Supreme Court refuses to transfer Tirupathi ghee adulteration case out of Andhra Pradesh
CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations into the case had revealed a 250 crore scam involving the supply of 68 lakh kg of fake and synthetic ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) between 2019 and 2024
The war that defeated America First
The central question now is whether Washington can recover the capacity to distinguish supporting an ally from subordinating its own interests
Younger, dynamic Democratic leaders dealt a decisive blow to Trumpism
These leaders are ideologically and socially diverse, but for the most part, they fall on a progressive spectrum
Farmers opposing the project say the figure reflects a reluctance among farmers to part with their land while officials of GBDA, the implementing agency, attribute the slow pace to a lengthy and cumbersome process
U.S. midterm elections witnesshistoric firsts:FirstBlack woman governor tofirst Muslim senator
The US midterm elections delivered a series of historic firsts by electing a Black female governor, a Muslim senator and openly gay male US senator
Dragon Ball Z composer Nathan Johnson elected Texas attorney general
The former anime composer has made an unexpected transition from scoring Gokus adventures to becoming Texas top lawyer, after winning the states attorney general election
The move comes after Kochi MLA Mohammed Shiyas met Minister for Local Self-Government K.M. Shaji along with P&T Apartment Protest Committee president Abhilash P. Parameswaran in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
Tanvi Patri becomes first Indian badminton player to reach Youth Olympic badminton final
The 15-year-old from Odisha continued her impressive run, stunning Japans second seed, Yuzuno Watanabe, 21-14, 11-21, 21-19, in a hard-fought 54-minute semifinal to book her place in the title clash
The Angry Birds Movie 3 trailer: Jason Sudeikis Red faces fatherhood and a new threat to Bird Island
Reds latest adventure brings family responsibilities into the mix, as the animated franchise returns with a new mission and an original song by BLACKPINKs JISOO
Keralam Higher Education dept seeks explanation from Calicut University over pro-V-Cs appointment
Department has sought to know how P. Rasheed Ahammed, the PVC, was relieved of duties from his parent institution and permitted to assume charge on deputation without obtaining prior sanction from government
Fire breaks out at factory in Delhis Narela Industrial Area
The fire prompted the deployment of 10 fire tenders
What Canvas layoffs reveal about its AI challenges | Explained
While the popular graphic design platform is preparing to lay off almost a quarter of its company, dedicated Canva users and customers had shared their concerns much earlier
Nothing to launch its first AI-native product next month
According to Carl Pei, AIs primary value lies in professional productivity and solving the technologys critical context gap.
Several feared trapped after three-storey building collapses in Delhis Chawri Bazaar
At least six fire units, including water tenders and rescue vehicles, have been rushed to the spot with senior officers supervising the rescue operation, the officials said
Vance eyes own trail in America First politics in Republican rout
What continues to work for Mr. Vance is that he manages to challenge and critique Mr. Trump without triggering a meltdown from the latter. Whether he can continue in that manner all the way to the 2028 election remains to be seen. But Mr. Vance would be perfectly capable of carrying forward his own version of America First without Mr. Trump
Champions League: Real Madrid pulls off another comeback, Liverpool beaten by Fenerbahce
In some other results, Manchester City battled to victory over RB Leipzig after twice blowing leads, and Como beat Lens
A 2019-batch DANIPS officer, Vashishta has served with the Sashastra Seema Bal and in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was suspended hours after police personnel protested his transfer.
Deepavali in Hyderabad: Stories of sweets, family and finding inner light
From homemade sweets and family gatherings to new traditions and the pursuit of inner light, these personal reflections explore the many ways people celebrate the Festival of Lights
Tamil Nadu seeks urgent oral mentioning in Supreme Court over Cauvery water issue
The court agreed to list the plea early
Anurag Gupta takes water hyacinth from pond to runway
At Lakm Fashion Week, designer Anurag Gupta turns invasive water hyacinth from village ponds into sustainable couture, drawing on the craft skills of women from his hometown of Biskohar, Uttar Pradesh, a community historically associated with hereditary sex work
Collins Dictionary chooses mogging as its 2026 word of the year
Collins Dictionary has named mogging as its word of the year
From sea to market: How mussels sustain livelihoods along Thiruvananthapurams shore
In Thiruvananthapurams rocky coastal belt, mussel harvesting peaks between September and February, pushing the shellfish from rocky shores into bustling city markets and restaurants. The mussels, harvested from Vizhinjam, Kovalam, Azhimala, Poonthura and Muthalappozhi, among other nearshore hamlets in the Keralam capital, fetch up to 15,000 in auctions, sustaining a community of divers whose livelihood depend on the sea and its seasonal bounty.
Amish Shah claims victory in Arizona, sixth Indian-American in U.S. House
Amish Shah made history as he became the first Indian-American to represent Arizona in Congress. By defeating Feely, Mr. Shah flipped a Republican-held seat
Professor Romila Thapar says a Hindutva reading of Indian history cannot be single and fixed and argues that historical inquiry must explain the evolution of Indian society rather than construct statements for contemporary political use
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2nd national security case
The 30-year-old is already serving a four-year, eight-month prison term for the city's biggest national security case
Bengal may allow Chhath Puja at Rabindra Sarobar despite court ban
Minister Agnimitra Paul says the government will take precautions to prevent pollution; environmentalists warn that large gatherings could damage the lakes ecology
Christian representatives meet West Bengal RSS leader over mob attacks on congregations and churches
Senior RSS functionary from West Bengal Jishnu Basu, the Saha Khetra Prachar Pramukh of South Bengal, said that dialogue will continue with the representatives of Christian organisations but there are genuine concerns about forced conversion
Bengaluru man robbed after being lured through dating app
Initially, the complainant did not mention anything to the police about the dating app
Google extends voluntary buyout offers to employees in several countries
Alphabets workforce has grown steadily in recent quarters, but it has sought to shift resources toward priority areas
Delhi High Court refuses to entertain PIL to stay release of Sunny Deol-starrer Suryaa
A Bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma said there was no reason to entertain a separate petition when the issue was already being examined by a single judge bench
Jaishankar urges Commonwealth partners to 'de-risk and diversify'
S. Jaishankar said Commonwealth partners need to make more efforts to enhance local distribution, adding that more connectivity corridors are good for business
Donald Trumps midterm defeat dims hopes of North Korea meeting
Mr. Kims powerful sister Kim Yo Jong signalled that there was little appetite for renewed dialogue with Washington, saying Pyongyang had no need to sit face to face with such unreliable and hostile persons
OpenAI says ready to IPO in 2027, now counts majority of sales from enterprises
Greg Brockman said the AI lab has been ramping up sales to businesses in competition with rival Anthropic
DRI seizes 7.85 kg of hashish smuggled from U.S. to Mumbai in mirror frame; one arrested
Following the seizure, DRI officials traced the consignee of the parcel and arrested the person on November 2 under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The agency has not disclosed the identity of the arrested person
Eight rescuers missing in Telanganas Peddacheruvu saved; search on for three others
The incident occurred when two inflatable boats carrying 11 personnel capsized in the swollen rivulet while the rescue teams were attempting to evacuate five fishermen stranded in the floodwaters
Non-teaching staff outplay faculty in cricket, football at NIT
Srinagar, Nov 03: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar organised friendly cricket and football competitions as part of the concluding celebrations of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, transparency and ethical conduct among teaching faculty and non-teaching staff. In the cricket encounter, Non-Teaching Faculty registered a convincing nine-wicket victory over the Teaching Faculty team, successfully chasing a target of 165 runs in just 16 overs. Batting first, Teaching NIT Srinagar posted 164/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Taha Manzoor scored 38 runs off 29 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while Vipin Singh remained unbeaten on 38 off 19 deliveries, with three fours and two sixes. Dr Shakeel Waseem contributed 14 runs, while Dr Majid Hussain remained unbeaten on 14. Faisal Rasool and Malik Parvaiz scored 10 runs each. For the non-teaching team, Dr Mohsin and Saqib Malik claimed two wickets each, while Shahid Hamid picked up one wicket. In reply, Non-Teaching Faculty produced an impressive batting performance, reaching 165/1 in 16 overs. Aaqib Sheikh led the chase with an unbeaten 94 off 60 balls, smashing 15 fours and three sixes. Murtaza Ali contributed 54 runs off 32 deliveries, including seven fours and one six, before being run out. Shahid Hamid remained unbeaten. The Non-Teaching team completed the chase comfortably, securing a nine-wicket victory with four overs to spare. In the football competition, the Non-Teaching Staff team also emerged victorious against the Teaching Faculty team. Mohd Amin Teli scored the decisive goal to secure victory for his side. The sporting events witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty and non-faculty members, providing employees an opportunity to engage in healthy sporting activities while reinforcing unity, cooperation and collective responsibility. Dr Shakeel Waseem represented the Teaching Faculty team in cricket, while Faisal Irshad Ganai represented the Non-Teaching team. Similarly, Dr Manoj Kumar captained the Teaching Faculty football team, while Incharge Security Officer Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat represented the Non-Teaching Staff team. The initiative was organised under the guidance of the Institute's Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) and Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahangar, as part of NIT Srinagar's broader efforts to create awareness about transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public institutions. Registrar and Chief Vigilance Officer felicitated the winning teams of the Vigilance Awareness Week Cup and appreciated the participants for their enthusiasm, sportsmanship and active involvement in the competitions. Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, emphasised that sporting activities serve as an effective medium for reinforcing values such as fairness, discipline, honesty and respect for rules, which are equally essential for promoting integrity and probity in public life. He said such initiatives complement conventional awareness programmes by encouraging teamwork, mutual respect and a sense of collective responsibility. Prof. Misra further said that the Institute observed Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 from October 26 to November 1 under the theme 'Probity for Prosperity' with a series of activities aimed at sensitising employees and students about ethical practices, transparency and accountability. The matches provided a platform for employees from different departments to interact beyond their routine professional engagements, highlighting the importance of sports in strengthening institutional bonds, encouraging healthy competition and promoting integrity, teamwork and mutual respect.
