest argument for the reform is the same battlefield evidence read the other way. One BDL is a single point of failure, and a strike on one campus halts national output. Ten production sites across ten firms are far harder to decapitate. Ukraine's own drone industry has survived four years of Russian targeting partly by scattering itself across small workshops. That argument is correct as far as it goes. But Ukraine's dispersal was forced by war, with relocation and secrecy enforced by survival. India's dispersal is a procurement reform. The forthcoming RFP will assess production capability. No public document so far describes physical hardening standards, air defence cover or mandatory cyber requirements for private missile lines. That gap is my reading of the published record, and I would be glad to be corrected by an annexure nobody has released yet. Bottom Line The Astra Mk-2 exists to counter the Chinese PL-15E missiles supplied to Pakistan before Operation Sindoor. India needs it at scale, and private industry is the fastest route to scale. DAP 2026 answers the question of who builds the missile. The question it leaves open is older and harder. The RFP will decide who manufactures the Astra Mk-2. Nothing published so far decides who defends the factory. (The Author studies Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He is interested in emerging technologies and innovation, and can be reached on LinkedIn at @arssh-kumar14)
India-U.S. defence technology ties big ambitions, little delivery
Meaningful defence technology collaboration continues to elude the United States and India
Steady in turbulence: On Indias Australia, New Zealand ties
India must build partnerships in this age of global turmoil
Mothers education key to child nutrition in J&K
Srinagar, Jul 14: A mother's education can make the difference between a healthy childhood and a lifetime of disadvantages, according to a new study that has found children born to illiterate mothers in Jammu and Kashmir are significantly more vulnerable to malnutrition and stunted growth. The study, published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports, highlights educational inequality among mothers as one of the major drivers of child malnutrition in the Union Territory and calls for urgent policy interventions aimed at improving female literacy and educational attainment. Conducted by researchers Insha Tariq, Javaid Iqbal Khan and Manzoor Ahmad Malik, the study analysed data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) involving 5,731 children under the age of five across Jammu and Kashmir. The findings reveal that despite considerable improvements in healthcare indicators in recent decades, nutritional outcomes among children have remained a serious concern. According to the study, nearly 29 per cent of children born to mothers without formal education were stunted, compared to 25 per cent of children whose mothers had received schooling. Stunting, measured by low height-for-age, is considered one of the most important indicators of chronic malnutrition and reflects prolonged nutritional deprivation during the early years of life. Researchers found that children of educated mothers had significantly lower odds of suffering from stunted growth, with maternal literacy emerging as a strong protective factor against malnutrition. The study reported that children of literate mothers were around 11 per cent less likely to experience stunting compared to children of illiterate mothers. According to the authors, education empowers women with knowledge and awareness regarding nutrition, breastfeeding practices, hygiene, immunisation schedules, sanitation and healthcare utilisation, all of which contribute directly to improved child health outcomes. The researchers noted that educated mothers are also more likely to seek timely medical care, adopt better feeding practices and access government welfare schemes aimed at improving maternal and child health. The study paints a broader picture of child nutrition in Jammu and Kashmir, where malnutrition continues to affect a significant proportion of children despite improvements in income levels and healthcare access. NFHS-5 data showed that 27 per cent of children under five in Jammu and Kashmir are stunted, while 19 per cent suffer from wasting, 21 per cent are underweight, and 5.2 per cent are overweight or obese. The burden of malnutrition was found to be particularly severe among children living in economically weaker households and rural areas. Among children of illiterate mothers, stunting affected 31 per cent of rural children and 29 per cent of urban children. In comparison, the prevalence stood at 29 per cent among rural children of educated mothers and 24 per cent among their urban counterparts. Apart from maternal education, the study identified several other factors associated with child malnutrition. Children born with below-average birth size were found to face significantly higher risks of stunting compared to children with normal birth weight. Similarly, higher birth order and household poverty were also linked with increased nutritional vulnerability. Gender differences were also observed, with boys found to be more susceptible to stunting than girls in the study population. Regional disparities emerged as another important finding, with children in the Kashmir division showing higher odds of stunting than children living in the Jammu region. To better understand the role of education, researchers used the Oaxaca decomposition technique, a statistical method that measures how much of the nutritional gap can be explained by differences in social and economic characteristics. The analysis showed that educational differences among mothers accounted for a statistically significant share of the disparity in child nutrition outcomes. Nearly 26.5 per cent of the gap in stunting between children of educated and uneducated mothers could be explained by differences in demographic and socio-economic characteristics, while the remaining gap was linked to broader structural disadvantages associated with lower educational attainment. The researchers argued that investments in girls' education could produce long-term public health benefits that extend well beyond literacy rates. Education does not merely improve knowledge; it influences health-seeking behaviour, family decision-making, household income and nutritional choices, the study observed. The findings assume added significance as India works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including the target of ending all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The authors stressed that reducing educational inequalities among women should become a central component of strategies aimed at tackling child malnutrition in Jammu and Kashmir. They recommended strengthening female education programmes, improving access to schooling for girls, expanding nutrition awareness campaigns and integrating educational interventions with existing maternal and child healthcare initiatives. The study concluded that while hospitals and nutrition programmes remain important, one of the most effective long-term solutions to child malnutrition may begin much earlier in classrooms educating the mothers of tomorrow.
