Two arrested in Guwahati nightclub assault case
The case was registered suo motu on October 2 night, and an investigation has been started. People involved in managing the club have been questioned at the local police station. No arrests have been made yet, says DCP Guwahati
Bus on way to funeral overturns on Ananthagiri ghat road in Telanganas Vikarabad
Education Ministry approves setting up of five Centres of Excellence in classical languages
The five centres will be set up to strengthen academic research, digitisation, preservation, and dissemination of heritage of these classical languages, says the Ministry of Education
Delhi Police registers three FIRs over anti-CEC protests, none named
No individual or organisation has been named as an accused in the FIRs. However, details of organisers and organisations that proposed or participated in the demonstrations have been mentioned in the contents of the FIRs, an officer said.
Across multiple Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, pre-filled Form-7 applications were filed in bulk seeking deletion of Muslim voters names
Asian Games 2026: India lose to Thailand 2-3 to finish sixth in mens volleyball
The Indians lost 19-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-17, and 15-17 in the closely contested fifth-sixth classification match that lasted one hour and 56 minutes
Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted terrorist attack, says UAE
UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsis comments were the first by Emirati authorities to describe the incident as an attempted terrorist attack
Telangana CM orders for comprehensive online safety network for children
Singing, for unity or division
Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami: What we know about the alleged attacker?
Hamam Al-Hammami was reportedly barred from flying previously by Omani authorities for his radical ideological views, the WSJ reported
Intensive reading versus extensive reading
How are the two different and why both approaches need to complement each other to encourage students to read
Annual elders fest Hiriyara Habba in Bengaluru on October 4
The organisers are expecting 800 senior citizens from 40 old-age homes across Bengaluru to come together for the event, supported by over 800 volunteers
Annual elders fest Hiriyara Habba in Bengaluru on October 4
The organisers are expecting 800 senior citizens from 40 old-age homes across Bengaluru to come together for the event, supported by over 800 volunteers
Ritu Arya and Tewfik Jallab on the emotional fallout of Apollo Has Fallen
Ritu Arya and Tewfik Jallab talk about the dark places their characters Zara and Vincent inhabit, and the adrenaline-fuelled action set pieces in Apollo Has Fallen
Keralam child rights panel registers suo motu case over lapses at State School Games in Thrissur
Commission seeks reports from education, police and child protection officials after roof collapse injures students and parents in Thrissur
Keralam child rights panel registers suo motu case over lapses at State School Games in Thrissur
Commission seeks reports from education, police and child protection officials after roof collapse injures students and parents in Thrissur
Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention
Our Ambassador in UAE met Captain Machchhar in hospital and enquired about his well being, says the Ministry of External Affairs statement
Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention
Our Ambassador in UAE met Captain Machchhar in hospital and enquired about his well being, says the Ministry of External Affairs statement
Some of their demands are justified, says Morcha head Iranna Kadadi
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says One Nation One Election is just a slogan
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says One Nation One Election is just a slogan
CJP stresses non-violence, urges citizens to join October 10 Delhi protest
The CJP has been demanding Gyanesh Kumars resignation, citing alleged irregularities in the electoral processes and the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise
Flood-affected Bihar man dies after being hit by air-dropped relief material
Officials in Saran district said a relief packet dropped from a helicopter allegedly struck the mans head, though police said no injury marks were found on his body
After CAPF constables death in Bijapur, family alleges murder
Constable Vijendra Thakur, of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force died on September 30 at Sendra Camp in Farsegarh
The WarGames problem: Computer science has long understood what it takes to keep AI under control
The problem with headlines proclaiming that AI agents have gone rogue goes beyond anthropomorphising the technology. It creates the impression that the agents were beyond the control of the AI companies that made them and there was little the companies could do about it.
Asian Games 2026: Neeraj wins individual recurve bronze
Neeraj registered scores of 29-26, 27-28, 28-29, 30-28, 29-28 in the bronze medal play-off
Can Congresss Pargat Singh bridge Punjab units factional divide | Explained
New Punjab Congress chief a balancing act? Will the temporary calm hold?
Rapunzel syndrome: 1 kg hair mass removed from girls stomach, small intestine at hospital in Keralam
She was admitted with persistent abdominal pain and vomiting. Scans revealed severe intestinal obstruction, and a subsequent endoscopy confirmed a large mass of hair accumulated in stomach and small intestine
Inside Bandhavgarhs forests: The evolving nature of tiger tourism
We step into Madhya Pradeshs Bandhavgarh forests to see tigers. We come back with a grand sighting, lessons on ecology and responsible tiger tourism.
Uproar over Dalit womans roadside delivery amid untouchability allegations
Rani Vanvasi, a 20-year-old pregnant woman gave birth on the roadside outside government district hospital in Bhadohi on September 29, after she was allegedly denied admission for delivery; the victims family also alleged that hospital staff failed to provide timely treatment and did not admit her.
Impostor posing as Minister threatened judges inside District Judges chamber in West Bengal
Three judicial officers at Alipore Court, including two women, wrote to the District Judge alleging intimidation by a man who falsely claimed to be a Cabinet Minister and had earlier been in Enforcement Directorate custody in the Rose Valley case
How the 15-minute city can shape Indias next housing boom
With employment hubs spreading across cities, housing is increasingly being planned around connectivity, convenience and everyday needs
Pargat Singhs rare sports-to-politics transition from the hockey turf to the helm of the Punjab Congress explains his political journey and why he replaced Warring as the Punjab Congress president
TVK Ministers slam DMK chief Stalin over alleged body-shaming of Dharapuram bypoll candidate
DMK president M.K. Stalin criticised Dharapuram bypoll candidate Sathyabama for switching from AIADMK to TVK, asking how did she manage to do somersaults with her body?
Rashtra, dharma depend on each other, says Mohan Bhagwat at Vihar Seva conference
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Indias knowledge tradition, from the Vedas to the Guru Granth Sahib, is what the world needs today, calling the protection of those who carry it a service to humanity
Two migrant workers killed as borewell rig overturns onto house in Keralam
The deceased were identified as Devender, a native of Madhya Pradesh, and Manasar, a native of Chhattisgarh
Mohan Charan Majhi government epitome of mismanagement: Naveen Patnaik
BJD launches Jan Sampark Padayatra, its annual month-long public outreach programme on occasion birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
Father-in-law not liable under domestic violence law for not controlling son: Delhi HC
Justice Madhu Jain made the observation while dismissing a womans challenge to a lower court order that had declined to proceed against her father-in-law over allegations of domestic violence
Chef Sujan Sarkar takes Michelin-starred Indienne to New York
In Chicago, chef Sujan Sarkar pushed Indian food into American conversation as serious contemporary cuisine capable of nuance, technicality and narrative. Now he is bringing his skills to New York City.
