NEET-PG 2026 examination results are likely to be declared soon by NBEMS: Sources
New Delhi , September 24 : The NEET-PG results are expected to be announced soon by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). According to sources to ANI, NEET-PG examination results expected to be declared any time soon. The NEET-PG examination was conducted on 30th August, 2026. The National Board of Examinations conducted a re-examination on September 05 of affected centres in Jaipur. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, statement on NEET-PG 2026 examination NEET-PG 2026 Successfully Conducted Nationwide with Robust Security and Real-Time Monitoring. Examination held for 2.73 lakh candidates across 1,111 centres in 339 cities, covering all 36 States/UTs; over 2.65 lakh candidates appeared. Examination for 2,445 Candidates Affected by Technical Disruption at Sitapura Centres in Jaipur on 5th September 2026. According to the statement given by President Dr Abhijat Sheth after the examination, The number of candidates were 2,56,980, out of which 2,63,535 candidates successfully completed their examination. There were no complaints regarding paper leaks, question leaks, hacking, or cybercrime. All stakeholders, including state governments, state police, experts and faculty members from across the country, provided excellent cooperation, ensuring the exam was conducted in a fair and transparent manner. He also spoke about the information regarding re-examination at Sitapur centre in Jaipur, I wish to specifically inform you of one issue: at the Sitapura centre in Jaipur, where a total of 2,440 candidates were taking the exam, an internal power supply problem prevented the completion of the test; despite repeated efforts, the issue could not be resolved. Consequently, to maintain the sanctity of the examination, we had to postpone the exam at that centre; we regret that the candidates there will have to retake the test... we will conduct it next week following a proper announcement. We assure them that the examination will be held in the same manner and that we will ensure their scores and performance are not adversely affected, this is our guarantee... Further, TCS iON also issued a statement on power failures at the Jaipur examination centre, attributing the disruption to unknown local electrical issues.
Will never bow our head or bend the knee: Iran President slams Trumps remarks at UNGA
New York : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday said that American sanctions and coercive pressure will only strengthen Iranian resolve. Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian rejected Washington's rhetoric and labelling of Tehran, and maintained that while Iran remains open to diplomacy, it will never yield to external coercion or threats. Pezeshkian criticised Trumps remarks against the Islamic Republic as contradictory to the core principles of international law and global governance. He must know that the resistance of the Iranian people will only increase in the face of sanctions, increased pressure, increased bullying, Pezeshkian said regarding Trump. We will never bow our head, or bend the knee. While signaling a willingness to engage in diplomacy, Pezeshkian stressed that negotiations must occur on equal footing without coercion. He noted that Iran is open to dialogue and negotiations, but affirmed that it will not accept the language of force. We must not allow the 21st century to go back to an era of hegemony, Pezeshkian told the General Assembly. We invite the world to cooperate. We seek to think about a worthy future. If we want an order based on law, it must be based on peace. The President of the US' words show he goes against the spirit of the UN. Turning to Iran's nuclear programme, Pezeshkian said it is for peaceful purposes. Israel has nukes, but the inspectors are requested to come to Iran. Israel has murdered savagely over 70,000 innocents in Gaza, but Iran, while behind the table of negotiation, was bombed, Pezeshkian stated. Nuclear weapons are in Israel, but the inspectors are in Iran. They kill, we are sanctioned, we are punished, he said. Iran cannot accept that nuclear technology is only for a handful. will not bow our head and give up the right that is inherently ours. We say it clearly: No nuclear weapons and no limitations to peaceful nuclear technology, he added. Detailing Tehran's developmental goals, Pezeshkian stated, We seek energy for progress. For years, there have been they have labeled centrifuges, international sanctions, other labels when it comes to our nuclear technology. But for our country, peaceful nuclear technology is part of our inherent progress, citing applications in domestic agriculture, industrial advancement, and electricity generation. And we wish to cooperate and collaborate for security, he said, before underscoring that Tehran will build its domestic strength to guarantee its survival.Iran must be powerful, so as to avoid being threatened, to avoid its future being threatened. Our defensive systems have been built so that no one can think that bombing of Iranian cities will go unanswered. That is why we have the military power we do for defence, he added. Pezeshkian also talked about the Gaza situation. Palestine remains an open wound on the conscience of the international community, and Gaza remains a symbol of the failure of international mechanisms to prevent civilian suffering, Pezeshkian said. He pointed out that decades of UN resolutions have failed to halt aggression, declaring that as long as occupation persists, resistance will continue. If it is weakened in one form, it will re-emerge in others, perhaps stronger still. Reflecting on the civilian toll, Pezeshkian maintained that bombardment would never eliminate the desire for Palestinian self-determination. Gaza, despite relentless killing and widespread devastation, has strengthened the peoples faith in resistance, and resistance cannot be destroyed by bombs and siege; this is human natureIf a human being is driven from his or her land, they will resist. If their homes are subjected to bombings and aggression and attacks, they will resist; what other choice do they have? Succumb to bullying? To be driven from their homes, from their lands, and remain silent in the face of these threats and dangers? And when they defend themselves, theyre labelled as terrorists, he remarked. His remarks come a day after US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, part of the US team, met with mediators involved in talks on a deal with Iran. Trump referred to the meeting during his bilateral engagement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said that the meeting had lasted for three hours and described it as a very good meeting. The meeting went very well. It ended an hour ago. It was a meeting that lasted for three hours...It was a very good meeting...I can't imagine why they wouldn't want to do it... In one case, it's obliteration and the other alternative is potential greatness. It could be a great country, he further said. (ANI)
Ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste: Dinesh Reddy
As the APEMCL website has GPS-enabled system to monitor the management and shifting of hazardous waste, he appealed to the industries to promptly upload such details on the website
EC dissent row LIVE: Opposition seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumars removal; CJP's Dipke to address presser
The ECI responded on September 23, saying that all its actions have been in accordance with the laws and instructions of the Commission
From vintage Vespas to Royal Enfields, meet Thiruvananthapurams riding communities
Across the city, riding clubs are bringing together vintage-bike enthusiasts, new riders and women around a shared love of two-wheelers
Trump welcomes Xi Jinping with planeside ceremony on arrival for three-day U.S. visit
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington and received a rare tarmac greeting from U.S. President Donald Trump, who welcomed him right at the plane rather than waiting at the White House.
Heavy rain closes Chaparai, Kothapalli waterfalls in ASR district; roads damaged in G.K. Veedhi
ACB arrests Special Deputy Collector in Andhras ASR district on 50,000 bribery charge
OpenAI says SEC disclosures undermine xAIs antitrust lawsuit
OpenAI on Tuesday asked US District Judge Mark Pittman in Fort Worth to rule for OpenAI based on the facts so far in the case
Vir Das stand-up comedy special, Fool Volume has earned a nomination at the International Emmy Awards 2026 alongside Sony LIVs sports drama series
Wedding food trends: How Gen Z is changing the traditional wedding plate
As guest lists shrink and spending per head rises, wedding menus are moving beyond the traditional feast. From regional specialities and global cuisines to fusion dishes, live counters and Instagram-worthy desserts, couples are turning food into an experience while keeping the sacred muhurtham meal firmly rooted in tradition
Paper Leak: NTA debars Latur coaching centre owners son from NEET-UG for two years
According to the CBI, Shivraj Motegaonkar allegedly paid 5 lakh to procure chemistry questions from P.V. Kulkarni, who was on the NTA panel that set the questions for the examination.
MANUU faces sexual harassment row over ICC report
The university refused to share the copy of the ICC report with the complainant, and the latters letters to the Department of Higher Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Development reportedly have not yielded any action
UNB Assault Case: Arunachal Police Arrest One, Identify All 13 Suspects
Roing /Gangtok , September 24 : The Arunachal Pradesh Police have carried out the first arrest in the UNB assault case and have identified all 13 people who are suspected of having been involved in the alleged attack on the Sikkimese rapper Ugen Namgyal Bhutia, who is commonly known as UNB. The man who has [] The post UNB Assault Case: Arunachal Police Arrest One, Identify All 13 Suspects appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Agoda Releases AI Developer Report 2026: Agentic AI Adoption Outpaces Enterprise Readiness Across Southeast Asia and India
NCCN Models How to Tailor Cancer Care for Different Regions During 2026 World Cancer Congress
NCCN Models How to Tailor Cancer Care for Different Regions During 2026 World Cancer Congress
BJP pulls off coup, 8 UDP MLAs join saffron party
Shillong, Sep 23: It takes a fair amount of skill and secrecy to pull off a surprise act when everyone knows that the switcheroo is coming but that is exactly what the wily Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did today as it brought eight rebel United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs into its fold. The defections (or [] The post BJP pulls off coup, 8 UDP MLAs join saffron party first appeared on Highland Post .
With a spring in its step, BJP looks towards running State in 2028
Shillong, Sep 23: Pynthorumkhrah MLA Alexander Laloo Hek of the Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the joining of eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs to the BJP, saying the development would strengthen the party in Meghalaya and help it work towards forming a BJP-led government in the state in 2028. Hek said the development was a [] The post With a spring in its step, BJP looks towards running State in 2028 first appeared on Highland Post .
NPP now lead opposition party in KHADC
Shillong, Sep 23: The shake-up in the United Democratic Party (UDP), with eight of its MLAs leaving to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could have a knock-on effect in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). Two of the eight MLAs are also MDCs Synshar Kupar Lyngdoh Thabah (Nongspung-Sohiong) and Pius Marwein (Langrin). [] The post NPP now lead opposition party in KHADC first appeared on Highland Post .
SHILLONG, Sep 23: Several of the demands raised by the eight rebel United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today are doable, Alexander Laloo Hek, one of only two MLAs the saffron party had in the state before today, has said. The defectors want the inclusion of Khasi and Garo [] The post Rebel MLA demands doable, says Hek first appeared on Highland Post .
Scientific mining groundwork laid in 2008, not by NPP: Hek
Shillong, Sep 24: Pynthorumkhrah MLA Alexander Laloo Hek on Wednesday said the groundwork for scientific coal mining in Meghalaya was laid well before the NPP came to power, even before the party was born, and rejected NPPs claim of bringing scientific mining to the state. Hek said a government delegation had travelled to the USA [] The post Scientific mining groundwork laid in 2008, not by NPP: Hek first appeared on Highland Post .
