Understanding the historic $17.1 billion Meta settlement
The settlement came with certain conditions on how Meta should change its safety features on Instagram and Facebook
Nepal Army launches flood rescue operations as hundreds missing
Recent museum thefts in Europe | Explained
Unlike robberies in banks or other institutions that notoriously become violent and traumatic, law enforcement agencies and popular culture have long associated museum thefts with the same elegance and sophistication that the targets are known for
Exascend Deploys Advanced Medical-Grade Storage Solutions to Power Next-Generation Healthcare Systems
A minor student from a private CBSE school in Prayagraj moved the Allahabad High Court through her mother, asking the court to issue a direction to the school authorities to permit her to wear a headscarf in addition to the uniform prescribed by the school
Apple sets September 9 date for next iPhone launch event
The device is also expected to be Apples challenge to the dominance of Samsung Electronics in the niche but growing foldable smartphone market
GVMC expansion proposal gains momentum; Bhogapurams merger mooted
Authorities conduct garama sabhas to gather feeback; villagers express concern over loss of employment opportunities under VB-G RAM G scheme and imposition of taxes
Arunachal formalises new recruitment norms, makes PRC, APST and tribal language mandatory
Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh government has formally notified uniform eligibility criteria for direct recruitment to posts and services under the state government, following the Cabinets decision earlier this month. The notification, issued by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Training on August 26 under the authority of the Governor, makes three conditions mandatory for direct [] The post Arunachal formalises new recruitment norms, makes PRC, APST and tribal language mandatory appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Shiv Sena launches Mission Gen Z for a direct party connect with the young generation
Over 250 young elected representatives from the States urban and rural areas, in the age group of 20 to 30 years, participated in it in Mumbai
Japan's polka dot queen Yayoi Kusama dies aged 97
Throughout an extraordinary lifetime devoted entirely to artistic creation, Kusama pursued an internationally acclaimed career as a pioneering avant-garde artist whose creative practice encompassed visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry, a statement said.
Klook and Mastercard collaborate to enhance travelers' experiences across Asia Pacific
Klook and Mastercard collaborate to enhance travelers' experiences across Asia Pacific
ViewSonic Launches XG2738-2K-OLED Gaming Monitor with QD-OLED Technology and OLED Care
ViewSonic Launches XG2738-2K-OLED Gaming Monitor with QD-OLED Technology and OLED Care
Seven killed as bus collides with auto-rickshaw in Andhra Pradeshs Palnadu
The victims had reportedly travelled to Kondamanjuluru to attend a celebration and were returning to Veluru in the auto-rickshaw when the accident occurred.
Kashmir Super League Season 2 player bidding completed, six teams finalise squads
Srinagar, Aug 26: The player bidding process for the second season of Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 was completed with around 200 footballers competing for places across six franchise teams. The bidding ceremony, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, saw the participating franchises compete for players as they finalised their squads for the upcoming season. The six teams taking part in Season 2 are United Elegant FC, Sanctorum United, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC, Swift Strikers Rainawari FC, Athwas India XI FC and New JK United FC. With the bidding process now over, all six franchises have completed their squads and are set to begin preparations for the tournament. The event brought together franchise owners, team officials, coaches, players, league organisers and other stakeholders. Organisers said the bidding process offered local footballers an opportunity to earn a place in a competitive franchise-based league. The second season will be played at the TRC Ground in Srinagar, with the six teams competing for the Kashmir Super League title. The league has received support from Events Emporio, Nivia, NITIans Career Institute, Labaika Hajj & Umrah, Amul and J&K Sports Council. Organisers said Season 2 will build on the response received during the inaugural season, with an emphasis on competitive football and providing local players with a structured platform. With the squads now finalised, attention will turn to preparations for the second edition of the Kashmir Super League.
Religious fervour marks observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) in Kishtwar
Kishtwar, Aug 26: The people of District Kishtwar on Wednesday observed the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) with great religious fervor, devotion and enthusiasm. The day was marked by religious gatherings and a grand procession, with thousands of devotees participating from Jamia Masjid to the Holy Shrine of Shah Farid-Ud-Din Sahib (RA). The procession was taken out in a spiritual and peaceful manner under the leadership of Imam Sahib, Jamia Masjid, Head of the Majlis-e-Shoura Committee, Farooq Ahmed Kitchloo along with religious scholars and community elders. The event highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and spread the message of peace, love and brotherhood. To ensure the smooth observance of the festival, the district administration, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, ensured comprehensive arrangements, including security and logistical measures and other necessary arrangements. Earlier in the morning, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma extended warm and heartfelt greetings to the people of District Kishtwar, particularly the Muslim community, as well as the Muslim staff members and their families, on the auspicious occasion of Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi. In his message, the Deputy Commissioner said that Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi is an occasion that inspires everyone to uphold the timeless values of peace, compassion, harmony and brotherhood. He called upon all sections of society to strengthen the bonds of unity, mutual respect and communal harmony and to contribute towards building a peaceful and progressive society. MP Rajya Sabha Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh and ADC Pawan Kotwal were present on the occasion. They extended Eid greetings to the Muslim community and joined the religious procession. They urged the people to uphold the noble teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and appealed for lasting peace, unity, communal harmony and brotherhood across the district and the Union Territory.
Meghalaya to scrap interviews for certain Group C posts, institute SOPs for DSCs
Shillong, Aug 26:The state cabinet met today and decided on measures to amend the job recruitment process as well as institute changes to the Migrant Workers Rules. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the state government had earlier removed interviews for Group D posts based on recommendations of the [] The post Meghalaya to scrap interviews for certain Group C posts, institute SOPs for DSCs first appeared on Highland Post .
KSU suspends agitation after satisfactory meeting with Govt
Shillong, Aug 26:The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has decided to temporarily suspend its agitation after holding discussions with the Meghalaya government on five key demands, with the union describing the meeting as satisfactory. Former KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah said the union was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting to an extent and [] The post KSU suspends agitation after satisfactory meeting with Govt first appeared on Highland Post .
Ropeway clearance should look beyond number of trees cut
Shillong, Aug 26:Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma today sought details from the Meghalaya government on the environmental studies and clearances carried out for the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway. Sangma raised the issue during Question Hour while participating in a discussion on tourism infrastructure projects following a question by Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin. Dr [] The post Ropeway clearance should look beyond number of trees cut first appeared on Highland Post .
DDC Reasi reviews vulnerable road stretches, calls for timely restoration
Reasi , Aug 26: District Development Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek today chaired a meeting to review the progress of slope stabilization and road restoration works at the vulnerable stretch on the R-A-M Road. During the meeting, issues related to BMG Road and Mahore Market Road were also discussed in detail. The meeting discussed the ongoing restoration works aimed at strengthening the road, preventing further slope failure and ensuring smooth and safe movement of traffic. Officials informed the chair that heavy rainfall, increased hydrostatic pressure and surface erosion had damaged the uphill formation and affected the road infrastructure. The restoration plan includes construction of toe walls, retaining walls, breast walls and a lined drain along with other protective measures for long-term stabilization of the vulnerable stretch. Advanced slope stabilization measures, including anchoring and soil protection works, are also being taken up based on technical assessments. The DDC directed the executing agency and GREF officials to expedite the works while maintaining quality and adhering strictly to safety standards. He stressed the need for immediate protective measures at the vulnerable location to safeguard commuters. He also directed the concerned agency to closely monitor the site and ensure timely completion of the restoration works, particularly in view of the ongoing monsoon conditions. EO 58 RR S.K. Singh, ADC Rakesh Kumar and other concerned officers attended the meeting, while OC GREF Major Niranjan attended the meeting virtually.
Bar associations to hold peaceful march seeking removal of Advocate General
Shillong, Aug 26:Members of the various Bar Associations in the state will take out a peaceful march and sit-in demonstration on August 27 demanding removal of Amit Kumar as Advocate General of Meghalaya. The decision was taken in a resolution adopted at the joint general body meeting of the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association [] The post Bar associations to hold peaceful march seeking removal of Advocate General first appeared on Highland Post .
Baljek could become functional in mid-2027
Shillong, Aug 26:The long-pending Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills is expected to become operational next year as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) prepares to take over and develop the facility. The Meghalaya government anticipates signing the final handover agreement by September, with commercial flight operations beginning around the middle of 2027. Deputy Chief [] The post Baljek could become functional in mid-2027 first appeared on Highland Post .
