CBI files chargesheet against 11 accused in killing of Suvendus aide
One of the accused had previously worked with the deceased Chandranath Rath, according to officials
Jantar Mantar protests: Were we seeing reality or only what we liked seeing?
Reckitt and ASCI Launch National Innovation Challenge SAFER to Advance Sanitation Worker Safety
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Solinas Integrity Raises $5.5 Million in Series A1 Funding Led by Mela Ventures
The Chennai-based, IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech company deploys robotics and AI to transform Indias underground water and sanitation infrastructure
LV Swaroop Representing Bengaluru, Wins the MONIN Cup 2026 India Finals
LV Swaroop Representing Bengaluru, Wins the MONIN Cup 2026 India Finals
Rupee falls 6 paise to 95.28 against U.S. dollar in early trade
At least eight detained near Rahul Gandhi's residence during protest
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When enemy countries hold talks, why not two States on Cauvery issue, asks Chief Minister Vijay
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Stock markets down in early trade dragged by rising crude oil prices
The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 235.36 points to 78,699.80 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dipped 24.30 points to 24,608.25
Punjab beats Kerala in NITI Aayog rankings
Education Minister presents four-year transformation report in Vidhan Sabha; 3638 crore spent on infrastructure upgradation of 19,125 schools
What a water-wise city would look like and how India can get there
Durban and Bhubaneswar have protected water access for low-income households. Las Vegas and Bengaluru use higher tariffs to discourage excessive consumption. Seoul and Guwahati have strengthened planning rules to protect floodplains. Windhoek and Chennai show that treated wastewater can become a reliable source of water
Watch: Why FIFA backed Gianni Infantino after the World Cup privatisation backlash
FIFA has apologised for its handling of a controversial proposal to bring private investors into the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup, while reaffirming its support for President Gianni Infantino.
Three NCPI MPs from Bengal meet Amit Shah as uncertainty prevails over their stance
The Muslim MPs Khalilur Rahaman, Yusuf Pathan and Abu Taher Khan said they raised the issue of SIR deletions and restrictions on the use of loudspeakers in mosques with the Home Minister
RBI gives Urban Cooperative Banks new lease of life | Explained
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Office assets lead real estate investments across APAC and India in H1 2026, accounting for over 40% of total inflows in India: Colliers
Why the Centre is passing on issues raised by Ken-Betwa protesters to State governments | Explained
The Centre said it was the State government that was responsible for implementing the forest rights law
Raw Mango drops a handloom rap
Designer Sanjay Garg and rapper A-KAL (aka tennis player Adil Kalyanpur) on Raw Mangos rap song Handloom YAll and reimagining Indias textile heritage
POCSO cases in Kerala rising, says State Commission for Protection of Child Rights report
4,765 offences reported in 2025, up from 4,607 in 2024; highest number of cases in Thiruvananthapuram
Thailand school shooting LIVE updates: Teacher and gunman dead, four injured in shooting, police say
The incident took place in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province; police identified the perpetrator as a student
Meta ordered to pay U.S. state $567 million to abate 'public nuisance' and child harm
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Meanwhile, Opposition floor leaders from both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to meet to discuss their strategy for the ongoing Monsoon Session
How Beijing innovates: Lessons from Chinas market-state hybrid model
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My grandfather couldnt travel with us. So, I thought of a way to give him a taste of the journey ...
Why the Manas National Park in Assam is important
On the borders of India and Bhutan in Assam lies this less-known National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site
National Handloom Day: How dancers are championing Indias handlooms
There is a strong connection between Indian dance and textiles. American photographer Briana Blasko explored this interplay through stunning images in her book Dance of the Weaves. During the years she spent documenting costumes, she researched how fabrics acquire new expressions on the dancers body, assuming a unique flow and fall through the movements of different dance forms. With growing awareness about sustainability and the need to support traditional weaves and the artisans who create them, dancers have increasingly been experimenting with handlooms for their costumes, often with remarkable success. Who better than these artistes to champion our craft traditions by showcasing the skill of master weavers on stage? There can be no better way to promote and preserve our rich textile heritage. We speak to artistes and experts from the performing arts ecosystem to trace this fascinating link between dance and drape.
How Google is shaking up its leadership
Recent months have brought changes to Googles leadership, with multiple executives moving to AI rivals, apart from internal shifts
New elected body of Ice Hockey Association of India constituted
Mumbai, Aug 06: The Ice Hockey Association of India conducted its elections on August 2, 2026, at Hotel Vits Sharanam, Thane, Mumbai, with stakeholders from across the country participating in the democratic exercise held in accordance with Sports Code Act and the rules and regulations of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The Association, in a statement issued here, said the elections were conducted under the Chairmanship of Justice Prakash Naik (Retd. High Court Judge) as Returning Officer and Ashok Bhansare (Retd. District Judge) as Assistant Returning Officer. All the codal formalities were completed on the spot, and the elections were held in a cordial atmosphere after threadbare discussions. The elected office bearers and executive body members of the association are P.T. Kunzang was elected as President, Ajit Kaker as Senior Vice President, Santosh Pandurang Vetal as Vice President, S.M. Bali as Chief Executive Officer, Vijayanand Surwase as Assistant Secretary, and Maheshwari Apparao Dangeti as Treasurer. The executive body comprises M. Ashraf Dijoo, Purushottam Jagtap, Toundup Namgyal, and Padma Chorol as Executive Members. After the completion of the election process, a vote of thanks was proposed to the Chairperson, followed by a photo session at the venue. Subsequently, the first Executive Committee meeting was held at the same hotel, during which further actions regarding the Association were discussed and approved on the spot.
West Asia LIVE: Houthi missile attacks kill 58 Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, says source
Oil continued its rise on Friday (August 7, 2026) amid further concerns around the opening of the Strait of Hormuz
Actor Waluscha De Sousa in Sgr for J&K Open Golf Tournament
Srinagar, Aug 6: Bollywood actor and model Waluscha De Sousa is in Srinagar to host the prestigious J&K Open Golf Tournament being held at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course, adding a touch of glamour to one of India's premier professional golfing events. The tournament, being held from August 4 to 7, has attracted leading professional golfers from across the country and abroad and is expected to strengthen further Kashmir's growing reputation as a destination for sports tourism. The event has also witnessed participation from amateur golfers and corporate representatives through Pro-Am engagements. Waluscha, who made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the film Fan (2016), has been actively associated with several national golf championships and sporting events in recent years. Her presence at the tournament has generated excitement among golf enthusiasts and fans in the valley. Nestled along the banks of Dal Lake against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Hills, the Royal Springs Golf Course is regarded as one of India's finest golf courses. The venue has increasingly become a preferred destination for national golf tournaments, helping promote Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for high-end sporting events and experiential tourism. Officials said the championship is expected to boost tourism and the local economy by attracting players, officials, visitors and media from different parts of the country. Hotels, transport operators and local businesses are also expected to benefit from the influx of participants and spectators.
Review meeting on sericulture held at Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 06: Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director Sericulture Development Department, J&K, on Thursday chaired a review meeting at his office chamber at Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar, to take stock of the ongoing activities and progress of the Department. The meeting reviewed the status of Cocoon Auction Markets organized or proposed to be organized during the current year, besides assessing the physical and financial progress under CAPEX and HADP. The meeting also reviewed the physical and financial progress achieved under Silk Samagra-II for the financial years 2021-22, 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26. The Director stressed upon the concerned officers to ensure timely submission of requisite information and inputs and emphasized close monitoring of the implementation of various departmental programmes and schemes. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Sericulture Development Department, including Additional Directors, Development Officers, Project Executive Officers, Deputy Director Planning & Statistics, Accounts Officer and District Sericulture Officers/Managers Seeds. Jammu-based officers participated through virtual mode.