World One Health Day : SKUAST-K releases draft antimicrobial stewardship guide for dairy cattle
Shuhama, Nov 4: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) released a draft framework document titled Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines for Dairy Cattle in Kashmir as part of its observance of World One Health Day 2026 at the Faculty Outreach Centre, Shuhama. Organised by the Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (FVSc & AH), the programme was held under the global theme Act Together for One Health and the event theme One Health in Action: Honouring the Frontline Workers. The 28-page draft framework seeks to promote responsible antimicrobial use in dairy cattle and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship practices in the region. The document is being shared with stakeholders for feedback and suggestions. Highlighting the contribution of frontline workers to veterinary healthcare and public health, the programme also featured the felicitation of veterinary hospital workers and distribution of Worker Health, Hygiene and Safety Kits. Winners of the One Health Student Quiz Competition were also felicitated. The programme further featured a theme lecture on Hospital Waste Management by Dr Amatul Muhee, who highlighted the importance of appropriate waste management practices in maintaining safe and hygienic healthcare environments. The programme was attended by Dr Akram Hussain, Dr Sabiya Qureshi, Dr Amatul Muhee, Dr Afzal Akhand, Shabir Hamdani, Dr Malik Hussain, students, veterinary hospital workers and teaching and non-teaching staff. The Division acknowledged the efforts of its teaching and non-teaching staff in organising the observance and compiling the draft framework document, describing the initiative as part of its efforts to strengthen the institutionalisation of the One Health approach at SKUAST-K through research, responsible antimicrobial use, occupational safety and stakeholder engagement.
IUST organises outreach programme for CWSN
Awantipora, Nov 4: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organised an outreach programme for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), in collaboration with the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Pulwama, under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The initiative aimed at promoting inclusion, community engagement and exposure to university life. Coordinated by the Office of the Dean Outreach in collaboration with the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, IUST, the programme brought around 60 students, accompanied by their teachers and parents, to the University campus. The students visited various university facilities, including the Rumi Library and the athletic track. The Directorate of Physical Education and Sports organised specially designed sports and recreational activities, taking into account the diverse abilities of the participating children. The programme concluded with the felicitation of the students in recognition of their participation. Anjum Raja, Chief Education Officer, Pulwama, appreciated the University's initiative and highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in providing children with special needs opportunities for exposure, interaction and confidence-building. She also felicitated the students for their active participation in the programme. Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, IUST, highlighted the University's ongoing extension education and outreach initiatives, under which thousands of school and college students visit the campus every year. She informed that over 3,000 students had visited the University during the last seven months. She said that bringing children with special needs into the ambit of these programmes was a meaningful step towards making university experiences and opportunities accessible to all. Dr. Iqbal Qureshi, Officer In-charge, Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, IUST, underscored the role of sports and physical activities in promoting confidence, teamwork and overall well-being. He appreciated the students' enthusiastic participation. The students were also briefed about the University's academic programmes, career pathways and available scholarship and sponsorship opportunities to familiarise them with higher education prospects.
Oil prices hit two-month low after U.S. Democratic win
Brent crude futures dropped 1% to $93.5 per barrel, after an 8.7% slide in the previous session
Saurabh Bhagat reviews functioning of FCS&CA Kashmir
Srinagar, Nov 4: Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Saurabh Bhagat, on Wednesday visited Directorate of FCS&CA Kashmir at Shaheed Gunj, here, and convened a review meeting with the Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division, Assistant Directors FCS&CA Kashmir and officers of NIC, UIDAI, FCI and JKRTC and Punjab National Bank. Nazim Zai Khan, Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Joint Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Financial Advisor FCS&CA Kashmir and Deputy Director FCS&CA Kashmir were present while all the Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Directors joined virtually. The Commissioner Secretary also visited the ongoing works in the Directorate, including construction of the new administrative block and convention centre. He issued directions regarding the dumping of essential commodities at winter zones, main border points and other strategic locations to ensure uninterrupted supply during winter. The implementation of CBDC was discussed with the Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Directors, UIDAI, NIC and the Punjab National Bank representative. Srinagar, the pilot district, was specially directed to complete all necessary steps while the remaining districts were asked to keep the required steps in place for early rollout. The Commissioner Secretary asked all Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Directors were directed to complete 100% e-KYC by the end of this month. He stressed that it is essential for authenticating beneficiaries, eliminating duplicate and ineligible entries and ensuring transparency. He directed the officers to intensify field-level efforts, coordinate closely with NIC and UIDAI and monitor progress so that no eligible beneficiary is left out. Regarding rightful targeting, the Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Directors were directed to complete the fresh list of suspected beneficiaries at the earliest and finalize all necessary action by the end of this month. Regarding facial authentication, all Assistant Directors FCS&CA Kashmir were directed to ensure that all dealers are ready by taking the required steps. Grievances must be disposed of within the prescribed timeframe. Saurabh Bhagat appreciated the working of the Directorate of FCS&CA Kashmir and its officers for their dedication, efficiency and commitment in ensuring smooth delivery of essential commodities and public services.
Ensure winter readiness, uninterrupted drug supply: Secretary Health to officers
Jammu, Nov 4: Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, Saugat Biswas on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review winter preparedness and contingency arrangements across healthcare institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioners, Managing Director, NHM, Deputy Commissioners, Directors of Health Services, Jammu and Kashmir, Managing Director, JKMSCL, Principals of all GMCs, Heads of Departments and other senior officers of the Health Department. The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of healthcare preparedness, with special emphasis on winter-bound and snowbound areas and the availability of 44 ambulances in such regions. The situation in vulnerable districts of Jammu Division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban and Kathua, was reviewed, along with snowbound and remote areas of Kashmir Division, particularly Gurez in Bandipora, Tangdhar and Teetwal in Kupwara, and the upper reaches of Baramulla. The Directors of Health Services, Chief Medical Officers and Block Medical Officers were directed to identify and maintain updated lists of vulnerable and high-risk populations, particularly pregnant women, in these areas to facilitate timely medical intervention and evacuation in case of emergencies. The Managing Director, JKMSCL, and both Directors of Health Services were directed to ensure adequate availability of essential medicines and drugs, functional ambulances and proper heating arrangements in all healthcare institutions. To address critical medical emergencies in inaccessible and snowbound areas, both Divisional Commissioners were advised to maintain close coordination with the Civil Aviation Department to facilitate helicopter evacuation wherever required. The Commissioner/Secretary directed all Heads of Departments, Principals of Government Medical Colleges and district-level officers to maintain close inter-departmental coordination and ensure timely implementation of the preparedness measures. He stressed that all necessary arrangements must be put in place to ensure uninterrupted, accessible and hassle-free healthcare services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir throughout the winter months.
JAC stance remains firm; Govt breaks KHADC locks on Ropeway site
Shillong, Nov 4: The confrontation between the state government and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) came to a head today as officials from the former broke open the locks that had been used to seal the Shillong Peak Ropeway project site office. Police, working under the orders of Executive Magistrates and the District Magistrate [] The post JAC stance remains firm; Govt breaks KHADC locks on Ropeway site first appeared on Highland Post .
High Court frees 5 men, says jail would break families
Shillong, Nov 4: The Meghalaya High Court of Meghalaya has quashed five POCSO cases in two days, holding that in each case the man and woman are now living together as husband and wife with children, and sending the man to jail would cause greater injustice to the woman and child. Chief Justice Revati Mohite [] The post High Court frees 5 men, says jail would break families first appeared on Highland Post .
New rule for private schools: No more salary grants, only pay for performance
Shillong, Nov 4: The Meghalaya government has scrapped fresh salary grants to private schools and launched a new scheme that will pay schools only if they perform. The scheme is called Chief Ministers Initiative to Maximize Pass Achievement and Classroom Triumph PLUS, or CM-IMPACT PLUS. The Education Department issued the notification on Wednesday. From now [] The post New rule for private schools: No more salary grants, only pay for performance first appeared on Highland Post .
Telugu indie music takes centrestage in The Moonshine Project in Hyderabad
As the alternative live music venue gets set to open a new branch, co-founder Hemender Reddy looks back on the journey, their artist-first philosophy, building communities and a dream to put Hyderabad on the live music map
Everyone in NPP onboard with Paul induction: Conrad but no space for more BJP members
Shillong, Nov 4: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said the decision to induct Paul Lyngdoh into the Meghalaya cabinet had been accepted by National Peoples Party (NPP) legislators and there is no disagreement within the party over the appointment. Lyngdoh joined the NPP last month from the United Democratic Party (UDP) and was almost [] The post Everyone in NPP onboard with Paul induction: Conrad but no space for more BJP members first appeared on Highland Post .
What the U.S. midterms mean for ties with China
Here is how the outcome of the vote, which offers the Democratic Party the power to stymie President Donald Trumps maverick foreign policy, could impact the thorny relationship between Washington and Beijing
Meghalaya Needs To Rediscover The Spirit Of Regionalism
By Roy Kupar Synrem Meghalaya was born out of a powerful regional movement. Yet, more than five decades after attaining statehood, we find ourselves confronting an uncomfortable paradox: regionalism appears to be losing ground in the very State that was created through its strength. The question we must ask ourselves is simple but deeply troubling: [] The post Meghalaya Needs To Rediscover The Spirit Of Regionalism first appeared on Highland Post .