By Balakmen Suting Some phrases are spoken in a few seconds and then acquire a life of their own. Dimaagi Naxal is one such phrase. Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the expression during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, warning that although armed Naxalism had been pushed back, an ideological [] The post Two Words from the Red Fort:What Dimaagi Naxal Says About Dissent first appeared on Highland Post .
U.S. religious freedom panel urges sanctions on RSS members over Mohan Bhagwat visit
We urge the U.S. government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, including revoking the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat, says Asif Mahmood, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Chari Mubarak marks culmination of Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 in Poonch
Poonch, Aug 26: Amid religious and spiritual fervour, the Chari Mubarak Yatra was conducted in Poonch, marking the formal culmination of the revered Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. Led by Shri Shri 1008 Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, the procession commenced from the Dashnami Akhara Mandir in Poonch, making its way to the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Shrine at Rajpura, Mandi. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, MLA Kalakote Thakur Randhir Singh, former MLC Vibodh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Sandeep Wazir besides other officers of the civil administration and police were present. The Chari Mubarak Yatra was preceded by a special Puja and Havan, amid the resounding chants of Vedic Mantras, at the Akhara Mandir Poonch. Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, along with numerous religious dignitaries, Yatris and locals congregated for this auspicious occasion. Following the puja, a guard of honour was accorded to the holy mace and the Yatra to Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Ji temple was started amidst the participation of hundreds of devotees from across the nation, who offered prayers and chanted slogans in reverence to Lord Shiva. Subsequently, a grand religious gathering was held at a nearby hall, where Swami Ji and other dignitaries delivered enlightening speeches on communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in the region. The Chari Mubarak Yatra spanned a distance of 25 kilometers, with pilgrims making halts at various stalls arranged by the locals, providing food and refreshments. The ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva, situated in the mountains of pir panjal, holds great significance as it is believed to be the place where Rishi Pulatsya, the grandfather of King Ravana of Lanka, engaged in worship for several decades. The Pulast River, flowing from the Loran-Mandi mountains of Pir Panjal to Poonch, derives its name from this revered saint. The Chari Mubarak was welcomed at Mandi with immense enthusiasm and spiritual zeal, as people from all faiths joined together in celebrating the procession. With resounding chants of Lord Shiva's name, the sacred Chari Mubarak was carried to the Baba Budha Amarnath Ji Temple, where special prayers were conducted, encompassing the entire place in divine spirituality. The Chari Mubarak will remain in the temple for two days and will be brought back on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. With this, the ten-day-long Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra reached a formal conclusion, leaving behind a trail of devotion and blessings. The locals would continue to visit the temple to pay obeisance and receive blessings of the Lord Shiva.
Kulgam, Aug 26: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Wednesday visited the revered Ziyarat Sharief of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA) at Kulgam and Ziyarat Sharief Qaimoh on the auspicious occasion of Milad un-Nabi. During his visit to the revered shrine of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA), the Deputy Commissioner paid obeisance and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of the district and the entire Jammu & Kashmir. The DC also took stock of the arrangements put in place for devotees visiting the shrines. He interacted with members of the shrine management committees and reviewed facilities including drinking water, sanitation, electricity, traffic management and medical aid. At Ziyarat Sharief Qaimoh, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with local residents and representatives and took feedback on various issues concerning the development, upkeep and maintenance of the shrine. He directed the concerned departments to ensure adequate facilities, timely resolution of public issues and seamless management of the arrangements for devotees and visitors. The local residents and shrine management representatives appreciated the visit of the Deputy Commissioner and expressed hope that the issues raised during the interaction would be addressed at the earliest. The DC was accompanied by senior officers of the district administration.
DC Gbal chairs District Level NCORD Committee Meeting
Ganderbal, Aug 26: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore on Wednesday chaired the monthly meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee to review the measures being undertaken by various departments to curb drug abuse and strengthen enforcement, prevention, awareness and rehabilitation efforts across the district. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the action taken by different departments and stressed upon strengthening inter departmental coordination and adopting a sustained, result-oriented approach to tackle the menace of drugs. The Assistant Controller Drugs, Ganderbal, was directed to intensify inspections and coordinate closely with the Police Department for strict action against drug peddling, violations by drug sellers and illegal sale or distribution of drugs. He also directed that cases involving violations be pursued promptly and appropriate action be taken as per law. The Deputy Commissioner directed the ARTO to expedite the process for cancellation of driving licences, as per rules, in cases involving persons found engaged in drug peddling. He further directed that prosecution of drug peddling cases be intensified and stressed that strict action be taken against those found involved in drug peddling or facilitating the illegal distribution of drugs. He also called for effective measures to discourage drug consumption, particularly among youth. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to strengthen surveillance of courier and other channels vulnerable to transportation of drugs, in coordination with the Police Department, to prevent the movement and distribution of narcotic substances. He further directed the concerned departments to ensure installation of CCTV cameras at identified vulnerable locations to strengthen surveillance and deterrence against drug-related activities. Reviewing preventive measures, the Deputy Commissioner directed that wild cannabis plants be identified and destroyed at the block and panchayat level, with regular field level monitoring to prevent their spread. The Deputy Commissioner also called for intensification of awareness programmes across the district, particularly in educational institutions and among youth and communities, focusing on the harmful effects of drug abuse, prevention, counselling and rehabilitation. All departments were directed to ensure regular conduct of awareness activities and submission of Action Taken Reports (ATRs) regarding the directions issued so that progress can be effectively monitored. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that combating drug abuse requires a whole of society approach, with coordinated efforts involving enforcement agencies, health institutions, educational institutions, local administration and community stakeholders. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the District Administration to take strict, coordinated and sustained measures against drug abuse and drug peddling and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards making Ganderbal a safe, healthy and drug-free district. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Deputy Director Prosecution, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Ganderbal, District Youth Services & Sports Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, ARTO Ganderbal, all Tehsildars, ETO Excise Department, representative of IB, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal, Sales Tax Officer, District Manager NRLM and other concerned officers.
Dir Agri Kashmir visits S.M Farm Padgampora
Srinagar, Aug 26: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, on Wednesday visited Seed Multiplication Farm at Padgampora, Pulwama, to assess ongoing activities and review the progress of seed production initiatives. During the visit, the Director specifically inspected the different blocks, Seed processing Plant and workshop where he evaluated the current status of activities related to seed multiplication. He reviewed the overall working of the Farm, including field operations, crop management practices, and preparations for quality seed production to meet the region's agricultural requirements, as the harvesting season of major cereal crops is commencing shortly. The Director emphasized the critical role of departmental seed multiplication farms in achieving self-reliance in quality seeds for various crops, to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in Kashmir. Farm Manager, Padgampora, Malik Reyaz Ahmad, was also present on the occasion and provided detailed insights into farm management, infrastructure, and day-to-day operations. The Director interacted with field staff and officers, directing them to adopt modern scientific practices and work in a mission mode to ensure timely availability of certified seeds to the farming community. He reiterated the department's commitment to upgrading seed multiplication farms, across Kashmir, and strengthening post-harvest management for better outcomes. This visit underscores the Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir's continued focus on strengthening seed infrastructure and promoting sustainable agriculture practices across the valley. Director Agriculture was accompanied by Joint Director Extension, Mujtaba Yehya and Deputy Director Planning Javeed Ahmad Shah.
Glacial collapse caused seismic activity, catastrophic Nepal floods: USGS
Additional analysis of nearby seismic stations, long period seismic waves, and satellite imagery led to the determination that the seismic event was instead a glacial collapse and debris flow, and that no earthquake had occurred, U.S. Geological Survey said.
