Tibet earthquake LIVE | Injuries in Tibet rise to 65 after 7.0 earthquake, death toll at 16
Search and rescue efforts continued following the collapse of at least 339 homes, the Nagqu media office said, citing city government officials. Among the injured, 11 people were in serious condition, and the other 21 sustained minor injuries, the media office said
Taran explores the ancient Tatatal Palace in Assam with its secret underground levels and tunnels.
Why was Meta ordered to pay a $25 billion penalty to New Mexico? | Explained
What was Facebooks controversial friend sharing feature? What is the Cambridge Analytica scandal? How did Facebook respond to the controversy? What was the New Mexico courts verdict? What was Metas response?
Asian Para Games 2026: India wins gold in para recurve mens doubles archery
The Indian duo shared the opening set with China after both sides shot 35. They then took control, winning the second set 37-36 and the third 38-36 to seal the title and take the match 5-1 on set points
Asian Para Games 2026: Nitesh, Naveen triumph gold in badminton; Thulasimathi, Nitya claim silver
While Nitesh Kumar produced a clinical performance to beat Pramod Bhagat, Naveen Sivakumar showcased his prowess to beat Indonesias Fredy Setiawan
Metas quiet rewrite of the rules for the open web
Accepting the new terms means Meta, or anyone acting on its behalf, can use web scrapers, bots, robots, spiders, crawlers.
Why does Meta have to pay a $25 billion penalty? | Explained
The $25 billion penalty is the largest fine Meta has ever faced for its conduct, and represents a tremendous victory for the U.S. state of New Mexico even if it is symbolic
Lost rights, little credit, less pay: the painful reality behind tribal music in the mainstream
Inadequate credit and compensation, unfair contracts and lost royalties often leave tribal creators and communities shortchanged
Taiwan shuts down ahead of weakening Typhoon Champi, hundreds of flights cancelled
The administration said the typhoons radius was around 320 km (200 miles), large enough to cover most of Taiwan, and weather experts said its impact could last nearly two days.
Game boards carved on rocks in Kasaragod hint at age-old yen for leisure
Six such games, resembling the Manjadippala or Kadippala boards, were found carved on rocks, hinting that people engaged in recreational activities thousands of years ago. However, doubts have been raised about their antiquity and purpose. Further studies and scientific dating are required to determine their precise age
USA to host women's football Club World Cup in 2028 - FIFA
The U.S. has a proven track record of staging large sporting events, notably co-hosting the men's World Cup earlier this year
How India thwarted Pakistans bid to steal crucial defence data
Officers of the Counter Intelligence Cell of Andhra Pradesh, intrigued by a slew of messaging patterns across various social media platforms, busted a major digital honey-trap racket, including the Indian conduits, whose motive was to leak sensitive defence details, specifically Naval intelligence, to the neighbouring countrys Inter-Services Intelligence, writes Sumit Bhattacharjee
Karnataka SIR: Teaching on the back burner
Children in government and aided schools across Karnataka have not seen several of their teachers for months, for most of them have been assigned as Booth Level Officers for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Students tell Rishita Khanna that what initially seemed like fun with many free hours, is now making them anxious...
Venezuelans call for elections in first national protest in nearly two years
Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, who has been outside the country for nearly a year after living in hiding following a contested 2024 election, has said elections must take place by July 2027
According to the civic bodys data, Mumbai recorded 185 days in the two air quality categories in 2023, which increased to 216 in 2024 and 218 in 2025
Judge orders Trump to give deposition in BBC lawsuit by December 11
Judge Enjolique Lett in Miami gave the order in response to complaints by the British broadcaster that Mr. Trump has refused to sit for a deposition, including canceling a previously agreed date of October 16
From Ancient Tombs To Forest Trails: Delhi Heritage Walks Begin October 24
The first walk will take place at Mehrauli Archaeological Park on October 24 at 4 PM. Heritage experts will take visitors through the park's historic structures, explaining their architecture and lesser-known stories from Delhi's past.
1,800 runners, 73 foreigners registered for Kashmir Marathon: Dir Tourism
Srinagar, Oct 22: The upcoming Kashmir Marathon is drawing international interest, with more than 1,800 runners registered so far, including 73 foreign athletes from 12 countries. Organisers expect the total participation to exceed 2,000, Director Tourism Kashmir Sajad Qamar said on Thursday. The growing response has raised hopes that the sporting event will help showcase Kashmir to a wider international audience and strengthen its position as a tourism destination. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Marathon Expo, Qamar said 1,807 runners had registered online so far. He added that preparations were nearing completion, with the Tourism Department coordinating with various government departments to ensure the event runs smoothly. The expo, inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, features 20 stalls. On-the-spot registration also began after 4 pm, giving runners who had missed the online registration deadline an opportunity to participate. Qamar said the marathon was more than a sporting competition, describing such events as an opportunity to present Kashmir before an international audience. He said the participation of athletes from different countries could help improve perceptions of the Valley abroad and encourage more visitors to explore the Valley. The event comes as tourism authorities look to use sporting activities and international participation to promote Kashmir beyond its traditional tourism attractions. The presence of overseas runners is expected to add an international dimension to the marathon and provide greater visibility to the Valley as a destination for visitors. Qamar said the department was working with other agencies to complete the remaining arrangements ahead of the event.