HC hauls up JUD cements for contempt over unpaid power dues
Shillong, Sep 23: The Meghalaya High Court has initiated suo moto contempt proceedings against Adarsh Jhunjhunwala, Managing Director, JUD Cements Ltd, for willful breach of undertaking given to the court to clear power dues. Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew was hearing a case filed by JUD Cements against MePDCL. He noted that on July 15, the [] The post HC hauls up JUD cements for contempt over unpaid power dues first appeared on Highland Post .
The political map of Meghalaya changed in a single afternoon in Delhi. Eight sitting MLAs of the United Democratic Party the states oldest regional party formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday, raising the BJPs strength from 2 to 10 in the 60-member Assembly. On paper, it is a routine defection in [] The post Great UDP Exodus first appeared on Highland Post .
Bengal Deletions Outnumber Margins
Editor, The Election Commission told the apex court that the SIR in Bengal had not materially altered the election result against the ruling TMC as the party won from 21 constituencies where the deletions exceeded the winning margin. This logic sounds ridiculous as more than 37 lakh appeals are still in the cold storage and [] The post Bengal Deletions Outnumber Margins first appeared on Highland Post .
Tusame wins another medal for Meghalaya at East Zone Junior Athletics
Shillong, Sep 23: A day after she won gold in the U-18 womens high jump, Tusame N Marak claimed a second medal, this time a bronze, in the U-18 womens javelin at the 37th East Zone Junior Athletics Championship 2026 in Patna today. Tusame threw a distance of 32.78 metres to secure third place. Incidentally, [] The post Tusame wins another medal for Meghalaya at East Zone Junior Athletics first appeared on Highland Post .
At least 35 passengers were travelling from Delhi to Mahua in Uttar Pradeshs Jhansi district when the bus caught fire near the 33-km marker around 11 p.m.; survivors describe a smoke-filled bus and a frantic struggle to escape
Efectis Group Strengthens Its Presence in India with the Launch of Efectis India
Efectis Group Strengthens Its Presence in India with the Launch of Efectis India
Ampace to Spotlight Modular AI Data Center Power at Data Center World Asia (DCWA)
Ampace to Spotlight Modular AI Data Center Power at Data Center World Asia (DCWA)
Ampotech Receives Special Recognition Award at Sustainability Impact Awards 2026 for Advancing AI-Enabled Decarbonisation
Casio to Release Limited-Edition Timepiece Celebrating MR-G 30th Anniversary.
Casio to Release Limited-Edition Timepiece Celebrating MR-G 30th Anniversary.
Delhi Cops Review Security At LSR College After Gangrape Near Campus
The senior police officers held discussions with the college administration regarding the security of students and reviewed arrangements around the campus.
BharatBenz opens Indias highest-altitude workshop in Leh with PPS trucking
Ladakh, Sep 23: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), the maker of BharatBenz trucks and buses on Wednesday inaugurated its new service centre operated by PPS Trucking in Leh district of Ladakh. With this launch, PPS - BharatBenz becomes Indias first and only player to offer a commercial vehicle repair facility at one of the highest operational altitudes, located at approximately 11,550 feet above sea level. Established in Phey Village along NH-1 in Leh, Ladakh, the new 20,000 sq. ft. BharatBenz workshop situated on LehSrinagar-Uri Highway, will cater to vehicles deployed in stone-crusher operations, macadam road construction in border regions by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the transportation of communication tower infrastructure. Its strategic location enables the facility to serve a wide catchment area, including remote regions such as Kargil, Drass, and the Leh-China border. Until now, customers operating in the region often had to travel significant distances to access authorised service support and genuine spare parts, resulting in extended downtime and higher operating costs. The new facility significantly reduces service turnaround times, improves access to trained technicians, and ensures faster availability of critical spare parts, helping customers maximise vehicle uptime and business productivity. The workshop is equipped with advanced diagnostic systems, modern tools, and genuine BharatBenz spare parts, ensuring efficient, reliable, and high-quality service support. It also offers 24x7 roadside assistance for prompt response to on-road breakdowns. With three fully equipped service bays, the facility has the capacity to service more than 1,400 vehicles annually. Commenting on the expansion in Northern India, Rajiv Chaturvedi, President & Chief Business Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said At BharatBenz, customer success is built on vehicle uptime, reliability, and service accessibility. Customers operating in Ladakh and adjoining border regions face unique challenges, including harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and remote operating environments. With the inauguration of this new service and spare parts facility, we are bringing world-class aftersales support closer to our customers, ensuring faster repairs, easy access to genuine parts, and expert technical assistance. This investment reinforces our commitment to maximising customer productivity, reducing downtime, and delivering a superior ownership experience in one of India's most challenging yet strategically important markets. On the inauguration of the new PPS Trucking-BharatBenz service touchpoint, Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Trucking said, We are proud to inaugurate Indias highest-altitude commercial vehicle service facility at Leh, supporting customers in a region known for extreme weather and challenging terrain. By continuously strengthening our infrastructure and expanding our network, we are bringing timely and reliable service closer to customers wherever they operate. Through this endeavour, we aim to deliver a best-in-class ownership experience, maximise vehicle uptime, and enable greater productivity and profitability for our customers.
Police hold drug awareness programme in Baramulla
Srinagar, Sep 23: J&K Police organised a Drug Awareness Programme at New Child Care High School, Boniyar on Wednesday sensitising students about the serious physical, psychological and social consequences of drug abuse. The session highlighted how substance abuse can adversely affect health, concentration, academic performance, personal development and future prospects, while also addressing the risks associated with peer pressure and addiction. Students were encouraged to adopt healthy and constructive alternatives, including sports, regular exercise, meditation and other positive activities. The importance of maintaining a drug-free, safe and skill-focused school environment was also emphasised in promoting SDG-4 Quality Education, enabling children to learn effectively, develop their potential and lead productive lives. The students were urged to make responsible choices and spread the message Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs, becoming ambassadors of a healthy, productive and drug-free society. Police reiterated its commitment to strengthening drug-awareness initiatives among young people and fostering greater community participation in the fight against drug abuse.
HRAK, PHDCCI concerned over Katra Railway Station ransom by touts, anti-social elements
Srinagar, Sep 23: A joint meeting of the Hotel & Restaurant Association Katra (HRAK) and PHDCCI Jammu Region on Wednesday expressed concern over the alleged control of Katra Railway Station by touts, anti-social elements and drug peddlers, causing inconvenience to pilgrims and tourists and affecting Katras image. The associations said complaints regarding such activities had been brought to the notice of the Government Railway Police (GRP), Katra, but no effective action had been taken so far. Rakesh Wazir, President HRAK and Chairman PHDCCI, expressed strong resentment over the alleged unchecked activities of these elements, saying they were fleecing pilgrims on false promises, taking them to different places and misbehaving with them, thereby bringing a bad name to Katra. He said the railway station was increasingly becoming a hub of such anti-social elements. He added that their activities had reached such a level that they allegedly attacked police personnel on duty, videos of which had gone viral. Shyam Lal Kesar, Chairman HRAK, said that under the Tourism Trade Act, the Tourism Department was the competent authority to issue licences to tourist guides in J&K and no unauthorised person was permitted to guide pilgrims. He questioned how such a large number of touts were being allowed to operate on the Katra Railway Station premises. He said Katra was a sensitive pilgrimage destination visited by people from across the country and abroad, and any adverse incident could have an impact on the image and tourism economy of J&K. Virender Kesar, Senior Vice President HRAK and Head PHDCCI Katra, said if police personnel could be attacked by anti-social elements, it raised concerns about the safety of ordinary people. He urged the Lieutenant Governor, Director General of Police and other senior authorities to intervene immediately and take effective measures to curb the menace. He cautioned that failure to address the issue promptly could lead to a serious law-and-order situation and adversely affect pilgrimage and tourism in J&K. The meeting was attended by Vivek Sharma, Ramneek Nawada, Sudershan Sharma, Kuldeep Kesar, Vikas Gupta, Amit Rahi, among others.
DLSA Srinagar holds awareness programme on NALSA SAMVAD Scheme 2025
Srinagar, Sep 23: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar organised an awareness programme on NALSA SAMVAD Scheme, 2025 and NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of HumanWildlife Conflict to create awareness regarding free legal aid, legal rights and access to justice among vulnerable and tribal communities, at Check-Sangri, Khonmoh, Srinagar. The programme, held under the 60-Day Mega Drive for implementation of NALSA Schemes at Grassroot level (Phase-I), conducted through the Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Srinagar, who sensitized the participants about the objectives and benefits of the schemes, availability of free legal services and the role of Legal Services Authorities in facilitating access to justice. The resource persons for the programme included Safa, Minhaaj Ur Rasool and Ayesha Showkat Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsels who elaborated on the key provisions of the schemes and addressed the queries of the participants. The participants were informed about the importance of seeking timely legal assistance, particularly in matters relating to tribal rights, welfare entitlements, displacement and rehabilitation, and issues arising from humanwildlife conflict. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Tasleem Arief Chairman (Incharge), DLSA Srinagar/Principal District & Sessions Judge, Srinagar, and overall supervision of the Secretary, DLSA Srinagar.
DDC Anantnag reviews progress of RRP&MAH Scheme
Anantnag, Sep 23: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the progress of projects being undertaken under Scheme for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage (RRP&MAH) at various important places in the district. At the outset, the SE PWD briefed the chair about the physical and financial progress achieved under the scheme in the district so far. He informed that under Phase III, 40 projects have been taken at key religious places including Aishmuqam, Mattan, Thajiwara Bijbehara, Khiram and Nagdandi Achabal in the district. He also apprised the chair of various issues and concerns being faced in the smooth execution of heritage preservation works. Reviewing the status of these projects, the DDC emphasised close inter-departmental coordination for their timely completion. He directed the concerned officers to identify and resolve bottlenecks, if any, at the earliest and ensure that all works are completed within the stipulated timelines. Dr. Bilal stressed that heritage projects hold significant importance in preserving the old architecture and called for regular monitoring of the works to expedite the pace of execution besides maintaining quality standards and durability of the structures. He directed the concerned agencies to work in tandem and take prompt decisions on issues requiring inter-departmental intervention. Concluding the review, the DDC stressed that minor issues should not cause unnecessary delays, instructing the officers to ensure timely and effective utilisation of resources. The meeting was attended by Superintending Engineer R&B, Chief Planning Officer, Executive Engineers of R&B Divisions, CEO MCA, Executive Officers of Pahalgam, Mattan, Seer, Aishmuqam, Bijbehara and Achabal, Municipal Committees and other concerned officials.