KMCH Sempora experts highlight lifelong benefits of breastfeeding
Srinagar, Aug 6: The Departments of Paediatrics and Community Medicine at Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, Srinagar, on Thursday observed World Breastfeeding Week by organising an awareness programme to promote breastfeeding and educate mothers on its vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of both infants and mothers. The event was attended by Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad; Executive Director Insha Qazi; Principal Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Khan; Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Mubashir; Head of the Department of Paediatrics Dr. Qazi Iqbal; heads of various departments, faculty members, doctors, nursing staff, and students. Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, said that greater awareness needs to be created among mothers about the importance of breastfeeding, as many are still reluctant to breastfeed their babies. He stressed the need to reach out to communities and encourage mothers to adopt breastfeeding by highlighting its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. He noted that reluctance towards breastfeeding is particularly noticeable in some urban areas, underscoring the need for sustained awareness campaigns to promote and support the practice. Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Qazi Iqbal, highlighted that mothers should initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months of life, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. He said that breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for newborns, providing all the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development while protecting babies against infections, allergies, and several childhood illnesses. Breast milk is a baby's first vaccine and the purest expression of a mother's love, he said. The doctors also emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of malnutrition, diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory infections, and other common childhood illnesses. They noted that breastfeeding not only strengthens a child's immune system but also contributes to improved cognitive development and long-term health outcomes. The programme concluded with an interactive session, where participants discussed strategies to improve breastfeeding awareness, address common myths, and strengthen community support for mothers, reaffirming KMCH's commitment to promoting maternal and child health through education and preventive healthcare initiatives.
Srinagar, Aug 6: Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur on Thursday reviewed the progress of the under-construction Modern Abattoir at Allochi Bagh during an inspection aimed at assessing the pace and quality of the ongoing works and ensuring the projects timely completion. The Commissioner/Secretary was accompanied by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Faz Lul Haseeb; Chief Town Planner, Kashmir; Chief Engineer, Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED); Joint Commissioner (Works), Srinagar Municipal Corporation; besides other senior officers from the concerned line departments. During the visit, the Commissioner/Secretary was briefed by Commissioner SMC on the salient features of the project, the progress achieved so far, and the timelines fixed for its completion. She inspected various components of the project and stressed the need to maintain the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. She directed the executing agencies to expedite the pace of work while ensuring strict adherence to the approved specifications and timelines so that the facility is completed and commissioned at the earliest. Later, the Commissioner/Secretary led a plantation drive in and around the Septage Treatment Plant (STP) at Allochi Bagh as part of the Governments sustained efforts to promote environmental conservation and sustainable urban development. A large number of saplings were planted to enhance the green cover, improve the local ecosystem, and contribute towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier urban environment. Speaking on the occasion, Mandeep Kaur emphasized the importance of integrating environmental sustainability with infrastructure development. She said that plantation drives not only improve the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces but also play a vital role in mitigating pollution, combating the adverse effects of climate change, and creating a healthier environment for future generations. The officers reiterated their commitment to strengthening urban infrastructure while safeguarding the environment through coordinated inter-departmental efforts. They emphasized that the timely completion of key infrastructure projects, coupled with sustained green initiatives, will significantly contribute towards building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Srinagar.
NIT Srinagar hosts NABL Gunvatta Yatra workshop
Srinagar, Aug 6: In a major initiative to promote quality assurance and internationally accepted laboratory standards, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Thursday organised a one-day awareness workshop on NABL Accreditation and its Benefits under the NABL Gunvatta Yatra, in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI). The programme was aimed at equipping Heads of Departments, laboratory in-charges, faculty members and technical staff with a comprehensive understanding of laboratory accreditation and its role in enhancing research excellence and technical competence. Sponsored by the Quality Council of India (QCI), the workshop focused on building awareness among laboratories across the institute about the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation process and the advantages of adopting globally recognised quality standards. The programme featured technical sessions by Dr. Bhumi Rajyaguru, Joint Director, NABL, and Mr. Sidhant Trivedi, Coordinator, NBQP, who explained various aspects of NABL accreditation, including the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, laboratory documentation, quality management systems and the step-by-step accreditation process. The inaugural session was attended by Prof. Roohie Naaz, Dean Research and Consultancy, who underscored the importance of maintaining internationally accepted quality standards in academic and research laboratories. She said accredited laboratories play a crucial role in strengthening the credibility of scientific research, innovation and technology development while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The event formed part of NABL's nationwide Gunvatta Yatra initiative, which seeks to encourage institutions, industries and testing facilities to strengthen their quality management systems through accreditation. The experts highlighted that NABL accreditation improves the reliability and accuracy of testing and calibration services, enhances customer confidence, ensures compliance with international standards and provides laboratories with national and global recognition. The awareness programme also outlined its key objectives, including explaining the importance and relevance of NABL accreditation in institutional and industrial quality systems, familiarising participants with the accreditation criteria and procedures. It also highlighted the benefits of accreditation such as improved quality assurance, enhanced stakeholder confidence and international acceptance, and addressing participants' queries on integrating accreditation into laboratory quality frameworks.
IUST holds high-level dialogue on fiscal diversification
Srinagar, Aug 6: The four-day international conference on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for Enhanced Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in Himalayas, organised by Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), concluded with a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Leveraging Nature-based Solutions for Fiscal Diversification and Resilience in J&K at Amar Singh Club, Srinagar. The concluding dialogue brought together representatives from the government, academia, industry, business sector, civil society, including PEC, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on mainstreaming NBS into policy, planning, financing and development practice. The dialogue was framed around the interconnected challenges of climate risk, fiscal pressure and youth unemployment, and explored how investments in natural systems can simultaneously reduce disaster risks and future public expenditure, strengthen key economic sectors, and generate new employment and enterprise opportunities. In his opening remarks, Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, emphasised the need to place nature-based solutions at the centre of inclusive and climate-resilient development. Prof. V. K. Gaur, Emeritus Scientist, CSIRFourth Paradigm Institute, Special Guest, spoke on nature-inspired approaches to environmental management, underscoring the importance of learning from natural systems while addressing emerging environmental and developmental challenges. The programme formally included Prof. Romshoos opening remarks and Prof. Gaurs special address. Babila Rakwal, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Science & Technology Department, along with the Deputy Secretary, Disaster Management Department, J&K, and other senior government officials participated in the deliberations. Government representatives highlighted that several enabling policies and programmes are already in place and stressed the need to systematically incorporate NBS approaches into their implementation. Participants also drew attention to data limitations, fragmented sectoral planning, and the continuing disconnect between policy formulation and implementation, identifying these as key areas requiring coordinated action. The dialogue also witnessed participation from the business and financial sectors, including Zuhaib Vaid, Regional Head, J&K and Ladakh, Government Banking, ICICI Bank, and Rakesh Magotra, Chief Compliance Officer, alongside representatives of academia, civil society and other stakeholder ins
Listen to the People: VPP rallies against Govt amid heavy security
Shillong, Aug 6:Thousands of supporters of the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) took to the streets of Shillong today, accusing the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government of failing to address public concerns and pursuing policies that are against the interests of indigenous communities. The rally, which saw the participation of around 3,000 people, [] The post Listen to the People: VPP rallies against Govt amid heavy security first appeared on Highland Post .
