Earth caved in barely 4 m from apartments on Tuesday. A boundary wall was destroyed and a 50-m stretch of road in front of apartments collapsed
DGCA bans specific power banks on flights
The DGCA has also advised airlines to take appropriate measures to identify and prevent the carriage of the specified power bank
Air India flight makes emergency landing in Jaipur over bomb threat
An Air India Boeing 787-9 operating as flight AI2030 from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur International Airport on Wednesday morning following a bomb threat. According to sources, the pilot signaled unlawful interference using Squawk Code 7500 while in the Mumbai Flight Information Region, prompting the emergency landing. The aircraft was immediately moved to an isolation bay where security personnel are conducting thorough inspections, while official statements from Air India and the exact passenger count are awaited.
KRCU exams postponed due to protest by sugarcane farmers in Karnataka
Kittur Rani Channamma University postponed all the examinations scheduled on October 14
Odisha government denies information on allegations of lowering grade of ore to evade royalty
RTI activists allege a possible nexus between mining lessees and officials to derail probes and waive or drastically reduce penalties
Tribute to Guruvayur Dorai: A life shaped by rhythm
Rooted in the Pudukkottai bani yet distinctly original, the mridangam exponent enriched every concert and nurtured generations of musicians.
Karnataka SIR: 1.10 Lakh Form-7 applications reported, 29,000 records missing online
One-fourth of forms seeking Karnataka voter deletions not available on portal for public scrutiny in Karnataka.
AI safety under scrutiny: Key incidents involving rogue agents
Recent incidents involving AI agents bypassing instructions and hacking external systems have raised fresh concerns over security vulnerabilities.
ITLA: Better transport economics will depend on more than an apex label
The ITLA, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, seeks to address the lack of synchronisation among various transport infrastructure modes as PMs GatiShakti go in full steam
Why has Tamil Nadu gone for expensive power purchase agreements | Explained
The Tamil Nadu government has clarified that due to the high power demand in the State this time, thanks to a prolonged summer-like situation, they have had to go in for such an agreement
News from the world of Education: October 14, 2026
Information on colleges, admissions, scholarships, events, MoUs, and more
Naga students body endorses tribes phased bar on illegal immigrants
The Naga Students Federation has urged other Naga organisations to emulate the Angami Public Organisations resolution, which will bar illegal immigrants from employment, services and property rentals in Angami areas
Saudi Supreme Court sets aside Sri Lankan migrant workersdeath penalty
A fresh sentence is expected in the case, senior lawyer and Presidents Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, who was on the team sent to Riyadh by the Sri Lankan government, told The Hindu
12 12 12 trailer: Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan lock horns in Apple TVs heist thriller
Apple TVs eight-episode series 12 12 12 has Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan playing a former FBI agent and a globe-trotting criminal respectively
K.C. Venugopal warns Amit Shah over 2029 remarks, says change will come sooner
Fourth edition of Puducherry Bird Atlas records 43,000 birds, 158 species
The exercise followed three previous rounds held in December 2025, March 2026, and June 2026
How many ghuspaithiye were detected, deleted, deported after SIR: Congress to Amit Shah
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asks Union Home Minister Amit Shah three questions on infiltrators, after Shah criticised the Oppositions vote chori protests
Why did academics and activists sleep in Telangana schools | Explainer
Budgetary support for education has declined to a single-digit percentage of the State outlay and has remained so over the past decade
September WPI Inflation rises to 11.39% as food, fuel and manufactured goods prices increase
In manufactured items, WPI inflation was at a series high of 9.76%, higher than 8.37% in August
Mizoram seeks sustainability as tourism booms
The Mizoram government plans expansion of community-based tourism projects after economic and social impact assessment studies
Abhijit Dipke speaks on peace bond violation & CJP leaders custody
CJP Founder Abhijit Dipke spoke to the media following the five-day judicial custody of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, and the signing of peace bonds. He criticized government claims of foreign funding made by figures like Harish Salve, as well as previous accusations involving Devendra Fadnavis. Dipke shared that he is heading to Delhi for a meeting to determine the groups next course of action.
CJP acting as AAPs B-team: Rekha Gupta
Frankfurt-Delhi Air India flight diverted to Jaipur following bomb threat
Security teams sweep the jet at Jaipur airport as investigators probe the threat and verify passenger safety after the diversion
Killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota: Punjabs drug menace and the questions it raises | Explainer
Jhota was shot at a chemist shop in Mansa town and rushed to the local civil hospital, where doctors declared he was brought dead
Frankfurt-Delhi Air India Dreamliner diverted to Jaipur following bomb threat
Security teams sweep the jet at Jaipur airport as investigators probe the threat and verify passenger safety after the diversion
Keralam Assembly: Opposition LDF, ruling UDF trade barbs over power situation
Moving an adjournment motion, G.R. Anil of CPI alleges the crisis was artificially created with the knowledge of UDF government to pave the way for power sector corporates to enter State
Cyberattack heats fridges to 50C at French supermarkets, spoils food and triggers fires
India maps 28 ladakh sites; China says it doesnt recognise U.T of Ladakh
India and China have locked horns after New Delhi standardised the names of 28 geographic features in Ladakh, including several near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Beijing rejected the move as illegal and void, stating it has never recognised the Union Territory of Ladakh created in 2019. New Delhi dismissed the objections, standing firm on its domestic administrative sovereignty.
