Srinagars Vichar Nag temple sees puja again, L-G says revival serves as a historic bridge
Scores of Kashmiri Pandits attended the ceremony in an area that once hosted a number of Pandit families who had to leave their homeland due to militancy in the 1990s
The Home Department issued the directive onJuly 18) following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Mumbai, which sought extension of operating hours for hospitality establishments on the night of the final
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It did not look to me that it [hydration break] changed the results of the competition. But we are here to serve people who watch football, he said
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The Timeless Wisdom of Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Alam's Shrukhs
Every civilization preserves its soul in the words of those rare individuals who rise above the limitations of their age and speak to humanity across generations. Empires crumble, political systems undergo change, and social structures evolve, yet the wisdom of great thinkers continues to illuminate the path of mankind. Kashmir, a land celebrated for its unparalleled natural beauty and rich intellectual heritage, possesses such a timeless treasure in the Shrukhs of Sheikh-ul-Alam, also known as Nund Rishi. These short yet profound poetic compositions have transcended the boundaries of religion, language, and time to become an enduring source of moral, spiritual, and literary inspiration. The significance of the Shrukhs lies not merely in their devotional character but in their remarkable ability to address the eternal questions of human existence. They explore the relationship between man and God, between humanity and nature, and between the individual and society. Their appeal is universal because they concern themselves with values that remain relevant irrespective of historical period or cultural background. One of the most remarkable achievements of Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A) was his decision to communicate in Kashmiri, the language of ordinary people. At a time when scholarship and religious discourse were largely confined to Persian and Arabic, he transformed the spoken language of the common people into a vehicle capable of expressing profound philosophical thought. In doing so, he democratized wisdom. Spirituality was no longer the exclusive domain of scholars and theologians; it became accessible to farmers, artisans, shepherds, and labourers. This choice alone marks him as not merely a saint but also a pioneering literary figure whose influence helped shape the evolution of Kashmiri literature. The Shrukh as a poetic form possesses extraordinary literary merit. Characterized by brevity, rhythmic elegance, symbolic richness, and philosophical depth, these verses demonstrate how profound truths may be conveyed through the simplest of expressions. Their language is free from unnecessary ornamentation, yet every line carries multiple layers of meaning. This artistic economy gives the Shrukhs an enduring freshness. Each reading reveals new dimensions, allowing successive generations to discover meanings relevant to their own experiences. Unlike lengthy philosophical treatises, the Shrukhs condense wisdom into memorable aphoristic expressions. Their musical cadence enabled them to be preserved through oral tradition long before they were systematically compiled. In villages across Kashmir, generations memorized these verses not because they were required to do so but because they found in them guidance for everyday living. Thus, the Shrukhs became part of the cultural consciousness of Kashmir, shaping ethical conduct as much as literary taste. At the heart of Sheikh-ul-Alam's poetry lies an unwavering commitment to moral integrity. He repeatedly reminds his readers that genuine spirituality cannot be measured by outward rituals, elaborate ceremonies, or displays of religious identity. True devotion, according to him, manifests itself through humility, compassion, honesty, self-restraint, and service to others. Such teachings remain strikingly relevant in an age where external appearances often overshadow inner character. His poetry consistently warns against the dangers of greed and excessive attachment to material possessions. Human beings, he suggests, frequently mistake wealth for happiness and status for fulfilment, only to discover that neither provides lasting peace. Real contentment arises not from accumulation but from moderation and inner discipline. This philosophy appears particularly significant in today's consumer-driven society, where success is often measured by material acquisition rather than ethical conduct. Another distinguishing feature of the Shrukhs is their profound concern for social justice. Sheikh-ul-Alam rejected discrimination based on wealth, caste, occupation, or social standing. He affirmed the dignity of labour and emphasized that every individual deserves respect by virtue of being human. His verses challenge arrogance, exploitation, hypocrisy, and injustice with remarkable courage. Rather than offering abstract sermons, he addressed the practical realities of everyday life, encouraging individuals to cultivate fairness, kindness, and compassion in their dealings with others. This concern for social harmony is perhaps one reason why the Shrukhs continue to resonate across diverse communities. Their ethical vision is inclusive rather than exclusive. They do not seek to divide humanity into opposing camps but instead emphasize the common moral responsibilities shared by all people. Such a perspective holds immense significance in contemporary societies increasingly marked by polarization and intolerance. Among Sheikh-ul-Alam's most enduring contributions is his