T.N.s textile industry can save over 3,000 cr. by transitioning to renewable energy: report
Indias textile industry has the highest carbon footprint among major exporting countries, reaching over 12.5 kg COe per kg of textile, which is higher than Vietnam, Bangladesh and China, shows the report
IIT Delhi and Cadence Launch AI-Enabled Innovation Lab to Advance Indias Semiconductor Talent
New Delhi, India Business Wire India
BidhannagarCorporation Mayor resigns a day after Kolkata Corporation Mayor quit
KMC is yet toacceptFirhad Hakims resignation even though party supremo Mamata Banerjee gave her nod to the move
Israel-Iran war LIVE: Peace talks stall after Hezbollah rejects truce
Hezbollah has rejected the Israel-Lebanon talks, while a previous ceasefire announced on April 17 has been breached daily, with Israeli troops deployed deep inside Lebanese territory and the Iran-backed militants continuing to attack Israel
A resident of Ujjain town, Manzoor Ahmed, 55, had been working as a tailor in Kuwait for about 30 years, and was about to travel to his hometown on Wednesday morning for a family wedding
India, U.K. well-positioned to build new future-oriented partnership: Jaishankar
Dr. Jaishankar highlights the finalisation of the India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, the adoption of a comprehensive strategic partnership and the defence industrial roadmap as major achievements
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Delhi hotel fire: Mattress seller who aided rescue seeks assistance for losses
Riyazuddins shop, which was usually stocked with mattresses and bedsheets, now stands empty and damaged by the flames that engulfed nearby areas.
Delhi CM announces 10 lakh for deceased in Malviya Nagar fire
Accepting corruption in some departments, the CM said that the government is now facing difficulties due to it
The Great Nicobar project and a Ministry in knots
The Union Environment Ministry has ignored scientific rigour and procedural propriety
Delhi University assistant professor found murdered in east Delhi flat, case registered
The exact cause of death will be ascertained after receiving the autopsy report and the Police said multiple teams have been formed to identify and apprehend the accused
India among Russia's top foreign trade partners: PM Mishustin
In the financial year 202425, total India-Russia trade reached an all-time high of about $68.7billion, up sharply from roughly $13billion in 2021, marking nearly a five - to six- fold increase over four years.
In open letter to Putin, Zelenskyy calls for meeting and ceasefire
Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us and you. I am proposing a meeting, says Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy
U.S. imposes sanctions on Cuban President, Treasury website shows
The sanctions were announced as U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that the U.S. wanted Cuba to be a nicely run country.
Hamsalekha and V Ravichandran end long-standing rift: Time passes, memories dont
In a memorable comeback that had the fans buzzing, legendary composer Hamsalekha and actor-director V Ravichandran put their long-standing feud behind them at the Crazy Brahma concert
Traffic Diversion in R.K.Nagar
Head constables who were the first respondents after the fire
Will usher in Yuva Yuga, promises new Karnataka Chief Minister
Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera among seven Congress nominees for Rajya Sabha elections
The partys media and publicity wing head, Pawan Khera, and Mansoor Ali Khan are the two other leaders fielded from Karnataka.
Monsoon sets in over Kerala three days late amid concerns over El Nino impact
It is the first time since 2015 that the IMD has missed its onset call beyond the error margin
Alleged attack on women in Kochi: hunt on for key accused
Nicobar port has no strategic goals, Finance Ministry body said in 2024
Centre has cited the strategic nature of the proposed 81,000-crore Great Nicobar Project for not making public the contents of a report by a High Powered Committee (HPC) on the cumulative environmental impact of the project
Tiruchi MP and MDMK leader Durai Vaiko calls on CM Vijay
Chief Minister Vijay reviews functioning of Natural Resources Department
Man held for making hoax bomb call to Chennai police
When A Healing Jab Turns Deadly
Medical negligence that can cost a generation The National Medical Commissions warning on unsafe injection practices should shake our health establishment out of its dangerous complacency. When the apex regulator of medical education in the country is compelled to remind medical colleges that careless injections can spark outbreaks of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, it is not issuing a routine circular. It is sounding an alarm about a man-made epidemic that can unfold not in slums or shooting galleries, but inside our own hospitals and teaching institutions. The advisory is unambiguous: the reuse of syringes and needles, unsafe vial sharing, recapping of needles, and improper disposal of sharps are not minor lapses. They are serious breaches of patient safety. Each careless jab, each casually reused syringe, can turn a place of healing into a site of lifelong infection. The NMC is merely putting in writing what should have been a basic ethic of medical practice: first, do no harm. This reminder is even necessary, which speaks volumes about systemic failures. Infection prevention and control protocols exist on paper; posters on walls talk of hand hygiene; colour-coded bins stand in corners. Yet outbreaks linked to unsafe injections keep surfacing across the country. The gap between guidelines and ground reality is where viruses travel. The Commissions insistence on strict adherence to national guidelines, the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and NACOs post-exposure prophylaxis framework must not be treated as another checklist to be filed away. Regular audits, functional infection control committees, mandatory reporting of needle-stick injuries, and documented competency assessments of healthcare workers are not bureaucratic irritants; they are the thin line between safety and disaster. Equally, the push for safetyengineered, autodisable syringes needs political and financial backing. Public institutions cannot be expected to uphold zero tolerance for unsafe practices while being forced to cut corners on basic equipment. Either governments invest in safety, or they must accept responsibility for preventable infections transmitted in their own facilities. For regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where public faith in institutions is already fragile, a single outbreak linked to medical negligence can deepen mistrust for years. The NMC advisory gives medical colleges and hospitals a chance to clean up their practices before tragedy exposes their failure. It must be seized, not with token circulars and cosmetic trainings, but with a hard, measurable reset of how injections are given, and how human life is valued.