The application has asked the court to direct the EC to frame an appropriate mechanism for restoration/inclusion of deleted voters without forcing them to apply as first-time voters
U.S. judge backs CNN, MS Now, Politico access to White House
District Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the Trump administration must grant the journalists access to the White House while the lawsuit filed by the three outlets against the ban proceeds
Tamil Nadu Family, Related To Nobel Peace Prize Winner Navi Pillay Celebrates Her Win
The large family have come together, from its youngest child to its oldest member, to celebrate their newfound connection with Nobel Peace Prize winner Navaneetham Navi Pillay.
HC reserves order over IAS Amrapali plea for allocation to Telangana cadre
Much-delayed project received a boost after Keralam government recently allocated 16 crore for purchase of the land
If SC does not wake up now, when will it NCPSPs Anish Gawande on CJP leaders custody
Why CJI Surya Kant said no to Rahul Gandhis request to meet? | Explained
The refusal was anchored in the ethos of maintaining a neutral distance from the political thicket; the CJIs letter emphasised that the judiciary cannot blur constitutional lines.
Greta Gerwigs upcoming adaptation takes audiences back to the origins of Narnia, with a first trailer featuring Aslan conceiving the magical realm and Led Zeppelins iconic Stairway to Heaven
Bihar Woman Lies On Bed Of 2,516 Sharp Nails As Part Of Navratri Devotion
With a ceremonial pot on her chest and a trident beside her, her act of devotion has drawn visitors to her home in Rosera.
Andhra University students attend Heartfulness session on stress management and well-being
Students learn ways to cope with stress, fear and negative thoughts
The poet and his patrons: Tamil Nadus Ettayapuram honours Subramania Bharati
Jagaveera Muthu Thanga Kumara Rama Venkateswara Ettappa Naicker, the zamindar of Ettayapuram, has brought out a book on Subramania Bharati, the national poet who received the patronage of his ancestors
Kerala Man Arrested For Arson Near Kochi Synagogue, Foreign Link Under Probe
NDTV accessed the CCTV footage of the suspect setting the fire at the nursery. The visuals show the man recording the act as well.
Infosys Foundation enables over 2.5 lakh job offers under Springboard Livelihood Programme
This marks the halfway point towards Infosys Foundations aspiration of creating half a million job opportunities in India by 2030. The program has also enabled more than 1.25 lakh job offers for women
Can Vijay-Chandrababu Naidu Talks End Tamil Nadu's Water Woes? MGR-NTR Pact Offers Clues
Vijay, a first-time Chief Minister, handed Chandrababu Naidu, a four-time Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, a letter seeking the implementation of the river-linking project and the release of additional Krishna water through the Telugu Ganga Project.
CJP leaders sent to judicial custody; Dipke challenges PM Modi
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14 in connection with the Jantar Mantar protest. Ajinkya Shinde was released on a personal bond. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the police action, alleging that the leaders were targeted for unfurling the national flag at Jantar Mantar. He also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to officially declare an Emergency, accusing the government of suppressing dissent.
Matchbox: The Movie review: John Cena keeps things moving in this action comedy
Friends, an international conspiracy and some solid action sequences power this predictable but entertaining film
Major government buildings, including the Mangaluru City Corporation building and Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall, besides commercial complexes and banks, have been lit up.
IndiGo Hyderabad-Srinagar Flight Returns After Power Bank Found in Baggage
The incident comes days after another IndiGo flight was diverted to Hyderabad when a passenger's power bank reportedly caught fire mid-air.
Why did academics and activists sleep in Telangana schools? | Explainer
Budgetary support for education has declined to a single-digit percentage of the State outlay and has remained so over the past decade
Why Keralam has launched Indias first ecosystem Red List assessment
Kerala State Biodiversity Boards Red List Assessment of Ecosystems project aims to transform conservation efforts from isolated species preservation to proactive, landscape-wide management
Vijay Deverakonda interview: Rashmika can switch off from work, I cant
Ahead of the release of Ranabaali, Vijay Deverakonda talks about the Madras Famine period drama, his Rayalaseema dialect training, and working with Rashmika Mandanna
Towards an age-ready Keralam: translating rights into care
The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, a first-of-its-kind legislation in the country, is a welcome step towards protecting the rights and well-being of the elderly
Linking Madras, Cuddalore, and Calcutta
A visit to Fort St. David in Cuddalore, now a heritage guesthouse, reveals an unexpected link to colonial Calcutta through Dr H.E. Busteed, author of Echoes from Old Calcutta
Nvidia says to invest in French medical website
Doctolib chief executive Stanislas Niox-Chateau told AFP that the funds will help it speed up hiring and development of its in-house AI models
Andhra Pradesh to hold three regional conferences ahead of CII Partnership Summit
The government has lined up 115 MoUs involving proposed investments of 79,628.04 crore and the potential to generate employment for 1,88,038 persons at the three upcoming conferences.
Srinagar, October 14: In a significant development favouring Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has issued firm directions to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to expedite the physical inspection of the institution and submit its compliance report by October 21, 2026. The proceedings have brought renewed urgency to the long-pending matter concerning the inclusion of 150 MBBS seats of Kashmir Medical College in the 202627 seat matrix, with the institution pressing for immediate regulatory action to ensure that its inaugural academic session is not jeopardised by further delays. Hearing the matter, Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani directed the NMC and its Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) to make every effort to conduct the inspection early in the week and submit the requisite compliance report within the stipulated deadline. Kashmir Medical College has maintained that repeated administrative delays, despite substantial compliance with statutory requirements, cannot be allowed to deprive the institution of its legitimate opportunity to commence admissions or deny 150 aspiring medical students an academic year. The dispute originated from MARBs June 9, 2026 decision rejecting the colleges application on the grounds that its infrastructure remained under development. The institution challenged the decision, arguing that it had been taken without a physical inspection or the identification of specific deficiencies that could have been addressed in accordance with the applicable statutory framework. On August 24, 2026, the Second Appellate Authority under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare remanded the matter to the NMC for reconsideration, observing that the college had substantially complied with statutory requirements, including infrastructure availability and procurement of necessary certificates.