DDC Anantnag reviews macadamisation works, stresses timely completion of 73 Km target
Anantnag, Sep 23: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing macadamisation and other related works in the district. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Superintending Engineer, PWD(R&B), Chief Planning Officer, District Mineral Officer, Executive Engineers, Assistant Executive Engineers and other concerned officials. At the outset, the Superintending Engineer apprised the Chair of the progress of ongoing macadamisation works. It was given out that against the total target of approximately 73 km, 14.3 km has been macadamised so far and the low progress is primarily attributable to shortage of bitumen and key construction materials. Taking note of the low progress, the DDC directed the concerned officers to take all necessary measures for expediting the pace of execution on these important road connectivity works. He asked the District Mineral Officer to make immediate arrangements for ensuring availability of requisite construction materials to the concerned macadamisation plants in accordance with applicable norms and guidelines. The DDC further stressed the need for uninterrupted execution of the works and directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination to ensure that the entire targeted 73 km of macadamisation is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
NIT Srinagar hosts lecture on Interface Engineering of 2D Hybrid Materials
Srinagar, Sept 23: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Wednesday a special lecture on Interface Engineering of 2D Hybrid Materials: From Energy Technologies to Sustainable Geopolymer Nanocomposites, bringing together researchers, faculty members and students to explore emerging developments in advanced functional materials and sustainable technologies. The lecture was jointly organised by the Departments of Physics, Chemistry and Civil Engineering. Dr. Vijay Kumar from the Department of Physics, Dr. Ravi Kumar from the Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Parameshwar from the Department of Civil Engineering coordinated the programme. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Jayaramulu Kolleboyina, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Dean, International Relations, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu. The programme was attended by Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Anurag Misra, Dean R&C Prof. Roohie Naaz, Dean International and Academic Affairs Dr. M. A. Shah, Head Chemistry, Prof Kowsar Majeed, senior faculty members, research scholars and students. Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Anurag Misra said the lecture reflected the institutes emphasis on strengthening academic interaction and research collaboration with leading institutions. Emerging materials science has applications across several important areas, including clean energy, environmental protection and sustainable construction. Lectures by researchers working at the forefront of these fields give our students and scholars an opportunity to understand current research challenges and explore new possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof. Misra said. During his lecture, Dr. Jayaramulu Kolleboyina discussed the potential of two-dimensional materials in developing advanced functional materials, highlighting their high surface area, tunable surface chemistry and distinctive electronic, mechanical and physicochemical properties. He explained that practical applications of 2D materials can often be constrained by challenges such as restacking, poor dispersion and weak interfacial interactions. He emphasised the role of interface engineering and interfacial chemistry in overcoming these limitations. The first part of the lecture focused on hybrid 2D porous materials developed by integrating two-dimensional materials with metal-organic frameworks, metal-organic polyhedra and other functional porous components. Such hybrid systems can enhance properties including porosity, charge transport, stability and surface reactivity, with potential applications in catalysis, CO conversion, water purification and energy technologies. Dr. Kolleboyina also discussed the development of 2D-material-reinforced geopolymer nanocomposites. He explained how surface chemistry, material dispersion and interfacial bonding can influence geopolymerisation and the resulting mechanical performance of these sustainable materials. Dean International and Academic Affairs Dr. M. A. Shah said such programmes contribute to strengthening the institutes academic ecosystem and international and inter-institutional research linkages. Knowledge exchange is an essential part of a vibrant academic environment. Interaction with researchers from premier institutions allows our faculty and students to engage with contemporary scientific developments, identify potential areas of collaboration and develop a broader perspective on research and innovation, Prof. Shah said. Earlier Dr. Vijay Kumar, Assistant Professor of Physics welcomed the guest and highlighted the growing importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing contemporary challenges in energy, environment and sustainable infrastructure. Research today increasingly requires us to bring together knowledge from different disciplines and translate fundamental scientific understanding into technologies that can address real-world challenges. Advanced materials, particularly emerging two-dimensional materials, offer significant opportunities in this direction. Such academic interactions provide our students and researchers with exposure to new ideas and help strengthen a culture of collaborative research, Dr. Vijay said. The lecture demonstrated how interface engineering can be used to design multifunctional materials with applications spanning energy, environmental technologies and sustainable construction. The interaction also provided students and researchers an opportunity to engage with the speaker and discuss emerging research directions in advanced materials, nanocomposites and sustainable technologies. The programme concluded with an interactive session, during which faculty members, research scholars and students raised questions related to material design, interfacial chemistry, energy applications and sustainable construction materials.
IUSTs Habba Khatoon Centre visits archaeological site of Burzahama
Awantipora, Sep 23: To foster a deeper understanding of Kashmirs rich historical, cultural and archaeological heritage, the Habba Khatoon Centre for Kashmiri Language and Literature, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organised an academic outreach programme for students to the ancient archaeological site of Burzahama on September 17. The initiative was designed to provide students with an opportunity to engage with the historical and cultural dimensions of Kashmir through experiential learning and direct exposure to a significant archaeological site. The programme sought to enhance students awareness of the regions civilisational legacy, community history and cultural heritage, while encouraging a greater appreciation of the significance of preserving and studying its historical resources. The outreach programme was coordinated by Dr. Afshana, Head, Habba Khatoon Centre for Kashmiri Language and Literature, IUST. The participation of students, academic faculty and research scholars underscored the importance of integrating field-based learning with classroom instruction and scholarly engagement. The visit to Burzahama provided an academic platform for students to explore the historical significance of one of Kashmirs prominent archaeological sites and reflect on the interconnectedness of history, culture, heritage, and community identity.
CM meets IUST VC, KCCI delegation at Raabita
Srinagar, Sep 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday met Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, and a deputation of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at Raabita here. During his meeting with Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, the Chief Minister discussed matters relating to higher education and academic development in Jammu and Kashmir. The interaction reflected the Governments continued engagement with academic institutions to strengthen educational initiatives and promote excellence in higher education. The Chief Minister also met KCCI delegation led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga and discussed matters concerning trade, business and the economic growth of the region. The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening collaboration with academic and business stakeholders and advancing initiatives of wider public and economic significance.
CJP to take up issue of ECI reforms as CEC Gyanesh Kumar faces flak
The CJP has cancelled its programmes scheduled for Thursday (September 24, 2026) and said its leadership would address a press conference in Delhi on the Hijacking of India's Democracy at noon.
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Asian Games 2026 LIVE: Indian rowers Satnam Singh and Salman Khan win bronze in men's double sculls
Akash Bharadwaj, Kamaljeet and Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve in the men's 10m air pistol individual qualification and team final
Delhi Approves 5.5-Km Elevated Corridor To Bypass 12 Junctions
DMRC had prepared MMI plans for 31 stations across its Phase I and Phase II corridors. With the latest six receiving approval, all 31 plans have now been cleared by UTTIPEC.
Sagar hooch tragedy: Two more key accused held after encounter; 39 arrested so far
The police fired in self-defence and he was injured in his leg after which Ashish Sahu and he were taken into custody, said Sagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Anurag Sujania
Asian Games 2026: Feels like life is complete, says Mirabai
Im feeling so happy... so light.Bilkulweight hatgayahai[the weight has lifted completely], said Mirabai Chanu
Bihar BJP MLA criticises own government for distributing10,000 crore to JEEVIKA didis
He further argued that how the development will take place if there is a burden of debt, and challenges will arise in mobilising resources for schemes in the future also.
CM Fadnavisand DCM Shinde visit drought-prone regions in Maharashtra
The tour of CM and DCM comes after Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a subcommittee to handle the drought issue under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule
Xi arrives in Washington, kicking off his state visit with rare planeside welcome from Trump
2,154 lecturer, 5,278 master posts vacant in J&K schools: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has revealed significant staffing gaps in the School Education Department, with 2,154 Lecturer posts and 5,278 Master posts lying vacant across the Union Territory. The figures were disclosed in response to a question raised by Jasrota MLA Rajiv Jasrotia in the Legislative Assembly. According to the government's reply, while the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) recommended 586 candidates for Lecturer posts, appointment orders have been issued to only 327 candidates so far. The remaining appointments will follow completion of codal formalities, and the adjustment and posting of appointed Lecturers is also in the pipeline. The department has 268 vacant Principal posts and 633 vacant Headmaster posts. Of the Principal vacancies, the process has been initiated to fill 138 posts from among Senior Lecturers. The remaining posts will be filled from the ZEO cadre in an 80:20 ratio under the J&K School Education (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 2010. Under a 2018 State Administrative Council decision, the department was authorised to fill 4,224 Lecturer posts through 100 per cent promotion from eligible PG Masters and Teachers. So far, 270 posts have been filled, while 2,154 posts are under process. For direct recruitment, 594 Lecturer vacancies in 27 disciplines were referred to the JKPSC, which recommended 586 candidates. The department reported 5,278 Master vacancies across J&K, including 2,815 in Jammu Division and 2,463 in Kashmir Division. In Kashmir Division, Kupwara has the highest number of Master vacancies at 413, followed by Anantnag with 359 and Budgam with 312. In Jammu Division, Rajouri has 408 vacancies, Poonch 381 and Kathua 335. For Jasrota constituency specifically, the department reported one Principal, 46 Lecturer, four Headmaster and 37 Master vacancies. The government said the available teacher vacancies have been utilised for the transition of Teacher Grade-II and Grade-III. It also stated that 28,363 supernumerary Teacher Grade-II posts were created for adjustment of ReT teachers. Significantly, no non-gazetted posts, including Teachers, have been referred for recruitment for more than five years. The department said most Master vacancies under the promotion quota are currently occupied on a substantive basis by incumbents working in-charge, including In-charge Headmasters and In-charge Lecturers.