J&K gets Rs 919.35 cr recommended under Samagra Shiksha for 2026-27
Srinagar, Jul 14: The Project Approval Board (PAB) under the Ministry of Education has recommended an outlay of Rs 919.35 crore for Jammu and Kashmir under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for the financial year 2026-27, with the largest share earmarked for improving the quality of school education, followed by financial support for teachers, skill education and RTE entitlements. According to the Minutes of the Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting for Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory had sought an allocation of Rs 1,168.23 crore, including Rs 1,096.40 crore under recurring expenditure and Rs 71.83 crore under non-recurring expenditure. However, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) recommended Rs 919.35 crore, comprising Rs 874.33 crore recurring and Rs 45.03 crore non-recurring, reflecting a reduction of nearly Rs 249 crore from the UT's proposal. The largest recommended allocation of Rs 326.70 crore (35.54%) has been made under Quality Interventions, although the UT had proposed Rs 493.22 crore for the component. The quality interventions category includes teacher training, ICT initiatives, libraries, learning enhancement programmes and other academic improvement measures. The second highest allocation has been made under Financial Support for Teachers, with Rs 194.09 crore (21.11%) recommended against the UT's proposal of Rs 210 crore. The Board has also recommended Rs 126.32 crore (13.74%) for Skill Education, slightly lower than the proposed Rs 143.32 crore, highlighting continued emphasis on vocational education in schools. Under the Right to Education (RTE) Entitlements, the PAB approved Rs 84.55 crore, matching the amount proposed by the UT. The funds will support free textbooks, uniforms and other student entitlements. For Gender and Equity, the Board recommended Rs 67.02 crore against the proposed Rs 89.29 crore, while Access and Retention received Rs 39.98 crore, lower than the proposed Rs 53.95 crore. The recommendations also include Rs 43.73 crore for Programme Management, Rs 15.68 crore for Sports and Physical Education, Rs 11.85 crore for Teacher Education, Rs 8.02 crore for Inclusive Education, and Rs 1.50 crore for Monitoring of the Scheme. The PAB minutes also reviewed the implementation of the 2025-26 programme. Against a budget approval of Rs 2,325.84 crore, Jammu and Kashmir had incurred an expenditure of Rs 1,102.64 crore, representing 47.4 per cent utilisation. Of the total expenditure, Rs 488.31 crore was recurring while Rs 614.32 crore was non-recurring. The highest expenditure during 2025-26 was recorded under Access and Retention at Rs 344.56 crore, accounting for 31.25 per cent of the total expenditure. This was followed by Quality Interventions at Rs 273.31 crore (24.79%), Skill Education at Rs 180.93 crore (16.41%), and Financial Support for Teachers at Rs 152.57 crore (13.84%). The UT also spent Rs 72.80 crore on RTE Entitlements, Rs 33.63 crore on Teacher Education, Rs 15.68 crore on Sports and Physical Education, Rs 11.66 crore on Programme Management, Rs 8.80 crore on Gender and Equity, Rs 3.20 crore on Monitoring of the Scheme, and Rs 98.55 lakh on Inclusive Education. The recommendations made by the Project Approval Board will now form the basis for financial assistance to Jammu and Kashmir under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme during the current financial year, subject to the release of funds as per Government of India norms.
J&K declares leprosy Notifiable Disease
Srinagar, Jul 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared leprosy a 'Notifiable Disease' across the Union Territory, making it mandatory for all healthcare establishments to report every diagnosed case to the authorities. The Health and Medical Education Department issued anotification in exercise ofpowers conferred under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, stating that leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Although the disease is curable, delayed diagnosis and untreated cases can result in permanent disabilities and continued transmission within communities. The notification noted that India has made remarkable progress under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), with the prevalence rate declining from 57 cases per 10,000 population in 1983 to 0.57 cases per 10,000 population in 2024-25, reflecting sustained public health interventions and surveillance efforts. The decision follows recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, which, through a communication dated May 14, 2025, urged states and Union Territories to declare leprosy a notifiable disease in line with the National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-2027 and the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030 to achieve the vision of a Leprosy-Free India. The Health Department has urged all government and private healthcare facilities, including medical colleges, corporate hospitals, non-governmental organizations, and other healthcare providers, to report every diagnosed case of leprosy to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the concerned district, with copies to the District Leprosy Officer and the State Leprosy Officer, NLEP, in the prescribed reporting format. The move is also supported by provisions of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, which require registered healthcare establishments to report notifiable diseases as directed by State or UT Government. Officials said mandatory notification will strengthen disease surveillance, facilitate early detection, improve timely treatment, prevent disabilities associated with delayed diagnosis, and help interrupt community transmission through prompt public health interventions. The notification also refers to a recommendation by the Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, who advised the formal declaration of leprosy as a notifiable disease to ensure mandatory reporting from all sectors. Leprosy, a neglected tropical disease, remains a global health challenge despite effective treatments, with India among the highest-burden countries. The Health and Medical Education Department stated that the notification comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in operation until further orders.