Punjab anti-drug activist murder: Main accused nabbed from Rajasthan, says sources
Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was murdered in broad daylight on October 13 after confronting the accused, who was running a medical shop, for allegedly selling drugs to an elderly man
Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery for cancer: What is lung adenocarcinoma?
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
Two Chinese Literary Works Released in Assamese Translation at Bodoland University
Two Assamese translations of Chinese literary works were released at Bodoland University in Kokrajhar on Tuesday, highlighting the role of translation in bringing international literature and revoluti
Kokrajhar to Host East Zone Womens Hockey League from October 25
Assam Hockey, in association with the Kokrajhar Hockey Association, will organise the East Zone Asmita Sub-Junior and Junior Womens Hockey League 202627 at SAI STC, Kathalguri, Kokrajhar
NTPC Bongaigaon Wins Six Gold Awards at Quality Circle Conventions
NTPC Bongaigaon has won six Gold Awards at the Chapter Convention on Quality Concepts (CCQC) 2026, organised by different chapters and sub-chapters of the Quality Circle Forum of India (QCFI), recogni
Once Bitten, Twice Shy: Speaker yet to decide on 8 UDP MLAs
Shillong, Oct 13: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma is yet to take a call on the merger of eight UDP MLAs with the BJP, saying he is examining the matter and awaiting legal opinions before arriving at a conclusion. The Speaker said the eight legislators had met him on Tuesday to reiterate their decision [] The post Once Bitten, Twice Shy: Speaker yet to decide on 8 UDP MLAs merger with BJP first appeared on Highland Post .
Lawyers seek unconditional apology in contempt case, HC grants time
Shillong, Oct 13: Lawyers facing criminal contempt proceedings for calling abstention from judicial work have sought time from the Meghalaya High Court to file affidavits tendering an unconditional apology. The matter was heard by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew on Tuesday. During the hearing, all the advocates were personally present [] The post Lawyers seek unconditional apology in contempt case, HC grants time first appeared on Highland Post .
Centre, State exploring scientific mining proposal on 5-10 hectares
Shillong, Oct 13: The state government is pushing for a stark reduction in the minimum mine size, from the current 100 hectares to 5-10 hectares in order to bring small-scale miners into the legal framework. A committee constituted by the Union Coal Ministry visited Meghalaya last week to assess the feasibility of so-called scientific mining [] The post Centre, State exploring scientific mining proposal on 5-10 hectares first appeared on Highland Post .
Domkyrkoh infant death tragic but CM insists overall situation improving
Shillong, Oct 13: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today acknowledged gaps in Meghalayas maternal healthcare system following the death of an infant in West Khasi Hills but said the incident should not overshadow the impact of government programmes aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality. While stressing that every life lost was a matter of [] The post Domkyrkoh infant death tragic but CM insists overall situation improving first appeared on Highland Post .
Mamata-led AITC rally against CEC, SIR stopped in Kolkata over lack of police permission
CM Suvendu Adhikari had directed the police that the processionby Mamata Banerjee loyalist should not be allowed to march a single step.
5 Money Mindsets That Can Shape Your Financial Future
By Ramesh Vishwanathan Money decisions are a part of everyday life. From managing expenses and saving for future needs to planning for major milestones, individuals make financial choices at every stage. However, these decisions are often influenced by the beliefs and assumptions people develop around money. Some may believe that financial security will come automatically [] The post 5 Money Mindsets That Can Shape Your Financial Future first appeared on Highland Post .
In an era where information is abundant but truth is scarce, the most uncomfortable question facing Indian democracy today is not whether the media is biased, but whether mainstream media has lost its credibility altogether. The answer became painfully evident during the NEET protests. Thousands of students poured onto the streets, their futures jeopardised by [] The post Journalism on Trial first appeared on Highland Post .
When Sanitation Becomes a Death Trap
Editor, The deaths of four labourers from South Salmara-Mankachar inside a septic tank at Rangdokram in South Garo Hills on September 27 should force the Meghalaya Government to confront an uncomfortable question: are existing sanitation-safety laws being enforced on the ground? The tragedy reportedly involved suspected exposure to toxic fumes specially hydrogen sulphide inside an [] The post When Sanitation Becomes a Death Trap first appeared on Highland Post .
Editor, The Supreme Courts direction to the Centre to constitute a committee to examine unethical marketing practices in the pharmaceutical industry and the offering of freebies to doctors is a timely intervention in protecting the integrity of healthcare. The issue goes beyond professional ethics because such practices can directly influence prescribing decisions and impose an [] The post Regulating Pharma Influence first appeared on Highland Post .
Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of three Mumbai eateries, seizes edible oil worth 23.35 lakh
The establishments include Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. (Dominos Pizza) in Parel, Maaz Food Parcel and Catering in Bhandup West, and Mughal Dhaba in Kurla West.
