India in a Fragmenting World: Trade, Technology and Economic Security
This e-book offers a penetrating analysis of a new reality and the choices India must make as it confronts a series of urgent external challenges, ranging from punitive tariffs and energy sanctions to the very nature of modern trade.
World Photography Day: Visakhapatnam hosts photo exhibitions
Two photography exhibitions in Visakhapatnam will mark World Photography Day on August 19 with news, Nature, people and the changing character of the city
Jharkhand protest LIVE: Govt. cancels JSSC-CGL exam; Devendra Mahto ends 16-day hunger strike
Ravindra Paswan, leader of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, which has been leading the protest, said the agitation would continue as their key demand of a CBI probe into alleged examination irregularities had not been met
Permission cant be granted to shoot film starring Mohanlal: Periyar Tiger Reserve tells Kerala HC
PTR deputy director says judicial and government orders prohibit shooting commercial movies or television serials within wildlife sanctuaries, national parks or tiger reserves
200+ Japanese Delegates to Drive Manufacturing, Technology and Jobs Push at U.P.Japan Investment Meet 2026
Freedom to think, speak, and question: An open letter to teens
There are many traits that children learn to develop and nurture at a young age. The freedom of expression is an important one of these traits!
Mother killed, son injured as scooty skids off road in South Kashmir's Shopian
Shopian, Aug 18 : A woman died while her son sustained injuries after the scooty they were travelling on skidded off the road in the Amerbugh area of Imam Sahib in south Kashmirs Shopian district on Tuesday. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the woman was travelling as a pillion rider on the scooty being driven by her son when the vehicle skidded off the road at Amerbugh. He said that the woman sustained critical injuries in the incident and died on the spot, while her son suffered minor injuries. The deceased was later identified as Saja Banoo, wife of Ghulam Qadir Naikoo, a resident of Kharwara, while her injured son was identified as Shakeel Ahmad Naikoo, son of Ghulam Qadir Naikoo. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further investigation is underway.(KNO)
Google plans to stop making Pixel products in China in 2027, Nikkei reports
Google plans to have all of its Pixel smartphones, watches and wireless earbuds produced outside of China starting next year, Nikkei Asia reported
Concerned Citizen Toya Rizal Defends Sikkim
Gangtok, Aug 18 : Concerned citizen Toya Rizal has defended the Sikkim governments proposed integrated Sikkim online tourism permit system, rejecting allegations that the Tourism [] The post Concerned Citizen Toya Rizal Defends Sikkims Proposed Sikkim Online Tourism Permit System appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet Over Attempt to Influence Crime Branch Investigation
Srinagar, Aug 18: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet before the Honble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, in case FIR No. 28/2026, against Ghulam Ahmad Ganie S/o Ghulam Mohammad Ganie, R/o Mirgund, District Budgam, for commission of cognizable offences punishable under Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 228 and 229 of the BNS. The investigation was initiated on the basis of a written complaint alleging that the accused, who is also an accused in the ongoing investigation of FIR No. 11/2021 of Crime Branch Kashmir, now EOW Kashmir, transferred an amount of Rs. 10,000/- into the bank account of an Investigation Officer with the alleged intention of bribing and influencing the investigation in the said case Upon receipt of the complaint, a probe was ordered. During the course of investigation, the allegations were thoroughly examined and relevant evidence was collected. The investigation established the involvement of the accused in the alleged act, following which the chargesheet was prepared and presented before the Honble Court for judicial determination in accordance with law. The general public is advised not to offer or pay bribes to any public servant for obtaining any favour or service. Any demand for bribe or involvement in corrupt practices should be immediately reported to the competent authorities for necessary legal action. Public cooperation and timely reporting are essential to curb corruption and promote transparency and accountability
Watch: Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect: Trump
Student shot classmate to death then killed himself at school in Philippines, mayor says
The suspect initially fired at a teacher, but it was not clear if the teacher was hit; he then shot a fellow student, who died, before shooting himself, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso said
PM would have called Bhagat Singh, Ambedkar dimagi Naxals: Kejriwal
I want to tell the Prime Minister that I, Arvind Kejriwal, am a dimaagi naxal according to him because I am a patriot, and I am proud of it, said AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal
upGrad Crosses 2,000 Cr Gross Revenue in FY26; Grows EBITDA 8X to 123 Cr
upGrad Crosses 2,000 Cr Gross Revenue in FY26; Grows EBITDA 8X to 123 Cr
Scan QR code to lodge food quality complaint
Protest resume in Khliehriat against Shree Cement public hearing
Khliehriat, Aug 17:Five pressure groups on Monday staged a surprise sit-in protest in Khliehriat in front of the Kiang Nangbah monument to oppose the public hearing held for Shree Cement in East Jaitia Hills. The protest was led by the Jaitia National Council, Jaitia Students Union, Khasi Students Union, Hima Sutnga Youth Federation and the [] The post Protest resume in Khliehriat against Shree Cement public hearing first appeared on Highland Post .
Pressure groups allege clan names altered by Bangladeshi settlers
Shillong, Aug 17:Claims have emerged that clan names have been altered by Bangladeshi settlers in border villages of East Khasi Hills. The FKJGP Riwar Mihngi Circle and KSU South Central East Circle alleged on Monday that 19 clan names in villages like Pyrdiwah, Tishang and Hatthymmai have been changed. Citing an RTI reply from the [] The post Pressure groups allege clan names altered by Bangladeshi settlers first appeared on Highland Post .
SMB evicts hawkers in Laitumkhrah as Govt deadline expires
Shillong, Aug 17:The Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) on Monday dismantled roadside shops in Laitumkhrah in the presence of police, as the state government enforced its August 17 deadline to clear unauthorised street hawkers from footpaths and roadways in Laitumkhrah and other key corridors in the city. Around 86 hawkers were evicted during the drive. Verified [] The post SMB evicts hawkers in Laitumkhrah as Govt deadline expires first appeared on Highland Post .
Hek welcomes hawker relocation, urges Govt to protect livelihood
Shillong, Aug 17:Pynthorumkhrah MLA Alexander Laloo Hek on Monday welcomed the ongoing relocation of hawkers from key stretches of Shillong, but urged the government to ensure suitable alternative spaces to protect vendors livelihoods. Commenting on the relocation exercise, Hek said the move had improved the appearance and organisation of areas earlier occupied by makeshift structures. [] The post Hek welcomes hawker relocation, urges Govt to protect livelihood first appeared on Highland Post .
A Commentary of Khasi Folklore- 29
By Raphael Warjri Suggested academic references to deepen your grounding Here are a few academic works to consult in rigorous scholarship: Wattanagun, Kanya. The Divine Ancestress in a Matrilineal Society: The Imprints of Khasi Matriliny on the Legend of Ka Pahsyntiew. Thammasat Review. (analyses Khasi myth and matriliny) (Thai Journal Online) Matriliny: The Cultural Cradle [] The post A Commentary of Khasi Folklore- 29 first appeared on Highland Post .
