El Nino effect: Centre says 111 districts with poor irrigation facilities are a concern
The Centre has assessed that 315 districts are vulnerable and 111 districts in 12 States are of primary concern due to poor irrigation facilities
BMC continues anti-encroachment drive; 17 structures demolised in Andheri
In last two months, BMC has conducted several anti-encroachments drives to decongest the heavily crowded areas
Infosys positioned to tap into an AI opportunity worth up to $400 billion by 2030: Nandan Nilekani
Artificial Intelligence will not replace companies like ours; It will amplify those who move with purpose and adapt with speed
The ministry sought to emphasise that modern vehicles are equipped with design features that prevent entry of water into fuel tanks.
West Bengal Govt to bring in law to auction properties of those involved in corruption, says Suvendu
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power about 10,000 Bangladeshi nationals have left the State and 1800 are kept in holding centres of the State government across 12 districts.
Nihang standoff in Uttarakhand Gurudwara resolved
Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said the matter was resolved through coordinated efforts by the gurdwara administration and the district authorities
Delhi L-G asks MCD to replicate zero-waste model across the city
Girl abducted from roadside, raped, killed in Delhi; cab driver arrested
The 11-year-old girl was sleeping when Bashu Kumar Singh kidnapped her on Monday, say police; court remands him in 2 days police custody; he already faces four cases of sexual assault in Bihar
Reconnect public health with peoples needs
Access to curative care and stronger institutions must anchor Indias health policy
Nurses lay siege to DLOs office in Kannur
3.4 million tonnes of drain silt cleared ahead of rain: Delhi CM
Indias next challenge from invention to global scale
The country must transform innovation into globally dominant technology enterprises
Evident distress: On a war, Index of Eight Core Industries data, indicators
Stress from the West Asia crisis has revealed economic pain
SCoR GM reviews safety, security protocols of AP railway network
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo comes to the party as Portugal routs Uzbekistan
The 41-year-old becomes the first man to score in six editions of the quadrennial extravaganza; the 5-0 victory eases pressure on the European powerhouse while the debutant slumps to a second straight defeat in Group K
Indias patchy industrial climate strategy
Balancing industrial growth on the one hand and population-driven consumption demand on the other with national emission reduction objectives requires highly targeted policies
He reaffirms his party remains ideologically opposed to the ruling party at the Centre, while making it clear that it would not oppose the Centre blindly
Name, content of NCERT class 6 Kannada textbook turn contentious
Formula One | Is Catalunya a tipping point in a changing landscape?
No one could have left Barcelona thinking exactly the same way they arrived. For Ferrari, the weekend offered validation. For Mercedes, it provided a warning. For Hamilton, it delivered redemption. And for Formula One itself, it may have provided something even more valuable: a championship battle that suddenly feels alive again
FIFA World Cup | England vs Ghana LIVE updates: Group L match gets underway
Ghana, 1-0 winners over Panama in their opener last week, can also qualify for the knockout rounds
T.N. DGP orders all police officers to conduct Open Grievance Day every Wednesday, Saturday
Nominations invited for National Mahaveer Awards 2027
Indian Bank distributes bags, notebooks to school students in Teynampet
Registrations open for Kattaikkuttu diploma course
Registration is open at https://www.kattaikkuttu.org/ or in person at the Sangams office before July 31
TNEA rank list will be released on July 1, says T.N. Higher Education Minister
The counselling dates for engineering admissions will also be announced on the same date, he adds
Passes the interim order pending final determination of a connected case before the Supreme Court and also the reference made to the Larger Bench by a Division Bench of two judges
Mamata loyalists, rebels submit list of new office-bearers to EC
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says the Trinamool Congress will never recover from the split
The Return of Kashmiri Pandits: Is Kashmir Finally Ready to Heal Its Deepest Wound?
Recent developments across Kashmir have offered a glimpse into such a possibility For more than three decades, the return of Kashmiri Pandits has remained one of the most difficult, emotional, and unresolved questions confronting Kashmir. It is a question that transcends politics, security, and policy frameworks because at its heart lies a deeper issuethe restoration of trust between people who once shared not only a homeland but also a common cultural destiny. Since the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s, successive governments have announced rehabilitation plans, employment packages, transit accommodations, and committees dedicated to facilitating their return. Political parties have repeatedly invoked the issue in their manifestos, and numerous debates have taken place at national and international levels. Yet, despite all these interventions, a meaningful and large-scale return has remained elusive. Perhaps this happened because the issue was approached primarily as an administrative challenge rather than a human one. Communities do not simply return because houses are constructed or financial incentives are offered. People return when they feel wanted. They return when fear is replaced by trust, when uncertainty is replaced by acceptance, and when society itself opens its arms and says, Come home. Recent developments across Kashmir have offered a glimpse into such a possibility. The increasing flow of Kashmiri Pandits visiting their ancestral villages to pay obeisance at their respective places of faith has become one of the most significant social developments witnessed in recent years. Thousands of Pandits have begun reconnecting with the sacred geography that shaped their identity for centuries. Temples that once stood silent and abandoned are witnessing the return of footsteps that had disappeared for decades. But these visits are far more than religious journeys. They are journeys of memory. Every temple bell carries echoes of childhood. Every pathway leading to a shrine carries stories of generations who once lived there. Every courtyard revives memories of festivals celebrated together, neighbours sharing meals, and communities living in a relationship built upon familiarity and mutual dependence. Perhaps what has touched many observers most profoundly is the role being played by local Muslims in these gatherings. At several places across the Valley, Muslims have voluntarily participated in making arrangements for visiting Pandits. They have cleaned temple premises, welcomed devotees, organised facilities, and ensured that their former neighbours feel comfortable and respected. These