Five Cloudbursts In Three Days
No Casualties In Reasi, But Will The System Change? The cloudburst at Bathoi in Reasi district on Thursday evening has, mercifully, not claimed any lives. Several houses stand damaged, belongings lie soaked and shattered, and families stare at an uncertain tomorrow. Yet the administrations relief narrative risks framing this as a near-miss rather than what it truly is: the fifth loud warning from the hills of Jammu in just three days. Four cloudbursts earlier this week in Doda, Kishtwar and Poonch were also officially recorded as events without casualties and without major loss of property. Bathoi now joins that list. When nature speaks five times in 72 hours, the real question is not how lucky we were, but how unprepared we continue to be. The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has reviewed the situation, spoken to the Deputy Commissioner of Reasi and directed immediate relief and assistance. The district administration is on the ground, assessments are underway, and relief has been initiated. These are necessary steps, and they are welcome. But they are also, by now, painfully routine. Every cloudburst is followed by statements, surveys and ex gratia announcements; what remains missing is a credible, time-bound plan to reduce the vulnerability of people who live and work in the hilly belts. The Bathoi incident once again exposes three chronic weaknesses. First, our settlements and local infrastructure on fragile slopes remain poorly mapped, with little adherence to scientific guidelines. Second, early warning and communication systems remain patchy, leaving villagers dependent on chance and courage rather than on clear protocols. Third, relief continues to be prioritised over resilience. Tarpaulin and ration arrive; long-term mitigation rarely does. If five cloudbursts in three days do not trigger a serious course correction, what will? The government must move beyond district-level firefighting and commission an independent, region-wide vulnerability audit of the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir, with a special focus on cloudburst and flash-flood zones. The findings should not be buried in files but placed in the public domain, with clear commitments on land-use regulation, slope stabilisation, drainage, and disaster-resilient housing. Equally, the local populace must be treated as partners, not passive recipients of relief. Training in basic disaster response, village-level task forces, and local monitoring of streams and slopes can save lives long before an official team reaches the spot. Bathois residents have escaped with their lives. That good fortune must not become an excuse for complacency. The fifth warning from the hills must be heard in Jammu and Srinagar alike and translated quickly into policy, preparation and protection on the ground.
NITI Aayogs Roadmap to Horticulture Development in Jammu and Kashmir
Transforming Jammu & Kashmir into a national and global leader in high-value horticulture by 2047 as part of Indias Viksit Bharat mission AAMIR AHMAD TEELI NITI Aayog, Indias top policy body, has laid out a sweeping 20-year roadmap to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national and global leader in high-value horticulture by 2047 as part of Indias Viksit Bharat mission. The plan will be executed in three stages: laying the foundations by building nurseries, cold storage, and training by 2030, scaling across all districts by 2035, and achieving global integration and self-reliance by 2047. The ambition is undeniable, but in the Kashmiri farmers perspective, the real test will not be in the pages of a policy document, but rather in the fields where it needs to be implemented with zeal and zest. For generations, the farmers of Kashmir have grown some of the finest apples, walnuts, and saffron in the world, yet a large share of the money those crops earn has always gone to middlemen, traders, and cold storage owners, not to the farmers themselves. A sweeping new plan from New Delhi aims to change that. NITI Aayog, the Government of Indias main policy and planning body, has released a detailed roadmap calledOperation Golden Greens, a long-term mission to develop horticulture (fruit, vegetable, flower, and spice farming) across Jammu & Kashmir from now all the way through 2047. The plan covers everything from providing better seeds and irrigation to building cold storage facilities, to helping farmers sell directly in big markets and even export abroad. Training, Tools, and Technology at the Doorstep One of the biggest complaints from farmers in J&K has always been that they do not get timely advice on how to handle pests, diseases, or market prices. The new plan directly addresses this. The government proposes to send more than50 mobile advisory vansacross all districts, so that farmers do not have to travel to find expert help. It will come to them. Additionally, at least100 training programs will be undertaken every year to teach farmers modern methods of growing, managing nurseries, handling produce after harvest, and protecting crops from insects and disease. The plan aims to train at least 1,000 agri-entrepreneurs and help launch 100 horticulture startups across J&K. Special attention will be given to women and youth, as the roadmap requires that at least40% of participantsin training and business programs be women or young people. The target is to support over 100 women and youth-led enterprises every year in horticulture-related work. No More Fake or Poor-Quality Saplings Farmers have long suffered losses because of poor-quality or fake planting material, saplings and cuttings that do not grow well, carry disease, or simply do not produce the variety they were sold as. The plan proposes to fix this by setting upmodern, government-regulated nurseries across every district, complete with tissue culture labs (a scientifically advanced method of growing disease-free plants) and strict quality checks. Laws around nurseries will also be updated to make sellers more accountable, so that farmers know exactly what they are buying and can trace it back if something goes wrong. Farmers Will No Longer Be Forced to Sell at a Loss Every year, thousands of tons of apples, cherries, and vegetables rot in J&K because there is not enough cold storage near the farms. Farmers, desperate to avoid total losses, end up selling at throwaway prices to whoever is nearby. The plan proposes