Indian architecture has critical markers for all generations
The State of Architecture Practices and Processes in India, A Research Framework book release leads to conversations around architectural pedagogy, popular engagement, complex issues affecting architecture
Bihar to host India-New Zealand Under-20 Rugby Series
Mens and womens teams from both countries arrive in Patna. Seven players from Bihar were selected for the Indian teams. Matches to be held at Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda
Sri Lanka trumps Brook's fastest double century to beat England by two wickets in cricket tri-series
Brook's 116-ball 202 propelled England to its fourth highest ODI score of 429-4 before it ran into Sri Lanka's super counterpunch to lose by two wickets
J&K Banks Q2 net profit rises 28.8% QoQ, 10.6% YoY to Rs 546 crore
Srinagar, Oct 22: Supported by growth in earnings and further improvement in asset quality, J&K Bank today reported 28.8% rise quarter-on-quarter and 10.6% rise year-on-year in its net profit to Rs 546.36 Cr for the quarter (Q2) ended September 30, 2026, when compared with Rs 424.18 Cr and Rs 494.11 Cr recorded during Q1 FY 2026-27 and Q2 FY 2025-26 respectively. The Bank announced the financial results after its Board of Directors reviewed and approved the quarterly and half-yearly figures at a meeting held at the Banks corporate headquarters on 22nd October 2026. Operating Performance The Banks Net Interest Income (NII) rose 5% YoY during the quarter to Rs 1502 Cr. During the quarter, other income doubled to Rs 314.90 Cr YoY from Rs 153.76 Cr recorded in the corresponding quarter last year while also growing 47% sequentially. With controlled operating expenditure, witnessing just 1.5% YoY growth for the half-year, the operating Profit for the half-year has also grown by over 15% YoY, being recorded at Rs.1,492 crores. The Cost-to-Income Ratio for the quarter has consequently witnessed substantial improvement, being recorded at 56.57% compared 60.79% for the corresponding quarter last year. The Banks Return on Assets during the quarter jumped 20 bps sequentially and has been recorded at 1.07%. Commenting on the financial performance, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, The growth in net interest income, doubling of other income and over 26% YoY increase in operating profit for this quarter mark an encouraging strengthening of our earnings performance. The recovery in Return on Assets to above 1% further underlines the improvement over the June quarter. In Q1, we had emphasized building the business base and positioning the Bank for stronger earnings over time. This quarters operating performance represents progress in that direction. Our focus for the second half is on sustaining core income growth, strengthening recurring revenue streams and enhancing recoveries, while addressing funding costs through deeper deposit relationships. These priorities remain central to delivering our annual objectives and translating business expansion into sustainable profitability, he added. Asset Quality With the Gross NPA ratio of the Bank declining substantially by 109 bps on a YoY basis to 2.23% and the Net NPA ratio also improving to 0.51% against 0.76% a year ago, the Bank has recorded decadal best asset quality metrics. The Banks Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) has also recorded improvement in sequential terms and stood at 91.76% as on 30th September 2026 against 90.53% as on 30th June 2026, which is again a decadal best. On the improvement in asset quality, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee commented, The continuing improvement in our GNPA ratio by 14 bps QoQ to 2.23% - the lowest level in a decade along with an annualized Gross Slippage Ratio of just 0.4% for the half-year, reflect the cumulative impact of our continued focus on disciplined underwriting and proactive credit monitoring mechanism even as we continue to expand our loan book. We remain focused on sustaining this momentum through the second half, progressing towards our annual asset-quality objectives and building a resilient balance sheet that supports the Banks long-term growth aspirations, he added. Business Growth Continuing its business growth momentum, the Banks total business increased by 19.38% year-on-year to Rs 3,10,347 Cr as on September 30, 2026. Gross advances grew by 23.72% to Rs 1,33,551 Cr from Rs 1,07,943 Cr recorded a year ago, while total deposits increased by 16.30% to Rs 1,76,796 Cr. Notably, on YTD basis, over 60% of the net incremental credit has been contributed by Retail, Agriculture, MSME (RAM) segment. The Banks Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) deposits also rose by 1.73% QoQ. And as a result, the Bank has been able to broadly maintain its CASA Ratio at around 42%, being recorded at 41.97% as on September 30,2026. Connecting the performance with the Banks longer-term direction, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, With nearly 20% year-on-year growth taking our total business to Rs 3.10 lakh crore, we continue to build towards our Vision 2030 business aspiration of Rs 5 lakh crore. Strengthening our deposit franchise, deepening relationships in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and selectively expanding across the country will remain central to this journey, supported by prudent lending and technology-led yet personalised customer service, he added. Capital Adequacy The Bank remains well-capitalised to pursue quality lending opportunities while maintaining a prudent cushion against emerging risks with its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) at 16.57 % as on September 30, 2026, compared with 15.27% a year earlier. Summing up the results, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, Driven by clear priorities and disciplined execution, we enter the second half with confidence that we will be able to further improve upon this performance. Our endeavour is to translate this progress into sustained profitability and greater value for all stakeholders, while widening opportunities for the people and businesses we serve. This will guide us as we pursue our annual commitments and advance towards the larger institutional goals under Vision 2030, he added.
J&K forms teacher transfer review panel
Srinagar, Oct 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a Union Territory-level Transfer Review Committee to examine grievances of employees related to transfers under the Transfer Policy-2026 of the School Education Department. According to Government Order No. 450-JK(Edu) of 2026, dated October 21, 2026, the committee has been constituted under Clause 11 of the Transfer Policy-2026. The order refers to Government Order No. 335-JK(Edu) of 2026, dated August 20, 2026. As per the order issued by the School Education Department, the Special Secretary to the Government, School Education Department (MAB), will serve as the chairperson of the committee. The committee will include Additional Secretary or Secretaries to the Government dealing with gazetted and non-gazetted matters, as applicable, as members. The Deputy Secretary to the Government dealing with the relevant matters (DNK) will also serve as a member. The Under Secretary or Secretaries to the Government dealing with gazetted and non-gazetted matters, as applicable, will function as the Member Secretary. Any other officer or official dealing with the subject may be co-opted as a member if the chairperson considers it necessary. The committee has been tasked with examining grievances referred to the UT level under the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism prescribed by the Transfer Policy-2026. It will examine complaints in light of the applicable policy provisions, the grounds raised by aggrieved employees and the action taken at the institutional or district level, wherever applicable. The committee will also assess whether the challenged transfer action or decision complies with the prescribed transfer policy, eligibility conditions and established administrative procedures. It will then place its recommendations before the competent authority for appropriate orders.