The dangers of being a cool teacher
When the classroom meets the algorithm, it is children who pay the price
Safety top priority for SCoR, say general manager
Amarnath Yatra crosses 3 lakh pilgrims in record 12 days
Srinagar/Jammu, Jul 14: The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 continued smoothly on Tuesday, crossing a significant milestone as more than three lakh devotees offered prayers at the holy cave shrine since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.Theachievement marks the fastest-ever crossing of the three-lakh pilgrim mark in just 12 days, reflecting the unprecedented enthusiasm among devotees and the extensive arrangementsput in placeby the authorities. Highlighting the landmark achievement, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has scripted history by crossing the three lakh mark in a record 12 days. I commend all the officials, service providers and volunteers. Their dedication and hard work have made this holy pilgrimage smooth and memorable for every devotee of Baba Barfani. Har Har Mahadev!hesaid. Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 5,335 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in the early hours of Tuesday under multi-tier security arrangements. The batch comprised 3,911 men, 1,288 women and 21 children, who departed in a convoy of escorted vehicles towards the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam. Officials said 1,736 pilgrims travelling in 84 vehicles proceeded towards the Baltal axis, while the remaining pilgrims headed for the traditional Pahalgam route. Security forces accompanied the convoy throughout the journey to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims. The pilgrimage is witnessing a steady inflow and outflow of devotees each day. According to official figures from the Baltal axis, 3,588 pilgrims had safely returned to Domail after performing darshan by 2:00 pm on July 14. The returning pilgrims included 2,589 men, 873 women, 40 children, 10 sadhus, seven sadhvis, two transgender devotees and 67 security personnel, reflecting the seamless management of pilgrim movement along the Baltal route. Officials said the Yatra is progressing peacefully under a comprehensive security grid and coordinated efforts of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), disaster response agencies, health departments and volunteers. They added that all essential services, including healthcare facilities, sanitation, transportation, communication networks and emergency response mechanisms, are functioning efficiently to ensure a safe, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for devotees visiting the revered Himalayan shrine.
Structural audits flag 14 governmentschools for demolition; seven get nod
DoE assessing 108 schools; most identified buildings are around 40 years old; earthquake-resistant four-storey structures planned, with students to be shifted during redevelopment, says official
From Kashmir to Chenab, frequent tremors keep J&K on edge
Srinagar, Jul 14: The rattling of windows, swaying ceiling fans, and hurried rush to open spaces have become familiar scenes across Jammu and Kashmir whenever the earth shakes beneath the Himalayas. From Srinagar to Doda, Kishtwar to Kupwara and Ladakh to Poonch, recurring tremors in recent years have kept residents on edge, serving as reminders that the region sits atop one of the most seismically active zones in the world. Scientists say the reason lies deep beneath the mountains. J&K is located along the collision boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where the Indian plate continues to move northwards at nearly five centimetres every year. The enormous pressure generated by this ongoing collision is periodically released through earthquakes, making the Himalayas one of the youngest and most geologically active mountain systems on Earth. Consequently, large parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh fall under Seismic Zones IV and V under India's seismic zoning map, with Zone V representing the highest earthquake hazard category in the country. Large swathes of Kashmir Valley, Chenab Valley and parts of Ladakh fall in the highest risk category. Renowned earth scientist Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo says the Kashmir Himalaya remains among the most vulnerable regions in South Asia because of its active tectonic setting and rapidly expanding urban footprint. The Kashmir Himalaya is among the most seismically active regions in the world due to the continued convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Preparedness and strict adherence to seismic building codes are critical to reducing future losses, Romshoo says. According to geologists, the region is influenced by major fault systems, including the Main Boundary Thrust, Main Central Thrust and several local fault lines that continue to accumulate stress beneath the surface. The scars of the devastating October 8, 2005, earthquake continue to haunt the region. The magnitude 7.6 earthquake, with its epicentre near Muzaffarabad, killed more than 80,000 people across the region and left widespread destruction in Uri, Tangdhar and several border areas of north Kashmir. Entire villages were flattened within seconds, and thousands were left homeless. Nearly two decades later, scientists warn that the Himalayan arc remains capable of producing earthquakes of similar or even greater intensity. This year alone, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck Baramulla district in February, while another 4.2 magnitude tremor jolted Doda district in March. Earlier this month, a moderate earthquake near Padam in