Chief Secretary inaugurates IFAD Project Partners Learning Forum 2026 at SKICC
Srinagar, Aug 6: The two-day IFAD Project Partners Learning Forum 2026, organised by Mission Directorate, Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP)/Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) under the Agriculture Production Department, commenced on Thursday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. The Learning Forum, centred on the theme Celebrating the International Year of Women Farmers: Empowering Women, Transforming Agriculture, was attended by the senior government officials, representatives of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Project Directors from IFAD-supported projects across India, development professionals, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to deliberate on innovative approaches towards inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. The inaugural session was presided over by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, who formally inaugurated the Learning Forum and addressed the gathering. In his keynote address, the CS highlighted the transformative role of technology, innovation and institutional convergence in strengthening the agriculture sector. He emphasised the need for greater collaboration among the government institutions, development partners and farming communities to build resilient and market-oriented agricultural systems. Dulloo also underscored the importance of women farmers as catalysts of rural transformation. He reiterated the governments commitment towards empowering them through technology, capacity building and entrepreneurship. The gathering was also addressed by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, who emphasised the critical role of research, innovation and scientific interventions in enhancing the agricultural productivity and sustainability. He stressed the importance of stronger linkages between research institutions, extension agencies and farmers to accelerate the adoption of modern technologies and improve rural livelihoods. Earlier, Dr. Sagar D. Dattatray, Mission Director, HADP/JKCIP, outlined the objectives of the Learning Forum. He highlighted the significant progress achieved under JKCIP in strengthening the institutional systems, promoting digital agriculture, supporting Farmer Producer Organisations, nurturing agri-startups and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across Jammu & Kashmir. James Marc de Sousa-Shields, Country Director, IFAD India, also addressed the participants and reiterated IFADs commitment towards supporting inclusive rural transformation through partnerships, innovation and knowledge sharing. He appreciated the progress made by JKCIP in establishing a robust digital ecosystem and community-driven implementation model. A major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of three key knowledge and digital initiatives under JKCIP. The dignitaries unveiled the fourth issue of JKCIP Pulse, the projects quarterly knowledge newsletter documenting innovations, field experiences and institutional learning. They also released the JKCIP Annual Report 202526, showcasing the projects achievements during its first full year of implementation. The occasion further witnessed the launch of Krishi Mitra AI, an AI-powered Crop Advisory and Leaf Diagnosis Platform developed in-house to provide intelligent, personalised and data-driven advisory services to farmers through the JKCIP Digital Ecosystem. The forum also featured an exhibition showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Ten startups supported under JKCIP displayed their technologies, products and solutions spanning precision agriculture, agri-processing, digital services and value addition. Besides, five Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) showcased a diverse range of high-value agricultural and horticultural products, demonstrating the growing strength of collective farmer enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir. In addition, thematic exhibition stalls were established by the Department of Agriculture Kashmir, Department of Horticulture Kashmir and the Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department (HPM), highlighting flagship initiatives, farmer-centric interventions and value chain development efforts undertaken across the Union Territory. The first day concluded with technical interactions, networking sessions and knowledge exchange among project leaders from across the country, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration and shared learning during the remaining sessions of the forum. The second day of the Learning Forum will feature thematic discussions, experience-sharing sessions by IFAD-assisted projects from different states and field visits to successful Farmer Producer Organisations, agri-startups and Centres of Excellence supported under JKCIP.
Not all localities implementing MRSSA properly
Shillong, Aug 6:East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal today informed that the district administration has had five rounds of meetings with various stakeholders on the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA). According to the DC, three rounds of meetings were held with Rangbah Shnongs, one with traditional chiefs and another with the officials [] The post Not all localities implementing MRSSA properly first appeared on Highland Post .
HSPDP seeks JPC scrutiny of proposed FCRA Amendment Bill
Shillong, Aug 6:The Hills State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP) youth wing has urged that the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, not be rushed through and instead be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny. In a press statement, the HSPDP youth wing said the union government intends to take up [] The post HSPDP seeks JPC scrutiny of proposed FCRA Amendment Bill first appeared on Highland Post .
J&K BJP distances itself from slogans, berating Kashmir women, during rally in Kashmir
Ruling National Conference said the apology tendered by the BJP spokesman was not enough
NASA astronauts Anil Menon, Jessica Meir undertake spacewalk to upgrade space station
The spacewalk 281st in support of the space station sixth for Ms. Meir and first for Mr. Menon began at 8.33 a.m. EDT (6.03 p.m. IST) on Thursday (August 5, 2026)
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Sofwan Awae Lightning Strike: Thai Footballer Dies Mid-Match in Freak Tragedy, 12 Injured
Bangkok, Aug 7 : A routine regional cup semifinal in southern Thailand turned into a national tragedy this week after 24-year-old winger Sofwan Awae was [] The post Sofwan Awae Lightning Strike: Thai Footballer Dies Mid-Match in Freak Tragedy, 12 Injured appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Purandeswari condemns attack on PG medical student in Rajamahendravaram
Moderate rain in north A.P. barely enough to bridge deficit in State
The north Andhra districts have recorded rain deficit, ranging between 40% and 60%
Justice for AgriGold victims brooks no delay, Naidu officials
The government will deal firmly with those trying to obstruct relief measures by approaching courts, he says, and instructs officials to speed up the auction of properties so that compensation can be disbursed to victims at the earliest
FCRA Bill is religion-neutral, Shah assures Christian bodies
Delegation meets Amit Shah; member says Home Minister has told them that the government has no intention to harass the Christian community; forum flags deemed cessation of assets clause; Bill could be taken up for discussion in Parliament on August 12
Trump signs 2 immigration actions to limit birthright citizenship and curb 'birth tourism'
Trump said one will limit the number of people eligible for U.S. citizenship after being born in the United States
Telangana extends industrial land conversion applications under HILTP till October
Announcing reopening of the application portal for three months from August 1, the government said the SRO rates prevailing prior to June 5 will apply
Collaboration, not blame game, needed to tackle floods, says Nagaland Minister
There are allegations that illegal mining activities in Nagaland contributed to the devastating floods in parts of Assam, claiming 95 lives so far
Real Madrid seals 7-year deal for Ivory Coast World Cup standout Yan Diomande
Diomande had an outstanding World Cup, and some Premier League teams were reportedly interested in signing him
Government spent 557.51 crore in PM Modis 77 foreign visits: MEA in Rajya Sabha
These visits and subsequent MoUs helped in international partnerships 'across the sectors', says govt.
DIPR announces IFFJK Emerging Filmmakers Competition
Srinagar, Aug 06: In a significant initiative to encourage and promote emerging filmmaking talent from Jammu and Kashmir, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has announced the IFFJK Emerging Filmmakers Competition 2026, as part of the scheduled 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), with registrations commencing from August 6, 2026. The competition is exclusively open to aspiring filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir and aims to provide a prestigious platform for young storytellers to showcase their creativity, cinematic vision, and technical skills through original short films. Aspiring and emerging filmmakers are invited to submit original short films with a maximum duration of five minutes, with the last date for submission being August 26, 2026. Applicants must be between 18 and 39 years of age as on September 1, 2026, and possess a valid Jammu and Kashmir domicile certificate. The competition is being organised around the theme Rang-e-Cinema: Frames of a New Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the evolving cultural, social, and creative narratives of the region while encouraging youth to present compelling stories through the medium of cinema. Interested filmmakers and cinematographers are advised to register by visiting the official IFFJK website www.iffjk.org, where detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the registration process are also available for ease of aspirants. DIPR urges aspiring filmmakers from across Jammu and Kashmir to seize this opportunity and contribute towards strengthening the Union Territory's growing film culture through innovative and impactful storytelling.