CM urges people to register, participate in Kashmir Marathon
Srinagar, Oct 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the three-day exposition of the Kashmir Marathon2026 at Polo View, Srinagar, marking the final leg of preparations for the much-anticipated third edition of the event scheduled to be held on October 25 (Sunday). The Chief Minister inspected various stalls and counters set up by government departments, private sports firms and event partners, showcasing a wide range of sports gear, equipment and accessories aimed at promoting fitness, outdoor activities and a vibrant sporting culture. The exposition also features dedicated bib collection centres and on-the-spot registration counters for participants of the upcoming marathon. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Kashmir Marathon would attract runners from across the country and abroad, further strengthening its standing as a major sporting event in the region. For the third time, the Kashmir Marathon is being organised. On Sunday, people will come to participate not only from different parts of the country but also from abroad. Every race has its own beauty, but the Kashmir Marathons surroundings are unmatched. The prize money offered is also significantly higher than that of many other races, he said. Highlighting a new initiative aimed at encouraging local talent, the Chief Minister said a separate prize category had been introduced for local runners in response to their demands. This year, keeping in view the demands of our local runners, prizes have been introduced for them as an incentive to participate in both the half marathon and the full marathon, he said, adding that the initiative would encourage greater participation among local athletes. Recalling his participation in the first two editions of the Kashmir Marathon, Omar Abdullah expressed hope that this years event would witness enthusiastic participation from runners and sports enthusiasts. Urging people who had not yet registered to take advantage of the opportunity available at the exposition, the Chief Minister said, For those who have not registered yet, there is still an opportunity to do so here. Come, register and participate in the marathon. Winning is not as important as participating. Take part and enjoy the marathon. The Chief Minister also interacted with stall owners, athletes and volunteers, appreciating their efforts in promoting sports, fitness and outdoor activities in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, he presented race bibs and merchandise to several runners participating in Sundays event, encouraging them to take part with enthusiasm and sporting spirit. The three-day exposition provides a platform for participants to complete registration formalities, collect their race bibs and explore sports equipment and related products ahead of the marathon. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad, event organisers and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
3.5 lakh blooms to paint Kashmir's autumn
Srinagar, Oct 22: Kashmirs Chrysanthemum Garden is all set to welcome visitors on Friday, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah scheduled to formally throw open the garden to the public at 4 PM, marking a major addition to the Valleys autumn tourism attractions. Spread over 120 kanals, the garden has been expanded for its second edition, with the Floriculture Department planting 3.5 lakh chrysanthemum plants representing 72 varieties. The floral display is expected to feature more than 12 million flowers in an array of colours, shades, shapes and sizes. Director Floriculture, Kashmir, Mathura Masoom, said the department had made extensive efforts to enhance the garden compared to last year, when around one lakh chrysanthemum plants were planted during its inaugural show. This time, we have tried to make the garden even better by adding more varieties and bringing additional patches of land into the garden, she said. Masoomsaid the garden had been developed while preserving the natural contours of the landscape. Beautiful flower beds have been created across the terraces, complemented by a plaza with a water feature, decorative pots, pergolas and selfie points to improve the experience for visitors, she said. The department has also carefully selected colours for the gardens infrastructure to ensure that light poles, pergolas and other installations blend with the natural surroundings, she said. With 72 varieties on display, she said, visitors will be able to see chrysanthemums in different colours and shades, including flowers featuring multiple shades within a single bloom. The expansion represents a nearly threefold increase in the number of plants compared to the previous year, the Director said. Masoom said maintaining chrysanthemums on such a large scale had posed considerable challenges, as different varieties required careful attention throughout the growing season. Taking care of these plants as a theme in a garden is very difficult. We faced many challenges during the season, particularly in cuttings and multiplication. We are also learning more about the plant and how to manage it better, she said. She said the department was working towards establishing chrysanthemum as a major autumn attraction, similar to the popularity enjoyed by the Tulip Garden during spring. Our dream is to bring chrysanthemum to the level of tulips. The Tulip Garden is in full bloom during spring, and we want chrysanthemum to be in full bloom during autumn, she said. On the availability of planting material, Masoom said the department was increasingly relying on local propagation to reduce dependence on supplies from outside Kashmir. While some varieties were procured from outside this year, the department has been multiplying plants from existing stock and developing a mother block to ensure a sustainable supply of planting material, she said. We are now self-sufficient in chrysanthemums to a large extent. We have substantial material and are trying to propagate it in our own gardens so that we do not have to import it from outside, she said. Masoom said the department would continue introducing improved varieties and enhancing the garden in the coming years, with the aim of making it a prominent autumn destination for residents and tourists.
J&K faces Rs 1.15 cr additional power costs in six months
Srinagar, Oct 22: Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated an additional Rs 1.15 crore in electricity generation costs during the first six months of the current financial year, even though the amount is not directly linked to additional electricity supplied to consumers, according to the latest figures released by the Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC). The figures raise a question for electricity consumers in Jammu and Kashmir: whether such additional expenses are ultimately reflected in the cost of supplying power and, consequently, in the bills paid by households and businesses. The official NRPC statement shows that Jammu and Kashmir's share of compensation for three gas-based power plants outside the Union Territory reached Rs 115.21 lakh between April and September 2026. Of this, Rs 45.73 lakh was allocated in September alone, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the six-month amount. The additional costs arise when electricity-generating stations operate below their normal capacity. Under such conditions, the plants may consume more fuel to produce each unit of electricity, increasing their operating expenses. Under electricity regulations, eligible generating stations receive compensation for these additional expenses, with the costs distributed among the regions that receive power from them. For Jammu and Kashmir, the largest share was linked to the Dadri Gas Power Plant, accounting for Rs 49.84 lakh during the six-month period. The Anta Gas Power Plant accounted for Rs 33.65 lakh, while the Auraiya Gas Power Plant accounted for Rs 31.72 lakh. In September alone, Dadri accounted for Rs 25.17 lakh, followed by Anta at Rs 14.70 lakh and Auraiya at Rs 5.86 lakh. The figures indicate that a substantial portion of the additional compensation was allocated in a single month, although the document does not explain the specific reasons behind the September increase. For ordinary consumers, the significance of these figures lies in the overall cost of purchasing electricity. Electricity supplied to homes, shops and industries involves several expenses beyond the basic price of power, including transmission charges and certain regulatory compensation payments. These expenses can form part of the overall financial burden on power utilities. However, the NRPC document does not establish whether the Rs 1.15 crore allocation has been passed on to Jammu and Kashmir's electricity consumers or whether it will affect future tariffs. The compensation is calculated under regulations framed by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), which allow generating stations to recover specified additional costs arising from reduced operating efficiency. The NRPC has provided a 15-day period for concerned entities to report discrepancies in the calculations, after which the accounts will be treated as final if no objections are received. The statement also does not clarify whether Jammu and Kashmir's allocated amount has already been paid or remains to be settled. With winter approaching and electricity demand expected to rise across Kashmir, the figures bring attention to the various costs involved in meeting the Union Territory's power requirements. While the Rs 1.15 crore allocation does not automatically mean higher electricity bills, it highlights an additional expense within the power procurement system.