Rethinking suicide prevention in Adivasi communities
When people are uprooted from their language, culture and communities, distress can deepen in ways clinical care alone may not address. Suicide prevention must therefore draw on the collective strengths and knowledge of Adivasi communities themselves
Rethinking suicide prevention in Adivasi communities
When people are uprooted from their language, culture and communities, distress can deepen in ways clinical care alone may not address. Suicide prevention must therefore draw on the collective strengths and knowledge of Adivasi communities themselves
Anthropic warns government attitudes may hurt customer ties, IPO prospectus shows
The company added that selling to government agencies carries additional risks, including changes in the governments view of Anthropic or its technology
Asian Games 2026: Pranavi makes history with gold as India women clinch team silver
The 23-year-old from Mysore sent in three birdies to recover from a horrendous triple bogey on the third hole, which had wiped away her three-stroke overnight lead
Why antique collectors in Keralam are raising an alarm over online fraud
Complaints have surfaced about fraudulent online sales of items that have undergone extensive repairs or had their original components replaced. Though restoration itself is a legitimate practice in the conservation of antiques, the concern is whether the extent of restoration, provenance and previous ownership are accurately disclosed to buyers
When Election Commission was rocked by internal disputes | Explained
A major controversy erupted when T.N. Seshan went to court challenging the appointment of two Election Commissioners; N. Gopalaswamis suo motu recommendation to the President for the removal of Navin Chawla was another shocking episode
Kashmir varsity removes associate professor after students protest over be my date remarks
The professor passed comment on the physical appearance of a female student and asked her to be his date. He warned the student of action in case she lodges any complaint, said a protesting student
Aparajita Flower Health Benefits: 7 Uses, Blue Tea Recipe and Side Effects
Aparajita flower health benefits are drawing fresh attention as this deep blue blossom, long valued in Ayurveda, reaches a wider audience through caffeine-free blue tea. Known botanically as Clitoria ternatea and commonly called butterfly pea, blue pea or Shankhpushpi, the climbing vine grows easily in Indian home gardens. Researchers have begun testing the traditional claims, [] The post Aparajita Flower Health Benefits: 7 Uses, Blue Tea Recipe and Side Effects appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
District Admin Pulwama celebrates Gandhi Jayanti
Pulwama, Oct 2: The District Administration Pulwama on Friday celebrated Gandhi Jayanti at GDC for Boys, Pulwama, with a series of activities highlighting the ideals and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, including truth, non-violence, cleanliness, selfless service and community participation. The programme was attended by ADDC Pulwama, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Ashraf, Principal GDC Boys Pulwama, Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, DSP Headquarters Pulwama, Showkat Ahmad Bhat, district officers, college faculty and students. At the outset, the chief guest, ADDC Pulwama, along with other officers and dignitaries, paid floral tributes at the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi as a mark of respect and remembrance, recalling his invaluable contribution to India's freedom struggle and his enduring philosophy of truth and non-violence. A plantation drive was also held in the college campus, during which the ADDC Pulwama, along with other officers, planted saplings, underlining the importance of environmental conservation, cleanliness and collective responsibility towards building a greener and healthier society. The main programme featured a series of cultural and educational presentations by students of different schools, depicting various aspects of Mahatma Gandhi's life, message and contribution to the freedom movement. Students of Government Upper Primary School Darsoo, Pulwama, presented a programme under the theme Swachhata Hi Seva, highlighting the importance of cleanliness, sanitation, personal hygiene and responsible citizenship, in line with Gandhi's vision of a clean and healthy society. Students of Government Upper Primary School Wagam, Pulwama, presented a thematic programme on Non-Violence, portraying Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and his belief in peaceful resistance, tolerance and harmony. Similarly, students of Government Middle School New Colony, Pulwama, presented a programme based on the Salt Satyagraha, depicting the historic movement and highlighting Gandhi's vision of peaceful civil resistance, collective participation and determination during the freedom struggle. Addressing the gathering, the ADDC spoke about the enduring relevance of Gandhi's ideals in contemporary society and called upon students and citizens to imbibe the values of truth, discipline, cleanliness, service and responsibility in their daily lives. He also highlighted the importance of Gram Sabhas in strengthening participatory grassroots governance, enabling people to identify local priorities, participate in planning and contribute actively towards inclusive and sustainable development. The ADDC urged the younger generation to become responsible citizens and carry forward the values of Mahatma Gandhi through meaningful community participation and constructive social action. Speakers from various colleges and schools also addressed the gathering and spoke about Mahatma Gandhi's life, his role in India's freedom struggle and the continuing relevance of his principles of truth, non-violence, simplicity, social harmony and public service. Principal GDC Boys Pulwama, in his address, highlighted Gandhi's significant contribution to the freedom movement and elaborated on his philosophy of non-violence and his message of peace, tolerance and service to society. On the occasion, progressive farmers were also felicitated and certificates of appreciation were distributed by the District Administration through the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry, recognising their contribution to the agricultural and allied sectors and encouraging them to continue adopting innovative and sustainable practices.
Wildlife Week 2026 begins with UT-level event at SKUAST-K
Srinagar, Oct 2: The J&K Wildlife Protection Department on Friday organized UT-level inaugural function of Wildlife Week 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar. The inaugural function marked the commencement of a week-long programme dedicated to creating awareness about wildlife conservation, protection of biodiversity and preservation of the rich natural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir. Dr. Suneesh Buxy, PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, was among the Special Guests on the occasion. In his address, Dr. Buxy highlighted the importance of connected habitats, wildlife corridors and biodiversity conservation for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife. He emphasized the need for a harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife and called for collective efforts towards reducing human-wildlife conflict through awareness, scientific management and community participation. Dr. Buxy also urged the students to become active ambassadors of environmental conservation and encouraged them to follow the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mantra given by the Honble Prime Minister, adopting environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, in his address, emphasized the important role of universities in generating scientific knowledge, undertaking field-oriented research and developing human resources for wildlife and environmental conservation. He stressed the need for closer collaboration between academic institutions and the Wildlife Protection Department so that research and innovation could effectively support conservation and wildlife management. Prashant Kumar, Administrative Member, CAT Srinagar, highlighted the broader significance of environmental and wildlife protection and stressed the importance of institutional responsibility, public awareness and adherence to the legal and regulatory framework governing conservation. He emphasized that protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems requires sustained efforts and participation from all sections of society. Tawheed Ahmad Deva, highlighted the rich wildlife diversity of Jammu & Kashmir, the importance of protecting habitats and the need for coordinated field-level efforts for wildlife protection and management. Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, Professor/Head, Wildlife Division, SKUAST-K, spoke about the role of scientific research and academic expertise in understanding wildlife populations, habitats and emerging conservation challenges. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches, capacity building and greater interaction between researchers, field officers and students. The addresses collectively highlighted the importance of research, education, connected habitats, wildlife corridors, institutional collaboration, community participation and scientific wildlife management instrengthening conservation efforts. A significant feature of the inaugural function was the release of books and technical publications viz. Coffee Table Book Dachigam, authored by Pervaiz Ahmad Wani, Deputy Conservator, Forests/Wildlife Warden, Central Division, Srinagar; SOPs for Management & Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict, authored by Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters; Asian Waterbird Census, prepared by the Wildlife Warden, Wetlands; Checklist of Mammals of J&K, authored by Muzafar Kidloo; Recovery of Kashmir Musk Deer, authored by Dr. Tanveer, WTI and Dynamics of Man-Animal Conflict, authored by Dr. Mohsin. The publications, relating to wildlife conservation, wildlife management and human-wildlife conflict, provide useful documentation and knowledge resources for conservation practitioners, researchers, students and other stakeholders. These publications provided an important platform for showcasing field experience, scientific work and documentation related to the wildlife and ecosystems of Jammu & Kashmir. The inaugural programme included screening of a wildlife documentary and jingle, a cultural presentation, inspection of stalls by the dignitaries and presentation of plants to the guests. The department stated that a series of awareness, educational and outreach activities would be undertaken during Wildlife Week 2026 to engage students, local communities and other stakeholders and to underline the importance of wildlife, connected habitats and habitat conservation. The J&K Wildlife Protection Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening wildlife conservation, promoting scientific knowledge, encouraging institutional collaboration and fostering greater public participation in the protection of Jammu & Kashmirs rich wildlife and biodiversity. Among the officers present on the occasion were Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters, and Rafi Ahmad, Joint Director, Forest Protection Force, besides other officers and officials of the Forest and Wildlife departments. The programme witnessed participation of faculty and students of SKUAST-K, Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, various government colleges and schools of Srinagar, NGOs including Wildlife Trust of India and Wildlife Conservation Fund, besides members of the media fraternity, environmentalists, wildlife enthusiasts and ecologists.
DC Kulgam presides over PPC, Reform Utsav at Pachgam
Kulgam, Oct 2: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Friday presided over a Peoples Plan Campaign (PPC), Reform Utsav and Special Gram Sabha at Pachgam village of Kund block, with a focus on participatory planning, public involvement and effective implementation of various government initiatives. A large number of local residents participated in the Gram Sabha and put forth their demands, developmental issues and suggestions before the Deputy Commissioner. The people expressed their gratitude to the DC for visiting the far-flung area and listening to their concerns. The Gram Sabha deliberated upon participatory preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP), implementation of VB-G RAM G and convergence of various schemes to address local development priorities in a coordinated manner. As part of Reform Utsav, detailed awareness was provided regarding VB-G RAM G, Jal Jeevan Mission and Land Records, highlighting key reforms, citizen-centric services and measures aimed at improving the delivery of government services. DC directed the concerned officials to ensure that Ward Sabhas are conducted within the current month to facilitate wider public participation in the planning process of VB-G RAM G. He also urged the local residents to take ownership of JJM assets and ensure their proper upkeep, protection and sustainable use and urged them to participate proactively in the upcoming ward sabhas and gram sabhas for the draft plan formulation. On the occasion, a resolution was also passed under Bal Vivah Sankalp, reaffirming the communitys commitment towards preventing child marriages and promoting awareness about the legal, social and developmental consequences of the practice. The program was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development, Project Manager, DPMU, JJM, BDO Kund, Panchayat Secretary, technical officials and other concerned functionaries and local public. Elsewhere, in all blocks of the district, similar nature of activities under People's Plan Campaign and Reform Utsav were conducted which were attended by local people, field functionaries of department under the supervision of BDOs and Designated Nodal Officers of the district administration.