remarkable ecological consciousness. His celebrated dictum, often translated as Food will last as long as forests last, has acquired almost prophetic significance in the twenty-first century. Long before environmental conservation emerged as a global concern, he recognized the inseparable relationship between human survival and the preservation of nature. This insight demonstrates that ecological awareness is not merely a scientific concern but also an ethical responsibility. Forests, rivers, mountains, and fertile lands are not resources to be exploited without restraint but sacred trusts upon which future generations depend. In an era confronting climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, Sheikh-ul-Alam's wisdom appears astonishingly contemporary. His message reminds us that sustainable living begins with humility before nature and recognition of humanity's dependence upon ecological balance. The literary greatness of the Shrukhs also lies in their remarkable use of imagery and symbolism. Everyday objects become metaphors for profound philosophical ideas. Agriculture, seasons, flowing streams, mountains, birds, flowers, and trees acquire symbolic significance, enabling readers to perceive spiritual truths through familiar experiences. This intimate connection with the natural environment gives the poetry both authenticity and emotional resonance. Equally significant is the close intellectual relationship between the Shrukhs of Sheikh-ul-Alam and the Vakhs of Lal Ded. Although they belonged to different religious traditions and employed distinct symbolic vocabularies, both sought to awaken the human conscience through introspection rather than dogmatism. Both rejected empty ritualism and emphasized direct spiritual experience. Together they laid the foundations of Kashmir's unique mystical and literary tradition, demonstrating that truth cannot be confined within narrow sectarian boundaries. The dialogue established by these two towering figures helped shape the cultural ethos often associated with Kashmir's tradition of coexistence, mutual respect, and shared spirituality. Their writings continue to remind us that literature possesses the extraordinary capacity to build bridges where ideological divisions create walls. From a literary perspective, the Shrukhs deserve recognition alongside the finest examples of mystical poetry produced anywhere in the world. Their philosophical subtlety, emotional restraint, linguistic precision, and symbolic richness invite serious scholarly engagement. They reward literary criticism as much as spiritual reflection. Every verse offers opportunities for interpretation, making them fertile ground for researchers interested in philosophy, linguistics, comparative literature, ethics, and cultural studies. Yet perhaps the greatest achievement of the Shrukhs is that they never lose sight of ordinary human life. Their wisdom is practical rather than abstract. They speak to farmers cultivating fields, craftsmen pursuing honest work, parents raising children, students seeking knowledge, and individuals struggling with doubt, ambition, and suffering. Their enduring appeal lies precisely in this ability to unite philosophical reflection with everyday experience. Modern society, despite unprecedented technological advancement, faces profound moral challenges. Loneliness persists amidst digital connectivity. Material abundance often coexists with emotional emptiness. Public discourse is increasingly shaped by hostility rather than understanding. Environmental degradation threatens future generations, while ethical considerations frequently yield to immediate self-interest. Against this backdrop, the Shrukhs acquire renewed significance. Their message is neither nostalgic nor outdated. Instead, it offers an alternative vision of human progressone rooted not merely in economic development but in ethical maturity. They remind us that genuine civilization depends not solely upon scientific innovation or material prosperity but equally upon compassion, honesty, humility, and respect for both humanity and nature. For contemporary readers, therefore, the Shrukhs should not be approached as historical relics preserved within the pages of old manuscripts. They are living texts whose wisdom continues to challenge, inspire, and guide. Their relevance increases rather than diminishes with time because they address permanent dimensions of the human condition. Every generation must rediscover its classical heritage in the light of contemporary realities. The enduring greatness of Sheikh-ul-Alam's Shrukhs lies precisely in their capacity to participate in this ongoing dialogue between past and present. They neither imprison us within tradition nor encourage the rejection of tradition. Instead, they invite us to cultivate wisdom capable of responding creatively to changing circumstances while remaining anchored in enduring moral values. In remembering Sheikh-ul-Alam(R.A), we do more than honour a revered saint or celebrate a literary pioneer. We acknowledge a voice that continues to speak with extraordinary clarity to an increasingly uncertain world. His Shrukhs remind us that the highest purpose of literature is not merely aesthetic pleasure but the awakening of conscience. Their enduring message affirms that societies flourish not through power or wealth alone but through compassion, justice, humility, and reverence for life. That is why the Shrukhs remain not only among the greatest achievements of Kashmiri literature but also among humanity's enduring moral inheritancesa timeless compass pointing towards a more humane and harmonious future. (The writer is RK Columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
When a Photon Becomes a Thought: Could Black Holes Hold the Universe's Deepest Secret?