buildingcold storage and packhouses at the block and district level, so that produce can be safely stored close to where it is grown. Five or more large, advanced cold chain hubs will be set up in key areas, connected directly to processing units and export points. These will useControlled Atmosphere (CA) technology, which keeps fruits like apples fresh for months without chemicals, allowing farmers to wait for better prices before selling. This includes establishing: Online Markets, GI Tags, and Selling to the World The plan intends that J&Ks farmers should sell their produce either on their own or through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs, which are groups of farmers working together) directly on online platforms likeONDC(the governments open network for digital commerce), cutting out the unnecessary middleman system, which has been the biggest hurdle to the profitability of ordinary farmers. At the same time,Geographic Indication (GI) tags, which act as a certification that a product genuinely comes from a specific place and carries its traditional quality, will be promoted for key products like Kashmir apple, Kashmiri saffron, and Kashmiri walnut. These tags help command premium prices both inside India and in foreign markets. Further, two export facilitation centres will be established, one each in Jammu and Kashmir. These centres will help farmers and cooperatives deal with the paperwork, quality testing, and logistics needed to ship produce abroad. Easier Credit, Insurance, and a Dedicated Fund Access to affordable loans has always been a challenge for small farmers in J&K. The plan proposes to expandKisan Credit Card (KCC)coverage so more smallholders can get credit easily, and to use a1,000 crore Credit Guarantee Fundfrom NABARD (Indias rural banking body) to provide loans without needing land or property as security. A dedicatedHorticulture Development Fundwill also be created to support farmers who want to plant orchards at higher density or set up post-harvest and processing units. Crop insurance will be expanded, with a target of enrolling60% of farmers, with extra premium support for the most marginal ones. Farming That Protects Kashmirs Land and Water The plan also puts a strong emphasis on protecting J&Ks environment. It aims to achieve a50% reduction in pesticide useover the long term, expansion of organic and natural farming, and covering at least 50% of horticulture land with micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler irrigation) to save water. Keeping in view that climate change is a real threat to Kashmirs orchards, unpredictable snowfall, hailstorms, uneven rainfall, and shifting seasons are already affecting apple and saffron crops. The plan proposes dedicated research intoclimate-resilient crop varietiesand farming methods suited to local conditions, so that
Perils of Security from Foreign Origin CCTV Ecosystem in Kashmir
A considerable national security risk that needs immediate intervention through policy directives and groundwork DR SIDDHARTHA GHOSH Kashmirs surveillance infrastructure has grown rapidly in the last few years. There is a deployment of roughly 3 to 5 Lakh CCTV units in total across both public and private domains. A significant portion of these (around 75 to 80%) has been historically sourced from Chinese manufacturers. This widespread use of non-Indian brands in the surveillance setup comes with its security challenges. It exposes a systemic surveillance vulnerability which is particularly problematic in a sensitive area like Kashmir, which has also seen military conflicts in the recent past. This is particularly troubling as China has a history of launching cyber-attacks using these Chinese manufactured digital infrastructure. This was particularly seen after the Galwan skirmish, when in August 2021, Chinese hackers targeted seven major electricity load dispatch centres located in Ladakh. The CCTV network, along with Digital video recording devices were largely to be blamed. Although the government didnt confirm this particular attack, but the then minister of state for communications and IT had acknowledged the dangers of video or audio captured by CCTVs and then passed on to servers located abroad. The CCTV presence in Kashmir, like any other place, is seen in Residential homes (in entrances and even in key areas like rooms and passageways), shops, offices, educational institutions, roads, key public utility areas, government infrastructure such as power grids and security installations. In this, there are High-risk zones like the Lieutenant Governors and Chief Ministers residence, army installations, intelligence Headquarters, police posts, CRPF installations, secretariat, key offices and smart city command systems. The legacy Chinese-origin CCTV systems are still operational in many of these strategic locations. The core security concerns are many, with one being a hardware-level concern. The dependence on either Chinese-manufactured or Chinese chipsets carrying CCTV systems are highly problematic. There is also a trend where IT products, including CCTVs and DVRs, carry Manufactured in India branding, only to have an entirely Chinese apparatus on the inside. There is also the Software & Firmware vulnerabilities where foreign servers can push through firmware remotely, making the originally intended surveillance system by the Indian government to effectively a surveillance system by the foreign entities on the Indian government. Apart from this, there can be other potential backdoors through software to access critical data by nefarious elements and a possibility of what experts refer to as silent heartbeat data transmission. This can be remotely used to kill the entire surveillance system at sensitive times at the will of the server controlling entity. These said problems also come with a strategic intelligence risk where the data can be exploited for tracking of VVIP and security forces movements, mapping of sensitive security installations, facial recognition profiling of key individuals, and triggering network disruptions during military operations or similar critical times. Also, beyond this, these CCTV systems come with vulnerabilities which can be exploited in home surveillance systems, office security networks, webcam modules and can even exploit routers and Network Video Recorder or NVRs. It is a type of computer that is designed to receive, save, and manage digital video streams that