Pakistan vows retaliation against any attack on its vessels amid West Asia conflict
Foreign Office spokesperson strongly rejected Amnesty International's latest report about Pakistan's strikes in Kabul claiming that it was unfortunate that such serious allegations were presented without credible evidence
New car parking system comes into force at Mysuru airport
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17 Delhi Metro stations closed for third day in a row amid CJP-led protest
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CRPF verifying reports of pellet guns used against protesters in Delhi: official
The Hindureported about two persons, who were hit by pellets allegedly fired by RAF personnel, during the July 20 CJP-led protest march to Parliament
Student suicides jumped 80% in ten years; over 2,000 die by suicide every year due to exam failures
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Why tribal communities in Kerala are at the receiving end of digital disconnect
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Bandh call shuts educational institutes in Telangana on July 24
Left-affiliated student organisations demand Union Education Ministers resignation
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Retired SC judge Gopala Gowda terms Bidadi Township notification void
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A softer greenback provided mild support to the local unit while Foreign Institutional Investor outflows, coupled with a sustained slide in the domestic equity markets, maintained pressure, forex traders said
The new tariffs will come into effect as U.S. President Donald Trumps temporary worldwide tariff of 10% expires
Students, activists march in Keralas Thrissur in support of Jantar Mantar NEET-UG protestors
Writer Sarah Joseph condemns police action against protestors in Jantar Mantar; poet Anwar Ali says student movement offers hope amid concerns over communalism
Zoopharmacognosy when animals medicate themselves
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After PMs announcement, Delhi HC designates fast-track court for paper leak cases
Fractal posts 20% revenue growth and 92% net income growth in Q1 FY27
Fractal posts 20% revenue growth and 92% net income growth in Q1 FY27
Watch: Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike; Centre to bring stricter NEET paper leak law
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike late on Thursday after the Centre gave written assurances on key demands related to the NEET paper leak protests.
CJP protest: Organiser of rapper Vedan event in Kerala booked
While Vedan has not been named in FIR, his manager, who was also the organiser of the event, is the main accused along with around 200 other 'identifiable persons' who were present
Cameras at CJP protest, Jantar Mantar: In pictures
Cameras seen at the Jantar Mantar protest site where thousands of CJP supporters are demanding educational reforms.
U.S. Pentagon awards Oracle nearly $7 billion deal in latest software consolidation push
The agreement spans five years, with a further five-year option, and covers the entire Pentagon, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and the intelligence community
Beyond paper leaks, the question of trust and institutional integrity
The uniqueness of the present agitation lies in one of the most powerful aspirations in contemporary India: the belief that education and competitive examinations provide a pathway to social and economic mobility.
Symbolic satyagraha in Hangal over NEET paper leak
Scores of students, people from different walks of life participated in protest marches from different schools and colleges condemning NEET paper leak, lathi charge on protesting students in Delhi, and demandingresignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Fate of ICC chief prosecutor heads to unprecedented vote as U.S. sanctions keep him out of New York
British barrister Karim Khan has been accused of sexual misconduct with a female aide
WillHouthiattacksonSaudishipshurtIndia | Explained
The strikes, which the Houthis said were part of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, threaten to block another vital chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb, in the global oil trade after the Strait of Hormuz
PM Modi promises more strict actions against paper leaks amid CJP protests
New Delhi, July 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday promised that more strict action would be taken against paper leaks as the CJP-led protests continue over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. In a self-recorded video shared on X, the Prime Minister announced that the Union Cabinet will take up a draft Bill providing for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. he said, I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts The Opposition has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the controversy triggering protests inside and outside the House. Along with the video, the Prime Minister wrote, More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow's Cabinet! In the video, Modi said, Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful. And that is why, in the last two and a half months since the paper leak incidents, several major steps have been taken. The culprits have been caught; they are currently in jail, he said. PM said, Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced. News of the happiness of successful students is coming from all over the country. Stressing that the government was not stopping there, PM Modi said, However, we are not among those who are satisfied with just that. And therefore, today I have issued directions to the departments to set up Fast-Track Courts. The departments worked tirelessly and, late last night, provided me with a draft. This draft, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishments, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow, he said. The PM further said, After incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, it will be given a final shape. Efforts will be made to get this Bill passed in the House as soon as possible, as the second week of the Parliament session begins on Monday. Modi said, Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the controversy, announcing that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks. (ANI)
New Delhi, July 24: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday said its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, even as activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following a written assurance from the Union Government on the NEET examination issue and systemic reforms. In a post shared on X, CJP said, We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Protest will continue at Jantar Mantar till the resignation of Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP's statement came as its delegation is scheduled to meet Union Ministers at 12.30 PM on Friday for discussions on the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and reforms in the examination system. The talks come ahead of a nationwide protest call given by the CJP, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Saurav Das, Chief Spokesperson of CJP, had said on Thursday that the government had agreed to hold discussions at a neutral venue. Tomorrow, a discussion has been called for, we are very happy that the government has agreed to our request that it be at a neutral venue. The Constitution Club of India has been chosen, Das said. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh had earlier said that the government was ready for discussions and did not stand on prestige. This is a standing invitation to all our youth friends that the government is ready for discussions on all issues at your convenience, at any time. Discussions can take place either at JP Nadda's office or residence. We do not stand on prestige. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and I will be present for discussions, Singh told ANI. Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital after receiving a written assurance from the Union Government regarding the NEET examination issue and systemic reforms in the country's competitive testing framework. In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk said the ministers had provided the necessary guarantees and noted that the development came after support from Members of Parliament and negotiations with the government. The Ministers who came from the government's side also provided this assurance. For the past two days, a very tough--how shall I say--a kind of 'bargain' was going on because I wanted these assurances in writing. It took two extra days for this, and I would have sat longer if needed, but finally, today, they have given the assurance in writing, Wangchuk said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also urged Wangchuk to follow his doctor's advice and regain his health. I urge Sonam ji to follow his routine as per the doctors' advice and regain his old weight as soon as possible, PM Modi said in a post on X. The Opposition has meanwhile continued to demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Earlier, PM Modi had assured strict action against those responsible for alleged paper leaks and said the Union Cabinet will consider a draft Bill providing for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. In a major bureaucratic reshuffle amid the controversy, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, according to an official government notification issued late Thursday night. (ANI)
Fast-paced and exciting, theres never a dull moment in Witchstorm by Tim Tilley.
Dasaratha gives Kaikeyi a glimpse of Artificial Intelligence from the future
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Adani denies plans to enter airline business, calls reports baseless and factually incorrect
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DLSA Gbal holds meeting to review functioning of LADCs
Ganderbal, Jul 23: In pursuance of Regulation 11 of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) (Free & Competent Legal Aid) Regulations, 2010, the Monitoring and Mentoring Committee of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ganderbal convened a meeting on Thursday at Conference Hall, District Court Complex to review the functioning and performance of the Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs) and Panel Lawyers engaged in providing free legal services. The meeting was chaired by Abdul Nasir, Chairman, DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge), Ganderbal, in the presence of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, and Adv. Sajad Hyder Salathi, Member, Monitoring and Mentoring Committee. During the meeting, the Committee undertook a comprehensive review of legal aid cases and expressed satisfaction with the overall functioning of the Legal Aid Defence Counsels. However, it observed that in certain matters, particularly before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), some Panel Lawyers are not appearing personally and instead deputing junior advocates. The Committee directed all Panel Lawyers to ensure their personal appearance in assigned matters henceforth and to discharge their professional responsibilities with sincerity, diligence and commitment. The Committee further reiterated that legal aid cases shall continue to be assigned by the Secretary, DLSA in a fair, transparent and equitable manner among Panel Lawyers, while maintaining proper records of all assignments. However, Deputy Chief LADC was also directed to ensure equitable distribution of cases among LADCs under strict control of Secretary DLSA Ganderbal Emphasizing accountability, all LADCs were directed to maintain a daily work diary and submit consolidated monthly reports to the DLSA through the Deputy LADC. The Committee also stressed punctuality, professional conduct and adherence to the standards prescribed under the Modified Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme, 2022. The Committee expressed concern over the non-updation of case proceedings on the NALSA Portal despite previous directions. All LADCs and Panel Lawyers were directed to update the proceedings of all assigned legal aid cases on the NALSA Portal regularly and ensure that all pending updates are completed by 31st July, 2026. It was further resolved that failure to comply with these directions within the stipulated time may invite appropriate action under the applicable rules and guidelines, including withholding of honorarium wherever warranted. The Committee also discussed the importance of regular capacity building and legal awareness activities. It has observed that participation in training programmes and legal awareness initiatives is an integral part of the responsibilities of Panel Lawyers and LADCs. In this regard, all concerned were informed that a Two-Day Training-cum-Orientation Programme has already been scheduled for 29 and 30 July, 2026, and all LADCs and Panel Lawyers were directed to attend the programme without fail. The Committee further directed all Panel Lawyers and LADCs to ensure timely submission of case updates, reports and other information to the DLSA Office to facilitate effective monitoring of legal aid services. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Committee's commitment to strengthening the legal aid delivery system and ensuring that free and competent legal services are provided efficiently, professionally and in accordance with the objectives of NALSA.