A single photon, after travelling across space for probably billions of years, reaches the human eye. The instant it enters the eye and strikes the retina, it loses itself forever as a photon. It never returns or reflects into the universe. Instead, it surprisingly starts to be transformed. Photon makes light that transforms into an electrical signal, perception, memory, and ultimately conscious experience. Ah, a piece of the cosmos turns into an idea. This straightforward observation prompted a query that has persisted in my thoughts. Photons are also absorbed by a black hole. Additionally, those photons never return in their original form into the universe. Could these two seemingly unconnected incidents have a deep connection? One is the source of human awareness, while the other is still one of the biggest mysteries in physics. I do not claim that this is proven science. I offer it as a philosophical investigation. It seems that human consciousness develops not just from the absorption of photons but also from the transformation, integration, memory, and experience of the information those photons carry. The language of light is transformed into the language of meaning by the human brain. Black holes could be amazing information stores, according to modern physics. Many scientists concur that information itself is crucial to comprehending black holes, despite ongoing disagreements about how information is stored there. John Archibald Wheeler, a physicist, has said that we live in a participatory universe, where reality is shaped by observation itself. If Wheeler was correct, awareness is an essential aspect of the universe itself rather than just an accidental consequence of biology. Take a moment to consider how unlikely it is that you exist. Every atom in your body was created in the nuclear furnaces of extinct stars that dispersed their rich remnants around the galaxy after they perished spectacularly. The calcium in your bones, the carbon in your cells, and the oxygen in your lungs all originated from stellar catastrophes billions of years ago. The universe gradually accumulated the chemical components required for life across innumerable generations of stars. Then, over the course of an uninterrupted evolutionary process that lasted about four billion years on Earth, those components arranged themselves into the complex brain networks that enable you to comprehend these words and consider their meaning. This is not just a matter-and-energy tale. We can never fully comprehend the hing-in-itself, the noumenal reality that exists apart from our perception, according to renowned philosopher Immanuel Kant. We only ever encounter phenomena, which are the outward manifestations of objects mediated by our senses and organised by our minds. You don't actually experience the old photon when it hits your retina. Your brain reconstructs that photon using chemical gradients, electrical signals, and synaptic firings, and you experience the neural representation of that photon. Instead of the actual world, you encounter a meticulously constructed imitation of it. Nevertheless, this imitation or simulation's effectiveness is astounding. It makes it possible for you to move around your surroundings, identify faces, admire beauty, fall in love, make art, develop ideas about black holes, and pose meaningful queries about the essence of life. We have constructed entire civilizations on the simulation because it is so effective. We have created mathematical languages that describe the subatomic world and the distant galaxies, surveyed the universe with our instruments, and even started to decipher the neurological circuitry that makes it all possible. However, as we acquire more knowledge, we become more aware of how much we do not know about the reality. A reality that is essentially probabilistic, non-local, and possibly even observer-dependent is what quantum mechanics offers us. Furthermore, theoretical paradoxes presented by black holes, those mysterious areas of spacetime where gravity grows so strong that not even light can escape, threaten our most treasured beliefs, such as the conservation of information. Herein lies the fresh relevance of our philosophical investigation. If black holes are, in fact, stores of vast amounts of information that are arranged and integrated in ways that are difficult for us to comprehend, we must ask: Could such remarkable information integration lead to the emergence of something similar to consciousness? A daring inquiry is raised by this. If the integration of information is closely linked to consciousness, is it possible that the cosmos has forms of consciousness that are very different from our own? I'm not saying that black holes think like people do. Such a claim would be unsupported by logic or evidence. Instead, I question if our biological conception of awareness is too limited. Maybe the concept of awareness is just one way that nature expresses a more fundamental idea. Neurons are the building blocks of human organisation. Could the cosmos possess other architectures of organization beyond biology? Consciousness is produced by billions of neurons arranged in a brain; it cannot be found in a single neuron. In a similar vein, a single star lacks consciousness, but billions of stars arranged in a galaxy may exhibit some kind of cosmic awareness that functions on spatial and temporal scales that are beyond our comprehension. About 86 billion neurons make up the neuronal network of the human brain, each of which is coupled to thousands of other neurons to form an astounding 100 trillion synaptic connections. Each of the galaxy's