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Death toll from Algeria wildfire rises to 12
The tolls rose from earlier local media reports of two deaths and an unspecified number of injuries in coastal Bejaia province, around 300 kilometres (190 miles) from the capital Algiers
Thirty-four Australians missing in Nepal flash floods: PM Albanese
At this point, Nepal is a developing country; it doesn't have the resources that an event like that would have in Australia, so information is difficult, says Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Bhandup police arrest murder accused absconding for 29 years
The accused, identified as Ravindra alias Pamplet Eknath Vichare, was arrested from Ashutosh Lodge in Karmala in Solapur district after investigators received information
Anthony Andrews appointed India U17 women's assistant coach
Anthony Andrews also serves as head coach of East Bengal FC and will continue to hold that position too
Tahir Hussain moves Delhi HC against conviction in IB officers murder case
The appeal, which was filed on August 24, is likely to come up for hearing next week
Trump declares emergency over foreign equipment in U.S. power grid
The executive order blocks companies from buying, importing or installing certain foreign-made parts used in what the government calls the bulk-power system
Trump says U.S. doesn't need Canada; America's economy says otherwise
Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian aluminium while acknowledging this week that the United States badly needs the metal
134-year-old Gulmarg Golf Course to reopen next month
Srinagar, Aug 26: The government has stepped up efforts to revive the 134-year-old heritage golf course in north Kashmirs Gulmarg, with authorities expecting the historic facility to become fully operational next month, officials said. The revival is aimed at restoring the golf courses lost glory and promoting Gulmarg as a destination for high-end golf tourism, including national and international championships. MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah told Rising Kashmir that restoration work on the heritage course was underway. It is an important asset of Gulmarg which remained unattended for the last several years. We are reviving it and expect it to be operational by next month, Shah said. He said Gulmargs golf course was among the oldest in India and had a unique heritage value. This is not a normal golf course as it has a history and heritage connection. It is 134 years old, and we are working hard to restore its glory so that national and international golfers can be invited and championships can be held here, he said. Shah said the government was serious about restoring the facility at the earliest and bringing Gulmarg back on the golfing map. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Hussain Naik, said nine holes of the course had been fully restored, while work on the remaining holes was in progress. Nine holes of the golf course have been fully restored, while work on the others is going on. We expect it to be fully functional by next month, Naik said. He added that authorities were also hopeful of hosting championships at the course in September. Naik said the golf course had remained largely unattended for the past six to seven years and that its revival had now been taken up on priority. Its fencing has been properly completed, and natural grass has been grown on the course, he said. The Gulmarg Golf Course has a long history dating back to 1892, when a six-hole course was laid out in a meadow at the hill station by Colonel Neville Chamberlain during British rule. The course later evolved into an important golfing destination. The first golf championship at the course was held in 1922, while the Nedous Cup was introduced in 1929. The course was subsequently redesigned by legendary Australian golfer and golf-course architect Peter Thomson in 1970. In 2011, the course underwent another redesign by Delhi-based golf architect Ranjit Nanda. The 18-hole course is spread across Gulmargs scenic meadows and includes the countrys longest hole - the eighth, a 610-yard par-five. Officials said the restoration of the historic course is expected to provide a fresh push to golf tourism in Gulmarg and create opportunities for hosting national and international-level golfing events.
5% GST pushing Kashmirs walnut industry to brink: Growers
Srinagar, Aug 26: The walnut industry in Kashmir, which provides livelihood to thousands of farming families, is facing a serious crisis due to increasing competition from imported walnuts, taxation, inadequate research support and poor market infrastructure, the Fruit Association has said in a representation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Haji Bhadur Khan, President of the Fruit Association, has sought immediate government intervention to safeguard Kashmir's traditional walnut industry, saying the sector was being pushed towards the brink of collapse by a combination of policy shortcomings, foreign competition and inadequate institutional support. Khan said walnut growers in Kashmir are predominantly small and economically vulnerable farmers, many of whom live in far-flung areas and depend heavily on the seasonal crop for their livelihood. The 5 per cent GST imposed on walnuts has added to the financial burden on growers and made locally produced walnuts less competitive in the market, he said. Khan urged the government to reduce GST on walnuts to zero per cent, arguing that the move would provide relief to growers and help revive the sector. The Fruit Association president also raised concern over the growing influx of walnuts from China, Chile and California, saying cheaper imported produce was adversely affecting the market for Kashmiri walnuts. Referring particularly to China's 185 walnut variety, Khan said China had witnessed a significant increase in production and exports over the past decade. He said Chinese walnuts, known for their large kernel size, high yield and competitive prices, had gained presence in the Indian market, making it increasingly difficult for local growers to compete. Chile had also emerged as a major player in the global walnut market, supplying high-quality walnuts at comparatively lower prices, while California had strengthened its position through advanced farming techniques, sophisticated processing facilities and aggressive marketing, he said. Khan called for appropriate protective measures, including restrictions or tariffs on imported walnuts, to protect domestic growers and encourage the consumption of locally produced walnuts. He also flagged concerns over the alleged under-valuation of imported walnuts for tariff purposes, saying such practices further put local producers at a disadvantage. Another major concern raised by Khan was the alleged lack of research and development support for Kashmir's walnut sector. He said there was an urgent need to develop improved walnut varieties and enhance kernel quality and productivity. The Department of Horticulture has played no role in developing new walnut varieties or improving kernel quality, Khan alleged in the representation, calling for dedicated research centres focused on walnut cultivation. He also sought technical guidance and training for farmers on modern cultivation practices, including the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties. Poor market infrastructure is another issue faced by farmers. Khan said walnut markets in Kashmir, including the major market at Kupwara, lacked adequate basic facilities such as clean and hygienic storage spaces, reliable electricity and water supply. He urged the government to upgrade walnut market infrastructure, improve hygiene and storage facilities and ensure uninterrupted power and water supply to walnut processing units. Khan further alleged that officials had shown little interest in addressing these issues and called for accountability for what he described as mismanagement and negligence.The Association president sought permission for construction of a second storey on allotted shops at Kupwara Mandi, saying the additional space was required for the purchase and repacking of walnut kernels, expansion of business operations and accommodation of growing customer demand. Khan urged the authorities to examine the alleged import of walnuts and walnut products through Nepal to avoid taxes, claiming that products originating from China and other countries were entering the market through such routes and causing losses to Kashmiri producers. He sought reduction of GST, protective measures against unfair foreign competition, establishment of walnut-focused research centres, farmer training, development of improved varieties and modernisation of market infrastructure. Khan said the walnut industry was not merely an economic activity but a way of life for thousands of families across Kashmir. The combined impact of high GST, foreign competition, official apathy and poor infrastructure has pushed this industry to the brink of collapse, Khan said, urging the government to take immediate and concrete measures to protect Kashmir's walnut growers and revive the industry. He sought government response to the challenges confronting the walnut sector, with particular emphasis on making Kashmiri walnuts more competitive, strengthening domestic production and protecting the livelihoods of growers dependent on the crop.
Milad processions carried out across Valley
Srinagar, Aug 26: On the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi (SAW), religious organisations and the management of several mosques across Jammu and Kashmir carried out Milad processions onWednesday.
Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi (SAW) celebrated across J&K
Srinagar, Aug 26: Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi (SAW) with religious zeal and fervour, as people thronged shrines and mosques across the Union Territory to participate in special prayers. The day, observed on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with great enthusiasm worldwide,
Advanced healthcare must no longer remain luxury: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that quaternary care should not be a privilege reserved for the economically rich section of society. It must become a right of citizenship and a guarantee of the nation, the LG said as he addressed the Quaternary Healthcare & Research Summit in Srinagar. He added that the summit marks a turning point in Jammu Kashmir and India's healthcare journey. The Lieutenant Governor said the time has come to move beyond tertiary care and embrace quaternary-level treatment and research to ensure equal access for all citizens. Recalling his visit to Akhnoor during the Back to Village programme in 2020, the Lieutenant Governor shared a poignant interaction with doctors who discussed diagnosis for rare diseases and the need for modern equipment. He said this moment revealed that the greatest distance confronting us in the UT is the gap between healthcare available in small district hospitals and the healthcare actually required. He stressed that bridging this gap is a national priority. Sinha highlighted India's remarkable progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said free treatment for more than 56 crore citizens surpassed the combined population of the US, France, Italy, and the UK. He noted annual vaccination campaigns in the country covering 7 crore children, equal to the population of the UK, and e-Sanjeevani telemedicine providing care to 37 crore people annually, exceeding the population of the US. Expansion of infrastructure with 23 AIIMS, 2,045 medical colleges, and in Jammu Kashmir, 2 AIIMS, 10 medical colleges, 2 State Cancer Institutes, a Bone and Joint Hospital, a Paediatric Hospital, 52 nursing colleges, 23 paramedical colleges, and 5 pharmacy colleges are providing robust support to healthcare ecosystem. These figures show that India has succeeded in elevating primary, secondary, and tertiary care. But the time has come to scale up tertiary hospitals into quaternary centres, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that advanced care must no longer remain a luxury confined to metropolitan cities. For a very long time, quaternary care has been viewed as a luxury available only in metropolitan cities and accessible only to those who can afford it. I wish to state clearly from this platform that this era must now come to an end. The cooperation of all the stakeholders, private hospitals and research centres is essential for fulfilling this resolve, he said. He called upon hospitals to transform themselves into research institutions capable of organ transplantation, robotic and precision surgery, advanced genomics, cellular therapies, and AI-supported diagnostics. He urged hospitals to allocate annual budgets for specialised infrastructure such as modern operating theatres and proton-beam therapy facilities. While preparing the annual budget, hospitals should allocate funds each year for specialised infrastructure. This will enable them to gradually develop facilities such as modern operating theatres for delicate and complex procedures, he said. The LG also suggested building a new corridor to connect district hospitals and tertiary centres directly with quaternary-care institutions, accelerating diagnostics, imaging, and specialist consultations. He said telemedicine and AI-enabled diagnostic tools should be integrated into standard healthcare infrastructure. He appealed for expanded fellowship and training opportunities in organ transplantation, oncology, genomics, and critical care. Advanced care is impossible without advanced specialists, he said. Sinha also suggested a mission uniting Himalayan states, Jammu Kashmir, universities, hospitals, private institutions and innovators to jointly advance biomedical research and overcome funding challenges. We must develop new inventions ourselves instead of importing innovation from abroad, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged that hospitals be regarded as strategic national assets just like highways and ports, ensuring their preservation and development with equal dedication. We must create a robust quaternary-care framework that guarantees equal access to the son of a farmer and to a millionaire living in a city. This task will not be easy, but it must be undertaken as a matter of national dedication and service. Let us work together at this summit to prepare a strategy that will be remembered for the precise and effective implementation of these goals, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released Summit Souvenir and several publications. Dr M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Digambar Behera, President, National Academy of Medical Sciences; Dr Kameshwar Prasad; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Prof M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS; heads of various institutions, researchers, scientists, and senior officials were present.
