Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Kerala swearing-in ceremony LIVE: Satheesan, along with Cabinet, to take oath today
Along with Mr. Satheesan, the UDF Cabinet will also be sworn in
A week after a suspected snake was found in a midday meal, students in Bihars Saharsa district remain too scared to eat lunch at school. Even as teachers, cooks, and education officials insist the food is safe, fear continues to linger among the children and their parents
Catch-22: IPL 2026s stunners and shockers
While there have been some screamers in the ongoing IPL season, the catching standard has been terrible to say the least; the repeat offenders are being heavily punished and so are their teams
Mitchell Starc reduced Rajasthan Royals to 166 for 5 in the space of an over and later dismissed Dasun Shanaka to finish with four wickets, a spell that ultimately proved decisive in DCs five-wicket win
IPL 2026 DC vs RR: I dont think slow ball is a weakness for Sooryavanshi, says Vikram Rathour
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell to a slower delivery from Madhav Tiwari, not the first time a change of pace proved effective in dismissing the 15-year-old this season
Hundred years ago | African natives protests
Fulfilled another election promise by starting applications for ration cards: Sachdeva
Virendra Sachdeva appealed to all district presidents and mandal presidents of Delhi BJP to create awareness among the people of Delhi about getting ration cards made and to assist them in filing online applications
U.S. weighs drone threat from Cuba: report
The report comes as tensions simmer between Washington and Havana and amid speculation that the United States may be building an argument for military action against the communist-run island
Latest militant attacks on schools in Nigeria leave more than 80 children missing, officials say
The attackers targeted a primary school in the conflict-battered state of Borno, in Nigeria's northeastern corner
NEET UG leak: CBI conducts searches at Renukai Chemistry Classes in Latur
CBI officials began the search at Renukai Chemistry Classes in the citys Shivnagar locality in the afternoon, and it was still underway till late evening
DMRC to run 24 additional trips on Metro Mondays
The move follows Chief Minister Rekha Guptas call earlier this week, urging Delhi government officials to observe Metro Mondays and use public transport to conserve fuel.
Dwarka set for infra upgrade as CM unveils 100-cr. plan
AAP targets BJP-led MCD over deaths due to open drains
With CM and three Ministers, Ernakulam gets strong representation in Cabinet
Angamaly MLA Roji M. John of the Congress, Piravom legislator Anoop Jacob of Kerala Congress (Jacob), and Kalamassery MLA V. E. Abdul Gafoor of the Indian Union Muslim League will be sworn in as Ministers
Short circuit triggers fire in Shahdara building; 9 rescued
Prohibitory orders imposed in Dehradun industrial area following labour unrest
Workers had launched protests May 15, demanding a wage hike from their respective managements
E-buses will not lead to privatisation of RTC, says top official
The government is commitment to providing safe, affordable, efficient and environment-friendly transport services to the people through APSRTC and fully protecting the interests of its employees, says Krishna Babu, Special Chief Secretary, Transport
RTC employees union opposes privatisation move
Accusing the government of trying to hand over valuable assets and operations to private companies in the name of electric bus services, it calls for a round-table with various trade unions in Vijayawada on May 26 to decide the future course of action
Bengal does not believe in bulldozer politics, says Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjees remark comes amid eviction drives at various places in the State
39 bonded labourers rescued from brick kiln in Tiruvallur
Officials said the workers arrived at the kiln about five months ago after reportedly receiving advance payments of nearly 30,000 each. Women workers reportedly told officials that they were beaten if they resisted work; They were also living without access to basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water or fans or even privacy at the site and were paid only 65 a day;
Can Medical Tourism Become Kashmirs Next Growth Engine?
Promise is undeniable, yet success will depend on credible healthcare systems, public trust and balanced policy Kashmirs economy has, for too long, remained dependent on a few traditional sectors. Tourism, horticulture and handicrafts continue to sustain thousands of families, but they alone cannot carry the full weight of the Valleys economic aspirations. In that backdrop, medical tourism is increasingly being spoken of as a new frontier. The idea deserves attention, not because it is fashionable, but because, if handled with seriousness, it can open a meaningful avenue of growth. The logic is not difficult to understand. Across the world, patients are travelling in search of affordable treatment, quality care and a recovery environment that is both calm and restorative. Kashmir, with its climate, natural beauty and long-standing identity as a place of healing and hospitality, has an obvious advantage. If the Valley can build credible hospitals, specialised treatment centres, rehabilitation facilities and skilled support systems, it can draw not only visitors, but investment, jobs and confidence. The economic case is substantial. Medical tourism is not confined to hospitals alone. It has the capacity to stimulate the transport, hotel, pharmacy, diagnostics, and food services sectors, as well as a wide range of local businesses. It can create opportunities for doctors, nurses, technicians, caregivers and young professionals who otherwise look outside the valley for employment. It can also push improvements in infrastructure and service delivery that benefit the wider economy. But this is precisely where caution is needed. Kashmir cannot afford a model in which glossy private facilities rise for outsiders while residents continue to queue for basic care. That would not be development; it would be distortion. Any policy built around medical tourism must begin with one non-negotiable principle: the strengthening of healthcare for local people. If new investments do not improve access, affordability and quality for ordinary patients in the Valley, then the model will lose both moral legitimacy and public support. Another reality must be confronted. Medical tourism cannot be built on branding alone. It demands trust. That means strict standards, transparent pricing, qualified staff, dependable regulation and patient safety that can withstand scrutiny. Without credibility, the promise will remain little more than promotional language. Kashmir should certainly explore medical tourism, but without illusion and without haste. It is not a magic remedy for the economy. It is a serious sector that will succeed only through planning, regulation and public-minded investment. If pursued wisely, it can become an engine of growth. If pursued carelessly, it will become yet another missed opportunity.