are recorded by IP (Internet Protocol) security cameras via a local area network (LAN) or Wi-Fi. The recent years have seen a shift in the regulatory context. There has been tightening of norms around Chinese surveillance equipment in India, with the centres reluctance to issue certification under Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rules for Chinese-manufactured or Chinese-chipset-deployed products. From April 2026 onwards, a restriction has been placed on Chinese internet-enabled surveillance devices. The new framework requires hardware origin disclosures and vulnerability testing to stop unauthorised remote intrusion and reduce the chances of espionage. This is particularly important as trusted and certified hardware must be made crucial for Government and public system infrastructures. This will gradually see a shift in government procurement as well, where trusted sources will be valued for crucial projects. Although the newer policy will take some time to show ground-level impact, the private sectors procurement and the legacy systems right now in place must also be checked for vulnerabilities. The entire surveillance grid in the Kashmir region might be having a Trojan Horse Risk with foreign-origin infrastructure playing a key role in enabling external intelligence access. Some recommended actions which can be taken in this regard is to immediately have some directives in place to ban any new Chinese-origin or Chinese-component carrying installations in any government office, building or residence. A prioritised and phased removal of the existing legacy systems should be done (the Delhi government also announced something similar in April, where over 1.4 lakh Chinese-origin cameras will be replaced because of security and data concerns). The replacements must be from a Clean and Trusted Source. Also, a True Non-Dangerous Standard for procurement must be clearly defined with clear requirements on chipset origin, firmware audits and server routing controls. For the long term, the government must consider and promote the development of an air-gapped network (physically separated from the internet) and from other unsecured networks. Strict firewalling protocols must also be in place for added layers of security. Even an Indian-controlled Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) operated, regulated, or controlled by Indian authorities will be especially useful for tracking fishing vessels, maritime movement, and activity in Indian waters. Recently, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries of the Government of India has sanctioned the project National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS), to induct indigenously manufactured transponders with the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Kashmirs surveillance expansion, although an operational necessity, has also created significant intelligence risks and needs decisive corrective measures at the earliest. With the potential possibility of the entire surveillance system being compromised by these Chinese CCTV systems. Its high time the administration takes a closer look in order to weed out the threats. Otherwise, the same systems can be used for real-time intelligence
First chilled seafood export to Oman flagged off from Chennai
Farmers practising agriculture in the Palladam Extension Canal with an ayacut of 4,989 hectares will be the beneficiaries of the scheme, requiring contribution of the Central and State Governments in 60:40 proportion
Every Child Matters: A Cry for Universal Hepatitis A Vaccination in India
In a nation where every child is precious, prevention is not merely a medical policy it is a moral responsibility DR SUHAIL NAIK India, as a nation, has now largely adopted the two-child family norm. Every child today is precious. We simply cannot afford to lose even a single one. For most married couples, after enduring countless ups and downs in life, the ultimate purpose of existence becomes their children. The journey of parenthood begins silently within the fallopian tube, long before the first cry of birth is heard. Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of natures greatest blessings, especially in an era where infertility clinics are mushrooming across cities and towns. Yet, we must also acknowledge that pregnancy is not merely a physiological state; it is often a period filled with medical vulnerabilities. Nausea, relentless vomiting, food aversion, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, seizures, psychosis, and cholestasis can transform the nine-month journey into an emotionally and physically exhausting ordeal. Still, the moment a pregnancy card shows two pink lines, an indescribable wave of joy sweeps through the family. It is not merely the happiness of a couple, an entire household, or often an entire dynasty that begins dreaming together. Thus begins the sacred journey of motherhood. It is a journey filled with hope, anxiety, repeated hospital visits, endlessultrasonographies, and prayers whispered silently in the dark. Scan after scan is performed to confirm the site of pregnancy, rule out congenital malformations, and assess fetal well-being. In modern times, amid growing confusion, fear, and convenience-driven choices, most pregnancies culminate in a Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS), a procedure inherently associated with considerable morbidity and a small but definite mortality risk. Yet, a mother willingly embraces every needle, every scar, and every suffering for the safety of her child. The concern of parents revolves around one central question: Where will my baby be safest? Fortunately, the Government of India has repeatedly strengthened maternal and child healthcare services, recognising them as a national priority. Millions of healthcare workers across the country continue sustaining these services every second of every day, often silently and selflessly. During pregnancy, a mother enters a unique psychological world. She imagines names for the unborn child, dreams of tiny clothes, school admissions, birthdays, and futures yet unseen. When the months finally pass and full-term gestation is achieved, she often looks back at the difficult journey as one filled with beautiful dreams and immeasurable hope. And then comes the defining moment of life itself. A child leaves the safety of the womb to begin the uncertain journey toward mortality. The first breath of life