Six dead, three injured in Poonch road accident
Poonch,Aug 26: In a tragic road accident, six people were killed and three others injured after a vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge at Sindhara in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district on Wednesday evening. According to officials, the vehicle was travelling from PoonchtowardsSindhara when the accidenttook place.It reportedly went out of control and fell into the deep gorge. Six occupants died on the spot, while three others sustained injuries.
NITI Aayog, LG discuss roadmap for 'Viksit Jammu & Kashmir'
Srinagar, Aug 26: NITI Aayog member, Dr M. Srinivas, along with a team of senior officials, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan here and presented a comprehensive assessment of Jammu and Kashmir's development landscape, highlighting achievements, key sectoral gaps and possible interventions for accelerating the socio-economic development of the Union Territory. The NITI Aayog delegation comprised Anurag Goyal, Senior Adviser; Subhash Chandra Meena, Economic Adviser; Dr Muniraju S.B., Deputy Adviser; Dr Shobith, OSD (Health); and Sumaiya Yousuf, Innovation Lead, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. The assessment covered major sectors: Human Resources Development, Creating Economic Opportunities and Infrastructure Development. The delegation highlighted the need to improve Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and learning outcomes in school education and to strengthen industry-academia linkages and employment opportunities in higher education. Dr M. Srinivas appreciated enhanced opportunities for medical education in the UT while highlighting concerns regarding rising metabolic and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) burden. In agriculture and allied sectors, emphasis was placed on reduction of post-harvest losses, enhancing cold-chain and processing infrastructure, livestock services, value-chain development and stronger market linkages. For accelerating economic growth and employment generation, NITI Aayog suggested focusing on industrial clusters, strengthening MSMEs and employment-intensive manufacturing, improvement in logistics and export infrastructure, promotion of green mobility and development of a stronger innovation and start-up ecosystem in the UT. The presentation also highlighted measures for sustainable urban development, including improved water security, sewage treatment and expansion of public transport. The tourism potential of Jammu Kashmir was also discussed, with emphasis on improving last-mile connectivity and visitor amenities, promoting border, eco, rural, homestay, and MICE tourism. NITI Aayog further highlighted the importance of timely completion of connectivity projects, improved water conservation and irrigation infrastructure, and greater utilisation of renewable energy potential, particularly through decentralised solar energy and PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the comprehensive sectoral assessment and shared the significant development initiatives undertaken in Jammu Kashmir in recent years. He observed that the Government of India and the Government of Jammu Kashmir are working together towards the vision of Viksit Jammu Kashmir, with sustained emphasis on infrastructure creation, improved public service delivery, employment generation, investment and inclusive socio-economic development. The LG suggested that NITI Aayog may undertake a focused assessment and identify actionable measures for improving the ecological sustainability of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. He also emphasised the need to examine the factors besides land acquisition that contribute to delays in major development and infrastructure projects in Jammu Kashmir and suggest institutional, administrative and implementation measures for ensuring their timely and effective completion. Dr M. Srinivas assured the Lieutenant Governor that NITI Aayog would continue to work closely with the J&K UT Administration and relevant Ministries of the Government of India to facilitate appropriate policy interventions, promote inter-sectoral convergence and support the UT in addressing any issues identified. The discussions underscored the importance of a coordinated and outcome-oriented approach to fully harness Jammu Kashmir's potential and accelerate its journey towards Viksit Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat @2047.
Six arrested in Drug Inspector paper leak case
The MPSC had cancelled the recruitment process for Drug Inspector, Group-B posts in the Food and Drug Administration on August 26 after a preliminary inquiry into irregularities in the screening test held on March 22, 2026
New Pink metro line gets go-ahead in the outskirts of Kolkata
The line was long awaited and faced a roadblock due to a long pending issue of shifting underground pipelines
The high cost of Indias private health-care boom
The country needs private capital to expand health care, but investment cannot be allowed to shape clinical decisions, pricing and access in ways that make care unaffordable or unnecessarily intensive
M.P. Ministers remarks on sugar price surge draw Congress ire
Kailash Vijayvargiya made the remarks in a light conversation with the media in Indore, but ended up facing political backlash amid the recent surge in sugar prices ahead of the festive season
Drawing lines: On the India-China 25th Special Representatives talks
India and China must be transparent about the talks on boundary dispute
The glorious past of Chennais Shanti Theatre
Grounded: On Tamil Nadus Parandur airport project
Chennai needs more runways, not just new terminals
When public transport paves the way for Chennais development
From operating one of Indias earliest train and tramcar services to nationalising public transport in 1947, Chennai has been a trendsetter in the public transport scene. Today, residents can choose from suburban, MTC, MRTS and Metro Rail services
Bihar Police to conduct DNA test on buffalo to settle ownership dispute
The move came following a dispute between two persons, each claiming to be the owner
JMI admission lapses: protest site cleared, 4 students suspended
Yogi Adityanath prayed to Lord Pashupatinath for the safety and well-being of all those affected
Kashmirs Houseboats on the Brink
Kashmirs houseboats are more than timber and carved wood floating on the Jhelum and Dal Lake; they are living memory, a signature of the Valleys cultural grace, and one of the finest expressions of its hospitality economy. Yet the report on the century-old houseboat industry facing extinction is a warning that should trouble every Kashmiri. What is disappearing is not only a livelihood, but a heritage that once helped define Kashmir in the global imagination. For decades, houseboats were the first encounter many visitors had with Kashmir. They offered warmth, intimacy and a distinct aesthetic that hotels could never replicate. Their ornate interiors, handcrafted panels, and age-old craftsmanship reflected the artistic soul of the Valley. To lose this industry would be to lose an archive of local skill, family tradition and cultural continuity. And once such traditions vanish, they rarely return in their original form. The crisis, however, did not emerge overnight. It is the result of years of slow erosion. Traditional craftsmen have aged, but too few young people have been willing to step into their place. This is hardly surprising. A craft that demands patience, skill and long-term commitment will struggle when there is little financial security, weak policy support and shrinking social prestige attached to it. When a young generation sees uncertainty where its elders saw pride, the chain of transmission breaks. There is also an unmistakable policy failure here. Heritage industries cannot be left to survive on sentiment alone. If the government is serious about preserving Kashmirs cultural economy, then houseboat makers and owners need structured support: restoration grants, training programmes, soft loans, tourism incentives and simplified approval systems. The industry also needs a serious conservation plan that protects houseboats from decay, modern pressures and regulatory neglect. Heritage without support becomes a slogan; heritage with support becomes survival. At the same time, the industry itself must adapt without losing its soul. Houseboat owners and craftsmen need to think beyond nostalgia. Cleaner surroundings, better maintenance, improved services and a stronger tourist-facing narrative can make houseboats relevant to a new generation of travellers. Preservation does not mean freezing a tradition in time; it means allowing it to live, evolve and remain economically viable. Kashmir has often spoken of protecting its cultural identity. This is one of those moments when the rhetoric must be matched by action. If the houseboat industry collapses, it will not simply be a business failure. It will be a civilizational loss, visible in the fading of craftsmanship, the weakening of family legacies and the thinning of Kashmirs unique cultural character. The Valley cannot afford to let one of its most recognisable symbols drift into memory. The houseboats must not be mourned only after they are gone. They must be protected while they still stand.