Heavy rainfall: DC Anantnag visits high risk areas, takes stock of situation
Anantnag, Jul 23: Amid continuous inclement weather and heavy rainfall, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Thursday conducted an extensive tour of various high-risk locations, vulnerable riverside areas, and major streams across the district to assess the situation. The DC toured critical sites including Mehndi Kadal, Danter Bridge, Ashajipora Bye Pass, Deva Colony, Rooh, and Aang to observe the ground situation. He was accompanied by ADC, Dr. Muzamil Maqbool Beig; SE Hydraulics, Sareer Ahmad Wani; SE PWD, Syed Ishfaq Ahmad; ACR, Tariq Ahmad Malik; Tehsildar Anantnag, ExEn Flood Control, CEO and Secretary MCA and officials from other essential services. During the visit, the DC reviewed the water levels of key water bodies, including the Aripat, Bringi, and Lidder Nallahs, and evaluated the safety and mitigation measures implemented by the Flood Control, Public Works Department (R&B), Revenue, Police, SDRF, and other concerned agencies. He inspected the dewatering station at Mehndi Kadal and asked the concerned officers to closely monitor the water levels and act immediately when required, to avoid water logging in main town. The DC was informed that dewatering pumps have been actively deployed at crucial choke points and waterlogging has been cleared at major spots, including KP Road, Janglat Mandi, Ganjiwara, General Bus Stand, town interiors and other roadside areas. He was further informed that a number of nomadic, labor, and vulnerable families have been safely relocated to fully operational evacuation centers at Brakpora, Hiller, Aang, Bijbehara, and other high-risk places. Further, strengthening of river embankments by Sand and EC Bags has been carried out at various breach prone places including Batengu, Mehndi Kadal, Deva Colony, GMC Anantnag, Pushwara and Sagam. Taking stock of the situation, the DC directed that all departments must remain in a high state of alert and readiness to prevent any untoward incident related to life of residents and to minimise property damage. He called for seamless pre-positioning of joint response teams comprising officials of Revenue, Police, SDRF, CRPF, and civil administration at safer and strategic locations to ensure swift rescue operations, if required. He instructed for the prompt evacuation of nomadic groups, and labour communities residing near water bodies to nearby emergency shelters equipped with essential facilities. Interacting with local residents during his visit, the DC urged citizens to remain calm, avoid venturing near rivers and streams, restrict unnecessary travel until the weather improves, and strictly adhere to official advisories. While the overall situation in Anantnag district remains under control, the District Administration is continuously monitoring weather patterns as well as water levels and is prepared to handle both emergency mitigation and post-rainfall recovery.
J&KJA holds program on Juvenile Justice
Srinagar, Jul 23: Under the guidance of Justice Sindhu Sharma, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Chairperson, Committee under the Juvenile Justice Act, the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy today organized a Capacity-Building Programme on Juvenile Justice for the Principal Magistrates of the Juvenile Justice Boards. The programme was conducted in hybrid mode, with the Principal Magistrates from the Kashmir Division participating physically at the Academy's Mominabad Campus, Srinagar, while those from the Jammu Division joined virtually. The programme was also attended by the Newly Selected Civil Judges (Junior Division), Batch-2026, presently undergoing the Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme. The programme was organized pursuant to the approval of the Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, based on a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment undertaken by the Office of the Member Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee. It was also aimed at facilitating implementation of the directions issued by the Supreme Court of India in Juvenile Delinquent v. State of U.P. & Others (Criminal Appeal No. 2010 of 2026), along with the Standard Operating Procedure and the communication issued by the Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Director, Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy. Naseer Ahmad Dar who highlighted the significance of the programme in strengthening the implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. He emphasized the need for a child-centric and reformative approach while underscoring the importance of continuous judicial education in enhancing the capacity of judicial officers. The inaugural session was jointly conducted by Tabassum Wani, Joint Registrar Inspection, High Court Wing, Srinagar, and Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee. The resource persons discussed the key provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, including the powers and functions of Juvenile Justice Boards, child-friendly inquiry procedures, preliminary assessment under Section 15, Social Investigation Reports, the role of experts and important judicial precedents. The session featured interactive discussions and case studies emphasizing a child-centric and reformative approach. The second session, conducted by Tabassum Wani, focused on non-custodial measures, diversion and rehabilitation of children in conflict with law. Through practical case studies and discussions, the participants deliberated on bail under Section 12, preliminary assessment under Section 15, claims of juvenility, the distinction between children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, and the importance of safeguarding the identity and confidentiality of children. The post-lunch sessions were jointly conducted by Tabassum Qadir, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar and Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa, who deliberated on restorative justice in juvenile justice administration. They highlighted victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, accountability, rehabilitation and social reintegration. They emphasized trauma-informed judicial approaches, community participation and coordinated institutional support for the welfare and long-term rehabilitation of children in conflict with law. The programme witnessed active participation from the Principal Magistrates of Juvenile Justice Boards and the newly inducted Civil Judges (Junior Division), who engaged enthusiastically in the discussions and interactive sessions throughout the day. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the commitment of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the Juvenile Justice Committee and the J&K Judicial Academy towards continuous judicial education and capacity building for ensuring a sensitive, rights-based and effective juvenile justice delivery system in the Union Territory.
DC Kulgam reviews functioning of FCS&CA Dept
Kulgam, Jul 23: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, on Thursday chaired a review meeting to assess the functioning and performance of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department in the district. The meeting focused on the implementation of various public distribution schemes, availability of essential commodities, ration distribution, Aadhaar seeding, e-KYC progress, grievance redressal, and overall service delivery under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The DC reviewed the status of ration card management, distribution of food grains, and measures taken to ensure transparency and timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries. The DC stressed the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of essential commodities and ensuring uninterrupted supplies across all areas of the district. He focussed on prioritising the timely distribution of essentials along with strengthening the grievance redressal mechanism. Emphasizing accountability and efficiency, the Alam directed the concerned officers to address public grievances promptly, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and ensure that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of entitlements under government welfare schemes. The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Kulgam, Altaf Ahmad Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Vikar Ahmad Giri, Assistant Director, FCS&CA Kulgam, Iftikhar Ahmad Khan and Tehsil Supply Officers along with other concerned officials.
Odisha proposes radical reform in policy Nutan Sakala to curb trafficking of women, girls
Trafficking profile of the State raises concern as it has been recording highest number of human trafficking victims annually in India since 2021 with near-zero conviction rates in certain years
Onida plans comeback with new categories
Launching its flagship 100-inch QD Mini LED television,the CEO and managing director of Ondia Electronics Limited, Gunjan Shrivastava said that the company has also decided to keep its iconic horned devil and will come up with a new advertisement approach for devil in next few months
Protest held in Kolkata demanding Dharmendra Pradhans resignation
Cockroach Janata Party and other groups have called for rallies in Kolkata on Friday, July 24.