becomes the first cry of birth a cry that brings tears of joy, celebrations, sweets, and gratitude across households throughout the world. But alongside that first cry begins the struggle for survival. Feeding difficulties, sleepless nights, vaccinations, colics, nasal congestion, fevers, coughs, and hospital visits become a routine part of parenting. Some children, unfortunately, enter the difficult world of congenital malformations, defects, disorders, deficiencies, and diseases. Recognising this reality, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), providing assistance for children suffering from the 4 Ds Defects, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays. Such initiatives reflect the vision of policymakers who spend sleepless nights strengthening healthcare systems for the nations children. After all, every new-born is a building block of the nation. Families celebrate every milestone of childhood, the naming ceremonies, birthdays, teething, crawling, circumcision, first school days, while simultaneously battling fevers, coughs, loose motions, tantrums, breath-holding spells, thumb sucking, and endless worries. Parenting is not merely joy; it is a lifelong emotional struggle woven together with love. Yet the greatest tragedy arrives unexpectedly. One ordinary day, a perfectly healthy child develops fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Investigations are performed, reports arrive, and suddenly the parents are told that their child is suffering from viral hepatitis, complicated by Pediatric Acute Liver Failure due to Hepatitis A. Most of the time, Hepatitis A remains mild, self-limiting, and harmless. But occasionally, it becomes fulminant, catastrophic, and life-threatening. Every passing minute becomes unpredictable. Parents are informed that the child may require liver transplantation a service available only at a few specialised centres in the country. The devastated father is further told that the child is too critical for routine transport and may require an air ambulance. The cost of transportation, transplantation, prolonged intensive care, and post-transplant management is unimaginably high. Families sell land, jewellery, homes, and dignity. Social media fundraising begins. Charity, Zakat, Ushr, and donations are sought desperately. And despite all this, the policies of many corporate hospitals remain brutally straightforward: whether the child survives or dies, the bill must be cleared before leaving the hospital premises. Such tragedies are neither rare nor isolated. Across Kashmir and the rest of India, many children continue to lose their lives to this preventable disease. That is the painful truth. A life-threatening condition like Pediatric Acute Liver Failure due to Hepatitis A can often be effectively prevented by just two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine given six months apart. During this endless corridor of agony, helplessness, and heartbreak, the most devastating moment comes when shattered parents are told that this horrifying illness pediatric acute liver failure could, in many cases, have been prevented by just two small injections of the Hepatitis A vaccine. At that moment, the world around them collapses. The parents who were praying day and night outside intensive care units, watching monitors beep, watching needles pierce the tiny hands of their child, suddenly realise that all this suffering perhaps never had to happen. The thought tortures them endlessly If only we had known earlier if only someone had told us if only those two injections had been given in time. No words can describe the pain of a mother watching her once playful child lying unconscious on a hospital bed, or the silent tears of a father trying to stay strong while his entire world slips through his
NIELIT Holds Career Guidance Programme for Students
Aatif Qayoom Srinagar, June 4: The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Srinagar conducted an informative programme titled Career Pathways & Opportunities at its campus on Thursday to create awareness among students about higher education, employment prospects, government support schemes, and emerging career avenues. The programme was aimed at helping students make informed decisions regarding their education, skill development, employment, and professional growth. Participants were briefed on various career options, financial assistance schemes, industry trends, entrepreneurship opportunities, internships, and future employment pathways. Addressing the gathering, Director In-Charge NIELIT J&K, Ashaq Hussain Dar, highlighted the institutes continued commitment towards empowering youth through quality education, skill development initiatives, emerging technology programmes, and career-oriented training courses. The event featured several distinguished resource persons from different government departments and organizations. Among those who addressed the students were Waseem Raja, Joint Director Employment Kashmir, Department of Employment J&K and Mission YUWA J&K; Ashok Thukaan, Financial Advisor and CAO, J&K SC/ST and Backward Classes Corporation; Dr. Naila Nelofar, Assistant Director JKBOSE, who joined the programme online; Mohammad Shahid Baba, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer; and Syed Irfan, Marketing Manager Representative from J&K Bank. The speakers sensitized students about various government welfare schemes, employment opportunities, banking and financial support services, educational pathways, and skill development programmes available to youth. They also shared insights into industry expectations and the importance of acquiring relevant skills to remain competitive in the job market. During the programme, NIELIT Srinagar showcased its academic offerings for the 2026 admission session. These include BCA, B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), M.Sc. AI/ML, M.Tech. Cyber Forensics, B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering (AI/ML), and Ph.D. programmes in CSA/CSE. The institute also highlighted its AICTE-approved programmes, advanced laboratories, internship-integrated curriculum, hostel facilities, and various support services available to students. NIELIT officials informed participants that the last date for submission of applications for various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes is June 16, 2026. Interested candidates can apply through the NIELIT University website.