In an Information-Overloaded World, the Mind Needs Space
As the flood of news, notifications and endless opinions grows louder each day, protecting mental health is no longer a personal luxury but a social necessity DR TAHA ZAFFAR There was a time when information was considered power in its purest and most uplifting sense. Access to knowledge meant awareness, awareness meant empowerment, and empowerment meant progress. In many ways, that remains true even today. We live in an age where a person sitting in a remote village can know what is happening in a national capital, a war zone, a university campus, a financial market, or a hospital corridor within seconds. Technology has narrowed distance, collapsed time and expanded human access in ways earlier generations could barely imagine. Yet, amid this extraordinary advance, a troubling question quietly demands attention: what happens when the human mind receives more information than it can meaningfully absorb? This is not merely a question of modern lifestyle. It is increasingly a question of public health. The contemporary world is not just informed; it is over-informed. Every hour brings breaking news, social media reactions, political arguments, economic anxieties, health warnings, expert opinions and personal updates. The phone screen has become a permanent window into crisis, comparison and chaos. From the moment a person wakes up to the moment sleep is forced upon tired eyes, the flow rarely stops. Notifications vibrate, headlines compete for attention, videos autoplay, and opinions pile upon opinions until silence itself begins to feel unfamiliar. The mind, however, was not designed for such relentless exposure. Human beings can process only so much fear, outrage, grief, aspiration and distraction in a single day. When the stream becomes a flood, emotional exhaustion becomes inevitable. Anxiety rises not always because ones personal life is collapsing, but because one is constantly made to witness the collapse, conflict and confusion of the wider world. In this environment, even ordinary people with ordinary routines begin to feel mentally burdened without always understanding why. The effects are visible all around us. Attention spans are shrinking. Rest has become uneasy. Many people struggle to concentrate even in moments that demand seriousness and calm. Young people, in particular, are growing up in a culture where worth is often measured through visibility, reaction and online comparison. They are exposed not only to information but also to performancethe pressure to respond, react, post, explain and remain relevant. In such a climate, inner peace is easily replaced by silent restlessness. What makes the matter more serious is that information today is not neutral in the way many assume. Much of it is designed to provoke emotion. Digital platforms reward content that shocks, angers, alarms or hooks the user long enough to keep attention captured. Calm reflection is rarely profitable. Panic travels faster than perspective. Rumour often outruns verification. A misleading headline can do more immediate psychological damage than a carefully reasoned correction can repair. Thus, people are not only consuming too much information; they are consuming information structured to intensify emotional response. The result is a society that is outwardly connected but inwardly fatigued. People know more, yet often feel less certain. They speak more, yet listen less. They are constantly updated, yet emotionally depleted. This contradiction should concern families, educators, health professionals and policymakers alike. Mental health cannot be discussed only in the language of clinical diagnosis or hospital treatment. It must also be understood through the everyday environments that shape stress, attention, fear and emotional resilience. This is why digital hygiene must now be treated with the same seriousness as physical hygiene. Just as one learns to avoid contaminated water or unhealthy air, one must also learn to avoid mental contamination from excessive digital exposure. Not every notification deserves immediate attention. Not every argument requires participation. Not every tragedy must be consumed in real time and in endless repetition. The ability to disconnect, pause and filter is not ignorance; it is self-preservation. Families and schools have an especially important role here. Children and adolescents must be taught not only how to access information, but how to live with it wisely. Critical thinking, emotional regulation and healthy screen habits are no longer optional life skills. They are becoming essential protections for mental well-being. Likewise, workplaces must recognise that an always-online culture may look productive on the surface while quietly deepening burnout underneath. There is also a moral responsibility on media institutions, digital companies and public leaders. Information should enlighten, not merely overwhelm. Journalism serves society best when it informs with responsibility, context and proportion, not when it amplifies fear for attention. Technology companies, too, cannot continue speaking the language of innovation while ignoring the psychological consequences of endless engagement. A more humane information culture will require ethical design, responsible communication and a deeper respect for the limits of the human mind. Ultimately, the issue is not whether information is good or bad. Information remains indispensable to modern life, democracy and development. The real issue is balance. A healthy society is not one in which people know everything at once, but one in which they can understand what matters without being crushed by constant exposure. Human beings need knowledge, yes, but they also need rest, reflection and mental breathing space. In an age that celebrates speed, volume and instant reaction, perhaps wisdom lies in recovering the value of pause. To be informed is important. To remain mentally whole is even more important. If the modern world wishes to call itself truly advanced, it must learn that the well-being of the mind is not separate from the flow of information. It is shaped by it, strained by it, and, if we are not careful, broken by it. The time has come to recognise a simple truth: in an overloaded world, protecting mental health is not retreat from reality. It is the only way to face reality with clarity, dignity and strength. ( The author is a lecturer in HED)
Palaniswamis actions show that AIADMK has weakened now, says Finance Minister
WhenJayalalithaabecame Chief Minister she too expanded the Cabinet gradually. Chief Minister C. JosephVijaywill decide on expanding the Cabinet and who will be a part of it
East Bengal, Bagan share derby honours
Gold jewellery, cash stolen from houses in Ranipet district
The Treadmill Beneath the Supercluster