Congress MLAs burn Punjab CM effigy over poor law-and-order following anti-drugs crusaders murder
It is the voice of the entire Punjab that law and order has completely ended in Punjab, says Partap Singh Bajwa
Speed up sanctioned works: CM Omar directs officers
Anantnag, Oct 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday directed the Deputy Commissioner and district officers to use the favourable weather to speed up execution of all sanctioned works in Anantnag. He said the outdoor working season is short and allocated funds must be utilised before the financial year ends. Speaking to reporters after chairing a review meeting, the CM said the purpose of his visit was not just inaugurations but to review ongoing development works and issue directions to accelerate them. The Deputy Commissioner's presentation indicated that development was progressing satisfactorily, Omar said, However, two or three departments were identified where the pace of work needs to improve. The Chief Minister said nearly all MLAs attended the meeting and presented their constituents' concerns, and the government would try to fulfil as many public demands as possible. On the Maternity and Child Hospital, Omar said a proposal had been framed for the Janglat Mandi site, but the department has pointed out that the land earmarked there will fall short of the project's requirements. The funds are already in place; all that remains is finalising the land, he said. Health Minister Sakeena Itoo could not attend the meeting, he said, but the government would sit down with the department to finalise an alternative location so that work could start at the earliest. On the long-pending demand for a District Secretariat complex, the CM said almost every MLA had raised it, but there was no consensus yet on the location. One suggestion was to rebuild on the current Deputy Commissioner's office premises, but that would require temporary relocation of administrative offices during construction. Omar said he had asked the Deputy Commissioner to consult all MLAs, eminent citizens and members of civil society to agree on a feasible site. A detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared once the location is decided. Asked about the Anantnag stadium, he said nobody had raised it during the meeting. If a formal proposal comes through, we will certainly examine it, he said. He added that he would answer only Anantnag-related questions, as issues such as the Ramlila Maidan event and Panchayat elections had no connection with the district review. Earlier, the Chief Minister dedicated to the public and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 52 crore. About 11 water supply schemes were inaugurated, including Jal Jeevan Mission schemes at Semthan (Rs 6.29 crore), Shoul Sarsuna (Rs 5.66 crore) and Chontipora Baghwanpora (Rs 5.08 crore). He also laid foundation stones for the upgradation of the AshajiporaDonipawa road (Rs 3.61 crore) and a steel girder bridge over Nallah Brengi at Her-Kandiwara (Rs 3.18 crore). The review covered health, education, roads and infrastructure, youth empowerment, food and civil supplies, power and rural development. He issued time-bound directions to accelerate industrial estate development, streamline social welfare assistance, strengthen LPG buffer stocks for winter, and improve physical and financial progress under key schemes, including SASCI. He also directed banks to streamline disbursements under Mission YUVA to help local youth set up their enterprises. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Rana, Agriculture Production Minister Javid Dar, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs of Anantnag district and senior officers attended the meeting. In a post on X, the Office of the Chief Minister said: During his visit to Anantnag today, the Chief Minister dedicated to the public and laid foundation stones for developmental projects worth over Rs 52 crore, reinforcing the Government's commitment to strengthening essential infrastructure and improving public services.
100 Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan : J&K drug treatment facilities record 66,594 outpatient cases
Srinagar, Oct 22: Addiction treatment facilities in Jammu and Kashmir have handled 66,594 outpatient cases, while drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres have provided care to another 1,053 individuals, according to figures presented during a high-level government review on Thursday. The figures were disclosed during a meeting jointly chaired by Union Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Sudhansh Pant, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, where the implementation of the Nasha Mukt J&K 100 Days Abhiyan was reviewed. According to the Social Welfare Department, the campaign involved coordinated efforts by several departments, covering public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation and enforcement against drug trafficking. On the enforcement front, police registered 1,187 FIRs and arrested 1,349 persons in connection with drug-related offences. Financial investigations also resulted in the seizure or attachment of 125 immovable properties valued at Rs 98.28 crore and 60 movable assets worth Rs 7.04 crore. The combined value of the seized or attached assets stood at approximately Rs 105.32 crore. The department also reported more than 7.21 million outreach events under the anti-drug campaign. However, the official statement did not provide a district-wise breakdown or explain the method used to count these activities. The treatment figures provide an indication of the demand for addiction-related healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, although the department did not specify whether the 66,594 outpatient cases represented unique individuals or included repeat visits. The meeting was also informed about the proposed Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, which envisages a structured three-year recovery framework. The proposed scheme is intended to extend support beyond medical treatment and help individuals affected by substance abuse return to education, employment and community life. Dr Arshad Hussain, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College Srinagar, explained the 'Circle of Care' approach being followed in Jammu and Kashmir. The approach covers different stages of recovery, beginning with admission to treatment facilities and continuing through de-addiction, rehabilitation, social reintegration and long-term monitoring. The review highlighted the need to link treatment services with sustained rehabilitation measures rather than limiting interventions to immediate medical care. Union Secretary Sudhansh Pant appreciated Jammu and Kashmir's coordinated approach to tackling drug abuse and said the involvement of multiple departments could serve as a model for other regions. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reiterated the administration's commitment to strengthening welfare interventions and ensuring coordinated implementation of programmes. However, the statement did not disclose the number of patients who successfully completed treatment, relapse rates or the number of individuals who secured employment or other rehabilitation support after leaving de-addiction facilities. It also did not specify when the proposed three-year rehabilitation scheme would be formally introduced.
The first day of winter arrives as a feeling. I somehow know that the weather has drifted. There is a nip in the air, and the sun seems suddenly tired after all its summer burning. Once fierce and relentless, it now bathes the world in warm, golden light. A gentle breeze surrounds me, urging me to drop everything momentarily and notice that the ephemeral summer has ended. It gently whispers that another phase is on the threshold. It brings cleaner and fresher air, sometimes carrying the faint scent of burning autumn leaves. This zephyr is just cold enough to make my senses tingle, but not enough to make me shiver. This is my favourite kind of cold, something so wonderfully unique to Kashmir. The full wrath of winter is still at bay. The trees are still holding on, transformed into a festival of colours. Every leaf is a flower, every tree a bouquet, every garden a celebration of crimson, green and yellow. The best of autumn is still here; only the transition has begun. The kangris are still stowed away, and the fans have only just stopped whirring. Winter has announced itself, but it hasn't quite settled in. There is still time to sit in gardens and go for picnics. There is still time to dance under the falling leaves or to walk on a trail carpeted with falling chinar leaves. As the days pass, things are going to get quieter, more peaceful. This quiet melody is soothing. I wouldn't want to go out as much. The gradual disappearance of insects whose sounds fill the warmer months and the departure of many birds will lend our world stillness. Many birds that stay behind will become less vocal. They will focus mostly on finding food and conserving energy. Of