AHWC Kenihama holds health camp under Peoples Plan Campaign
Budgam, Oct 2: As part of the Reform Utsav, a nationwide citizen-driven governance campaign, being observed in conjunction with the Peoples Plan Campaign (PPC) Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas, an AYUSH Health Camp was organised on Friday at Gram Sabha Kenihama under the thematic initiative Healthy Village. The camp was organised by AYUSH Health and Wellness Centre (AHWC), Kenihama, under the supervision of District AYUSH Officer, Budgam, Dr. Muzaffar Hussain, and was conducted by Dr. Nusrat Bashir, Medical Officer, AHWC Kenihama. A large number of local residents participated in the camp and availed themselves of free health check-ups, AYUSH healthcare services and medicines, including immunity-boosting preparations. The camp also facilitated Prakriti Parikshan of beneficiaries to familiarise them with their individual health constitution and the importance of adopting suitable health and wellness practices. During the camp, Dr. Nusrat Bashir sensitised the participants and local residents about various preventive and promotive healthcare practices under the AYUSH system, with special emphasis on healthy living, Yoga and the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health and well-being. On the occasion, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material highlighting the benefits of AYUSH systems, Prakriti Parikshan and healthy lifestyle practices was also displayed and distributed among the participants. The initiative aimed at strengthening community-level healthcare delivery by extending AYUSH services to the grassroots and creating awareness about preventive healthcare. It also sought to encourage active public participation at the Gram Sabha level towards realising the objective of a Healthy Village. The programme reaffirmed the commitment of the AYUSH Department towards promoting accessible, preventive and community-oriented healthcare services and enhancing public awareness about traditional systems of medicine
Nine injured in Australia as car crashes into crowd north of Sydney
The driver was arrested at the scene in the city about 110 km (68 miles) north of the New South Wales state capital, Sydney
CUK marks Gandhi Jayanti with seminar on peace, non-violence
Ganderbal, Oct 2: Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with Gandhi King FoundationJ&K Chapter, commemorated the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with a one-day national seminar on Peace and Non-Violence, alongside Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 at Tulmulla campus, reaffirming the relevance of Gandhian values of truth, compassion, service, peace and non-violence in contemporary society. Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, deliberated on the practical dimensions of Gandhian philosophy and its relevance for students, institutions and society. He underlined the importance of addressing grievances through peaceful means and observed that Gandhis approach to non-violence offers a framework for resolving differences without resorting to confrontation. He connected Gandhian thought with experiential learning, environmental protection and community service. Referring to the Universitys student engagement in academic and cleanliness activities, he highlighted the contribution of Swachhata Abhiyan and appreciated the efforts of the Safai Mitras whose work enables a clean and conducive environment for teaching and learning. Prof. A Ravinder Nath highlighted the responsibility of educational institutions to create knowledge, disseminate it and apply it for societal benefit. He called upon the younger generation and educators to draw inspiration from Gandhian ideals while responding constructively to changing global realities. Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Controller of Examinations, Dr. Kaiser Giri, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, administrative staff, scholars and students were present. In his keynote address, National President and Managing Trustee, Gandhi King Foundation, Prof. Prasad Gollanapalli, emphasised that Gandhis philosophy transcends the boundaries of time, geography and generations. He observed that the United Nations recognition of Gandhis birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence reflects the universal significance of his message. Gandhis essential teachings are truth and non-violence, Prof. Gollanapalli remarked, stressing that all human beings are fundamentally equal and that a genuine culture of peace must begin with inner peace. Prof. Gollanapalli highlighted that non-violence should not remain confined to philosophical discourse but should become part of everyday life. Referring to the continuing influence of Gandhi on global movements, he recalled the contributions of leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela and emphasised the relevance of Gandhian principles in addressing contemporary conflicts and social challenges. Speaking on the occasion, Coordinator and spokesperson of the Gandhi King FoundationJ&K Chapter, Mohammad Shahid Khan, described Gandhi not merely as an individual but as a thought and an enduring philosophy. You can kill a person but you cannot kill a thought, he said, emphasising that Gandhian ideals of peace, truth and non-violence continue to remain relevant irrespective of changing circumstances. He called upon young people to move beyond material pursuits, cultivate self-discipline and contribute positively to society. In his welcome address, State President of the Gandhi King FoundationJ&K Chapter, Dr. Muhammad Ayoub Mattoo, highlighted the significance of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. as symbols of non-violent resistance, truth and peaceful transformation. He described their shared legacy as a timeless blueprint for humanity and emphasised that their message of Ahimsa, truth and peaceful resistance continues to offer meaningful pathways for addressing divisions and conflicts. On the occasion, students who demonstrated outstanding performance and active participation in Swachhata-related activities were felicitated. Winners of the Zero Waste Sports Competition for Safai Mitras were also honoured, along with Safai Mitras for their valuable contribution towards maintaining cleanliness across CUKashmir campuses. Sr Asst Prof. Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the proceedings and Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, proposed the vote of thanks.
Drishyam The Conclusion: Ajay Devgns Bollywood-sized allegory of a post-truth world
Beyond the spectacle of its actions, there lies an unrealised cautionary tale against authoritarianism in Drishyam The Conclusion
Somersault Bhama: MK Stalin's Comment Invites TVK's Body-Shaming Charge
TVK leader and Health Minister Arun Raj accused MK Stalin of body-shaming Sathyabhama and said the remark amounted to an insult to women and the Dalit community.
Asian Games 2026: Ice-cool Kumkum strikes historic recurve gold, earns Olympic quota
Kumkum Mohod became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games medal in the individual recurve event.
Infant loses life for want of a road in WKH
Shillong, Oct 2: Fifty-four years after attaining statehood, Meghalayas claim that roads are the backbone of the economy remains empty rhetoric for thousands living in its rural interior. While ministers and MLAs repeat the slogan at every foundation-laying ceremony, villagers continue to walk for hours for basic healthcare, education and markets, paying the price for [] The post Infant loses life for want of a road in WKH first appeared on Highland Post .
Lailad-Nongmensong Road a shambles for weeks
Shillong, Oct 2: The Lailad to Nongmensong market road in Shillong has not been blacktopped for over a month, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and residents. Residents, shopkeepers, drivers and passersby have expressed anger over the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. For the past one month, they have been suffering from dust when the weather [] The post Lailad-Nongmensong Road a shambles for weeks first appeared on Highland Post .
From AI videos to posters: Prestone and SP Vivek targetted on city walls
Shillong, Oct 2: Posters mocking Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem were found pasted on walls and fences at Mawkhar DSEO office, Synod Complex and Motphran here on Friday. Posters were also found on the walls of shops in the Motphran area, on the edge of [] The post From AI videos to posters: Prestone and SP Vivek targetted on city walls first appeared on Highland Post .
Meghalaya takes up 100km cleanliness drive
Shillong, Oct 2: The Directorate of Urban Affairs, through the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), today organised a mass cleanliness drive covering an approximately 100km stretch from Nongpoh to Sohra as part of the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign. Held under the theme Ek Din, Ek Saath, Ek Ghanta, the drive witnessed the participation [] The post Meghalaya takes up 100km cleanliness drive first appeared on Highland Post .
Neeru Dhanda to be flag bearer at Asian Games closing
Neeru earned three medals at Nagoya: womens individual trap gold, womens team silver with Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat, and trap mixed team gold with Chenai
Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana Aid Announced for 32,000 Mothers in Sikkim
Gangtok, Oct 4: Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana financial assistance will be extended to 32,000 mothers across Sikkim, according to an announcement by the state government. The beneficiaries are drawn from all 31 territorial Assembly constituencies and the Sangha constituency. Cheques are being handed over through the respective area MLAs as part of the governments initiative to [] The post Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana Aid Announced for 32,000 Mothers in Sikkim appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Vande Bharat crosses Chenab, Anji bridges at 100 kmph as Katra-Banihal train speed limit raised
He said the Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26401/26404) created a new record by crossing both the world's highest Chenab Bridge and India's first cable-stayed Anji Bridge at 100 kmph
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Indian women's recurve team clinches historic gold in Archery
FBI arrests Energy Department employee on charge of trying to support Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, was arrested on Thursday (October 1, 2026) and is due to make his first court appearance Friday. Court records do not list an attorney available to speak on his behalf.
Ukraine denies F-16 crisis over maintenance and parts
Kyiv pushed its Western allies for it to be given advanced fighter jets after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and finally received its first batch of F-16s two years later.