DC Sgr visits Shrine of Makhdoom Sahib (RA), reviews arrangements for upcoming Urs
Srinagar, Jul 23: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Thursday visited the Shrine of Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arfeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (R.A.) at Makhdoom Sahib in Shahr-e-Khaas to review preparations for the forthcoming annual Urs. He also visited Sharika Devi temple at Hari Parbat and participated in the Sharika Jayanti celebrations. During both visits, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of arrangements, interacted with shrine and temple management members, devotees and Officers and emphasized coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to ensure smooth, peaceful and hassle-free observance of the religious occasions. During the visit to Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADC, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed; IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas; Joint Commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Qureshi; CPO, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; CMO, Dr Tahir Sajad; Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE, City, KPDCL; Senior Officers of Police & Traffic departments, besides, members of Makhdoom Sahib Shrine Management and other concerned. The DC reviewed the arrangements being put in place for the annual Urs, including water supply, uninterrupted electricity, transport services, parking and traffic management, sanitation and cleanliness measures, street lighting and medical facilities. Interacting with local representatives, the DC sought their suggestions for further improving facilities for devotees expected to participate in large numbers. The DC directed the concerned departments to ensure availability of adequate drinking water at the shrine and maintain cleanliness in and around the premises. He instructed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation authorities to take necessary measures for sanitation, address the stray dog menace and ensure that all street lights in the area remain functional. Similarly, KPDCL Engineers were directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the Urs days. The DC also instructed the Health Department to establish a first-aid camp at the shrine for providing immediate medical assistance to devotees. He directed all line departments to ensure timely completion of all arrangements and maintain close coordination for the peaceful, safe and smooth conduct of the annual Urs. Later, on the auspicious occasion of Sharika Jayanti, the Deputy Commissioner visited Sharika Devi Temple at Hari Parbat and participated in the religious celebrations, which were observed with great devotion, spiritual fervour and enthusiasm. The DC paid obeisance at the revered temple and extended his warm greetings to devotees on the religious occasion. He interacted with devotees and officers and reviewed the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the celebrations. The event was organized in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere with the active participation of devotees, volunteers and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the coordinated efforts of all line departments, temple management members and volunteers for ensuring the successful conduct of the celebrations. Meanwhile, the District Administration Srinagar and concerned departments had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the convenience, safety and comfort of devotees. Pertinently, Sharika Jayanti is one of the most revered religious festivals of the Kashmiri Pandit community and holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. The festival is celebrated with traditional rituals and prayers, symbolizing faith, harmony and the rich composite cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
CS orders fast-track rollout of AI in governance across J&K
Srinagar, Jul 23: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress on adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance in J&K and establishment of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI here. The meeting, besides the concerned Administrative Secretaries was attended by representatives from Indian Institute of Technology Jammu; BISAG and other concerned officers of the Union Territory. Dulloo observed that AI has the potential to fundamentally transform governance by improving efficiency, transparency, responsiveness and quality of public services. He maintained that the Government must leverage emerging technologies not merely as digital tools but as strategic enablers for better governance, faster decision-making and enhanced citizen service delivery. He emphasised that technological solutions should complement the existing digital ecosystem instead of creating parallel systems, thereby ensuring optimal utilisation of public resources and seamless integration with existing platforms. The Chief Secretary called upon the Administrative Departments to proactively engage with the Information Technology Department for expeditious implementation of the identified use cases. He directed the departments to nominate dedicated nodal officers wherever required and ensure timely sharing of quality datasets essential for development, testing and validation of AI solutions. Dulloo further stressed that data quality, interoperability and departmental ownership would remain critical to the successful deployment of AI applications across government. The Chief Secretary directed that sector-specific workshops be organised with all departmental nodal officers, technology partners, domain experts, and implementation agencies to comprehensively assess data availability, infrastructure readiness, operational workflows, and field-level requirements before commencement of pilot projects. He observed that such collaborative exercises would facilitate preparation of realistic implementation roadmaps while enabling departments to identify operational challenges at an early stage. The CS also emphasised that progress achieved under each AI initiative shall be monitored on a regular basis through defined milestones and outcome indicators so that implementation bottlenecks are resolved in a time-bound manner. He stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholder departments to ensure that the identified AI initiatives translate into measurable improvements in governance across the Union Territory. Earlier, a detailed presentation was made by Commissioner Secretary IT, Saurabh Bhagat on the organisational framework, implementation strategy, current status and future roadmap of the Centre. The presentation also highlighted the action taken on the decisions of the UT Level Steering Committee, progress achieved on identified AI use cases and the proposed roadmap for pilot implementation across departments. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised of the progress achieved in establishing the MeitY Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence at IIT Jammu, conceived as a mission-mode national initiative to accelerate AI adoption across governance and public service delivery. He was informed that the Centre is being readied for operationalisation, with around 10,000 square feet of space already earmarked and infrastructure being prepared for occupancy by Aug this year. It was added that the implementation roadmap and key performance indicators have been finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, while procurement of high-performance computing infrastructure has been initiated for hosting the AI Digital Public Infrastructure (AI-DPI). Moreover, the meeting was also presented with a detailed status report on the Artificial Intelligence adoption programme being implemented across the Union Territory pursuant to the decisions of the Union Territory Level Steering Committee (UTLSC) on AI. A review was undertaken of twenty AI use cases identified across eight priority sectors. The Chief Secretary was informed that consultations have been held with several premier academic institutions and others for developing practical AI solutions tailored to the requirements of the Government. The meeting reviewed the progress achieved in respect of AI-enabled interventions for foundational literacy and numeracy etc. The status of departmental consultations, technical validations, pilot planning and stakeholder engagements undertaken for each use case was also reviewed in detail.
Supermicro Introduces New Server Portfolio with 6th Gen AMD EPYC 9006 Series CPUs, Delivering 1.7x Generational Performance Improvements
Manipur SIR: Search and download the list of deleted voters
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Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Telangana farmers caught between a dry spell and despair
Delayed rains, falling groundwater levels and the looming impact of El Nio have left thousands of farmers across Telangana anxiously watching the skies. While the State has rolled out a contingency plan urging a shift to less water-intensive crops, many cultivators have stayed with their traditional choices, hoping the monsoon will revive. As reservoirs run low and crop stress mounts, they remain caught between official advisories and age-old cropping patterns, reportK. Shiva ShankerandP. Laxma Reddy
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Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: CJP delegation will meet with government Ministers today, says sources
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U.P. oldest MLA Alam Badi Azmi dies, leaders express grief
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Coast Guard arrests four arms smugglers off Sundarbans
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Activist on hunger strike over Ken-Betwa river link project ends fast after 18 days
Mr. Bhatnagar of Jai Kisan Sangathan had been on a hunger strike for 18 days and was leading the protest, where several people from Chhatarpur and Panna districts had been demonstrating since July 4 against the 44,000-crore project of the Union Government by tying nooses around their necks and lying on makeshift pyres in the river in a symbolic protest
The war has had no clear mission, no strategy, no end goal, said Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat who led the resolution on the House floor
U.S. slaps 10% tariffs on goods imported from India over issue forced labour
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the new tariffs on 60 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act on July 24, a day before the expiration of 10% additional levies on all countries