Over 3.2 lakh job seekers registered on J&K employment portal
Srinagar, Sep 23: Over 3.20 lakh job seekers have registered themselves across Jammu and Kashmir on the employment portal till August 2026, official data has revealed. According to data accessed by Rising Kashmir, more than 3,20,942 job seekers were on the live register of Jammu and Kashmir's employment portal as of August 31, 2026, with Anantnag recording the highest number of registrations among the Union Territory's 20 districts. The figures comprise 2,08,711 males and 1,12,228 females. The Kashmir division accounted for 1,71,426 job seekers, including 1,10,962 males and 60,461 females, while the Jammu division had 1,49,516, comprising 97,749 males and 51,767 females. Anantnag topped the district-wise tally with 34,543 job seekers, including 19,580 males and 14,963 females. It was followed by Kathua with 26,847, comprising 17,027 males and 9,820 females. Kulgam recorded 21,463 registrations, while Baramulla had 19,588 and Kupwara 19,510. Shopian had 18,747 registered job seekers, followed by Samba with 17,499, Poonch with 16,724 and Rajouri with 15,537. Among other Kashmir districts, Ganderbal had 14,335 job seekers, Pulwama 14,132, Bandipora 11,140, Budgam 9,666 and Srinagar 8,302. Kishtwar recorded the lowest figure in Jammu division with 9,308, while Jammu district had 11,992. The data shows that males constitute around 65 per cent of the total registrations, while females account for nearly 35 per cent. In Kashmir, the highest number of female job seekers was recorded in Anantnag (14,963), followed by Shopian (7,464), Kulgam (6,485) and Baramulla (6,480). In Jammu division, Kathua recorded the highest number of female registrations at 9,820, followed by Samba at 7,430. The employment registration system enables job seekers in Jammu and Kashmir to register with District Employment and Counselling Centres and access employment-related services through the portal www.jakemp.nic.in.
7.30 lakh jobs on paper, youth policy still on drawing board
Srinagar, Sep 23: Jammu and Kashmir has rolled out a vast network of employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship schemes with an estimated employment potential running into several lakhs, but a dedicated youth employment policy is still being considered by the government even as Industries and Commerce claims 7.30 lakh job potential. The disclosure was made in the Legislative Assembly in response to a query raised by Devsar MLA Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, with the reply furnished by the Minister-in-Charge, Labour & Employment Department, a portfolio held by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The figures reveal the scale of the governments employment intervention but also highlight the distinction between employment potential, scheme beneficiaries and actual sustained jobs. Under Mission YUVA, the governments flagship entrepreneurship initiative, 1,00,407 applications had been received as on August 31, 2026. Of these, 36,077 cases were sanctioned and 32,156 disbursed by banks, involving credit disbursement of Rs 1,769 crore, the reply reads. The Labour & Employment Department separately reported 7,755 youth beneficiaries under three major self-employment schemes since inception 5,130 under Mumkin, 1,823 under Tejaswini and 802 under the Spurring Entrepreneurship Innovative Scheme. Mission YUVA has also established 20 Small Business Development Units, 82 Business Help Desks and 295 training institutions across J&K. More than 36,000 training completions have been recorded, while 477 mentors have been onboarded and 2,500 applicants have completed enterprise mentorship, the reply states. The biggest number in the Governments response, however, comes from the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). According to the Industries & Commerce Department, 91,292 units/cases have been established or disbursed under PMEGP over the last decade, with margin money assistance of about Rs 1,875.51 crore and an estimated employment potential of 7,30,336. Under JKREGP, another 6,675 units/cases have been established or disbursed since inception, with an estimated employment potential of 40,050. The government has also reported 1,400 start-ups registered under its Start-up Scheme during 2025-26, although only 27 had received the first instalment of assistance and 44 youth were listed as beneficiaries, according to the reply. Huge network, uneven outcomes The Assembly reply shows that J&Ks employment strategy is spread across virtually every major economic sector. Agriculture and allied activities, for instance, account for thousands of beneficiaries. The government reported 8,844 beneficiaries under the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme, 6,296 under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, 797 under the Integrated Poultry Development Programme and 8,224 under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, the government reply reads. Rural wage employment major source of livelihood During April-June 2026, under the erstwhile MGNREGA, 2,12,080 persons were provided employment, generating 34.90 lakh person-days. Following implementation of VB-G RAM G from July, another 2,14,020 persons were provided employment, generating 34.44 lakh person-days up to September 10. In the urban sector, DAY-NULM was closed in September 2024. During its implementation, however, 10,885 youth received skill training, while 21,220 self-employment loans were disbursed, the reply states, adding that under PM-SVANidhi, Rs 52.55 crore has been disbursed to 17,952 street vendors. The Cooperative Department said its initiatives had benefited 1,303 youth, while 80 food-processing units established during 2024-25 and 2025-26 generated around 240 direct jobs. Youth policy still awaited Despite the extensive array of programmes, the government has stopped short of announcing a dedicated youth employment policy. Asked specifically whether such a policy was proposed, the government said the need for one was being considered in the broader context of employment generation and skill development. It said the objectives, anticipated outcomes, consultations and budgetary requirements would be finalised once the policy is formulated under the prescribed procedure. The response also points to a growing emphasis on private-sector employment. Job fairs, Rozgar Melas and Model Career Centres are being used to connect employers and job seekers, while Mission YUVA is intended to facilitate enterprise creation through credit, subsidies, training and market linkages. The Skill Development Department is meanwhile preparing programmes in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, IoT and drone technology under PM SETU. The government is also establishing eight AI Data Labs in J&K to provide training in artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. The figures collectively present a formidable employment ecosystem. But the governments own response also leaves an important distinction--employment potential is not necessarily the same as jobs actually created, while training or financial assistance does not automatically translate into sustained employment. For thousands of young people seeking stable incomes, the next test for these schemes will therefore be measured not simply by applications sanctioned or loans disbursed, but by the number of enterprises that survive, jobs that endure and incomes that are generated, the reply reads. For now, the government has supplied the schemes and the numbers. A comprehensive youth employment policy, however, remains a work in progress.
I have my own views on book bans: CM Omar
Srinagar, Sep 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday questioned the practice of banning books, saying that while he has his own views on the issue, the elected Jammu & Kashmir government presently does not have the authority to decide such matters. His remarks came amid a growing controversy over the scrutiny and withdrawal of books from college libraries across Jammu and Kashmir, with the government informing the Legislative Assembly that more than 21.81 lakh books and publications had been examined as part of the exercise. I have my own views on whether books should be banned or not. But unfortunately, in the current system, we in the elected government don't get to decide these things, Omar told reporters here. The Chief Minister said the government would have to wait for the situation to change before taking another look at the matter. Therefore, we just have to wait for that situation to change. We will take a fresh look at what's happening, he said. The statement comes days after the issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly, where Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad sought details of books removed from college libraries, the criteria used for identifying objectionable material and the authority under which such action was taken. According to the government's reply, 21,81,582 books and publications have been examined across the Union Territory. Of these, 4,249 books were withdrawn from circulation, while 518 copies of 19 already banned titles were also withdrawn. Another 1,752 books have been referred for expert examination, indicating that the scrutiny process has not ended with the withdrawal of books already identified. The figures show that the exercise has covered libraries on a large scale. Of the publications examined, 12,48,641 were in Kashmir and 9,32,941 in Jammu. Among the 4,249 books withdrawn from circulation, 3,996 were from Kashmir and 253 from Jammu. The Higher Education Department has maintained that the scrutiny was conducted on the basis of a clear and objective criterion under Circular No. 02-JK(HE) of 2026. The department has said the exercise is aimed at ensuring that educational institutions uphold constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper, responsible citizenship and respect for the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. However, the government's decision has triggered questions over how books are classified as objectionable and whether withdrawal from institutional libraries amounts to a restriction on access to literature and ideas. The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the distinction between formally banned books and books withdrawn from circulation pending scrutiny. The government's Assembly reply makes clear that the two categories are not identical. While 518 copies of 19 titles that had already been formally banned were withdrawn, 4,249 other books were withdrawn as part of the present scrutiny exercise. A further 1,752 publications have been sent for expert examination. The issue has consequently moved beyond the question of individual titles to a larger debate over the role of libraries, academic freedom and the mechanisms used to determine what students should or should not have access to. Omar's remarks add another layer to the debate. While he expressed his personal position on book bans, he stopped short of announcing any immediate reversal of the ongoing scrutiny or withdrawal process. The Chief Minister's comments are likely to keep the issue alive in the political and public discourse, particularly as the Assembly has sought greater transparency over the books removed from libraries and the criteria applied to them.
Srinagar, Sep 23: With a customer base of 12.5 million, Jammu & Kashmir Bank is seeking to deepen its reach through digital banking, financial inclusion and stronger engagement with its diverse stakeholder groups, even as it positions sustainable value creation as a key pillar of its future growth strategy. The banks Integrated Annual Report-2025-2026 presents a broader account of its performance, bringing together financial results with governance, stakeholder engagement and its wider economic and social contribution. According to the report, accessed by Rising Kashmir, the bank regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including shareholders and investors, customers, employees, regulators, government, service providers and vendors, communities and rating agencies. Stakeholder groups are identified on the basis of their specific needs and expectations, with engagement mechanisms tailored according to their significance and impact, the report reads. The approach marks an attempt to look beyond conventional financial reporting and explain how the bank creates sustainable value through sound governance, responsible banking and long-term engagement with the communities and customers it serves. The 12.5-million customer base remains one of the banks key strengths, giving it a substantial footprint across its core markets. The bank is simultaneously expanding its digital capabilities as customer preferences increasingly shift towards technology-enabled banking services, the report states, adding that financial performance remains central to the banks operations, with its reported earnings per share standing at Rs 21.46. The institution also has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees, making human resources an important component of its stakeholder ecosystem. As per the annual report, digital banking and financial inclusion have emerged as important components of the banks growth strategy. While technology is being used to make banking services more accessible and convenient, the bank continues to rely on its physical network and community-level engagement to reach customers across different segments, the report reads, adding that financial literacy is another area where the bank has maintained a significant outreach programme. According to the report, J&K Bank conducted 21,476 financial-literacy camps, aimed at improving awareness about banking services and responsible financial practices. The banks stakeholder-engagement framework also covers customer feedback, employee engagement, investor communication, regulatory interaction and coordination with government agencies, it said. The report says the bank prioritises stakeholder groups according to their significance and adopts appropriate engagement approaches to address their expectations. This wider engagement is being positioned as an important element of responsible and sustainable banking, particularly for an institution whose operations are closely linked with the economic and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, it reads. The banks annual report also places greater emphasis on the relationship between financial performance and environmental, social and governance considerations. With the Jammu and Kashmir government holding around 59.40 per cent of its equity, the bank occupies a distinctive position within the regions financial ecosystem. The report therefore seeks to present J&K Bank not merely as a financial institution measuring deposits, advances and profits, but as an institution creating value through customers, employees, investors, communities and the broader economy. Going forward, the banks growth strategy will revolve around balancing expansion with customer trust, technological transformation, financial inclusion, employee development and responsible governance. For an institution serving 12.5 million customers, the scale of that responsibility is as significant as the scale of its business, the report reads.