Kargil district also triggered concern among residents, although no damage was reported. Tremors originating in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region are also frequently felt across Jammu and Kashmir due to the region's geological setting. A recent study co-authored by Romshoo on Srinagar's built environment warned that large sections of the city are highly vulnerable to earthquake damage because of dense habitation, soil characteristics and inadequate compliance with seismic safety standards in many structures. The researchers recommended strict enforcement of building codes, retrofitting of vulnerable buildings and scientific urban planning to reduce disaster risks. Experts, however, caution against complacency. There is a misconception that frequent small earthquakes release pressure and reduce the likelihood of larger events. Scientifically, that is not true. Small tremors do not rule out the possibility of a major earthquake, says independent weatherman Faizan Arif. Experts point out that traditional Kashmiri architecture, particularly the timber-laced Dhajji Dewari construction technique, had historically shown remarkable resilience during earthquakes. However, these structures are increasingly being replaced by reinforced concrete buildings, many of which are constructed without adequate seismic safeguards. Veteran meteorologist and Director Meteorological Centre Leh, Sonam Lotus, says preparedness rather than prediction remains the only defence against earthquakes. Unlike weather systems, earthquakes do not provide advance warning. Preparedness, resilient infrastructure and public awareness remain our strongest tools to minimise losses, Lotus says. He notes that Himalayan regions are increasingly exposed to multiple hazards, including earthquakes, cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides, making disaster preparedness an essential part of life in the mountains. Recent cloudburst in Pahalgam, landslides in Kishtwar and extreme weather events across the region have highlighted the growing vulnerability of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem to multiple and overlapping hazards. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the mountains may symbolise permanence and stability. Yet beneath the snow-covered peaks and picturesque valleys, the earth continues to move silently. The question facing Jammu and Kashmir is not whether another major earthquake will strike. It is whether the region will be prepared when the mountains move again.
ENG vs IND 1st ODI: Axar and Gill do the star turn as India goes one up
Axar Patel follows up his four-wicket haul with a match-winning partnership in the company of Washington; the skipper lays the platform in the chase with a classy 80 before retiring hurt
LG approves pilot rehab scheme for drug abuse victims
Srinagar, Jul 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the proposed Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, aimed at establishing a comprehensive, convergence-based framework for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of individuals recovering from substance use disorders across the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez, and other senior officers. Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez gave a detailed presentation highlighting the salient features of the proposed Scheme. The Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme envisages a structured three-year rehabilitation cycle comprising: Phase I Treatment and Stabilization: Focusing on medical treatment, counselling, and preparation of Individual Rehabilitation Plans (IRPs). Phase II Reintegration and Livelihood Activation: Aimed at facilitating education, skill development, employment, and family reintegration. Phase III Sustained Monitoring and Social Inclusion: Providing continued follow-up, relapse prevention, community support, and long-term social reintegration through coordinated interventions of multiple departments. A dedicated Rehabilitation Monitoring Portal (RMP) is being developed to facilitate digital case management, monitoring of Individual Rehabilitation Plans, inter-departmental convergence, and real-time tracking of rehabilitation outcomes while ensuring confidentiality of beneficiaries. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the comprehensive and collaborative approach adopted by the Task Force in formulating the Scheme and directed that the pilot implementation should be initiated in two most affected districtsone from the Kashmir Division and one from the Jammu Divisionto assess its effectiveness and ensure a focused approach. He stressed that community participation, family support, skill development, and continuous monitoring must remain the cornerstone of the rehabilitation process. He directed that committed officers be identified to work with dedication towards the rehabilitation of drug victims, and motivated women volunteers and groups to be identified, imparted appropriate training, and involved in counselling and rehabilitation efforts. Community participation is crucial for the successful reintegration of victims into the mainstream. We should encourage volunteers and interested government employees to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Trainingand capacity building programs for the concerned staff must begin at the earliest to equip teams with specialized skills and enhance the delivery of rehabilitation services, the LG said. The scheme has been prepared by a Task Force constituted under the Chairmanship of the Principal Secretary, Home Department, with the Social Welfare Department as the Nodal Department.