How a party like the United Democratic Party (UDP) once a powerful force in Meghalaya politics, has been decimated by one persons ego is a story of political self-destruction. The UDP, which reached its electoral peak in its debut election in 1998, was founded in 1997 through the merger of three regional factions. The party [] The post The end of UDP? first appeared on Highland Post .
Editor, No kudos is enough to the Highland Post for the excellent editorial titled Learned Violence (November 3). Very rightly it has been asserted that Children do not become violent overnight. Rather they learn what they see i.e. the rampant violence at home, neighbourhood and mobile screens wherein the Games encourage violence (virtually) with reward [] The post Children Learn What They See first appeared on Highland Post .
U.S. slaps sanctions on Indian, Turkish firms and people for aiding Iran
The sanctions are part of the Trump administrations Operation Economic Outcast, which aims to cut off Irans ability to sell oil to fund the war with the U.S. and Israel
US Midterm Elections 2026: Did Americans Reject Trump and His Iran War?
Washington, November 5 : US Midterm Elections 2026 have revealed widespread dissatisfaction with President Donald Trumps leadership, as Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress following the November 3 vote. The results have raised important questions about changing American public opinion, particularly over the administrations handling of the economy, the war with Iran and [] The post US Midterm Elections 2026: Did Americans Reject Trump and His Iran War? appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
PSG, Barca turn on the magic, United posts win
PSG was ruthless, with Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Senny Mayulu and Fabian Ruiz all striking in eight first-half minutes as the French outfit set a record for the fastest four goals scored in a match in Europes elite club competition
Indian shooters miss medal targets
The 10m air rifle mixed team pair of Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon failed to qualify for the four-team final, finishing seventh with an aggregate of 632.4. Sonam shot 316.6, while Himanshu returned 315.8
Sports journalist Bhasi Malaparamba no more
He reported eight World Cups, between 1982 and 2010, as well as the European Championship in 2008
Gauff, Pegula in Rybakinas group in WTA Finals
Each player and team will face the other three in their group over the first six days, with the top two advancing to semifinals
BJP not giving much importance to Rajput, says Rajiv Pratap Rudy
After facing defeat from Saran Teachers seat in Council polls, JD(U) candidate Mr. Pushkar who belongs from Brahmin community has alleged that BJP betrayed and all the Rajput MPs and MLAs of Saran including Rajiv Pratap Rudy, helped the independent candidate to win
All revenue courts in J&K now computerised
Srinagar, Nov 04: Making a significant stride under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 100 per cent completion with 882 Computerised/Online Revenue Courts, while the computerisation of Records of Rights (RoR) has reached 99.93 per cent. According to the DILRMP MIS 4.0 dashboard, the Physical Components Progress Report for Jammu and Kashmir revealed that digitisation of Mapsheets/FMBs/Tippans has reached 94.74 per cent, indicating substantial progress in the modernisation and digitisation of land records across the Union Territory. However, the report reveals that three important components MRR Completed (Out of Sanctioned), Survey/Resurvey Completed and Aadhaar Linked With RoR have recorded zero progress. The national comparison chart on Computerisation of Land Records (CLR) shows that several states and Union Territories have achieved 100 per cent completion of villages, while Jammu and Kashmir is placed at 70.54 per cent. The chart also shows Mizoram at 71.27 per cent, Nagaland at 62.54 per cent, Ladakh at 52.21 per cent and Delhi at 27.31 per cent. Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have recorded zero percent completion. Among the states and Union Territories, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have achieved 100 per cent completion. Odisha has recorded 99.91 per cent, Karnataka 99.74 per cent, Chhattisgarh 99.36 per cent, Punjab 99.36 per cent, Jharkhand 96.36 per cent, Rajasthan 92.40 per cent, Telangana 83.25 per cent and Uttarakhand 71.27 per cent. The component-wise figures for Jammu and Kashmir indicate that while computerisation of revenue courts and digitisation of existing land records have reached advanced stages, survey and resurvey, completion of MRR and Aadhaar linking with Records of Rights remain pending. The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), a Central Sector Scheme funded 100 per cent by the central government, aims to modernise the country's land records system through computerisation of land records, digitisation of maps, survey and resurvey activities and integration of land-related information.
Nadda to review AIIMS Awantipora pogress today
Srinagar, Nov 04: Union Health Minister J P Nadda will chair a review meeting at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday to assess the progress of the upcoming tertiary care institution, officials said. Executive Director, AIIMS Awantipora, Prof (Dr) Sachidananda Mohanty told Rising Kashmir that the Union Health Minister will interact with all concerned stakeholders and review the progress of the project and other key parameters. He said AIIMS Awantipora is an emerging institution within the prestigious AIIMS network and is committed to developing a centre of excellence in healthcare, medical education, research and innovation in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. Our vision extends beyond establishing a modern medical institution; we aspire to create an environment that nurtures knowledge, compassion, integrity and scientific excellence, he said. The AIIMS Awantipora project, sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), is being developed at a revised estimated cost of over Rs 2,160 crore, against its original sanctioned cost of Rs 1,828 crore. The institute is envisaged as a 750-bed hospital and is expected to significantly strengthen specialised healthcare services, medical education and research infrastructure in Kashmir. Last month, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pulwama conducted an on-site assessment of the ongoing construction and allied infrastructure. The project comprises 57 buildings, including two hostel buildings, four ESS buildings, a police station and other allied facilities. Four buildings under Phase-II are targeted for completion by the end of November 2026, while major works under Phase-III, including Blocks 3 and 5, are scheduled for completion by June 2027. Final finishing and commissioning works will follow, to make all departments and facilities operational by next year. The project has faced multiple delays since its approval by the Union Cabinet in January 2019, with construction and infrastructure development being reviewed at various levels by the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Once fully operational, AIIMS Awantipora is expected to reduce the burden on existing tertiary care hospitals in Srinagar and provide advanced treatment facilities to patients from south Kashmir and other parts of the Valley. In September last year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had stated that AIIMS Awantipora was expected to become fully functional by the end of 2026. Officials said the location for the AIIMS hospital was selected after considering multiple factors. With construction and infrastructure development progressing, AIIMS Awantipora is moving towards its vision of becoming a major centre for medical education, biomedical research and patient care in the region, expected to emerge as a major healthcare and medical education hub.
PSA cant bypass criminal law: HC
Srinagar, Nov 04: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed the preventive detention of a Pulwama resident booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), observing that extraordinary powers of preventive detention cannot be used as a substitute for ordinary criminal proceedings or to bypass safeguards available under criminal law. The court directed the authorities to release Ajaz Ahmad Seh, a resident of Sehpora in Rajpora, Pulwama, forthwith, provided his custody is not required in connection with any other case or under any other lawful order. Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal passed the judgment while allowing a habeas corpus petition challenging detention order No. 34/DMP/PSA/2025 dated July 28, 2025, issued by the District Magistrate, Pulwama, under Section 8 of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act. According to the grounds of detention, Seh was allegedly in contact with a Pakistan-based terrorist handler affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad through telephone and the encrypted application Zangi, accessed using a virtual private network (VPN). He was also accused of functioning as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) by allegedly providing food, shelter, clothing, transportation and information to active terrorists, including Haris Nazir of Kachipora, Rajpora. The police dossier further alleged that he shared information about the movement of security forces and encouraged local youth to join terrorist organisations. However, the High Court observed that despite the seriousness of the allegations, the detention grounds lacked specific particulars, including the dates of alleged communications, the nature of information exchanged and the particular acts through which logistical assistance was allegedly provided. The court held that merely asserting that a person used an encrypted application or remained in contact with individuals allegedly associated with terrorist organisations was insufficient, without relevant supporting material, to justify curtailing personal liberty through preventive detention. Preventive detention legislation cannot be permitted to become an instrument for bypassing the safeguards of the ordinary criminal process, the court observed. It further said that if the investigating agency possessed evidence of electronic communications, assistance to terrorists or sharing of security-force movements, the allegations could have been investigated under applicable criminal laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, subject to the ingredients of the offences being satisfied. The court also questioned the District Magistrate's independent application of mind, noting that a comparison of the police dossier and detention grounds revealed substantial reproduction of allegations. It observed that the detaining authority was required to independently evaluate the material rather than mechanically adopt the police narrative. Citing Supreme Court judgments, including Rekha v. State of Tamil Nadu and Vijay Narain Singh v. State of Bihar, the High Court reiterated that preventive detention is an extraordinary measure and must be exercised sparingly and strictly within constitutional and statutory safeguards. The Court does not minimise the seriousness of allegations involving terrorist organisations or activities prejudicial to the security of the State, Justice Nargal observed, adding that a balance must be maintained between national security and personal liberty. The court ultimately held that the detention order suffered from material legal infirmities and quashed it, directing Seh's immediate release, subject to there being no other lawful restraint on his custody.