acts may appear simple on the surface, but their symbolic value is enormous. For decades, Kashmir has been burdened by narratives of separation, mistrust, and pain. Today, these gestures represent attempts to create a new narrativeone based upon reconciliation rather than resentment. Even more moving are the emotional scenes witnessed during these interactions. Old friends meeting after thirty or thirty-five years, elderly neighbours embracing each other with tears in their eyes, and families recalling memories of a shared past have become powerful reminders that the social fabric of Kashmir was wounded but never entirely destroyed. In many villages, Muslims still remember the names of the Pandit families who once lived there. They remember the homes they occupied, the festivals they celebrated together, and the bonds that once defined their everyday existence. This memory itself is significant. Civilizations survive not merely through monuments or historical records but through collective memory. As long as people remember one another with affection, the possibility of rebuilding relationships remains alive. For years, discussions surrounding the return of Kashmiri Pandits have revolved around security concerns. Certainly, security remains a non-negotiable prerequisite for any permanent resettlement. No community can be expected to return under circumstances where safety remains uncertain. However, security alone cannot guarantee successful reintegration. A person may feel physically secure and yet remain emotionally alienated. This distinction is often overlooked. The true success of any rehabilitation process will depend upon whether Kashmiri Pandits feel socially accepted once again. They must not return as isolated clusters living separately from the larger society. Such an arrangement may provide temporary accommodation, but it cannot restore a lost civilization. The essence of Kashmir has always been its pluralistic character. For centuries, Kashmir represented one of the finest examples of cultural coexistence in the Indian subcontinent. The Valley evolved through the interaction of multiple traditions, including ancient Hindu philosophies, Kashmiri Shaivism, Buddhism, and Sufism. These traditions collectively shaped what came to be known as Kashmiriyata spirit of tolerance, spirituality, and coexistence. The Kashmiri Pandits were not simply one among many communities inhabiting Kashmir; they were among the principal custodians of its intellectual and cultural heritage. Their contribution to philosophy, literature, education, language, administration, and art remains unparalleled. The exodus of the community in the 1990s, therefore, was not merely a demographic change. It represented a civilizational rupture. An ancient thread that had connected Kashmir to its historical roots was suddenly severed. The consequences of this rupture continue to be felt even today. The absence of Kashmiri Pandits has created a vacuum that extends far beyond numbers. Entire neighbourhoods lost their diversity. Villages lost their social balance. Shared traditions gradually disappeared. Collective memories became fragmented. In many ways, Kashmir itself became incomplete. Perhaps there is now a growing realization among ordinary Kashmiris that this incompleteness must be addressed. Many Muslims, especially younger generations, increasingly acknowledge that the return of Pandits is essential not merely for the Pandits themselves but for the restoration of Kashmir's own identity. This realization is both encouraging and necessary. The future of Kashmir cannot be built upon historical absences. Sustainable peace cannot emerge from permanent separation. Societies heal when they confront their wounds rather than ignore them. At the same time, sincerity must accompany symbolism. Welcoming gestures during annual religious events are undoubtedly encouraging, but they must gradually evolve into long-term commitments. The spirit of hospitality witnessed during such occasions must translate into sustained social engagement throughout the year. The return of Kashmiri Pandits must become a collective societal project rather than a seasonal event. This process will require immense patience. Three decades of displacement cannot be undone overnight. Trauma accumulated over generations cannot disappear through a few emotional reunions, however moving they may be. Fear leaves deep scars, and rebuilding confidence is often a slow and fragile process. Both communities will have to walk this journey together. The majority community has a particularly significant role to play in this regard. If Muslims openly and consistently facilitate the return of Pandits, reassure them through actions rather than words, and actively participate in their reintegration, a powerful message will emergenot only within Kashmir but throughout the world. Such a message would demonstrate that societies possess the capacity to heal themselves. At the same time, governments must continue fulfilling their responsibilities. Adequate security arrangements, employment opportunities, restoration of damaged properties wherever feasible, educational infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and economic support systems must accompany any long-term rehabilitation plan. The return must be dignified rather than symbolic. The ultimate objective should not simply be to increase the number of returning families but to recreate living, thriving communities where people feel rooted once again. Perhaps the greatest lesson emerging from recent interactions is that ordinary people may hold the key to solving an extraordinary problem. For years, politics has dominated the discourse surrounding Kashmir. Yet, some of the most meaningful breakthroughs are now emerging from simple human gesturesa handshake, an embrace, a smile, an invitation to share tea, or tears shed upon meeting a neighbour after decades. History repeatedly reminds us that reconciliation often begins at the grassroots level. Political agreements may establish frameworks, but societies heal through human relationships. There is a famous truth that applies profoundly to Kashmir today: a homeland is not merely a place where one owns property; it is a place where one feels emotionally anchored. For Kashmiri Pandits, Kashmir has always remained that homeland, irrespective of geography. Even after decades of displacement, their memories continue to revolve around its rivers, temples, mountains, villages, and seasons. Similarly, for many Muslims who remained in Kashmir, there exists a silent recognition that something precious was lost when their Pandit neighbours departed. Perhaps both communities are now beginning to rediscover this shared truth. If these people-to-people interactions continue to deepen, if mutual trust continues to grow, and if the majority community genuinely facilitates the return of Pandits not as outsiders but as integral members of Kashmiri society, then the long-standing notion that there can be no return may gradually lose its relevance. The possibility of return will no longer remain a distant dream but an emerging reality. The return of Kashmiri Pandits is not a question of demographics. It is not merely a question of policy or governance. It is a question of restoring a civilisation. It is about healing one of the deepest wounds in Kashmir's modern history. It is about rebuilding a fractured soul. And perhaps, for the first time in many years, one can cautiously ask a hopeful question: Is Kashmir finally ready to bring back a missing part of itself? If the answer increasingly comes from the people themselves, then history may yet witness one of the most remarkable reconciliations of our times. (The Author is RK Columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com)