Poonchs Deadly Road: When Neglect Turns Roads into Killers
The reported road accident in Surankotes Shiendra area, in which six people are feared dead and several others injured, is another grim reminder that in Jammu and Kashmir, roads have become death traps more often than they are lifelines. Every such tragedy is followed by shock, condolences and official statements, but the pattern remains unchanged. The dead are counted, the injured are rushed to hospitals, and the system moves on as if nothing had happened. That is the most disturbing part. The accident in Poonch is not just an isolated mishap. It is part of a much wider crisis of road safety, transport regulation and administrative apathy. In a region where people already contend with difficult terrain, fragile road networks and long travel hours, even a small lapse can have catastrophic consequences. When a road accident claims multiple lives in one stroke, the question is no longer merely about what happened at a particular turn or bend. The real question is why such accidents keep happening with such brutal regularity. Officials say the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. That may be so, but the larger causes are already known and well documented: reckless driving, poor road conditions, lack of signage, weak enforcement, overloading, speeding and the absence of sustained road safety awareness. In districts like Poonch, where roads are often narrow, accident response infrastructure is limited and emergency access can be delayed, the consequences of these failures are magnified. The innocent pay with their lives for a system that treats prevention as an afterthought. It is also a cruel irony that in a region where every accident should trigger urgent introspection, the response is often reduced to routine coverage and ritual sympathy. There is little evidence of accountability after such incidents, fewer signs of serious road audits, and almost no public reckoning with the conditions that make these tragedies predictable. The injured are shifted to hospitals; the questions are shifted elsewhere. What happened in Surankote should compel authorities to move beyond bland assurances. They must examine road safety on a war footing, identify danger zones, enforce traffic discipline, improve road engineering and ensure that emergency response systems are not left scrambling after every accident. The administration cannot keep waiting for disasters to reveal what common sense already tells us. Prevention is the duty of governance, not a post-tragedy slogan. For the families who may have lost their loved ones in this accident, no words will be enough. But for the state, this must not become another forgotten incident buried under breaking news cycles. If roads continue to kill with such ease, then the failure is not just mechanical or accidental. It is moral, administrative and entirely preventable. Poonch deserves better than to be forced into mourning over and over again.
Police have been cautious in their approach to protests, irrespective of who is in power
Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: CM hands sanction letters to over 4,000 women
First 2,500 instalment on Sept. 1; nine lakh registrations for monthly aid show trust in the initiative to provide financial security to women: Gupta
Shadows of the Classrooms Past: A Memory of Islamia High School
In the quiet corridors of memory, childhood experiences often retain their vivid colours, unblemished by the passage of decades. For those of us who spent our formative years in Srinagar during the mid-20th century, school was not merely a centre for academic instruction; it was a strictly regulated crucible of discipline, spiritual routine, and community life. The prestigious Islamia High School in Srinagar stood as a prominent seat of learning. Situated near the magnificent Jamia Masjid in Nowhattaa 600-year-old architectural marvel originally commissioned in 1394 CE by Sultan Sikandar Shah Mirithe school was deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual rhythm of the historic city. Every afternoon during the lunch break, the school administration ensured that students, particularly those living in neighbouring localities, gathered at the historic mosque to offer their Zuhr (midday) prayers. Remarkably, oversight at the grand gates of Jamia Masjid was entrusted to our dedicated Kashmiri Pandit teachers. With meticulous care, they would stand at the entrance to take our attendance. They were deeply affectionate, nurturing, and devoted educators whose warmth balanced the rigour of school life. Their dedication remains an enduring symbol of the harmony and mutual respect that defined our upbringing. May those noble souls who have passed on rest in eternal peace. Aameen. Yet, inside the school walls, religious discipline was enforced with uncompromising severity by our theology teacher, Molvi Noor-ud-Din, alias Chanta. Dressed impeccably in his traditional shalwar kameez, Molvi Sahib believed in an unyielding regimen. Missing prayers deliberately was considered a grave infraction, dealt with through harsh corporal punishment. Students found absent were subjected to severe lashing with a thick tree brancha brutal deterrent intended to ensure the mistake was never repeated. During my time in Class 6th, my classmate Gulzar Ahmad Gujri and I fell victim to this harsh discipline. The punishment was so severe that my young body gave way; I collapsed and remained unconscious for hours. What followed were days of high fever, intense shivering, and a slow, painful recovery. Seeing my plight, my parents were reduced to tears, and my fathers patience understandably broke. Learning of my fathers outrage, Molvi Noor-ud-Din went into hiding for seven full days to avoid a confrontation. The impasse was eventually resolved through the wise and gentle intervention of our revered Principal, Mufti Ghulam-ud-Din Sahiba distinguished scholar and the father of the eminent paediatrician Dr. Altaf. Principal Mufti Sahib stepped in with immense tact, offering sincere apologies on behalf of the institution and restoring peace between the families. Nevertheless, the ordeal altered the course of my schooling. To protect me from further harshness, my parents withdrew me from Islamia High School and enrolled me in DAV High School, Srinagar. While the transfer brought a safer environment, it also meant parting ways with many of my childhood companions. Reflecting on those years today brings a sharp contrast between generations. Could a student of the present generation endure such extreme measures? How would modern parents react to such corporal severity? The educational landscape has evolved, yet the psychological scars of that era run deepso much so that even today, decades later, I occasionally relive those moments in my dreams. Yet, time softens grievance into understanding. Looking back, I carry no bitterness or malice toward Molvi Noor-ud-Din. He acted according to the strict, albeit flawed, pedagogical norms of his era. As the years pass, one learns to replace lingering pain with forgiveness. May Almighty Allah grant him, and all our departed teachers, eternal forgiveness and peace. Aameen. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
With 15 of August 2026 having gone past us leaving in its wake all and sundry of this country suffused with a surcharge of nationalism, the atmosphere is yet to be offloaded from mass spectatorship of events in our national capital as well as the states denoting the above event. No doubt events of such nature leave a lasting impression on us , the way we go about celebrating our national days; be it independence day or even the Republic day. Joseph Addison and Richard Steeles classic 18 th century periodical, The spectator addressed a fraternity of observers who watched a society like a theatre to cultivate wit and good morals. Thinkers like Adam Smith argued that being an impartial spectator helps people build moral judgment, empathy, and social norms rather than like detaching them from community life. Whereas some modern political theories conceptualize a democracy where citizens withdraw from true political power and become passive audience members, leaving governance to a professional elite. Having stated as much as above, are the above theories true in the Indian context? Is the Indian society adopting the posture of spectatorship to help build good morals and cultivate wit as postulated by Adam Smith? To me it seems on the contrary which I shall endeavor to prove subsequently in the succeeding paragraphs. India has never been short of opinions. We have opinions on governments, judges, soldiers, celebrities, cricket teams, traffic, corruption and what not. We even opinionate on matters that we barely comprehend. We discuss, forward, celebrate everything under the sky; yet increasingly we do little. This may be one of the most uncomfortable truths about contemporary India; we are becoming a republic of spectators. We watch injustice on a screen and scroll. We watch a road accident and reach for the camera or our mobile phones before reaching for the victim. We watch corruption and complain privately. We watch politicians fight and cheer for our side. We watch public institutions deteriorate and yet wait for someone else to repair them, we demand change but yet without venturing out of our own comfort. Our democracy has produced an enormous audiencebut not necessarily an equally enormous citizenry. This distinction between an audience and a citizenry matters. The aim of penning down this write up of mine was to recalibrate ourselves post celebrating our 80th independence day, since days of such seminal national importance ought to be internalized in our collective conscious as a nation and guide us further in achieving our futuristic national aims. For decades to no end, Indians were told that democracy meant voting. Voting is indispensable, but democracy does not end when the ink disappears from the index finger of a voter. Democracy requires scrutiny, participation, dissent, accountability and above all the willingness to accept that public life is not somebody elses business. But to me it seems, somewhere along the long decades post-independence, we have outsourced citizenship. The hallmark of a throbbing democracy is its informed and conscious citizenry; which is a doomed concept in India. Informed though, Indias citizenry is pathological in its approach to most of things associated with collective responsibility. There is no gainsaying the fact that it enjoins upon the citizenry to understand collective responsibility and reaping the dividends that accrue out of such actions are complementary to each other. Any hiatus between the two is bound to de-hyphenate the very concept of an informed citizenry. Unfortunately that exactly is happening in todays India. A massive de-hyphenation of the above concept, albeit silently has overtaken the Indian society. We want a clean system without examining the compromises through which we keep dirtying it. This is blatant hypocrisy at its worst. The problem is not merely hypocrisy; it is the gradual normalization of helplessness. Every institution eventually becomes what citizens permit it to become. We have created an extraordinary digital paradox. Never before ordinary Indian citizens wielded such enormous power to speak. A smart phone can expose wrong doing, document abuse, mobilize assistance and bring an obscure issue to national fore within hours. But then same smartphone has also turned citizenship into performance. We sign online petitions, post angry messages, change profile pictures ,use hash tags, and announce our moral positions to the masses who already agree with us. Then we go back to live our lives as if nothing ever happened. The internet has made our outrage cheap. A person can spend twenty minutes furiously defending the nation online and five minutes later casually violate the rules of the very society he claims to defend. Has individual memory gone bonkers and taken the route of public memory, which as it is earned its notoriety of being short lived long time back? Just like the attention span, it seems individual memory too is now riding the bandwagon of the former. Patriotism becomes a post. Compassion becomes a photograph to be flaunted in the inner circles of the well-heeled only to garner more such brownie points. Activism becomes a hashtagjust as a nation we all witnessed during the recent Jantar Mantar protests by the new generation in the wake of results of NEET exam Bungling. This is perhaps the defining weakness of the spectator republic. This does not absolve the governments of the day of their responsibilities towards their citizens. On the contrary, the citizens must demand more from those whom exercise public power. Accountability is not optional, and transparency is not charity. But the citizens cannot remain permanently an innocent bystander. Let me quote from the famous book of our celebrated ex Cabinet secretary cum chief election commissioner, the late TN Seshan, A Heart full of burdenPublic awareness is the key to a vibrant and living democracy. Awareness of what ails the nation, what are our ills and what remedies are best under the prevailing environment. Awareness of what are the rights and obligations of the citizens and what a faithful exercise of these rights will contribute towards the general good and well being of allunquote. Can all of the above be achieved if our citizenry remain just spectators? I leave it to the considered opinion of the readers of this article of mine to decide. (The writer is a retired army officer and a regular scribe of Rising Kashmir paper; and can be approached on his email: slalotra4729@gmail.com)