The accused have been identified as then Kundli Station House Officer (SHO) Ravi, Sub-Inspector Shamsher Singh and CIA Sonipat Inspector Ravinder
Frame Dal Lake boat policy: HC to Govt
Srinagar, Nov 04: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Union Territory government to formulate a comprehensive policy governing the operation of boats, motor boats, jet skis and shikaras in Dal Lake, while continuing its ban on all engine-powered boats to prevent further pollution of the water body. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Yash Paul Bourney directed the government to submit a tentative but comprehensive policy before the next date of hearing, taking into consideration environmental safety, pollution concerns and tourism-related interests. The court also asked the government to explore the use of solar and electric energy to operate boats, shikaras and jet skis as an alternative to fuel-powered engines. In its order, the court observed that its earlier directions issued on October 14, prohibiting the operation of boats fitted with motors or any other fuel-powered engines, would continue to remain in force. The prohibition, however, exempts administrative and essential services, including emergency services, law and order, disaster management and safety-related operations. The directions came after stakeholders associated with the boat industry raised concerns over alleged discrimination in the distribution of benefits from tourism activities in Dal Lake. During the hearing, the court was informed about an application filed on behalf of stakeholders operating jet skis and motor boats with valid licences, seeking formulation of a proper policy to ensure equitable distribution of benefits accruing from the boat industry. The court allowed the application and impleaded the applicants as parties to the proceedings. Another application filed by other stakeholders seeking impleadment was also allowed. The government informed the court that it would prepare a tentative and comprehensive policy governing boat operations, while also examining the feasibility of shifting towards solar and electric-powered boats. The bench directed the government to place a detailed roadmap on record, specifying the existing number of motor boats, jet skis and shikaras permitted to operate in Dal Lake. It also sought details about the number of motorised and non-motorised boats, along with their respective engine specifications. The proposed policy, the court said, must also consider expert recommendations on the proportion of the lake area that should be earmarked for traditional hand-rowed shikaras and the extent to which the interests of other stakeholders, including jet ski and motor boat operators, could be accommodated. Observing that Dal Lake is a valuable water body with its own ecological and environmental characteristics, the court stressed the need to balance environmental protection with tourism and the interests of different stakeholders. The Bench directed that the proposed policy be placed before it on or before the next date of hearing, with copies to be provided to all stakeholders. Those impleaded in the case would be at liberty to submit their suggestions after the policy is placed before the court. Meanwhile, the court made it clear that the ban on all engine-powered boats, including jet skis, motor boats and motorised shikaras, would continue until further orders. Any violation of the said directions shall be viewed very seriously by this court, the bench observed. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 16, 2026.
Agnipath 2.0: All Agniveers get pathway to regular service
New Delhi, Nov 04: In a major policy decision, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday created a pathway for all Agniveers to be absorbed into the Defence Forces, approving an additional two-year engagement period for the 75 per cent who are not offered regular employment on merit, after which all Agniveers will be enrolled as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and meeting selection criteria. According to an official release, an objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25 per cent of Agniveers will be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces. For the remaining 75 per cent, on the recommendations of the Indian Defence Forces, another engagement period of two years has been approved by the Cabinet. After completion of this two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will be offered enrolment as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and their meeting selection criteria. The introduction of another engagement period of two years for the willing 75 per cent Agniveers has been done after deliberate, reasoned and elaborate evaluation and feedback, with the fundamental aim of aligning the aspirations of Agniveers and organisational efficiency. After four years of implementation of the Agnipath Scheme, detailed feedback about its efficacy and the performance of Agniveers was obtained. The salient achievements of the scheme include an increased footprint of recruitment of Agniveers across districts of the country, a more standardised and transparent recruitment process, a very high level of physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit and discipline, enhancement of skills, technological adaptability and education in the service, and the opening up of various branches of the Defence Forces for women. Based on these achievements, the Agnipath scheme shall continue. The second engagement period will have higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits. With the introduction of another engagement period of two years followed by induction of all Agniveers as regular soldiers, the Cabinet has created a pathway for absorption of all Agniveers into the Defence Forces.
DIKSHA picks up in Kashmir : 800 teachers to go digital, bagless schooling in focus
Srinagar, Nov 04: In a major push to strengthen technology-enabled education in J&K, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Kashmir, has trained 50 Master Resource Persons (MRPs) to facilitate capacity-building programmes for 800 teachers across all 10 districts of the Kashmir division. The initiative is aimed at expanding the use of the Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform in schools, equipping teachers with digital skills and making classroom learning more interactive, accessible and student-centric. Joint Director, SCERT Kashmir, Syed Shabir Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that the initiative would pave the way for bagless schooling while helping bridge the gaps between teachers and students through technology-enabled learning. Digital platforms such as DIKSHA could make educational resources more accessible and provide students with opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting, he said. The idea is to make learning more flexible, engaging and accessible. Such initiatives will pave the way for bagless schooling and help fill the gaps between teachers and students by bringing educational resources closer to children. Technology should complement classroom teaching and make the learning process more effective. The 50 trained Master Resource Persons will now impart training to 800 teachers in a cascade mode, with 80 teachers from each of the 10 districts of Kashmir division being covered under the programme. The initiative seeks to familiarise teachers with the various features of DIKSHA and enable them to integrate digital resources into everyday classroom transactions. Elaborating more, Dr Amarpreet Kour, Divisional Coordinator, DIKSHA, said the platform will help strengthen teachers' professional competencies and facilitate the integration of digital resources into classroom teaching. The cascade-mode training approach would ensure wider dissemination of DIKSHA-related knowledge and skills among teachers across the Valley, she said. Kour said DIKSHA was launched in 2017 and was the main application during COVID in 2019. The updated application will help students watch videos, interact with virtual labs, and get content through QR-based models, she said. We have textbook content, virtual content and also capacity-building training material for teachers. DIKSA, under the PM e-Vidya initiative, is a broader model that will benefit both teachers and students. With 800 teachers set to receive training through the 50 Master Resource Persons, SCERT's initiative marks another step towards expanding digital learning in government schools.
Fifty years ago | Outmoded form
A hundred years ago | Electric lighting for the Mufassal
Eleven tribals arrested for seeking rehabilitation for a proposed land port project in West Bengal
Construction at the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) site in Gotabari, Torsa Tea Garden, had been going on for nearly five months and during the period, the locals maintained a peaceful, indefinite dharna beside the project site for over 100 days
Ladakh administration said the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakhs (HIAL)Desert Flower School commenced functioning without necessary approvals from the competent authority
Design Your Degree : LG Sinha to universities: Roll out DYD in six months
Jammu, Nov 04: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday set a six-month deadline for universities in Jammu and Kashmir to roll out the Design Your Degree programme, directing institutions to share academic credits, research laboratories and resources in a spirit of collaboration. He was chairing a high-level meeting of the Jammu Kashmir Higher Education Council (JKHEC) at Lok Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Minister for School Education, Higher Education and Jal Shakti, Shamim Firdous; Vice Chairman, JKHEC, Prof Dinesh Singh; Acting Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Govind Jaiswal; Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, and Vice Chancellors of universities across Jammu and Kashmir, along with Directors of IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, NIT Srinagar and other members. The Council met to chart a forward-looking roadmap for higher education, with discussions focused on advancing academic excellence, fostering a culture of research and innovation, and strategically aligning institutions to meet future challenges and leverage emerging opportunities. The key agendas included sharing of academic credit and resources and recasting undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the light of the Design Your Degree framework and the National Education Policy 2020. The meeting further discussed modalities for setting up a Task Force for integrating Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning, Deep Learning) and Data Science into UG and PG programmes. Transforming higher education in Jammu Kashmir into a comprehensive, holistic, and visionary system is a shared responsibility. The time has now come to translate Higher Education Council initiatives into tangible achievements, while ensuring that every student benefits from outcome-oriented asset utilization, the Lieutenant Governor said. Stressing the need for stronger intra-university collaboration, he noted that successful implementation relies on deep-rooted institutional reform and a solid long-term strategy. He emphasised the integration of artificial intelligence and modern technology into learning programmes, stressing the need to pioneer frontier technologies, and highlighted that these programmes must incorporate local languages and cultures. Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, JKHEC, called for policy directives to align undergraduate and postgraduate curricula with the Design Your Degree framework. Vice Chancellors and members of the Council shared their inputs for advancing the DYD programme and NEP 2020 interventions. The Council also reviewed the progress of ongoing higher education initiatives, Engineering Kitchens and entrepreneurship programmes, and the budgetary outlay and reform of the fund allocation mechanism.
Winter Cannot Be Met With Last-Minute Measures
Winter in Kashmir is not an unexpected visitor. Its arrival is certain; the severity of each season may vary, but snow, freezing temperatures and disruptions to daily life are part of the regions annual reality. Yet preparedness too often appears to gather urgency only when the cold has set in, roads are blocked or essential services begin to falter. That cycle must end. A credible winter plan is more than a list of departmental instructions. It requires coordination, defined responsibilities and timely public information. Roads vulnerable to snow and landslides need to be identified in advance, machinery kept ready and clearance priorities made clear. Residents should know which routes are likely to remain open, where assistance can be sought and how emergency movement will be managed. When information is delayed or inconsistent, uncertainty compounds the hardship of severe weather. Reliable electricity and heating are equally central to winter readiness. Households, hospitals and essential institutions need predictable arrangements, especially during prolonged cold spells. Any power schedule must be communicated clearly and followed as far as possible. Authorities should also monitor essential supplies and ensure that remote and snowbound areas are not left to depend on improvised responses after access is cut off. Healthcare planning deserves particular attention. Hospitals and primary health centres must be equipped to respond to winter emergencies, while ambulances and referral arrangements need to account for difficult road conditions. Older people, people with disabilities, patients requiring regular treatment and families living in poorly insulated homes face heightened risks. Preparedness should identify these needs before they become emergencies, working with local communities to reach those who may otherwise be overlooked. Winter also tests the strength of local administration. District-level control rooms, departments, municipal bodies and emergency services must operate as parts of one system, not as separate units responding after a crisis has unfolded. Regular reviews, realistic drills and clear lines of communication can expose gaps while there is still time to address them. Public cooperation matters too, but people can only act responsibly when guidance is practical, consistent and accessible. No plan can prevent every disruption caused by harsh weather. But many of its consequences can be reduced through preparation, maintenance and accountability. The test is not whether officials issue a winter advisory; it is whether essential services continue, help reaches isolated communities, and residents know what to expect when conditions worsen. Kashmir should not have to relearn the same lessons each winter. Preparedness must be measured before the snowfallin cleared drains, serviced machinery, stocked facilities, informed communities and departments ready to work together. The cold is predictable. Being caught unprepared should not be.