Adani Gangavaram Port strengthens community outreach in Gajuwaka
Hidden Cost of Animal Diseases in Rural India
Healthy, disease-free, and resistant livestock and crops are pivotal to protecting a nation's food security SILENT EPIDEMIC Food security According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food security exists when every person has regular access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet dietary needs and choices for an active, healthy life. It has four main pillars: availability, accessibility, utilisation, and stability. Importance of Food Security Food security is important for the health and development of every individual in a population. It helps prevent malnutrition, hunger, and diet-related diseases by providing a healthy, nutritious diet. It promotes economic development by reducing health-related issues and increasing workforce efficiency. It also promotes social order by reducing migration, unrest, and community conflicts driven by food shortages. Food security helps in improving national security. A population with a secure food supply is less affected by crises caused by natural disasters, conflicts, and supply disruptions. The Role of Livestock in Food Security Livestock is very important for global food security as it generates approximately 40% of the global value of agricultural output and also supplies 33% of human protein consumption. Livestock provides milk, meat, and eggs, which are highly rich in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and calcium. Their daily consumption advances individual development in both cognitive and physical domains. Livestock boosts agricultural development through manure and draught power and serves as an alternative source of food during crop failures. Grazing animals can convert otherwise unproductive vegetation into a food source. Animal health is an important component of food security because healthier livestock leads to more food production and better efficiency. Disease-free animals lead to disease-free humans. An important but often overlooked aspect of animal health in relation to food security is that healthy livestock reduces the transmission of zoonotic diseases, thereby protecting public health, preventing production losses, and ensuring a safe and secure food supply. Animal health directly affects productivity, food safety, public health, and a nation's broader food security. Diseases in animals lead to poor growth, reduced milk yields, compromised reproductive performance, lower meat output, and higher mortality. These outcomes reduce food availability, lower farmers' incomes, and threaten rural livelihoods. Consequently, maintaining healthy livestock is central to both the quality and quantity of animal-origin food. However, the increased presence of drug residues, particularly antimicrobials, which are associated with the emergence of multidrug-resistant microbes, poses a threat to human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Disease surveillance and systematic monitoring are critical for detecting, containing, and controlling animal diseases before they intensify. Surveillance involves continuous collection, analysis, and interpretation of animal health data to identify outbreaks, track prevalence, and spot emerging infections. Effective systems enable timely responses to zoonotic threats such as Brucellosis, Rabies, Avian Influenza, and Bovine Tuberculosis that endanger both animal and human health. Core components include routine health checks, mandatory reporting, laboratory diagnostics, monitoring of vaccination coverage, quarantine and movement controls, and epidemiological investigations. Good hygiene and sanitation are also mandatory for healthy livestock. According to a report published in The Times of India on 23rd November 2023, pests and livestock diseases are a major challenge, accounting for 35% of the economic losses in Indias livestock sector. The article highlights that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) alone results in an annual loss of Rs 23,000 crore, while Brucellosis causes a loss of Rs 20,000 crore each year. These massive losses underscore the urgent need for robust animal health management and disease control strategies. The data, originally derived from Dr. Rahmans study at ICAR-NIVEDI, Bengaluru, highlight the significant economic impact of animal diseases on the livestock sector and their wider implications for national food security. Role of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Agriculture has a major impact on food security, as it is a primary source of food supply and livelihoods. Agriculture provides basic availability of essential nutrients required for a healthy life. Fruits, vegetables, and pulses help reduce or overcome global malnutrition. Rice, wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds provide access to energy and protein. Good crop management practices preserve soil fertility, use water efficiently, and enhance cropping systems, all of which remain essential for increasing productivity and resilience to climatic stresses. Newly developed high-yielding varieties of fruits, cereals, and other crops can increase production and improve a nation's food security. Further, healthy, resistant crops and horticulture varieties lead to a decreased incidence of diseases and pests, reducing production losses and thereby augmenting the food security of a nation as a whole. Resistant and elite varieties and strains of crops pave the way for reduced use of chemicals, hormones, pesticides, and fertilisers, thereby improving the quality of plant foods in terms of food safety, security, and overall environmental safety. Fisheries and aquaculture development are important for providing high-quality nutrition, particularly high-quality protein and essential fatty acids like omega-3s, which are important for brain development and overall health. Fisheries are important sources of employment, particularly in coastal and inland regions, consequently reducing pressure on other food sources. Forestry contributes directly and indirectly to food security by producing non-timber edible products such as fruits, mushrooms, nuts, and medicinal plants. Healthy forests prevent soil erosion, regulate the climate, conserve water and biodiversity, provide economic benefits, improve air quality, protect against natural disasters, support livestock production, and thus support food security. Supplementary