J&K braces for wet spell from Oct 6
Srinagar, Oct 02: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to witness moderate rainfall and snowfall over the higher reaches in the next week, with the Meteorological Department predicting a wet spell from October 6, with major intensity on October 9 and 10. The local Meteorological Department (MeT) has said the weather is expected to remain generally dry till October 5 (Monday). However, the forecast issued by Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, stated the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy from October 6 to October 8, with light rain, thunder, gusty winds at a few places, and light snow over higher reaches. According to Dr Ahmad, on October 9 and 10, generally cloudy weather is expected with light to moderate rain, thunder and gusty winds at scattered to many places. Light snow over higher reaches is also expected during the period. From October 11 to October 14, the weather would remain partly cloudy across Jammu and Kashmir. In its advisory, the MeT has asked farmers to continue harvesting of apples and paddy along with other farm operations. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 3 per cent deficit in seasonal rainfall during the June-September period, with the Union Territory receiving 530.7 mm of rainfall against the normal of 549.1 mm, according to rainfall data. The data shows wide variations across districts, with some areas recording substantial surplus rainfall while others witnessed significant deficits. Udhampur recorded the highest seasonal rainfall in J&K at 1,553.5 mm, against its normal of 1,011 mm, marking a 54 per cent surplus. It was followed by Reasi with 1,343.2 mm, though the district recorded a 14 per cent deficit against its normal rainfall of 1,556.4 mm. Kathua received 1,152.8 mm against a normal of 1,275.8 mm, registering a 10 per cent deficit. Among other districts, Poonch recorded a 27 per cent surplus with 872.3 mm rainfall against 686.1 mm normal, while Samba recorded an 18 per cent surplus with 953.5 mm against 807.9 mm. Baramulla registered a 47 per cent surplus and Ganderbal 20 per cent. The highest deficit in J&K was recorded in Kishtwar at 53 per cent, followed by Shopian at 51 per cent and Budgam at 34 per cent. Kishtwar received 204.3 mm against a normal of 432.1 mm, while Shopian recorded 138.2 mm against 282.9 mm. Srinagar recorded 247.4 mm, four per cent above its normal of 238.7 mm, while Anantnag recorded 322.7 mm against a normal of 321 mm.
What is happening to the Indian IT bench?| Explained
Once a strategic buffer against fluctuating project demand, the IT bench is becoming a more tightly managed pool of talent, shaped by utilisation, changing demand and the growing premium on specialised skills
Jhelum dips below zero; experts warn of water crisis
Srinagar, Oct 02: The Jhelum, Kashmir's lifeline, has slipped below the zero-gauge mark at Sangam, recording 0.13 feet on Friday, as the Valley enters autumn with the river once again showing signs of depleted flows. The latest reading is not the lowest ever recorded, but it is significant for early October, particularly when viewed against the increasingly erratic rainfall and snowfall patterns witnessed across Kashmir in recent years. Historical records show how sharply the Jhelum can fluctuate. Data accessed by Rising Kashmir suggests that at Sangam, the river touched 0.65 feet on October 17, 2017, a level reported at the time as the lowest in the station's 62-year record. In September 2023, the river fell to 0.09 feet, described as a 70-year low for the month. The situation became even more acute in late 2024 and early 2025. Sangam fell to 0.82 feet in November 2024, while on February 17, 2025, the river dropped to 1.01 feet amid a snow-deficient winter. It stood at 0.86 feet on March 5, 2026, underscoring the persistence of low-flow conditions, the data reveals. Against this backdrop, the present 0.13-foot reading is considerably higher than those extreme lows, but its occurrence at the beginning of October raises questions over how much water is being replenished in the Jhelum system ahead of winter. Climate expert Dr Touseef Ahmad Bhat has previously linked Kashmir's changing hydrological behaviour to a warming atmosphere and increasingly unstable weather patterns. The climate change is already affecting the region rather than remaining a distant threat, with changing atmospheric conditions altering rainfall behaviour across the Himalayas, he said. Dr Bhat also stressed that climate change and ecological degradation can compound one another, with the loss of forests, wetlands and natural drainage systems increasing the vulnerability of Kashmir's fragile mountain ecosystem. For senior environmentalist Dr Tanveer Ahmad Khan, the condition of the Jhelum is a reflection of the Valley's wider ecological stress. He has pointed to pollution, encroachment and neglect as factors that have transformed the river from a vital natural asset into an increasingly stressed ecosystem. Whatever snowfall we had this season, we lost that abruptly due to rising temperatures. The increase in temperatures also led to the quick absorption of rainwater. Even though October is known for less water flow in Jhelum, slipping to minus at Sangam in the first days of October is a big concern, he said. We are definitely heading for a water crisis if things don't improve, he added. The concerns are also supported by recent scientific research on the Jhelum riverscape, which identifies declining stream flows linked to seasonal precipitation changes and rising temperatures, alongside pollution, encroachment and urban expansion, as major pressures on the river system. The Jhelum's importance extends far beyond its water level at a single gauge. Originating at Verinag, the river traverses the Valley before entering Wular Lake and remains central to Kashmir's agriculture, water resources, hydropower, tourism and cultural landscape. The latest reading comes as the Meteorological Centre is forecasting largely dry conditions in the immediate period, with the possibility of light rain and snowfall over higher reaches during subsequent weather systems. That makes the coming days important for determining whether the river receives any meaningful recharge. For Kashmir, therefore, 0.13 feet is more than a number on a gauge. It is another snapshot of a river whose fortunes increasingly depend on an unpredictable combination of rainfall, snowfall, snowmelt, groundwater recharge and the condition of the ecosystems that feed it.
Gandhi Jayanti : Verify facts before reacting, LG urges youth
Srinagar, Oct 02: Satyameva Jayatetruth alone triumphsmust remain a guiding principle for democracy, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday, as he cautioned against misinformation and urged the youth to adopt Mahatma Gandhi's discipline of verifying facts and engaging in dialogue before reacting. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the Gandhi Jayanti Celebration organised by the School Education Department in collaboration with the Department of Culture. He extended heartfelt wishes to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir on the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and congratulated children participating in cultural programmes as well as the toppers of the district-level symposium on truth and non-violence. The LG also commended the Kashmiri rendition of Bapu's bhajan by Gulzar Ahmed, the Hindi performance by students of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, and the skit presented by the Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibag. Highlighting the significance of October 2, Sinha said it is an occasion to reflect on the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, who gave India a new way of thinking, standing against injustice and living with dignity. He said Gandhi ji's legacy of truth and non-violence continues to hold relevance in today's fast-changing, technology-driven world. I believe that revered Bapu has left behind many priceless legacies for us. He gave us a new method, new principles, a new approach to life and a new system that remains alive in the hands of every generation, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted that while technology has connected people globally, it also raises questions of inclusivity and truth. Bapu understood the relationship between truth and power very deeply. He called his life an experiment with the search for truth. I believe Truth is a spiritual discipline. Truth is the habit of looking within oneself. Truth is the habit of verifying before believing any fact or information, and truth is the habit of listening and understanding before responding immediately to anything, he said. The LG stressed that technology should remain under human control and serve as an instrument for progress, not a substitute for conscience. I want all children and youth to remember that technology is only an instrument and the decision must remain ours. However powerful the instrument may be, its direction is ultimately determined by the hand that wields it, he said. Underscoring India's strength in diversity, Sinha said unity must be strengthened through everyday actions of justice, respect and compassion. He recalled Gandhi ji's concern for the weakest person in society and urged citizens to measure progress by inclusivity and welfare. Since ancient times, India has been a land of diversities. Our languages are different, our modes of worship are different, our attire and our customs are different. However, our great tradition has taught us that walking together with diversity is India's strength. I believe this philosophy is needed today more than ever, he said. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that Gandhi ji's philosophy will guide India towards the goal of becoming a Developed Nation by 2047. He emphasised the importance of trusteeship, people's participation and character-building in children. To build a Developed India, we must prepare our fields, schools, villages, cities and industries, and above all, we must place special emphasis on character-building in children. Bapu firmly believed that a nation's character is its most permanent infrastructure, he said. We often ask what others are doing? Today, on revered Bapu's birth anniversary, let us also askwhat am I doing to build a developed India? Am I advancing truth or rumour? Am I engaging in dialogue or merely reacting? Am I uniting my country, or unknowingly dividing it? This alone will be a true tribute to the life-philosophy of Pujya Bapu, the Lieutenant Governor said. Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School & Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Padma Bhushan Rajeev Sethi; Padma Shri Dr S.P. Varma, President Gandhi Global Family, J&K; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department; senior officials, prominent citizens, heads of educational institutions, teachers and students attended the celebration.