Power shortage in State should be resolved on a war footing: Senthilbalaji
Rs 220 Crore Released for J&K Panchayats
Over 7.4 lakh Panchayat stakeholders trained Ovaise Gul Srinagar, June 4: Jammu and Kashmir has received a cumulative Rs 220 crore under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) between 2022-23 and 2025-26, while more than 7.4 lakh elected representatives, officials and other Panchayati Raj stakeholders have been trained under the centrally sponsored scheme, according to data released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The figures, contained in the report by Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of Indias State/UT-wise status report show that J&K received Rs 40 crore in 2022-23, Rs 65 crore in 2023-24, Rs 65 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 50 crore in 2025-26, taking the total release during the four-year period to Rs 220 crore. The report further reveals that Jammu and Kashmir recorded a significant training activity under RGSA. A total of 2,84,138 participants were trained in 2022-23, followed by 3,50,026 in 2023-24. Another 82,534 stakeholders received training in 2024-25, while 24,439 were trained during 2025-26 up to December 31. Overall, 7,41,137 participants have been trained in the Union Territory since the launch of the revamped scheme in 2022-23. The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions through capacity building, training, institutional development and improved local governance. The revamped scheme was being implemented from April 2022 to March 2026 with a focus on empowering elected representatives, enhancing grassroots governance and promoting technology-driven service delivery in rural areas. According to the Ministrys data, Jammu and Kashmir remained among the better-performing Union Territories in terms of both fund utilization support and capacity-building outreach, reflecting sustained efforts to strengthen local self-governance institutions across rural areas.
Vanishing shade: Coimbatores sparse tree cover falls prey to illegal felling
Environmentalists lay bare the glaring gaps in government protection for trees in public places; there is no clarity on the guidelines, Acts, Rules, or G.O.s that govern cutting of such trees, so much so that felling of a lush tree at a reserve site in the citys Ward 20 went unpunished, they allege
Five held for fraudulently transferring mortgaged property and cheating firm
PDD Wins National Recognition for Solar Scheme
RK News Service Srinagar, June 04: Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) has achieved a significant milestone in the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, securing 2nd position (First Runner-Up) in the country for the month of May 2026 for RTS Applications, Installations and Inspections. The award was conferred by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, during the national event 2 years of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana held at New Delhi. The award, on behalf of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir was received by Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited. The prestigious recognition reflects the collective efforts of the J&K Power Development Department, DISCOMs (KPDCL & JPDCL), field functionaries, district administrations, empanelled vendors and consumers in advancing the objectives of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana across the Union Territory. The Government of Indias flagship PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide rooftop solar systems to one crore households across the country within a three-year implementation period from April 2024 to March 2027. In the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, although the scheme gained momentum slightly later, with on-ground implementation commencing in July 2024, rooftop solar adoption has witnessed a consistent upward trajectory since its launch. The growing public response reflects increasing awareness of renewable energy benefits and the attractiveness of the financial incentives available under the scheme. As of date, a total of 98,601 applications have been registered on the National Portal from J&K, comprising 29,402 applications under Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and 69,184 applications under Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL). Against these registrations, 33,987 rooftop solar installations have been successfully commissioned, including 12,730 installations in the Jammu region and 21,255 installations in the Kashmir region. The increasing deployment of rooftop solar systems has resulted in the addition of 121.61 MW of renewable energy generation capacity across the Union Territory, with 44.68 MW contributed by JPDCL and 76.92 MW by KPDCL. This significant capacity addition is expected to contribute substantially towards reducing dependence on conventional power sources while promoting sustainable energy generation at the consumer level. A key feature of PM Surya Ghar Yojana is the availability of affordable bank financing, with loan facilities offered at interest rates as low as 6 percent. In Jammu & Kashmir, J&K Bank has emerged as the principal financing institution supporting the scheme. A total of 45,321 loan applications have been received under the scheme, out of which 27,075 applications have already been sanctioned/disbursed. Simultaneously, vendor participation under the scheme has expanded considerably. Out of approximately 900 vendors registered nationally on the PM Surya Ghar portal, Jammu & Kashmir presently has over 300 active State-level empanelled vendors. The rooftop solar programme in Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed remarkable growth over the past year. Compared to May 2025, the Union Territory recorded an impressive 77% increase in rooftop solar installations, reflecting the growing confidence of consumers and adoption of green energy under PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Expressing gratitude on the occasion, the J&K Power Development Department conveyed its heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for recognizing the achievements of the Union Territory. The Department reaffirmed its commitment towards the successful implementation of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and towards achieving the larger national objective of promoting clean, affordable and sustainable energy.
Mayor sidelined me at Chennai Corporation school event, alleges TVK Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar legislator
M.R. Pallavi alleged that the Mayor, who belongs to the DMK, avoided her during the event. Mayor denied that there was any motive to sideline the legislator and said she only followed established protocol
Licence renewal plea was filed as fire raged
CM announces 10 lakh for next of kin of deceased, 5 lakh for seriously injured
Putin calls India reliable partner, hits out at Western interference
The Russian President emphasised that New Delhi will continue to prioritise its own national interests, adding that India's diplomatic engagement with the United States does not hinder or undermine its time-tested relationship with Russia
Free bus pass for all students: Educationists and student organisations welcome move
Funding Indias climate future, the trillion-dollar question
Indias bottleneck is not funding, but the institutional architecture needed to move it where it is needed
A national environmental survey whose time came
A credible environmental survey is essential for informed policymaking
Data hygiene: On the Census and enumerators
Census enumerators should not face difficulties in the name of re-verification
Karnataka cabinet portfolios allocated, but disgruntlement remains
Priyank Kharge will be the new Home Minister, who will also hold IT & BT and e-governance. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has been given Revenue and Sports, while Eshwar Khandre has been allocated Rural Development and Panchayat Raj. Byrathi Suresh has been given Transport.