and complementary role of livestock and allied sectors in promoting food security: Livestock supports agriculture by providing manure and crops used in animal feeding, thus supporting each other. Agriculture supplies residues and by-products used in animal fodder. Thus, healthier, more efficient livestock and better agricultural methods promote a nation's food production not only in quantity but also in safety and quality. To realise the full potential of livestock, agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture, it is necessary to address factors such as degraded natural resources, post-harvest losses, poor infrastructure, limited market access, and climate change. Besides proper preservation, processing and storage are important for reducing damage to livestock and agricultural produce, thereby enhancing a nation's food security. Policy priorities include encouraging efficient production practices and climate-smart agriculture; investing in value chains, including cold-chain storage, processing, and marketing; supporting small-scale producers; extending credit and insurance schemes; and ensuring diversification across livestock, agriculture, fisheries, and crops. Nevertheless, strengthening natural resource governance to balance food production alongside ecological conservation is also essential. National food security is important for a nation's development and prosperity. It enables the nation to remain self-sufficient, thereby protecting and defending its sovereignty. Livestock, agriculture, and allied sectors are essential to a nation's food security. Thus, healthy, disease-free, and resistant livestock and crops are pivotal to protecting a nation's food security. Thus, major emphasis needs to be placed on promoting and propagating healthier, higher-quality livestock and crop production. Various challenges in the current scenario endangering the livestock and agriculture, thus indirectly harming the national food security, include excessive use of drugs, hormones, pesticides, chemicals, etc. in intensive farming systems, climate and environmental pollution, growing urbanisation and industrialisation, emerging and re-emerging diseases in livestock, deforestation, and desertification. Addressing the above challenges can greatly enhance a nation's food security. India, primarily being an agricultural country with most of its population dependent on livestock and agriculture, thus addressing the above challenges concurrently with the modernization can also upgrade and improve the economic and aesthetic status, preserve the cultural heritage of a nation, besides raising the health standard of citizens and improving the workforce efficiency of its population. (The Author is HOD Veterinary Medicine, SKUAST Kashmir)
BRICS can play a key role in tackling terrorism: PM
Indias chairmanship of BRICS will help in enhancing priorities of the Global South and contribute to a safer world
Bapatla leads in women, child safety in A.P., says SP
CM Vijay tells short story in Assembly; Udhayanidhi says House turned into a cinema
Though the CM did not name anyone from the Opposition parties in his story, his comments were widely interpreted as a reference to the defeat of former CM and DMK president M.K. Stalin in Kolathur
SBI likely to step in for Metro projects finance at a very low interest rate
Breakthrough in talks over Hyderabad Metro Rail puts Revanth and Kishan on same track
Watch: HL: Lucknow building fire: FIR cites illegal commercial use | Above the Fold | 23.06.2026
In this episode, we look at the devastating Lucknow building fire and the broader questions it raises about fire safety in Indias cities. We also examine the Centres latest FCRA amendments, Metas elevation of CRED founder Kunal Shah to lead WhatsApp, and more.
Prof Rukhsana Najeeb Gets Additional Charge in Health Department
Srinagar, Jun 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has assigned Prof. (Dr.) Rukhsana Najeeb, Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, the charge of Secretary (Technical), Health and Medical Education Department with immediate effect. According to Government Order No. 506-JK (HME) of 2026, issued by the Health and Medical Education Department on June 23, the arrangement has been made in the interest of administration and will remain in force until further orders. The order clarifies that the assignment of charge shall not confer any right on the officer to claim regular appointment, seniority, promotion, or any other service benefits attached to the post, which will continue to be governed by the relevant rules and regulations.
IMD forecasts a wet weekend for Andhra Pradesh
FFRC Headless Since May, Parents and Schools Face Delays
Srinagar, June 23: The Fee Fixation and Regulatory Committee (FFRC), Jammu and Kashmir, has been functioning without a chairperson for nearly two months, causing difficulties for both parents and private school managements across the Union Territory. Former FFRC Chairperson, Justice Sunil Hali, retired at the end of March 2026. The Jammu and Kashmir Government subsequently granted him a one-month extension until the end of April. However, since May 2026, the post has remained vacant, leading to a backlog of complaints and pending cases. Parents who have approached the committee regarding fee hikes by private schools said their grievances remain unresolved due to the absence of a chairperson. A parent, speaking to Rising Kashmir, said that complaints submitted since May are still pending. The FFRC was established to address issues faced by parents, particularly concerning school fees. After the retirement of the chairperson, there is no authority available to take effective action against private schools or resolve parents concerns, he said. He alleged that some private schools are taking advantage of the situation by increasing fees arbitrarily. Parents are already burdened by the high cost of education. In the absence of a functioning regulatory mechanism, schools are hiking fees at their own discretion, he added. The vacancy has also affected private school managements seeking approval of their fee structures. A private school owner from Baramulla district said that his institutions fee proposal remains pending before the committee. I submitted my file to the FFRC for fee approval, but due to the non-availability of the chairperson, all such cases across Jammu and Kashmir are pending. The committee cannot approve revised fee structures without the chairpersons authorization, he said. He urged the government to either appoint a new chairperson immediately or extend the tenure of the former chairperson until a replacement is selected. During his tenure, Justice Sunil Hali oversaw the fixation of fees for 2,799 private schools across Jammu and Kashmir. Following his retirement, more than 1,200 applications and files related to fee approvals are reportedly awaiting clearance. In the union territory nearly 6,000 private schools in Jammu and Kashmir fall under the ambit of the FFRC, which determines and regulates school fees on the basis of audited financial reports submitted by educational institutions.