West Bengal CM asks Ministers to concentrate on work rather than being hyperactive on the street
Two Ministers of the Suvendu Adhikari cabinet- Minister for Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul and Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee have been seen being active visiting streets and hospitals respectively
Rising Living Costs Are Squeezing Households
The steady rise in living costs has become one of the most pressing concerns for households across Jammu and Kashmir. From food and fuel to transport, education, healthcare and rent, almost every essential expense has become more difficult to manage. For many families, monthly incomes have remained largely unchanged while the cost of meeting basic needs continues to climb. Inflation affects people differently, but its burden is heaviest on low- and middle-income households. A family that once managed its expenses with some margin is now forced to reduce consumption, postpone medical treatment or borrow to meet routine needs. The rising prices of vegetables, cereals, cooking gas and other household items have made grocery shopping a calculation rather than a normal activity. The pressure is equally visible in the education and healthcare sectors. Parents are struggling with higher school fees, transport charges, books and coaching expenses. At the same time, medical consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines are becoming increasingly expensive. When essential healthcare is delayed because of cost, inflation becomes more than an economic problem. It becomes a direct threat to public well-being. The situation is particularly difficult for daily-wage workers, small traders, farmers and employees with fixed incomes. Their earnings often do not rise in proportion to prices. Seasonal unemployment and limited opportunities outside the public sector add to their vulnerability. In many households, women are quietly managing the crisis by cutting back on their own needs, reducing household consumption and stretching limited resources. The government must recognise that controlling inflation requires more than periodic statements. Effective monitoring of prices, action against hoarding and profiteering, and improved distribution of essential commodities are necessary. Public transport and power costs also need careful review, as increases in these areas affect the price of almost everything else. Social welfare measures must be strengthened and targeted towards those most in need. Food assistance, affordable healthcare, support for vulnerable families and employment opportunities can provide immediate relief. But such interventions must be transparent and free from delays. The private sector also has a role in ensuring fair wages and responsible pricing. Employers cannot expect workers to maintain productivity while their real incomes continue to decline. Rising living costs are eroding household security and widening inequality. The issue deserves sustained attention from policymakers, not only when public anger becomes visible. Economic growth has little meaning if ordinary families cannot afford nutritious food, quality education and timely healthcare. Relief must reach people before survival becomes a daily struggle.
Cancer Care Must Move Beyond Announcements
The governments disclosure that Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients is both alarming and a reminder of the scale of the healthcare challenge confronting the Union Territory. The figure, presented by Health Minister Sakina Itoo in the Legislative Assembly, comes amid differing estimates, with another 2024 figure cited at around 71,000 patients, including more than 50,000 in Kashmir. Such a variation is not a minor statistical discrepancy. It points to the urgent need for a comprehensive and regularly updated cancer registry in J&K. Accurate data is the foundation of effective public health planning. Without knowing how many people are affected, where they live, which cancers are most prevalent and what treatment they require, it is difficult to allocate resources or measure progress. The government must therefore establish a transparent mechanism for collecting, verifying and publishing cancer-related data across the region. The emphasis on early detection is welcome. For too long, many patients have discovered the disease only after it has reached an advanced stage, when treatment becomes more difficult, expensive and uncertain. Screening must not remain limited to urban centres or occasional camps. It should reach villages, remote areas and vulnerable communities through a sustained primary healthcare network. The strengthening of SKIMS and government medical colleges is equally important. Cancer care cannot depend solely on a few specialised institutions. Patients need timely access to diagnostic facilities, oncology services, medicines, equipment and trained personnel close to their homes. Delays in diagnosis or referral can have serious consequences, particularly for those who cannot afford treatment outside J&K. Financial assistance schemes for BPL and AAY beneficiaries, as well as coverage under Ayushman Bharat, can provide significant relief. But awareness and implementation remain crucial. Patients and their families must be clearly informed about their entitlements, while hospitals should ensure that financial support is delivered without cumbersome procedures or avoidable delays. The launch of cervical cancer vaccination is a positive preventive measure. It should be supported by wider awareness campaigns, regular screening and stronger womens health services. Breast cancer and other common cancers also require focused and continuous programmes rather than isolated interventions. Cancer care is ultimately measured not by announcements, but by outcomes. A patient must be diagnosed early, begin treatment promptly and complete it without being pushed into financial ruin. The government is right in saying that it cannot fight the disease alone. Doctors, legislators, civil society, patient groups and communities must work together. J&K needs a cancer-care system that is accessible, accountable and patient-centred. Expanding screening and treatment is a necessary beginning. The real test will be sustained implementation, accurate reporting and whether every patient receives timely and dignified care.
Bihar Cabinet gives nod for setting up two universities
Mata Sita Womens University will be set up at Patna & Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar University at Begusarai; a total of 24 decisions were taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by CM Samrat Choudhary
AI: A Superhuman Assistant, Not a Replacement for Human Intellect
Artificial Intelligence has moved from the pages of science fiction into the ordinary rhythm of life. It writes emails, translates languages, detects diseases, designs images, analyses data and answers questions within seconds. It can imitate a journalists tone, a teachers explanation and even a poets imagination. With every new advancement, one question grows louder: is AI becoming superhuman, or is it preparing to replace human intellect altogether? The honest answer lies somewhere between excitement and anxiety. AI is undoubtedly superhuman in certain tasks. It can process enormous volumes of information, identify patterns invisible to the human eye and perform repetitive calculations without fatigue. A machine can examine thousands of medical images in a fraction of the time required by a doctor. It can analyse financial records, translate large documents and predict patterns in climate, traffic or disease. In terms of speed, scale and memory, humans cannot compete. But intelligence is not merely the ability to process information. Human intellect is also imagination, conscience, emotion, experience, intuition and the capacity to understand meaning. A machine may generate a convincing paragraph about grief, but it does not grieve. It may produce a speech on justice, but it does not suffer injustice. It may recommend a decision based on data, but it does not carry the moral burden of that decision. This distinction is important because much of the fear surrounding AI comes from treating intelligence as a single quality. It is not. Intelligence has many forms. There is mathematical intelligence, linguistic intelligence, emotional intelligence, social intelligence and moral intelligence. AI has made astonishing progress in some of these areas, especially those that depend on data and patterns. Yet it remains dependent on human beings for purpose, direction and values. The real danger, therefore, may not be that AI will suddenly become more intelligent than humanity in every sense. The greater danger is that humans may become careless, dependent and intellectually passive. If students use AI to complete every assignment, they may lose the habit of thinking. If journalists publish machine-generated material without verification, public trust will suffer. If governments use automated systems without transparency, technology may deepen inequality rather than solve it. AI does not understand truth in the way human beings do. It predicts what answer is likely to sound correct. That ability can be useful, but it can also produce confident errors. A machine can repeat bias present in the data on which it was trained. It can reproduce stereotypes, overlook local realities and present incomplete information with an appearance of certainty. This is especially serious in societies where access to reliable information is already uneven. For Jammu and Kashmir, the debate carries a particular significance. The region needs technology that can improve education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and public administration. AI could help students in remote areas access learning resources. It could assist doctors in detecting illnesses earlier. It could support farmers with weather information and market analysis. It could help preserve Kashmiri languages, oral histories and cultural traditions that are at risk of being forgotten. At the same time, technological progress must not widen the gap between those who have access to digital tools and those who do not. Many young people still lack reliable internet, quality devices and digital literacy. If AI becomes central to education and employment without addressing these inequalities, it may create a new form of exclusion. The future cannot belong only to those who can afford the latest tools. There is also a serious question about employment. AI will certainly change the nature of work. Some routine jobs may disappear, while new professions will emerge. This has happened before with every major technological revolution. Machines transformed agriculture, manufacturing and communication, but they also created new industries. The difference now is the speed of change. Workers may not have enough time to acquire new skills unless governments, educational institutions and employers invest in continuous training. The answer is not to reject AI. History shows that societies rarely benefit from resisting useful technology altogether. The answer is to govern it wisely. Schools must teach students how to question, verify and use AI responsibly rather than simply banning it. Companies must be transparent about how automated systems make decisions. Governments must protect privacy, prevent discrimination and ensure that human oversight remains present in areas such as healthcare, policing, education and employment. Most importantly, human beings must decide what they do not want machines to replace. A teacher is not only someone who delivers information; a teacher inspires confidence and recognises a childs struggle. A doctor is not only someone who identifies symptoms; a doctor offers reassurance and understands fear. A journalist is not only someone who arranges facts; a journalist asks difficult questions and holds power accountable. These human responsibilities cannot be measured only by efficiency. AI may eventually surpass human beings in more areas of reasoning. That possibility should not be dismissed. But even a highly advanced machine will not automatically possess wisdom. Knowledge can tell us what is possible; wisdom tells us what is right. AI may help humanity reach the moon, cure diseases or build powerful systems. It will still be up to human beings to decide whether those achievements serve life or merely strengthen control. The future should not be imagined as a contest between humans and machines. It should be understood as a test of human maturity. AI can become a superhuman assistant, but only if human beings remain intellectually active and morally responsible. The machine may calculate faster, remember more and work longer. Yet the responsibility for how that power is used will remain ours. The question, then, is not whether AI will replace human intellect. It is whether humans will neglect their intellect by handing over every decision to AI. If we use technology to extend our curiosity, creativity and compassion, AI can become one of humanitys greatest tools. If we use it to avoid thinking, it may not replace human beingsbut it may make them less capable of thinking for themselves. ( The Author is a lecturer in HED and a columnist)
Ladakh adopts single merit list for Central Pool seats
Srinagar, Sep 23: In Ladakh, the Health & Medical Education Department has revised guidelines for admission to MBBS and BDS seats under the Central Pool, following the formation of seven new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Under the existing system, introduced in 2021, candidates were considered under different categories and admitted through a roster system. The categories included Reserved and Unreserved candidates, Leh and Kargil districts, and male and female candidates, besides other categories prescribed under the existing guidelines. With approval of the Lieutenant Governor, the UT Administration has decided to amend the existing guidelines and introduce a single merit list for admission to Central Pool MBBS/BDS seats. Officials said the existing system of separate categories and roster shall be discontinued. They said a single merit list shall be maintained irrespective of the domicile district, sex, or Reserved/Unreserved category of the candidate. Admission to the allotted Medical and Dental Colleges shall be made strictly on the basis of NEET merit/ranking and the choices exercised by the eligible candidates. For the academic year 2026-27, the Government of India has allotted 7 MBBS and 2 BDS seats to the UT of Ladakh under the Central Pool. The MBBS seats have been allotted to Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi; L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut; Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi; R.S.D.K.S. Government Medical College, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh; Dumka Medical College, Jharkhand; M.L.B. Medical College, Jhansi; and Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Medical College, Durg, Chhattisgarh, with one seat in each institution. The two BDS seats have been allotted to K.G. Dental College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and Government Dental College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, with one seat in each institution. A period of seven days shall be provided to all interested and eligible candidates having a valid NEET ranking to apply for the Central Pool MBBS/BDS seats through the official Ladakh NIC portal. Eligible candidates are advised to visit the official website of the Administration of UT of Ladakh, for detailed guidelines and further information regarding the application process.