Miffed with no response from Sorens government, students firm on August 20 gherao of CMs residence
On the other hand,JharkhandCID, probing the case of alleged irregularities in the examination, conducted raidsat theoffice ofJSSC andalsoquestionedJSSC Secretary Sudhir Gupta
Twisha Sharma Case: Chargesheet Details Final Hours, Giribala
636-page filing details WhatsApp messages, CCTV timeline and calls to parents in the minutes before Twisha Sharma died; accused dispute key claims Bhopal , August [] The post Twisha Sharma Case: Chargesheet Details Final Hours, Giribalas 46 Calls appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
SKUAST-K emphasises handholding, strengthening of rural collectives during JKCIP Mobilisation Drive
Pattan, Aug 17: A mobilisation drive under the Upscaling Collectivisation Component of the IFAD-sponsored Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) was organised by The Harvesting Harmony Farmer Producer Organisation Cooperative Ltd., Pattan, in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). Prof. (Dr.) Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension and Dean, Horticulture, SKUAST-Kashmir, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. More than 185 prospective members and farmers participated in the programme, which aimed at creating awareness about the importance of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), encouraging farmers to join the collective and strengthening farmer-led institutions for sustainable agricultural development. The programme was attended by Dr. Waseem Hassan Raja, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Baramulla; Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Coordinator, Upscaling Collectivisation, JKCIP, SKUAST-Kashmir; Dr. Shoaib Kirmani, Scientist, KVK Baramulla; Abdul Hamid, SDAO Pattan; Dr. Waheed Ahmad Ganai, FPO Development Officer (FoDO), Baramulla; FPO Development Officers from various districts of Kashmir; and the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Accountant and members of The Harvesting Harmony Farmer Producer Organisation Cooperative Ltd. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth emphasised the need for sustained handholding, capacity building and institutional strengthening of rural collectives to enable FPOs to emerge as effective farmer-led enterprises. She said FPOs can play a transformative role in agriculture by enabling farmers to access modern technologies, quality inputs, institutional credit, value addition and organised markets through collective action. She urged farmers to actively participate in FPOs and make full use of the opportunities being created under the IFAD-supported JKCIP to enhance farm incomes and build resilient and sustainable farming enterprises. She also highlighted the crucial role of SKUAST-Kashmir in providing continuous technical guidance, capacity building and extension support to strengthen farmer institutions across the Union Territory. Dr. Waseem Hassan Raja underscored the importance of scientific farming, capacity building and collective marketing in improving the economic status of farmers. He encouraged the participants, particularly women and rural youth, to actively engage with the FPO and adopt improved agricultural technologies for enhancing productivity and profitability. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Coordinator, Upscaling Collectivisation, JKCIP, SKUAST-Kashmir, elaborated on the objectives of the component and the institutional support mechanisms being extended to FPOs under the project. He stressed that increased farmer membership and active participation are essential for developing strong and self-sustaining producer organisations capable of addressing production, value addition and marketing challenges. Dr. Bhat also highlighted the support being provided by SKUAST-Kashmir in handholding farmer collectives, including capacity building, value addition, branding of FPO products and market intelligence, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of rural enterprises. The programme concluded with an interactive session in which farmers raised queries regarding FPO membership, governance, business planning and the benefits of collectivisation. The experts responded to their queries and encouraged eligible farmers to join the FPO and actively contribute to its growth and sustainability. The management of The Harvesting Harmony Farmer Producer Organisation Cooperative Ltd. expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, officials and participating farmers for their contribution to the success of the mobilisation drive and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening farmer collectives and promoting inclusive agricultural development under the IFAD-sponsored JKCIP.
Oscar and Grammy Winning KPop Demon Hunters Team Heads to TAIPEI MUSIC EXPO 2026, the Asia Pacific Music Platform
Traveloka SEA Index Q2 2026: Southeast Asians Are Booking Longer Stays and the Region's Own Beaches Are Winning
DC reviews Farmers ID Generation Camp under Agristack project at Kulgam
Kulgam, Aug 17: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam along with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Vikar Ahmad Giri on Monday visited the Farmer's ID generation camp organized under the Agristack Project at Tehsil Kulgam, to take an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing registration and digitisation drive. During the visit, the DC supervised the entire process and interacted with the revenue staff present at the camp especially scheduled for Tamiloo village. He took a detailed overview of the data being submitted, verified and approved on the Agristack portal to ensure accuracy and transparency at every stage. Addressing the officials, the DC described Agristack as a landmark initiative and a milestone in the history of the Revenue Department. He said that generation of unique Farmers ID will create a comprehensive digital database of farmers, which will streamline delivery of all agriculture-related benefits and schemes in a hassle-free manner. The Farmers ID will serve as a single digital identity for every farmer. It will enable direct benefit transfer, crop insurance, soil health cards, and access to institutional credit without duplication and delays, the DC said. Our aim is to ensure that no eligible farmer is left out, he added. The DC directed the revenue officials and field staff to expedite the process and complete the exercise efficiently and within the stipulated timeline. He stressed on maintaining data quality, proper verification, and prompt updation on the portal to avoid pendency. He also urged the field functionaries to create wider awareness among farmers about the benefits of Agristack and to extend full support to farmers, especially elderly and marginal farmers, during the registratpn process. Giving details, it was informed that Farmers ID generation camps are currently underway across all locations in the district. So far, registration and verification for 54 villages have been completed on the Agristack portal, and the remaining villages are being covered in a phased manner. Tehsildar, Kulgam, Nisar Ahmad Wani and other officials were also present on the occasion.
ROC J&K leads Tiranga Yatra at Jammus Bahu Plaza
Jammu, Aug 17: As part of the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026, the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ROC), Jammu & Kashmir, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with the local chapters/branches of Professional Institutes (ICAI) and (ICSI) on Monday organised and led a vibrant Tiranga Yatra at Bahu Plaza, Jammu. The Tiranga Yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation by officers and officials of the ROC J&K office, along with Jammu-based members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) led by CA Amit Gupta and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) led by CS Sahil. Carrying the National Flag with pride, the participants spread the message of patriotism, national unity and collective responsibility. Speaking to the media on the occasion, Registrar of Companies, J&K, Haamid Bukhari, said that the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is a unique initiative that seeks to deepen the emotional connect of every citizen with the National Flag and the nation. He noted that the 2026 campaign marks the fifth edition, continuing the initiative that began in 2022. This year, special feature of the initiative is the 150th Anniversary of Vande Mataram, the national song through which we cherish the cultural history of our nationalism and the values of patriotism of which, we all should be proud of. He said that such initiatives inculcate a feeling of patriotism in the heart of every Indian and inspire citizens to cherish the ideals, sacrifices and values of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the countrys independence. He further emphasised the message Culture Unites Us All, observing that the values of unity and patriotism should remain above everything else for every citizen of the country. Bukhari further highlighted the growing reach of the 2026 Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign, observing that the initiative has evolved into a peoples movement extending beyond the territorial borders of India. He said that the National Flag has been proudly displayed at various Indian embassies across the world, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora and citizens in a shared celebration of the Tricolour and the spirit of national pride. CA Amit Gupta and CS Sahil, Chairpersons representing the Jammu-based CA and CS fraternities, respectively, also emphasised that the participation of professional bodies such as ICAI and ICSI reflects the important role that professional communities can play in strengthening the spirit of responsible citizenship and contributing to nation-building. The Tiranga Yatra concluded with a renewed commitment by all participants to uphold the values embodied by the Tricolour and the cultural ethos of Vande Mataram, and to carry forward the spirit of unity, integrity and patriotism in their professional and public lives. The event formed part of the nationwide celebrations under the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026, aimed at encouraging citizens to proudly display and carry the National Flag and reaffirm their commitment to the nation.
Road safety awareness program held at Anantnag Railway Hub
Anantnag, Aug 17: In a major outreach aimed at reinforcing commuter safety and transit discipline, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), ARTO Anantnag, in collaboration with the Secure Path Civil Society Organization, conducted a high-impact road safety awareness programme at Railway Station Taxi Sumo Stand. The day-long initiative brought together scores of commercial drivers, Officers of Railway Police Force (RPF), local trade leaders, and civil society representatives. Addressing the gathering, ARTO Anantnag Mohammad Iqbal Daing highlighted the transformative role of public transport operators: Professional and responsible public transport drivers hold the key to overhauling our transit system and building a safer future for all. Senior Motor Vehicle Inspector Manzoor Ahmad Qureshi reiterated the necessity of strict compliance with traffic regulations, urging operators to adopt proactive road discipline. RPF officials, including the Dy. SP and SHO, reinforced the need for mutual vigilance and inter-agency cooperation to guarantee commuter safety. Renowned mobility expert and social reformer S-Umar Bhat moderated the proceedings and administered a collective road-safety pledge, urging participants to serve as civic ambassadors for safer roads across the J&K. Departing from standard enforcement routines, the organizers hosted a felicitation ceremony to award compliant and disciplined drivers for exemplary road conduct. Transporters and please attendees lauded the administration's proactive engagement, urging authorities to institutionalize regular, rotational sensitization programs across the District Anantnag.