The controversy unfolded at 10-10 in the second game between Indias two top womens paddlers. As Chitale, with the Jaguars playing only for pride, tossed the ball up to serve, Mukherjee was heard calling TTR aloud in an attempt to seek a Table Tennis Review
News from the world of Education: July 24, 2026
Information on admissions, scholarships, competitions for students, events for educators and more
Russia warns U.S. against Ukraine arms sales in Manila meeting
Mr. Lavrov and Rubio's meeting on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit, their first since September 2025, came as Washington's focus has switched from mediating in Ukraine to dealing with war in the West Asia
U.S. unveils new tariffs on 60 partners as Trump rebuilds trade agenda
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Warning signals for India from NATOs Ankara summit
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Core upgrade: On the Index of Core Industries
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Three days since July 20 violence, Delhi Police, MHA yet to acknowledge police excesses
Eenesh, a resident of Chhattisgarh, who took part in the protest, refuted the police claim that protesters threw bricks at them
CPI criticises Kerala Chief Minister on Waqf issue
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A hundred years ago | The Middle East vote
Governor emphasises need for coordination of tradition and technology
Governor of Karnataka Thawar Chand Gehlot has emphasised the need for coordinating heritage with modern technology so as to introduce and popularise Ayurveda at the global level
Security tightened across Kashmir after cops killing
Srinagar, Jul 23: Security forces on Thursday intensified counter terrorism operations across Kashmir, a day after a police constable was killed in a targeted terrorist attack in Anantnag. Security has also been strengthened across the Valley, with special checkpoints and vehicle checking points set up at several locations to maintain a strict vigil. As part of the operations, the houses of two alleged active Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) terrorists were demolished in separate actions in south Kashmir's Anantnag district during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. As perreports, the residence of Aadil Ahmad Thokar, aresident of Guri village,was demolished during the operation. In a separate action, the house of Haroon Rashid Ganai of Hassanpora Tawella in Bijbehara was also brought down. The operations were carried out as part of measures aimed at disrupting militant infrastructure and support networks. The intensified operations follow the killing of police constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was shot dead by terrorists in the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag on Wednesday. Qureshi was deployed for security duties related to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. Following the attack, security agencies expanded search operations across several districts of J&K. Officials said thousands of suspected overground workers and other persons are being questioned as part of the investigation to identify any support network linked to militant activities. Meanwhile, security arrangements across Kashmir have been further strengthened. Special nakas have been established at important road junctions, entry and exit points, and other sensitive locations across the Valley. Security personnel are carrying out round-the-clockchecking of vehicles and verifying the identity of commutersto prevent any untoward incident. Additional deployments have also been made along the Amarnath Yatra route to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Senior security officials said the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary measures have been put in place to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. Over 3,500 detained across valley More than 3,500 persons have been detained across the Valley as police on Thursday intensified search operations to track down the assailant who shot dead a police official in Anantnag district a day earlier. The anti-terror operations are in full swing and, so far, we have detained more than 3,500 suspects for questioning following the terror attack in Anantnag yesterday, a senior police official said. He said mobile vehicle check points have been established at various places to prevent the assailant and his accomplices from escaping. Additional police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in Anantnag and adjoining areas as cordon and search operations have intensified across the district, the official said. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has directed officials to intensify anti-terror operations to neutralise emerging security threats in the Union territory. Sinha gave these directions during a security review meeting with senior officials from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces and key security agencies. An official spokesperson said, The L-G directed officials to remain highly vigilant, step up intelligence-led anti-terror operations and proactively neutralise emerging security threats. The security review meeting was held a day after a lone terrorist shot dead a police official, deployed for Amarnath Yatra security, at Lal Chowk in Anantnag district. The meeting was attended by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt General Pratik Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and officials of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
The ethics of the share button
In less than two decades, social media has transformed from a curiosity into the main street of public conversation. From villages in north Kashmir to the lanes of old Srinagar, a cheap smartphone and a data pack are now enough to access the world. This revolution has brought undeniable benefits: voices once ignored are now heard, injustices can be documented in real time, and information travels faster than any newspaper delivery. Yet, alongside these gains, a darker reality has emerged, one that demands an honest reckoning with our individual and collective responsibility online. The same platforms that connect families across continents are also being used to spread rumours, stoke communal tensions, and amplify half-truths. A single unverified post can travel through hundreds of groups in minutes, creating panic or hatred long before the facts are known. We have seen how morphed images, fake screenshots, and misleading captions can turn neighbours against each other and erode trust in institutions. In such a fragile environment, shrugging off responsibility with the excuse that I only forwarded it is no longer acceptable. Responsibility on social media must begin with the individual. Before hitting the share button, users must pause and ask simple questions: Is this credible? Is it sourced? Who benefits if this goes viral? Fact-checking cannot be left to journalists and authorities alone; it must become a daily habit for every citizen. Schools, colleges, and community leaders have a duty to promote digital literacy, teaching young users not just how to use platforms, but how to question what they see on them. Equally, the platforms themselves cannot hide behind algorithms and disclaimers. Global technology companies profit from our attention, our data, and our disagreements. They must invest more in local language moderation, transparent policies, and swift action against accounts that repeatedly spread hate and misinformation. Regulatory frameworks, too, must strike a careful balance, protecting free expression while holding bad actors accountable. Ultimately, social media is only a mirror of the society that uses it. If we choose outrage over dialogue, sensation over truth, and speed over accuracy, the mirror will only magnify our worst instincts. But if we treat every post as a public act with moral, legal, and social consequences, these same platforms can strengthen democracy rather than weaken it. In Kashmir and beyond, the responsibility is ours: to ensure that the tools meant to connect us do not end up dividing us further.
As the Jhelum rises once again, Kashmir is reminded of a vulnerability that has never truly left our collective memory. The Divisional Commissioners assurance that water levels are under close watch, with control rooms operating round the clock, is welcome. But institutional alertness alone cannot shoulder the burden of safety; it must be matched by informed and disciplined public behaviour. The administration has rightly urged people, especially those living near embankments, not to panic but to remain alert and heed official advisories. Panic is itself a kind of flood: it overwhelms reason, clogs critical channels of communication, and spreads faster than the waters we fear. At the same time, mere appeals to stay calm ring hollow unless they are accompanied by transparent, timely updates and visible ground action. Confidence is not commanded; it is earned. The activation of control rooms at divisional and district levels, and the designation of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) helpline, are important steps. Yet their effectiveness depends on how reachable, responsive and coordinated they prove in an actual emergency. Authorities must ensure that every call is answered, every alert is verified, and every genuine grievance is acted upon without delay. A system that works only on paper is more dangerous than no system at all, because it breeds false security. For the public, this is a time to replace rumours with responsibility. Unverified social media forwards about breaches, evacuations or imminent floods can trigger chaos more rapidly than any official can contain. Citizens must rely on credible, official sources for information and resist the urge to amplify fear. Local community groups, masjid committees and mohalla networks can play a constructive role by relaying verified advisories, identifying vulnerable residents, and assisting in any organised evacuation if needed. The present situation also exposes a deeper question that cannot be deferred to the next crisis: what has really changed since 2014? Monitoring water levels and issuing advisories are reactive measures. True flood resilience demands sustained investment in embankment strengthening, drainage networks, wetland restoration and rigorous enforcement against encroachments on floodplains. Every year of complacency adds another inch to the height of our collective risk. Today, the message must be clear and balanced: there is no space for panic, but there is also no excuse for complacency. The administration must communicate with clarity and honesty; the public must respond with discipline and cooperation. The Jhelums rising waters are a test, not only of our infrastructure, but of our capacity to act as a responsible, informed society when it matters most.