Digital Holistic Progress Card (HPC): Changing the Way We Assess, Changing the Way We Teach
For decades, school assessment has largely revolved around examinations, marks and grades. These remain useful indicators, but they provide only a partial picture of a learner. A childs interests, aspirations, creativity, sensitivity, communication, collaboration and problem-solving abilities cannot always be captured through a written examination. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seeks to address this limitation by emphasising competency-based, holistic and continuous assessment. The Holistic Progress Card (HPC), developed within the framework of PARAKH, NCERT, is an important instrument for translating this vision into classroom practice. Its significance lies not merely in introducing a new reporting format, but in encouraging schools to rethink what assessment should achieve. Beginning with the learner One of the distinctive features of HPC is that it does not begin with marks. Its initial components capture aspects of a learners profile, including interests, hobbies, aspirations and other engagements. This provides teachers with a wider context for understanding the childs interests, aptitude, attitude and developmental needs. Every learner is different. Two students with similar examination scores may have very different abilities and dispositions. One may demonstrate creativity, another collaboration or communication, while a third may show strong practical problem-solving abilities. HPC seeks to ensure that these dimensions are not lost behind marks. From examination snapshots to continuous progress Traditional assessment is often concentrated around tests and examinations conducted at particular points of time. Learning, however, is continuous. A learner may initially struggle with a concept and master it later; another may understand it but find difficulty applying it in an unfamiliar situation. HPC seeks to capture this continuing journey. Teachers are expected to conduct appropriate assessment activities regularly, observe learners in different situations and record evidence of progress. The overall profile therefore emerges from a continuing process rather than a single examination. The question shifts from What did the child score? to How is the child progressing? From marks to competencies The core of HPC is competency-based assessment. The focus is not simply on correct answers but on what a learner can understand, apply, analyse, respond to and create. The framework looks at learning through dimensions such as awareness, sensitivity and creativity. Learners are not reduced merely to quantitative scores. At relevant stages, developmental descriptors such as Beginner, Proficient and Advanced are used, while the Foundational Stage uses descriptors such as Sky, Mountain and River. These are developmental indicators rather than permanent labels. A learner who is struggling may need additional support and repeated opportunities; a proficient learner may require reinforcement and guidance; an advanced learner should be encouraged to explore, create and go beyond routine expectations. The purpose is therefore not simply to rank children, but to understand what each learner needs next. From paper to digital The evolution of HPC itself is instructive. When it was first piloted in Srinagar district a few years ago and subsequently taken up in other districts, it was maintained in hard-copy form. Resource persons associated with the exercise would often point out that, despite its educational value, large-scale implementation would be difficult because of the considerable paperwork involved. The format and structure subsequently evolved through piloting, field experience and consultation with teachers, resource persons and other stakeholders. The transition to Digital HPC is therefore more than putting an existing paper format online. It combines a progressively refined framework with technology that addresses one of its earlier practical constraints. Digitalisation can make recording and maintaining learner progress more organised, accessible and manageable, allowing assessment to become a more continuous part of the teaching-learning process. The first phase of implementation The present rollout marks an important stage in implementing HPC nationally. In the first phase, Digital HPC covers learners from Balvatika through the Middle Stage, up to Class 8, with the framework to be extended subsequently to the Secondary Stage. In Jammu and Kashmir, PM SHRI Schools are among the first to take up Digital HPC, having already been provided the necessary IDs and access. Their experience can provide useful lessons for wider implementation. The larger context, however, is national: Digital HPC is part of the assessment reform envisaged under NEP 2020. When assessment reshapes teaching The most significant impact of HPC may ultimately be seen in the classroom. Competencies cannot be meaningfully assessed unless classroom experiences provide opportunities to demonstrate them. If creativity is to be assessed, children need opportunities to create; if collaboration is to be assessed, they need opportunities to work together; if critical thinking is expected, learners need situations that demand more than recall. HPC can therefore influence pedagogy itself. The teachers question gradually shifts from How much of the syllabus has been covered? to What can learners demonstrate? and then to What learning experience will help them progress further? Assessment thus becomes part of teaching rather than an activity conducted only after teaching is completed. Parents as partners Digital HPC also provides greater scope for parental participation. Through appropriate digital access, parents can view their wards progress and understand areas of achievement as well as those requiring improvement. This can make parents more informed partners in the learners development. Learners, too, can gradually become more reflective about their own strengths, difficulties and progress. The teacher remains central Technology can provide the structure, but the teacher provides the academic judgement. No digital platform can independently determine whether a child has demonstrated creativity, sensitivity, collaboration or genuine understanding. Teacher capacity building is therefore central to implementation. The recent two-day online implementation workshop conducted by PARAKH, NCERT, followed by field-level orientation and handholding, is important in this regard. The objective must go beyond teaching teachers how to operate a platform; it must develop an understanding of what constitutes meaningful evidence of learning and how that evidence can inform subsequent teaching. From compliance to meaningful assessment The greatest challenge is ensuring that Digital HPC does not become merely another online form to be completed. Its success should be visible in classrooms: richer assessment activities, greater opportunities for learners to apply and create, timely identification of those requiring support, appropriate challenges for advanced learners, informed parental participation and teaching that responds to assessment evidence. The transformation envisaged by HPC is therefore much larger than moving from a paper report card to a digital one. It is a movement from marks to competencies, from examination snapshots to continuous observation, from ranking to developmental support, and from assessment as an endpoint to assessment as part of learning. The real success of HPC will come when the most important question after assessment is no longer simply, What score did the child obtain? but: What does this evidence tell us about the learner, and what can we do next to help the learner progress? That is where the Holistic Progress Card moves beyond being a reporting mechanism and becomes an important instrument for realising the assessment and pedagogical vision of NEP 2020. (The author is a teacher and teacher educator with a keen interest in educational policy, school reforms and the implementation of government initiatives, particularly in teaching, learning and assessment. Email: abuaalim@gmail.com )
SC youths death: CB-CID names six police officers as accused
T.N. Students Youth Federation to organise protest on Sept. 1
Library constructed in memory of Thiru Vi Ka near Porur remains closed
The State government celebrated the birth anniversary of the labour leader by paying floral tributes at the Secretariat
India will win gold at Asian Games:Neha
For senior midfielder Neha, participating in her third World Cup, the result brought back painful memories of previous setbacks loss in the bronze medal game at 2020 Olympics and defeat to Australia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games semifinal
Railway Ministry identifies Chennai as part of the high density route expansion
Water dispute ends in group clash, eight arrested in K.K. Nagar
Anti-drug awareness held at 62 autorickshaw stands across Chennai
Sopore police crack gold theft cases, recover seven pairs of earrings
Sopore, Aug 26: Police in Sopore have claimed a major breakthrough in a series of gold ornament theft and snatching cases reported in and around the town, particularly those involving elderly women, with the recovery of seven pairs of gold earrings and the arrest of two persons, including an alleged receiver of stolen property. In a statement, the investigation began following the registration of FIR No. 192/2026 under Section 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Sopore. The case was registered after a woman from Seelo alleged that an unidentified man took her towards Amargarh, threatened her with a knife and forcibly took away her gold earrings. Police said a detailed investigation involving CCTV footage analysis, technical inputs, field verification and examination of suspects led to the identification and arrest of Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Majeed Bhat, a resident of Haripora, Langate, Handwara. The stolen earrings in the case were subsequently recovered at his instance, police said. During further questioning, investigators reportedly found leads linking the accused to other similar cases, including FIR No. 207/2025 under Section 304(2) BNS and FIR No. 55/2026 under Sections 304(2) and 351(2) BNS, both registered at Police Station Sopore. According to police, the accused allegedly followed a recurring modus operandi in which elderly and vulnerable women were approached on the pretext of helping them avail benefits under government welfare schemes. After allegedly gaining their confidence, he would persuade the women to remove and hand over their gold ornaments before fleeing with the jewellery. In some cases, police said, force or intimidation was also allegedly used. During subsequent recovery proceedings, seven pairs of gold earrings were recovered. Police said some of the ornaments have been linked to registered cases, while the remaining jewellery has been seized under relevant legal provisions for identification and verification. The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Sayed Ahmed Khan, son of Munna Khan, a goldsmith and resident of Sangrama, for his alleged role as a receiver of stolen property. Police said his role and possible links to other similar incidents are being investigated. Further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused were involved in additional cases and to identify the rightful owners of the remaining recovered ornaments.