Jhelum choked by pollution: 22 of 52 river sites fail quality test
Srinagar, Aug 06: The health of Jammu and Kashmir's rivers has come under increasing strain, with the latest official assessment revealing that 22 out of 52 monitored locations across 13 rivers failed to meet the prescribed water quality criteria during 2022 and 2023, raising serious concerns over pollution in the region's freshwater ecosystems. Surprisingly, Kashmirs lifelinethe Jhelumstandschokedunder thepollution,as perthe official report accessed by Rising Kashmir. The report titled Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality 2025found that seven riversincluding the Jhelum- had stretches that did not comply with the prescribed standards. The findings state: Water Quality of 13 rivers in Jammu & Kashmir was monitored at 52 locations duringthe year2022 and 2023, out of which, 22 locations on 07 rivers were found non-complyingtothe prescribed Water Quality Criteria. The assessment indicates that pollution is no longer confined to isolated urban stretches but has spread across several river systems, reflecting mounting pressure from rapid urbanisation, untreated sewage, solid waste disposal and human activities along riverbanks. Among the rivers identified with non-complying stretches, the Jhelum remains the biggest concern due to its ecological, cultural and economic significance. Flowing through the heart of the Kashmir Valley, the river serves as a major source of drinking water, irrigation and livelihood for thousands of people. Based on water quality monitoringcarried out during2022 and 2023, the reporthasidentified the Jhelum stretch from the confluence of Vishav Nallah to downstream Baramulla as a polluted riverstretch and placedit under Priority Class IV. The report states that 13 rivers in Jammu and Kashmir were monitored at 52 locations, of which 22 locations on seven rivers were found non-complying with the prescribed water quality criteria with respect to Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)a key indicator used to assess organic pollution in rivers. Besides the Jhelum, the documenthasidentified pollutedstretches onChunt Kol, Tawi, Basanter, Devak, Gawkadal and Lidder rivers, highlighting the growing stress on the Union Territory's freshwater ecosystems. The Jhelum's polluted stretch,as perthe findings, extends from the confluencepointof Vishav Nallah toBaramulla downstream,indicating that pollutionis affecting one of themost densely inhabited and economically significant sections of the river. The analysis classifies polluted river stretches into different priority categories based on pollution levels to facilitate restoration measures. The Jhelum has been placed in Priority-IV, while Chunt Kol falls under Priority-III and Basanter, Devak, Gawkadal and Lidder under Priority-V. The report attributes the deteriorating water quality primarily to untreated domestic sewage, municipal waste, commercial effluents and other pollutants entering river systems. It notes that inadequate sewerage infrastructure, growing urbanisation and poor waste management continue to degrade river health. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the document recommends comprehensive river rejuvenation action plans for polluted stretches. It says these plans should begin with identifying and controlling pollution sources, including assessing the functioning of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), besides strengthening solid waste management and quantifying sewage and waste generated within river catchments. The report further recommends protecting river catchments and floodplains through better land-use practices, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, maintaining minimum environmental flows and undertaking large-scale plantations along riverbanks. It also advocates the creation of biodiversity parks on reclaimed floodplains by removing encroachments as part of long-term river restoration. Emphasising the need to curb untreated sewage, the study calls for proper interception and diversion of sewage-carrying drains to treatment plants and greater reuse of treated wastewater to reduce dependence on groundwater and surface water resources. It stresses that every action plan should include clearly defined timelines for implementation. The report concludes that restoring the health of Jammu and Kashmir's rivers will require coordinated efforts by multiple government agencies along with active public participation, warning that without sustained intervention, pollution could further threaten the Jhelum and other rivers that are vital to the Union Territory's ecology, water security and economy.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao : J&Ks sex ratio at birth improves from 936 to 957 in 11 years
Srinagar, Aug 06: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a significant improvement in its Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), which has increased from 936 in 2014-15 to 957 in 2025-26 (provisional), the Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha, attributing the progress to the expansion of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, replying to a question raised by Rajya Sabha member Sat Paul Sharma, said the BBBP scheme has been instrumental in addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) while promoting the empowerment of girls and women. She said the scheme seeks to bring about behavioural and societal change towards the girl child by informing, influencing, motivating, engaging and empowering various stakeholders. During the 15th Finance Commission period, the BBBP scheme has been expanded to cover all districts across the country as a component of the SAMBAL vertical under Mission Shakti, with greater emphasis on multi-sectoral interventions that deliver measurable outcomes at the grassroots level, the minister said. Thakur said the initiative has evolved from a policy programme into a nationwide movement by mobilising government agencies, media, civil society organisations and the public to improve the status of the girl child. Citing the latest data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, she said Jammu and Kashmir's Sex Ratio at Birth has shown a steady upward trend, reaching 957 in 2025-26 (provisional) from 936 in 2014-15. The minister also highlighted gains in girls' education. According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) of the Ministry of Education, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of girls at the secondary school level in Jammu and Kashmir increased from 62.03 per cent in 2014-15 to 68.8 per cent in 2025-26. Thakur informed the House that BBBP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with the Centre providing 100 per cent financial assistance to States and Union Territories, while implementation is carried out by the respective State Governments and UT Administrations. Funds are released in accordance with the Department of Expenditure guidelines through the Single Nodal Agency (SNA)/SNA-SPARSH mechanism under the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). According to the financial details shared by the minister, Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 250.67 lakh under the BBBP scheme during 2025-26. In 2024-25, the Union Territory reported utilisation of Rs 579.10 lakh, exceeding the amount released as it included unspent balances carried forward from previous years.
J&K power deficit shrinks from 19.1% to 0.1% in 12 years
Srinagar, Aug 06: In what could be termed as a major achievement, Jammu & Kashmir has generated 1,96,415.59 Million Units (MU) of electricity from all sources between 2014-15 and 2025-26, while simultaneously slashing its annual energy shaortfall from 19.1 per cent to just 0.1 per cent during the period, the data on the latest state-wise power generation and supply by Ministry of Power revealed. According to the details, accessed by Rising Kashmir, the Union Territory generated 14,687.20 MU in 2014-15, which rose to 15,313.52 MU in 2015-16 and 15,703.82 MU in 2016-17. Generation stood at 15,261.93 MU in 2017-18, increased to 16,853.78 MU in 2018-19, and reached its highest level of 18,537.25 MU in 2019-20. Power generation remained above 17,000 MU for the next three financial years, recording 17,441.97 MU in 2020-21, 17,489.83 MU in 2021-22 and 17,170.62 MU in 2022-23. It subsequently declined to 16,282.93 MU in 2023-24 and 15,595.82 MU in 2024-25, before recovering to 16,076.92 MU in 2025-26. During the first quarter of 2026-27 (Till June 2026), the UT generated 5,812.82 MU. Overall, Jammu & Kashmir generated around 1,96,415.59 MU of electricity between 2014-15 and 2025-26. With the output for April-June 2026, the cumulative generation touched over 2.02 lakh MU. The figures indicate that while the Union Territory has maintained relatively stable electricity generation over the years, it continues to rank in the middle tier among states and Union Territories. It generates considerably more electricity than several smaller states and UTs, including Goa, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. However, Jammu & Kashmir remains well behind the country's major power-producing states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Karnataka, each of which records annual generation several times higher than the UT. The national power generation from all sources increased from 11,10,392.27 MU in 2014-15 to 18,47,941.44 MU in 2025-26, reflecting a steady rise in electricity production across the country, the data reveals. Official data indicated that the annual power demand has crossed over 3,500 MW in recent years, while local generation often falls well short of the requirement during winter, necessitating large-scale imports of electricity. Moreover, the power supply data shows a clear improvement in Jammu & Kashmir over the last 12 years, with the gap between energy requirement and availability narrowing sharply. The data also points to a marked improvement in Jammu & Kashmir's power supply position over the years. The Union Territory's annual energy requirement increased from 16,214 MU in 2014-15 to 20,185 MU in 2025-26, while energy availability rose from 13,119 MU to 20,166 MU during the same period. Consequently, the gap between demand and supply narrowed significantly. The energy not supplied dropped from 3,095 MU (19.1%) in 2014-15 to just 19 MU (0.1%) in 2025-26. After remaining above 3,000 MU between 2016-17 and 2019-20, the deficit declined steadily to 2,551 MU in 2020-21, 1,524 MU in 2021-22, 317 MU in 2022-23, 277 MU in 2023-24, 90 MU in 2024-25, and 19 MU in 2025-26, indicating a near-elimination of the annual energy shortfall.