This is not a prediction that the AI boom will collapse. It may not. The depreciation hawks may be wrong, and Indias inference demand may be deep enough to give every retired GPU a long second life ARSSH KUMAR FUTURECRAFT | TECHNOLOGY & MARKETS In August, a data centre in Noida is scheduled to switch on 20,736 Nvidia Blackwell Ultra GPUs. The operator, Yotta, calls it one of Asias largest AI superclusters. The framing around it is sovereignty: Indian soil, Indian compute, Indian control over the machines that will train the countrys models. Look at how the thing is paid for, and a different picture appears. Yottas chief executive has described the model plainly. This round of GPUs earns the revenue that funds the next round of GPUs, which earns the revenue that funds the round after that. That is not a one-time build. It is a treadmill, and the pace is set by how fast the chips underneath lose their value. India has not just bought the compute. It has bought the clock. The asset that ages in dog years A data centre is built to last twenty-five years. The GPUs inside it are not. Nvidia has compressed its release cycle to roughly twelve months: Hopper, then Blackwell, then Rubin, each generation a sharp jump in performance per watt. In a business where power is the largest running cost, a chip two generations old is not just slower. It is expensive to operate for the work it does. This is where the accounting gets uncomfortable. Hyperscalers depreciate these chips over five to six years. Critics, including investor Michael Burry and valuation specialist Aswath Damodaran, argue the real economic life is closer to two or three. The gap is not academic. If the pessimists are right, the worlds AI balance sheets are carrying hardware at values the market would no longer pay, and the correction arrives as write-downs. For India, the question is narrower and sharper. The country is wiring a national strategic programme to an asset class whose useful life nobody can yet agree on. How India is paying for it Yotta has already put more than 1.5 billion dollars into infrastructure and committed another 2 billion to chips. Some of that is conventional debt; the company raised 40 billion rupees for its data centre expansion. Some is equity, through a pre-IPO round. The rest comes from a route worth pausing on. Yottas parent, Nidar Infrastructure, is going public on the Nasdaq through a merger with Cartica Acquisition Corp, a US-listed shell company. A SPAC, in plain terms, is a way to reach public markets faster and with lighter scrutiny than a traditional listing. The structure does something specific. The operating asset sits in Noida. The demand assumption that justifies it, that India will need ever more compute at the price Nvidia charges, also sits in India. But the refinancing risk, the obligation to keep raising money against chips that are losing value, gets placed with retail investors in New York. If the depreciation pessimists are proven right, the first losses land on a shareholder base an ocean away from the asset. That is a clever piece of financial engineering. It is not the same thing as sovereignty. The state is selling subsidised access to an asset whose value the same state cannot control. That is not insulation from the global AI economy. It is exposure to it, with a government stamp. The subsidy underwrites the clock The public side of Indias AI push runs through the IndiaAI Mission, funded at 10,372 crore rupees. Part of that money subsidises compute: startups and researchers can rent a GPU-hour through the IndiaAI portal for around 65 rupees, well below what the hardware costs to run. More than 58,000 GPUs now sit in the national pool. The intention is sound. Cheap compute lowers the barrier for a small Indian team to build something. But look at what the subsidy is actually doing. It is buying down the cost of using hardware that is depreciating on the same fast clock as everything else. The state is not standing outside the treadmill handing out water. It is on the belt, paying part of the fare. If GPU values hold, this is simply industrial policy doing its job. If they fall the way the skeptics expect, the IndiaAI Mission has committed public money to an asset losing value faster than the budget cycle can absorb, and the startups it subsidised are building on a cost base that was never real. The honest counter There is a serious argument on the other side, and it deserves a fair hearing. Older GPUs do not become useless. They cascade downward, from training frontier models to running inference, the cheaper everyday work of answering queries. CoreWeave, a major US operator, has re-leased returned Hopper chips at close to their original rates. India, with hundreds of millions of users and inference demand concentrated near its cities, is arguably the ideal place for that second life. A chip retired from the frontier could earn for years serving Indian users. That argument holds, but only on one condition. The cascade works if there is genuine downstream demand to absorb the older hardware. A subsidised market makes that demand harder to read. When compute is sold below cost, you cannot easily tell whether startups are using it because the economics work or because the price is artificial. The subsidy that makes the cascade look healthy is also the thing obscuring whether it is. Bottom Line This is not a prediction that the AI boom will collapse. It may not. The depreciation hawks may be wrong, and Indias inference demand may be deep enough to give every retired GPU a long second life. The point is narrower. India has tied a national programme, a flagship listed operator, and a pool of public money to an asset with a contested useful life and a financing structure that has been routed offshore. Each of those
One-horse races are no triumph for democracy
Democracy demands not merely elections, but also meaningful and fair competition
Ignoring Digital Literacy Comes at a Cost