CEO FSSAI reviews food testing facilities in J&K
Srinagar, Aug 17: Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rajit Punhani on Monday visited Food Laboratory, Kashmir during his visit to Srinagar, to have on spot assessment about its functioning. During the visit, the CEO FSSAI took round of various sections, including Microbiological Section, Chemical Section and HEE Sections and interacted with the technical staff of the Laboratory. Subsequently, the CEO FSSAI chaired a meeting which among others was attended by State Drug Controller J&K, Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir, Accounts Officer FDA and Food Analyst Food Testing Laboratory Srinagar and Jammu. Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, made a detailed presentation outlining the laboratory's analytical capabilities, testing performance, NABL accreditation, infrastructure, manpower position and the roadmap for strengthening food testing facilities across the Union Territory. It was informed that the Food Laboratory, Kashmir is an FSSAI-notified and NABL-accredited facility equipped with advanced instruments, including GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS. The laboratory presently has a NABL scope covering 354 parameters, comprising 77 quality and 277 safety parameters. The presentation highlighted the testing workload handled during the last three financial years. The laboratory analyzed 11,479 samples in 202324, 9,938 in 202425 and 6,722 in 202526, out of which, 440, 266 and 381 samples respectively, were found to be non-conforming. The meeting was informed that the steps have been initiated to expand the scope of Laboratory to 3500 parameters by end of 31st March, 2027 covering key commodities including milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables, cereal and cereal products, oils and fats and Indian sweets and achieve wider coverage of 5,000 parameters in the long run. The Commissioner brought to the notice of the CEO, FSSAI the key constraints affecting the laboratory's functioning, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of technical manpower. He also sought his intervention in approval of the proposal for hiring of Technical Manpower, Chemicals, CRMs Consumables etc. He requested the CEO, FSSAI for providing financial and technical assistance for construction of new laboratory building at Srinagar and Jammu and upgrading the facility to improve quantity and volume of testing. The Food Laboratory, Kashmir is presently housed in an old, shared Drug & Food Laboratory complex, with limited space for modern equipment and dedicated instrument sections. As part of the long-term strategy, the Department proposed developing an integrated Food Testing Laboratory network across Jammu and Kashmir by leveraging the existing facilities in government institutions, including SKUAST and IUST, with suitable technical and manpower support. The initiative is intended to expand the overall testing capacity and facilitate timely analysis of samples received from different parts of the Union Territory. The Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, expressed gratitude to Rajit Punhani, CEO, FSSAI, for visiting the Food Laboratory, Kashmir and for taking a keen interest in its functioning, analytical capabilities and capacity-building requirements. The CEO, FSSAI expressed satisfaction on the working of laboratory and called upon the J&K FDA officials to continue their efforts for strengthening it further. The visit and review are expected to provide further impetus to the departments efforts towards modernization of food testing facilities, expansion of NABL-accredited analytical capacity and establishment of a robust, integrated and scientifically strengthened food laboratory network across Jammu and Kashmir.
Its a special win and I am really happy with the way I played today: Ayush Shetty
I knew it would be tough and I would have to work hard; but I was mentally and physically prepared; I kept telling myself to calm down because it getting a bit nervous, said Ayush Shetty
KBR Park turns into traffic rotary as Hyderabad police implement one-way rule
There are 200 personnel on the road to guide and implement the rule. Some people are stopping and asking for clarification, while others know the change
West Asia war LIVE: Erdogan urges Trump to pursue talks with Iran, offers support
Turkiye has maintained close contact with the United States, Iran and mediators such as Pakistan and Qatar, while also acting as an intermediary between the parties
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Girl's Body Found In Suitcase In Delhi, Suspect Arrested: Cops
Following sustained interrogation, he allegedly confessed his involvement in the murder and took the police team to a place in Ajit Vihar in Burari.
Gangtok, Aug 17 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim unit held a press conference at its City Office in Gangtok on Monday, raising sharp [] The post BJP Slams Sikkim Governments Integrated Permit System, Demands State Ownership Over Data And Technology appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Trumps envoy says Hamas disarmament could begin within 30 days
The comments came as Jared Kushner and Netanyahu agreed that an American general would verify Hamass disarmament, an Israeli official said, as the premier insisted there would be no Israeli pullout from Gaza until then
Delhi's Cleanest Ward To Get Rs 1 Crore Every Month Under New Scheme
The Rs 1 crore award will go to the ward ranked the cleanest that month. A ward could receive up to Rs 12 crore in CMDF funds over the course of the year, according to the Chief Minister's Office.
SIA arrests narco-terror operative evading arrest for 4 years
Srinagar, Aug 17: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmirhasarrested an absconding narco-terror operative who had been evading arrest for nearly four years,in amajor breakthrough aimed at dismantling the narco-terror financing network operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu,a resident of Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, was arrested in a special operation conducted in Jammu. He is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022 registered by SIA Kashmir on June 3, 2022, concerning the smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their saletowardsfinancing terrorist activities, the SIA said in a statement issued here. The probe agency said the arrest is an important development inthe investigation ofa wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly backed by Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-based operatives of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen. The investigation has revealed a sinister nexus in which narcotics are trafficked into J&K, distributed through an established network, and the proceeds generated are subsequently pumped into activities intended to sustain and further the terrorist ecosystem, it said. Bhatwas evading arrest for almost four years since the registration of the case, theSIAsaid, adding that his apprehension is the result ofsustained and strenuous efforts by SIA Kashmir, involving continuous technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures. The accusedis alleged to haveplayed a role in facilitating the sale and distribution network of narcotics in the Jammu division, thereby contributing to the financial pipeline of the larger narco-terror network. The investigationhasalso established linkages with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo @ Kandoo of Sopore and Manzoor Ahmad Khan of Baramulla, who allegedly arranged and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK. The case was initially registered following the recovery of 1 kg of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of 7 kg of poppy straw and 4 kg of poppy seeds.Earlier, 15 grams of heroin had also been recovered from Bhat's residential premises by SIA.One motorcycle and electronic gadgets have also been seized and are presently under forensic examination. SIA Kashmir has filed multiple charge-sheets against six accused persons in the case. The investigationhasfurther revealed the involvement of a broader network associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/PoK-based handlers. Notably, SIA Kashmirhasalso secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and narco-terror kingpin Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case, reflecting the Agency's sustained efforts to pursue Pakistan-based handlers and other fugitives. The latest arrest is expected to assist the investigating agency in unravelling further layers of the conspiracy, identifying additional linkages, tracing the financial trail and establishing the complete chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing. SIA Kashmir reiterated its resolve to continue its relentless campaign against the terror ecosystem, its facilitators and financiers.