Youth Must Not Become a Tool for Politics
India's youth are the nation's greatest strength. They are the architects of our future, the driving force behind innovation, and the foundation of a stronger and more prosperous India. Their energy and aspirations should be directed towards education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and nation-building, not towards becoming instruments of political agendas. The concerns raised by students over examination-related issues deserve to be heard with seriousness and sensitivity. Institutions must always remain transparent, accountable, and committed to protecting the interests of every deserving student. Wherever irregularities are alleged, they should be investigated fairly and corrective measures should be taken. At the same time, it is important to expose the double standards of the Congress party on this issue. We are firmly against paper leaks, and we have made every possible effort to curb them. But it is also a fact that during the Congress era, paper leak incidents surfaced repeatedly across several states. The scale of such malpractice was far greater then, and the youth suffered because of a system that lacked transparency and accountability. By bringing greater transparency into the process, we have been able to reduce this graph to a large extent. This progress, however, can only be sustained if the youth stand with truth and support reforms that strengthen the system. Unfortunately, Congress, in collusion with outside forces and driven by its own self-interest politics, is once again trying to misuse the emotions of young people. Instead of empowering students, it seeks to exploit them for political gain and create unrest for partisan objectives. Turning student concerns into prolonged political campaigns does little to serve the interests of young people. It risks diverting students from their education, careers, and aspirations while allowing political actors to exploit their emotions for partisan objectives. The Government of India has repeatedly assured students that their concerns will be addressed through institutional mechanisms and dialogue. It is important to strengthen confidence in these constitutional and legal processes rather than encouraging continuous political confrontation. India today is making significant progress in infrastructure, technology, innovation, defence, and economic growth. Such progress naturally attracts global attention, and India also faces security challenges from hostile elements that seek to exploit social divisions and public unrest. For this reason, all stakeholders must exercise responsibility and ensure that legitimate public concerns are not allowed to become opportunities for forces that wish to undermine peace, stability, and national unity. Young people should remain vigilant against attempts by any political group or vested interest to use them as instruments for short-term political gains. The future of our nation depends on educated, empowered, and confident youth, not on youth caught in cycles of political confrontation. I appeal to the youth of India to stay focused on their dreams, their education, and their careers. Raise your voice peacefully, seek justice through democratic institutions, and never allow anyone to misuse your aspirations for political purposes. Your future is too valuable to become a battleground for partisan politics. The youth of India are not political tools; they are the builders of a developed, secure, and self-reliant India. (The Author is State Spokesperson, BJP, Jammu & Kashmir-UT)
PM Modi promises 'more strict actions against paper leaks' amid CJP protests
In a self-recorded video shared on X, the Prime Minister announced that the Union Cabinet will take up a draft Bill providing for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. he said, I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts
Indias Digital Health BackboneABDM
More than 104 crore health records so far have been linked with ABHA, through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which the government calls one of the largest health programmes in the world. The agenda behind this health account is to connect a patient's health history with doctors, hospitals, and insurers on one network. Considering the advancing global standards of healthcare infrastructure, India is also moving away from traditional paper records and making it easier for citizens to reach healthcare. Ever since the ABDM started across the country, in 2021, it has grown as an ecosystem that links patients, hospitals, labs, and insurers together. One part of this system is Aarogya Setu 2.0. The app that began during COVID-19 as a contact tracing tool, which has now become a health app under ABDM. Launched in June 2026, by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. By virtue of this app, citizens are creating their ABHA ID, managing their health records, and registering at hospitals by scanning a code. It also has a feature called Smart Reports, which uses OCR technology to read documents. Patients using this app are checking their insurance details through NHCX, it has an option to find nearby hospitals, and even see blood availability through e-RaktKosh. The app also allows individuals to book doctor visits and track health data from wearable devices. Another service under ABDM is National Health Authoritys Scan and Share, which started in 2022. A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Health Management Research found that this mobile service has significantly streamlined outpatient registration by leveraging mobile technology and QR codes. The study further stated the patients are simply scanning a QR code at a hospital, and their details are pulled from their ABHA account. This creates a digital token in the queue. Henceforth, the waiting time dropped from around one hour to just 2 to 5 minutes, the study added. Official estimates are suggesting that more than 23.21 crore tokens have been issued as of June 2026. While the government is facilitating more and more hospitals as well as private clinics to join in this mission through the Digital Health Incentive Scheme. However, the hook is that any facility that wants to join will get money reimbursed for digitising their records, and they also get cash incentives for each record they link. The latest reports mention that as much as INR 107 crore has been given to different hospitals for digitizing. Similarly, labs and pharmacies have received INR 2.95 crore, and digital solution companies have been offered about INR 26 crore. Like many others Dr Praveen Sikka, who runs a pharmacy in Gurugram became a beneficiary of this scheme recently. Sikka registered on ABDM in about 2 hours. Now his patients are storing and viewing their records through the ABHA app, and his pharmacy earns money for every record it links. For smaller clinics, to reap benefits out of this mission, the government has built a tool called eSushrut@Clinic. Made for Development of Advanced Computing and launched last month. It helps clinics handle patient registration, billing, and reports. Only verified doctors and facilities can use it, checked through the Healthcare Professionals Registry and Health Facility Registry. As the statistics show that more than 2200 facilities have joined and created over 1633 health records. These records also connect with the National Health Claims Exchange, or NHCX, which handles insurance claims. This should make claims move faster, cut hospital paperwork, and let patients see their benefits and medical history in one place. Doctors can also see a patient's past treatment, with the patient's consent, which can cut down on repeated tests. The Unified Health Interface (UHI), lets any patient using a UHI app connect with any verified hospital or doctor, even if they use different platforms. Right now, it covers five services: (1)finding blood banks, (2)searching hospitals under PM Jan Arogya Yojana, (3)finding Jan Aushadhi Kendra stores for cheaper medicines, (4)booking ambulances, and (5)booking doctor visits. On privacy note, the data imported stays with whoever creates it, such as the hospital or lab. There is no single government server holding everything. Records move only when the patient agrees. New apps must pass tests in a sandbox and go through a security check before they can connect. In February 2026, the government started two programmes for AI in health: SAHI and BODH, at the India AI Impact Summit. SAHI sets rules for how AI should be used in healthcare. BODH lets developers train AI models without seeing raw patient data. As a large percentage of records are getting linked to ABHA accounts with each passing day, ABDM is destined to achieve the goal of a digital health record for every person across the country. (Courtesy: PIB Srinagar)
Students see familiar playbook as DU, colleges endorse govt. action
Shops, eating joints in CP close early, count losses
Volunteers scan crowd for unwanted elements, police in plainclothes
India-UK Free Trade Agreement: What's Missing From India's 'Most Ambitious' Trade Deal?
MAHIMA KATAL The IndiaUnited Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into force on July 15, has been hailed by both governments as a landmark in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a significant moment that would deepen economic ties, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier called it the beginning of a new era for trade and the economy. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has projected the agreement as transformational, highlighting duty-free access for nearly 99 per cent of India's exports, expanded opportunities for farmers, MSMEs and service providers, and relief for Indian professionals through a parallel Social Security Agreement. On paper, the deal is among India's most ambitious free trade agreements with a developed economy. It covers almost the entire trade basket, opens new avenues for services and mobility, lowers tariffs across hundreds of products and signals India's willingness to engage more deeply with advanced economies after years of cautious trade negotiations. Yet, like every major trade agreement, the real story lies not only in what has been includedbut also in what has been deliberately left out. A Trade Agreement, Not a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Despite its broad scope, CETA does not attempt to solve every challenge in India-UK economic relations. Several politically sensitive sectors remain protected. India has excluded products such as fresh apples, walnuts, certain dairy products, seeds, smartphones and gold bars from tariff concessions. The United Kingdom has similarly protected products including rice, sugar, eggs and several meat products. These exclusions reflect a familiar reality in international trade negotiations: free trade agreements rarely eliminate all trade barriers. Domestic political considerations continue to shape market access. Limited Agricultural Liberalisation Government statements have emphasised duty-free access for agricultural exports. However, the agreement stops short of creating a completely open agricultural market. Sensitive commoditiesincluding rice, sugar, poultry, pork and eggsremain outside the tariff liberalisation framework. For India, this protects domestic producers from import competition. For UK exporters, it limits market access in sectors where political sensitivities remain high. The result is an agreement that expands opportunities without fundamentally reshaping agricultural trade. No Major Shift in Pharmaceutical Intellectual Property One of the most closely watched aspects of any agreement involving a developed economy is intellectual property protection. In previous negotiations, developed countries have often sought stronger patent protections, patent-term extensions and pharmaceutical data exclusivity. India resisted those demands. Under CETA, India has not accepted patent-term extensions or pharmaceutical data exclusivity. Equally