Israel President urges compromise after divisive election
President Isaac Herzog began meeting party leaders to decide whether to give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or his rival Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form a government in the deeply polarised country
When Fire Finds the Unprotected
The fire that swept through around 80 temporary shelters in Durbal, Bemina, has left two families grieving and raised questions that cannot end with the recovery of the bodies. Mohammad Noor Alam, 27, and Al Ameen, 16, were scrap collectors who had come from Delhi and were working in the area. Their deaths in the blaze are a human tragedy; they also point to the vulnerability of people living in shelters made of tarpaulin and wood, where a fire can spread with terrifying speed. The fire reportedly broke out around 12:23 am and engulfed the shelters, an empty poultry farm and a tipper. Fire tenders from JVC and Rawalpora, reinforced by crews from Batamaloo headquarters, battled the flames. Officials said the blaze had spread across the area before the Fire and Emergency Services were called, making the operation difficult. The cause remains unknown. That uncertainty makes a thorough investigation essential. Establishing how the fire began is not a formality: it is the first step towards identifying whether any preventable hazard was involved and what safeguards are needed. The findings should be made public, and any shortcomings in emergency response or safety arrangements should be addressed transparently. No cause should be presumed before the investigation is complete. But the inquiry must also look beyond the point of ignition. Nearly 80 shelters were clustered in one area, built from materials that offered little protection from fire. Such settlements often house workers whose labour is visible in the citys daily life, while their living conditions remain largely out of sight. The deaths of a 27-year-old and a 16-year-old underline how exposure to danger can fall hardest on those with the fewest resources and protections. Authorities should assess the site and other vulnerable settlements for fire risks, ensure emergency access and alert systems, and coordinate with residents and workers on practical safety measures. Fire services need timely information and clear access routes; residents need to know how to raise an alarm and where to move when flames spread. These measures cannot replace safe housing, but they can help prevent a small fire from becoming a mass-casualty disaster. The recovery of the bodies after forensic proceedings and their handover to police are necessary steps. They are not the end of the public responsibility. Noor Alam and Al Ameen must not be reduced to names in an incident report. Their deaths should prompt a serious examination of why so many people were living in combustible shelters, how quickly help could reach them and what changes can prevent another such loss. A fires cause may take time to establish. The duty to protect those living in unsafe conditions cannot wait for that answer.
SKIMS & SKIMS MCH Sports Series 2026 Promotes a Culture of Fitness, Wellness and Togetherness
BEYOND MEDICINE An appreciable initiative at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, highlights the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being and teamwork in building a healthier medical community. There are initiatives that go beyond routine institutional activities and reflect a deeper understanding of human well-being. The commencement of the SKIMS Sports Series 2026 at SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, is one such commendable initiative. More than a sporting event, it represents a progressive approach towards creating a healthier, more energetic, connected and mentally resilient medical community. In a profession where demanding schedules, academic responsibilities and professional pressures are part of everyday life, the importance of sports and recreational activities cannot be overstated. Medical students and healthcare professionals spend much of their time caring for others. However, their own physical and mental well-being deserves equal attention. The SKIMS Sports Series 2026 provides a meaningful platform to recognise this important aspect of institutional life. Jointly involving SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, the fortnight-long sporting event brings together members of the medical fraternity through a wide range of indoor and outdoor competitions. From cricket, football, volleyball and basketball to badminton, chess, table tennis, kabaddi and athletics, the initiative encourages participation, healthy competition and collective enthusiasm. A welcome initiative reflecting progressive leadership The initiative deserves appreciation for the vision and encouragement demonstrated by the institutional leadership. Director SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government, Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest and highlighted the importance of sports in fostering a healthy institutional environment. His emphasis on resilience, teamwork and collective achievement reflects the broader role that sports can play in strengthening institutional relationships. Equally appreciable is the approach of Principal SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, and Dean Medical Faculty, Prof. Fazl-ul-Qadir Parray. His recognition of recreational activities as an important opportunity for students and healthcare professionals to unwind, interact and develop stronger interpersonal relationships highlights the human dimension of institutional leadership. An institution becomes stronger when its leadership recognises that professional excellence is closely connected with the well-being of its human resources. Encouraging sports is not a distraction from academic and clinical responsibilities; rather, it is a positive investment in the people who fulfil those responsibilities. The important role of the Department of Psychiatry The initiative assumes even greater significance because of its association with Mental Health Month, observed from October 10 to November 10, and the involvement of the Department of Psychiatry under the leadership of Prof. Abdul Maajid, Head of the Department and Organising Chairperson. Mental health is no longer a subject that can be confined to clinical consultations, awareness lectures or discussions within hospital departments. It requires a broader institutional approach that promotes positive engagement, social interaction, stress management and psychological resilience. Sports offer an effective platform for achieving many of these objectives. Regular physical activity can improve mood, support better sleep, reduce stress and contribute to overall psychological well-being. Team games encourage cooperation, mutual respect, discipline and the ability to handle both success and disappointment. For medical students navigating the pressures of examinations, clinical postings and professional expectations, such opportunities can be immensely valuable. Similarly, resident doctors and healthcare professionals, who frequently work under demanding circumstances, deserve opportunities to relax, reconnect with colleagues and participate in activities beyond their professional routines. The involvement of the Department of Psychiatry in this initiative sends a positive message: mental well-being must be encouraged not only through treatment but also through prevention, participation and the creation of supportive environments. Building relationships beyond professional boundaries Another notable feature of the SKIMS Sports Series is its house-based competition format. The system of awarding 10 points for gold, five for silver and two for bronze medals, with the highest-scoring house being declared the House of the Year, introduces a healthy spirit of competition. However, the real achievement of such an event should not be measured merely by medals, trophies or points accumulated by different houses. Its greater success lies in the friendships developed between departments, interaction between students and faculty, encouragement received by first-time participants and the sense of belonging created across the institution. In large medical institutions, professional responsibilities sometimes create invisible boundaries between departments, cadres and academic levels. Sports have the unique ability to bring people together on an equal platform. On the playing field, designations become secondary, while teamwork, discipline and collective effort take centre stage. This is precisely the kind of institutional culture that deserves encouragement. Sports as an essential part of institutional well-being The significance of the SKIMS Sports Series should extend beyond the fortnight-long celebration. Such initiatives remind us of the importance of making physical activity and recreation an integral part of institutional culture. Medical institutions are traditionally associated with academic excellence, clinical services, research and patient care. However, a truly progressive institution also recognises the importance of extracurricular activities, sports facilities and opportunities for the holistic development of its students and employees. Regular sporting activities, interdepartmental competitions, fitness programmes and recreational opportunities can contribute significantly towards creating a more vibrant and supportive working environment. The participation and appreciation of Associate Dean Prof. Aijaz A. Rather, Chairperson Sports Committee, and Medical Superintendent Dr. Shafa A. Deva, along with the faculty members and various participating departments, further reflect the collective institutional spirit behind this initiative. The coordinated efforts of the organisers, like Dr Mir Musharraf , Dr Rasika and particularly the Department of Psychiatry under the leadership of prof Dr Ab Majid, deserve special recognition for bringing together different sections of the medical fraternity on a common platform. A healthier medical community, a stronger institution Ultimately, the SKIMS Sports Series 2026 conveys a simple but powerful message: excellence in healthcare requires more than medical knowledge, sophisticated infrastructure and professional expertise. It also requires healthy, motivated and emotionally resilient individuals. A student who learns teamwork on the playing field carries those values into professional life. A doctor who understands the importance of personal well-being is better positioned to appreciate the well-being of others. An institution that encourages recreation and sports demonstrates that it values its people beyond their official responsibilities. The SKIMS Sports Series 2026 is therefore a welcome and appreciable step towards building a balanced institutional culture in which academic excellence, clinical service, physical fitness and mental well-being complement one another. As the sporting activities continue until November 14, the enthusiasm, participation and collective spirit generated by this initiative deserve to be celebrated. The real victory will not belong to any single house or team. It will belong to SKIMS as an institution, where sports become a medium of unity, fitness becomes a shared priority and mental well-being receives the attention it truly deserves. Because an institution that heals society must also nurture the health, happiness and well-being of the people who serve it. (The Author works at Premier Medical College of J&K)
Recruitment for more than 11,000 posts in Bihars health department to begin soon
Currently, updated details of vacant positions have been sought from all 38 districts of the state. All recruitments will be conducted at the State Health Society level
More than 43 lakh pucca houses completed in Bihar for poor families
56,743.40 crore spent under PMAY-G so far in the State; of the 43 lakh houses, 36.63 lakh pucca houses built in just yearrs between FY 2016-17 & 2021-22
The Men Behind the Masculinity Mask: Why Men's Mental Health Can No Longer Wait
Every November, conversations around men's health acquire renewed visibility, particularly through the global November movement and International Men's Day, observed on November 19. While physical health, preventive screenings and lifestyle-related concerns have traditionally dominated these conversations, there is another crisis that deserves equal, if not greater, attention: men's mental health. In India, where masculinity is often intertwined with ideas of strength, authority, financial responsibility and emotional restraint, the psychological well-being of men remains an uncomfortable subject. We have learnt to recognize the visible consequences of distress, but we are still reluctant to examine the emotional conditions that may precede it. Look closely at the contemporary Indian social landscape. There is an unsettling normalization of anger, hostility, public aggression, online hatred, domestic conflict and increasingly fractured relationships. Conversations are becoming confrontations, disagreements are turning into personal battles, and the ability to listen without feeling threatened appears to be diminishing. While these developments cannot be attributed to men's mental health alone, they invite an important question: what happens when generations of men are taught to suppress vulnerability but are simultaneously expected to manage an increasingly complicated emotional and social world? For many Indian men, childhood comes with an unwritten psychological contract. Boys are told not to cry, not to appear weak, not to complain and certainly not to express fear. They are praised for being tough, discouraged from seeking comfort and often introduced to responsibility long before they understand their own emotional needs. As they grow older, the expectations become more elaborate. They must provide, protect, achieve, compete, lead and remain composed. Their failures are rarely treated as ordinary human experiences; they are frequently interpreted as inadequacies of character, capability or masculinity. The problem is not that men are incapable of experiencing vulnerability. It is that many have never been given the emotional vocabulary or social permission to express it. A boy who learns that sadness invites ridicule may eventually express sadness as irritability. A man who cannot acknowledge fear may disguise it as control. Someone struggling with loneliness may withdraw into work, excessive screen time, alcohol or other forms of escapism. Emotional suppression does not eliminate difficult feelings. It merely changes the ways in which they find expression. This is where the conversation about men's mental health becomes particularly relevant to India's changing social environment. The cost of performing masculinity For decades, conventional masculinity has been associated with emotional invulnerability. The ideal