BSP president Mayawati appoints younger nephew Ishan Anand as new national convener
The decision was announced at a meeting of the BSPs national executive held at the party headquarters in Lucknow, chaired by Mayawati
Incomplete applications delay forest clearances: Govt
Srinagar, Sept 23: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that delays in processing forest land diversion proposals are primarily caused by incomplete applications and non-uploading of requisite documents by project proponents and user agencies on the PARIVESH portal. The response was given by the Minister in-charge of Forest, Ecology and Environment in the J&K Legislative Assembly in reply to a question raised by MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani regarding the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and the processing of forest-related clearances. On whether the Kashmir Forest Notice was issued in connection with implementation of the Forest Rights Act, the government replied in the negative. The Minister said the Kashmir Forest Notice was not connected with the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and was notified in 1912 with the objective of providing certain concessions of forest produce to the people of the Kashmir province. On the reasons for delay in issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) by the concerned department for developmental and infrastructure projects, the government said there was no delay on the part of the Forest Department in processing forest land diversion proposals. Delay, wherever occurring, is primarily attributable to either incomplete proposals or non-uploading of requisite documents by the project proponents/User Agencies as per the prescribed checklist mandated under PARIVESH Portal, the reply stated. The MLA had also sought information on complaints regarding the performance and technical issues of the PARIVESH Portal, and the steps being taken to improve its efficiency, speed and reliability for timely disposal of applications and issuance of permissions/NOCs. In response, the Minister said PARIVESH was a centrally hosted and managed platform developed and maintained by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The government said that no such dismal performance of the portal had been noticed or reported.
India and the plausible multilateralism of BRICS
The very structure of BRICS offers India space to pursue strategic autonomy amid intensifying great-power rivalries
NC holds meetings to felicitate new Srinagar office-bearers
Srinagar, Sep 23: The Zadibal and Lal Chowk units of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Wednesday held separate meetings at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah Complex, to felicitate the newly elected office-bearers of the partys Srinagar District Working Committee. The meetings were presided over by Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq and Lal Chowk MLA Ahsan Pardesi, respectively. District president and former MLA Pir Afaq Ahmed attended the meetings as the special guest, while block presidents also participated. Addressing the Zadibal meeting, Sadiq said Articles 370 and 35A remained central to the National Conferences political position. He said the party viewed the provisions as important constitutional measures associated with Jammu and Kashmirs distinct identity, collective character and Kashmiriyat. Sadiq said the National Conference had faced difficult phases and challenges throughout its history but had remained resilient. At the Lal Chowk meeting, Pardesi congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and wished them success in their new responsibilities. He said the National Conference had consistently represented the rights, aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and had made political, financial and personal sacrifices in its pursuit of democratic and fundamental rights. Pardesi also said the party continued to maintain public support despite opposition and political criticism, attributing it to its history of public service and political work.
Flags delays, sub-letting in JJM works, seeks tighter monitoring
Srinagar, Sep 23: A House Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA) has recommended a major overhaul of the monitoring mechanism for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works, citing the need to curb sub-letting of contracts, delays in execution and discrepancies between reported achievements and ground realities. The House Committee constituted o probe into the alleged irregularities in implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has asked the Jal Shakti Department to put in place a robust mechanism to prevent sub-letting of contracts and strengthen supervision through existing departmental mechanisms. It has also called for measures to ensure timely completion of under-execution Water Supply Schemes (WSS), noting that delays have affected the core objective of JJM and resulted in avoidable cost escalation. In its 18-point recommendations, the panel has recommended comprehensive audit and physical verification of all completed and ongoing WSSs to ascertain their current physical status and verify the existence of assets created under the mission. It has also called for mandatory technical validation of source sustainability, yield and discharge before execution of civil and allied works such as intake wells, pump houses, overhead tanks and treatment plants. In areas facing recurring groundwater contamination, poor aquifer performance or surface-water depletion, the committee has recommended exploring alternative sources and contingency plans, besides engaging professional agencies or consultants where required. To address discrepancies between field conditions and information uploaded on the JJM dashboard, the committee has proposed creation of a dedicated technical team for independent technical validation, data scrutiny and periodic field verification. The panel has also recommended geo-tagged and time-stamped evidence for Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), overhead tanks (OHTs), treatment units and pumping stations. Any deviation or forgery in such evidence should invite disciplinary action, it said. The committee has further recommended that contractors should not be awarded works without assessing their capacity to mobilise the required manpower, material and machinery. At every WSS site, the panel has proposed installation of prominent display boards carrying details such as project cost, allocation, procurement, pipe material and supply channels to enable greater public scrutiny.
House panel seeks high-level probe into JJM irregularities
Srinagar, Sep 23: A House Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has made 18-point recommendations in its latest submitted report, seeking constitution of high level committees to probe alleged irregularities and lapses in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes, including procurement of pipes, execution of civil works and functioning of various committees overseeing the programme. In its recently submitted report, the House Committee constituted o probe into the alleged irregularities in implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir recommended that the Jal Shakti Department conduct a comprehensive audit of all Water Supply Schemes (WSS) taken up under JJM and retrofitting, particularly with regard to procurement of DI, GI and HDPE pipes and execution of civil works. The committee has called for identification of officers and engineers responsible for irregularities noticed by it and recommended that action be initiated against those found responsible under relevant laws, including the J&K Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971. It has also recommended identifying all officers who served on the Apex Level Committee, Executive Committee and District Level Committees from their constitution till March 31, 2025, and examining omissions and commissions committed while discharging their assigned responsibilities. The proposed inquiry has also been recommended to examine the posting of Himesh Manchanda as In-charge Chief Engineer, Jammu, in view of allegations of criminal misconduct and embezzlement mentioned in the report, including the issue of vigilance clearance. The committee has recommended identifying the officer or authority involved in the posting. The House panel further called for scrutiny of the procedure followed by the UT-level Purchases Committee in awarding contracts for DI, GI and HDPE pipes and other material. Responsibility should be fixed on officers, officials, contractors, suppliers or agencies found involved in procurement, approval or utilisation of substandard material, it said. A major recommendation relates to independent testing of pipes already procured under JJM. The committee has recommended forensic audit by NABL-accredited laboratories through randomised sampling, covering thickness, tensile strength, elongation, impact resistance, coating integrity and chemical composition in accordance with applicable BIS standards. The report has also called for comprehensive physical verification and audit of completed as well as ongoing WSSs to establish the present status and existence of assets created under JJM. Defective assets should be repaired or rectified at the cost and responsibility of the concerned contractor, it recommended. The committee has further recommended that the government, after receiving the reports of the proposed High Level Committees, may refer matters to an investigating agency wherever the findings warrant such action.
80 doctor, paramedical posts vacant in Budgam
Budgam: The health institutions falling under the Budgam Assembly constituency have 80 vacant posts of doctors and paramedical staff, according to figures shared by the Jammu and Kashmir Government in the Legislative Assembly. The official figures show that against 108 sanctioned posts for doctors, 101 are currently filled, leaving seven vacancies. In the paramedical category, 88 posts are occupied against 161 sanctioned positions, leaving 73 vacancies. The government, however, said that measures are underway to address manpower shortages and strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the constituency. In response to a question on the status of healthcare facilities in Budgam, the government said that 33 functional health institutions are currently providing services to the public in the constituency. It said an assessment of infrastructure and human-resource requirements is carried out from time to time. The government has also provided details of ongoing infrastructure projects and manpower deployment in the constituency. According to the government, construction of a 125-bedded hospital at Reshipora is about 70 per cent complete, while the NTPHC Pinhroo has been completed and handed over. The NTPHC Nasurrallah Pora, Budgam is reported to be 85 per cent complete, while the PHC Kralpora has been completed and taken over. Construction of the PHC Soibugh is at the tendered part-completion stage, while at NTPHC Hardupanzoo, the structure along with the roof has been completed. Balance works at NTPHC Jawalpora are underway, with the ground-floor slab laid, while work at NTPHC Wahabpora has reached around 30 per cent completion. The government has also said that a 100-bedded Critical Care facility under PM-ABHIM is targeted during the current financial year. Besides this, a 128-slice CT scan machine has been installed and is expected to be made functional shortly.
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Jammu Police arrest fugitive after seven-month manhunt
Jammu, Sep 23: Jammu Police have arrested Karanjeet alias Gugga, a wanted criminal who had escaped from the Juvenile Home at R.S. Pura in February this year, after a nearly seven-month-long manhunt, SSP Jammu said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, the SSP said Karanjeet was among three inmates who escaped from the juvenile home following an incident in February. The other two, both Pakistani nationals, were later arrested in Ambala with the assistance of Punjab and Haryana Police. Following the escape, the investigation was handed over to the DSP SOG and a Special Investigation Team headed by the SP Operations was constituted to trace those involved. Eight people were arrested in that case. The investigation continued and at the same time we were trying to arrest Karanjeet alias Gugga, the SSP said. He said Karanjeet was involved in around 12 to 13 FIRs and police tracked his movements by developing information about his associates and gang links. Police teams followed leads in several locations, including Gorakhpur, Kolkata, Delhi and Maharashtra, but he managed to evade arrest. The SSP said police recently received information that Karanjeet was staying with some associates in Chandigarh. A team raided the suspected location but did not find him there. During the follow-up investigation, police learnt that he was staying at a hotel in Delhi. An SOG team subsequently travelled to Delhi and arrested him, the SSP said. He said the arrest was significant for the ongoing investigation into the juvenile home incident, as police had identified additional persons linked to the case. The SSP said Karanjeets interrogation would help establish missing links in the investigation, including how weapons and mobile phones reached the juvenile home. Police had earlier arrested the person who allegedly supplied the weapons, while further investigation is underway to establish the complete chain, he said. The SSP said Karanjeet had been moving between different locations to evade arrest, with police following leads across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Delhi. On security arrangements at the juvenile home, the SSP said the police had taken up the matter with the concerned department and another location had also been identified for housing inmates. He said further details would emerge as the interrogation of Karanjeet progresses.