One-gram gold ring for babies born in T.N. government hospitals
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will inaugurate the initiative on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai
Police return 538 seized vehicles to owners
Parents Must Discourage Underage Driving: DySP Traffic
Urges motorists to refrain from wrong parking Srinagar, June 23: Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Baramulla, has urged parents not to hand over motorcycles and other vehicles to underage children, warning that rash driving, riding without a valid licence, and dangerous overtaking are emerging as major causes of road accidents across the Valley. Speaking to Rising Kashmir the traffic officer said that many accidents occur due to negligence and violation of traffic rules, putting not only the lives of young riders at risk but also those of other road users. Parents should not feel proud by handing over bikes and vehicles to underage children. Rash driving, riding without a licence, and reckless overtaking can have serious consequences. These practices endanger lives and often lead to tragic accidents, he said. The officer stressed that the Traffic Police regularly conducts awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and public places to educate people about road safety and the harmful effects of rash driving. He said the department continuously works to spread awareness among motorists and pedestrians regarding the importance of following traffic regulations. We keep conducting awareness programmes and inform people about the dangers of rash driving. Along with awareness, we also impose fines and issue challans against violators. However, public cooperation is equally important in ensuring safer roads, he said. The DySP further said that parents have a crucial responsibility in preventing road accidents by ensuring that their children do not drive vehicles without licences or proper documentation. It is the responsibility of parents not to allow their children to drive vehicles without a valid licence, he added. Highlighting the unpredictable nature of accidents, the officer said that mishaps do not come with a warning and can occur at any time. He urged citizens to act responsibly and strictly follow traffic laws. The officer also appealed to motorists to avoid wrong parking, which often causes traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters. He urged pedestrians to use designated footpaths wherever available instead of walking on roads. The DySP Traffic Baramulla emphasized that the success of road safety initiatives depends on active public participation and cooperation.
Square Yards becomes Unicorn with 900 crore funding, plans IPO
As we gear up for our upcoming IPO, this capital raise will provide us with the strategic firepower to accelerate our market expansion, deepen our technological moats, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders, Mr. Shori said
Sleep Most Powerful Natural Medicine, Says GMC Srinagar
Inadequate sleep affects the brain, heart & mental health: Experts Recommend early sleep routines , limiting screen time Srinagar, Jun 23: Highlighting the critical role of sleep in maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being, health experts at Govt. Medical College (GMC) Srinagar have described adequate sleep as the most powerful natural medicine. Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar said in an advisory that sleep is not a luxury but a biological necessity. Every hour of lost sleep creates a burden on the brain, heart, metabolism, immunity, and mental health, he said. The advisory said that adults between 18 and 64 years of age require 79 hours of sleep per night, while older adults aged 65 years and above need 78 hours. It added that sleeping less than six hours regularly is associated with several adverse health outcomes. The health expert said humans are biologically programmed to sleep at night, and routinely sleeping after midnight disrupts the bodys circadian rhythm, which is regulated by the brains suprachiasmatic nucleus. Such disruption can negatively affect multiple body systems over time. Khan said common consequences of inadequate sleep include morning fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, mood swings, increased appetite, weight gain, reduced productivity, weakened immunity, and a heightened risk of diabetes and hypertension. Long-term sleep deprivation may also increase the risk of depression, anxiety disorders, heart attacks, and strokes. He said adequate sleep supports healthy levels of melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, serotonin, which influences mood and emotional resilience, dopamine, responsible for motivation and concentration, and oxytocin, which helps strengthen social bonding and empathy. Poor sleep, however, can disrupt these chemicals, leading to anxiety, depression, irritability, reduced attention span, social withdrawal, and increased stress. The advisory further said sleep deprivation can also reduce insulin sensitivity, increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, trigger unhealthy cravings, and contribute to obesity. The advisory also links chronic sleep deprivation to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, burnout, substance abuse, cognitive decline, and dementia. It notes that even a single night of poor sleep can significantly increase emotional reactivity, making individuals more vulnerable to stress and interpersonal conflicts. To promote healthier sleep habits, GMC Srinagar recommends following Golden Sleep Rules, including going to bed between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., maintaining a regular sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, exercising regularly, and getting exposure to morning sunlight. The advisory also urges people to avoid mobile phone screens at least one hour before bedtime, refrain from heavy meals late at night, limit evening consumption of tea, coffee, and nicotine, avoid sleeping pills without medical advice, and discourage the habit of sleeping after midnight. Sleep is not a luxuryit is a biological necessity. Every hour of lost sleep is a debt paid by the brain, heart, metabolism, immunity, and mental health, the public health message said.