roughly 100 billion stars is gravitationally connected to every other star, forming an incredibly intricate cosmic web. Is there any possibility that the galaxy has consciousness? Though that may sound like science fiction, keep in mind that the universe has had 13.8 billion years to organize itself. Only in the last few hundred thousand years has human consciousness appeared on Earth; it is a fleeting moment in cosmic time. The universe continued to change even if there was no life on Earth as we know it prior to it. Planets came together, stars ignited, and galaxies emerged. Was there any ambiguous consciousness inherent in the structure of matter itself, or was this merely mechanistic and unaware? Some philosophers, especially those who support panpsychism, contend that consciousness is a fundamental feature of the cosmos and can be found in nature to varied degrees. Similar to how mass and charge are intrinsic properties of matter, consciousness may also exist in its most basic form and develop into more complex awareness as complexity rises. Therefore, the photon that transforms into a thought might not signify the emergence of awareness but rather the discovery of a more profound unity already present in reality. Baruch Spinoza shared this worldview, viewing mind and matter as two manifestations of the same underlying reality rather than as distinct things. If this is the case, we are participants in a universe that is progressively becoming aware of itself through our ideas, discoveries, and creative endeavours rather than detached viewers of the universe that appears to frighten you.The great poet Rainer Maria Rilke once wrote: Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love. This sentiment can be extended to the universe itself. The cosmos, in all its vastness and mystery, may be something that wants to be known, understood, and loved. Now let us get back to the black hole. The photon is lost to our view when it passes through the event horizon. The entire structure of spacetime keeps information from escaping the gravitational abyss, so we can never know what happens to itnot because physics forbids it. In contrast, the photon that entered the human eye started a series of brain processes that led to conscious perception. With our tools, we can measure, trace, and comprehend that pathwayat least in principle. However, there may be a deeper affinity between these two photons. Both are taken up, changed, and included into a bigger system. Both help to organize the data. Both take part in reality's continuous growth. One leads to human awareness, whereas the other causes a black hole to grow. Is it possible that black holes are cosmic wombs rather than cosmic prisons, where information is processed, changed, and reborn in different forms? The Orch-OR theory, put forth by physicist Sir Roger Penrose and anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff, suggests that quantum events in neuronal microtubules are the source of consciousness. If this theory is correct, then quantum processes that also function close to black hole event horizons are necessary for awareness. The emergence of mind and the quantum qualities of matter may have a profound relationship. Even though it may seem radical, let's consider one more idea. Black holes may be the world's most sophisticated quantum computers if they are areas of spacetime where quantum gravity takes over and if quantum gravity entails significant information processing. And if advanced quantum computing is a prerequisite for consciousness at the cosmic scale, then black holes might indeed be consciousnot in any biological sense, but in a manner appropriate to their nature. How might such awareness manifest itself? It would exist on timescales that are incomprehensible to humans. It could take millions of years for an idea to develop. Our world would be dwarfed by the spatial sizes at which it would function. It would see space and time in ways that are beyond our comprehension. It would be completely real, completely alien, and completely ambiguous. Some people might reject this notion right away. It could be interesting to others. Both answers are worthwhile. Advancement has never relied solely on consensus; rather, it has relied on intelligent inquiry carried out with integrity. Science advances through evidence. Philosophy advances through reason. I am presenting it as an invitation to broaden your perspective, challenge your presumptions, and enjoy the mystery of life. When someone dared to pose an absurd question, the greatest scientific revolutions got underway. What would it be like to ride a beam of light, Einstein wondered? Heisenberg questioned if the act of observing itself could influence what was seen. Hawking questioned whether black holes could emit light. At the time, each of these queries seemed ridiculous. They all changed the way we perceived the world. Now, I want you to think about this: what if consciousness is not limited to the brain? What if there is more life, awareness, and significance in the universe than we have ever dreamed? What if our search for understanding is not merely a human pursuit but a cosmic imperative? The photon that enters your eye and the photon that vanishes into a black hole are both components of the same narrative, that of a universe that is constantly organizing, changing, and maybe even reflecting on itself. The information that forms a black hole and the information that creates your idea are both components of the same information, the information that makes up reality. We don't know if black holes have consciousness. Whether the universe thinks or