No proposal for Karnah tourism authority: Govt
Srinagar, Sept 23: The Jammu and Kashmir government has acknowledged the considerable tourism potential of Karnah constituency but said that there is currently no proposal for establishment of a separate Tourism Development Authority (TDA) for the area. The issue was raised by Karnah MLA Javid Ahmad Mirchal in the J&K Legislative Assembly, seeking details about the tourism potential of the constituency and whether the government intended to establish a separate tourism development authority there. In its reply, the Tourism Department, whose charge is held by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said Karnah possesses considerable tourism potential owing to its picturesque landscapes, scenic beauty, natural attractions and rich cultural heritage. The government said the constituency has several tourist and pilgrimage destinations, including Budnambal/Bunnamal, Teetwal, Gabra, Sadhna Top, Sharda Temple, Kishanganga River and adjoining areas. These locations have potential for nature, adventure, border, cultural and pilgrimage tourism, the government said. However, it noted that only a few villages of Karnah constituency fall under the jurisdiction of the Lolab-Bangus Development Authority. On the demand for creation of a separate Tourism Development Authority for Karnah, the government said, At present, no proposal regarding establishment/creation of a separate Tourism Development Authority for Karnah Constituency is under consideration in the Tourism Department. The MLA had also sought to know whether the government intended to establish a separate Tourism Development Authority for Karnah during the current financial year in view of the Chief Ministers commitment in this regard. The departments reply to the third question was no proposal in consideration for the same.
Tourists stop to soak in Zojilas beauty
Ganderbal: The iconic Zojila Pass is witnessing a new trend among tourists travelling between Kashmir and Ladakh, with visitors increasingly stopping at the high-altitude pass to enjoy the landscape, sip hot tea and capture photographs and videos. Located at around 14,649 feet above sea level, Zojila is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. The stretch also remains particularly cold, and even during the summer months, tourists can encounter rain and chilly conditions at the pass. A signboard reading I Love Zojila, installed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has become a popular spot for tourists to stop and take pictures. During a recent visit, tourists travelling towards Ladakh and Srinagar were seen spending time at the point, clicking photographs, recording reels and enjoying hot tea and snacks at temporary stalls operating along the route. We stayed here for almost half an hour just to capture photographs and videos. The view is beautiful and this is something we will remember, said Rahul Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, who was travelling towards Ladakh with his friends. Another tourist, Neha Verma from Jaipur, said the journey through Zojila was an experience in itself. The road looks challenging and at some places it feels adventurous, but the mountains and the landscape are breathtaking. We stopped here for tea and Maggi and really enjoyed the weather, she said. For Arjun Mehta from Mumbai, the stop at Zojila offered an opportunity to experience the mountain landscape up close. We had planned only a short stop, but after seeing the view and the I Love Zojila sign, we stayed longer for pictures and videos. The cold weather and mountains make this place special, he said. Tourists said that although the Zojila road is considered one of the more difficult stretches on the SrinagarLadakh route, the dramatic mountains, winding road and changing weather make the journey memorable.
Trading smart: On the India-New Zealand FTA
The India-NZ FTA shows how smaller deals can complement big-bang trade pacts
Elephant calf swept away in Teesta rescued by fishermen, reunited with mother
The calf was crossing the river near the barrage when the strong currents swept it away from the herd. Its rescue was captured on camera
Limits of the casting vote at Tata Sons
A mutual settlement is preferred to a lengthy litigation, which could spiral into uncertainty about the groups leadership
Private hospitals oppose NAPS push
Srinagar, Sep 23: The J&K Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the manner in which the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) under Skill India is being pushed in the private health sector in J&K. The NAPS, launched by the Prime Minister under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2015, is a 6 to 12 months training program where 75 percent of stipend is borne by the establishment and 25 percent by the Govt. of India. The JKPHDA stated that the majority of private hospitals are already registered under NAPS and as and when vacancies arise, the same are uploaded on the portal as per norms. However, what is happening for the last few weeks is a matter of concern for the owners of the private hospitals across the UT. The association said Chief Medical Officers are summoning owners of hospitals, nursing homes, clinical establishments to their offices and directing them to create vacancies on war footing and take apprentices under NAPS. It said the members feel this coercive approach is not in the spirit of a voluntary skill program. All private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat, SEHAT scheme havent received payments for last 8-10 months from State Health Agency (SHA) and liabilities have crossed crores. To sustain, hospitals have curtailed services and even terminated some employees. In this situation, how can we bear the 75 percent stipend burden of new apprentices. The association said hospitals have their own HR policy- face-to-face interview, skill test and verification. Under the present mechanism being forced, there is no interaction with candidates before posting, which is a serious risk in the patient care sector, it stated. The Association said it is optional for establishments having a workforce between 4-29 and establishments having a workforce of 3 or less are not permitted to engage apprentices but unfortunately are being forced for the same. As per our information, about 40,000 regular posts are lying vacant with the Govt. Instead of advertising those regular posts, this ad-hoc arrangement is being pushed to show inflated employment figures, it stated. The JKPHDA also expressed surprise over the sudden haste and coercive manner in which targets are being pushed at ground level in the last few weeks, which is contrary to the voluntary spirit of the scheme since 2015. The private health sector is not against Skill India. We have always supported skilling and employment. But you cant force employment generation on a sector which is itself struggling for survival due to non-payment of dues for 8-10 months, the association added. The association requested Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister to release pending SEHAT payments of private hospitals. They seek to make NAPS implementation voluntary and need-based in the health sector as originally envisaged in 2015, not forced. Advertise the 40,000 vacant regular posts with Govt so that youth get permanent employment, not 6-month stipend. The association hoped that the government will look into the genuine difficulties of the health sector, which is providing 70 percent of healthcare under SEHAT scheme in J&K.
L-G directs MCD, DDA to undertake safety audits of public parks
Move comes after gang rape of 17-year-old girlat Astha Kunj Park; orders issued to step up vigilance, identify dark spots, install CCTV cameras: DDA
LG withdraws cases against 20 in Leh violence
Leh, September 23: Twenty individuals facing criminal proceedings over the violence that rocked Leh on September 24 last year have received relief after Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved withdrawal of the cases against them. The decision was taken after Ladakh Police reviewed the investigations and recommended dropping the criminal charges against the 20 accused. The cases pertain to FIR No. 144/2005 registered at Police Station Leh and have been withdrawn under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The September 24 unrest had resulted in incidents of rioting and arson in Leh, following which multiple FIRs were registered and arrests made. Police had identified 87 accused in the rioting cases, with 81 subsequently arrested and criminal proceedings initiated. The latest decision means that 20 of those facing proceedings will no longer continue to face criminal charges in the concerned case. The LGs approval, according to the administration, was aimed at promoting peace and restoring social harmony in the Union Territory. Saxena said the move would provide the individuals an opportunity to move ahead with their lives and careers. The development comes amid a series of measures announced by the Ladakh administration for families and individuals affected by the September 24 violence. Earlier this month, on September 13, the LG had sanctioned 15 lakh compensation for the next of kin of each of the four people who died during the violence. Financial assistance of 3 lakh for those who suffered major injuries and 1 lakh for those with minor injuries was also approved. Saxena said the administrations approach was focused on healing and reconciliation, while thanking Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his guidance concerning the victims and their families. The 20 persons covered by the latest order include Mohd Asif, Shaziya Parveen, Tsetan Norboo, Stanzin Morup, Sonam Zangpo, Jigmet Thinley, Shabir Hussain, Sonam Togdan, Urgain Namdol, Tsering Gyalson, Sonam Gurmet, Zulfikar Ali, Stanzin Chosphel, Ishey Tsering, Rigzin Nurbo and Rinchen Namgyal. The list also includes Jigmat Dorjay, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail and Tsewang Thirchin, who are mentioned as deceased in the administration's order.