As student polls near, DU campaigns shift to digital reels amid strict rules
NHM employees at DH Bandipora without salaries for four months
Srinagar, Aug 26: At least 54 employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) and posted at District Hospital Bandipora have allegedly gone without salaries for the past four months, causing financial difficulties. Rising Kashmir received several calls from NHM employees in Bandipora, who complained that their salaries for May, June and July are pending, while August is also nearing its end. There are 54 employees under NHM who have not received their salaries, and we fail to understand why these employees are being targeted, one of the employees said. The employees said salary disbursement has become irregular despite their continued services at hospitals and healthcare centres. They alleged that payments are often delayed for months and that they are not informed about the reasons behind the withholding of their salaries. We continue to perform our duties and ensure that healthcare services remain unaffected, but there is uncertainty every month regarding our salaries, they said. Another employee said she has no other source of income and that her family depends entirely on her salary. She said the prolonged delay in salary payments has placed many families under severe financial stress. The employees further alleged that their salary for February 2019 was also not released after they participated in a mass strike in Bandipora district. They also complained against the concerned officials and officers in Bandipora for their failure to release their salaries and demanded strict action against the erring officers. Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, Dr Bhajan Kour, said she would look into the matter and find out why the employees' salaries have been withheld.
LRG Govt. Arts College for Women in Tiruppur to create green lung space on campus
SDH Beerwah starts laparoscopic surgeries
Budgam, Aug 26: The Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Beerwah has started performing laparoscopic surgical procedures after the hospital received the necessary laparoscopic facilities, providing a major relief to patients in the Beerwah sub-division and adjoining areas. An official of the hospital said that two laparoscopic cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal surgeries) have been successfully performed at the facility. The introduction of laparoscopic surgery at SDH Beerwah is expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to hospitals in Srinagar and other major healthcare centres for such procedures. Residents from various villages of the Beerwah sub-division have welcomed the development and appreciated the hospital authorities and the Health Department for providing the laparoscopic facilities. Zubair Ahmad, an attendant, expressed gratitude to the Health Department, saying that patients earlier had to visit Srinagar-based hospitals and other healthcare facilities for laparoscopic procedures. He said that the availability of such services at SDH Beerwah would provide considerable relief to patients and their families. The laparoscopic procedures were performed by a surgical team comprising Dr Intikhab Alam, Dr Irshad Lone, Medical Officer (Surgeon), Showkat Gul, Imtiyaz Reshi and Neelofar Jan. The anaesthesia team was led by Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Arif Vakil, assisted by Dr Gul Mohammad and Shameem Aga. The commencement of laparoscopic procedures marks an important step towards strengthening specialised surgical services at SDH Beerwah and improving access to advanced healthcare closer to the patients' homes.
Srinagar blaze damages nine residential houses
Srinagar, August 26: A fierce fire broke out in a residential area of Srinagar on Wednesday evening, engulfing seven houses and causing minor damage to two others, officials said. The blaze sent thick plumes of smoke over the area and triggered panic among residents as flames rapidly spread through the affected structures. Firefighters, police personnel and local residents joined efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses. According to officials, the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) received the fire call at 4:47 pm, and the first fire tender reached the spot within a minute, at 4:48 pm. Multiple F&ES units were mobilised from Fire Station Safakadal, F&ES Headquarters, Fire Station Shuhama, Fire Station Babdemb, Fire Station Rainawari, Fire Station Nowshehra and Fire Station Rawalpora. Firefighters, assisted by police personnel and local residents, battled the flames in a challenging operation before bringing the blaze under control. Officials said seven houses suffered direct fire damage, while two others sustained minor damage due to intense heat, smoke and water used during the firefighting operation. Director F&ES Alok Kumar appreciated the fire personnel for their prompt response and dedication. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent fire-related incidents.
Deepender Hooda targets BJP over Gurugram civic woes; MP Rao seeks CMs intervention on waterlogging
Suru Summer Festival brings culture and adventure to Ladakh
Kargil: The Suru Summer Festival 2026 got underway in the picturesque Suru Valley of Kargil of Union Territory of Ladakh, bringing together culture, adventure, music and local traditions against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains of Ladakh. The festival was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, who highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable, responsible and community-based tourism across the Union Territory. The Suru Summer Festival is fast emerging as a significant event on Ladakhs tourism calendar, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the region beyond its scenic landscapes. The festival showcases Ladakhs rich cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary cultural performances, folk music, local cuisine, handicrafts, exhibitions and a range of adventure activities. In his message, LG Vinai Kumar Saxena said the festival celebrates Ladakhs unique traditions, landscapes and hospitality while creating opportunities for local communities. He emphasised that the focus of tourism development should remain on sustainable and responsible practices that generate livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach people at the grassroots level. The opening day of the festival witnessed a vibrant mix of cultural programmes and adventure activities, with the Suru Valley coming alive with music, performances and celebrations. Kashmirs Sufi singer Waqar Khan emerged as one of the major attractions of the opening day, captivating the audience with his soulful performance. His appearance added a distinct musical flavour to the festival, drawing enthusiastic participation from visitors and locals. The opening programme also featured live band performances and cultural presentations, celebrating the diverse traditions and artistic expressions of the region. The performances brought together people from different backgrounds and added colour and energy to the first day of the festival. Adventure activities remained another major attraction, with cycling and paragliding showcasing the immense potential of Suru Valley as an emerging destination for adventure tourism. Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, along with senior civil and police officers, also attended the inaugural events. The festival is expected to provide a platform for local artisans, homestay owners, guides, transporters, youth and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and benefit from the growing tourism economy. The opening day marked only the beginning of the festival, with more cultural, recreational and adventure activities scheduled as the celebrations continue in the scenic Suru Valley.