Indian man is frequently imagined as the dependable father, the financially secure husband, the obedient son, the protective brother and the person who must hold everything together when circumstances become difficult. There is little room in this cultural imagination for a man who is exhausted, confused, unemployed, heartbroken, anxious or simply unsure of what to do next. Economic uncertainty has made these expectations even more burdensome. Unemployment, unstable careers, financial commitments, rising living costs and the pressure to maintain a particular standard of living can affect men's sense of identity and self-worth. For those whose social identities are built around being providers, financial setbacks can become deeply personal psychological experiences. A job loss may feel like a loss of dignity; a failed business may be experienced as a failure of manhood; marital separation may become an assault on one's entire sense of identity. The National Crime Records Bureau's Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2024 report records 1,70,746 suicides in the country, with men accounting for 73.5 per cent of the victims. These numbers should not be reduced to a simplistic narrative about gender, but they underline the urgency of examining the social and psychological pressures affecting men. A 2025 study involving 403 Indian men aged 1829 also found significant associations between conformity to masculine norms, self-stigma around seeking psychological help and less favourable attitudes towards professional mental health support. These findings challenge the comfortable assumption that men naturally cope better with emotional difficulties. They do not. They may simply be less likely to disclose them. When anger becomes the language of distress One of the more complicated aspects of men's mental health is the relationship between emotional distress and outward expressions of aggression. Depression, anxiety and unresolved trauma do not always present themselves as visible sadness. In some individuals, psychological distress may manifest as irritability, impulsivity, hostility, emotional withdrawal or substance misuse. This does not mean that every angry man is depressed, or that mental illness explains violence. Most people experiencing mental health difficulties are not violent, and accountability for harmful behaviour must remain non-negotiable. However, understanding the emotional mechanisms behind certain behavioural patterns is an important part of prevention. In a society where men are discouraged from articulating hurt, rejection, humiliation or helplessness, anger can become a socially acceptable substitute for more vulnerable emotions. It is often easier for a man to say that he is furious than to admit that he feels abandoned. It may be easier to dominate a conversation than to acknowledge insecurity. Sometimes, the inability to process rejection becomes an inability to accept another person's autonomy. This has consequences beyond the individual. It affects partners, children, parents, colleagues and communities. Unprocessed emotional distress can find its way into domestic relationships, parenting styles, workplace interactions and public behaviour. India's growing exposure to polarised digital spaces adds another dimension. Online environments frequently reward outrage, aggression and performative masculinity. Young men, in particular, may encounter content that equates dominance with strength, emotional detachment with superiority and hostility towards women with masculine identity. Algorithms can repeatedly expose vulnerable individuals to communities that convert personal frustration into collective resentment. When loneliness finds an echo chamber, it may be mistaken for belonging. When resentment finds an ideology, it may be mistaken for purpose. The answer is not to dismiss young men's insecurities or ridicule their anxieties. It is to create healthier spaces in which these concerns can be addressed without allowing them to become hostility towards others. The loneliness within relationships Perhaps one of the least discussed aspects of men's mental health in India is emotional loneliness within apparently stable relationships. A man may be married, surrounded by family, professionally successful and socially active, yet remain unable to discuss what is troubling him. Many men are conditioned to believe that emotional conversations are unnecessary, uncomfortable or signs of weakness. They may provide financial security and practical support to their families while remaining emotionally inaccessible. This creates a peculiar paradox: men may be physically present in relationships but psychologically absent from them. Women, too, are frequently expected to become the emotional managers of their families, interpreting moods, initiating difficult conversations, maintaining relationships and encouraging men to seek help. This arrangement is neither sustainable nor fair. Emotional maturity cannot remain an unpaid responsibility assigned to women. Healthy relationships require reciprocity. Men must learn to communicate without intimidation, listen without immediately becoming defensive, acknowledge mistakes without experiencing every disagreement as humiliation and understand that emotional intimacy requires participation. The changing nature of relationships has also unsettled traditional expectations. Women increasingly seek companionship based on equality, mutual respect, shared domestic responsibilities and emotional availability. These are legitimate expectations. Men who have been taught to associate authority with masculinity may experience this transition as a challenge to their established identities. The solution, however, is not a return to patriarchal arrangements. It is an opportunity to redefine masculinity around empathy, responsibility, partnership and self-awareness. A man does not become less masculine by sharing domestic responsibilities, acknowledging emotional exhaustion, respecting boundaries or accepting that his partner may disagree with him. He becomes a more emotionally capable human being. Why asking for help remains difficult Mental health stigma in India is not gender-neutral. Although both men and women face barriers to accessing psychological care, men often encounter a particular form of resistance rooted in the expectation that they must resolve their problems independently. A man considering therapy may worry about being judged by his family, workplace or social circle. He may fear being perceived as incapable of managing his responsibilities. In smaller towns and closely connected communities, concerns about privacy and social reputation can become additional obstacles. There is also a persistent misconception that counselling is necessary only when someone is experiencing a severe psychological crisis. In reality, therapy can help individuals understand emotional patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, process grief, navigate relationship difficulties and recognise behavioural responses that may be damaging their lives. Seeking help is not an admission of failure. It is an exercise in responsibility. We need to make psychological support more accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive. Workplaces must move beyond occasional wellness seminars and establish environments where employees can discuss burnout, stress and personal difficulties without fearing professional consequences. Educational institutions must teach boys emotional literacy alongside academic achievement. Community organisations, sports clubs and family networks can also become important spaces for conversations about mental well-being. Mental health professionals, meanwhile, must recognise that men may not always arrive in counselling rooms describing sadness or anxiety. They may speak about anger, sleep disturbances, relationship conflicts, exhaustion, loss of motivation or an inability to concentrate. Listening beyond the presenting complaint is essential. Raising boys differently, supporting men better A meaningful conversation about men's mental health must begin much earlier than adulthood. It must begin in childhood, in homes where boys are allowed to cry without being mocked, schools where emotional intelligence is valued, and friendships where vulnerability is not treated as an embarrassment. We must stop teaching boys that compassion compromises strength. We must teach them that consent is fundamental, rejection is not humiliation, disagreement is not disrespect, and emotional regulation is a greater achievement than emotional suppression. Fathers have a particularly significant role in this transformation. Children learn masculinity not merely from what their fathers tell them but from what they observe. A father who apologises, expresses affection, discusses disappointment and treats his partner with respect provides a far more meaningful lesson than one who simply instructs his son to be strong. Equally, women can participate in creating emotionally safer relationships without being expected to become therapists for the men in their lives. Supporting men's mental health must involve shared responsibility, professional intervention where necessary and accountability for harmful behaviour. We must also acknowledge that men are not a homogeneous group. A young man navigating unemployment in a small town, a migrant worker separated from his family, a farmer confronting financial uncertainty, a single father, an elderly widower and a corporate professional facing burnout may have very different psychological needs. Caste, class, disability, geographical location and access to healthcare further shape their experiences. A meaningful mental health framework must account for these differences rather than offer a singular prescription for all men. Beyond awareness, towards emotional responsibility November should not become another month of symbolic hashtags, promotional campaigns and conversations that disappear when the calendar changes. International Men's Day and the wider men's health movement offer an opportunity to address issues that are often pushed to the margins. But awareness must lead to sustained action. We need more accessible counselling services, stronger suicide prevention systems, gender-sensitive mental health research, workplace support and public conversations that do not turn men's psychological suffering into a competition with women's struggles. Recognising men's distress does not diminish the structural inequalities women continue to face. Similarly, acknowledging women's experiences of violence and discrimination should not prevent us from examining the emotional pressures and vulnerabilities affecting men. These conversations can coexist. In fact, they must. There is an important distinction between explaining harmful behaviour and excusing it. A history of emotional neglect, rejection or psychological distress may help us understand an individual's actions, but it does not absolve anyone of responsibility for causing harm. Mental health awareness must strengthen accountability, not weaken it. Perhaps the most important cultural shift we need is to move away from the idea that a man's worth is determined by how much suffering he can silently endure. Strength is not the absence of fear, grief or uncertainty. It is the capacity to recognise these experiences, seek appropriate support and respond to them without harming oneself or others. The Indian man of today is negotiating a rapidly changing society, shifting family structures, economic anxieties, digital influences and evolving expectations of gender and relationships. He does not need another lecture on being strong. He needs the freedom to be human. Behind the anger may be unacknowledged hurt. Behind the silence may be loneliness. Behind the insistence on control may be a fear of losing relevance or belonging. These possibilities deserve thoughtful examination, not automatic judgement. At the same time, those who experience the consequences of aggression deserve safety, dignity and justice. We cannot build emotionally healthy families and peaceful communities while treating men's emotional lives as an inconvenience. Nor can we hope to reduce hatred by teaching one generation to suppress everything it feels. This November, perhaps the question we should ask the men around us is not whether they are providing enough, achieving enough or enduring enough. It is whether they are doing well. And more importantly, whether they feel safe enough to tell us the truth. A society that teaches its men to never cry may eventually have to confront the consequences of all the emotions they were never allowed to express. It is time we changed that narrative. (The Author is a mental health expert, Co-founder Bharat Dialogues , National President, WICCI Media Council. For Mental health related Queries call 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline Kiran (1800-599-0019). Reach the columnist for counselling. Feedback: poojapriyamvada@outlook.com )
U.P. to match Assembly voter lists with Panchayat and Urban local body rolls to find missing voters
U.P. CEO office said that guidelines have been sent to all District Election Officers (DEOs), who have been told to carry out the matching thoroughly
Police seize 11 vehicles in Gulmarg crackdown
Baramulla, Nov 04 : Police seized 11 vehicles and issued challans to five others during a special enforcement drive in the Gulmarg area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday for alleged violations of transport regulations, including breaches of permit conditions and exploitation of tourists. The drive was conducted by Police Station Gulmarg against transport operators found violating prescribed permit conditions and provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. According to police, the enforcement action was aimed at curbing transport-related violations, safeguarding tourists from exploitation and ensuring the safe and smooth movement of visitors in the popular tourist destination. Among the vehicles seized were an E-Auto bearing registration number JK05L-7542, a Scorpio (JK05M-5606), a Tavera (JK05D-7442), another Tavera (JK01P-8307), and three other Scorpio vehicles bearing registration numbers JK05N-5210, JK01X-0026 and JK01T-3984. In addition, five other vehicles, including those bearing registration numbers JK01W-6694 and JK05C-7981, were challaned for various traffic and transport-related violations. Police said such enforcement drives would continue in the area and warned transport operators to strictly adhere to permit conditions and other statutory requirements. They cautioned that any violation would invite legal action. Reiterating its commitment to maintaining law and order in the tourist destination, police said the initiative was aimed at enforcing transport regulations, protecting the interests of tourists and ensuring a safe and hassle-free experience for visitors to Gulmarg.