Sungal Tunnel to open shortly: CM
Nowshera, Aug 06: On his way back from Rajouri to Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullahon Thursday inspected the ongoing works on the strategically important Sungal Tunneland reviewed theprogress of the project. During the inspection,the CM was briefed by officialson the current status of construction and the remainingworks.He was informed that the tunnel is in its final stages of completion and is expected tobe openedto all traffic shortly. Officials also informed him that essential services, including ambulances, are presently being allowed passage through the tunnel to facilitate emergency movement. The Chief Minister reviewed the pace of execution and stressed the importance of completing the remaining works expeditiously while ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety. It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had earlier inspected the Sungal Tunnel project on April 20 this year, when he reviewed the progress of excavation, structural works and associated road development. During todays inspection, the Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) informed the Chief Minister that the 2.79-kilometre-long tunnel, being constructed across the Kalidhar Range, will significantly improve connectivity by reducing travel time by approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
5-marla plots, free ration for Rajouri flood victims: CM Omar
Rajouri, Aug 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursdayundertook an extensive tour of flood-affected areas in Rajouri districtto assess the damage caused by the recent devastating flashfloods, andlater chaired a high-level review meeting, directing enhanced relief, speedy restoration, and long-term mitigation measures. Reaffirming his government's commitment to the affected people, the Chief Minister assured them that every possible assistance would be extended to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation of families and restoration of infrastructure. During the visit, the Chief Minister called on the family of Abdul Ghani, a Jal Shakti (PHE) daily-wage worker who lost his life after being swept away by flash floods while on night duty at a water supply pumping station in Kote Behrote, Thanamandi. Expressing his heartfelt condolences, he conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and assured them of the Government's full support. At the PWD Dak Bungalow, Abdullah met the families of Javed Iqbal of Kandi Budhal Block, Vikas Choudhary of Panchayat Bagla in Qila Darhal Block, Shahida Parveen of Bhatian village, and Pinky Singh of Sunderbani. He expressed profound grief over their losses, conveyed his condolences, and assured each family that the Government would stand by them during this difficult time. The CM later inspected the damaged Circular Road in Rajouri, where nearly 200 metres of the roadwaswashed away in the July 19 flash floods. He also visited the flood-hit Aitey area to assess the extensive damage to residential areas, public infrastructure and local connectivity. Directing the concerned departments to expedite restoration works, he instructed them to undertake necessary protective measures to safeguard vulnerable locations against future calamities. The Chief Minister visited the severely affected Bela Bus Stand, where hetook a first-hand appraisal ofthe damage to the bus stand, adjoining public infrastructure and commercial establishments. Interacting with local residents and officials, he directed the district administration to ensure the early restoration of essential services and public infrastructure. He also visited the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, which was declared unsafe following the recent floods, and assured that appropriate measures would be taken to ensure the smooth functioning of the district administration. Chairing a high-level review meeting later, CM Abdullah said that natural disasters, particularly cloudbursts and flash floods, have become increasingly frequent in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. He said that while the Meteorological Department provides rainfall forecasts, accurately predicting the precise location of cloudbursts remains a challenge. The Chief Minister appreciated the District Administration for issuing timely advisories and pre-positioning men and machinery, which helped minimise the loss of lives. He also lauded the prompt rescue, relief and evacuation operations undertaken in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. CM issues key directives Enhanced Relief: The Chief Minister said that the existing relief assistance is inadequate to meet the costs of reconstruction and rehabilitation. He assured that the J&K Government would enhance the quantum of relief and provide comprehensive rehabilitation assistance. Land for Landless Families: Directing the Deputy Commissioner to identify suitable government land, the Chief Minister said that families who have lost both their homes and agricultural land should be provided five marlas of land for rehabilitation. He further instructed the administration to ensure the immediate provision of special free ration to such families. Power Restoration: Noting that the 33 KV power transmission line between Rajouri and Poonch had suffered extensive damage, he directed the concerned authorities to complete permanent restoration works at the earliest. Drinking Water Supply: He directed the PHE Department to submit proposals for the installation of hand pumps wherever feasible to ensure a reliable source of drinking water. Disaster-Resilient Roads: Observing that designs suitable for the plains cannot be replicated in mountainous terrain, he directed the Public Works Department to submit recommendations for developing more disaster-resilient road infrastructure. Mini Secretariat: The Chief Minister directed that a proposal for the construction of a Mini Secretariat in Rajouri be prepared and submitted. Ban on Riverbank Construction: Referring to construction along riverbanks, the Chief Minister stressed that rivers naturally reclaim their courses during extreme weather events and directed that construction in such vulnerable areas would not be permitted in future. The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Rajouri Iftkhar Ahmed, MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary, MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar, ADDC Rajouri Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq, ADC Rajouri Ravi Kumar Sihag and other senior civil and police officers during the visit.
4 years, 40-fold rise cloudbursts redraw J&K's climate reality
Srinagar, Aug 06: The mountains of Jammu and Kashmir are sending an unmistakable warning. What was once regarded as a rare weather phenomenon has rapidly evolved into one of the region's most pressing climate concerns, with official data revealing a staggering 40-fold increase in cloudburst incidents in just four years. From a single cloudburst in 2022, the number has climbed to 40 incidents by August 6, exposing thegrowing vulnerability of the fragile Himalayan ecosystemto climate change and extreme weather. On July 9, 2022, 16 Amarnath pilgrims died in a deadly cloudburst near Pahalgam. The latest cloudbursts were reported from Nandimarg in Kulgam district and Uri in north Kashmir, where intense rainfall triggered a massive surge in local streams and nallahs, causing panic among residents and damaging property in vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, the overall weather-related death toll has risen to 32 after Shabir Ahmad lost his life when he was struck by lightning in the Keran area of Kupwara. The official figures paint a disturbing pictureone cloudburst in 2022, four in 2023, eight in 2024, 15 in 2025 and 40 now in 2026 till August 6. The rise has been accompanied by an increase in flash floods, landslides and destruction across several districts, damaging homes, roads, bridges, agricultural land and public infrastructure while claiming lives and displacing families. This year alone, cloudbursts have been reported from Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Uri, Kulgam, Anantnag, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch, highlighting that the threat is no longer confined to a few vulnerable pockets but is spreading across the Union Territory. Experts say the trend reflects a changing climate rather than isolated weather events. Senior environmentalist Dr Tanveer Ahmad Khan said the sharp increase should be viewed as one of the clearest indicators of climate change unfolding in the Himalayas. The Himalayas are warming faster than many other mountain regions of the world. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. When moisture-laden clouds are forced to rise rapidly over steep mountain slopes, they release enormous quantities of rain over a very small area within a short time. That is a cloudburst, and these conditions are becoming increasingly common, he said. He said the rise in such events also mirrors the degradation of the region's natural ecosystems. Deforestation, shrinking wetlands, encroachment on floodplains, hill cutting and unplanned urbanisation have weakened nature's capacity to absorb heavy rainfall. Climate change and ecological degradation are now working together to amplify disasters, he said. Climate expert Dr Touseef Bhat said Kashmir's rainfall pattern has undergone a fundamental shift over the past decade:Earlier, rainfall was generally spread over longer durations. Today, we are witnessing short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events. The interaction between western disturbances and the southwest monsoon has become more erratic due to rising temperatures, increasing the likelihood of cloudbursts and flash floods. According to meteorologists, every one-degree Celsius rise in atmospheric temperature allows the air to hold nearly seven per cent more moisture, significantly increasing the intensity of rainfall when conditions trigger precipitation. The India Meteorological Department has repeatedly warned that active monsoon conditions interacting with western disturbances are producing extreme rainfall episodes across the Himalayan region. Such systems, combined with the Valley's complex topography, can rapidly trigger cloudbursts in mountainous terrain. Scientists also point to long-term environmental changes. Glaciers in the Kashmir Himalayas continue to retreat, average temperatures are rising, snow cover is shrinking, and rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly erratic. These changes are altering the region's hydrological cycle and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Environmentalists warn that unchecked developmental activities have further heightened disaster risks. Extensive road widening, indiscriminate construction on unstable slopes, quarrying, loss of forest cover and encroachments along streams have reduced the landscape's natural resilience. Dr Khan stressed that climate adaptation must become an immediate priority.The numbers themselves tell the story. From one cloudburst to forty in four years is not a coincidence; it is a warning. We need better forecasting systems, Doppler weather radars, hazard mapping, stronger early warning mechanisms and strict protection of forests and wetlands. Otherwise, such disasters will become even more frequent, he said. Dr Bhat echoed the need for science-based planning:Disaster preparedness has to move from response to prevention. Every village in vulnerable mountain regions should have community-based early warning systems, evacuation plans and climate-resilient infrastructure. We must integrate climate science into development planning. Officials in the Disaster Management Department said efforts are underway to strengthen forecasting, improve emergency response and sensitise communities living in vulnerable areas. However, experts believe preparedness alone will not be enough unless environmental conservation becomes central to development policies. For many residents, the statistics are no longer just numbers. Farmers are witnessing fertile land being washed away, roads connecting remote villages are repeatedly cut off, and families living along mountain streams are increasingly fearful every time dark clouds gather. The journey from one cloudburst in 2022 to 40 in 2026 marks more than a statistical increase. It signals a profound shift in Jammu and Kashmir's climate. Experts say the challenge now is not merely to respond to disasters after they occur, but to recognise that extreme weather is becoming the region's new realityand to act before today's warning turns into tomorrow's catastrophe. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department, Srinagar, has predicted erratic weather till August 15 with light to moderate rainfall across J&K from August 9 to 11.