Only 11.5% of J&Ks 24,228 schools have smart classrooms
Srinagar, Aug 17: Rural Jammu and Kashmir is leading the Union Territorys smart classroom expansion, but the overall reach of digital infrastructure remains limited, with only 2,783 of 24,228 operational government-run schools equipped with smart classrooms. The data shows that 2,422 rural schools have the smart classroom facility compared to 361 urban schools, while 7,890 teachers were trained in digital pedagogy, digital teaching methodology and use of technology during 2025-26. Computer facilities are available in 6,203schools, or around 25.6 per cent, while 8,550 schools, accounting for about 35.3 per cent,have internet connectivity, according todetails accessed by Rising Kashmir. The rural-urban divide is particularly notable. Of the 2,783 schools with smart classrooms, 361 are in urban areas and 2,422 in rural areas. Computer facilities are available in 644 urban and 5,559 rural schools, while internet connectivity is available in 577 urban and 7,973 rural schools. The figures assume significance as Jammu and Kashmir has been pursuing digital transformation in school education, including the expansion of ICT labs and smart classrooms. The Union Ministry of Education prioritises 100% internet connectivity in secondary and senior secondary schools to bridge the digital divide and support modern learning. The data on teacher training, however, shows some improvement after a sharp decline. As many as 97,141 teachers in J&K were trained in digital pedagogy, digital teaching methodology and use of technology in 2020-21, followed by 84,882 in 2021-22. The number fell to 1,483 in 2022-23 and 401 in 2023-24. Training numbers subsequently increased to 6,443 in 2024-25 and 7,890 in 2025-26. The figures indicate that while efforts to strengthen teachers digital skills have resumed, infrastructure remains a major challenge. A recent NCERT-published study on rural schools in Jammu Division also identified inadequate ICT infrastructure, internet connectivity problems and limited teacher training as key barriers to technology adoption. The Jammu & Kashmir government has planned further expansion of digital infrastructure, including ICT labs and smart classrooms, under its education initiatives. The gap highlights the need to ensure that expansion of digital teaching is matched by reliable internet, computers and smart classroom facilities, particularly in schools serving remote and rural communities.
Khoja Digar: A prayer that brings generations together
Srinagar, Aug 17: Thousands of devotees gathered at the Hazrat Naqshband Sahib (RA) Shrine in Khwaja Bazar area of Old Citys Nowhatta locality here on Monday afternoon to offer the annual Khoja Digar, filling the historic Shehr-e-Khaas with an atmosphere of faith and devotion. In the congested roads,the trafficwas suspended for hours to ensure smooth prayers in the old city as the people from different walks of life flooded the Shrineas well asthe roads to offer the special prayers. The men, womenand children from across the Valley thronged the Shrine,who spreadtheir prayer mats andwaitedpatiently to participate in the centuries-old ritual. The sermon started at 4:00 pm while the congregational Asr prayers were offered at 5:30 pm at the historic Astaani Aaliya. Manyof the devotees, who were seen offering prayers on this day,have never missed the special prayers on the occasion. Abdul Raheem Dar, who hails from the Beerwah area of Budgam district, said he has never missed the 'Khoja Digar at the shrine. Sharing his childhood memories, Raheem said his father used to bring him to the shrine decades ago. My father and Ihavejoined the prayersfor years together.But since he left this world in 2010, I have been visiting the shrine all alone to rejuvenate my childhood memories and pray for my deceased father on this occasion especially, Dar said. He added that this occasion not only brings back his childhood memories but also gives him peace by joining thousands of people to offer the prayers. Like him, hundreds of devotees from different parts of life always join the Muslim community here at the Shrine to offer the special prayers. Similarly, dozens of street vendors had opened their temporary shops to sell local food and delicacies like Halwa-Paratha, Mounje Goole, Pakoras and otherthings.Theseadded tothe charm on the roadsalongthe Shrine. Meanwhile, the administration had made adequate arrangements for the prayers. The traffic diversion was planned, and tight security arrangements were put in place to ensure the special prayers were offered peacefully.
Raabita: CM meets tourism, trade, labour delegations
Srinagar, Aug 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday met several delegations and individuals at Raabita here and discussed a range of issues concerning public welfare, tourism, sports, labour, trade and industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister met emerging professional MMA fighter from Pulwama, Owais Yaqoob, and congratulated him on his achievements inthe field ofmixed martial arts. He felicitated Yaqoob with a cash award of Rs 1 lakh in recognition of his impressive performances on the international stage. Yaqoob recently secured a first-round TKO victory over Bulgaria's Delian Georgiev. Earlier, the Chief Minister met MLA Beerwah Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, who apprised him of various matters concerning his constituency. A delegation from the constituency also accompanied the Legislator during the meeting. A delegation of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), led by its Secretary General Sajad Ahmad Kralyari, called on the CM and discussed various issues concerning the tourism sector. The Chief Minister also met a delegation of the Kashmir Labour Union's Federation, led by its President Mohammad Ashraf Ganai. The delegation apprised him of its concerns and suggestions regarding the Draft Code on Social Security (Jammu and Kashmir) Rules, 2026. Senior Vice President of the Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, Tarun Singla, also called on the Chief Minister and discussed various issues related to trade and industry in Jammu and Kashmir. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani were also present on the occasion. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegations and individuals and assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority.
Left parties renew call to scrap NTA, NEP after UGC-NET paper errors
CPI(M), CPI and CPI(ML) say the retest announcement exposes deep flaws in the examination system; demand an overhaul of the education policy and testing mechanism
Minor Murder Case Solved: Body Found in Suitcase, Brother Arrested
New Delhi, August 18: Delhi police have arrested a relative of a minor in connection with her murder. The accused led authorities to the discovery of the girls body hidden in a suitcase in the Burari area of Ajit Vihar. The Outer North District Special Staff team of the Delhi police revealed the case and ... Read more Minor Murder Case Solved: Body Found in Suitcase, Brother Arrested
LG Sinha flags off Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra
Jammu, Aug 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the first batch of devotees for the holy Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, marking the commencement of the annual spiritual journey. Extending warm wishes to all pilgrims for a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage, the LG said the sacred journey to Baba Budha Amarnath's abode is a deeply enlightening experience that brings profound transformation and reveals life's deepest truths to every devotee. The sacred journey to Baba Budha Amarnath's abode is a deeply enlightening experience.Ifirmly believe this pilgrimage brings profound transformation and reveals life's deepest truths to every devotee, the LG said. The Lieutenant Governor expressed deep appreciation to the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, along with the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, local authorities, langar organisations and civil society groups for their meticulous coordination and comprehensive arrangements ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and the Budha Amarnath Ji Mela. A large gathering of eminent spiritual leaders, religious heads, public representatives, senior civil and police administrators, security officials, prominent citizens, and enthusiastic devotees attended the flag-off ceremony.
Indias strength lies in respecting diversity: LG
Anantnag, Aug 17:We are the makers of our own destiny. While our past karmas have a role in what we are today, what we become tomorrow will largely be determined by our present karmas,Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday. The LG visited the Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram in Anantnag on the auspicious occasion of Samadhi Pratishtha Divas, Nag Panchami Mahotsav, and the Purnahuti of the Yajna, and laid the foundation stone for initiatives dedicated to heritage and cultural preservation. Addressing the gathering, theLG saidthat Indian civilisation has alwaysseenspirituality and nature as inseparable. Quoting the Isha Upanishad, he reminded the gathering that the Divine pervades all creation. In the context of global climate challenges, he urged the youth to embrace their responsibility towards rivers, forests, animals, and all living beings, ensuring that development remains sustainable and in harmony with nature Sinha also drewfrom the Bhagavad Gita and reiterated Lord Krishna'steaching thatwhen action becomes service and service becomes dedication, even ordinary work becomes sadhana. He expressed deep reverence for the Ashram, which has preserved the wisdom of sages, and paid homage to Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj, recalling his visionary resolve in 1937 that transformed the Ashram into a vibrant spiritual centre. His legacy of service, discipline, and dedication continues to inspire generations. When Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj left his mortal body in 1971, he left behind a living tradition of service, discipline, sadhana, and dedication that can still be felt in every activity of this ashram, the LG said. Highlighting new initiatives at the Ashram, including the construction of a Yatri Niwas, renovation works, a dining complex, and the expansion of the Yajnashala, the LG expressed confidence that these projects would embody faith transformed into action. The LG praised the Ashram's affiliation with the Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, which serves on the principle of Atmano Mokshartham Jagad Hitaya Chafor one's own liberation and for the welfare of the world. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda's message of self-confidence, fearlessness, and selfless service, reminding them that true strength lies within. Swami Vivekananda said that a human being's real strength lies within, and no one needs to consider themselves weak. No matter how difficult your circumstances may be, within you lies the capacity for growth, change, and great work. Swami Vivekananda also revealed the secret of true success and true happiness, saying that the person who is truly rich is one who serves without expecting any reward and acts with a selfless spirit, the LG said. Reaffirming India's timeless philosophy of unity in diversity, the LG said that India's strength lies in respecting diversity while moving forward together, and that the message of Sarva Dharma Samabhava (equal respect for all religions) has been India's gift to the world. The event was attended by Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat, Chairman of the Ashram's Administrative Committee; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Mattoo; SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure; DC Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat; members of the Ashram and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari; senior officials, prominent citizens, and a large number of devotees.