Article 370 repeal completed Mookerjees unfinished mission: Amit Shah
Pays tributes Jan Sangh founder on his anniversary Calls him tallest leader who contributed for nations unity, integrity Srinagar, Jun 23: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary, describing him as one of the nations tallest leaders whose contributions played a vital role in safeguarding Indias unity and integrity. He said with the repeal of Article 370, Mookerjees unfinished mission was completed. Addressing a gathering during the launch of NAFEDs auction portal in New Delhi, Shah said June 23 holds immense emotional significance for Bharatiya Janata Party workers as it marks the day Mookerjee laid down his life for the cause of national unity. June 23 is a deeply inspiring day for BJP workers like me. It was on this very day that Syama Prasad Mookerjee sacrificed his life to uphold the idea of One Nation, One Constitution, One Flag, Shah said. The Home Minister said that Mookerjee died under mysterious circumstances while lodged in a jail in Jammu and Kashmir and was denied proper medical treatment. Recalling Mookerjees role during the Partition era, Shah said the Jana Sangh founder fought tirelessly to ensure West Bengal remained part of India while East Bengal went to Pakistan. It was because of Syama Prasad Mookerjees efforts that West Bengal continues to remain an integral part of India today, he said. Referring to the erstwhile special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, Shah said the provision had created a separate constitutional framework in the region which, according to him, posed a threat to the unity and integrity of the country. After Independence, Jammu and Kashmir had its own Constitution, separate flag, Prime Minister and President. This arrangement was dangerous for national unity, Shah said. He said Mookerjee launched a movement against the system and coined the slogan that there cannot be two constitutions, two flags and two Prime Ministers in one country. Shah recalled that Mookerjee had marched from Delhi to Kashmir in protest against the permit system then in force. When he reached the border of Jammu and Kashmir, he was asked to produce a permit. Mookerjee said Kashmir is an integral part of India and he did not require permission to enter any part of his own country, Shah said. The Home Minister said Mookerjee was arrested after refusing to comply with the permit system and later died in detention. Shah asserted that Mookerjees vision was ultimately realised after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Today, Syama Prasad Mookerjees dream has been fulfilled. Article 370 has been abrogated and the vision of one Constitution across the country has become a reality, he said. Shah also highlighted the growth of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, founded by Mookerjee, into the Bharatiya Janata Party, which he said now governs across large parts of the country. Praising NAFEDs transformation, Shah said the cooperative body, which was once on the verge of collapse in 2014, has now achieved a turnover of Rs 30,000 crore and a profit of Rs 500 crore while serving nearly 7.6 million farmers across India.
Adani opens Mundra Airport for scheduled commercial flights to 4 cities
With this, Mundra has become the 9th airport of the Adani Group, and this location is set to become a fully integrated, multi-modal logistics and business hub
Facts related toSyama Prasad Mookerjees death in J&K should be made public: BJP
The party pays tributes to the sacrifices and vision of Mookerjee and highlights his enduring legacy in strengthening national unity
Netanyahu says Israel should 'break free' of U.S. military aid
I deeply appreciate the support we have received from our American friends, but we need to break free from dependency and build our own independent armaments network, the premier told reserve officers on a training course in the occupied West Bank
Legislative Committee Stresses Transparency, Accountability in Governance
SRINAGAR, JUNE 23: A meeting of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation was held on Tuesday at the Assembly Secretariat under the chairmanship of its Chairman, MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan. Legislators Hilal Akbar Lone, Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Peerzada Feroze Ahamad, Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh and Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi were present in the meeting. The Chairman highlighted the important role of the Committee in scrutinizing the subordinate legislation and ensuring that the rules framed by various departments are consistent with the provisions and intent of the parent legislation. He emphasized the significance of the Committee's work in strengthening legislative oversight and promoting transparency and accountability in governance. Muzaffar Iqbal Khan urged all members of the Committee to actively participate in its proceedings and contribute constructively towards identifying and resolving the discrepancies in departmental rules and regulations. The members deliberated on various matters pertaining to the functioning of the Committee and discussed the roadmap for future examination of departmental rules. The Committee decided that the rules pertaining to the Health Department shall be taken up for detailed examination in its next meeting.
3rd Corps of EME Sailing Regatta concludes in Hyderabad
Artisans Seek Support for Handicrafts Revival
Srinagar, June 23: A delegation of artisans from Srinagars Shehr-e-Khaas on Tuesday met Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and sought his intervention for the revival and protection of Jammu and Kashmirs traditional handicrafts sector. The delegation highlighted the challenges faced by artisans and raised concerns over the steady decline of traditional Kashmiri arts and crafts. Members urged Bukhari to use his influence to ensure that their concerns are effectively addressed and that the sector receives support for its revival and promotion. The delegation was led by Mir Younis Ahmad, office bearer of Kaarigar Kalyan Foundation, an NGO working for the welfare of artisans. Provincial Publicity Secretary Muzaffar Hussain Reshi and Zadibal constituency in-charge Tehseen Dar accompanied the delegation. During the interaction, the artisans said that although Kashmiri handicrafts continue to enjoy strong demand and high market value nationally and internationally, the actual craftsmen receive only a limited share of the earnings, while larger profits go to traders and businesses. They said this growing imbalance has discouraged artisans, especially younger generations, from continuing their traditional occupations. The delegation informed Bukhari that many young artisans are willing to preserve their ancestral crafts and seek opportunities to independently market and sell their products through exhibitions and markets. However, they said institutional support, guidance and encouragement are necessary to make these efforts sustainable. The artisans also highlighted the condition of senior craftsmen who, after dedicating their lives to preserving Kashmirs artistic heritage, are now forced to take up other forms of work due to inadequate income from their traditional occupations. Calling for rehabilitation measures and support, the delegation stressed the need to preserve the regions cultural identity through sustained assistance to artisan communities. Bukhari gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the relevant authorities at appropriate levels. He said there is an urgent need to protect and promote Kashmiri handicrafts as they represent Kashmirs identity, heritage and pride. He added that safeguarding artisans interests is essential not only for sustaining livelihoods but also for ensuring that future generations continue this cultural legacy.