Arunachal CM unveils startup push, announces
Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday announced a fresh push for entrepreneurship and investment, unveiling plans for an Arunachal Creative Economy (ACE) programme and an expert think tank, the Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA), which he described as a mini NITI Aayog for the state. Addressing a programme marking the graduation of [] The post Arunachal CM unveils startup push, announces mini NITI Aayog for the state appeared first on NorthEast Now .
What would you do if your favourite spooky house was about to be sold? Can Aramintas wonderfully sneaky plan stop it?
Indian airlines cancel flights to Saudi Arabian cities till Oct 17
While announcing cancellation of flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah till October 17, Air India also said it was closely monitoring and assessing the developments in the region to resume safe operations
Delhi Police has filed an FIR against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and its other members for allegedly trespassing into the Jantar Mantar area without authorisation, officials said on Tuesday.
Hazlewood takes six as Australia beat South Africa in 1st Test
Fast bowler Hazlewood twice broke promising stands and finished with six for 49.
Trump's Ambassador to Greece resigns after allegations of improper conduct
U.S. State Secretary Rubio to visit India for energy talks next week; visit to Jamnagar on cards
Mr. Rubio will first visit Samarkand in Uzbekistan, and will then travel to Mumbai and Jamnagar
Meghalayan Age Pavilion embosses iconic Ward
SHILLONG, Oct 13: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Meghalayan Age Pavilion at Wards Lake in the presence of Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, senior government officials, entrepreneurs, artisans and other stakeholders. Developed at a cost of Rs 11.52 crore on a 16,000 sq. ft. site within the Deputy Commissioners Residence premises, []
SC/ST voices condemn Karnataka Hight Court verdict striking down enhanced reservation
Various individuals and organisations representing Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities in the State expressed deep disappointment with the Karnataka High Court verdict thatstruckdown the enhanced reservation
Champions League: Atletico defeats struggling Manchester United
Man United have made their worst domestic start in 40 years and this league phase defeat in the Spanish capital was another blow, with the team now winless in five games across all competitions
Leverage tech for surveillance: DGP
Srinagar, Oct 13: Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat, on Tuesday chaired an operations review meeting in hybrid mode at PCR Kashmir to assess the prevailing security scenario, with particular emphasis on strengthening the professional competence and operational preparedness of J&K Police. The meeting was attended by senior officers including Spl DG Coordination PHQ, ADGP CID, ADGP Armed, IGP Railways, IGP Kashmir Zone, IGP Hqr PHQ, IGP Security, IGP Traffic J&K, IGP Crime J&K, IGP Jammu Zone, IGP Armed Jammu, IGP Cyber Crime J&K (JK4C), IGP Technical PHQ J&K, all range DIGs of J&K, and other senior officials from various wings of the police force, a police spokesperson said in a statement issued here. At the outset, senior officers briefed the chair on the operational preparedness and key security-related developments in the Union Territory. They apprised the DGP of the measures being undertaken to maintain peace and security, the steps taken to strengthen intelligence-gathering mechanisms, and the efforts made to enhance overall operational effectiveness. During the review, the DGP called for strengthening intelligence-based operations and maintaining heightened vigilance. Stressing the importance of inter-agency coordination, he called for seamless information sharing among District Police, intelligence agencies, and other security forces to ensure effective operational outcomes. Prabhat stressed the need to intensify patrolling, strengthen area domination, and undertake focused operations based on actionable intelligence. Thee J&K Police chief underscored the importance of leveraging available technology to enhance surveillance, improve situational awareness, and strengthen the response capabilities of field formations. He called for enhanced security in border areas, with close monitoring of sensitive locations, strengthened engagement with local communities to build trust and encourage the sharing of timely information, and coordinated efforts to prevent infiltration and other security threats. The DGPalso called for effective utilisation of the tenant verification application and called for the maintenance of updated digital records of tenants and their verification status. Emphasising the importance of institutional discipline and effective supervision, he directed senior officers to conduct frequent inspections of Police Stations to review the maintenance of official records, ensure proper upkeep and hygiene of police premises, and assess the welfare, cleanliness, and living conditions of police personnel. Prabhat further stressed the need for routine checks to maintain discipline, punctuality, professional conduct, and operational readiness among personnel at all levels. The DGP directed Traffic Police to intensify enforcement against traffic violations, ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations, and take appropriate action against offenders. He called for sustained traffic management efforts to promote road safety, ensure smooth traffic movement, and enhance public convenience. The meeting concluded with the DGP directing the participating officers to strengthen operational preparedness and ensure effective coordination to address emerging security challenges and maintain peace and security across the Union Territory.The DGP called upon all officers to remain alert, proactive, and operationally prepared.