When citizens are left unprepared for the online world, inequality, misinformation and exclusion grow deeper GOWHAR MUSHTAQ In todays world, digital literacy is no longer a luxury, nor is it a skill reserved for the young, the urban, or the highly educated. It has become a basic necessity of modern life. From education and employment to healthcare, banking, governance and communication, almost every sphere of life now depends, in one way or another, on the use of digital tools. In such a time, the ability to access, understand, evaluate and use digital information responsibly is as important as traditional literacy itself. For societies undergoing rapid social and economic change, the question is no longer whether digital transformation is taking place. It already is. The real question is whether people are being equipped to participate in it with confidence, safety and understanding. That is where digital literacy assumes great importance. At its simplest, digital literacy means more than knowing how to operate a smartphone or open a social media account. It is the capacity to navigate the digital world intelligently. It includes the ability to search for reliable information, distinguish fact from falsehood, protect personal data, use online services effectively, and communicate responsibly in virtual spaces. In a time when misinformation spreads faster than truth and online fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, digital literacy is not merely empowering; it is protective. One of the strongest arguments for promoting digital literacy lies in the field of education. Students today are growing up in a world where learning extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. Online resources, digital libraries, educational videos and interactive platforms have transformed the way knowledge is accessed. But access alone is not enough. Without guidance, students may become passive consumers of random information instead of critical learners. Digital literacy helps them ask questions, verify sources and use technology not as a distraction, but as a tool for growth. The same is true for employment and livelihoods. Increasingly, job applications, skill courses, official registrations and market opportunities are shifting online. Small businesses use digital payments and social media outreach. Freelancers depend on online platforms. Farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs can benefit from market information and government schemes available through digital channels. But when large sections of society remain digitally untrained, this transition creates a new form of inequality. Those who are digitally aware move ahead, while others risk exclusion. This digital divide is not merely about infrastructure, though internet access and device availability remain important challenges. It is also about confidence and capability. A person may own a smartphone but still be unable to use it for telemedicine, online applications, e-banking or educational opportunities. In many homes, young people may be comfortable online while older family members remain dependent on others for even basic digital tasks. Women in many areas face an even sharper gap due to social, educational and economic constraints. Therefore, digital literacy must be viewed as a broad social mission, not a narrow technical program. There is also a democratic dimension to this issue. Citizens are increasingly expected to engage with public services through digital platforms. Whether it is accessing welfare schemes, obtaining official documents, making complaints or receiving important updates, digital access has become part of civic participation. If people lack the skills to navigate these systems, they may be left behind in matters that directly affect their rights and entitlements. A digitally literate citizen is better placed to participate in governance, seek accountability and make informed choices. At the same time, we must acknowledge the darker side of the digital age. The internet offers knowledge, opportunity and connection, but it also carries risks: fake news, cyberbullying, identity theft, online radicalisation and financial scams. In such an environment, digital literacy becomes an essential shield. People need to know not only how to use technology, but how to use it safely, ethically and wisely. Children must be taught responsible online behaviour. Adults must be made aware of privacy risks and fraud prevention. Society as a whole must cultivate a culture of verification before sharing and caution before trusting. The responsibility for promoting digital literacy cannot rest on one institution alone. Schools, colleges, community organisations, media platforms, civil society groups and government agencies all have a role to play. Digital literacy must be integrated into education systems in practical ways. Community-level awareness drives can help those outside formal education. Public campaigns in local languages are especially necessary so that digital knowledge is not confined to an English-speaking minority. Training must be inclusive, accessible and sensitive to local realities. If we are serious about building an informed, capable and resilient society, digital literacy must become a public priority. In the digital era, ignorance is not harmless; it is disabling. A society that fails to prepare its people for the online world risks deepening inequality, weakening citizenship and exposing its people to manipulation and exploitation. The need of the hour is clear. We must move beyond celebrating technology and begin investing in the human capacity to use it meaningfully. Digital literacy is not just about keeping pace with change. It is about ensuring that change serves people, rather than leaving them behind. (The author is a research scholar and teacher by profession)
Congress leadership to take a decision on continuing ties with DMK: Narayanasamy
RK News Service Srinagar, May 17: Awami Ittehad Party on Saturday held a workers convention in Beerwah constituency, where party leaders criticised the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and demanded the inclusion of alcohol under the ongoing anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. The convention, held at Sail Beerwah, was presided over by AIP General Secretary and Beerwah constituency in-charge Nazir Ahmad Khan and attended by party workers and delegates from the area. Addressing the gathering, Nazir Ahmad Khan alleged that the National Conference had once again betrayed the people and said the public should question why the same political parties continued to return to power despite widespread dissatisfaction. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved transparent and accountable leadership and urged voters to bring change through their political choices. Referring to the recent Rathsun incident, Khan expressed concern over the impact of restrictions on local tractor owners and labourers dependent on the Sukhnag stream for livelihood. He urged the administration to adopt a balanced approach that protects both the environment and the economic interests of local residents. The AIP leader also welcomed the administrations anti-drug campaign and appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to include alcohol in the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan. He said alcohol consumption was contributing to social degradation and should also be addressed as part of the anti-addiction drive. Khan further demanded the release of AIP president and MP Engineer Rashid, saying he had remained committed to public interests despite being in jail. He also criticised the delimitation process, calling it politically motivated, and announced that AIP would intensify its grassroots outreach across Beerwah constituency in the coming days.