Fire and furore: On fire accidents in India
Poor compliance and weak enforcement have led to deaths in fires
Bheemili MLA inspects Tagarapuvalasa roads
When mangroves do what seawalls cannot
Indias coastline relies on seawalls and embankments, while Ecosystem-based Adaptation through mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs continues to reduce climate risks
India renew their acquaintance with one-off Tests
The home side locks horns with Afghanistan from Saturday at New Chandigarh in a match which doesnt have too much significance in the context of five-day cricket as it exists now
A framework for climate and development capital
Climate and development are often treated as separate challenges, even when the same investment can deliver both climate and development outcomes; by recognising the full spectrum of returns, from emissions reduction and health gains to livelihoods, productivity and economic resilience, capital can be directed towards solutions that generate the greatest overall impact
Accord top priority to land acquisition for irrigation projects: CM
During his visit to Makthal-Kodangal-Narayanpet lift irrigation scheme sites, Revanthsaysgovt. is ready to release compensation amount; CM also undertakes an aerial survey of the ongoing works
UK firm DSP opens GCC in Bengaluru to deliver innovative solutions for global clients
Karnataka High Court terms KIADBs act of acquiring land for IMTMA as fraud
When El Nio becomes an economic crisis
El Nio is not merely a weather disturbance but a development challenge that can transmit climate shocks through heat stress, agricultural uncertainty and food inflation, exposing the fragility of Indias informal economy; as climate risk increasingly becomes economic risk, stronger adaptation through heat-resilient cities, worker protection and better water management is essential
CM asks officials to protect voters rights during SIR
Three-day cybercrime workshop to enhance investigative skills of police officers
The three-day training programme to conclude on June 5
Former Lok Sabha Secretary General, constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away
Subhash C. Kashyap is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter
AP wins Best Tourism Promotion State award at GTM-2026
Vizag port authority accredited as L2 Green Port for sustainability initiatives
Madurai Collector inspects Jain beds, caves in Mudalaikulam
J&K parties question NC move to hold protest in Delhi over Statehood
NC has a history of disappointing Kashmiris; we have seen this script before and there is little reason to expect a different ending this time, says PDP leader Yasir Reshi
Ramaiah Group in collaboration with University at Albany launches RISM
KMRL initiates measures to ease traffic congestion along Phase II Kochi metro corridor
The city has witnessed heavy traffic snarls in the past few weeks. Intermittent rain, reduced carriageway, and civil works along road stretches have slowed traffic movement. The snarls have also spilled over into bylanes
Washington DC [US], June 4 : US President Donald Trump on Thursday slammed the House of Representatives for a meaningless vote designed to force him to end the Iran war and also bashed the four Republican lawmakers for supporting such an unpatriotic thing. On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives voted to halt Trump from taking further military action against Iran. Four Republicans also joined Democrats to vote against Trump to support the resolution which was passed by 215 votes to 208, and now heads to the Senate. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said that those who voted against him would rather see the country fail than give him another victory. He said, Yesterday, in a meaningless vote, the House voted, 4 bad Republicans and all of the Dumocrats, to limit my War Powers, right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Who would do such an unpatriotic thing. They know where the negotiations stand. The Democrats are fueled by Trump Derangement Syndrome. They would rather have our Country fail than give me another, of many, victories. The four Republicans, thats a whole other story Theyre GRANDSTANDERS! They should be ashamed of themselves. MAGA!!! President DJT. The vote marks the first successful congressional challenge to Trump since the US and Israel jointly launched military strikes against Iran three months ago on February 28. However, the measure, will ultimately face a presidential veto. (ANI)
Kerala Governor's policy address devoid of criticism of Union government: Pinarayi
Chief Minister says UDF has not checked whether its dream projects are in anyone elses manifesto
Four injured in LPG cylinder blast at tea stall
Political culture of Trinamool should not taint BJP, says West Bengal Minister Swapan Dasgupta
Dasguptas comments come at a time of tumult in the Trinamool Congress legislature party; two-thirds of party MLAs have expressed their support to expelled Trinamool MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, who was appointed as the Leader of Opposition on Wednesday
Schools in Madurai district reopen after summer vacation
Special arrangements has been made by the teachers to welcome the newly enroled children who joined Class I and kindergarten; School teachers welcome the children with flowers
Some rebel Trinamool MLAs want Mamata as supreme leader, not advisor
Differences in rebel camp surface within 24 hours of 58 Trinamool Congress MLAs, out of the 80 elected, supporting Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly
Nirmala Sitharaman plants sapling to mark World Environment Day in Raichur
The initiative was organised by the district administration with the coordination of SPMCIL under Corporate Social Responsibility
Georgia boy treated for congenital heart disease at hospital in A.P.