Three workers injured at NHPC project site in Uri
Srinagar, Nov 4: Three workers sustained injuries during ongoing construction work at the 220-MW NHPC Uri-I Stage-II Hydropower Project on Wednesday in north Kashmirs Baramulla district, where the construction work has been entrusted to Max Infra. The injured workers were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for treatment. Officials said all three were out of danger. The injured have been identified as Abdul Karim Ganaie and Shukar Din, both residents of Garkote, and Chiez Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Bandi. Medical Superintendent GMC Baramulla, Dr Parvaiz Masoodi, said one of the injured workers had suffered a fracture, while the other two had been discharged after receiving treatment. The injured workers have appealed to the Max Infra management to ensure the best possible medical care, including necessary arrangements for surgery and proper support throughout their recovery. Meanwhile, the incident has once again brought the safety arrangements at the project site under scrutiny. According to locals, an ambulance was reportedly not available at the site when the incident occurred, raising concerns over emergency preparedness and the availability of immediate medical assistance for workers. It is pertinent to mention that a worker reportedly lost his life in an accident at the same project around two months ago. The recurrence of such incidents has triggered concern among workers and residents of the area, who have called for a thorough review of safety measures. Locals said NHPC management, Max Infra and the concerned authorities must take immediate steps to strengthen workplace safety and prevent further accidents. Proper safety equipment, strict implementation of workplace safety protocols, trained safety personnel and round-the-clock ambulance and emergency medical facilities must be ensured to prevent further loss of life and injuries, they said.
Dr. Farooq, Omar, Bukhari mourn Ghulam Qadir Pardesis demise
Srinagar, Nov 04: Political leaders across party lines on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of senior National Conference leader and former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, who passed away late Tuesday night after a brief illness. National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound sorrow over his death and extended condolences to the bereaved family, particularly his son and Lal Chowk MLA Ahsan Pardesi. Paying tributes to the deceased, the Abdullahs said his loyalty and dedication to the National Conference, along with his contribution to public welfare and political and social affairs, would always be remembered. They also recalled his distinguished administrative career, during which he served as Deputy Commissioner, Financial Commissioner and held several other key positions. They said he discharged his responsibilities with dedication, integrity and efficiency, including during difficult periods. Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also expressed grief over Pardesis demise and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family. Describing him as a person of grace, dignity and integrity, Bukhari said Pardesi was respected for his contribution to public life and political affairs. He also recalled his close association with Bukharis late father, saying he had always held him in high regard. Several NC leaders, including General Secretary and Cabinet Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, party MPs and Cabinet Ministers, also expressed condolences. A large number of party leaders, legislators, functionaries and local residents attended the deceased's Namaz-e-Janaza.
Sagar seeks speedy retrieval of migrant properties
Jammu, Nov 04: Minister for Revenue Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday directed officials to intensify efforts for the retrieval and restoration of migrant properties in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for priority disposal of pending cases and strict action against encroachments and illegal occupation. Chairing a review meeting of the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department (DMRRR), Sagar stressed that all cases concerning migrant properties should be examined promptly and resolved in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures. He also directed the department to ensure payment of compensation wherever admissible and take stringent action against those found occupying migrant properties illegally. The Minister emphasised the need for a time-bound approach to address pending cases and ensure that the rights of migrant property owners are protected. With regard to migrant employees, the Minister called for expeditious resolution of service-related issues, assured career progression and timely release of admissible benefits. He also reviewed the implementation of migrant employment packages, noting that nearly 98 per cent of the positions had been covered, and directed the concerned officers to address the remaining cases without unnecessary delay. Emphasising the need to improve the living conditions of migrant families, Sagar called for the establishment of community halls at every migrant location in Jammu and Srinagar. He also directed a comprehensive review of completed and ongoing community infrastructure projects, including the establishment of digital libraries to facilitate educational and social activities. The Minister expressed concern over the condition of certain migrant residential colonies and directed the concerned authorities to undertake urgent repair and renovation works. He stressed that essential civic amenities, including healthcare facilities, safe drinking water, sanitation and other basic services, must be ensured in all such colonies. On the issue of ration and relief assistance, Sagar directed the department to ensure uninterrupted supply of ration to migrant families and expedite the settlement of pending relief claims. He emphasised that no eligible family should face hardship due to administrative delays or procedural bottlenecks. Reviewing disaster management preparedness and relief measures, the Minister called for expeditious assessment of damages and timely disbursement of admissible relief and compensation to all eligible disaster-affected families. He stressed the need to strengthen disaster mitigation mechanisms through adequate financial provisioning and effective utilisation of available funds, with particular emphasis on preparedness, vulnerability reduction and institutional response capacity. The Minister also stressed the need to ensure adequate coverage of the Bakerwal and other nomadic communities under disaster preparedness, relief, rehabilitation and assistance programmes, keeping in view their geographical mobility and vulnerability to natural calamities. Sagar underscored that disaster management must be approached as a continuous process encompassing preparedness, mitigation, timely response, relief and long-term rehabilitation. He called for close coordination among all concerned departments and field agencies to ensure that assistance reaches affected families without delay.
NC rebel MLAs eye ministerial berths: MLA Langate
Srinagar, Nov 4: MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed has accused rebel legislators of the National Conference (NC) of fighting for ministerial positions rather than raising issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also questioned the intentions behind their demand for statehood. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Khursheed said the ongoing differences within the National Conference appeared to be driven by personal interests, particularly the demand for ministerial berths and positions. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had every right to question whether the statehood demand raised by some NC legislators in Delhi was genuinely aimed at addressing public concerns or increasing opportunities for ministerial appointments. Are these people demanding statehood for themselves and their ministries? Khursheed questioned. Explaining his argument, he said a state can have ministers up to 15 per cent of the total strength of its Legislative Assembly, while a Union Territory has a maximum ministerial limit of 9 per cent. He said the difference in ministerial strength under the two arrangements raised questions about the intentions behind the statehood demand and the protests held by some legislators in Delhi.