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Rs 1 crore prize for 13th Ladakh Marathon
Leh, Aug 6: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has announced a 1 crore prize pool for the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon, the highest cash award in the history of the event since it was launched in 2012. The announcement comes ahead of the marathon scheduled from September 10 to 13, with the administration aiming to further strengthen Ladakh's position as a global destination for endurance sports while encouraging greater participation from elite and amateur runners across the world. Recognised as the world's highest AIMS-certified marathon, the Ladakh Marathon has steadily expanded its international footprint over the past 13 years. From a modest regional event, it has grown into one of India's most prominent distance-running competitions, attracting participants from across the country as well as overseas. Organisers expect this year's edition to bring more than 10,000 visitors, including athletes, accompanying family members and supporters. Announcing the enhanced prize money, Sanjit Rogrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, said the marathon has become one of the Union Territory's flagship sporting events and an important platform for showcasing Ladakh's landscape, culture and hospitality. The Ladakh Marathon has emerged as a flagship sporting event for the Union Territory and a powerful platform for showcasing Ladakh's unique landscapes, culture and hospitality to the world. The decision of the Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena to increase the prize pool to 1 crore reflects our commitment to strengthening the event's global stature, promoting sports tourism, and creating greater opportunities for athletes, he said. Founder and Race Director Chewang Motup Goba said the decision reflects the confidence reposed in the marathon and its growing international standing. The announcement of the highest-ever prize pool by the Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh is a strong endorsement of the vision with which the Ladakh Marathon was conceived. It reflects the confidence they have placed in this event and its ability to position Ladakh among the world's leading destinations for endurance sport, he said. According to the organisers, runners from all 28 States and six Union Territories of India have participated in previous editions, while athletes from 28 countries across six inhabited continents have also taken part, giving the marathon an increasingly global profile. Officials said the event also provides a substantial economic boost to the region. It is estimated to generate nearly 70,000 bed nights, with participants and visitors contributing approximately 40-47 crore to the local economy through spending on accommodation, food, transport, shopping and tourism activities, benefiting hotels, homestays, restaurants, taxi operators, artisans and other local businesses. This year's edition will feature the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 11.2-km Run, 5-km Run for Fun, besides the demanding 72-km Khardung La Challenge and 122-km Silk Route Ultra. More than 500 ultra-runners are expected to participate in these races, which pass through Khardung La (17,618 feet), among the highest motorable mountain passes in the world.
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Breastfeeding Week: More Than a Mothers Duty
World Breastfeeding Week arrives with renewed urgency, reminding governments, people at large and families that the act of breastfeeding remains one of the most effective, low-cost and life-saving interventions for child survival and maternal health. Yet, despite decades of awareness campaigns, many mothers continue to face avoidable barriers from inadequate maternity support and workplace discrimination to social stigma and lack of proper counselling. Observed every year from August 1 to 7, the week is more than a symbolic observance. It is a global reminder that breastfeeding lays the foundation for healthier societies. It protects infants against infections, supports brain development, strengthens maternal bonding and reduces the risk of several diseases later in life. For mothers, it lowers the chances of breast and ovarian cancers, while also contributing to postnatal recovery. Few public health measures offer such a wide range of benefits at such little cost. The theme of the 2026 campaign, Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works, is particularly relevant at a time when health inequities continue to widen. It underscores the need to protect and expand proven interventions skilled counselling, baby-friendly hospitals, paid maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. These are not luxuries; they are necessities if societies are serious about improving health outcomes. In our part of the world, the conversation also needs to move beyond slogans. Many new mothers still struggle due to misinformation, family pressure, poor postnatal guidance and the absence of supportive public spaces. Working women, especially in the unorganised sector, often have no access to lactation rooms, flexible schedules or adequate leave. If breastfeeding is to be truly promoted, support must begin at the household level and extend to hospitals, offices, schools and policy corridors. Breastfeeding is not merely a maternal issue. It is a public health, nutrition and equity issue. A childs right to proper nourishment must be matched by a societys duty to create conditions that make it possible. That means training frontline health workers, educating fathers and families, normalising breastfeeding in public, and ensuring that no mother is forced to choose between livelihood and her childs health. World Breastfeeding Week should therefore serve as more than an annual reminder. It should become a policy checkpoint a moment to ask whether our institutions are truly enabling mothers or merely praising them in principle. The answer will determine how well we protect the first and most essential gift of life: mothers milk.
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Rajouris Flood Lesson: Relief, readiness and reform
Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs review of the flash flood response in Rajouri has done more than assess damage and restoration. It has once again brought into sharp focus the larger and growing vulnerability of Jammu and Kashmir to cloudbursts, flash floods and other climate-linked calamities that are no longer exceptional events but recurring realities. In that sense, the Rajouri meeting was not merely an administrative exercise. It was a reminder that the region must move from emergency response to long-term resilience. The Chief Ministers acknowledgement of the timely advisories issued by the district administration and the swift pre-positioning of men and machinery is significant. Too often, disaster response in mountainous regions is judged only by the scale of loss after the fact. But in Rajouri, the early warning and immediate rescue efforts appear to have saved lives. That should be recognised, appreciated and, more importantly, institutionalised as a model for future crises. At the same time, Omar Abdullahs candid observation that the existing relief package is inadequate reflects a hard truth faced by flood-hit families across the region. Relief can help families survive the first shock, but it cannot rebuild damaged homes, restore livelihoods or compensate for the loss of agricultural land. For households that have lost both shelter and sustenance, the promise of enhanced assistance, five marlas of land and special ration is not a political gesture alone; it is a basic necessity of humane governance. The broader challenge, however, lies beyond relief. The damaged 33 KV transmission line between Rajouri and Poonch, the disrupted water supply and the fragile road network all expose the weakness of infrastructure built without sufficient disaster resistance. Omar Abdullah was right to stress that mountain roads cannot be designed on plain-terrain assumptions. This is not a minor engineering point. It is a policy correction that J&K can no longer delay. Equally important is the warning against construction along riverbanks and in vulnerable areas. Every flood in J&K repeats the same lesson: what appears to be usable land in fair weather can become a death trap during extreme rains. Unless land-use planning, enforcement and environmental caution become stricter, the cycle of damage and compensation will continue endlessly. The promise of a Mini Secretariat in Rajouri and better monetisation of government assets may improve administrative efficiency, but such projects must be tied to broader development planning that serves disaster-prone districts better. Rehabilitation, after all, is not just about rebuilding structures. It is about restoring confidence, livelihoods and public trust. Rajouri has once again shown that disaster management in J&K must be anticipatory, not reactive. The government has taken an important first step by recognising this. What matters now is whether that recognition is translated into durable action.
Jammu and Kashmir Has World-Class Golf Courses. Why Is It Still Waiting for a World-Class Golfer?
Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with some of the most spectacular golf courses anywhere in Asia. Few places in the world allow golfers to play amid snow-capped mountains, pine forests, lush meadows and crystal-clear lakes and rivers. From the iconic Royal Springs Golf Course overlooking Dal Lake to the historic Gulmarg Golf Club, one of the highest golf courses in the world, the region possesses golfing assets that many countries would envy. The region is also home to the scenic Pahalgam Golf Course, the historic Kashmir Golf Club in Srinagar, and the Jammu Tawi Golf Course, each contributing to Jammu and Kashmir's growing reputation as one of India's finest golfing destinations. Yet, despite these exceptional facilities, Jammu and Kashmir has not produced golfers who have consistently excelled at the national or international level. The question is obvious: Why? The answer lies not in the absence of natural beauty or golf courses, but in the absence of a sustained ecosystem for nurturing golfing talent. Golf Courses Do Not Produce ChampionsPeople Do A magnificent golf course is only one part of the equation. Champions are produced through years of professional coaching, structured training, competitive exposure, sports science, and continuous mentoring. One of the biggest challenges facing golf in Jammu and Kashmir has been the limited availability of highly qualified professional golf coaches. Young golfers may have access to beautiful fairways, but without expert coaching during their formative years, natural talent often remains unrealised. Modern golf has become highly scientific. Elite players are supported by biomechanics experts, sports psychologists, nutritionists, fitness trainers and performance analysts. Such integrated support systems are still in their infancy in the region. A Vision That Lost Momentum Recognising the need to nurture local talent, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, established a golf academy with the vision of creating a pathway for aspiring golfers. The initiative generated tremendous optimism among golfers and sports enthusiasts. However, it did not evolve into the vibrant centre of excellence that many had envisioned. Many within the golfing fraternity feel that the academy gradually lost momentum because of inadequate long-term institutional support and the absence of sustained political and administrative commitment required for specialised sports development. High-performance sport cannot succeed through one-time initiatives. It requires continuity, long-term planning, accountability and consistent investment. A Home Tournament, But Too Few Homegrown Professionals The J&K Open 2026, part of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), held at the magnificent Royal Springs Golf Course, a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir. It brought some of India's finest golfers to the Valley and showcases J&Ks unmatched golfing landscape before a national audience. Yet, the tournament also highlights an uncomfortable reality. Despite possessing multiple golf courses of international standards, only a handful of professional golfers from Jammu and Kashmir compete in the prestigious event. Local representation was limited to a small number of professionals, reflecting the gap between having world-class venues and producing world-class players. This should not be seen as a reflection on the ability of local golfers. Instead, it underlines the urgent need to strengthen the entire player development pathwayfrom identifying talent at a young age to providing world-class coaching, regular competition, financial support and opportunities to compete nationally and internationally. Why aren't many golfers from J&K playing? The issue is generally not that PGTI excludes them. Rather: Very few golfers from Jammu & Kashmir earn a full PGTI Tour Card through Qualifying School. There are relatively few local players with sufficient national-level competitive experience. Limited access to high-performance coaching and year-round tournament exposure makes it harder to reach the standard required for the professional tour. The true success of the J&K Open will not only be measured by the quality of golfers who visit Kashmir, but by the number of golfers from J and K who one day compete forand winthe championship. Competition Creates Champions No athlete can improve without regular competition. Young golfers from established golfing nations compete in dozens of tournaments every year, gradually developing confidence and competitive temperament. Players from Jammu and Kashmir require greater exposure to junior, amateur and professional tournaments across India. Hosting more ranking tournaments in the region would not only develop local talent but further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's reputation as India's golfing capital. Looking Ahead: Expanding Golf Beyond Existing Destinations Jammu and Kashmir possesses enormous untapped potential for golf tourism. While Gulmarg, Royal Springs, Pahalgam, Kashmir Golf Club and Jammu Tawi Golf Course are excellent facilities, the region has the natural advantage to develop more championship-standard golf courses in carefully selected destinations. Places like Aru, Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan, Sonamarg, Sanasar, Bangus Valley, Baisaran, Gurez and other scenic valleys offer breath-taking landscapes that could become iconic golfing destinations if developed with proper environmental safeguards. Such projects could transform Jammu and Kashmir into South Asia's premier golf tourism destination while simultaneously creating opportunities for local youth, generating employment, boosting hospitality, and attracting high-value tourists throughout the year. Building Champions Requires Building an Ecosystem If Jammu and Kashmir truly wishes to become a golfing powerhouse, the roadmap is clear: Recruit internationally qualified golf coaches. Revitalise and strengthen golf academies. Introduce golf in schools and colleges. Increase junior and professional tournaments. Develop indoor practice facilities for winter months. Encourage corporate sponsorship and public-private partnerships. Promote golf as both a competitive sport and a pillar of high-value tourism. Explore the development of environmentally sustainable golf courses. Conclusion Nature has already done its part. It has gifted Jammu and Kashmir some of the most beautiful golfing landscapes in the world. The next step is to build an equally world-class system for producing golfers. The dream should not simply be to bring golfers to Jammu and Kashmir. The dream should be to produce golfers from J&K who represent India on the biggest international stages. Only then will J&K truly become not just a paradise for golfbut a cradle of golfing champions. (The Author is Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Anantnag. Feedback: tajalishora@gmail.com )
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Handloom Weaving: The Future of Viksit Bharat
The making of a developed nation is not defined by technology alone. It is shaped by the ability to transform enduring strengths into engines of future growth. As India advances towards Viksit Bharat 2047, we are investing in frontier technologies, strengthening manufacturing and building globally competitive industries. Yet one of our greatest strengths has been with us all along - our handloom tradition. On 7 August, as India marks the 12th National Handloom Day, it is time to view handloom as a strategic sector for a world that values sustainability, authenticity and resilient supply chains. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is built on prosperity, self-reliance, inclusivity and cultural confidence. Handloom embodies this vision by bringing together heritage and innovation, while driving women-led development, rural entrepreneurship, livelihoods and global competitiveness. As the Ramcharitmanas reminds us, In the Vijay Rath discourse, Lord Rama teaches that lasting victory is built not on power, but on values. Those very values have sustained India's handloom tradition for centuries. Every handwoven fabric reflects the courage to preserve tradition, the patience to perfect every thread, the integrity of honest craftsmanship and the wisdom passed down through generations. That is why handloom is not merely a craft, but one of India's greatest civilisational strengths. From the Indus Valley Civilisation, where cotton was first cultivated and woven, to the eighteenth century when Indian textiles dominated global trade, India set global benchmarks in textile excellence. Bengal's legendary muslin, so fine that a 25 metre length could pass through a ring, along with Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram weaves, Pochampally Ikat and countless regional traditions, earned India worldwide admiration. Today, as the world turns towards authentic, sustainable and handcrafted products, we have a historic opportunity to reclaim that leadership. Our next handloom revolution must export not just textiles, but craftsmanship, heritage, innovation and trust, making every handwoven product an ambassador of Brand India. Handloom is India's largest cottage industry, supporting the livelihoods of more than 35 lakh weavers and allied workers, nearly 72 per cent of whom are women. Over the past decade, the Government has strengthened the sector through the Raw Material Supply Scheme, 797 handloom clusters, over 1.24 lakh improved looms, skill upgradation for nearly 97,000 artisans, and initiatives such as Producer Companies, GI tagged products, the Handloom Mark, India Handmade certification, Urban Haats and Design Resource Centres. Today, 29 Weavers' Service Centres provide end to end support through training, upskilling, design development, raw material assistance and market linkages, while the 11 Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology are being strengthened to expand advanced training and develop niche, high value handloom products. These initiatives mark a shift from supporting handloom as a welfare activity to building it as a globally competitive creative industry. The forthcoming National Handloom and Handicraft Programme will strengthen 1,800 clusters across 500 districts, benefit 65 lakh weavers and artisans, and establish Handmade in India as a globally recognised brand. The forthcoming National Handloom and Handicraft Programme will accelerate this transformation by strengthening 1,800 clusters across more than 500 districts, benefiting 65 lakh weavers and artisans and establishing Handmade in India as a globally recognised brand. Innovation has always been part of India's handloom journey. Mahatma Gandhi's Ambar Charkha made spinning easier, faster and more efficient, advancing the vision of self-reliance. More recently, Assam's Maina Loom and the Chitranjan Handloom developed in Sivasagar have shown how better loom design can make weaving easier and more productive. Building on this legacy, the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology, established with the Indian Institutes of Technology, is developing lighter, stronger and easier to use looms that reduce physical effort and improve productivity, including for persons with disabilities. Under the Centre, the Handloom 4.0 initiative uses digital tools and Artificial Intelligence to monitor productivity, quality and maintenance, and is being piloted on 100 looms before expanding across the States. Technology should empower the artisan, not replace the artisan. Platforms such as VisioNXT can help forecast demand, identify design trends, authenticate genuine handloom products and connect weavers directly with global markets. At the same time, product diversification into premium silk, natural fibres, sustainable fibres and innovative blends can create high value products and unlock new markets. Combined with better branding, value addition and direct market access, these innovations can significantly enhance weavers' incomes. Our vision is to enable every weaver to earn a dignified and aspirational income, with the ambition of 50,000 per month in the years ahead. The future of handloom depends as much on mindset as on markets. Our weavers are not merely a workforce. They are entrepreneurs, innovators and creators of value. By enabling them to build brands, move up the value chain and reach global markets, we can transform handloom into one of India's most dynamic creative industries. This is also a call to India's youth to bring together heritage and technology, creativity and enterprise, to shape the next chapter of handloom. On this National Handloom Day, let us celebrate our weavers not only as custodians of our heritage, but as architects of India's progress. And let us make handloom a part of our everyday lives. Every handloom product we buy and wear strengthens a weaver's livelihood, preserves a timeless tradition and carries India's story to the world. By choosing handloom, we do not just wear our heritage - we help weave the future of Viksit Bharat. (The author is the Union Minister of Textiles. The views expressed are personal. Courtesy: PIB)