Girls football team from city wins two awards in Mexico
Article 370 Abrogation Opened New Era in J&K: BJP
RK News Service Paddar, May 17: Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, addressed a session of the BJPs training workshop organized under the Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan of District Kishtwar and highlighted the historic transformation witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Addressing party workers and office bearers, Sunil Sharma said that the removal of Article 370 ended decades of discrimination, separatism, and political instability, paving the way for peace, development, and equal opportunities for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J&K has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural growth, strengthened democratic institutions, improved transparency in governance, and accelerated welfare outreach to the last person in society. Sharma emphasized that the BJP cadre must remain connected with the people and effectively communicate the achievements and policies of the government at the grassroots level. He also asked party workers to strengthen the organization by working with dedication, discipline, and commitment to the ideology of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. Sunil Sharma further stated that the training workshops are aimed at ideologically empowering party workers and equipping them with organizational skills to serve society more effectively. Earlier, he also inaugurated an exhibition before the start of the Prashikshan camp.
Congress Will Continue Fight for Restoration of Statehood: Karra
RK News Service Kupwara, May 17: Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday said the Indian National Congress would continue its struggle for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the Centre of adopting insensitive and unresponsive policies towards the people of the Union Territory. Karra made the remarks while addressing a day-long political convention of party workers in the border area of Lolab in north Kashmirs Kupwara district. He said the Centres decision to downgrade the erstwhile state into two Union Territories after the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A had hurt the sentiments and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress party will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of peoples rights and restoration of complete statehood to J&K, Karra said, adding that the partys Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq campaign would continue until statehood is restored. The JKPCC president alleged that Jammu and Kashmir was facing economic and developmental challenges, including rising unemployment, after the constitutional changes of August 2019. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the party at the grassroots level and asked party workers to actively participate in the second phase of the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan (SSA). Leader of Congress Legislature Party Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who also addressed the convention, said Congress had played a major role in nation-building and accused the BJP-led government of misleading people on issues of development and employment. Mir alleged that people across the country were facing rising inflation, taxes and unemployment, while genuine public concerns remained unaddressed. MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone said development and public welfare had always remained the priority of the Congress party and urged workers to continue outreach efforts at the grassroots level. Several senior Congress leaders and workers from Kupwara district attended the convention.
Mirwaiz Urges Revival of Mosques as Centres of Social Reform
Says places of worship must guide society towards moral revival and protection of values RK News Service Srinagar, May 17: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday said mosques, khanqahs and imambaras should play a greater role in guiding society and addressing growing moral, social and cultural challenges confronting the people. Addressing a Seerat Conference organised by Idarah Auqaf Gousia at Sarai Bala in Amira Kadal, the Mirwaiz said religious institutions have historically served not only as places of worship but also as centres of learning, reform and social transformation. He said issues such as moral decline, domestic discord, increasing materialism and weakening social bonds required collective introspection and sustained engagement from society. Our mosques, khanqahs and imambaras must become centres for initiating positive change and reform within society. They should guide the younger generation, spread awareness, strengthen moral values and help address the problems affecting our people, he said. Mirwaiz added that Kashmirs spiritual institutions had long promoted values of coexistence, tolerance and social responsibility and stressed the need to preserve the regions religious identity, culture, language and spiritual heritage. Referring to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW), he said Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW) should not remain confined to speeches and gatherings but must be reflected in individual conduct and collective social behaviour. He said the Prophet (SAW) established a society based on justice, compassion, honesty and service to humanity, and urged people to follow those principles in contemporary life.