People Centric Governance Key To Development: NC
Srinagar,June, 23 : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President (Kashmir), Showkat Mir on Tuesday held an extensive interaction with scores of public and party workers delegations at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha. During the meeting, various delegations from different areas of Kashmir put forth a range of pressing local issues, developmental concerns and organizational matters. Mir patiently listened to each delegation, acknowledging the challenges highlighted by them and assuring that their genuine concerns would be taken up with the relevant authorities for prompt and effective redressal. He reiterated the partys unwavering commitment to public welfare and emphasized that such engagements are essential to maintaining a strong and meaningful connection with the people at the grassroots level. Calling on party workers to remain actively engaged with the masses, Mir urged them to continue working diligently to resolve day-to-day issues faced by the public. He stressed that sustained public outreach and responsiveness are key to upholding the partys vision of inclusive development and accountable governance. Highlighting the broader developmental landscape, Mir also underscored that the elected government led by Omar Abdullah has provided a renewed direction to development and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting a commitment to responsive administration and people-centric governance.
1947 scars still haunt J&K: BJP seeks Holocaust Day for raid victims
Tribal invasion left behind massacres, loot, trauma that must be officially remembered: Chugh Asks CM Omar to present governance report card, fulfil manifesto promises Srinagar, Jun 23: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to officially observe a Holocaust Day in memory of civilians killed during the 1947 tribal invasion backed by the Pakistan Army. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Chugh said the attacks on the erstwhile princely state in 1947 resulted in large-scale killings, loot and atrocities against civilians, leaving behind deep scars in the collective memory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan Army, disguised as tribal raiders, attacked Jammu and Kashmir and carried out killings, plunder and atrocities for several days. It was nothing short of a holocaust, Chugh said, demanding that the victims be formally commemorated through an annual observance. The BJP leader, who was in Kashmir to pay tributes to Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 73rd death anniversary, said the events of 1947 should be documented for future generations through books, documentaries and public records. People must know the history and the suffering endured during that period. A documentary should be made and historical records should be brought before the public, he said. Targeting the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government, Chugh said the elected dispensation must present its report card before the people and fulfil the promises made in its election manifesto. The public wants answers on governance and delivery. Instead of raising questions, the Government should explain what it has achieved so far, he said. Referring to the recent fire incident in Lucknow, Chugh termed it a tragic development and said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak personally monitored rescue efforts. He said an investigation into the incident was underway and assured that those responsible would be dealt with strictly.
New ROB, fruit pulp factory, desilting of water bodies in Tirupattur required: IUML MLA
MLA S.S.P. Syed Farooq Basha highlighted these needs during the motion of thanks to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekars address in the State Legislative Assembly
NC condole demise of Irfan Shahs mother
Srinagar, June, 23 :- The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan on Tuesday visited former MLA Irfan Shah in Magarmalbagh Srinagar to offer condolences on the demise of his revered mother, wife of party stalwart late Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah. Choudhary Ramzan expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul. Party leaders including party legislators visited the bereaved family to convey their condolences and share in their grief. The funeral prayers (Janaza) of the deceased, led by noted Islamic scholar Tayab Shah Kamili, were attended by a large number of people from different walks of life.
School students allegedly roped in by TVK functionaries tie party flags to median
The police said that a group of students was on their way to school when they were told by local TVK functionaries to tie party flags with small poles attached to it on a steel median
Govt Prioritising Skill Development to Boost Employability: Sakeena
Reviews admissions in Govt Degree Colleges across J&K Srinagar, June 23: on Tuesday said that the government is prioritising industry-oriented initiatives and skill development programmes to enhance students employability and ensure graduates are better prepared to secure meaningful employment after completing their education. The minister said that sustained reforms in the higher education sector are essential to make colleges more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the aspirations of students. The Minister made these remarks while addressing a comprehensive review meeting held to assess the ongoing admission process in the Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, Sakeena Itoo had a comprehensive review of the admission status across Government Degree Colleges. She directed the Higher Education Department and college authorities to strengthen awareness and outreach initiatives in the institutions with comparatively low enrolment to ensure wider access to higher education. The Minister emphasised that Principals and faculty members should actively engage with the students and parents to enhance awareness about the academic programmes, scholarship opportunities and career pathways available in Government Degree Colleges. Reviewing the admission figures, Sakeena Itoo was informed that colleges have recorded a significant rise in student admissions this year after the government introduced several measures to simplify and ease the admission process. Sakeena Itoo, who has been closely monitoring the admission process, reiterated her commitment towards strengthening the higher education sector in Jammu and Kashmir. She said that it is the prime concern of the present dispensation to ensure that every eligible student gets access to quality higher education. The new reforms have helped reverse the declining trend in college admissions witnessed over the past few years and we hope that the admission figures would exceed 50,000 after the completion of next two rounds of admissions, asserted the Minister. She said that legacy colleges continue to witness higher demand, which is encouraging but stressed the need to further strengthen the higher education system by expanding the choice of courses and enhancing student welfare measures to make colleges more attractive for the aspiring students. She added that walk-in admissions have been facilitated through an in-house online portal to ensure that no eligible student is denied access to higher education. She informed that the Principals have been given flexibility in the admission process to take student-centric decisions in the best interest of students. She stressed the need to rationalise course offerings, upgrade infrastructure and create academic opportunities that respond to the changing needs and aspirations of the students. She directed the officers to closely monitor the admission trends and take all necessary measures to improve enrolment, particularly in colleges where the admissions remain below expectations. The Minister also sought inputs from the Principals on the persistent decline in admissions in certain subjects and asked them to suggest measures to arrest the downward trend. She stressed that the neighbouring colleges should offer diversified courses rather than identical programmes, so as to optimise academic resources and provide students with a wider range of educational opportunities. Stressing the importance of ensuring uninterrupted academic activities, the Minister directed all the colleges to make arrangements for commencement of classes at the earliest so that the students do not suffer any academic loss. Sakeena Itoo emphasised the need for rationalisation of faculty across colleges and directed the Higher Education Department to ensure optimum utilisation of teaching staff by deploying faculty in a manner that strengthens academic standards and addresses gaps in colleges facing low admissions. The Minister emphasised the need to introduce new courses in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and other future-oriented disciplines, to align higher education with evolving academic and industry requirements. She also called for structural reforms across colleges to ensure a more balanced and uniform distribution of admissions. We have to introduce new courses in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Skill Linked Hybrid Tracks and Econometrics. Our goal is to ensure that every eligible student receives an opportunity to pursue higher education of his choice, the Minister said.