Commuters demand lift, parking space at railway station in Gummidipoondi
They complain about the slow progress of its renovation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.They also seek adequate passenger amenities and an increase in the speed limit on the loop line
Viksit Bharat 2047: Indias MedTech Aspirations to Lead the Global Market for Quality Devices
From prognosis to diagnosis, from safe delivery to critical brain & cardiac bypass surgery, from simple fracture to complex knee implantation, advancements in MedTech industry across the world has supported the medical fraternity to save lives and better the conditions of living. In India, the land of Susruta, Med Tech is considered a strategic sector and the Government of India is invested in its growth. Driven by policy backing, cost advantages and capital inflows the sector is currently valued at approximately $1620 billion with $4 billion in exports. From consumables to a number of high-end medical equipments are manufactured in the country. Domestic manufacturing jumped from about Rs 39000 Cr in 2019-20 to over Rs 80,000 Cr in 2025-26. Indian Medtech sector has had good presence of multinational companies from USA and Europe, manufacturing imaging & diagnostic equipment since a number of years. Now in the last decade, Indian companies have also entered the radio-diagnostic and radiotherapy equipment manufacturing. Further, the growth of the sector has been wide spread and expanding to tier 2 and tier 3 cities also. Some of the distinctive MedTech Products Manufactured in India Company Major Products Primary Manufacturing Plant Meril Life Sciences Heart valves, stents, robotics, IVD Vapi, Gujarat Poly Medicure Ltd. IV cannula, infusion therapy, dialysis Faridabad, Haryana Transasia Bio-Medicals Clinical chemistry, hematology, IVD analysers Daman & Uttarakhand Trivitron Healthcare Imaging, laboratory diagnostics, ICU equipment Chennai, Tamil Nadu Allengers Medical Systems X-ray, C-arm, cath lab, radiology equipment Mohali, Punjab Skanray Technologies Ventilators, anaesthesia workstations Mysuru, Karnataka Appasamy Associates Ophthalmic microscopes, phaco systems, IOLs Chennai, Tamil Nadu Agappe Diagnostics Clinical chemistry reagents Kochi, Kerala BPL Medical Technologies ECG, patient monitors, defibrillators Bengaluru, Karnataka J. Mitra & Co. Rapid diagnostic kits, ELISA Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi G. Surgiwear Absorbable sutures, meshes Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh Biorad Medisys Orthopaedic Implants knee, hip replacement system Pune, Maharashtra Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Linear Accelerators (LINAC), Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Systems, Brachytherapy Systems, Radiotherapy Accessories Bengaluru, Karnataka Medical devices are the key items of capital investment as well as operating expenses in hospitals, clinics and diagnostic labs. Share of domestic demand more than doubled from 20% in 2022 to 45% in 2025, growing at an annual rate of over 40%. The industry has the potential to reach $30 billion by FY2030, capturing a 1012% global market export share by 2047. Government is actively encouraging Domestic companies to target import-dependent segment. Under PLI Scheme for medical devices 27 greenfield projects have been commissioned and 55+ products are manufactured. Under Medical Devices Park Scheme, three parks across Greater Noida, UP; Ujjain, MP; and Kanchipuram, TN are expected to be operational by early 2027. The Department of Pharmaceuticals is proposing to fast-track 8-10 high-value medical devices, like MRI systems and their components, pacemakers, continuous glucose monitoring devices, advanced ultrasound machines etc with extra support via indigenization and research and development. Key products of MNCs and Indian Companies commissioned under PLI Company Products Envision Scientific Private Limited Stents, PTCA Balloon Catheter GE BE Private Limited PET Detector Nipro India Corporation Private Limited Dialyzer Omron Healthcare Manufacturing India Private Limited Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor Philips Global Business Services LLP MRI Coils Siemens Healthcare Private Limited CT Scan and MRI Varex Imaging Manufacturing India Private Limited Digital X-Ray Flat Panel Detector The focus now is on deepening value chain localization particularly in high-end medical devices and imaging equipment, by developing a strong component manufacturing ecosystem and increasing domestic value addition from the current level of around 25% to 4045%, For the long term the Government plans of building an innovation eco system with strong academia-industry linkage through NIPERs. Government, industry and academia collaboration is important because it turns excellent theories into enduring capabilities, not mere ideas on paper. Quality, branding and reputation is a significant factor for not just domestic growth but also to compete globally. There is a need to invest more in to research and development with strong focus on improved safety, enhanced efficacy, increased affordability. In the last 6 years, Government has brought the medical device regulation at par with the global regulatory best practices, With the strengthening of the medical device vertical in the Central Licensing Authority (CDSCO), the quality of regulation would only improve in the days to come. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat@2047, the MedTech sector provides a rather distinct opening to bring together cost gains, innovation, and scalability for sustained momentum. The payoff wont be limited to better access for affordable healthcare at home; it will also help Indian manufacturers become trusted suppliers across international markets. India has historically maintained leadership in the consumables and disposables segment of medical devices. Made in India products have found way into countries across the world. Now the roadmap is to build upon Indias potential as a leader in precision engineering and cost-effective medical devices and to establish it as a choice global supplier of quality, affordable medical devices. (The Author is Secretary, Dept of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers. Courtesy: PIB)
Businessman held for sexual harassment
Learned Helplessness: When Repeated Defeat Becomes a Habit
Learned helplessness is one of those ideas that feels simple at first and then becomes uncomfortably familiar the more you think about it. It describes a state in which people, after repeated failure, disappointment, or lack of control, stop trying even when circumstances change. They do not give up because they are weak. They give up because experience has taught them that effort will not matter. That is what makes learned helplessness so dangerous: it does not just hurt confidence; it slowly rewires belief. The term may come from psychology, but its presence is not limited to clinics or classrooms. It can be seen in homes where children are constantly told what they cannot do, in workplaces where honest effort is ignored, in institutions where rules appear fixed regardless of merit, and in societies where ordinary people feel their voice disappears into a wall of indifference. Over time, repeated powerlessness creates resignation. A person begins to expect failure before they even begin. That expectation becomes a cage. What makes learned helplessness particularly troubling is that it often hides behind appearance. On the surface, a person may look lazy, passive, or unmotivated. In reality, they may be exhausted by repeated experiences of not being heard, not being helped, or not being rewarded for trying. The danger lies in misreading the symptom as the cause. When we call someone careless or indifferent without asking what has broken their confidence, we deepen the wound. We blame the result instead of understanding the process. In our daily lives, we often celebrate resilience, perseverance, and grit. These are important virtues. But they do not grow in a vacuum. They grow in an environment where effort has some relationship to outcome. If people are constantly punished for initiative, ignored when they speak, or trapped in systems that deny fairness, then eventually even the strongest spirit begins to weaken. No one remains endlessly hopeful in the face of repeated futility. That is not a character flaw; it is a human response. This is why learned helplessness should concern us beyond psychology. It is a social issue, a political issue, and a moral issue. When citizens lose faith that their participation matters, democracy suffers. When students believe effort will not improve their future, education becomes mechanical. When employees feel their ideas are irrelevant, workplaces become dull and uncreative. When families teach children that mistakes are shameful and effort is never enough, they raise adults who are afraid to try. The cost of helplessness is far greater than individual sadness; it is the erosion of initiative itself. Breaking this cycle requires more than encouragement. Telling people to be positive is not enough when the system around them continues to deny them control. What is needed is consistent proof that action can make a difference. Small wins matter. Fair feedback matters. Listening matters. So does patience. People recover confidence when they experience that their effort is not pointless. The first step out of helplessness is not confidence. It is evidence. There is also a lesson here for those in powerparents, teachers, employers, leaders, and institutions. If you want people to be active, responsible, and hopeful, do not design systems that constantly teach them the opposite. Give them room to act. Allow mistakes without humiliation. Reward initiative. Show that participation has value. A society cannot demand agency from its people while training them to feel incapable. Learned helplessness is not destiny. It is learned, and what is learned can be unlearned. That is the hopeful side of this dark idea. But unlearning it takes time, trust, and repeated experiences of success. It takes a culture that does not mock effort, a system that does not punish honesty, and a mindset that understands failure as part of growth rather than proof of worthlessness. Only then can people begin to believe again that they are not merely subject to life, but capable of shaping it. (The author is a research scholar and freelance writer)
China-Japan tensions escalate after Tokyo labels Beijing as its 'greatest strategic challenge'
The white paper approved by Japan's cabinet on Tuesday (August 4) said China's growing military actions are Japans top security challenge and must be addressed through overall national strength and cooperation with allies and like-minded nations
Govt. orders action on TNHB land redevelopment issues