significant, compulsory licensing, a critical public health safeguard allowing governments to authorise production of patented medicines during emergencies, remains intact. For India's pharmaceutical industry, this represents continuity rather than change. Services Liberalisation Remains Selective India's comparative advantage lies in services rather than manufacturing. While CETA expands opportunities for IT professionals, consultants, educators, financial service providers and certain skilled workers, it falls well short of providing unrestricted labour mobility. The agreement creates quotas for chefs, yoga instructors and classical musicians and exempts temporary Indian workers from UK National Insurance contributions for up to five years. However, immigration policy remains firmly under British domestic control. Indian professionals will continue to require visas, satisfy licensing requirements and comply with UK immigration rules. In other words, the agreement facilitates movementbut does not guarantee it. Government Procurement Opens Only One Way One of the agreement's more notable provisions allows UK firms access to approximately 40,000 high-value central government procurement contracts in India. While this reflects India's willingness to open parts of its procurement market, questions remain about reciprocal opportunities. Indian companies continue to face practical barriers in bidding for government contracts abroad, particularly in areas where procurement policies remain influenced by domestic industrial priorities. Whether Indian firms derive comparable benefits will depend on implementation rather than treaty language alone. Climate and Sustainability Receive Limited Attention Modern trade agreements increasingly incorporate climate commitments, carbon adjustment mechanisms and sustainability obligations. CETA contains cooperation provisions but stops short of establishing robust environmental enforcement mechanisms. This omission may become increasingly relevant as carbon border adjustment measures and green industrial policies reshape international trade. Indian exporters may still need to independently comply with evolving environmental standards imposed by developed markets. Rules of Origin Could Become the Real Challenge The agreement promises duty-free market access for almost all Indian exports. Yet preferential tariffs are not automatic. Exporters must satisfy detailed Rules of Origin requirements demonstrating that products genuinely originate in India rather than merely passing through the country. For large exporters with established compliance systems, this may be manageable. For MSMEs: the very businesses the agreement seeks to empower, documentation, certification and compliance costs could become significant hurdles. The value of tariff concessions ultimately depends on whether businesses can actually utilise them. Tariff Reduction Does Not Guarantee Export Growth The agreement has generated considerable optimism around exports. But trade economists caution that lower tariffs alone do not ensure greater competitiveness. Indian exporters must still overcome challenges including logistics costs, infrastructure constraints, quality certification, regulatory compliance and supply chain efficiency. Without addressing these structural issues, preferential tariffs may not translate into proportional export growth. The experience of several earlier free trade agreements suggests that utilisation rates often remain below expectations, particularly among smaller firms unfamiliar with complex trade documentation. The Steel Question Remains Even as CETA enters into force, uncertainty persists in one important sector. The United Kingdom has introduced a stricter steel import regime that could affect Indian steel exports despite the broader trade agreement. This illustrates an important limitation of FTAs. Trade agreements reduce tariffs, but they do not eliminate all non-tariff barriers, safeguard measures or domestic regulatory actions. Consumer Gains Will Be Gradual Indian consumers are expected to benefit from lower prices on products such as Scotch whisky, premium automobiles, cosmetics, chocolates and certain imported goods. However, many tariff reductions will occur gradually over five to ten years rather than immediately. For example, duties on Scotch whisky will decline in phases, while tariffs on fully built UK vehicles will reduce over several years under quota-based arrangements. The headline numbers therefore mask a phased implementation process. A Strategic Signal Beyond the UK Perhaps CETA's greatest significance lies beyond bilateral trade. The agreement signals a broader shift in India's trade policy. After years of scepticism towards large trade blocs, including its decision to stay out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), India has increasingly pursued bilateral agreements with strategic partners such as the UAE, Australia, EFTA and now the United Kingdom. In that sense, CETA serves as a template for future negotiations with the European Union and potentially other developed economies. The IndiaUK Free Trade Agreement is undoubtedly one of India's most consequential trade agreements in recent years. It expands market access, strengthens services cooperation, reduces tariffs across thousands of products and provides meaningful benefits for many exporters and professionals. Yet it is not a comprehensive solution to every trade challenge. Sensitive sectors remain protected. Labour mobility remains limited. Environmental provisions are modest. Compliance burdens persist. Market access will depend as much on businesses' ability to navigate rules of origin, certification and regulatory requirements as on the treaty itself. The agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in India-UK economic relations, not the conclusion of it. Whether it ultimately delivers on its promise will depend less on the text of the agreement and more on how effectively governments, exporters and industries implement it over the coming decade.
Beyond Singular Meaning: New Horizons of Society and Education
DR SURENDRA KUMAR An informed introspection about the contemporary world clarifies that increasing disconnect between existence and human beings is a new norm largely considered an inevitable outcome emerged from the processes of modernisation. Ironically, this disconnect manifests continuously in so many ways, such as genocides/ brutality witnessed in day-to-day public as well as personal life, etc., but hardly these issues perturb human beings. How do we analyse human-made hot weather leading to forest fires burning 13.5 million hectares of forest across the world in 2024? The NDTV reported on 20/7/26 that the Uttarakhand Govt put a break on the proposed felling of around 3000 trees for the Rishikesh- Bhaniyawala four-lane project; obviously, the resistance of people ensured that the awakened CM realised heat leading to hold on the proposal. It raises a very pertinent issue. Why and how does education fail us to get connected and learn from what is happening in our surroundings? Have we not seen how paper leaks and issues of corruption are products of educated human beings? Have we not seen failure to empathise with students protesting for basic rights? Have we not witnessed what has happened to life in cities where human beings have established total conquest over nature? Are the educated people not participants in this conquest-oriented mindset that has deprived cities from providing pure air, clean water and accommodation to not only human beings but also all living beings? Why do the educated people accept the legitimacy of emerging fragmented consciousness generated out of these excluded spaces of cities? It is crystal clear that human beings have entered into a phase defined by not only conflict with nature and others, but also the human being is in conflict with himself/herself? It raises another question: who will save this human being situated in conflict with himself /herself, and which processes led to the emergence of this human being shaped by fragmented consciousness? Historically, the perspective which shaped the worldview of Modern human beings can be classified as Singular. No doubt, the spaces created by educational institutions in the modern period aimed to surpass limitations imposed by structures inhabited by human beings and facilitate coordination and communication among teachers as well as students as an associated way of life. Unfortunately, this aim has been negotiated differently in different countries; at the same time, pedagogy has overwhelmingly remained rooted in the singular meaning of words and concepts, leading to disconnection from emerging reality across time and space. The education rooted in a paradigm disconnected from reality is largely a Banking Model of Education argued by Paulo Freire in the book Pedagogy of the Oppressed. He raises a very valid issue that the school students raise more questions outside the school rather than inside the school; whether this conformity of education or Conceptualisation of Education as Training is a product of disconnected curriculum or disconnected educator, or narrowing down education as the Text based knowledge. Have we not read how the Guardian newspaper described the Dark side of Coaching Capital Kota ( 9/10/23) or the BBC reported cases of suicides ( 22/10/23) or the Indian Express stated Rajasthans Kota: the Killer Coaching Hub? It indicates that the proposition that education training has been falsified and new ways of conceptualisation of education, human beings and existence is crucial for meaningful existence. Pondering the question of what is education and what has to be educated, the point of departure is how human beings and education were conceptualised in World societies prior to 1492 and in countries premised on co-existence after 1492. Unlike the linearity of time/Primacy of Mind imposed since 1492 as the foundation of a conquest-oriented mindset, Time has existed in both linear and non-linear manner. Human beings engaged in issues of public life and personal life face an overlap of this notion of time; for example, a person is in a linear mode of time when engaged in office work; at the same time, he/she is in a non-linear mode of time when engaged in caring for family members or empathising with anybody in need at the office or outside the office. If the mind is the sole site of getting educated and text is the only source of education, how do we explain the timeless wisdom emerging out of nature, forests, Religious sites, and various elements of our existence? How do we resolve a contradiction when a person of 60 years makes a decision that may be legitimate at the age of 20 years? What corrupts an educated human being? Contrary to monolithic analysis of human beings in binary of mind & matter, A deeper analysis of human being shows that human being is a complex living being existing at the level of public, personal/family and cosmological level as well as corresponding to the surroundings at the level of body, mind and element beyond body & mind/soul conceptualised in Indic Traditions and argued by Giani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen. The crisis underlines the contradictory nature of the relationship between the evolution of body and mind. Biologically, the body expands and shrinks, but the mind/desires do not necessarily mature in the same manner as the body. Truly, the three-dimensional aspect of human beings shows that any monolithic process of education cannot educate a human being. It proves that the text, the space inhabited by human beings and the experience of interaction with existence are the most important constituent elements of the education process; human beings are educated continuously at every interaction with existence. Hence, these processes of education need to be appropriated and accommodated at every step of human beings, both at formal as well as informal levels. In other words, the process of life itself is educational, and the essence of this education is communication across spaces inhabited by Text, Classroom, Campus, society and the entire existence inhabited by non-human beings. A life lived at the level of public/society, family and cosmological level must be a shared and communicated life. In fact, John Dewey argued that there is a relation between three words: common, community and communication and the proximity of people becomes a community if it has commonality in aims, aspirations and goals of life. This commonality of goals, aims, and aspirations changes across time and space, and therefore, words acquire multiple meanings over a period of time. If education and society correspond to these overlapping meanings acquired by words and concepts, it is always rooted in reality and becomes a problem-posing education, enlightening and situating human beings beyond the singular perspective. Therefore, New Horizons of education and society must be rooted in reality and taking into consideration, beyond the singular perspective, along with classroom and text-based learning, the totality of knowledge and discourse that emerged in the processes of evolution of human beings in the space inhabited by existence. (The author is Associate Professor, University of Delhi. Email: humanrights_jnu@yahoo.co.in)