The child suffering from pulmonary atresia had undergone four major cardiac surgeries and stenting procedures in Georgia before coming to Medstar Hospitals
Gujarat Police detain 501 Bangladeshi nationals under Operation Delta Hunt
The credentials and backgrounds of over 6,200 other individuals are being scrutinised by the authorities as part of the ongoing exercise
Panel grills Centre on OMCs failure to absorb oil shock
Finance committee flags fuel price impact, inflation concerns amid U.S.-Iran tensions, seeks detailed government response
PM Modi meets UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper
New Delhi [India], June 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and said the deepening of the India-UK partnership in recent times has unlocked unprecedented growth opportunities for the two countries. In a post on X, he said India-UK Vision 2035 will continue to guide the bilateral partnership. Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Appreciated the deepening of the India-UK partnership in recent times that has unlocked unprecedented growth opportunities for both our countries. India-UK Vision 2035 will continue to guide our partnership and strengthen our joint efforts for global good, he said. India and the UK held the first ministerial review of the India-UK Vision 2035 during the maiden official visit of UK Foreign Secretary. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed Cooper, characterising the bilateral relationship as a forward-looking highway of shared economic ambitions and high technology. The two leaders met to address pressing global concerns, including trade, energy, food, and economic security, against the backdrop of a global churn in supply chains. The discussion reaffirmed the importance of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the defence industrial roadmap in building resilient, mutually beneficial supply chains. India and the United Kingdom on Thursday launched the India-UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) in New Delhi, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening critical mineral supply chains and improving resource security for key industries. The observatory was formally launched by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and UK Foreign Secretary Cooper. The initiative seeks to support monitoring and analysis of global critical mineral supply chains, helping policymakers, industry and researchers identify supply risks, disruptions and emerging market trends. Addressing the gathering, Reddy said critical minerals are essential for modern economies and play a key role in clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, electric mobility and strategic sectors. He noted that the Observatory would strengthen Indias capabilities in critical mineral supply chain intelligence, support evidence-based policymaking, and advance the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). The minister further said that the initiative reflects Indias commitment to building resilient and diversified critical mineral value chains while enhancing international cooperation with trusted partners, according to a release. Speaking on the occasion, Cooper highlighted the importance of India-UK collaboration in developing resilient, diversified and sustainable critical mineral supply chains. Greater access to critical minerals and improved information-sharing are in the mutual interest of both nations and can contribute significantly to economic growth and supply chain security, she said. Cooper added that the partnership has the potential to serve as a foundation for broader cooperation across the critical minerals sector and related strategic industries. The Observatory is a joint initiative of TEXMiN, the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad and the University of Cambridge. It aims to create a data-driven platform for monitoring and analysing global critical mineral supply chains. An interactive demonstration of the platform was jointly presented by TEXMiN and the University of Cambridge. The platform will enable monitoring of global critical mineral supply chains, identification of supply risks and disruptions, generation of market intelligence, and informed decision-making. The initiative was announced during the India-UK Prime Ministers bilateral engagement in October 2025 and was formalised through a Research Collaboration Agreement signed in March 2026. It is expected to strengthen India-UK cooperation in critical minerals and support resilient, secure and sustainable global supply chains. (ANI)
Five Eyes alliance warns that China is targeting personnel via fake job ads
The alliance said Chinese agents pretending to be human resources consultants for legitimate-looking companies use websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Upwork to post job ads
Watch: Young players look up to players like Shreyas Iyer: Aditya Tare
U.K. fire crews battle blaze at Tata Steel's plant in Wales
The company said emergency services remain on site and are working with local teams to completely extinguish the fire
BWSSB plans global water innovation hub for Bengaluru
Sudan, DR Congo top world's most neglected crises: Norway aid group
The NGO's list is based on three criteria: lack of humanitarian funding, lack of media coverage, and lack of political will within the international community
Watch: Khamenei says US and Israel failed in war as Iran urges national unity
Mojtaba Khamenei has claimed that the United States and Israel suffered a decisive blow in the ongoing West Asia conflict, as diplomatic efforts to end the fighting remain deadlocked.
Finance Ministry body once flagged Great Nicobar port as lacking strategic objectives
Centre has cited the strategic nature of the proposed 81,000-crore Great Nicobar Project for not making public the contents of a report by a High Powered Committee (HPC) on the cumulative environmental impact of the project
HC directs DVAC to inquire into complaint stating records were created to show operation of TNSTC
Mali junta bans motorcycles outside cities and creates military zones to reduce militant attacks
Motorcycles are the primary means of transportation in rural areas of Mali and are used by rural residents and armed groups
India to drop capital gains tax for foreign investors in government bonds, source says
Indias benchmark bond yield eased one basis point to 7.01% in opening trade, although it was not immediately clear when the plan would take effect.
Aurobindo Pharmas generic of rheumatoid arthritis drug secures U.S. FDA nod