Protecting Himalayas collective responsibility: Dr Jitendra Singh
Srinagar, Oct 13: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday called for collective responsibility to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, warning that development in mountain regions must be balanced with ecological safeguards and sustainable livelihoods. Addressing a special session at the 13th All India Sustainable Mountain Development Summit at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), the minister said safeguarding the Himalayas was a national responsibility extending beyond the government and scientific community to every citizen. Dr Singh stressed that the Himalayan region was vital to India's ecological security, supporting glaciers, springs, rivers and water bodies while sustaining agriculture, tourism and livelihoods. Any damage to this fragile ecosystem, he said, could have far-reaching consequences for both mountain communities and the country's environmental well-being. The summit, being held from October 12 to 14 under the theme Contouring Sustainable Himalayan Landscapes for Inclusive Viksit Bharat, is jointly organised by SKUAST-K and the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI). Discussions include the draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026. The MoS said unauthorised construction, unregulated activities and other human-induced pressures could intensify risks in environmentally sensitive mountain areas. Ecological considerations will be integrated into development planning, alongside greater public awareness and responsible conduct by local communities and other stakeholders, he said. The challenge, he said, was to ensure that development created livelihood opportunities without undermining the natural systems on which the region's long-term prosperity depended. Highlighting the Centre's scientific interventions, the Union Minister referred to the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. The Department of Science and Technology has identified centres at the University of Kashmir, Sikkim University and Tezpur University to strengthen research on climate change and the Himalayan ecosystem, he said. Dr Singhalso cited glacier monitoring and field-based studies conducted by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in Ladakh and Doda since 2015. The research includes the use of automatic weather stations and seismometers, besides investigations into landslides and past earthquakes. Capacity-building in glaciology in Kashmir is also being undertaken to strengthen scientific understanding of the region's changing environment, he said. Emphasising the importance of early warning and weather preparedness, the minister said India's weather radar network had expanded from 16 radars in 2014 to 50, with another 50 planned under Mission Mausam. The expansion is expected to strengthen weather monitoring and preparedness, particularly in areas vulnerable to extreme weather and natural hazards, he said. The MoS also referred to a pilot study initiated by the Wadia Institute in 10 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, saying its findings could help develop locally appropriate interventions and inform their possible replication elsewhere. He called for the findings to be considered while examining the draft Sustainable Mountain Development Policy. Linking conservation with economic opportunity, Dr Singh cited the Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution as examples of science-led livelihood generation in Jammu and Kashmir. Lavender cultivation in areas such as Gulmarg and Padder, he said, had opened avenues for farmers and rural entrepreneurs by promoting crops suited to local conditions. However, he emphasised that sustainable returns required more than cultivation. Strong market linkages with the aroma and fragrance industries, access to technology and finance, and support for entrepreneurship were essential to ensure that farmers benefited from these initiatives. Women-led self-help groups and young entrepreneurs, he said, could play a significant role in expanding livelihood opportunities, he said. The Union Minister said Jammu and Kashmir's experience demonstrated how scientific interventions and region-specific economic activities could support development while making better use of local strengths. Secretary, Science and Technology, Babila Rakwal, SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir A Ganai, and representatives of academia and the mountain development community attended the session. Reiterating the need for coordinated action, Dr Singh said government programmes and scientific research had to be complemented by responsible decisions on the ground. Protecting the Himalayas, he said, was essential not only for the people who depend on the mountains but also for India's long-term ecological security.
The police denied the allegations of use of force
Srinagar, Oct 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed arrangements for the Darbar Move Session 202627 at a high-level meeting, directing all concerned departments to ensure a smooth, secure and well-coordinated transition of offices from Srinagar to Jammu, along with adequate facilities for employees. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Estates, Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwini Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police, Traffic, J&K, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Jammu, Director Information and other senior officers. Jammu based officers attended the meeting via video conferencing. At the outset, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), M. Raju, gave a detailed presentation on transport and logistical arrangements for the Darbar Move convoy. The Chief Minister directed the Managing Director, JKRTC, and the Traffic Department to ensure adequate bus availability and organise the down convoy over two consecutive days, October 31 and November 1, 2026, for the safe and efficient movement of employees and equipment. He stressed close coordination among all concerned departments to ensure hassle-free transportation. Reviewing security arrangements, traffic management along the National Highway and residential accommodation for employees moving to Jammu, the Chief Minister directed the Police Department and other agencies to put in place comprehensive security measures, particularly in residential areas where the employees would be staying. The meeting was informed that medical assistance would be available along the convoy route, with doctors, paramedics and ambulances deployed in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Arrangements for essential services, food, hospitality and other facilities were also reviewed. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, was asked to examine traffic management within the city, particularly around major residential areas, and identify suitable locations along the convoy route for food and public convenience facilities, including washrooms, for employees and officials undertaking the journey. The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the functioning of the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar, which will operate with minimal staff presence. The Chief Minister directed the General Administration Department to issue monthly rosters for Ministers and Administrative Secretaries to be stationed at the Winter Secretariat, beginning with November. The Chief Minister further directed that special casual leave be granted to Kashmir-based employees moving to Jammu in connection with the Darbar Move. It was informed that an order in this regard would be issued shortly. Emphasising the significance of the Darbar Move as a distinctive administrative tradition of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister called for meticulous planning, effective interdepartmental coordination and adequate arrangements for the safety and convenience of employees. He directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure that the Darbar Move is completed smoothly and the official work of the Government commences seamlessly in Jammu.