not is unknown to us. However, we are aware that we are here, posing these queries, and that by doing so, we are taking part in something remarkable. The answer lies in the query. The destination is the journey. Both the photon that turns into a black hole and the photon that turns into a thought are journeys into the unknown. It is a voyage from existence to awareness, from matter to meaning, from physics to philosophy. Every day, every sunrise, every glance, and every question we dare to ask are all part of this trip. I propose a philosophical possibility: every orbit may conceal a deeper orbit, and every centre may seek a deeper centre. Beyond the final centre may lie not just another black hole, but the only reality that needs no centre, the Absolute Centre of Consciousness. (The Author is a PhD in Physics, Principal at the Government Higher Secondary School, Qaimoh, Kulgam. E-mail: sajadphysics@gmail.com )
Villagers oppose new stone quarry, crusher unit near Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai
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GCC begins removal of encroachments on key stretches in city
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SMVDU secures 28 lakh AICTE grant for automotive research
Jammu, July 20: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) has secured a 28 lakh Research Promotion Scheme (RPS) grant from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for an advanced research project aimed at developing innovative 3D-printed solutions for the automotive sector. The project, titled 3D Printed Functionally Graded Lattice Structures for Enhanced Energy Absorption and Acoustics for Automotive Applications, will be led by Dr Ankush Raina as Principal Investigator, with Dr Mir Irfan ul Haq as Co-Principal Investigator. The research will be carried out in collaboration with IIT Ropar, NIT Kurukshetra and an industry partner, combining academic and industrial expertise to develop lightweight structures that improve vehicle safety, reduce noise and promote sustainable design. Vice Chancellor Prof. Pragati Kumar congratulated the research team, describing the AICTE grant as a significant achievement for the university and a reflection of its growing research capabilities. Dr Ankush Raina thanked AICTE for its support and acknowledged the encouragement of the university administration. He said the project would advance research in additive manufacturing while providing students and young researchers with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies with real-world applications. University officials said the project marks another milestone in SMVDU's efforts to strengthen research and innovation in engineering while contributing to national priorities in technology, sustainability and industrial development.
Anna Nagar residents seek lasting solution to traffic congestion
PMK organises signature campaign urging State govt. to notify extent of Pallikaranai marshland
Speaking during the campaign, the PMK president criticised former DMK minister P.K. Sekarbabu, who was in-charge of the CMDA, for not playing the crucial role of being the watchdog in the State for real estate development
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Tourist rush grows at Dubjan, Peer Ki Gali, visitors seek better facilities
Shopian, July 19: Tourist footfall at the scenic destinations of Dubjan and Peer Ki Gali along the historic Mughal Road has witnessed a sharp rise this year, with thousands of visitors from across the country and different parts of Jammu and Kashmir flocking to the picturesque locations. Locals attributed the growing popularity of the destinations to the Winter Carnivals organised by the district administration in 2025 and 2026, which helped showcase Dubjan's tourism potential. Since then, visitor numbers have increased significantly during both the winter and summer seasons. Tourists praised the area's lush meadows, cool weather and serene surroundings but expressed concern over the lack of basic infrastructure. They pointed to the absence of public toilets, dustbins, mobile connectivity and proper waste management facilities, saying these shortcomings affect the overall visitor experience. A newly married couple from Rajasthan, who also visited Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar, described Dubjan as one of the most beautiful destinations in Kashmir but urged the government to develop essential tourist facilities. Safety has also emerged as a major concern, particularly near the stream adjoining the Dubjan bridge, where tourists frequently gather. Earlier this year, a three-year-old boy drowned after slipping into the stream, prompting fresh calls for protective railings and other safety measures. Social activist Mitha Gatto urged the administration to install permanent safety barriers around the bridge, while Wildlife Department employee Zubair Ahmad Punoo appealed to visitors, especially families with children, to exercise caution near the fast-flowing stream. Responding to the concerns, Chief Executive Officer of the Shopian-Dubjan-Peer Ki Gali Development Authority, Mohammad Rouf, said development works are constrained as much of the area falls under the Forest and Wildlife Departments. He said the authority is coordinating with the concerned departments to provide essential facilities, including toilets and other public amenities. Rouf also said a proposal has been submitted to the government for the construction of a Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) at Peer Ki Gali to cater to visitors from both the Shopian and Rajouri sides of the Mughal Road.