Show-cause notices issued to 37 bus drivers at Wazirabad DTC depot over ongoing stir
The Rupee, the Oil Barrel and the Common Indian
The common Indian does not wake up in the morning thinking about the rupee-dollar exchange rate or the international price of crude oil. He is more likely to think about the price of vegetables, the cost of filling his scooter, the school fees due at the end of the month or whether there will be enough left in the bank account after the electricity bill is paid. Yet, strangely enough, a part of the answer to each of these everyday concerns may be connected to events taking place thousands of kilometres away, in markets where oil is traded in dollars and currencies move in response to forces that an ordinary household can neither see nor influence. That is the curious nature of the modern economy. Something can happen in a distant oil field, a financial market or a geopolitical flashpoint and, after passing through several invisible channels, arrive quietly at the doorstep of an Indian family. The distance between an oil barrel in an international market and a cooking stove in an Indian kitchen may appear enormous, but economically the two are not as far apart as they seem. The recent pressure on the rupee and the rise in international crude prices have brought that connection into sharper focus. The rupee has been trading around the mid-90s against the US dollar, while crude prices have moved above the $100-a-barrel mark amid geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about supplies. The Reserve Bank of India has intervened to contain excessive volatility, but a country as dependent on imported crude as India cannot remain completely insulated from developments in the global oil market. For the financial world, these movements are expressed through charts, percentages and exchange rates. For an ordinary household, their meaning is much simpler: how much does it cost to travel, to transport goods, to cook, to run a business and, ultimately, to live? Oil has a peculiar place in the economy because its influence extends far beyond the fuel station. A truck carrying vegetables from a farm to a city market needs fuel. So does the vehicle carrying milk, medicines or manufactured goods. Farmers depend on fuel for machinery and irrigation in many parts of the country. Businesses pay for transportation, and transportation costs eventually become part of the price of what they sell. The effect is therefore not confined to motorists. Even someone who rarely travels by car can encounter the consequences of expensive oil through the prices of goods and services. This is where an international economic story becomes a domestic one. A rise in crude prices does not necessarily mean that every price in India will rise immediately. There are several factors between international oil prices and the final price paid by a consumer. Companies may absorb some of the additional cost, governments may alter taxes or other policies, currency movements may strengthen or weaken the impact, and changing supply conditions can provide relief. But if elevated costs persist, pressure can gradually spread through the economy. The household usually notices the result long before it understands the process. It notices that the monthly budget has become tighter. It notices that a journey which once cost a certain amount now requires more money. It notices that the vegetable seller has increased prices or that the delivery charge has changed. A small business owner notices that transporting goods has become more expensive. A parent notices the rising cost of getting children to school or tuition. None of them may know what Brent crude is trading at, but all of them understand what an additional burden means. That is the real story behind inflation. It is not merely a number announced in an economic report. It is the difference between what a family earned yesterday and what that income can purchase today. The rupee adds another layer to this story. Since crude oil is traded internationally in dollars, a weaker rupee can make imported oil more expensive in domestic currency even if the international price of oil remains unchanged. When the price of oil rises at the same time that the rupee weakens, the pressure can become more pronounced. The effect does not move in a straight line, but the underlying vulnerability remains. India cannot control the price at which crude is sold in international markets. It cannot determine the value of the dollar or dictate the course of geopolitical events that disrupt global energy supplies. Yet the Indian consumer ultimately has to live with the economic consequences of these forces. There is something unsettling about that imbalance. The decisions that affect a household budget may be made in places the household will never see and by forces over which it has no control. A war in one part of the world can influence fuel prices in another. A change in American interest rates can affect capital flows and the value of emerging-market currencies. A disruption in an international shipping route can increase transportation costs. A rise in crude prices can alter inflationary pressures across countries. The modern economy has erased many of the boundaries that once separated distant events from local life. The world has become economically smaller, but the consequences of that interconnectedness are not always evenly distributed. A family with considerable financial room may absorb a rise in everyday expenses without making major changes. For a household already managing its finances carefully, the same increase can mean postponing a purchase, reducing travel, cutting discretionary spending or drawing upon savings. The headline inflation rate may look modest, but its effect depends greatly on where a family begins. This is why purchasing power matters as much as income. A salary increase may look satisfactory on paper, but if essential expenses rise at the same time, the feeling of improvement may not reach the household. What matters to a family is not simply how many rupees it earns but what those rupees can actually buy. The pressure can also travel through interest rates. If persistent oil-driven inflation becomes a concern, monetary policy may have to respond. Higher interest rates can make borrowing more expensive, affecting home loans, business credit and other forms of borrowing. An external oil shock can therefore reach the citizen through several channels, sometimes without the citizen ever knowing where the chain began. This is why energy security is ultimately a human issue, not merely a strategic one. India's growing investment in renewable energy, electric mobility, energy efficiency and other alternatives is therefore significant beyond the language of climate policy. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels can also reduce exposure to sudden international price shocks. Every additional source of domestic energy and every improvement in efficiency can, over time, provide a degree of protection to the economy and to consumers. But resilience is not created only through national policy. It also has a household dimension. A family with savings, manageable debt and some financial flexibility is better placed to absorb an unexpected increase in expenses than one whose entire income is already committed. Unfortunately, such flexibility is difficult to build for millions of households when essential expenditure consumes most of the monthly income. That is why a seemingly small increase in the price of fuel or food can have consequences far beyond the amount printed on a receipt. The same is true for small businesses. A large corporation may be able to negotiate contracts, adjust supply chains or absorb temporary increases in operating costs. A small trader, transport operator, manufacturer or service provider may have far less room to manoeuvre. When costs rise, the choices can become uncomfortable: increase prices and risk losing customers, absorb the increase and reduce margins, or cut expenditure elsewhere. The common Indian economy is therefore not an abstraction. It is made up of millions of such decisions. There is also a psychological dimension to rising costs that economic statistics do not always capture. People begin to become cautious. They postpone purchases. They think twice before travelling. They become reluctant to take on new loans. They worry about education, healthcare and retirement. Even when the economy continues to grow, uncertainty can influence how confidently people spend and invest. For this reason, the health of an economy cannot be understood only through its large numbers. Growth matters. Investment matters. Foreign-exchange reserves matter. Fiscal stability matters. But so does the ability of an ordinary family to live without constantly feeling that one unexpected increase in expenditure can disturb the entire month's calculation. The rupee, in this sense, has two lives. In financial markets it is a currency whose value is measured against other currencies. In the lives of ordinary people, it is a measure of purchasing power. A rupee saved today represents a certain amount of food, transport, medicine, education or other necessities. When its purchasing power weakens, the change is felt not in the abstract but in what that money can no longer comfortably provide. This is why the discussion about the rupee should not be reduced to whether it has gained or lost a few paise against the dollar. Currency movements are influenced by a complicated combination of oil prices, global interest rates, capital flows, trade conditions, investor sentiment and domestic economic factors. There is rarely a single explanation. But behind the complexity lies a simple concern: how resilient is the economy when external pressures accumulate? India has important strengths. Its large domestic market, diversified economy, foreign-exchange reserves and policy institutions provide buffers against external shocks. The Reserve Bank has tools to manage excessive volatility, and the country's growing energy diversification offers another layer of protection. But resilience does not mean immunity. No major oil-importing economy can completely escape the consequences of a prolonged surge in global crude prices. The larger lesson is therefore not about predicting where the rupee will trade tomorrow or where crude oil will settle next week. Markets will continue to move, sometimes for reasons that become clear only afterwards. The more important question is whether India's economic foundations are strong enough to ensure that external shocks do not become an unbearable burden for ordinary citizens. Because the final destination of an economic shock is rarely a financial market. It is a household. It is the person calculating whether the month's salary will cover the month's expenses. It is the parent deciding whether an additional journey can be afforded. It is the small shopkeeper wondering whether customers will accept a higher price. It is the young couple managing a home loan while trying to save for their children's future. It is the elderly person watching the cost of essential goods rise while depending on a fixed income. This is why the oil barrel matters even to those who have never seen one, and why the rupee matters even to those who have never traded a dollar. The global economy may operate through enormous markets, sophisticated financial instruments and complicated chains of supply, but its consequences eventually become intensely personal. A movement on a distant screen can become an extra amount paid at a fuel station, a higher transport bill, a more expensive household purchase or a little less money left at the end of the month. Perhaps that is the most important way to understand the relationship between the rupee, oil and the common Indian. The oil barrel may be priced in a distant market, and the rupee may move in response to forces beyond our control, but the final arithmetic is often done at the kitchen table. And at that table, economics ceases to be a subject of charts and percentages. It becomes a question of whether a family's income can still stretch far enough to meet the life it has planned. ( The Author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Rupa Bhawani: Kashmirs Apostle of Peace
As Kashmir continues its search for peace, Roop Bhawanis legacy offers a vital reminder: no political settlement can endure unless it is accompanied by an inner transformation that overcomes fear, hatred and division. The Kashmiri Pandit mystic and yogini made self-knowledge, discipline and the transcendence of hatred central to her spiritual visionideas that remain relevant to a Valley seeking not merely an end to violence, but the restoration of trust, dignity and coexistence. Her teachings do not provide a political programme, nor should they be presented as a substitute for justice, security or accountability. Their relevance is more specific. They speak to the human attitudes that determine whether formal peace can take root in everyday life: whether neighbours can again regard one another without suspicion, whether displaced families can return without fear, whether historical suffering can be acknowledged without being converted into permanent hostility, and whether public memory can make room for more than one communitys pain. Roop Bhawanis life is generally placed in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, but the surviving documentary record is limited. Much of the biographical material associated with her comes through Kashmiri Pandit community traditions, while devotional accounts have further shaped the way her life and spiritual stature are remembered. These sources should be understood with appropriate historical care, without diminishing their importance to the community that has preserved them. For Kashmiri Pandits, she is revered as Mata Roop Bhawani or Alakheshwari. For Kashmirs wider cultural history, she represents a tradition in which spirituality was not merely a matter of ritual identity but a disciplined journey towards self-knowledge, inner freedom and realization of universal consciousness. That journey gives her legacy contemporary force. In the teachings attributed to her, peace begins not with the defeat of an external adversary but with the mastery of the restless mind. Applied carefully to Kashmirs present circumstances, this means recognizing that agreements and security arrangements can stop violence, but cannot by themselves rebuild relationships damaged by displacement, militancy, fear and competing memories. Reconciliation requires people to resist the impulse to reduce one another to inherited identities or political positions. It requires the discipline to acknowledge suffering across communities, the humility to recognize ones own partial understanding, and the moral courage to reject revenge as the basis of the future. This is where Roop Bhawanis message can contribute to Kashmirs search for peace. Her emphasis on self-knowledge suggests that communities, like individuals, must examine the fears and resentments that shape their conduct. Her insistence on discipline points towards the restraint necessary in public speech, education and political mobilization, especially when memories of violence remain raw. Her rejection of narrow attachment offers a way to distinguish legitimate attachment to ones history and homeland from the belief that another communitys belonging must therefore be denied. Such an interpretation does not erase conflict or flatten historical differences. Nor does it ask victims to forget what they have suffered. Peace without truth would be fragile, and coexistence without security would be merely rhetorical. Roop Bhawanis relevance lies instead in reminding us that justice and reconciliation require an ethical foundation: the capacity to seek redress without dehumanising the other, to preserve memory without sanctifying hatred, and to imagine a shared future without denying the past. For a Kashmir marked by separation and mistrust, that is a demanding but necessary form of peace. It begins in the inner life, but it must eventually be expressed in public conductin the protection of minorities, the safe return of displaced people, the recovery of shared cultural spaces and the rebuilding of ordinary relationships. Roop Bhawanis teachings cannot accomplish these tasks on their own. They can, however, help articulate the moral disposition without which political peace is unlikely to become social peace. ( The author is a noted Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Political analyst and columnist)
Rain batters Srikakulam for second day
Vajrapukotturu village in Srikakulam district recorded highest rainfall of 88.25 mm; Orange alert has been issued for Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts; all educational institutions in these districts to remain closed owing to the heavy rain forecast
Delhi HC seeks DU, candidates response on victory processions
Cabinet approves DURGA scheme for e-autos in Delhi
Haryana school guest teachers protest at Education Ministers residence, seek regularisation
Delhis infra-governance problem
PGs and coaching institutes need to be recognised as a separate category of mixed-use educational buildings under municipal and urban local body regulations
Zelenskyy, at UN, urges leaders to keep choking Russias revenues and impede its war efforts
When someone gives Russia more money through trade, they give this war more time; and that is exactly why we insist on limiting trade with the aggressor, and why we are burning Russia's revenues ourselves, said Volodymyr Zelenskyy
CM congratulates badminton team after bronze medal win
LSR students take out solidarity march through areas linked to Astha Kunj gang rape
260 history-sheeters sent to judicial custody after special drive
Supreme Court stays High Court order to recover 5 lakh from Noida DM in NSA detention case
Appearing for Medha Roopam, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi submitted that such decisions went through a multi-tiered process and his client cannot be singled out for penalty