course, the snow will later add another layer of silence, uniformity and beauty. The first day of winter is also when I notice how everything seems bluer in winter. The sun sits lower in the sky, and the quality of light changes. The crisp, clear air is dry, and there are far fewer water droplets to make the air hazy. The landscape is thus cooler, seeming to take on the hues of blue. It is a light, airy blue, not the sad blue. There is something about this that makes the world feel more expansive and more at peace. This first day, when I suddenly realize it is winter, is precious because it brings back a flood of memories. They are difficult to explain, and yet they seem so ingrained in my spirit. Perhaps it is because they take me back to the first day of winter holidays. After months of hard work and backbreaking exams, many glorious days of vacation stretched before me, and that feeling persists and still manages to inflate a little balloon inside me. Back then, there was the anticipation of snow and all the fun it brought, of hobbies to pursue and games to play. As an adult, even a free Sunday comes with a list of unfinished tasks and chronic panic. Perhaps what I look forward to most on the first day of winter is the chance to say hello to my childhood. It is on days like these that I simply cannot work. I just want to curl up with a good book and sip coffee from an extra-large mug. The sun, the trees, even the birds seem to be slowing down, if not taking a complete break. Why not me? Or, for that matter, you? (The Author is a PhD, PDF(USA). Assistant Professor cum Junior Scientist, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, SKUAST- Kashmir)
The Disappearing Art of Patience: Why Everything Must Happen Now
We live in an age where waiting has almost become an inconvenience. A delayed message makes us restless, a slow internet connection tests our temper, and a few minutes in a queue can feel like an unreasonable demand on our time. We expect instant replies, immediate results and quick solutions to problems that sometimes require years of effort. The world has become faster, but an important question remains: have we become better at living, or have we simply become less comfortable with waiting? Patience, once considered a virtue essential to personal growth and social harmony, appears to be losing its place in modern life. In our pursuit of convenience, we are gradually forgetting that some of the most valuable achievements cannot be rushed. Knowledge requires learning, relationships require understanding, character requires experience, and success requires perseverance. Yet we increasingly judge progress by how quickly it happens rather than by how deeply it transforms us. Technology has undoubtedly made life easier. We can communicate across continents in seconds, access vast amounts of information instantly and complete tasks that once consumed entire days. These are remarkable achievements, and there is no reason to romanticise unnecessary hardship or reject technological progress. The problem begins when the speed of our devices becomes the standard by which we judge every aspect of our lives. We begin to expect human relationships to operate like instant messaging, education to produce immediate results, and professional success to follow a predictable timetable. When reality fails to meet these expectations, frustration takes the place of understanding. We forget that while technology can accelerate communication, it cannot manufacture wisdom; while information can be delivered instantly, understanding must still be developed. The greatest danger is not that life has become faster, but that we have started believing everything meaningful should happen quickly. Consider the simple act of reading a book. Reading demands that we sit with an idea, follow an argument and allow our understanding to develop gradually. Unlike short digital content, a book does not always offer immediate excitement or instant gratification. Its greatest rewards often emerge only after sustained attention. The same is true of education, where genuine learning involves questioning, making mistakes, revisiting difficult concepts and gradually developing independent thought. When we become accustomed to immediate stimulation, activities that require sustained concentration may begin to feel unnecessarily difficult. We may start abandoning worthwhile tasks simply because their rewards are not immediate. The result is a troubling contradiction: we have access to more knowledge than any previous generation, yet the discipline required to understand that knowledge remains as important as ever. The same principle applies to our ambitions. Many young people aspire to become successful professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, writers and innovators. These are admirable aspirations. However, the modern culture of instant success can create unrealistic expectations. We see the achievement but rarely the years of preparation behind it. We admire the successful individual without fully appreciating the failures, sacrifices and repeated attempts that preceded success. Social media can intensify this comparison. Other peoples achievements appear constantly before us, often presented without the struggles that accompanied them. We begin measuring our progress against carefully selected moments from someone elses life. A person who is steadily building a career may feel unsuccessful because another has achieved recognition earlier. A student who needs more time to understand a subject may mistake difficulty for inability. But growth is not a race in which everyone begins at the same point or reaches the destination at the same time. Different people possess different circumstances, responsibilities, opportunities and abilities. Taking longer to achieve something does not necessarily mean that we are falling behind; sometimes it means that we are building something that will last. Patience, however, should not be confused with passivity. Waiting without effort is not the same as working patiently towards a goal. True patience is active. It means continuing to learn when progress seems slow, improving after failure, and remaining committed to a worthwhile objective even when the results are not immediately visible. It allows us to distinguish between what we can change through effort and what requires time beyond our control. A farmer cannot persuade a seed to become a tree overnight. A student cannot acquire years of understanding in a single evening. Trust cannot be demanded into existence, and wisdom cannot be downloaded like a document. Each requires a process that must be respected. Our relationships also suffer when patience disappears. Families sometimes struggle to listen to one another because everyone is occupied with screens, schedules and personal concerns. Differences of opinion can quickly become arguments when people prioritise immediate reactions over thoughtful responses. Friendships may weaken when we expect constant availability without considering another persons circumstances. In such situations, patience creates room for empathy. It allows us to listen before judging, understand before reacting and forgive without treating every disagreement as a permanent rupture. A moment of restraint can prevent words that might otherwise damage a relationship for years. In an increasingly connected world, the ability to give another person time and attention may become one of the most valuable forms of human kindness. The importance of patience extends beyond individuals. Nations develop through sustained investments in education, scientific research, public health, infrastructure and human capability. Meaningful progress requires consistent effort, institutional learning and the willingness to improve over time. Quick results may attract attention, but lasting achievements depend on foundations that are often built quietly and gradually. For a country with Indias aspirations and a young population full of potential, the ability to combine ambition with perseverance is particularly important. Innovation requires experimentation. Research requires repeated testing. Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty, and professional excellence demands continuous learning. Encouraging young people to dream boldly is essential, but helping them understand the value of discipline, resilience and gradual improvement is equally important. The solution is not to abandon speed or reject modern technology. Rather, we must learn when speed serves us and when it distracts us. We can respond quickly to urgent needs while allowing ourselves time for important decisions. We can use digital tools without surrendering every quiet moment to them. We can pursue ambitious goals without expecting every step to produce an immediate reward. Families can encourage children to read, explore, solve problems and complete tasks without constantly seeking instant entertainment. Educational institutions can value understanding alongside examination results. Individuals can set aside periods for uninterrupted work, listen more carefully during conversations and resist the temptation to judge their progress solely through comparison with others. Above all, we must relearn the value of small, consistent efforts. A few pages read every day can lead to substantial knowledge. Regular practice can turn uncertainty into competence. Small acts of kindness can strengthen relationships, and steady improvements can eventually produce remarkable results. What appears insignificant today may become the foundation of tomorrows success. Perhaps the most important lesson is that life itself cannot be reduced to a race against time. Some opportunities require immediate action, and some problems demand urgent solutions. But many of lifes greatest rewards emerge through gradual change: the confidence that develops with experience, the wisdom that follows mistakes, the trust that grows through consistency and the satisfaction of achieving something through honest effort. We cannot slow every clock, silence every notification or remove every uncertainty from our lives. But we can change our relationship with time. We can stop treating every delay as a failure and every slow beginning as a lost opportunity. The art of patience is not about doing everything slowly. It is about understanding what deserves our time, what requires our effort and what cannot be hurried without losing its value. In a world obsessed with reaching the destination, perhaps we need to recover the ability to respect the journey. After all, the things that shape us most deeply are rarely the things we obtain instantly. They are the things we work for, learn from and remain committed to long after the excitement of beginning has passed. The world may continue to move faster, but wisdom lies in knowing when not to rush. (Author works at a premier medical college in Jammu & Kashmir and is a columnist)
The Crisis of Spirituality in Contemporary Kashmir
There are moments in the life of a civilisation when its deepest crisis is not the loss of its possessions, the erosion of its institutions, or even the uncertainty of its future, but the gradual estrangement of its people from the truths that once gave meaning to their existence. Places of worship may continue to receive the faithful, ancient verses may still be recited, and the names of saints may be invoked with reverence. Yet beneath this visible continuity, something essential may begin to recede. The language of spirituality survives, but its moral authority weakens; the rituals endure, but their capacity to transform the human heart becomes uncertain. It is in the widening distance between what a society remembers and what it practises that the crisis of spirituality reveals itself. Kashmir offers a compelling setting for such a reflection. Its spiritual inheritance encompasses the philosophical profundity of Kashmir Shaivism, the mystical utterances of Lal Ded, the ethical teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam, also known as Nund Rishi, and the diverse currents of Sufi thought that have shaped the Valley's cultural and intellectual life. Emerging from distinct historical and philosophical contexts, these traditions nevertheless invite reflection on enduring questions. What does it mean to know oneself? What value does religious observance possess without moral discipline? What is the worth of wisdom if it does not deepen compassion? And what becomes of faith when the human being before us is no longer recognised as a bearer of dignity, suffering and hope? These questions belong neither exclusively to the past nor merely to philosophical speculation. They acquire particular urgency in a society negotiating the burdens of history, the wounds of conflict, the anxieties of identity and the uncertainties of contemporary existence. The spiritual imagination of Kashmir was never confined to the architecture of its shrines or the formal observances of its religious communities. It also found expression in the voice of the mystic, the discipline of the seeker and the poetry that questioned established conventions. Lal Ded, whose vakhs continue to resonate through Kashmiri cultural memory, was more than a revered figure of history. Her spiritual journey challenged the complacency of appearances and directed the seeker towards a truth that could not be attained through borrowed convictions alone. Her enduring significance lies in the courage to question, the willingness to examine oneself and the insistence that spiritual understanding must emerge from a profound encounter with truth. Nund Rishi, within his own distinctive spiritual tradition, placed humility, restraint, compassion and ethical conduct at the centre of spiritual life. His teachings confronted greed, vanity and attachment, reminding human beings of the responsibilities that accompany spiritual aspiration. The significance of such figures lies not merely in their place within Kashmir's cultural inheritance, but in their capacity to unsettle the conscience of every generation that invokes their names. A spiritual tradition remains alive not when it is merely celebrated, but when it continues to question those who inherit it. Here emerges one of the central contradictions of contemporary spirituality. A society may honour its saints, preserve their poetry and take pride in their teachings while remaining reluctant to examine its own conduct in their light. The saint gradually becomes an emblem of collective identity rather than a challenge to individual complacency. Reverence turns into remembrance, and remembrance, when detached from self-examination, becomes spiritual nostalgia. The inheritance remains visible, but its transformative power diminishes. This contradiction becomes particularly apparent when outward religiosity is mistaken for inward renewal. Visiting shrines, observing religious obligations and reciting sacred texts can provide discipline, consolation and belonging. These expressions of faith need not be dismissed. The crisis arises when they are treated as sufficient evidence of spiritual accomplishment, regardless of the character they cultivate or the relationships they shape. A person may fulfil religious obligations meticulously and remain indifferent to a neighbour's suffering. One may speak of divine mercy while practising cruelty in ordinary relationships, or condemn the failings of others while refusing to acknowledge one's own prejudices. Faith then risks becoming a source of moral self-assurance rather than a discipline of self-correction. The individual learns to recognise the faults of the world but remains reluctant to confront those concealed within the self. Spirituality, which ought to unsettle pride and enlarge compassion, becomes an instrument through which the ego quietly reinforces its authority. This predicament is not peculiar to Kashmir. Every society risks transforming its deepest convictions into convenient markers of identity. Yet the contradiction carries a particular poignancy in a place whose spiritual traditions have given such prominence to self-knowledge and ethical responsibility. The question is not whether Kashmir has preserved its spiritual inheritance, but whether that inheritance continues to influence the moral choices of those who claim it. Any serious examination must also acknowledge the historical suffering through which contemporary Kashmir has passed. Prolonged conflict, political uncertainty, bereavement, displacement and the disruption of ordinary life have left deep marks on individual consciousness and collective memory. To speak of a spiritual crisis without recognising these realities would be to overlook the conditions under which the inner life struggles to sustain itself. Grief can diminish trust, insecurity can narrow the horizon of hope, and prolonged suffering can exhaust the emotional resources through which human beings maintain relationships. Spirituality cannot erase these wounds, nor should it be invoked to silence legitimate grievances or encourage passive acceptance of injustice. Its significance lies elsewhere: in the possibility of confronting suffering without allowing it to consume every remaining source of meaning. It can preserve the distinction between seeking justice and surrendering to hatred, between remembering an injury and permitting that injury to define one's entire existence. Inner peace does not require abandoning justice, just as compassion does not demand indifference to wrongdoing. A mature spiritual outlook must hold these truths together, acknowledging suffering without allowing it to become the permanent foundation of identity. The challenge becomes more intricate in an age dominated by distraction, instant judgement and the compulsions of public expression. Contemporary life leaves little room for the silence needed to examine motives, question assumptions and recognise the limits of personal understanding. Every conviction seems to demand an audience, every disagreement threatens to become a contest, and the impulse to react often precedes the willingness to reflect. Yet the cultivation of the