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Chinar Book Festival draws big crowd despite rain
Srinagar, July 19: Persistent rain and overcast skies failed to deter book lovers as the second day of the Chinar Book Festival witnessed a strong turnout at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake on Sunday. Families, students, teachers and literature enthusiasts thronged the festival venue, where the day featured thought-provoking literary discussions, interactive childrens workshops and cultural performances celebrating Kashmir's rich artistic heritage. The literary sessions at the Authors' Corner opened with a panel discussion titled Beyond the Headlines: Journalism as Storytelling, offering students an insight into the changing landscape of journalism. Moderated by senior journalist Javaid Malik, the session featured Sanjeev Gupta of Dainik Jagran, Naresh Kaushik of PTI, Prashant Asthana of Navbharat Times and Nayanika Sengupta of Hindustan Times. The panellists discussed the evolution of print, television and digital journalism, the growing influence of social media and the responsibilities that come with reporting in the digital age. Students from BHSS Mujgund, Sultan-ul-Arifeen School, Kashmir Harvard Educational Institute, Blue Bells School, GHSS Rainawari, Government Polytechnic College Bemina and Government Degree College Kulgam actively participated, raising questions on newsroom ethics, career opportunities, reporting skills and the future of journalism. The speakers encouraged aspiring journalists to uphold curiosity, integrity and a strong commitment to factual reporting. Another major attraction at the Authors Corner was a session titled Urdu, Kashmiriyat and the Rich Tapestry of Shared Cultural Tradition. Moderated by Dr Hafeezur Rahman, Convenor of the Khusro Foundation, New Delhi, the discussion featured Prof Mufti Mudassir Farooqui, Head of the Department of English at the University of Kashmir, and educationist Asiya Qadir, Academic Head of Birla Open Minds International School. Prof Farooqui highlighted the close relationship between Kashmir's Sufi and Rishi traditions, describing them as the foundation of the Valleys culture of coexistence and communal harmony. Asiya Qadir underscored the importance of multilingual learning, saying languages help broaden perspectives and strengthen social and cultural bonds. Festival organisers said more than 4,000 students from schools, colleges and universities across Srinagar and adjoining districts participated in various activities on the second day. Of them, over 2,500 children attended interactive sessions at the Childrens Corner. Young participants engaged in an Art Safari paper craft workshop organised by the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, where they created colourful paper butterflies while learning creative craft techniques. Students were also introduced to the Ministry of Educations digital library, which offers free access to more than 7,000 e-books in 23 languages. The Childrens Corner also hosted a Book Cover Design Workshop conducted by the National Centre for Children's Literature (NCCL), followed by Harf-o-Hunar: English Calligraphy Workshop led by Malik Mukhtar, where students explored the art of elegant lettering. The festivals cultural programme showcased Kashmir's vibrant folk traditions through performances by Raja Art and Culture, Dilshad Cultural Forum, Kalidas Theatre Group and Pompoush Folk Theatre. The evening concluded with musical performances by Dr Shazia Hameed, Rashida Akhter and Abid Ali, adding a festive atmosphere despite the rainy weather.
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Cloudburst hits Daksum, tourist movement suspended
Anantnag, July 19: A cloudburst hit Bangidar in Daksum on Sunday, prompting authorities to assess the situation on the ground amid an India Meteorological Department forecast of heavy rainfall over the coming days. The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Kokernag, visited the affected area along with the Deputy Superintendent of Police, personnel of the CRPF's 164 Battalion, the Assistant Executive Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control, and officials of the Forest, Wildlife and Sheep Husbandry departments. An official said no loss of life or damage to property had been reported from the area, and that the water level had started receding, with the situation presently under control. The concerned departments have been directed to remain on alert and continue close monitoring of the area, the official added. In view of the adverse weather conditions and the risk of landslides, shooting stones and flash floods in the upper reaches of the sub-division, the SDM has barred tourists from travelling beyond Bidhard. A complete ban has also been imposed on trekking to Sinthantop, Choharnag, Fambar Valley and Margantop till further orders.
The Public-Private Partnership policy framework allows any private firm or individual to propose a potential project in an industrial estate in Puducherry
Watch: Inside the Jantar Mantar protest: Why hundreds gathered in Delhi
Thousands gathered at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 19 ahead of CJPs planned march to Parliament, even as the Delhi Police issued a prohibitory order against marches.