Telanganas political lingo needs a reset
Abuses and personal attacks have replaced reasoned speeches and discussions
Choosing the Right Course, Not Just the Right College
Every year, after the declaration of the Class 12 examination results, thousands of students across Kashmir begin one of the most important journeys of their academic livesthe selection of a college and an undergraduate course. Unfortunately, this crucial decision is often influenced by misconceptions, peer pressure, social prestige, and incomplete information rather than careful planning and career aspirations. The consequences of a wrong decision may remain with a student for years. One of the biggest mistakes observed during the admission season is that students and even parents give greater importance to the name of the college rather than the course being offered. The first question often asked is, Which college is better? instead of Which course is best suited to my interests, abilities, and future career? This approach is fundamentally flawed. Students must understand that irrespective of whether they study in a college located in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Pulwama, or any other affiliated institution, the degree is ultimately awarded by the University of Kashmir. The academic value of the degree remains the same. What makes the real difference is whether a student has chosen a course that aligns with his or her aptitude, interests, and long-term career goals. A student pursuing a preferred subject in a nearby college is likely to excel far more than another studying an unwanted subject merely to gain admission into a reputed or popular college. This unhealthy preference for a handful of colleges has also created another challenge. Every year, a few colleges witness overwhelming admissions, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and increased pressure on infrastructure and faculty. At the same time, several neighbouring colleges located only a few kilometres away, despite offering quality education and a wide range of courses, remain underutilized. Such an imbalance not only affects the quality of education but also places unnecessary stress on students who travel long distances every day when equally good opportunities are available closer to their homes. Before selecting a course, students should carefully evaluate several important factors. They should identify their areas of interest, understand their strengths, explore future career opportunities associated with different subjects, and seek guidance from teachers, career counsellors, and experienced professionals instead of relying solely on friends or social media trends. Choosing a course simply because it is popular or because friends are opting for it can prove to be a costly mistake. Another aspect that deserves equal attention is the availability of sports and recreational facilities in the college. College education is not confined to classrooms alone. Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining health, reducing stress, improving concentration, and developing leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Students should therefore consider whether a college has adequate sports infrastructure, playgrounds, gymnasium facilities, trained physical education staff, and opportunities to participate in sports and cultural activities. Academic excellence and physical well-being must go hand in hand to ensure holistic development. While students step into a new phase of independence, the responsibility of parents does not end with securing admission. In fact, parental guidance becomes even more important during the college years. Parents should remain actively involved in their children's academic and personal lives. They should know the college timings, ensure that their children attend classes regularly, and remain aware of when they leave home and when they return. Regular communication with teachers and periodic monitoring of attendance can help identify academic or behavioural concerns at an early stage. Equally important is awareness of the company students keep. The transition from school to college exposes young adults to new social environments where peer influence can be both positive and negative. Parents should encourage healthy friendships and remain vigilant against habits such as smoking, substance abuse, and other activities that may adversely affect a student's future. Guidance, trust, and open communication are far more effective than excessive restrictions. College life also demands maturity in behaviour, appearance, and conduct. Students should remember that educational institutions are centres of learning and character building. Maintaining appropriate dress, respecting teachers and fellow students, following institutional rules, and upholding ethical and moral values reflect one's personality and contribute to a healthy academic environment. Discipline, punctuality, honesty, and mutual respect are qualities that will benefit students not only during college but throughout their professional lives. The admission season should therefore be viewed not merely as a race to secure a seat in a particular college but as an opportunity to make informed decisions that shape one's future. Students should choose courses that match their aspirations, consider the academic and extracurricular opportunities available, and remember that success depends far more on dedication and hard work than on the name of the institution. Parents, educational institutions, and society must collectively guide young learners towards thoughtful choices that promote academic success, personal growth, and responsible citizenship. A well-chosen course, a supportive family, a disciplined lifestyle, and a balanced emphasis on academics and physical activity together provide the strongest foundation for a meaningful and successful future. As thousands of students across Kashmir begin this new chapter, let wisdom guide their choices rather than popularity, perception, or peer pressure. (The Author is Director of Physical Education & Sports, Higher Education Department, Jammu & Kashmir)
Sensible Driving: The Discipline Kashmir Desperately Needs