A society may celebrate high literacy rates and still remain deeply uneducated. The distinction is uncomfortable but necessary. Literacy enables a person to read and write. Education, in its fuller sense, teaches one how to think, question, understand, empathise and act responsibly. The first can be measured in numbers; the second is reflected in the character of a society. The expansion of schools, colleges and universities has undoubtedly transformed lives. More children are entering classrooms, more young people are earning degrees and access to information has never been wider. Yet the presence of certificates cannot by itself prove the presence of education. A person may possess several qualifications and still be intolerant, dishonest, prejudiced or indifferent to the suffering of others. Conversely, someone without formal schooling may display wisdom, compassion and civic responsibility that many degree-holders lack. The crisis becomes visible in everyday life. Educated citizens throw waste on roads, damage public property, violate traffic rules and treat public spaces as someone elses responsibility. People who can discuss advanced technology often spread rumours without verification. Professionals who understand laws and procedures sometimes search for influence rather than justice. In homes, schools and workplaces, disagreement is too often met with abuse instead of reason. These are not merely lapses of manners. They reveal a deeper failure of education. Our system has gradually reduced learning to an examination exercise. Students are trained to memorise answers, secure marks and obtain degrees, but are rarely encouraged to develop independent judgement. Moral reasoning, constitutional values, respect for diversity and a sense of social responsibility receive limited attention. The result is a generation that may be technically qualified but emotionally and civically unprepared. The problem is not confined to classrooms. Families, institutions, religious spaces, political organisations and the media all shape public behaviour. When children see dishonesty rewarded, arrogance celebrated and accountability avoided, lessons from textbooks lose their force. Education cannot flourish in an environment where success is measured only by money, status or proximity to power. Jammu and Kashmir, like the rest of the country, needs an educational culture that goes beyond enrolment figures and examination results. Schools must cultivate curiosity, discipline, empathy and respect for evidence. Colleges should prepare students not only for employment but also for citizenship. Teachers need support and dignity, while parents must recognise that character is as important as academic achievement. A literate population is an important foundation, but it is not the destination. The true purpose of education is to make individuals more humane, more thoughtful and more accountable to society. Until learning changes conduct, knowledge remains largely ornamental. A nation does not become educated merely because its people can read the law. It becomes educated when they choose to respect it.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise confined to science fiction or research laboratories. It has entered classrooms, hospitals, offices, newsrooms and homes, quietly altering the way people work, learn, communicate and make decisions. The arrival of AI carries the excitement of progress, but also the unease of a future arriving before society has prepared for it. This is the essence of future shock: the disorientation caused when technological change moves faster than human institutions can absorb. Artificial intelligence is intensifying that shock. It is not merely another tool that improves efficiency. It is a force capable of transforming economies, reshaping professions and influencing public opinion at a scale that remains difficult to predict. The benefits are undeniable. AI can assist doctors in diagnosis, help farmers monitor crops, improve disaster warnings, support students with personalised learning and make public services more accessible. In regions facing shortages of specialists and infrastructure, these technologies could help bridge important gaps. For Jammu and Kashmir, AI can contribute to healthcare delivery in remote areas, improve agricultural planning, strengthen tourism services and support young people seeking opportunities beyond traditional employment. But technology does not automatically produce justice. Without safeguards, AI may deepen existing inequalities. Those with access to quality education, fast connectivity and technical skills will gain the most, while others may be pushed further to the margins. Automation could threaten routine jobs even as it creates new opportunities. The danger is not that machines will suddenly replace all human beings. It is that workers, institutions and governments may fail to adapt in time. There is also the grave question of trust. AI-generated misinformation, manipulated images and fabricated voices can confuse citizens and weaken democratic debate. If people can no longer distinguish fact from fabrication, public discourse becomes vulnerable to fear, rumour and deliberate manipulation. The technologys power must therefore be matched by strong ethical standards, transparent regulation and accountability. Education will be central to this transition. Young people must not be trained merely to use AI platforms. They must be taught how to question them, verify their output and understand their limitations. Critical thinking, creativity, empathy and judgement will remain essential precisely because these are the qualities that cannot be outsourced without consequence. The future should not be surrendered either to technological enthusiasm or technological fear. AI must remain subject to human values, public oversight and democratic control. The real test is not whether machines can think faster than us, but whether human beings can govern their power responsibly. Future shock is inevitable. Social failure is not.
Once a familiar presence in every courtyard, walls, roof and garden, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is now drawing attention as its numbers decline throughout the world. Kashmir Valley too is witnessing a drastic decline in its population and is restricted to a few suitable areas only. It was once an extraordinarily adaptable bird, capable of living alongside humans in both rural and urban settings. Traditional houses inadvertently provided it with everything it needed for nesting and breeding: small openings in walls, gaps beneath roofs, structural crevices and other spaces where it could build its loosely constructed nests of dried grass, leaves, feathers, pieces of paper, string and other materials available nearby. Besides, the densely branched trees and shrubs in the vicinity of human settlements also provided them with suitable nesting sites. Alas! All these nesting and breeding sites vanished, so did the house sparrows. Gardens, open spaces and traditional agricultural practices also provided a steady supply of insects, seeds and other food. Much of this has also changed due to shifts in agriculture and lifestyle practices. This also contributes to the declining populations of house sparrows. This is a concern for us, not merely because they are beautiful birds, but because their disappearance tells us something about the changing condition of our environment. There was a time when the chirping of sparrows was an inseparable part of our mornings. Their association throughout the day was natures call, harmonising the daily chorus. Today, however, the familiar house sparrow has become increasingly difficult to find in many urban, semi-urban, and rural areas due to the reasons highlighted above. The question, therefore, is not simply where the sparrows have gone or why they have vanished. The more important question is what kind of environment we are creating at the cost of modernisation and lifestyle. Remembering the sparrows that nested around the walls of our old house, making use of the leftover holes in the brickwork, and underneath spaces in the wooden rafters is no less than a nostalgia for me. Those times were beautiful although simple. The grass and other material hanging loosely outside their nests would convey the story of a harmonious life they lived, and the supportive environment we provided. Alas! Gone are the times, gone are the sparrows and gone are the stories of chaer and kontur. During childhood in the late eighties, in winters we used to place basket traps with rice bait fixed just for fun to catch sparrows and later release them, much to our joy and satisfaction. Sometimes, we may even use stairs to climb the house walls and look for the sparrow eggs in the nest, out of curiosity to know how many young sparrows are expected soon in our courtyards. The house sparrow may be small, but its story is a reminder that nature does not exist only in forests and mountains. It existed harmoniously around us, thanks to the presence of male and female sparrows, alongside the other urban birds. During childhood, drying paddy was a closely monitored household activity because sparrows and other grain-eating birds frequently fed on the exposed grains kept for sun drying. We would commonly place scarecrows or other frightening objects resembling humans or predators around the drying paddy on tarpaulin or traditional grass mats to deter the birds from eating the paddy. This was a routine practice, repeated across households and embedded in the seasonal cycle of paddy processing. Today, the need for such vigilance has diminished considerably, coinciding with a marked decline in sparrow abundance and, in some places, their apparent absence. It is a vernacular indicator of ecological change, a sign of the altered relationship between households, agriculture, and bird populations. House sparrows are a surprisingly resilient survivor, as the research suggests. However, their decline has raised important questions about their generalist habit, resilience and the changing relationship between people, cities and nature. Modern concrete buildings, plastered walls, tiled roofs and sealed structures leave nothing for sparrows to nest. Wall cavities and roof gaps have disappeared behind plaster, concrete and tiles. Household paths and open spaces have been concretised, while lawns are increasingly maintained with pesticides and other chemicals. The result is a double crisis for the sparrow: a shortage of nesting sites on one hand and a shortage of food on the other. Their niches are gone. Their home range has not only shrunk but vanished. They have lost the breeding spaces. Sparrows do not make long journeys; instead, they remain within a relatively small area around their feeding and roosting sites. This makes the places where they live especially important to their survival. Where suitable cavities remain in concrete constructions, sparrows may have to compete with other cavity-nesting or urban birds. For example, competition from common mynas and pigeons may be one of the additional factors associated with sparrow decline. The optimum life span of a sparrow is 2-5 years, with 3 being the average. Young nestlings are initially fed protein-rich insects by the parent sparrow for their rapid growth. As they mature and leave the nest, their diet becomes increasingly varied and often includes grains and other plant-based foods. The species' ability to adjust its digestive processes may contribute to this dietary flexibility. But this dietary flexibility comes with risks and may actually have invited trouble for them. Food that is spoiled or contaminated, as well as exposure to unfamiliar chemical pollutants or toxins due to severe ecological chemical contamination, can pose serious threats to birds living in heavily modified environments. That may explain one of the other reasons behind their decline, because substantial population declines have been reported across their home range since the 1970s throughout the world. Therefore, rapid urbanisation, lifestyle changes, changes in construction practices, changes in agricultural practices, loss of vegetation, reduced availability and chemical-contaminated insects and seeds, and changes in the design of modern buildings all contribute to the problem for the vanishing sparrow. As villages become towns and traditional kachha structures are replaced by modern concrete buildings, grass lawns and mud paths are replaced with concrete layovers, familiar feeding and nesting spaces disappear, and problems for house sparrows increase. Although scattered populations of house sparrows are visible in some areas, that does not rule out their continued threat. The sparrow has not simply disappeared; the habitat that once allowed it to live alongside us has disappeared. Sparrows are vanishing; that is a threat to us, a threat to our existence. (The author is Associate Professor of Zoology, Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Autonomous, Srinagar)