Commuters express concern over reports of nabbing of drunk bus drivers in Puducherry
Govt Committed to Protecting J&Ks Spiritual Heritage: Sharma
Visits religious shrines; reviews sports infra in Anantnag RK News Service SRINAGAR, May 17: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma emphasized that the government remains committed towards safeguarding and promoting the unique cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister on Sunday attended the inauguration ceremony of the sacred Adhikmas/Banumas/Purushotam Maas-Kumbh 2026 at the historic Mattan Temple and highlighted the importance of preserving the centuries-old traditions of communal harmony, brotherhood and coexistence in Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister inaugurated the religious congregation amid the presence of devotees, religious scholars, community representatives and local residents. Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma said that Jammu and Kashmir has always been known for its rich spiritual and cultural legacy where people from different faiths have lived together in harmony and mutual respect for generations. He said that such religious and cultural events serve as a strong reminder of the regions composite culture and play a vital role in strengthening the social unity and fostering mutual understanding among communities. Extending his greetings to the devotees and participants attending the sacred event, the Minister wished for peaceful and successful celebrations and prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Later, Satish Sharma visited Gurudwara Mattan, where he paid obeisance and interacted with members of the Sikh community. He reiterated the governments resolve towards ensuring equal respect and support for all religious institutions and communities across Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, the Minister paid obeisance at the revered Aishmuqam Shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in the region. During the visit, he interacted with the devotees and local residents and described the shrine as a symbol of Kashmirs spiritual heritage and centuries-old traditions of brotherhood and inclusiveness.
Govt Warns Against Use of Substandard Material in PWD Works
Dy Cm emphasizes adherence to timelines, quality parameters RK News Service JAMMU, May 17: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday directed officers and contractors to maintain quality standards in developmental projects and warned against the use of substandard material during execution of works. He issued the directions while chairing a high-level review meeting on the progress of Public Works Department (PWD) projects across Jammu division. He asserted that strict action would be taken against the officials and contractors found compromising on quality standards or causing unnecessary delay in project execution. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against quality violations and delays in completion of projects, maintained the Deputy Chief Minister. The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for accelerating execution of all ongoing developmental projects and ensuring robust infrastructure development across the Jammu districts. He directed the officers to maintain efficiency in project implementation while ensuring timely completion of works. During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the status of works under R&B, PMGSY, SASCI and other sectors. He instructed the concerned officers to expedite the ongoing tendering processes and ensure prompt allotment of works so that projects are completed within stipulated timelines. He further reiterated the governments commitment towards transparent, efficient and people-centric development, aimed at strengthening the infrastructure and improving public service delivery across the region. The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer, Executive Engineers of concerned engineering wings and other senior officers of other concerned departments.
Staff Shortage Hits Trals Chandrigam Health Centre
Younus Rashid Pulwama, May 17: Residents of Chandrigam village in Tral have alleged that the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Chandrigam is functioning without adequate staff and basic healthcare facilities, causing inconvenience to patients. Locals said the health facility was upgraded to an NTPHC in 2014, but no new building was constructed and no additional staff was deployed as required for such a facility. A representation submitted by the Village Welfare Committee Chandrigam to the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Tral stated that the centre has been functioning without a pharmacist since the retirement of the previously posted official in April 2025. The committee also alleged that although a doctor is officially posted at the centre, the doctor has been directed to perform duties elsewhere, affecting healthcare delivery at the facility. They upgraded the facility to an NTPHC in 2014, but no new building was constructed and no staff as required for an NTPHC was deployed here, alleged Aga Ayash, a local resident. He said a pharmacist had been working at the centre until his retirement last year, after which no replacement was posted. By name it is an NTPHC, but in reality it functions merely as an immunization centre. Hardly any facility is available here and no concrete action has been taken for our convenience. We, the residents, continue to suffer due to the lack of healthcare services, he added. Locals urged the government and health authorities to strengthen the facility and ensure adequate staff for the convenience of the public. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Pulwama Dr Tahmeena Jameel said the local BMO has all details regarding the facility. However, she said the department is facing a shortage of pharmacists due to retirements. Pharmacists who are retiring, we cannot do anything with that. There is a dearth of pharmacists and the hospital may be functional with MTS and FMPHW staff, she said. She added that the NTPHC does not have any sanctioned post for a general physician. NTPHC doesnt have any post for general physician and is a sub-centre type facility mostly meant for immunization and first aid, she added.
Authorities Step Up Preparedness Ahead of Chemists Strike
RK News Service SRINAGAR, MAY 17: In view of the nationwide bandh call given by the All India Organization of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20, 2026, the Drugs & Food Control Organization (DFCO), UT of Jammu & Kashmir has issued a public advisory and precautionary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines and safeguard public health during the proposed band call. The nationwide bandh has been called by the AIOCD to highlight grievances related to online sale of medicines and other associated issues and concerns. The Drugs & Food Control Organization, UT of J&K has already sensitized its field machinery and manpower to maintain effective coordination within and outside the department with all stakeholders during the bandh period to ensure that public safety, availability of essential medicines, and maintenance of law and order are not compromised. As a proactive measure, the department has appealed to all stakeholders to adopt necessary precautions during the bandh period. For the general public and consumers, the department has advised patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiac ailments, epilepsy, cancer and other serious illnesses to procure their regular medicines in advance for May 20, if not already available with them. The advisory further urges people to arrange emergency medicines including insulin, inhalers, life-saving drugs and paediatric medicines beforehand, wherever necessary. The department has also advised the public to avoid panic buying or unnecessary hoarding of medicines and to purchase medicines only against valid prescriptions. Consumers have been urged to cooperate with pharmacy staff and authorities during the bandh period. In case of any medical emergency, people have been advised to immediately contact nearby hospitals, emergency medical services or government health facilities. The department has also issued precautionary measures for chemists and druggists, directing them to ensure peaceful and lawful participation in the bandh without affecting emergency medical services. Chemists and druggists have been advised to supply essential and life-saving medicines in emergency situations in the larger public interest and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation through social media or any other platform. Similarly, officers and officials of the Drugs & Food Control Organization, UT of J&K have been directed to closely monitor the availability of essential and life-saving medicines across the Union Territory. They have also been instructed to coordinate with hospitals, emergency pharmacies, wholesalers and district administrations to prevent shortages of critical medicines and maintain continuous communication with chemist associations for peaceful resolution of issues through coordination. The officers have further been directed to submit real-time reports regarding medicine supply to the helpline established at the Head Office and to higher authorities. Meanwhile, police authorities in their respective jurisdictions have been requested to provide necessary support and assistance to the department to uphold public health, patient safety and social harmony during the bandh by preventing forced closure, intimidation, obstruction, unlawful activities, rumour mongering, violence or disturbance of public peace. The advisory has been issued in the larger interest of patient safety and public health.