Horse-drawn carriage steals the show at Ganderbal wedding
Ganderbal, August 26: At a time when luxury cars and convoys of SUVs have become increasingly common sights at Kashmiri wedding processions, a groom from central Kashmirs Ganderbal district has chosen a more traditional routearriving for his baraat in a beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriage. The unusual choice by the groom from Giraj quickly caught the attention of residents, with people stopping along the way to catch a glimpse of the elaborately decorated carriage. The carriage was reportedly brought from Srinagar especially for the occasion. The traditional ride offered a nostalgic departure from the increasingly lavish wedding processions seen across the Valley, where grooms often travel in decorated luxury cars or convoys of SUVs. In rural parts of Ganderbal, the wedding season generally gathers momentum around August and September and continues through November. The celebrations are often marked by elaborate preparations, decorated homes, traditional Wazwan, grand tent arrangements and expensive wedding attire. Amid this display of modern-day extravagance, the grooms decision to travel in a horse-drawn carriage stood out for its simplicity and old-world appeal. Horse-drawn carriages were once a familiar feature of ceremonial journeys, particularly during weddings. While they have largely disappeared from contemporary wedding processions, the Ganderbal groom's choice brought a glimpse of that bygone tradition back to the streets. The carriage soon became a talking point among locals, while visuals of the procession also attracted attention on social media. For many residents, the wedding ride was more than just an unusual choice of transport. It offered a reminder that celebrations do not always have to revolve around luxury and extravaganceand that sometimes, a return to tradition can make a special occasion even more memorable.
Police may bar CJPs Sept. 5 protest in New Delhi district
AISA offers support tooutfitsprotest march, called a week before two-day BRICS leaders summit; several foreign dignitaries, including Russian President, expected at the international conference
Tourism Department to roll out tour guide training for transpersons
When mobility paves the way for citys development
From operating one of Indias earliest train and tramcar services to nationalising public transport in 1947, Chennai has been a trendsetter in the public transport scene. Today, residents can choose from suburban, MTC, MRTS and Metro Rail services
Govt vows stronger child protection after Kishtwar tragedy
Srinagar, Sep 26: Education Minister Sakina Itoo has called for accountability and stronger child protection measures after the death of a 14-year-old girl in Kishtwar, saying students must be able to attend school without fear. The minister's remarks come amid growing public anger over the case, in which a government school teacher has been arrested following the girl's reported pregnancy and subsequent death. This is unfortunate and deeply concerning, Itoo told reporters, stressing that anyone found responsible must face strict action. The case has raised fresh questions about the safeguards in place for children in educational institutions, particularly mechanisms for identifying and reporting abuse. Police have arrested Teacher Grade-II Khalid Hussain Sheikh, posted at Middle School Bumalpora in Zone Inderwal. An FIR has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The teacher has also been suspended by the Chief Education Officer, Kishtwar, pending an inquiry. The girl's death has triggered protests in parts of Kishtwar, with residents demanding accountability. Police have also arrested the teacher's brother over circumstances linked to an alleged attempt to terminate the pregnancy. Itoo said the Education Department would work on strengthening child protection safeguards in schools and ensuring that complaints concerning the safety of children are dealt with promptly. The investigation into the girl's pregnancy, the circumstances surrounding the reported termination attempt, her medical complications and death is continuing.
Childhood cancer: India has the treatment, but not the reachor the data
The countrys capability when it comes to treating childhood cancer has expanded immensely. The challenge however is, we do not know how may children have cancer, and not every child with cancer is able to reach and afford these treatments
Shopian holds key to Kashmirs future: Inam Un Nabi
Shopian: AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi today visited Shopian and met several prominent personalities and local representatives as part of the partys ongoing political outreach. In his statement, Inam Un Nabi highlighted the growing significance of Shopian, particularly with the Mughal Road emerging as a potential new gateway to Kashmir , offering immense possibilities for tourism, trade and economic development. He said AIP will soon announce its Constituency Incharge for Shopian as part of its efforts to strengthen the partys grassroots presence. According to reports, Inam Un Nabi held detailed interactions with several prominent personalities during his visit. There is growing speculation that some surprising and well-known faces from Shopian may join AIP in the coming days , potentially giving a further boost to the partys organisation in the district, the statement reads. Inam Un Nabi said Shopian has immense political, economic and strategic importance and that AIP intends to give the district the attention it deserves.
MP Mian Altaf grieves Poonch road accident
Srinagar , Aug 26: Member of Parliament from Anantnag-Rajouri, Mian Altaf Ahmad, has expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the tragic road accident in Poonch district that resulted in loss of precious lives and left several others injured. In a statement issued , Mian Altaf described the incident as heart-wrenching and extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families during this hour of immense grief and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I am deeply pained by the tragic news of the road mishap in Poonch. Losing loved ones in such sudden events is an irreparable loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families, and I pray to the Almighty to grant them strength to bear this immense pain, Mian Altaf said. The Parliamentarian impressed upon the Jammu and Kashmir UT Administration and the district authorities in Poonch to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment at the earliest.
Four youth arrested in Ranipet for possession of country-made bombs
Er. Aijaz meets Jitendra Singh, discusses development issues
New Delhi, Aug 26: BJP State Executive Member and Co-Incharge Minorities, J&K, Er. Aijaz Hussain met Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi and held discussions on a range of issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including development, public welfare and matters related to the people of the Union Territory. In a statement, Hussain apprised the Union Minister of various developmental and public issues and sought his guidance and support in taking up matters concerning the people of J&K at appropriate forums. Hussain described Dr Jitendra Singh as a guide and mentor who has consistently encouraged BJP workers to remain connected with the people and work for their welfare. Dr Jitendra Singh ji has always been a guide and mentor to me. His accessibility, affection and commitment towards BJP Karyakartas is truly inspiring, Hussain said. He said the meeting also focused on strengthening ongoing efforts for development and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the importance of ensuring that the genuine concerns and aspirations of the people reach the Union leadership. Hussain expressed gratitude to Dr Jitendra Singh for sparing his time and for his continued guidance and encouragement. He said the BJPs strength lay in its dedicated cadre and constant grassroots engagement, adding that the mentorship of senior leaders continued to inspire party workers to serve the people with sincerity and commitment.
T.N. pilgrims stranded in Nepal; officials coordinating steps to rescue them
CM expresses shock over the devastating flash floods, and orders speedy and coordinated rescue efforts.Govt. announces helpline numbers. Founder ofIshaFoundationSadhguruJaggiVasudevsays 148 people, who were part of a trip the foundation had organised, are in Nepal
Dr. Farooq, Omar offer prayers at Hazratbal on Eid Milad-un-Nabi
Srinagar, August 26: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday visited the revered Asar-e-Sharif Hazratbal Shrine on the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and offered Zuhr prayers. The two leaders, along with thousands of devotees, also had the opportunity to perform Ziyarat of the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and development in Jammu and Kashmir and across the world, particularly in the war-torn region of West Asia. Interacting with devotees after the prayers, Dr Farooq Abdullah stressed the importance of unity, solidarity and compassion in addressing the challenges of the present times. He said Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) holds immense spiritual and historical significance for Muslims as it commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Dr Farooq said the Prophet guided humanity away from ignorance, oppression, prejudice and moral degradation while emphasising universal values of monotheism, justice, brotherhood, equality and compassion. He described Hazratbal as a symbol of peace, spirituality and devotion for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In these difficult times, we must hold firmly to our shared values and stand by one another with faith, sacrifice and compassion, he said. Later, Dr Farooq and Omar Abdullah visited the refreshment camp set up by the National Conference Zadibal constituency. They were accompanied by MLA Zadibal and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.
Political theatrics wont rewrite J&K history: NC
Srinagar, Aug 26: National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday cautioned political parties and self-styled leaders against attempting to rewrite their political record through what he termed political theatrics and crocodile tears, saying the people of Jammu and Kashmir were aware of those who had allegedly betrayed their trust and compromised their interests. Addressing a meeting at the NC headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had made immense sacrifices for the establishment and strengthening of democracy, eradication of illiteracy, expansion of education, creation of constitutional and democratic institutions and development of the healthcare sector. He said these struggles and sacrifices formed an important part of the regions political history and should remain part of the collective memory, particularly among the younger generation. Sagar said the future of Jammu and Kashmir rested with its youth and stressed the need for them to remain familiar with the regions history, political identity and the struggles that shaped its social and political landscape. Those who sacrificed for the people, those who fought against poverty, deprivation and illiteracy, and those who strengthened democratic institutions cannot be erased from history by political propaganda, Sagar said. Our youth must know who stood with the people in difficult times and who chose convenience and power over their interests, he added. Referring to August 5, 2019, Sagar said a grave injustice had been inflicted on the people of Jammu and Kashmir when the Centre, according to him, undermined the constitutional and historic relationship under which the erstwhile state had acceded to India. He said the National Conference, with the continued support of the people, would persist with its struggle for restoration of what it described as the legitimate rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of how long it takes. One day or the other, New Delhi will have to correct its mistakes. History cannot be rewritten through administrative orders, political rhetoric or attempts to suppress the voice, Sagar said.