Pakistans empty coffers and Mirpurs full wallets
Pakistans economic story today is one of striking contradictions. On one side is a government struggling under the weight of public debt, interest payments, taxation pressures and limited fiscal space. On the other is a powerful overseas Pakistani community, particularly from Mirpur division of Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir(PoJK), sending money home, building businesses and homes, financing weddings and family functions, and keeping thousands of local economic transactions alive. Pakistan borrows to keep the government running, while millions of Pakistanis abroad earn the foreign currency that keeps the wider economy moving. According to reports on the country's FY2025-26 finances, the government recorded a primary surplus of about Rs3.63 trillion and the federal fiscal deficit was around Rs4.8 trillion. But the improvement has not removed the fundamental probleman enormous debt burden and the cost of servicing it. The FY2026-27 federal budget reportedly stands at Rs18.77 trillion, with approximately Rs 8.05 trillion earmarked for interest payments. In simple terms, an exceptionally large share of government resources is being consumed by obligations created by borrowing in the past. That leaves considerably less fiscal room for development, infrastructure, education, healthcare and other public services. Pakistan's problem is deeper than a single year's deficit. It is structural. The government needs money for salaries, defence, development, subsidies and public services. But its domestic tax base remains relatively narrow. When expenditure exceeds available revenue, the government borrows. Rising debt increases interest payments. Higher interest payments leave less money for development. The government then faces pressure to raise taxes and levies or borrow again. Low revenue, borrowing, higher debt,higher interest payments, reduced development space, pressure for more taxation, weaker economic activity, continued borrowing. Recent fiscal improvement therefore needs to be viewed carefully. A lower deficit is important, but the quality and sustainability of that improvement matter just as much. If fiscal consolidation is achieved mainly by cutting development expenditure, postponing investment or imposing additional burdens on businesses and consumers, the immediate numbers may improve while the economy's future productive capacity suffers. That is the dilemma confronting Islamabad. There is, however, another side to Pakistan's financial storyits overseas population.Workers and families living in Britain, the Gulf, the United States and other countries send billions of dollars back to Pakistan every year. These remittances provide foreign exchange, support household consumption and help ease pressure on the country's external accounts. The State Bank of Pakistan(SBP) has reported strong remittance inflows during FY2025-26. The United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the major sources. Mirpur, where migration became an economic model. For decades, Mirpur division has maintained an unusually strong economic and emotional relationship with overseas Pakistanis, particularly the large Mirpuri community in Britain. The story has historical roots. Migration from the region expanded substantially during the decades surrounding the construction of the Mangla Dam and subsequently developed into an extensive family and community network in Britain. Today, many Mirpur families effectively live between two worlds. They may spend most of the year in Britain, the United States or the Gulf, but their emotional, social and financial connections remain firmly rooted in Mirpur. They return for weddings, family celebrations, religious occasions and other important events. Property remains an important link with home. And there is an extraordinary phenomenon that illustrates the depth of that connection: even when death occurs thousands of miles away, some families bring the deceased back to Mirpur for burial and final rites in ancestral graveyards. For many families, therefore, Mirpur is not simply a place of origin. It remains home. The city of locked mansions Drive through parts of Mirpur and another dimension of the diaspora economy becomes visible. Large houses and imposing bungalowssome reportedly spread over four or even six kanalsstand as physical symbols of overseas earnings. Yet many remain closed for much of the year. A caretaker may be the only person living in a mansion whose owners spend most of their time abroad. There is a certain irony in this landscape: houses built with money earned in Britain or America, standing empty while their owners live thousands of kilometres away. But even an empty house represents an economic chainconstruction material, labour, architects, electricians, plumbers, furniture makers, transporters, property dealers and maintenance workers. The money earned abroad does not remain entirely abroad. A portion finds its way back into the local economy. Perhaps nowhere is this more visible than in weddings. For many overseas Mirpuri families, major family functions continue to be held in Mirpur. Relatives fly in from Britain, America, the Gulf and other countries. Marriage halls become busy. Caterers receive orders. Transport operators get work. Jewellery shops, clothing stores, decorators, photographers, beauty salons, furniture dealers and other businesses benefit. A wedding may last only a few days, but the money circulating around it can sustain dozens of businesses. One pound earned in Britain can eventually become income for a hotel worker in Mirpur, a tailor, a taxi driver, a shopkeeper or a caterer. Community and overseas-business representatives have cited estimates that as much as 2 million a day may flow from the Mirpur diaspora into the region through remittances and overseas visitors' spending. If such an amount were sustained for around 300 days, it would theoretically amount to approximately 600 million a year. The 2 million figure should therefore be regarded as a community-sector estimate. Yet the absence of a precise figure does not erase the economic phenomenon. The evidence of diaspora-driven economic activity is visible across Mirpur's property market, construction sector, retail trade, hospitality industry and family spending. An overseas family's economic contribution does not necessarily arrive as a single bank transfer. It can take many forms: remittances to relatives; construction of houses; purchase of property; investment in shops and businesses; wedding expenditure; hotel and restaurant spending; education and healthcare expenses; vehicle purchases; furniture and household goods A builder pays labourers. A shopkeeper pays employees. A hotel buys supplies. A caterer employs workers. A family purchases jewellery or clothing. A transport operator receives fares. Overseas earnings, remittance/investment, household spending, business turnover, employment, local economic activity. That is why remittances should not be viewed merely as money sent by one family to another. They can become a broader economic stimulus. The Bank of PoJK has also become part of this remittance infrastructure, offering home-remittance services through international money-transfer channels and maintaining branches in Mirpur and other parts of PoJK. The importance of formal channels is obvious. Money entering through regulated financial institutions strengthens transparency, provides foreign exchange to the formal economy and creates a record of financial flows. But PoJK's banking infrastructure also highlights another challenge: how to transform remittance-dependent consumption into productive in town. This may be the next big economic question for Mirpur. The overseas community has demonstrated its capacity to generate wealth. The challenge is whether that wealth can increasingly be converted into employment-generating investment. A house may provide shelter and represent family wealth. But a factory can employ hundreds. A technology company can create skilled jobs. A tourism project can generate continuing income. A modern healthcare facility can serve an entire district. A university or vocational institute can create human capital. Mirpur's overseas wealth could therefore become a much larger development force if a greater share were channelled into small and medium enterprises, tourism, technology, education, healthcare, renewable energy and other productive sectors. This brings Pakistan's larger financial dilemma into sharp focus. Islamabad needs foreign exchange. It needs tax revenue. It needs investment. It needs economic growth. And millions of Pakistanis living abroad are already generating the foreign exchange that the country desperately needs. But remittances cannot permanently substitute for a productive domestic economy. A country cannot build its future solely on money sent home by its citizens working elsewhere. Remittances are a lifeline, but the ultimate objective must be to create an economy capable of generating employment, exports, investment and tax revenue within Pakistan itself. That is where Pakistan's fiscal challenge becomes more profound. Mirpur shows what overseas earnings can do. Islamabad must find a way to make the domestic economy capable of generating the same kind of productive energy. In Islamabad, billions are consumed by debt servicing. In Mirpur, billions earned abroad continue to circulate through homes, weddings, shops, construction and family businesses. One represents the cost of Pakistan's past borrowing. The other represents the economic power of Pakistanis working abroad. The real question for Pakistan is whether it can convert the second into a foundation for a stronger domestic economybefore the first consumes an even larger share of the nation's financial future. (The Author is a former bureau chief at Aaj Tak TV, Jammu)
New EC portal options let EROs in Delhi clear voters without documents, hearings
Swami Ramji: The Saint who Rekindled the Flame of Kashmir Shaivism