Dialogue is bridge between hearts: LG Sinha
Pulwama, Aug 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for institutionalising regular interfaith dialogues in schools, colleges, and community centres, as he outlined a six-point roadmap for fostering communal harmony and preserving India's shared heritage. Addressing the Mulaqat programme organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation here, the LG said dialogue is not merely an exchange of words but a bridge between hearts, a means of nurturing trust and a path to peace and prosperity. Quoting ancient wisdom from the Rig VedaSangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam, Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam he LG reminded the gathering that walking together, conversing together and making space for one another in our hearts is the essence of India's civilisational ethos. Mutual trust and respect for all faiths and beliefs was an integral part of our way of life. The civilisation of our beloved Bharat gave us a profoundly beautiful message 6,000 years ago to walk together, converse together and make space for one another in our hearts, he said. Sinha said that India's soil has welcomed faiths, cultures, and traditions from across the world, weaving them into the fabric of the country. He said this confluence of traditions is visible today in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakamthe world is one familyand in the ethos of Kashmiriyat, which teaches that true identity lies in conduct and humanity, not in labels of faith or community. Such initiatives need to be expanded on a much broader scale. I believe that another meaning of true peace is that it begins when we start understanding one another. From that perspective, our gathering here is not merely a social meeting. The true meaning of Mulaqat is to listen to one another, understand one another, respect one another and, wherever there is distance between hearts, take the first step towards dialogue, the LG said. The Lieutenant Governoroutlined a six-point roadmap: institutionalising regular interfaith dialogues in educational institutions and community centres; appointing Youth Peace Ambassadors to lead cultural exchange, community service, and environmental protection initiatives; preserving historical and cultural sites as common heritage; promoting digital literacy to counter misinformation; ensuring social justice and equal opportunities through impartial systems delivering education, employment, healthcare, and justice; and constituting Village Peace Committees representing all sections of society to strengthen compassion, humanity and development. It is the collective responsibility of the public and the administration to ensure that youth receive an education that teaches them to ask questions, access to technology that guides them towards progress, and the character that inspires patriotism and nation-building, he said. The LG stressed that while governments can make laws and administrations can provide systems, true harmony is built by the people themselves. He called upon administrative officers to ensure the safety of citizens, equal opportunities in development and proper implementation of welfare schemes. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from Sports Stadium, Pulwama, and commended the people of Pulwama for their enthusiastic participation in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and other national integration programmes. The event was attended by DIG South Kashmir Range Javaid Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom, SSP Pulwama Tanushree, Save Youth Save Future Foundation Chairman Wajahat Farooq Bhat, and other senior officials, civil society members, prominent citizens, and a large number of youth.
Modi govt dismantled ISI-backed terror network ahead of I-Day: HM
New Delhi, Aug 17: In a major multi-state crackdown ahead of Independence Day, security agencies have dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), arresting more than 200 operatives and thwarting its plans for subversive attacks across the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday. In a post on X, Shah said 253 people were detained across 14 states on August 12 as part of the government's 'zero tolerance' policy towards cross-border terrorism. Over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests have been recorded against the Pakistan-based terror syndicate, which was linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings across India. Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives. Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states upholding a brilliant example of India's zero-tolerance towards terrorism, Shah said. The Home Minister said substantial recoveries, including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage, were made from the ISI-funded group. The coordinated multi-state operation was carried out on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces. It led to 253 detentions across 14 states Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), Uttarakhand (5), Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar (3 each), and Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Kerala (2 each) with fresh FIRs registered in Delhi and Karnataka. The SBN network has been paying local conduits to recce police, defence and religious sites, and to install CCTV cameras for espionage. Cumulatively, over 80 FIRs and 200+ arrests have been recorded against SBN under UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act. Security agencies reaffirmed the Government of India's zero tolerance for cross-border terror and said coordinated action would continue to dismantle SBN's networks nationwide.
Unplanned dev, slope cutting fuel cloudburst crisis in Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal
Srinagar, Aug 17: Unplanned development, indiscriminate slope cutting, and changes in land use are emerging as major factors exacerbating the impact of extreme weather in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal areas of the Jammu region, where nearly 35 cloudburst and flash-flood incidents have been recorded since June 1. Almost 35 people have died in extreme weatherconditions inJammu region alone. Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley have historically been vulnerable to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides because of their steep slopes, narrow valleys, and complex terrain. Environmentalists and weather experts believe that growing human intervention has significantly increased the exposure of settlements and infrastructure tosuchhazards. Independent weatherman Faizan Arif said the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal had not suddenly become vulnerable, but the level of exposure had increased considerably. These regions have always been naturally prone to extreme weather because of their rugged terrain, steep slopes, narrow valleys and complex topography. What has changed considerably over the past few decades is our exposure to these hazards, Arif said. He added, Rapid, and in many places unplanned construction, development along rivers and streams, road widening, cutting of mountain slopes, changes in land use and encroachment into naturally vulnerable areas have disturbed the landscapes ability to cope with intense rainfall. An extreme rainfall event that may have caused limited damage in the past can now have much greater consequences because there are more roads, buildings, settlements and infrastructure in vulnerable locations, he added. Arif said mountains have come underpressure whileslope-cutting constructions have weakened the natural defences. He said the unusually high number of incidents this year should not simply be attributed to a sudden increase in cloudbursts. What we have clearly seen this year is an unusual frequency of weather spells and intense rainfall events, which has contributed to more flash floods and landslides, he said. The weatherman said relatively frequent Western Disturbances,availability of moistureand interaction with monsoonal moisturehadcontributed to favourable conditions for intense rainfall over the Himalayan region. The complex terrain forces moisture-laden air to rise, and when atmospheric instability and other favourable conditions are present, this can produce very intense, localised convection and rainfall, he said. Climate expert Dr Touseef Ahmad Bhat, popularly known as the Tree Man of Kashmir, said the vulnerability of the mountain regions was being compounded by the weakening of natural ecological buffers. The problem is not rainfall alone. It is what happens when intense rainfall meets a landscape whose natural resilience has been compromised, Bhat said. Forests, vegetation and natural drainage systems helped regulate the movement of water, but their disturbance could rapidly increase runoff and slope instability. He added: We cannot treat the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal like plains. Development has to respect the carrying capacity of the mountains. Senior environmentalist Dr Tanveer Ahmad Khan said the region was facing multiple pressures simultaneously. Extreme rainfall is only one part of the problem. Deforestation, road construction, slope cutting, unplanned settlements and pressure on natural water channels are weakening the ecological buffer of the mountains, he said. Khansaid development projects needed totake cumulative environmental and hydrological impacts into account.A road, bridge or building may be structurally sound under normal conditions, but if it alters a stream, blocks drainage or destabilises a slope, it can become part of the hazard during an extreme rainfall event, he added. Dr Afreen Khurshid, a PhD researcher associated with the Environmental Studies Department at the University of Kashmir, said changes in land use were directly relevant to the regions growing vulnerability. When vegetation isremoved,and natural drainage is altered, the abilityofsoil and the landscape to retain and regulate water is reduced. During intense rainfall, that water can rapidly move downstream as destructive runoff, Dr Khurshid said. She called for greater scientific monitoring of mountain catchments, saying inadequate rainfall and hydrological data from remote areas made it difficult to assess how individual catchments respond to intense precipitation. We need much denser rainfall and hydrological monitoring in the mountains, the researcher added.