J&K generates only Rs 30 for every Rs 100 it spends
Srinagar, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir raises only about Rs 30 from its own resources for every Rs 100 the government spends, leaving much of its expenditure dependent on central assistance and borrowing, according to a newly published economic study whose findings are broadly supported by the Union Territory's latest budget estimates. The study, published in the journal Social Science & Humanities International, highlights the gap between Jammu and Kashmir's revenue-generating capacity and its expenditure commitments, even as the economy is projected to grow and the government seeks to reduce its fiscal deficit. An examination of the 2026-27 Budget shows that the Union Territory expects to generate Rs 31,800 crore from its own tax and non-tax sources against expenditure of Rs 1,05,958 crore, excluding debt repayments. This means locally generated revenue would cover approximately 30 per cent of planned expenditure, with the remaining requirement met through central grants, other receipts and borrowing. The figures, independently cross-checked with the 2026-27 Budget analysis prepared by PRS Legislative Research, underline the scale of Jammu and Kashmir's dependence on financial support from outside its own revenue base. The research paper, titled Jammu & Kashmir Economic & Development Outlook: Growth Momentum, Fiscal Consolidation, and Seasonal Tourism Performance (JuneAugust 2026), has been authored by Firdous Ahmad Malik, Jaskaran Singh, Naveed Ahmad Lone, Iram Sabha, Owais Ismaeil and Gowhar Ahmad Wani. Examining the region's economic performance, public finances and development priorities, the researchers identify limited revenue mobilisation and continuing expenditure obligations as significant constraints on fiscal flexibility. The report notes that Jammu and Kashmir's fiscal adjustment remains dependent on transfers, observing that only about Rs 30 of every Rs 100 spent comes from its own revenue. The researchers argue that reducing the fiscal deficit, while important, does not by itself eliminate this dependence. The scale of central assistance becomes clearer from the composition of Jammu and Kashmir's expected revenue receipts for 2026-27. According to PRS Legislative Research, the government has estimated total revenue receipts of Rs 90,018 crore for the financial year. Of this, Rs 31,800 crore, or 35 per cent, is expected to come from the Union Territory's own resources, while Rs 58,218 crore, or 65 per cent, will come through grants from the Centre. The two figures explain why the government remains heavily dependent on central financial support even though it collects taxes and earns income through various departments and public services. Own revenue includes taxes collected within Jammu and Kashmir and non-tax receipts such as departmental fees, charges and income from government services. Central grants, on the other hand, are funds received from the Union government to support expenditure and development programmes. The difference between the 35 per cent share of revenue receipts and the 30 per cent share of expenditure is important. The first measures how much of the government's revenue income is generated locally; the second compares locally generated income with the much larger amount it plans to spend. For 2026-27, the government's own tax collections are estimated at Rs 20,700 crore, while non-tax revenue is projected at Rs 11,100 crore. The Budget estimates that own tax revenue will increase by just one per cent over the revised estimates for 2025-26, while non-tax revenue is expected to decline by around eight per cent. These projections suggest that Jammu and Kashmir's revenue base is not expected to expand substantially during the financial year, despite an increase in the overall size of the economy. The fiscal challenge is not confined to revenue collection. A substantial part of government expenditure is committed to recurring obligations, including salaries, pensions, interest payments, subsidies and the purchase of electricity. For 2026-27, revenue expenditure has been estimated at Rs 80,640 crore, compared with capital outlay of Rs 25,236 crore. Revenue expenditure largely covers the day-to-day functioning of government and the cost of delivering existing services. Capital outlay, by contrast, is used to create assets such as roads, buildings and other infrastructure. The researchers identify committed expenditure as one of the factors limiting the government's ability to finance additional development programmes from its own resources. PRS figures show that capital outlay is expected to increase by four per cent over the revised estimates for 2025-26. However, the analysis also notes that capital outlay during 2025-26 was estimated to be 10 per cent below the amount originally budgeted. The electricity sector presents another major concern in Jammu and Kashmir's public finances. The 2026-27 Budget estimates Rs 7,100 crore in non-tax revenue from power, accounting for approximately 64 per cent of the government's total non-tax income. Against this, expenditure on power purchases is estimated at Rs 9,300 crore, leaving a difference of Rs 2,200 crore between the two budgeted amounts. The difference is not, by itself, a complete measure of the power sector's financial losses, since other costs and receipts must also be considered. Nevertheless, it illustrates the pressure that electricity purchases place on the public exchequer. Power purchases alone account for approximately 12 per cent of the government's projected revenue expenditure. The study also identifies electricity distribution losses and inadequate recovery of power costs as longer-term fiscal risks. It argues that borrowing and government support used to cover under-recoveries in the power sector can increase the financial burden beyond the amounts immediately visible in annual expenditure. The researchers consider improvements in electricity revenue recovery important to the Union Territory's wider efforts to strengthen its finances. Despite these pressures, the 2026-27 Budget projects an improvement in Jammu and Kashmir's fiscal deficit. According to PRS, the fiscal deficit has been targeted at Rs 14,685 crore, equivalent to 4.6 per cent of the projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). This compares with a deficit of 4.9 per cent of GSDP under the revised estimates for 2025-26. In simple terms, the fiscal deficit represents the amount by which government expenditure exceeds its receipts other than borrowings. It indicates the additional financing the government needs to meet its expenditure commitments. The Budget also projects a revenue surplus of Rs 9,378 crore, or three per cent of GSDP, for 2026-27. A revenue surplus means that the government's revenue receipts are expected to exceed its revenue expenditure. It does not, however, mean that the government can finance all its spending without borrowing. The study draws attention to this distinction, noting that an improvement in the fiscal deficit does not necessarily indicate a corresponding improvement in the government's own revenue-generating capacity. The researchers describe fiscal consolidation as modest and dependent on transfers, pointing out that continued central support remains central to the government's financial position. Their assessment also discusses differences between fiscal deficit figures cited in some budget commentary. For the current comparison, however, PRS's published 2026-27 Budget analysis provides a consistent basis: a revised deficit of 4.9 per cent for 2025-26 and a budgeted deficit of 4.6 per cent for 2026-27. The government has budgeted borrowings of Rs 20,073 