There are moments in the history of a civilisation when a tradition, though never completely extinguished, appears to recede into the shadows of time. Its texts survive in manuscripts, its wisdom remains preserved in the memories of a few teachers, and its spiritual practices continue quietly within a small circle. Then comes an individual who reconnects the broken threads, restores confidence in the tradition and transmits its knowledge to a new generation. In the modern history of Kashmir Shaivism, Swami Ramji Maharaj (18541915) occupies such a significant place. A saint, scholar, practitioner and teacher, he helped revive the living study and practice of the Trika tradition in nineteenth-century Kashmir and prepared the ground for its remarkable transmission into the twentieth century. His influence was not merely personal or devotional. It extended to the preservation, teaching and publication of the intellectual heritage of Kashmir Shaivism. Swami Ram was born in 1854 into a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar. Accounts of his life describe an early inclination towards spiritual inquiry and the study of Shaiva scriptures. He came into the orbit of learned teachers who introduced him to the Agamas and the philosophical literature of Kashmir Shaivism. His spiritual formation eventually brought him into contact with Swami Manas Ram Mongra, popularly known as Maneh Kak, who became an important guru in his life and in the transmission of the Trika tradition. To understand Swami Rams importance, however, one must first appreciate the intellectual grandeur of the tradition he inherited. Kashmir Shaivism was not simply a sectarian religious doctrine. It represented one of Indias most sophisticated schools of non-dual philosophical thought. Its classical development is associated with masters such as Vasugupta, Somananda, Utpaladeva, Abhinavagupta and Kshemaraja. At its heart lies the recognition that ultimate reality is Shiva, an infinite, self-luminous consciousness, and that the universe is not fundamentally separate from that reality. The word Pratyabhijnarecognitionis central to this philosophical vision. The human being does not have to manufacture an entirely new reality; rather, one must recognise the deeper nature of consciousness that is already present. The world, in this understanding, is not merely an illusion to be rejected. It is an expression of the dynamic power, or Shakti, of the supreme consciousness. This philosophical inheritance had reached extraordinary heights in the works of Abhinavagupta and his successors. But the historical circumstances of Kashmir subsequently made the institutional continuity of many Shaiva traditions increasingly fragile. By the nineteenth century, the tradition needed not merely textual preservation but living teachers who could embody and transmit it. It was in this environment that Swami Ram emerged. His significance lay in bringing together scriptural learning, philosophical understanding and spiritual practice. He did not approach Kashmir Shaivism as an intellectual museum. The Agamas, the works of the great acharyas and the practices of the Trika system were, for him, a living path. Accounts of his life describe periods of intense meditation, study and spiritual discipline. His teaching attracted both serious seekers and householders. This is important because Kashmir Shaivism does not necessarily demand withdrawal from worldly responsibilities as the only route to spiritual realisation. Its philosophical framework allows the spiritual quest to unfold while recognising the realities of human life. Swami Ram eventually established his Trika Shaiva Ashram at Fateh Kadal in Srinagar, generally dated to the 1880s. The ashram became an important centre for the study and transmission of Shaiva philosophy in modern Kashmir. From this centre emerged a remarkable lineage of teachers and disciples. Among his important disciples were Swami Mahtab Kak, Swami Vidyadhar and Swami Govind Kaul Jalali. Swami Mahtab Kak would subsequently become the principal teacher of Swami Lakshmanjoo, one of the most important twentieth-century exponents of Kashmir Shaivism. Thus, the intellectual and spiritual influence of Swami Ram extended well beyond his own lifetime. The connection with Lakshmanjoo is particularly significant. Swami Lakshmanjoo was born in Srinagar in 1907. Accounts associated with his lineage describe Swami Ram as recognising the young Lakshmans spiritual inclination and entrusting his further education to Mahtab Kak. Whether viewed through the language of traditional guru-shishya transmission or through the history of ideas, the succession is remarkable: Swami Ram Mahtab Kak Swami Lakshmanjoo. Through Lakshmanjoo, the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism eventually reached audiences far beyond Kashmir. The revival initiated in the nineteenth century thus acquired a much wider intellectual and spiritual horizon in the twentieth century. Swami Rams contribution, however, went beyond the immediate guru-shishya relationship. One of the most consequential developments associated with the revival of Kashmir Shaivism was the systematic publication of its ancient texts. The Kashmir Series of Texts and Studies (KSTS), initiated under Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early twentieth century, became a landmark in making important Sanskrit works of Kashmirs philosophical heritage available in printed form. Sources associated with the tradition credit Swami Ram with encouraging Maharaja Pratap Singh to undertake such a publication effort. This was an extraordinary act of intellectual foresight. A philosophical tradition cannot remain alive indefinitely if its principal texts are inaccessible. Manuscripts can disappear, deteriorate or remain confined to a small number of custodians. Printing transformed the possibilities of transmission. The KSTS therefore became an important bridge between Kashmirs classical intellectual heritage and modern scholarship. Swami Ram understood that preservation required both realisation and documentation, both guru and grantha, both lived experience and accessible texts. That insight deserves particular attention today. The modern world often separates philosophy from spirituality. Academic institutions may study philosophical systems primarily as historical objects, while spiritual communities may sometimes emphasise experience without sufficient attention to textual rigour. The Kashmir Shaiva tradition historically brought these dimensions together. Swami Ram represented that synthesis in the modern period. He studied the philosophical works of the great masters and transmitted their ideas through oral teaching and spiritual discipline. Among the works associated with his teaching tradition were texts connected with Vasugupta, Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta, including the Stotravali, Shivastotravali, Tantraloka and Panchastavi. The deeper message of this tradition remains relevant. Kashmir Shaivism places consciousness at the centre of its philosophical inquiry. It asks the individual to look beyond fragmented perceptions of the self and recognise a deeper unity. In a world increasingly marked by anxiety, polarisation and material preoccupation, the philosophical proposition that consciousness is not merely an accidental phenomenon but central to our understanding of existence retains considerable contemporary interest. Yet Swami Ram should not be reduced to a philosophical slogan. His importance lies in the continuity he embodied. Kashmirs civilisation produced a remarkable succession of philosophers, mystics, poets and spiritual teachers. From Lalleshwari to Abhinavagupta, from Rupa Bhawani to Swami Ram and subsequently to Swami Lakshmanjoo, there is a fascinating history of intellectual and spiritual creativity. These figures belong to different historical circumstances and should not be artificially made identical. But together they demonstrate the remarkable resilience of Kashmirs contemplative traditions. Swami Rams place in this continuum is that of a bridge-builder between classical Kashmir and the modern age. He inherited a tradition that had achieved its classical philosophical expression many centuries earlier. He revived its teaching in a period when its institutional presence had weakened. He created a space where seekers could study and practise. He trained disciples who carried the tradition forward. And he encouraged the preservation and publication of the textual heritage upon which future generations of scholars and practitioners could depend. His legacy therefore belongs not merely to one community or one period. It forms part of the larger intellectual heritage of India. In remembering Swami Ram, Kashmir remembers one of those quiet civilisational figures whose influence cannot be measured simply by books written or institutions founded. His contribution was to ensure that a profound stream of Indian philosophical thought continued to flow. He passed away in 1915, but the lineage did not end with him. It moved through his disciples and ultimately reached new generations and new continents. That may be the most enduring lesson of Swami Rams life: civilisations survive not merely because their monuments remain standing, but because their knowledge is transmitted from one generation to another. Kashmir Shaivism is one such stream of knowledge. Swami Ram was among the modern custodians who helped keep that stream alive. At a time when Kashmirs ancient intellectual inheritance deserves renewed studywithin India and beyondhis life invites us to look again at the philosophical treasures that emerged from the Valley. The story of Swami Ram is, in that sense, not only the story of a saint. It is the story of memory, continuity and civilisational renewal. And perhaps that is why his legacy continues to matter: he did not merely look back at Kashmirs great philosophical past. He helped ensure that it could speak to the future. (The Author is a columnist, a public intellectual and a noted legal eagle)
Dr Farooq, Sagar condole Islamic scholars demise
Srinagar, 02 Oct: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar have expressed deep grief over the demise of the Valley's renowned religious personality and Islamic scholar Molvi Abdul Salam Bhat, resident of Pahlu, Brain, Nishat. In a statement, the leaders expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace and salvation of the departed soul and for his elevation to the highest ranks in Jannat. Party General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar visited the bereaved family, expressed his condolences and offered his support. He also participated in the Fateha-e-Khwani held for the departed soul. Senior party leader and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar also expressed his condolences.
Rules framed to standardise appointment of heads, members of various tribunals
According to the Union Law Ministry, the rules will enable the newly-created National Tribunals Commission appoint chairpersons and members to 16 tribunals and appellate bodies
AIP urges common platform for traders
Srinagar: AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Thursday congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Batamallo Traders Association and called for greater unity and transparency among traders bodies. Speaking at a felicitation programme for the new leadership, including President Abrar Ahmad Khan, General Secretary Wasim Ahmad Khan and Senior Vice President Mehraj U Din Ganai, Inam said elected representatives had a responsibility to work for the welfare of those who had chosen them. He stressed the need for traders associations, chambers and other representative bodies to maintain greater transparency and accountability by periodically disclosing their income and expenditure. Inam also opposed the practice of collecting commissions from shopkeepers for resolving their grievances, saying elected representatives should address genuine concerns without such payments. He proposed a common platform for traders and business associations, saying multiple bodies approaching authorities separately on similar issues could create confusion and weaken the collective voice of the business community.