Forest cover in J&K rises by 398 sq km
Jammu, Nov 04: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an increase of 398.12 square kilometres in forest cover over a decade, with the total area rising from 20,948.27 sq km in 2013 to 21,346.39 sq km in 2023, according to figures shared during a review meeting chaired by Forest Minister Altaf Ahmad Wani. The meeting was attended by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Ecology & Environment; Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, J&K; Dr. M.K. Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Central; Dr. V.S. Senthil Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu; Irfan Rasool, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir and other senior officers of the department. A comprehensive presentation was made before the Minister highlighting that J&K has a forest and tree cover of about 54% with 42 forest types, the highest growing stock of 172.46 cum per hectare in the country and per capita forest area of 0.16 ha. It was informed that the forest cover has increased from 20,948.27 sq km in 2013 to 21,346.39 sq km in 2023, registering a gain of 398.12 sq km. While appreciating the efforts of the department in increasing the green cover and in taking e-governance initiatives like PARIVESH, CAMPA portal, National Transit Permit System, e-Behak Grazing Pass and Van Rakshak App, the Minister stressed that field reality must reflect on ground. He said forests are the lifeline of Jammu & Kashmir and need to be conserved with a human touch involving local communities. The Minister laid special emphasis on demarcation of forests, terming it the most critical and basic activity. He directed that the remaining demarcation work be completed in a time-bound manner with the help of modern technology and Revenue Department. Expressing concern over increasing incidents of forest fires, Wani directed the department to put in place a robust Forest Fire Response Mechanism. He asked to organize awareness camps in vulnerable villages with active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Biodiversity Management Committees and Village Forest Committees. He said local youth should be trained as first responders. On staff welfare, the Minister issued clear directions that all DPCs at all levels must be expedited without any delay. He said career progression is the right of every employee and no file should remain pending. He also directed that a comprehensive inventory of movable and immovable assets of the department including forest huts, eco-parks, nurseries, buildings, vehicles and machinery be compiled and submitted within a fortnight to ensure optimum utilization. The Minister also reviewed progress under eco-tourism projects like development of eco-parks at Mansar, Surankote, Nandan etc. and new trek routes including Bungus-Drangyari, Aharbal-Kausar Nag and Harmukh. He asked the department to come up with a focused action plan for the year 2027-28.
Its BJPs Operation Lotus: NC on Ruhullah's exit
Srinagar, Nov 4: The National Conference on Wednesday accused the BJP of executing its much-talked-about Operation Lotus in Kashmir, alleging that the party had succeeded in pushing Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi out of the NC. Breaking its silence over Ruhullahs resignation from the party and the Lok Sabha, senior NC leader and Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar described his departure as a setback for the party, while alleging that it was part of a larger political design aimed at weakening the ruling party in J&K. With a heavy heart, not with joy, because he was an MP elected on our National Conference ticket, I say that the BJP has succeeded in pushing Aga Ruhullah out, Sagar told reporters at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subh, here. Flanked by Banihal MLA Sajad Shaheen, Sagar alleged that Ruhullah had aligned himself with forces that had spent decades attempting to weaken the National Conference. He said the party had faced sustained political pressure, particularly since 2018, when its leadership was jailed and several senior leaders, including former chief ministers and ministers, were detained under the Public Safety Act. The BJP had earlier succeeded in poaching our leaders in Jammu, including Devender Singh Rana and Surjit Singh Slathia. Rana is no longer in this world, while Slathia is now a BJP MLA. They succeeded there, and now they have succeeded in pulling Aga Sahib out, he said. Describing the development as the execution of Operation Lotus in the Valley, Sagar alleged that the BJP's strategy of weakening political parties by drawing away their elected representatives had now reached Kashmir. Today, with Aga Sahib's assistance, the BJP's agenda has been fulfilled. It is deeply unfortunate for the National Conference and the people of J&K, he said. Sagar questioned the circumstances surrounding Ruhullah's resignation, suggesting that there were reasons beyond those publicly stated by the Srinagar MP. He described the issues cited by Ruhullah as an excuse to distance himself from the party and said the reasons behind his decision would emerge in due course. I don't know; Aga Sahib can answer that himself in the future, and we will certainly ask. There is definitely something behind the curtain, he said. The NC leader warned that anyone choosing to align with the BJP would eventually lose public credibility, arguing that people in Kashmir had consistently rejected political associations with the saffron party. He also defended Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying neither the party nor its leadership was vulnerable to the departure of an individual. Omar Abdullah and the National Conference are not so fragile that the arrival or departure of one person will shake us. Delhi has been trying to weaken us since 1947, not just 1953, Sagar said. Reacting to Ruhullah's remarks that he would not allow Delhi's agenda to operate in Jammu and Kashmir, Sagar questioned why the MP had not spoken with similar force against the PDP's earlier coalition with the BJP. He also responded to Ruhullah's claim that he had recorded private conversations with NC president Farooq Abdullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah following the abrogation of Article 370, saying secretly recording conversations with party leadership reflected on the MP's mindset. Meanwhile, Sajad Shaheen accused Ruhullah of betraying the party as well as the electorate that had voted him to Parliament on the NC ticket. The language used by him during the rally was condemnable. He has betrayed us. I do not hesitate to say candidly that Ruhullah Sahib has not only betrayed the party, he has also betrayed his electors and the people of his constituency, Shaheen said. He alleged that attempts were being made to fragment the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir by floating multiple political parties, questioning why new political outfits were emerging frequently in Kashmir. READ MORE Meanwhile, amid reports of resentment among several party MLAs over the recent expansion of the Council of Ministers, Sagar maintained that the party was monitoring the situation and remained united. He said the differences were minor and would be resolved through the party's internal mechanisms within a day or two. Referring to leaders including Mubarak Gul, Majeed Sahib, Peerzada Sahib and Farooq Shah, Sagar said they would not leave the National Conference. They are our brothers and colleagues. Within a day or two, you will see all minor differences sorted out through the normal process. A few people who tried to cause disruption will not succeed, he said. While acknowledging that agencies were working to create political disruption, Sagar asserted that such efforts would not affect the government. He, however, reiterated his allegation that Ruhullah's exit had provided an opportunity to the BJP to advance its political agenda in Kashmir.
Keran Heritage Centre inaugurated at Pharkian Gali
Srinagar, Nov 04: The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army, in collaboration with CBC Corporation India Pvt Ltd and the Umang Foundation, inaugurated the Keran Heritage Centre at Pharkian Gali in Kupwara district, marking a step towards strengthening tourism infrastructure and creating livelihood opportunities in the border region. The inauguration comes as tourist footfall in Keran has crossed 55,000 this year, reflecting the growing popularity of the remote North Kashmir destination. In a statement, the Army said that the new centre is expected to further promote Keran as a tourism destination while supporting local entrepreneurship and socio-economic development. Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Abhishek Sharma attended the inaugural ceremony and appreciated the initiative, saying it had the potential to strengthen tourism infrastructure and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents. Ashish Goyal, Founder and Managing Trustee of the Umang Foundation, Mumbai, and Durgesh Sharma of CBC Corporation India Pvt Ltd were also present on the occasion. The initiative was undertaken through the collaboration of the Indian Army, CBC Corporation India Pvt Ltd and the Umang Foundation, with the aim of promoting tourism and supporting development in the border area. With tourist arrivals crossing 55,000 this year, the heritage centre is expected to add to Keran's appeal and encourage greater economic activity, benefiting local businesses and residents.
Safapora residents seek unified administrative setup
Ganderbal, Nov 4: Residents of Safapora in Ganderbal district have renewed their demand for a unified administrative setup saying that the division of government departments between Ganderbal and Bandipora districts has created confusion and caused inconvenience to people seeking routine public services. Locals say that while some government departments fall under Ganderbal district, others operate from Bandipora, forcing residents to travel to different offices for basic administrative work, electricity-related complaints and other public services. Speaking to reporters, Danish, a resident of Safapora, said people have been struggling with the complicated administrative arrangement for years, with no clear solution to their grievances. Our biggest problem is that different departments come under different districts. For electricity-related matters, we have to approach Sumbal in Bandipora, while for other government-related work, we are required to visit Ganderbal. People are caught between two administrative setups, he said. Highlighting the difficulties faced by residents, Danish said even basic civic facilities, including snow clearance, have become complicated due to the division of administrative responsibilities. He said that despite roads and localities being part of the same area, authorities from different districts are approached for maintenance and snow clearance, creating unnecessary delays and inconvenience for residents. He also raised concerns over what he described as the lack of attention from elected representatives and higher authorities towards the problems of Safapora. People remember us during elections, but after that, our issues remain unheard. Our elders have raised these concerns repeatedly, but we have yet to see a concrete solution, he said. Residents believe that the present arrangement has affected the smooth delivery of government services and has left people uncertain about which district administration is responsible for addressing their grievances. They have urged the authorities to either bring all major departments under one administrative jurisdiction or establish the necessary offices locally so that residents do not have to travel between Ganderbal and Bandipora for routine work. The residents said their demand is not political but aimed at ensuring convenient access to public services, better coordination among departments and accountability at the local level. They have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor's administration and concerned authorities to look into the matter and take necessary steps to resolve the long-pending issue.
Festive rush: Special trains between Srinagar and Katra
Srinagar, Nov 4: To clear the extra rush of passengers during the festive season, Northern Railway will operate special unreserved trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on November 5 and 6. According to an official order issued by Northern Railway on November 4, two special trains, numbered 04690 and 04689, will operate between Srinagar (SINA) and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK), with two trips in each direction. The order, bearing reference number SCN-438 and number 63-TT/8972/Festival Special/2026, was issued by the Office of Origin, S/Instruction, Northern Railway, New Delhi, following a communication from the Jammu Division. As per the schedule, train number 04690 will depart from Srinagar at 11:45 AM and reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 3:30 PM. En route, it will stop at Anantnag from 12:55 PM to 12:57 PM and Banihal from 1:30 PM to 1:32 PM. In the return direction, train number 04689 will depart from Katra at 4:00 PM and reach Srinagar at 7:45 PM. It will halt at Banihal from 6:25 PM to 6:27 PM and Anantnag from 7:00 PM to 7:02 PM. Both services will operate on November 5 and 6, with two trips each. The trains will cover a distance of 188.7 kilometres and will run with a DMU rake comprising two DPCs and six TC cars. The order further states that primary maintenance of the trains will be undertaken by the Jammu Division with RBPC. The special services are aimed at providing additional travel facilities to passengers during the festive season and easing the pressure on regular train services between the Kashmir Valley and Katra.