Kashmirs traditional Wagoo weaves a comeback, gets modern makeover
Srinagar, Jul 23: For generations, the golden strands of Wagoo, a traditional grass harvested from the waters of Dal Lake, were woven into mats that adorned almost every Kashmiri home. Once an inseparable part of the Valley's cultural identity, the craft gradually slipped into decline as synthetic matting and foam products replaced the handmade tradition, leaving hundreds of artisan families without a stable livelihood. Today, however, a quiet revival is taking shape along the shores of Dal Lake, where tradition is meeting innovation. Young artisans, guided by contemporary design ideas, are transforming Wagoo into a range of modern lifestyle products, giving the centuries-old craft a new lease of life. For many artisan families, the decline of Wagoo was more than the disappearance of a craft; it was the loss of their primary source of income. As demand for handmade mats declined, many craftsmen were forced to abandon weaving and take up daily wage labour to support their families. Recognising both the cultural and economic value of the craft, the Handloom and Handicrafts Department, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Kashmir, initiated a design intervention programme aimed at reviving Wagoo through innovation. Instead of limiting the material to traditional mats, artisans were trained to create contemporary home dcor and lifestyle products, including curtains, window blinds, table runners, tea coasters, decorative showpieces, flower vases, gift items and other handcrafted products. The initiative has opened new possibilities for local artisans, allowing them to cater not only to domestic buyers but also to tourists and international markets. We always wondered what could be done to save this craft, said one artisan. When the designer came and trained us, we realised that the same Wagoo could be turned into many modern products. Now it is no longer limited to mats. This development has given us hope that we can once again earn a respectable livelihood. Artisans say the biggest challenge remains attracting the younger generation. Traditional Wagoo weaving is highly time-consuming and often fails to provide returnsthat matchthe labour involved. As a result, many youngsters have chosen different professions. However, the introduction of modern product designs is slowly changing perceptions. Among those embracing the revival is Ifra Zehra, a Class 12 student from Mir Behri on the banks of Dal Lake. I am studying in Class 12, and alongside my education I am learning this craft, she said. I want to continue my studies while also mastering this work so that I can become self-reliant and create employment opportunities for other girls as well. Recalling her family's history, Ifra said her grandfather often spoke about the days when Wagoo weaving sustained the entire household. My grandfather told me that our family depended on this craft for generations. But when people shifted to synthetic matting, there was no work left, and many artisans had to leave the profession and work as labourers. I want this tradition to survive, she said. The revival has also been driven by designer Piyusha Patwardhan, an architect and product designer known for handcrafted sculptures, lighting and interior installations. Speaking about the initiative, Patwardhan said she was invited by NIFT Kashmir and the Handloom and Handicrafts Department to explore ways of making the traditional craft relevant for contemporary markets. For fifteen days, we worked closely with local artisans, she said. The objective was not to change the craft itself, but to give artisans a new perspective on how the same material can be transformed into products that appeal to modern consumers. She explained that the project combines Wagoo with Peacx, a water weed found in Dal Lake, to develop innovative handcrafted products suitable for interior dcor and sustainable design. Piyusha highlighted the natural qualities of Wagoo, saying the material offers excellent insulation, remains comfortable underfoot and blocks cold from below. These properties make it suitable not only for traditional mats but also for acoustic wall panels, ceiling elements and insulated interior products, she said. The designer believes that showcasing these products at interior design exhibitions and platforms such as Bharat Tex can create national and international demand. Wagoo is a sustainable material, and sustainability is the future. If we build the right market, this traditional craft can once again become a dependable source of livelihood for artisan families,Patwardhan added. As Dal Lake continues to nurture the grass that has sustained generations, the revival of Wagoo reflects more than the preservation of a traditional craft. It represents a renewed hope that innovation, combined with heritage, can create opportunities for Kashmir's artisans while ensuring that an age-old legacy continues to flourish for generations to come.
Rockstar helped me understand Kashmir, its people: Imtiaz Ali
Srinagar, Jul 23: Acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali enthralled a packed audience on the sixth day of the Chinar Book Festival on Thursday, offering rare insights into the creative, philosophical and spiritual influences that have shaped his life and some of Indian cinema's most celebrated films and songs. Reflecting on the role of spirituality in his personal and professional journey, Imtiaz said his upbringing played a defining role in shaping his worldview. My home was always filled with spiritual conversations, devotional music, Sufi kalaams and bhajans. Growing up in India also meant learning from the diverse spiritual traditions of the people around me. These influences naturally found their way into my films, he said. One of the highlights of the session came when the filmmaker shared the story behind Kun FayaKun,the iconic song from his 2011 film Rockstar. He revealed that the song drew inspiration from multiple spiritual traditions, including the Quran, the Rig Veda and the teachings of several saints and mystics. Recalling his school days, Ali said hehadborrowed Jawaharlal Nehrus The Discovery of India from his school library, where he first encountered the Nasadiya Sukta (Hymn of Creation) from the Rig Veda. One line completely mesmerised me: Then even nothingness was not, nor existence. I could not move beyond that sentence. Its philosophical depth stayed with me for decades and eventually inspired the opening lines of Kun Faya Kun, he said. The filmmaker also reminisced about shooting Rockstar in Kashmir, recalling the warmth and generosity extended by the people of the Valley during filming in Srinagar, Aru and Chandanwari. Sharing a little-known anecdote, he revealed that the traditional Kashmiri jewellery and attire worn by actor Nargis Fakhri during the wedding sequence in Rockstar belonged to Dr Amit Wanchoos mother. During an interactive question-and-answer session with students, Imtiaz described filmmaking as a lifelong journey of learning and exploration. Every film teaches you something new. Rockstar helped me understand different facets of Kashmir, its people and its traditions. Later, Laila Majnu gave opportunities to many Kashmiri actors, musicians and technicians, proving that regional talent can flourish in mainstream cinema, the filmmaker said. Encouraging young people to pursue creative careers with sincerity, Imtiaz Ali advised them not to be driven by the glamour associated with the film industry. Choose a creative profession only if you truly believe in it. Unlike many conventional careers, creative fields demand resilience and the courage to begin afresh with every project, he said. He also urged aspiring artists to remain authentic to their own experiences rather than believing that suffering alone produces meaningful art. You dont have to search for pain to create good art. Be truthful to your own experiences and emotions that honesty is what ultimately resonates, he said. Praising the younger generation, Imtiaz said he was encouraged by their desire to create meaningful change. I find today's youth more environmentally conscious, socially aware and eager to pursue work that creates value not just for themselves but also for society, he said. The session concluded with prolonged applause as students and cinema lovers interacted with the filmmaker, making it one of the most engaging and memorable events of this year's Chinar Book Festival.
July surprise: Fresh snowfall blankets Ladakhs high passes
Leh, Jul 23: In a rare weather event during the peak summer season, fresh snowfall was recorded at the high-altitude Wari La, Khardung La and Pensi La passes in Ladakh on Thursday, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and transforming the region's higher reaches into a winter-like landscape. The snowfall followed several days of persistent rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with the higher elevations receiving fresh snow. The sudden weather reversal reduced visibility and made roads slippery, prompting authorities to advise motorists to exercise extreme caution while travelling through the mountain passes. The prevailing wet weather has also disrupted normal movement on several routes, with road clearance teams remaining on alert. July is generally regarded as one of the warmest months in Ladakh. However, the ongoing spell of rain and snowfall has led to a significant decline in day temperatures, creating unusually cold conditions across several parts of the Union Territory. Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena said the region is witnessing unprecedented rainfall and inclement weather,resulting in the closure of several major roads and causinginconvenience to residents and travellers. I personally assessed the ground situation while returning to Leh from Nubra Valley. The impact on our infrastructure and connectivity is significant, and we are treating this with the utmost urgency, he said. The LG said the UT administration and the Union Territory Disaster Relief Force (UTDRF) have been directed to mobilise all available resources to minimise damage, clear blocked roads, and provide immediate rescue and relief to stranded people. The agencies are working on a war footing to prevent disasters and restore connectivity, he said. Officials said intermittent rain and snowfall may continue over the higher reaches if the current weather system persists. Authorities have urged tourists, transport operators and local residents to monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during adverse conditions, and strictly follow official advisories to ensure their safety.