GCC flags Nowgam industrial estate proposal
Srinagar, Oct 2: The Group of Concerned Citizens J&K (GCC) has raised concerns over the increasing pressure on Jammu and Kashmirs fragile environment, particularly water resources, in the name of development. A GCC delegation led by its chairman and former Advisor to the J&K Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, presented its policy paper, Srinagar Declaration on Natural Environment in Jammu & Kashmir, to Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo during a meeting here on Thursday. The group sought an expert appraisal of amendments made to the Urban Building Byelaws over the past two years, as well as the newly notified land pool policy, saying these should be assessed in the context of protecting the regions environment, heritage and culture. The GCC also objected to the identification of a flood basin in Nowgam for an industrial estate, saying it was contrary to the Srinagar Master Plan, and demanded that the proposal be shelved. Among other issues, the group called for a review of the freeze on teacher recruitment, filling vacancies of doctors and specialists in the Health Services Department and faculty posts in government medical and dental colleges. It also sought integration of City Mobility Plans with proposed flyover projects, better traffic management, widening of city roads and removal of bottlenecks. The GCC further called for assigning the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) responsibility for the conservation of Anchar Lake and neglected lagoons, protection of heritage sites and re-integration of city channels, including Kuta Khol, Chuent Khol and Sons Khol, into flood mitigation plans. The group also raised the issue of the unused GB Pant Hospital infrastructure, which it said had remained unutilised for four years. The Chief Secretary appreciated the GCCs efforts to highlight public concerns and grievances and assured appropriate action on the issues raised. Administrative secretaries and senior officials from the concerned departments also attended the meeting.
NC legislator alleges bodyguard attacked him; police accuse him of assault
Conversely the policeman has accused Mr. Kaloo and another NC leader of assault. The J&K Police have reportedly filed an FIR against the legislator.
Govt appoints 60 liaison officers for GCC Summit
Srinagar, Oct 2: The Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed 60 officers as Liaison Officers for visiting dignitaries attending the upcoming Global Capability Centers (GCC) Summit, scheduled to be held on October 9 and 10 at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu. According to government order no. 1595-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the officers have been designated to coordinate with visiting dignitaries during the two-day summit. The appointments were made following a reference from the Labour and Employment Department dated September 30, 2026. The list includes officers from various departments and field formations, including Estates, Culture, Power Development, Health and Medical Education, ICDS, Cooperative Societies, Excise, Handicrafts, Social Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Finance, Tribal Affairs, Industries and Commerce, Irrigation and Flood Control, Housing and Urban Development, Information, Sports Council and Employment. Among the officers appointed as liaison officers are Anil Kumar, Assistant Director, Estates, Jammu; Amit Singh Manhas, Under Secretary, Culture Department; Joni Kumar, Functional Manager, DIC Kathua; Waqar Talib, Under Secretary, Power Development Department; and Dr Neha Sharma, Administrative Officer, Government Medical College, Jammu. The order also includes officers posted as BDOs, CDPOs, Excise and Taxation Officers, Under Secretaries, Functional Managers and other administrative positions across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi and other districts. The 60-member panel includes Assistant Chief Electoral Officer Jammu Madhur Anand, Information Officer Udhampur Neeraj Kumar Bhargav, Under Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department Shashank Padha, and officials from the J&K Public Service Commission, Sports Council and Directorate of Employment, among others. Officers from Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua and Reasi have also been included in the panel, with several Block Development Officers and officers from the Excise, Handicrafts and Industries and Commerce departments being assigned liaison duties. The government has directed all the appointed officers to report to the Labour and Employment Department at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, on October 6 for a briefing on their duties and responsibilities during the summit.
NC MLA, spokesperson booked over alleged assault of PSO
Srinagar, Oct 2: Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case against ruling National Conference MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani alias Altaf Kaloo and party additional spokesperson Umesh Bhat alias Umesh Talashi following a complaint by a police personnel deployed as the MLAs Personal Security Officer (PSO), sources said. According to the complaint, the police personnel alleged that an altercation took place while he was performing his security duties, following which he was allegedly assaulted by Wani and Bhat. The complainant also alleged that he sustained injuries in the incident and approached the authorities seeking action. Police subsequently registered FIR No. 332 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the two accused. Further investigation is underway, sources said. Wani represents the Pahalgam Assembly constituency of Anantnag district, while Bhat is associated with the National Conference as an additional spokesperson. (KDC)
Foreign buyers impressed by experiential tourism avenues in Keralam
Buyers at the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart highlight the State diverse culture, wellness offerings and potential as an experiential tourism destination
Congress marks Gandhi, Shastri anniversaries in Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Friday observed the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Congress Bhawan, M.A. Road, Srinagar. Senior Congress leader and former legislator Bashir Ahmad Magray presided over the programme, where party leaders and workers paid floral tributes to the two leaders and recalled their contributions to the freedom struggle, nation-building and public service. Later, Congress workers attempted to march towards Lal Chowk as part of a Vote BachaoDesh Bachao protest over electoral processes and the functioning of the Election Commission of India. The march, led by Srinagar District Congress Committee president Dr Audil Farooq Mir, was stopped by security personnel outside the party headquarters. The protesters subsequently continued their demonstration at the spot. The Congress demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and restoration of names it alleges were deleted from electoral rolls. The party reiterated its allegations concerning the electoral process and called for greater transparency and accountability in constitutional institutions. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of electoral manipulation made by Congress leaders. The protesters said the party would continue to raise the issues through peaceful and constitutional means. Senior Congress leaders, district and block functionaries, Youth Congress and Mahila Congress members, Seva Dal workers and others participated in the programme and protest.
Kangan forum puts hunger strike on hold
Ganderbal:Social Activist Forum Ganderbal has deferred its proposed hunger strike after holding discussions with the administration over demands related to healthcare and education facilities in Kangan. Addressing a press conference, Manzoor Ahmad Lone said the decision was taken after the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) asked them to meet concerned officials and discuss their demands. He said several issues concerning Kangan Trauma Hospital have seen progress, including the introduction of a separate counter for elderly patients, which he said would help reduce waiting time. On the dialysis unit, he said a doctor has been sent for training and is expected to return and operate the facility. He added that the forum has also sought the appointment of a technician, as the post is currently vacant. The activist said endoscopy services are also expected to begin shortly, initially on a limited scale, while efforts would continue to improve the facility and equipment. He also highlighted the renovation of hospital washrooms, saying work is underway but the issue of the septic tank needs to be resolved for the facility to become fully functional. On diagnostic services, he said the hospital is currently using an old USG machine and that a proposal has been sent to higher authorities for a modern machine. Regarding staffing, the forum said shortages of doctors and other staff remain a major concern and urged the administration to address vacancies at Kangan Trauma Hospital. On education, the forum raised concerns over vacant teaching posts in schools, particularly in Kangan and Ganiwan, and called for rationalisation of staff to ensure adequate teachers in schools with higher student enrolment. The activist said the administration has also been approached over school infrastructure and that work has started on some of the demands. He said the forum decided to wait for the time sought by the administration, adding that if the commitments are not fulfilled, it may consider peaceful protests again. The forum also raised the issue of expansion of Kangan hospital infrastructure, saying permissions related to the existing land and structures need to be resolved so that old buildings can be dismantled and new facilities constructed in a planned manner.
Statehood essential for accountable governance: NC
Srinagar, Oct 2: National Conference General Secretary and Khanyar MLA Ali Muhammad Sagar on Friday said restoration of statehood was essential to strengthen the authority of the elected government and ensure administrative accountability. Sagar said the existing administrative arrangement had given the bureaucracy significant powers, which, according to him, had at times led to differences between officials and decisions of the elected government and Assembly. Referring to recent communications by senior officials concerning the Assembly resolution on statehood, Sagar said such developments raised concerns about the relationship between the elected House and administration. He said statehood would provide an effective constitutional and administrative framework for the elected government to hold the administration accountable to the people. Sagar also said references in the recent Assembly resolution to the June 26, 2000 Autonomy Resolution and the November 6, 2024 resolution reflected the National Conferences stated political position. The Assembly passed a resolution on September 28 seeking immediate restoration of full statehood, with references to the earlier resolutions. Criticising the BJPs opposition to the resolution, Sagar said the party should make its position on restoration of statehood clear in the Assembly. BJP legislators had opposed the resolution and staged a walkout before it was passed.
Tennessee execution survivor Christa Pike on ventilator, attorneys say
Pike remains in critical condition, her lawyers said, two days after the state administered two doses of pentobarbital but failed to kill her.