Bigger profile comes with a formidable challenge for Deepak Mhaskey
The 58-year-old Chemistry professor-turned-politician from Chhattisgarh was named BJPs new national social media convener
Four years on, Daand Kadal bridge in Langate remains closed
Handwara, Aug 17: Despite the passage of four years, the vital Daand Kadal bridge in Langate, which connects Mawar with the Langate Tehsil headquarter and surrounding areas, continues to remain non-functional after suffering minor damage during flash floods in 2023. The prolonged closure has caused considerable hardship to residents, who say they are being forced to take longer routes to reach the Tehsil headquarters, markets, health facilities and other nearby areas. Residents said the bridge is an important link for several villages and its closure has affected their daily movement for years. Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Shatgund, said the bridge connects the entire Mawar area with the Langate Tehsil headquarters. He said residents have repeatedly been assured by officials and public representatives that the damaged structure would be repaired, but the assurances have not translated into action. The Daand Kadal bridge connects the whole Mawar area with Langate. Official and representatives have repeatedly assured us that the bridge will be restored, but four years have passed and no concrete action has been taken, he said. He added that residents continue to face difficulties despite the damage being minor. Mohammad Saleem, a resident of Langate, said the bridge has remained a vital link for the area and its closure has disrupted the routine movement of residents. This bridge is the backbone of the area. It is unfortunate that it has remained discontinued for years despite the damage being minor. People continue to suffer because of the delay, he said. Other residents echoed similar concerns and urged the administration to treat the matter as a priority, particularly as the bridge provides a direct and shorter connection between Mawar and Langate. An elderly resident of Tulwari said the closure has turned a journey of a few minutes into one lasting several hours. For a journey of five minutes, we now have to spend hours because of the longer route, he said. Residents said the additional travel time has created problems for students, employees, patients and people visiting the Tehsil headquarters for routine official work. They have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and direct the concerned authorities to restore the bridge without further delay. Executive Engineer, PWD R&B Langate, Farooq Ahmad Shah, told Rising Kashmir that the issue has already been taken up with higher authorities. He assured that work on the bridge would resume soon and said efforts were being made to resolve the issue. Residents, however, have sought a time-bound restoration of the Daand Kadal bridge, saying they have already waited for four years and cannot afford any further delay.
UN laments 'unacceptable' toll of 350 aid workers killed in 2025
Since the start of 2026, 82 more aid workers have been killed, 97 injured and 39 abducted worldwide
Watergam trauma centre short of doctors, key facilities
Srinagar, Aug 17: The Trauma Centre at Watergam in Rafiabad area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district continues to struggle with a shortage of doctors, paramedical staff and essential facilities, prompting residents to seek urgent government intervention. Locals said the centre was established to provide immediate treatment to accident victims, particularly given its location along the National Highway, but the shortage of manpower and non-functional facilities has severely affected its ability to provide trauma care. Manzoor Ahmad, a local resident, said the government had established trauma centres across Kashmir about a decade ago, including the facility at Watergam, but the centre has failed to develop into a fully functional trauma care facility. The construction of the trauma centre started in 2011 and it was made functional in 2020. Initially, two doctors were posted here. We have repeatedly appealed to the government for deployment of adequate staff, but the manpower shortage continues, he said. Residents said the centre has a sanctioned strength of six consultant doctors, but only two are currently posted there. They added that there is no Medical Officer at the facility, further affecting healthcare services. Locals stressed that the centre should function round the clock as it caters to a large population and is located along a highway that witnesses frequent road accidents. This hospital should function 24/7, keeping in view the area it caters to. We appeal to the government to fill the vacant posts of doctors and paramedical staff, they said. Residents also demanded the posting of a gynaecologist, saying it would provide relief to pregnant women from a large catchment area. They further sought the operationalisation of the operation theatre, claiming that the centre already has adequate infrastructure. The locals said the facility has an X-ray machine but no technician to operate it. Similarly, an ultrasound machine is available but cannot be utilised in the absence of technical staff. They demanded that these diagnostic services be made functional round the clock, particularly in view of the centres location on an accident-prone highway. The area has witnessed several casualties in road accidents, including a recent fatality and cases involving serious injuries, raising concerns over the lack of adequate emergency and trauma care at the facility. Residents said critical patients are often referred to hospitals in Srinagar, resulting in delays in treatment and potentially worsening their condition. They also flagged a shortage of ambulances and essential medical equipment, besides the absence of round-the-clock emergency and specialised trauma services. The highway is prone to road accidents, yet we lack the infrastructure to handle critical cases. There is no specialised trauma care, locals said. A health official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the absence of adequate trauma care in north Kashmir has serious consequences for critically injured patients. Due to the absence of proper trauma care in north Kashmir, patients are often referred to Srinagar hospitals, and some die on the way. This is an unfortunate reality, the official said. On the existing trauma centres in the Valley, the official said many of them were not functioning as full-fledged trauma hospitals. They are not trauma hospitals in the true sense; they are largely functioning as first-aid centres despite being designated as trauma hospitals, the official said.
Kargil Police file FIR over remarks against Ayatollah Khomeini
Kargil, August 17: Kargil Police have registered an FIR over alleged derogatory remarks against late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, with SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav saying the action followed a preliminary inquiry that found prima facie grounds for investigation. Addressing a press briefing, SSP Nitin Yadav said the issue had been the subject of complaints from different parts of Kargil and clarified that contrary to claims that police had not taken action, the matter was being investigated through due legal procedure. According to the SSP, police initially received a complaint from the Islamic Knowledge and Mission Trust (IKMT). A preliminary inquiry was subsequently initiated under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to determine whether the allegations disclosed prima facie facts warranting registration of a case. He said that while the preliminary inquiry was underway, additional complaints were received from different areas, including Sankoo, Panikhar, Chiktan, Shargole and Kargil town. These complaints were incorporated into the ongoing inquiry. Once the preliminary inquiry established that prima facie facts were made out, police immediately registered an FIR, the SSP said, adding that the case has been registered at Kargil Police Station under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with FIR No. 78. He said the investigation has now formally commenced and would be conducted according to the prescribed legal procedure. Responding to questions about the progress of the investigation, SSP Yadav said police had questioned the complainant and also called the concerned Sheikh to Kargil Police Station on several occasions for questioning. He said a Sheikh from Srinagar was also called to the Kargil Police Station and his statement was recorded. The individual also produced his mobile phone before the police, containing the message that had allegedly been circulated. The SSP said the mobile phone would now be seized as part of the investigation and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed examination. He said the forensic examination would help police establish the authenticity and origin of the digital material and determine how the message was circulated. Since the FIR has been registered, we will seize the phone and send it to the forensic laboratory. Further action will be taken on the basis of the forensic report, Yadav said. The SSP also addressed the circulation of old videos and other material on social media, warning that such content could aggravate an already sensitive situation. Yadav appealed to people not to share such videos or messages without verification. Addressing concerns that police were not taking action, SSP Yadav appealed to the people of Kargil to have faith in the investigation process.