crore during 2026-27, while Rs 7,809 crore is scheduled for debt repayment. The two amounts serve different purposes. New borrowings provide funds during the financial year, while repayments settle liabilities incurred in earlier years. The Budget also estimates Rs 3,000 crore in loans under the Centre's Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, compared with Rs 3,587 crore under the revised estimates for 2025-26. Such assistance can support infrastructure investment, but it does not remove the need to manage future repayment obligations. The study estimates Jammu and Kashmir's public debt at around 52 per cent of GSDP and cautions that debt sustainability depends on more than the size of the debt alone. The researchers identify economic growth, borrowing costs and the government's fiscal position as important factors in determining whether debt remains manageable. Their findings do not establish that Jammu and Kashmir faces an immediate debt crisis. Rather, they point to the longer-term importance of increasing revenue and controlling recurring expenditure. The concerns over public finances come at a time when Jammu and Kashmir's economy is projected to expand. The 2026-27 Budget estimates GSDP at Rs 3,15,822 crore, representing nominal growth of 9.5 per cent over the revised estimates for 2025-26. The study notes that economic growth has been supported by infrastructure investment and services, but argues that the expansion has not fully addressed weaknesses in the industrial base and employment market. This creates a distinction between growth in the overall economy and the government's ability to generate additional revenue from that growth. A larger economy can provide opportunities for higher tax collections, but the outcome depends on the composition of economic activity, the tax base and the efficiency of revenue collection. The report also points to unemployment and limited industrial development as wider economic concerns, suggesting that stronger private-sector activity could help expand both employment and the government's revenue base over time. However, the researchers do not provide a quantified estimate of how much additional revenue could be generated through the reforms discussed in the paper. The figures present two related challenges for Jammu and Kashmir: financing the government's existing expenditure and creating sufficient financial space for new development priorities. Central grants remain the largest component of projected revenue receipts, while the government continues to rely on borrowing to finance the gap between expenditure and non-borrowing receipts. The study does not argue that central assistance is inherently undesirable. Transfers are a regular feature of India's fiscal system and help governments meet expenditure responsibilities that exceed their local revenue capacity. Its concern is the extent to which Jammu and Kashmir depends on such assistance and the limited flexibility that follows from a relatively small own-revenue base. The researchers identify revenue mobilisation, expenditure management and improvements in the financial performance of public utilities as important to the Union Territory's longer-term fiscal position. For the current financial year, the official projections show that Jammu and Kashmir expects to collect Rs 31,800 crore locally while spending more than Rs 1.05 lakh crore, excluding debt repayments. That gap is the central finding behind the study's Rs 30-for-every-Rs 100 assessment. The figures are budget estimates, not final audited accounts for 2026-27, and the eventual position will depend on actual revenue collections, central releases, borrowing and expenditure during the year. Nevertheless, the comparison establishes the scale of the financing challenge: Jammu and Kashmir's economy is expected to grow, but its government will continue to depend substantially on central assistance to fund public services and development.
Patna High Court acquits 13 accused in 1996 Jehanabad quadruple murder case
A Division Bench comprising Justice Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Justice Kumar Manish delivered the ruling, citing grave lapses in the police investigation
Pope Leo has lung cancer, lower lobe of right lung removed: Vatican
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Antibiotics Are Not Winter Remedies
Winter brings its familiar share of coughs, colds, fever and body aches. As temperatures fall, pharmacies become the first stop for many people who seek quick relief without consulting a qualified doctor. A tablet recommended by a neighbour, an old prescription retrieved from a drawer or an antibiotic purchased over the counter often appears to be a harmless solution. But self-medication, particularly during the harsh winter months, is not convenience. It is a growing public-health risk. The habit is rooted in several factors. Hospitals and clinics can be crowded, medical consultation may seem expensive, and people often assume that recurring winter symptoms are always ordinary. In many households, medicines are treated like household remediesshared freely and stored for future use. The familiarity of a drug creates a false sense of safety. Yet the same symptoms can arise from different conditions, and a medicine that helped one person may harm another. The most serious concern is the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Coughs, colds and most seasonal viral infections do not improve with antibiotics. Taking them without medical advice not only exposes the body to unnecessary side effects but also contributes to antimicrobial resistance. When antibiotics are genuinely needed, they may no longer work effectively. This is not an individual inconvenience; it is a threat to the wider community. Winter also brings particular risks for children, elderly people and those living with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weak immunity. A persistent cough may be dismissed as a seasonal complaint when it requires proper assessment. Fever may be temporarily suppressed while an infection continues to worsen. Elderly patients, especially, may show unusual or mild symptoms despite serious illness. Delayed treatment can turn a manageable condition into an emergency. Pharmacies have a responsibility as well. A medicine counter should not become an informal consultation room where prescriptions are casually replaced by guesswork. Selling antibiotics, steroids or strong painkillers without proper safeguards can have lasting consequences. Drug regulators must strengthen monitoring, while professional bodies should ensure that ethical dispensing is not sacrificed for commercial gain. Public awareness is equally important. People must understand that reading a label is not the same as receiving medical advice. Medicines have doses, interactions, contraindications and expiry dates. Leftover drugs should never be shared, and treatment should not be stopped or altered merely because symptoms temporarily improve. Simple preventive measureswarm clothing, ventilation, hand hygiene, nutritious food and timely vaccination where advisedcan reduce the need for unnecessary medication. The government must improve access to primary healthcare, especially in remote and underserved areas, so that consultation does not become a luxury. Health workers, schools and local institutions can help spread clear information about seasonal illnesses and warning signs. Winter should not become a season of careless treatment. Relief purchased without diagnosis may conceal danger rather than remove it. Responsible healthcare begins with recognising the limits of ones own knowledgeand seeking professional help before a small illness grows beyond control.