Kashmirs roads tell a story long before the evening bulletins do. On any given day, a short drive through Srinagar is enough to reveal a troubling truth: we have normalised chaos on the roads. Honking at every turn, overtaking from the wrong side, jumping signals, parking where we please, and driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on the phonethese have become routine habits, not rare violations. Yet behind every minor act of indiscipline lies the risk of a tragedy that can shatter families in seconds. Year after year, official figures and news reports quietly tell us what we refuse to confront honestly: road accidents remain one of the leading causes of avoidable deaths and injuries in Jammu and Kashmir. We debate politics, economics, and governance with great passion, but when it comes to our own behaviour on the road, we look the other way. The uncomfortable fact is that many of these accidents are not fate or destiny; they are the direct outcome of human choicesspeed, anger, distraction, and a casual disregard for rules. Sensible driving is not a sophisticated idea that needs foreign experts or expensive technology. It is the simplest of disciplines: obey the speed limit, respect the lane, wear the seat belt or helmet, avoid the phone, yield to pedestrians, and remember that every life on the road is as precious as your own. But in our context, these basics often appear optional. Some of us treat rules as suggestions meant for others. The real test of our civic sense is how we behave when no one is watchingwhen there is no traffic cop, no camera, no fine waiting around the corner. The geography of Kashmir makes sensible driving even more critical. We are not driving on endless plains. Our hilly terrains, sharp curves, and narrow village roads leave very little room for error. A moment of impatience on a highway, a reckless overtake on a bend, a bus overloaded with passengers on a steep ascentthese are not just violations, they are potential disasters. The landscape that draws tourists from around the world can quickly turn into a scene of mourning when discipline disappears from the drivers mind. There is also a cultural dimension we rarely discuss. We take pride in Kashmiri hospitality, in our warmth towards guests, and in our sense of community. But that same care rarely appears on the road. Elderly people struggle to cross busy intersections, children weave between parked vehicles, and ambulances often get stuck because other drivers refuse to give way. A society that truly values life and dignity must reflect that value in its driving habits. To let an ambulance pass is not just a rule; it is a measure of our humanity. Enforcement, of course, matters. Stricter fines, regular checks on licenses and vehicle fitness, tough action against drunk or rash driving, and better road engineering are all necessary. Authorities cannot remain indifferent when the cost of negligence is counted in lives. But if we imagine that enforcement alone will fix the problem, we are mistaken. A traffic cop cannot sit inside every vehicle. At some point, the conscience of the driver has to become the strongest regulator. Sensible driving begins with small, personal decisions. It begins when a parent refuses to let a teenager ride a two-wheeler without a helmet, no matter how much the child insists. It begins when we leave home ten minutes earlier instead of making up for our delay by speeding recklessly. It begins when we put the phone on silent and accept that no call or message is worth risking a head-on collision. It begins when we see a pedestrian not as an obstacle but as a fellow citizen with an equal claim to the road. We also need to educate, not merely punish. Driving schools must go beyond teaching how to start, steer, and park a vehicle. They must instil an understanding of road ethicswhy a zebra crossing matters, why tailgating is dangerous, and why indicators are not decorative lights but essential signals. Schools and colleges can play a role too. A session on road safety every year, a campaign led by students, a project on local accident datathese are simple steps that can slowly change attitudes. Media and religious institutions can contribute meaningfully as well. Friday sermons and editorials often focus on moral decline and social evils. Reckless driving and disregard for life on the road should be part of that moral conversation. When a young breadwinner dies in a preventable crash, it is not just an accident; it is a blow to the economic and emotional stability of an entire family. Treating road safety as a moral obligation, not only a legal one, can give it the seriousness it deserves. Ultimately, the choice before us is stark. We can continue to complain about potholes, narrow roads, and inadequate infrastructure while driving as if we are in a private playground. Or we can accept that no amount of road-widening will compensate for an undisciplined mindset. A wide road can reduce congestion, but it cannot slow down a mind addicted to speed and showmanship. A traffic signal can regulate flow, but it cannot force respect where there is none. Sensible driving is not weakness; it is strength. It takes more courage to control ones temper at a busy intersection than to lean on the horn and shout at others. It takes more maturity to slow down near a school than to race past to save time. In a region that has seen more than its share of grief, we owe it to ourselves to at least reduce the suffering that is entirely within our control. If we truly want a safer, calmer, and more humane Kashmir, the change must start with how we hold the steering wheel and how we press the pedal. Every journey we begin is a quiet promiseto our families waiting at home, to the strangers sharing the road, and to the generations learning by watching us. The question is simple: will we keep that promise, or will we continue to treat the road as a place where rules, and lives, are easily broken? (The Author is a research scholar and social activist)
Chennais representative at WEF summit returns with new vision for youth
MCD launchesEduLife2.0 portal todigitisemanagement of 1,500 Delhi schools
France vs Spain, FIFA World Cup LIVE: Barcola starts, Spain unchanged in semifinal showdown
Kylian Mbappe leads the French attack against a Spain side that has conceded only one goal so far at this World Cup
When Parents Grow Old and Children Grow Distant: The Changing Face of Elder Care