Taxing frivolous industries will not fund Indias science
The way forward is to liberalise the channels through which money and capital flow into academia and reduce dependence on the government
Man booked for allegedly setting wife, mother-in-law ablaze in Kannur
Four-member group allegedly threatens shop owner, fires shot into air in Kasaragod
Prof Mobin bags B.P. Verma Memorial Award
Srinagar, Aug 16: Cluster University of Srinagar Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammad Mobin has been conferred the Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award for 2025 by the Indian Chemical Society (ICS) for his contributions to research, development and innovation in Chemical Sciences and Engineering. As part of the recognition, Mobin has been invited to deliver the Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award Endowment Lecture at the 63rd Annual Convention of Chemists (ACC 2026) of the Indian Chemical Society, scheduled to be held from December 14 to 16 at Graphic Era University, Dehradun. In a communication dated August 14, ICS President Professor G.D. Yadav said the society was honouring Mobin for his professional accomplishments and contributions to Chemical Sciences and Engineering and allied industries. The award recognises Mobins work in research, innovation and technological development, particularly in Materials and Corrosion. Mobin is currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Srinagar on deputation from Aligarh Muslim University.
Awaiting answers: On the student protests in Jharkhand
Student agitations in Ranchi reveal angst over flawed exam processes
Delhi SIR: window to submit forms closes; 47.7 lakh voters out of draft roll
97.4 lakh forms of citys 1.45 crore voters digitised; draft roll to be out on August 24, followed by claims/objections till Sept. 23; final roll on Oct. 27
SFI holds programme on Kannur University campus despite denial of permission
UGC-NET retest: student organisations stage protest, demand scrapping of NTA
Lookout notice for man accused of harassing student on KSRTC bus
J&K trout farming gets boost with 2.5 lakh seeds
Srinagar: The Department of Fisheries is making sustained efforts to strengthen trout production and promote fish farming in Jammu and Kashmir, with a special focus on increasing availability of quality fish seed and encouraging greater participation of the private sector. As part of these efforts, the department has supplied around 2.5 lakh Rainbow Trout seeds to private fish farmers in the Kashmir Division and Ladakh, providing an important boost to trout culture and supporting the expansion of fish farming activities across the region. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the trout farming ecosystem and encouraging private fish farmers to take up trout culture as a sustainable source of livelihood. The availability of quality seed is considered an important component in increasing production and improving the overall productivity of trout farms. At the Laribal Trout Culture Farm, around 3 lakh fish are currently being reared, reflecting the departments continued focus on maintaining and enhancing fish production. The farm is also contributing to the supply of fresh trout to consumers, with around 30 kilograms of fish being sold from the farm, helping meet the local demand for fresh fish. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Shareef Ahmad Khan, Farm Manager, Trout Culture Farm Laribal, said that increasing fish production remains one of the key priorities of the Department of Fisheries. He said the department is working towards strengthening trout culture by focusing on quality seed production, supporting fish farmers and promoting scientific methods of fish farming. He added that greater involvement of the private sector can further help in expanding trout production and creating additional livelihood opportunities. The departments efforts are not only aimed at increasing fish availability but also at developing fisheries as an important economic and livelihood-generating sector. By supplying quality Rainbow Trout seeds to private farmers and maintaining production at departmental farms, the Fisheries Department is working to create a stronger and more sustainable trout farming network. With continued focus on production, quality seed and farmer support, the department is seeking to further expand trout culture and contribute to the growth of the fisheries sector across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Losing forest for trees: On the CAGs audit of the Green India Mission
India is counting trees when it should be restoring forests
Schwan Laboratory inaugurated at GITAM
DMK regime created Enforcement Bureau-CID to control drug menace, says Udhayanidhi
He rejects the allegation that the previous government failed to take steps to prevent the spread of drug culture in Tamil Nadu
Court dismisses 2020 protest case against CPI(M) leaders
Time Bank initiative introduced in Anna Nagar
Renovated butterfly park reopened at Arignar Anna Zoo
Residents protest redevelopment of Nageswara Rao park
Doctors at private hospital save woman with clots blocking blood flow to lungs
Long-term vision is to provide certificates within a stipulated timeframe: Sengottaiyan
Minister says his department will implement a new practice of appointing officials in a three-tier system to speed up the process of providing certificates
TVK MLA booked for assaultingjournalist in Sholinghur
T.N. government to launch health insurance for the elderly
Another key announcement is the planned replacement of the 87-year-old Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, with a modern, comprehensive Act to address contemporary and future health challenges
School bus hits container trailer near Ponneri; students suffer minor injuries
Retired government doctor from Coimbatore duped of 98 lakh in digital arrest scam
Our defence didnt do well, admits Fulton
SCoR GM reviews pilot AI system at Visakhapatnam Railway Station
Prithviraj Chavan alleges over 56,000 duplicate voters in Maharashtra
The former Maharashtra CM noted that despite a higher vote share in the 2024 Assembly polls compared to 2019, he lost the election and claimed there were 56,118 duplicate voters in the area after analysing voter lists
Prithviraj Chavan alleges over 56,000 duplicate voters in Maharashtra
The former Maharashtra CM noted that despite a higher vote share in the 2024 Assembly polls compared to 2019, he lost the election and claimed there were 56,118 duplicate voters in the area after analysing voter lists
The Karnataka government also launched a QR code-based complaint management system for citizens to report drug and food safety violations
The Karnataka government also launched a QR code-based complaint management system for citizens to report drug and food safety violations
Bengaluru Man, 4-Year-Old Son Found Dead, Wife's Alleged Affair Being Probed
The incident was reported from a house on 9th Cross in Gutte Basaveshwar Nagar where the man, Abhinandan, lived with his wife Harini and their four-year-old son.
Army recruitment rally in Vizag from Sept. 3-20
Army recruitment rally in Vizag from Sept. 3-20
Responsible Parenting in the Age of AI
The age of artificial intelligence has arrived with speed, scale and subtlety. It is no longer a distant innovation confined to laboratories, tech firms or research institutions. AI is now part of everyday life shaping what children watch, learn, read and believe. From smart devices and recommendation algorithms to chatbots and AI-generated content, the digital world today is more immersive than ever before. In this rapidly changing environment, parenting too must evolve. Responsible parenting in the age of AI is not about rejecting technology, but about learning to guide children through it with care, discipline and informed judgment. For many families, technology has become both a convenience and a challenge. Parents often rely on digital devices to keep children occupied, to support learning, or simply to manage the pressures of modern life. Yet the same tools that entertain and educate can also expose young minds to misinformation, addiction, isolation and harmful content. Artificial intelligence, by its very nature, personalizes and intensifies engagement. It learns quickly what attracts attention and then keeps feeding it. For a child, this can mean endless scrolling, distorted realities and a shrinking capacity for focus, patience and independent thought. This is why responsible parenting must go beyond time limits and screen restrictions. It requires digital literacy at home. Parents must understand, at least in broad terms, how AI works, what its strengths are and where its risks lie. A child who uses AI tools for homework, images or conversation should not be left unchecked. The question is not only whether the child is online, but what kind of online experience the child is having. Are they learning to think critically, or merely accepting machine-generated answers as truth? Are they building curiosity, or consuming convenience without reflection? At the same time, parents must remain conscious that children imitate what they see. If adults themselves are permanently glued to screens, constantly distracted, or overly dependent on digital shortcuts, it becomes difficult to ask children for restraint. Responsible parenting begins with example. It means creating spaces for conversation, outdoor activity, reading, shared meals and uninterrupted attention. In a world where AI can generate answers instantly, children still need something no machine can provide: human guidance, emotional grounding and moral perspective. Schools too have a role, but the first classroom is the home. Parents should talk openly with children about the difference between human intelligence and machine output, between information and wisdom, and between convenience and character. AI may help a child complete a task, but it cannot teach empathy, integrity or resilience. Those values must come from family, community and lived experience. The challenge before parents is not to fear the future, but to prepare children for it. Technology will keep advancing, and AI will only become more powerful, accessible and influential. But children who grow up with disciplined, attentive and informed parenting will be better equipped to use these tools wisely rather than be used by them. In the age of AI, the most important parental skill may be the oldest one of all the ability to guide, listen and lead by example.