The Home as a Childs First School
Parenting is often reduced to providing the best education, comfortable living and material security. These responsibilities matter, but they do not, by themselves, make a child responsible, compassionate or emotionally secure. Responsible parenting begins where provision ends. It is about presence, example, discipline and the willingness to understand the world children are growing up in. In Kashmir, as elsewhere, families are passing through rapid social and technological change. Children are exposed to influences that parents themselves may not fully understand. Smartphones, social media and relentless academic competition have altered childhood. Yet many parents continue to respond through suspicion, control or comparison. A childs silence is mistaken for obedience, anxiety for carelessness and emotional withdrawal for arrogance. Such misunderstandings can leave deep scars. The first duty of responsible parenting is to listen. Children need a home where questions are not punished and mistakes are not treated as permanent failures. A parent who listens without immediately judging creates trustthe foundation on which guidance becomes effective. Rules are necessary, but rules without explanation create fear, not character. Discipline must correct conduct while preserving dignity. Parents are also the first teachers of behaviour. Children learn more from what adults do than from what they say. A parent who demands honesty but lies casually, insists on respect but humiliates domestic workers, or preaches restraint while displaying anger cannot expect a child to absorb different values. Responsible parenting therefore requires self-examination. It asks adults to become the example they want their children to follow. Academic achievement, too, must be kept in perspective. The obsession with marks, ranks and competitive success has turned many homes into extensions of examination halls. Children are made to feel that their worth depends on performance. This pressure can damage confidence and mental health. Education should cultivate curiosity, resilience and judgmentnot merely produce high scores. Parents must recognise a childs individuality instead of measuring them against neighbours, relatives or classmates. At the same time, responsible parenting does not mean unlimited permissiveness. Children need boundaries, routines and accountability. They must learn that freedom carries responsibility, online conduct has consequences and empathy is not optional. Parents should know what their children watch, whom they interact with and what troubles thembut supervision must not become surveillance. Guidance is strongest when it is built on communication. The family also has a role in shaping socially responsible citizens. Respect for girls, care for the elderly, concern for the vulnerable and rejection of violence must be taught at home. So must civic habits: keeping surroundings clean, obeying rules and refusing to normalise corruption or cruelty. A child cannot be raised by schools, screens or domestic staff alone. Parenting is a daily moral responsibility. It demands time, patience and humility. The future of society is being shaped in living rooms today. Responsible parenting is not about raising perfect children; it is about raising grounded human beings who can think freely, act ethically and stand accountable for their choices.
My heart deeply aches as I read in the local newspapers about young Hafsa, a brilliant 5th-grade student of Presentation Convent, Srinagar, who recently lost her battle to an exceptionally rare form of blood cancer at SKIMS. Though I did not know Hafsa or her family personally, learning of her story brought tears to my eyes. For decades together, while anchoring health programs on Doordarshan Srinagar, I have interviewed dozens of oncologists and hematologists and discussed the many rare disorders of blood cancerincluding the one Hafsa was suffering from. Yet, no clinical discussion or medical commentary can ever prepare one for the emotional anguish of seeing such a vibrant child face such a cruel, unyielding illness. While speaking with her noble father, he shared that her painful ordeal began in November 2025 with an unremitting fever, marking the start of a grueling battle against the rarest of rare blood diseases. Exceptionally gifted, Hafsa stood out remarkably among her siblings. Had destiny spared her, her brilliance and intellect would undoubtedly have taken her to dizzying heights. Throughout it all, Hafsa was a true symbol of courage. Through every painful procedure, she stood remarkably brave, patient, and smiling without a single complaintstanding out as the most disciplined child patient. Her extraordinary fortitude and brightness deeply moved the medicos in the Department of Clinical Hematology at SKIMS. They treated her with exceptional care, creating a special room purely dedicated to her, where she reigned as the crown and pride of the ward. Even under strict medical isolation, her invincible spirit shone brightshe kept herself immaculate, wore her lovely clothes, and remained happily engaged in her creative hobbies. Her quiet grace and unshakable faith in her final days were far beyond her ten young years. Tributes have poured in from all walks of lifeand from many parts of the globeas countless people saw her story and read on social media about the daring courage, grace, and resilience she displayed throughout her trial. The attending doctors and paramedical staff at SKIMS deserve the highest compliments for their boundless compassion. By offering toys, gifts, and tender warmth to this disciplined little angel, they brought immense comfort to her bedside. Their selfless dedication reflects humanity at its finest and serves as a poignant model of what true medical practice should be. Such noble behavior ought to be the hallmark for all doctors, particularly those in private and commercial hospitals who so often look through the wrong side of the telescopefocusing only on draining what they can rather than healing with heart. My heart goes out in profound sympathy to her grieving parents and family. May Almighty Allah bless her family with patience and strength, keep them under His protective care, and grant sweet, brave Hafsa the highest station in Jannat-ul-Firdaus. May medical science soon find miraculous cures so no child ever has to endure such pain again. Aameen. Rest in eternal peace, dear Hafsa. (The Author is a former civil servant from the Administrative Service. Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