There was a time when the twilight years of life were spent in the comforting embrace of family. Elderly parents lived under the same roof as their children, watched their grandchildren grow, shared stories over evening tea, and found contentment in the familiar rhythm of home. Caring for ageing parents was never considered an obligation; it was simply a way of life. The family stood as the strongest support system, and old age was viewed not as a burden but as a stage deserving love, respect, and dignity. The India of today, however, presents a very different picture. The pursuit of higher education, better employment, and financial stability has scattered families across cities and continents. Young men and women leave their hometowns to build careers in metropolitan cities or abroad. While this migration has opened doors to professional success, it has quietly widened the distance between parents and children. This distance is not merely geographical; it is emotional and social. Elderly parents are increasingly finding themselves living alone in homes that once echoed with laughter and activity. Their children remain deeply attached to them, yet the demands of modern life often prevent them from being physically present. It is in this changing social landscape that professional elder-care agencies have emerged as an important part of urban life. Over the past few years, India has witnessed the rapid growth of organisations that provide home-based care for senior citizens. These agencies offer trained caregivers who assist with daily activities, administer medicines, accompany elders to hospitals, monitor their health, arrange medical consultations, and respond during emergencies. Some even provide companionship by spending a few hours every day with elderly people who otherwise spend most of their time alone. The popularity of these services reflects a changing reality rather than changing values. It would be unfair to assume that children who hire professional caregivers have abandoned their responsibilities. In most cases, they are trying to fulfil those responsibilities in the only way circumstances permit. Modern careers leave little room for choice. A son working in Bengaluru cannot be with his ageing parents in Srinagar every day. A daughter employed in London cannot immediately travel home whenever her father falls ill. Their absence is often the price they pay for the opportunities that also enable them to support their families financially. This has created a difficult emotional dilemma. Children wish to remain close to their parents but cannot always do so. Parents encourage their children to pursue successful careers, yet they silently miss their presence. Both generations carry their own share of sacrifice. Professional caregiving has become an attempt to bridge this gap. It ensures that someone trustworthy is available to help elderly parents when family members cannot be there. Caregivers remind them to take medicines, help with household chores, accompany them to medical appointments, and offer immediate assistance during emergencies. Yet elder care is about far more than physical assistance. Old age often brings an invisible burdenloneliness. After retirement, social circles gradually shrink. Friends move away or pass on. Children become busy with careers and raising families. Days grow quieter, and conversations become fewer. For many senior citizens, the greatest hardship is not illness but isolation. Human beings are emotional by nature. They need conversation, affection, and companionship regardless of age. A few kind words, someone asking about their health, or simply sharing a meal together can lift the spirits of an elderly person more effectively than many medicines. Professional caregivers can provide valuable companionship, but they cannot replace the emotional bond shared between parents and children. That bond has been built over decades of sacrifice, love, and shared memories. It cannot be recreated through employment. Technology has undoubtedly made communication easier. Video calls allow families to see one another despite being separated by thousands of kilometres. Messages travel instantly across the world. But technology has its limits. A mobile phone cannot wipe away tears, hold a trembling hand, or offer the comfort that comes from the physical presence of a loved one. Parents seldom complain. Most understand the pressures their children face. They know the world has changed. They know careers demand mobility and competition. Many even hide their loneliness because they do not wish to become a burden. Children, too, live with silent guilt. They often wonder whether they are doing enough. Every missed family gathering, every delayed visit, every unanswered phone call leaves behind a feeling of regret. Hiring a caregiver often becomes an expression of concern rather than convenience. However, society must recognise an important truth. Professional care should complement family care, not replace it. No agency can celebrate festivals with the warmth of family. No paid caregiver can recreate childhood memories or the comfort of hearing one's own son or daughter say, I am here. Emotional presence remains the greatest gift children can offer, even if physical presence is not always possible. Families can still remain closely connected despite distance. Regular phone calls, frequent video conversations, planned visits, celebrating important occasions together, involving parents in family decisions, and simply listening patiently can make elderly parents feel valued and remembered. Choosing an elder-care agency also demands responsibility. Since senior citizens are among the most vulnerable members of society, families must ensure that caregivers are properly trained, verified, compassionate, and accountable. Trust is the foundation of quality elder care. The rise of these agencies also reflects broader demographic changes. India is steadily becoming an ageing society. Improvements in healthcare have increased life expectancy, while migration and nuclear families have reduced the availability of traditional family support. The need for organised elder care will therefore continue to grow in the coming decades. This changing reality calls for collective responsibility. Governments must strengthen healthcare services for senior citizens. Employers should encourage flexible work arrangements whenever possible. Residential communities should create neighbourhood support systems where elderly residents living alone receive regular assistance. Civil society organisations can also play a meaningful role by promoting volunteer programmes and social engagement for senior citizens. Ultimately, the discussion is not about choosing between family care and professional care. It is about combining both with compassion and wisdom. Professional caregivers can ensure safety, health, and daily support. Families must continue to provide love, emotional security, and a sense of belonging. Every parent spends the best years of life building a future for their children. They sacrifice comfort, postpone dreams, and work tirelessly without expecting repayment. In return, they ask for very littlerespect, affection, companionship, and the reassurance that they have not been forgotten. The growing elder-care industry is a reflection of changing times, not declining values. It represents society's effort to adapt to new realities. Yet even the finest professional service can never replace the warmth of a familiar voice, the comfort of a loving embrace, or the joy of seeing one's children walk through the front door. As we celebrate progress, mobility, and global careers, we must ensure that we do not leave behind those who once held our hands and taught us how to walk. Our success will be measured not only by the heights we achieve but also by the care we extend to those whose sacrifices made those achievements possible. In the end, ageing parents do not seek luxury. They seek love. And while professional care can make life easier, only family can make old age truly meaningful. (The Author is a columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