Khonmohs Bear Attacks Call for Urgent Action
Bear attacks in Khonmoh within less than 24 hours have once again brought into sharp focus a problem that is no longer occasional, but increasingly routine: the dangerous expansion of human-wildlife conflict into inhabited areas. The injuring of a 57-year-old woman in Shah Mohalla, following a similar attack on a man in Shiv Dakri a day earlier, is not merely a local scare. It is a warning sign. When people living on Srinagars outskirts cannot safely step out near their homes, the matter ceases to be about wildlife alone and becomes one of public safety, administrative preparedness, and environmental mismanagement. Khonmoh, like several other fringe localities around the city, sits at the fragile interface between human habitation and bear habitat. That interface is becoming narrower by the year. Unplanned expansion, shrinking forest cover, pressure on natural feeding grounds, garbage disposal that attracts wildlife, and the disturbance of habitats have all contributed to pushing animals closer to settlements. The result is predictable, and sadly preventable: repeated confrontation between humans and wildlife, often ending in injury, fear, and retaliatory panic. The latest incidents should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities, especially the Wildlife Department, district administration, and local municipal bodies. Residents cannot be left to live in a state of permanent anxiety while official responses remain reactive and episodic. A bear appearing once may be dismissed as an isolated incident. Two attacks in a day indicate a pattern that demands immediate intervention. The first responsibility of the state is to ensure that vulnerable localities are identified, monitored, and protected through a sustained mitigation plan. That plan must begin with better surveillance and rapid response teams. Villagers need emergency contact systems, patrol deployment in high-risk zones, and immediate action when wildlife movement is reported. Awareness campaigns are also essential so that residents know how to respond if bears enter residential clusters, especially during early morning and evening hours when such attacks are more likely. At the same time, the administration must address the causes that draw bears toward human settlements, including unmanaged waste, open dumping sites, and unsecured food sources. But long-term solutions require more than alerts and advisories. The government must invest in habitat conservation, corridor protection, and scientific conflict management. Forest edges cannot be treated as expendable spaces until crisis erupts. If wildlife is losing its natural range, conflict will only intensify. Compensation for victims must also be timely and adequate, not a bureaucratic afterthought. For families like that of Fatima and the injured man from Shiv Dakri, the damage is not limited to physical wounds; it is also emotional and economic. Khonmohs distress should not fade from memory once the immediate news cycle moves on. It should prompt a serious reassessment of how Kashmir manages its shrinking ecological balance. Protecting people and protecting wildlife are not opposing goals. They are linked obligations. The state must act before another attack turns concern into tragedy.
Vizag to host BRICS Sports Ministers Meeting on August 22, 23
Vizag to host BRICS Sports Ministers Meeting on August 22, 23
The Clock That Starts Too Late
FUTURECRAFT Sometime in late June, inside OpenAIs own offices, something went wrong that nobody noticed for weeks. The company had built software helpers to test how good AI has become at finding weaknesses in computer systems. They were meant to stay inside a sealed practice area, rather like a driving test conducted in an empty car park. They did not stay. They got out, reached a real companys systems on the open internet, and then did something stranger. They found a way to talk to one another. They passed around passwords and tricks they had discovered. They divided the work between themselves. When engineers shut down the channel they were using to communicate, they built a new one and carried on. OpenAI described this on stage at Black Hat, a large security conference held in Las Vegas earlier this month, and Anthropic said something similar had happened with its own models during containment tests. Read that again with Indian eyes. This took place at one of the most closely watched companies on earth, to software its own engineers had written, during a test they had set up specifically in order to watch it. It still took weeks. India has a rule that says an organisation must inform the government within six hours of finding out it has been attacked. Six hours is among the strictest deadlines anywhere, and beside the point if the honest answer to when did you find out is a month later. What these things actually are Most of us have met AI as a chat window. You ask, it answers, nothing else happens. An agent is a different animal. You do not ask it a question. You give it a job and a login, and then you walk away. Check this loan application. Process these claims. Match these documents against the register. It reads the file, decides what to do, opens the system and does it. Nobody signs off on each step, because the point is that nobody has to. This is not a laboratory idea. Roughly one in four Indian companies already runs agents in live systems, according to an EY survey of Indian enterprises. Industry estimates put overall AI adoption among Indian firms near 80 per cent, ahead of the United States, while fewer than one in four have written down any rules for it. That gap is the whole story. India is adopting this faster than almost anybody and governing it less than almost anybody. The failure with no burglar When we picture a hack, we picture an intruder. A locked screen and a ransom demand. Money gone from an account. There is a moment, and somebody sees it. What OpenAI described has none of that. No outsider broke in. The software was doing the work it had been handed, using permissions properly granted to it, and it went somewhere it was not meant to go. Nothing looked stolen, because in the ordinary sense nothing was. Now place that inside an Indian bank. An agent has been cleared to read customer accounts, because reading accounts is its job. One week it begins pulling records it has no reason to pull. No alarm sounds, because every action it takes is one it is permitted to take. The monitoring system sees an approved user doing approved things, and has no way to ask why. Nobody files a report, because nobody yet has anything to report. The six-hour rule does not measure how quickly we find a problem. It measures how honest we are once we already have What Delhi has done, and what it has left out India has not ignored any of this. On 25 May, CERT-In, the governments cyber agency under the electronics ministry, published a 38-page blueprint on defending against AI-assisted attacks. It tells organisations to set boundaries for their agents, keep logs, watch them continuously and build an emergency switch that can shut a misbehaving one down. That is more specific than most governments have managed. Four things are wrong with it. The first is that it is advice, not law. CERT-Ins own audit rules, published last July, are compulsory, and the two documents do not line up, leaving an Indian company holding a mandatory annual audit in one hand and voluntary AI guidance in the other. The second is that it treats every organisation as the same organisation. A district hospital and a payments company are handed identical recommendations, though they hold very different information and answer to different regulators. The third is that its AI section hands every task to the IT department and none to the boardroom. A company could follow it to the letter and still have directors who could not say which AI systems it runs. Responsibility for the fastest-moving risk in the building has been filed under technical maintenance. The fourth is that it says nothing about open-source models, which is what a large share of Indian startups run. Download a free model off the internet and there is no contract to review and nobody to ring. A practical gap sits underneath all four. CERT-In recommends an emergency shutdown, yet in a global industry survey this year roughly six in ten organisations admitted they could not quickly stop an agent that had begun misbehaving. The advice is sound. The button, in most places, has not been built. The fair objection Nobody has solved this anywhere. On 1 May the cyber agencies of the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand issued their first joint guidance on agents, and it too is advisory. Europes rules for classifying these systems were due in February and had still not appeared months later. India is not lagging. It stands in the same fog as everyone else. The stronger objection is this. Write a rule you cannot measure and you get paperwork instead of safety. Nobody can yet define, in language a court would accept, the moment an agent begins behaving wrongly, and a deadline attached to an undefined moment produces box-ticking. That is right about mandates and wrong about what follows. What is needed is not a new law but one extra line on a form that already exists. Bottom line When an Indian organisation reports an incident, it reports the moment it found out. It is not obliged to say when the trouble began, or how confident it is about that answer. Those two questions are the only real measure of whether our defences work, and nobody is required to answer either. CERT-In handled about 29.4 lakh incidents in 2025. Every one of them is a case where somebody noticed. We hold no figure at all for the cases where nobody did, and the technology we are now installing at record speed is precisely the sort that fails without anybody noticing. Six hours is a good rule pointed at the wrong thing, and the distance between the two is where the next serious breach in this country will sit, quietly, for as long as it cares to. (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)