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Iran says missile attack targets outskirts of Abadan, reports no casualties
Tehran [Iran], July 19 (ANI): Iranian authorities said an area on the outskirts of Abadan in Khuzestan province was hit in a missile attack on Sunday, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. Valiullah Hayati, Deputy Security and Police Officer of the Khuzestan Governorate, said, A few minutes ago, an area outside the city limits and on the outskirts of Abadan was attacked with missiles by the terrorist enemy of America. He said the attack did not result in any casualties.Hayati added that further information would be announced later. The allegations of strikes come as Iran on Sunday claimed that the errorist and criminal regime of the US has attacked the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant in Khuzestan province, according to the state broadcaster IRIB. In a statement carried out by IRIB, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) alleged that the strike took place at around 3:39 am (local time) on Sunday. The terrorist and criminal regime of the US, which has no nature other than bullying and lawlessness, in an aggressive and brutal act contrary to international law, attacked the Darkhoin power plant site under construction - one of the symbols of the dignity and scientific self-sufficiency of the Iranian nation - with a number of projectiles, AEOI said. The strike comes as US President Donald Trump said that he couldn't care less about Iran's decision to stop abiding by the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), reiterating that Washington's priority remains preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking in a brief phone interview with US cable network NewsNation, Trump was asked about Tehran's announcement that it would no longer adhere to the interim agreement signed with the United States last month. I couldn't care less, Trump said. He added that the war's primary objective is ever allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon. The MoU was signed between Washington and Tehran in mid-June to end the war launched by the US and Israel in February. The latest exchange of deadly strikes began amid disagreements over the management of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the latest updates, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone in Ahvaz, a city in the Khuzestan region that borders Iraq, state-run Press TV reported. Earlier on Sunday, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called the United States Great Satan and said it was no longer capable of maintaining a rouble-free, domineering presence across West Asia. In a written communication addressed to the citizens of Iraq on Sunday, Khamenei, who was selected in March to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, following his killing on February 28 in the US-Israel strikes, stated, The Great Satan--the criminal US--has now realised that the continuation of its trouble-free, domineering presence in the region is nothing but a naive fantasy. Pointing to the large crowds of mourners who gathered across Iran and Iraq for the funeral of his father, Khamenei remarked that the events had opened a new chapter of awakening and active engagement to alter the equations that had been designed by the Arrogant Powers. He further remarked, Undoubtedly, the leaders of Global Arrogance witnessed the magnificent scenes of this massive gathering in Iraq with trepidation, seeing how the vast resources they've invested to undermine relations between the two nations have proved entirely futile and ineffective. The development comes amid a sharp escalation in regional hostilities, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) carrying out a series of military operations targeting Iranian assets. The strikes mark an eighth consecutive night of kinetic actions against Tehran-backed facilities in the region. The attack came in the follow-up of an announcement that the two US military personnel were killed in Jordan and another was missing following an Iranian strike. (ANI)
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency issued the summons on Saturday (July 19, 2026), asking Niazi to appear at its Islamabad office on Monday (July 20, 2026) to record her statement
The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged launches with Usha Uthup and Anand Puri at Kolkatas Trincas
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Government committed to uninterrupted power supply, strengthening SCCL: Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka
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AIP Stands With Flash Flood Victims, Urges Swift Relief and Rehabilitation
Srinagar, July 19: The Jammu Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives caused by the devastating flash floods in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, the party said it was deeply saddened by the calamity and extended its heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. It prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time. The party said that in this hour of grief, it stands firmly with the affected people and urged the administration to expedite rescue and relief operations, ensure proper medical care for the injured, and provide immediate compensation and rehabilitation to the families of the deceased as well as those displaced by the disaster. AIP also appealed to citizens, volunteers, and civil society organizations to come forward and assist in relief efforts. The party reiterated that it would do everything within its capacity to support the victims and work towards long-term measures aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future. The statement was issued by Sheikh Ashiq, State Secretary of the Jammu Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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Supreme Court holds abuse is uncivil, but not obscene
In a judgment in a land dispute case in which the four-letter expletive was used, the top court says that to qualify as obscenity, the terms used must be lascivious, should appeal to prurient interests of people, and provoke a tendency to deprave and corrupt peoples minds
CPI(M) accuses governments of neglecting dalits, warns of protests for house site pattas
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