A forgettable World Cup blip in Ronaldos unforgettable career
For two decades, he has been among the greatest footballers to have graced the game. While the Portuguese superstar will walk away without the distinction of having won the marquee event in six attempts, it shouldnt affect the legacy of a forward who won many titles for the biggest clubs in the world
AIP leaves statehood protest call to Rasheed
Srinagar, July 14: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Tuesday said its Political Affairs Committee, after detailed deliberations, has authorised party president and Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rasheed to take the final call on the National Conference's invitation to join its proposed protest seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the party has conveyed the National Conference's invitation to Engineer Rasheed through his legal team and has left the final decision to him in the larger interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Inam Un Nabi said that while AIP has apprised Engineer Rasheed, through his legal team, about the National Conference's invitation to join the proposed July protest, the party believes the NC leadership must also reflect on its past political decisions. AIP also alleged that the National Conference had ignored its party (AIP) during the formation of the Gupkar Alliance while accommodating political formations that, according to the statement, existed only on paper and nowhere beyond. The statement said Engineer Rasheed would take the final call on the National Conference's invitation after considering all aspects of the proposal and in the best interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister virtually inaugurates sub health centres in Vellore, Ranipet
New health centres in these villages were a long-standing demand for residents
Contractors booked for forcing couple into bonded labour for four years in Hyderabad
Man killed, another injured after truck hits motorcycle at Suchitra
Restored Kamaraj statue unveiled at Katpadi
On the occasion, free books and stationery items were also distributed to school students
Final-year B.Tech student ends life in Hyderabad, family cites exam stress
T.N. police mount vigil on six long-distance trains to curb ganjasmuggling
In July so far, 1,020 drug-related cases have been booked, resulting in the arrest of 1,270 people and recovery of 1,034 kg of ganja, 4.5 kg of other drugs, and 4,579 narcotic tablets
Drug peddler arrested, 26 grams MDMA seized
Delhi University opens SOL, DDCE and COL admissions for 2026-27 academic session
Revanth, Bhatti, KCR condole Mudragada
Andhra Pradesh joins National Theatre Festival celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram
Nabin recalls legacy, urges people to vote for partys Bankipur bypoll candidate
Mr. Nabin said the people of Bankipur have always blessed him, and now his younger brother will work with that same trust and blessing, further accelerating the journey of development in Bankipur
A.P. farmers body seeks extension of crop insurance premium deadline
68-year-old pedestrian dies in Kadaba taluk
How Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram is soaking in the spirit of FIFA World Cup 2026
Companies in Technopark have organised an array of events such as Jersey Day, penalty shootout, fans tournament, prediction contests, and quiz ever since the tournament began
Incentives, warnings and assurances: how an Indian sailor transited Hormuz
Indian seafarer aboard oil tanker recalls incentives from his employer to make the risky transit via route near Oman, the threats from the Iranian side to stop, and encouragement from the U.S. Navy to move ahead
UTT: Sayali stuns Manika in UPs thrilling victory
A.P. government removes Pulladigunta lands from prohibited list
The move paves the way for 201 families to secure full ownership rights of their lands after nearly a century; however, retains vacant government land and public institution sites under government control
Two-wheeler aggregators: HC seeks response from State govt.
People factor is a critical boardroom priority: Rajesh Nambiar
`Enterprises must quickly embed structural flexibility into their core operation to respond to ongoing geopolitical and technological market disruptions
Colombia's President-elect to be sworn in at military base
Abelardo De la Espriella centered his presidential campaign on iron fist security policies, supporting military action against criminal groups.
Norway turns World Cup heartbreak into a national celebration
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Why Gujarat wants to become Indias data centre hub
The Gujarat government believes its new Data Centre policy could transform Gujarat into one of Indias leading digital infrastructure hubs, with Dholera at the heart of that vision. But why are states suddenly competing for data centres? And can Gujarat realistically become Indias next data centre capital?
MRF ranked Indias Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand
Museum housing rare palm-leaf manuscripts gets 5 crore funding boost
The Ministry of Culture has released 5 crore under the Museum Grant Scheme for the construction of new building of the museum - a home to nearly 5,000 palm-leaf scripts dating back to the 17th, 18thand 19thcentury
MEA clarifies that passports are issued to regulate international travel
Chief warder, two warders arrested for the death of a remand prisoner in Nagercoil jail
SabariVarman, 34, a differently abled resident ofEeththankaadunearSuchindram, was arrested on July 9 for allegedly possessing the bannedgutkaand remanded in custody. He died in the prison there under suspicious circumstances on July 12
Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying NASA astronaut Anil Menon launches to ISS
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday
To seek support for Kerala governments anti-drug enforcement drive, Operation Toofan
Maharashtra ATS questions 66 youth to uncover Pakistani gangsters alleged network in India
Sleeper cells being formed by luring economically weaker youth via social media, says anti-terror agency
One more body found from tragic trawler in Sundarbans; Death toll rises to 10
Five fishermen are still missing from the vessel that went missing off the coast on July 2
D.K. Shivakumar seeks Central team to assess drought situation in Karnataka