Forest Department restricts tourist entry at Berijam lake after tiger sighting
Officials say the restrictions will remain in effect till further notice. They add that the departments staff are actively monitoring the area
International Museum Day:Uri Museum Showcases Kashmir Heritage
Idrees Bukhtiyar Srinagar, May 17: As International Museum Day is observed on May 18, the Army is drawing attention to a unique museum established at the historic Kaman Post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri offering visitors a rare glimpse into the rich history, culture and traditions of Kashmir. Situated near Aman Setu (Peace Bridge) at the last post on the LoC in Kashmir, the museum has emerged as a major attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. Showcasing an extensive collection of vintage photographs, antique weapons, traditional household items and centuries-old artifacts, the museum reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the region, particularly of the Pahari and Gujjar communities. The museum takes visitors on a journey through Kashmirs past, highlighting the customs, traditions and lifestyles that once shaped life in the border areas. Among the notable exhibits is an 83-year-old Chamre Ka Bag (leather bag), historically used by village heads to collect Lagaan (revenue) during the Maharajas rule. Another prized artifact is an 86-year-old Churra, a traditional weapon once used for hunting and self-defence in remote mountainous areas. One of the major attractions of the museum is an 86-year-old wooden Charkha, reminiscent of the Gandhian era, which was traditionally used for spinning cotton into yarn. The museum also houses ancient utensils, earthen pots and traditional household items that were once an inseparable part of Kashmiri life. Adding to the historical significance is an iron chair believed to be over a century old, which was once used by village heads while conducting local court proceedings. An Army official said the museum was initially located in Uri town but was shifted to Kaman Post three years ago after the Army declared the area a tourist destination to promote border tourism and preserve the cultural legacy of the region. The idea behind shifting the museum to Kaman Post was to make it more accessible to visitors and to showcase the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kashmir at one of the most significant locations along the LoC. The response from tourists has been encouraging, the official said. The official added that the museum not only serves as a repository of historical artifacts but also acts as a bridge connecting people with the regions centuries-old traditions and way of life. A local tourist guide at Kaman Post said the growing popularity of the spot and the museum has significantly boosted border tourism in the region. Earlier, very few tourists would visit these border areas, but now people are eager to see Kaman Post and the museum. Visitors are taking keen interest in the history and culture of Uri. This is creating livelihood opportunities for local guides, transporters and small businesses, the guide said. With increasing tourist footfall at Kaman Post, the museum is steadily becoming an important cultural landmark in Uri, especially for those keen to explore the lesser-known historical narratives of Kashmir.
One tests positive for hantavirus, Canadian national health agency confirms
Canadas national health agency confirms that one of four Canadians returning from a cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak has tested positive
Vizag observes AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day with rally
Will seek CBI probe if AIADMK or AMMK legislators are made Ministers: Dhinakaran
Criticising Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, he says the former earlier targeted the AIADMK by calling it a corrupt party, and questions the rationale behind AIADMK rebel legislators backing him now
The Speaker says no specific time limit has been stipulated in Assembly Rules or law for taking a decision on letters submitted to the Speaker. He inspects playgrounds in his Thousand Lights constituency
NCB seizes 39.47 kg of Alprazolam, three arrested
New executive committee for Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj,
DK organises protest against NEET in city
Doctors at workshop stress early detection of eye cancer in children
Drunk duo held for attacking architect couple in Bengaluru road rage incident
Congress leader slams Andhra Pradesh CMs population growth incentive
Despite southern States fear of losing political representation due to their declining population, incentivising families to have more babies is the wrong approach, says former RS MP Husain Dalwai
Unidentified gang hacks to death two college students
CPCL begins work to establish specialised lube oil base stocks
PM Modi receives Swedens prestigious award Royal Order of Polar Star
Mr. Modi arrived in Sweden on Sunday (May 17, 2026) for a two-day visit
Case booked against Kalams former advisor Ponraj
Prudential plc, to acquire 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance for 3,500 crore
As per regulatory requirement Prudential will reduce its shareholding in ICICIPru Life to under 10%.