inner life requires patience, humility, attentive listening and the courage to remain uncertain. Spirituality begins where reaction gives way to reflection. It asks us to pause before anger becomes speech, examine the motives beneath righteous indignation, and acknowledge that conviction does not confer infallibility. Without such discipline, even the language of righteousness can become a vehicle for intolerance. One may defend truth with great fervour while remaining unwilling to question whether personal pride has become entangled with the cause being defended. The danger, therefore, is not necessarily the disappearance of spirituality from Kashmir, but its confinement to inherited symbols. The language of humility may survive alongside arrogance; the celebration of human fellowship may coexist with suspicion; and the invocation of sacred history may offer little resistance to the prejudices of the present. The sacred is remembered as something belonging to revered personalities and a distant past rather than experienced as an ethical demand upon the living. Recovering Kashmir's spiritual inheritance does not require an idealised return to an age imagined to have been free of contradiction. History offers no such uncomplicated refuge. What is needed is a renewed engagement with the transformative possibilities of these traditions. Lal Ded's poetry challenges spiritual complacency; Nund Rishi's teachings invite reflection on the relationship between moral conduct and spiritual aspiration; Kashmir Shaivism offers a profound philosophical inquiry into consciousness and self-recognition. Their legacies should be understood in their distinctive contexts, not flattened into a single doctrine, and approached as living sources of ethical and intellectual reflection. Such a renewal would shift attention from the prestige of inheritance to the responsibility of inheritors. Its measure would be found not in the frequency with which sacred names are uttered, but in the quality of conduct they inspire. It would become visible in the refusal to exploit the vulnerable, the ability to disagree without humiliating another, the willingness to acknowledge mistakes and the preservation of compassion when indifference would be easier. Faith must reach beyond moments of devotion to influence the exercise of power, the conduct of relationships and the treatment of strangers. Ultimately, the crisis of spirituality in contemporary Kashmir is a crisis of relationship: between memory and experience, faith and conduct, inherited wisdom and present responsibility. It asks whether a society can honour its spiritual inheritance without allowing that inheritance to question its conscience, and whether faith can retain its moral significance when it fails to deepen our recognition of another person's humanity. Kashmir does not need to invent a new spiritual vocabulary so much as rediscover the moral seriousness of the one it already possesses. Its mystical traditions cannot, by themselves, repair everything history has fractured, but they can offer a language through which present wounds may be confronted without surrendering to despair. They remind us that spiritual strength lies not in escaping the world's pain, but in responding to it without abandoning justice, compassion or self-respect. The true test of a spiritual civilisation is not whether its saints remain remembered, its shrines revered or its ancient verses recited. It is whether something of their wisdom survives in the conscience of the living. A saint's words acquire their fullest meaning not when generations repeat them, but when those words alter the way those generations perceive and treat one another. Perhaps the most searching question for contemporary Kashmir is not where its spirituality has gone, but how deeply it continues to reach into the lives of its people. Does it reach the marketplace, where honesty is tested by advantage? Does it enter public life, where conviction must be tempered by responsibility? Does it penetrate the private self, where pride and prejudice often remain unchallenged? The recovery of spirituality will not be measured by a return to the past, but by the emergence of a more conscious present, in which inherited wisdom becomes living responsibility, remembrance becomes self-examination, and faith finds its most convincing expression in the dignity accorded to another human being. Only then will the voices that arose from Kashmir's mountains, valleys and contemplative traditions cease to be echoes of a distant age and become living presences in the moral life of the Valley. (The writer is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Bihar Council elections today; Patna Graduates seat in focus as JD(U) faces internal tussle
The seat, from which party MLC Neeraj Kumar is seeking a fourth consecutive term, has become the centre of attention after JD(U)s Mokama MLA Anant Singh declared support for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Kumar Singh
Kemendra: The Satirist Who Held Kashmir to Account
Kashmirs intellectual heritage includes a remarkable constellation of philosophers, poets, spiritual thinkers and literary critics whose works influenced the wider history of Sanskrit learning. Among them, Kemendra an eleventh-century Sanskrit writer, occupies a distinctive place. He was not merely a poet who celebrated beauty or retold epic narratives. A combination of aesthetic and ethical concerns, although the extent to which his works should be read as a systematic programme of social reform remains a matter of interpretation. Kemendra is generally placed in the late tenth and first half of the eleventh century, with dates often given approximately as 9901070 CE. The chronology is not completely certain, but his works and colophons place him in the intellectual world of eleventh-century Kashmir. He flourished when Kashmir was an important centre of Sanskrit learning, philosophical inquiry and literary production. His writings reflect that environment, while also revealing a distinctive interest in human behaviour, social types and the relationship between literary form and ethical judgement. A literary mind shaped by Kashmir Kemendra belonged to a learned family. His father was Prakendra, and his son Somendra is associated with the transmission and framing of some of his works. Kemendra also refers to Abhinavagupta as a teacher or intellectual influence. The precise nature of this relationship is not fully documented, and it is safest to describe him as connected with Abhinavaguptas intellectual circle rather than to assume a detailed biographical account of direct discipleship. This association nevertheless places Kemendra within one of the most fertile periods of Kashmirs intellectual history. Kemendras education enabled him to work across several branches of Sanskrit literature. He was not primarily a metaphysical philosopher, although his writings engage with religious and ethical ideas. His special strength lay in observing social behaviour, exposing pretension and examining the responsibilities associated with learning, wealth, status and religious identity. Where philosophers explored reality and aestheticians investigated the experience of art, Kemendra often turned his attention to everyday conduct: the corrupt official, the boastful scholar, the hypocritical ascetic, the calculating opportunist and the individual whose outward respectability concealed questionable motives. His literary world included gods, kings and epic heroes, but it also included social types whose ambitions, weaknesses and deceptions became objects of literary analysis. This was one of his distinctive achievements: he brought ordinary conduct and social pretension into the centre of serious Sanskrit literary composition. His portrayals are stylised and often deliberately exaggerated, so they should not be treated as transparent sociological records. They are literary representations shaped by satire, convention and moral purpose. Satire as a mirror of society Kemendras satires are valuable evidence for the concerns and literary conventions of his period. Works such as Deopadea, Narmaml, Samayamtk and Darpadlana demonstrate his ability to use humour, caricature and exaggeration to expose human weaknesses. His satire was not simply an exercise in ridicule. It frequently operates as moral criticism, although its targets and methods vary from work to work. By exposing greed, vanity, hypocrisy, deception and the misuse of social position, he invites readers to notice the distance between professed values and actual conduct. His characters are memorable partly because the types he constructssuch as the fraudulent ascetic, the pretentious scholar or the manipulative intermediaryremain recognisable beyond their original setting. In Deopadea, Kemendra presents a series of admonitory observations and social types through pointed, often comic description. Narmaml similarly uses humour and satire to depict questionable behaviour and social absurdity. Samayamtk, a narrative work centred on deception and sexual commerce, explores