Sonam Wangchuk has broken his fast, says co-convenor Leh Apex Body
He broke the fast in the presence of two Union Ministers on certain conditions, he says; Govt gave a written assurance that cases against students will be taken back, if they are not violent, Mr. Dorjay says
Students urged to explore new ways of acquiring knowledge
Srinagar, July 23: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Thursday postponed all university examinations scheduled for July 24 and 25, 2026,in view ofthe prevailing inclement weather conditions across the region. An official notice issued by the Assistant Controller of Examinations (Conduct)said the decision has been taken asa precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, faculty and examination staff amid the adverse weather. The notification stated that all university examinationsfixedfor July 24 and 25standpostponed with immediate effect. It added that fresh dates for the postponed examinations and papers will be announced separately in due course. The universityhasadvised students not to report to their respective examination centres on the scheduled dates and instead remain updated through official communication channels regarding the revised examination schedule. The decision comes amid continuing inclement weather conditions affecting several parts of J&K, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to avoid inconvenience and ensure the safety of students and university staff. Students have been advised to regularly visit the university's official website and follow official notifications for further updates on the rescheduled examinations.
Flood threat looms as Jhelum crosses alert mark
Srinagar, Jul 23: The flood threatlooms across the Valley and at several places in the Jammu division as the water level in the river Jhelum and other water bodies crossed the flood alert mark, prompting the government to keep itsmenand machinery ready to tackle any emerging situation. Kashmir's lifeline, the Jhelum, was flowing above the flood declaration mark at Pampore and Ram Munshi Bagh by 9:00 pm, while the Sheshnag Nallah in Pahalgam was flowing above the danger mark. According to details, the ongoing wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir has increased the water level in various water bodies. The water was flowing above the flood alert mark in the Chenab river as well, and families living close to the water body have been evacuated to safer places. Officials saidthat the SDRF hasevacuated four to five families living near riverbanks and continued round-the-clock patrolling. An advisory was also issued, asking people to stay away from rivers and streams. As the water crossed the flood alert mark, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department issued an advisory to the public, asking them not to venture near water bodies. It was statedthat thewater levels at the Sangam and Ram Munshibagh monitoring stations are expected to reach the warning level shortly. The Chief Engineer of the I&FC Department, Kashmir, Showkat Hussain, directed all officers and officials from other departments of South and Central Kashmir assigned to flood duty to report to their respective duty locations without delay. Rainfall continued at multiple places across J&K, with south Kashmir witnessing moderate rainfall intermittently throughout the day, while the intensity declined in Srinagar and other adjacent areas. Moderate rainfall was also witnessed in the Chenab valley and a few places in the Pir Panjal Range. Significant rainfall of 119.5 mm was recorded at Reasi in the past 24 hours (till 8:30 AM), followed by Samba with 97.4 mm. Jammu recorded 60.6 mm, Gulmarg 39 mm, Batote 60.4 mm, Baramulla 30.5 mm, Rajouri 32.6 mm, Ramban 71.5 mm, Pahalgam 60.2 mm, Kokernag 47.9 mm, Qazigund 73.3 mm, and Srinagar 15.6 mm. Moreover,during the period between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, Srinagar recorded 0.5 mm of rainfall,while Qazigund recorded 20.2 mm, Pahalgam (7.4 mm), Kokernag (18.8 mm), and Gulmarg (10.6 mm) in the Kashmir division. In the Jammu division, Batote station witnessed the highest precipitation of 53.9 mm during this period, while Jammu recorded 8.2 mm, Banihal (20.6 mm), Katra (9.2 mm), and Bhaderwah (48.2 mm). Meanwhile, the rains brought the mercury further down, with maximum temperatures continuing to settle below normal at multiple places. Srinagar recorded a day temperature of 21.6C, Qazigund (19.5C), Pahalgam (17.5C), Gulmarg (16.6C), Jammu (28.4C), Banihal (20.2C), Batote (19.9C), Katra (25.6C), and Bhaderwah (19.1C). Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, in a detailed forecast, said that a spell of light to moderate rain is expected at many places during the early morning and may intermittently continuetillthe afternoon of July 24, improving thereafter. Ahmad further said that a spell of rain and thundershower is expected at scattered places, with brief intense showers at a few places in the Jammu division from July 25 to July 27. He added that a fresh spell of moderate to heavy showers is most likely to occur in the Jammu division from July 28 to July 30. An advisory has been issued by the MeT, stating that there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rain and brief intense heavy showers in a few districts of south Kashmir and a few districts of the Jammu division during July 23 and July 24. It reads that there is a possibility of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in a few vulnerable places, while a rise in water levels in rivers and tributaries is expected during the next 12 hours, with a gradual decrease thereafter.
NHAI begins demolishing encroachments on service lanes of Chennai-Bengaluru Highway in Vellore
VijaysJanaNayaganhits the screens across State; cinemas see good footfall
Cinema owners in the southern districts report a noticeable increase in womenturning up for first day shows. For Friday, most cinemas in Chennai say occupancy levels are around 70%-75%
Protests over NEET paper leak intensify nationwide
Student outfits, civil society groups, and political parties hit the streets demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan; protest marches turn confrontational in several districts of Kerala; police stop protesters in A.P.; security personnel resort to baton-charge in Bihar
Singai Ramachandran quits AIADMK; Velumani, Viswanathan absent at meeting chaired by Palaniswami
World Hepatitis Day webinar to be held on July 27
Experts will discuss causes, transmission, prevention, early detection and advances in treatment, while addressing common misconceptions about viral hepatitis
Ganderbal advocate clears prestigious All India Bar Examination
Ganderbal, July 23: Bringing laurels to Ganderbal district, young advocate Anurag Verma qualified the prestigious All India Bar Examination (AIBE), a milestone that grants advocates the right to practice law across courts in India. Speaking after his success, Anurag Verma described the AIBE as one of the most important examinations for every law graduate in the country. He said that around 1.75 lakh candidates appeared for the examination, of whom nearly 1.10 lakh qualified. Passing the examination is mandatory for advocates to obtain a Certificate of Practice, enabling them to appear before courts across India. Explaining the significance of the examination, Verma said that after completing a law degree, advocates initially receive a provisional licence from their respective State Bar Council. However, to continue practising independently and across different states, qualifying the AIBE is essential. He said the examination is an open-book, multiple-choice (MCQ) test that requires a strong understanding of constitutional provisions, legal sections, landmark judgments and various statutes. Despite access to legal books during the examination, he noted that success depends on conceptual clarity rather than simply referring to books. Verma said he had confidence in clearing the examination because of his consistent legal studies and practical understanding of the subject. He recalled learning about his result while attending a seminar, after which he immediately shared the good news with his family. Reflecting on his career choice, Verma revealed that he had initially aspired to join the civil services. However, during his internship in the courts, he realised that the legal profession offered him a greater opportunity to serve society by protecting the rights of ordinary citizens. Our duty as lawyers is not to determine whether a client is guilty or innocent. That responsibility lies with the courts. Our role is to ensure that every individual receives a fair legal defence and that no one's constitutional or legal rights are violated, he said. Verma expressed concern over the limited legal awareness among people in Jammu and Kashmir. He observed that many citizens often accept administrative decisions without knowing that they have legal remedies available through the judiciary. He urged people to approach lawyers whenever they believe their rights have been infringed instead of silently enduring injustice. Citing issues such as delays in passport verification and other administrative matters, he said many problems can be resolved through proper legal consultation. Our vision is to educate people about their legal rights and make legal awareness more accessible across Kashmir. A well-informed society is essential for ensuring justice and protecting individual freedoms, he added. Verma's father, Sanjay Verma who runs a private school congratulated his son on the achievement and shared an emotional message for parents. He recalled that Anurag had earlier qualified both NEET and JEE, but later chose to pursue law despite expectations of entering the medical profession. Admitting that he had initially encouraged his son towards medicine, Sanjay Verma said he now believes parents should allow children to pursue careers according to their interests and talents. It is not necessary that every child becomes a doctor or an engineer. Parents should recognise the strengths of their children and encourage them to excel in whichever field they choose, he said. He also appealed to parents to spend more time with their children, encourage open communication and keep them away from social evils such as drug abuse through guidance and emotional support.
Fifty years ago | W. German programme for medicos from third world