The FIR was lodged on March 16 based on a complaint filed by Rajat Jaiswal, the president of the Varanasi chapter of the BJP Yuva Morcha, claiming that the incident hurt the sentiments of the Hindus.
Five members of a family killed in road accident
High-level inquiry committee set up to probe fire in Rajdhani Express: Railway Board
The fire erupted at 5.15 a.m. in the B-1 passenger coach of the train between Vikramgarh Alot and Lunirichha stations under the Kota Railway division, one-and-a-half hours after it left the Ratlam Junction in Madhya Pradesh
Parth Pawar meets Fadnavis amid reports of rift within NCP
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Rwandan genocide suspect Kabuga dies in custody in The Hague at age 91
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Security forces kill five terrorists in northwest Pakistan
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Noted Sri Lankan journalist D.B.S. Jeyaraj dies in Canada
He wrote extensively for over four decades on the islands ethnic conflict and key political developments, including as The Hindus Sri Lanka Correspondent
Captagon case: NCB arrests factory owner in Dehradun
The accused has been identified as Sanjay Kumar
Ladakh administration hikes wages of skilled, unskilled workers
Lieutenant-Governor announced a major wage rationalisation reform for daily wagers, part-time, seasonal and need-based employees working in the Union Territory
Mehbooba wants Pakistan to respond positively after Hosabalecalls for talks
Underlining that the solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution, Ms. Mufti said, We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity.
Three-day Modakondamma Jathara begins on a grand note
Retired bank employee found dead at Moosapet apartment complex
Watch: UDF finalises Kerala cabinet ahead of V D Satheesan swearing-in
After two days of discussions and deliberations, the UDF on Sunday finalised its list of cabinet ministers, with CM-designate V D Satheesan reaching the Lok Bhavan to submit it to Kerala governor .Earlier, Satheesan had said that the full cabinet, comprising 20 ministers and the CM, would be sworn in on Monday.
Palestinian leader's son wins role in Abbas' party, official says
Yasser Abbas won a seat in elections for the Fatah Central Committee, the partys highest decision-making body, at its first general conference in almost a decade. Mahmoud Abbas, 90, will remain chairman, it decided
Travelling public in Vellakovil-Kangayam belt complain of curtailment of TNSTC services
Trans rights, progressive groups come together to launch new collective
Male nursing officer arrested for misbehaving with PG medical student at RIMS in Adilabad
Iran media says no tangible concessions in U.S. response to Iran proposal
The Fars news agency said Washington had presented a five-point list which included a demand for Iran to keep only one nuclear site in operation and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States
Citizens join 3K Run for Lake at Saroornagar to support rejuvenation efforts
IPL 2026 CSK vs SRH | The intrigue over Dhoni hits fever pitch
Compared to previous match-eve sessions in Chennai, when he preferred to take mostly throwdowns, Dhoni faced off against bowlers for a sustained period on Sunday
Two tourists from Kerala dead, eight injured as insulated transport vehicle hits MUV near Kollur
Siva Parvathula Kalyanam to be held in Tirupati on May 30
Malabar region gets eight Ministers in V.D. Satheesan Cabinet
Kozhikode and Kasaragod districts will not have any representation for the time being
I was inspired to write my book after watching Dhurandhar, says Guruprasad
Kannada book Paknalli Namma Dhurandhararu, authored by the former Director-General of Police, released in Dharwad
A season of colour: Coimbatore gallery showcases works by Kongu Oviya Kalai Kuzhu
An ongoing exhibition in the city features works by five artists experimenting with varied techniques and artistic styles
Satheesan names 20 Ministers; Kerala Cabinet to take oath on May 18
Of the 63 Congress MLAs in the 102-strong UDF contingent, many eligible names could not be given Ministerial berths as the party had to consider social and regional equations, V.D. Satheesan said
Lawyers clash with police during demolition drivein Lucknow; injuries reported
Lawyers allege excessive force was used and that the police treated them as if they were an enemy
Sangareddy Fruit Research Centre distributes 2 lakh saplings to farmers annually
Kottampatti farmers urge government to extend water supply to the region through Periyar Main Canal
The farmers say that they have been demanding proper water supply from the Periyar Main Canal for over 40 years; Prior to the 2026 Assembly election, consultative meetings were held in this regard and petitions were also submitted to Madurai Collector
Efforts needed to bring back copper plates issued by an 8th-century Pandya ruler from the British Museum; inscriptions on Leiden copper plates record a Chola gift of land to build a Buddhist vihara
Tirunelveli police remove caste identifiers from public places
Two women suffer burns as miscreants pour kerosene and set them afire
IMD forecasts thunderstorms, stronger winds across A.P.
Coastal districts likely to see temperatures rise by 2C to 3C later this week; SDMA warns of heatwave conditions in several mandals as gusty winds may touch 60 kmph during thundershowers