IMO, Oman announce plan to evacuate ships, 11,000 seafarers stranded in Persian Gulf
IMO says it has secured necessary safety guarantees, verified the conditions for safe navigation; operation involves cooperation with U.S., Oman, other coastal States in the region
Narayani Hospital organises blood donation camp in Vellore
Volunteers and students from various colleges actively participated in the camp
Nepal court remands former Minister Bishnu Paudel to seven days in money laundering probe
He was arrested in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to a controversial businessman, who is currently in custody under a money laundering case
Arms loot: Manipur may go soft on Arambai Tenggol members
Govindas Konthoujam, the States Home Minister, says the government is trying to avoid arresting members of the radical group while continuing efforts to recover illegally held firearms
Venkaiah Naidu calls for stricter anti-defection law, flags freebie culture
Hungary passes anti-graft measures, eyeing EU funds
Pro-EU conservative Magyar ousted Orban from office after 16 years in power in an April election on a promise of egime change. The anti-graft legislation easily passed parliament with 142 votes for, 39 against and three abstentions
Indias experience in diabetes care could guide other developing countries: V. Mohan
In an article in Diabetologia, the Chennai-based specialist argues for local solutions and integrated care; recommends tech interventions such as an AI chatbot, telemedicine, and a physician decision support tool
CM condoles death of 3 persons from T.N. in Qatar fire
Jaju comes back to Telangana as CS race heats up
Kerala High Court grants K. Sudhakaran time till July 8 to appear before it in person
He had tendered an unconditional apology before the HC regarding his remarks about the HC Bench that quashed a single judges verdict on the murder case of Youth Congress leader S.P. Shuhaib
According to analysts at S&P, there would be gradual easing with respect to insurance costs and vessel transits too would pick up gradually.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan, FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE: Ronaldo starts in crucial game
The 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in Portugals first game, a surprising 1-1 draw with Congo
Former scribe of The Hindu remembered
Transport Minister C.P. John describes former Chief of Bureau of The Hindu, S. Anil Radhakrishnan, as emotionally neutral and factually strong
Tamil Nadu exercised over the Centres guidelines on projects in the Cauvery basin
The Centres norms assume relevance in the light of the ongoing controversy over the Mekedatu drinking water-cum-balancing reservoir project, mooted by Karnataka
Women in A.P. will get free travel in AC buses soon, says Transport Minister
Government has prepared a comprehensive action plan to make 202627 a milestone year for technology, sustainability and expansion of public services in the transport sector, asserts Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy; Special Chief Secretary rules out privatisation, allays fears of employees and labour unions
Marching towards making Madurai beggar-free city by 2030
CPOs finger severed during SFI protest at KTU
Officer injured while preventing protesters from pulling down barricades outside the university
Sub-Registrar held on bribery charge in Paramakudi
Tasmac staff protest in Madurai demanding reinstatement of suspended CITU leader
Harish Rao demands CBI or Central vigilance inquiry into alleged scams in SCCL
Karnataka government intends to make new appointments to boards, corporations: KPCC chief
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president B.K. Hariprasad said here on Tuesday that the State government intends to make new appointments to boards and corporations
HC seeks clarity on pollution threat from hazardous cargo containers of MSC Elsa 3
Seeks Centres action plan to tackle marine pollution
CWMA asks basin States to use reservoir water judiciously, defers decision on Cauvery releases
The direction came at the 52nd meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority, held amid renewed political debate over the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project
BJP chief calls for nationalism, targets Telangana govt. on youth promises
Commitment thy name is Tilak Varma
After captaining the triumphant India-A side in the island nation , the Falcon flies back to produce a memorable knock in TG20
IRDAI mulls norms, management panel for 800-crore Policyholders Education and Protection Fund
HC directs DLSA to submit report over child placed in Nalgonda shishugruha
Three killed in road accident near Sivagiri
Fake electric bike dealership scam: Two arrested by Kanniyakumari cyber crime police in West Bengal