calculated behaviour, desire and social convention through a highly stylised story. Its treatment should not be reduced to a general portrait of all social life in Kashmir; it is better understood as a literary construction that uses particular settings and characters to examine deception and moral ambiguity. Kemendras works suggest that a society cannot be judged solely by the magnificence of its monuments, the sophistication of its scholarship or the prestige of its institutions. They also direct attention to the conduct of officials, intellectuals, religious figures and socially vulnerable people. This is an interpretive conclusion drawn from his recurring themes rather than a literal statement of a unified political theory. In this respect, Kemendras writing can speak beyond its historical setting. The social types he satirised belong to the conventions of medieval Sanskrit literature, but the impulses attributed to themambition, manipulation, vanity and the substitution of appearance for substanceremain intelligible to modern readers. Darpadalana: the anatomy of human arrogance Among Kemendras morally oriented works, Darpadlana deserves particular attention. Its title suggests the destruction or subduing of pride, and the work examines the dangers of turning worldly advantages into grounds for arrogance. Kemendra discusses forms of distinction associated with birth, wealth, learning, beauty, strength, generosity and religious accomplishment. The work does not necessarily reject these qualities in themselves. Rather, it questions the assumption that possessing them establishes a persons intrinsic superiority or exempts them from moral scrutiny. His argument is therefore more nuanced than a simple denunciation of worldly success. Wealth can disappear, beauty can fade, physical strength can decline and social status can be lost. Learning, too, becomes ethically deficient when it produces conceit rather than discernment. The works emphasis on impermanence and humility reflects broader Indian moral and religious traditions, and should not be treated as uniquely original to Kemendra. The enduring lesson that readers may draw from Darpadlana is that character cannot be inferred from status alone. A persons moral worth depends not merely on possessions or reputation but on the manner in which advantages are used and on the humility, restraint and integrity with which one conducts oneself. In an age in which public life often features displays of wealth, authority and personal achievement, this critique remains relevant as a modern interpretation of Kemendras concerns. It should not be presented as evidence that he anticipated contemporary social categories, but his analysis can nevertheless be brought into conversation with them. Aucitya: the principle of appropriateness Kemendras importance extends beyond satire into Sanskrit literary theory. His Aucityavicracarc is a major surviving discussion of aucitya, usually translated as propriety, fitness, appropriateness or contextual suitability. For Kemendra, successful poetry depends on the proper relationship among its constituent elements. Words, emotions, characters, actions, situations and literary ornaments must be appropriate to one another. An expression may be elegant yet unsuitable to the character who speaks it; an emotion may lack credibility if it conflicts with the circumstances; and an ornament may weaken a passage when it is introduced without regard to the larger composition. Appropriateness is therefore not merely a minor technical consideration. In Kemendras account, it is a principle that helps sustain coherence, plausibility and aesthetic effectiveness. His formulation should also be situated within the wider history of Sanskrit poetics, where questions of propriety, suggestion, style, rasa and ornament were debated by several theorists. Kemendras contribution was to give aucitya an especially prominent and systematic role. This theory can support a broader ethical analogy, but the analogy should not be confused with Kemendras primary literary argument. Actions acquire meaning through circumstances, purposes and consequences; intelligence without judgement can become arrogance, and authority without restraint can become oppressive. These applications are modern interpretive extensions of aucitya, not necessarily a direct political doctrine articulated in the Aucityavicracarc. Kemendras literary theory and social satire nevertheless illuminate one another. Both are concerned with the relationship between outward expression and underlying substance. In poetry, appropriate relation produces aesthetic coherence; in moral life, the correspondence between conduct and professed values helps distinguish virtue from performance. The storyteller of Indias great epics Kemendras literary work was not confined to satire and moral instruction. He also composed poetic abridgements of major narrative traditions. His Rmyaamajar, Bhratamajar and Bhatkathmajar demonstrate his command of compression, narrative selection and Sanskrit verses. These works condense expansive narratives into shorter poetic compositions, but they should not be described simply as neutral summaries. Kemendra selects, rearranges and presents inherited material according to his own literary purposes. His Rmyaamajar and Bhratamajar participate in the continuing interpretation of the Rmyaa and Mahbhrata, while the Bhatkathmajar represents his Sanskrit adaptation of the wider Bhatkath narrative tradition. The relationship between these works and their earlier sources is complex, and the original form of the Bhatkath is not extant. In retelling epic and narrative material, Kemendra participated in a long Indian tradition in which foundational stories were repeatedly abridged, expanded, interpreted and transmitted to new audiences. His works are therefore important not only for preservation but also for the history of literary adaptation. His range also included Buddhist narrative through Avadnakalpalat and Vaishnava themes through Davatracarita. These works indicate engagement with more than one religious and literary tradition. They do not, by themselves, establish a fully ecumenical programme or prove that all traditions enjoyed equal status in his thought. They do, however, demonstrate the breadth of his literary interests and the plural intellectual environment in which Sanskrit authors could work. Kemendras achievement was thus both creative and preservative. He did not merely reproduce inherited narratives; he reshaped them through selection, compression and poetic presentation, making them part of a continuing tradition of interpretation. Kashmirs intellectual pluralism Kemendras connection with Abhinavagupta places him within Kashmirs celebrated philosophical and aesthetic milieu, although the biographical details of that connection remain limited. His intellectual contribution should not be reduced to affiliation with any single school. His writings encompass ethical instruction, satire, literary criticism, epic narrative and religious themes. His corpus illustrates the coexistence of different literary and religious currents in medieval Kashmir. Shaiva philosophical inquiry, Sanskrit poetics, Buddhist narrative and Vaishnava devotion formed part of a wider cultural landscape in which authors could draw on diverse intellectual inheritances. This does not mean that the period was free of sectarian boundaries or social conflict; rather, it indicates that literary production could cross or engage with those boundaries. This plurality is an important dimension of Kashmirs intellectual history. The Valleys contribution to Indian thought cannot be measured solely through individual philosophers or religious movements. It must also be understood through writers such as Kemendra, whose works reveal the interaction of literary imagination, moral reflection and social observation. His legacy supports the broader proposition that intellectual cultures flourish through sustained argument, creative adaptation and the examination of inherited practices. That proposition is a modern historical interpretation, but it is consistent with the diversity visible in his surviving corpus. The relevance of Kemendra in the contemporary world Why should a Sanskrit poet of the eleventh century command our attention today? The answer lies not in assuming that his categories map directly onto modern society, but in the continuing relevance of the ethical questions his works invite readers to consider. Modern societies continue to confront corruption, intellectual dishonesty, public hypocrisy and the misuse of power. Wealth may be mistaken for merit, publicity for achievement, religious display for moral character and authority for wisdom. Kemendras writings provide material for questioning such confusions, even though his social world and literary conventions were very different from those of the present. His satires invite readers to ask whether public institutions serve the common good, whether intellectuals speak truth to power, whether religious figures practise the values they proclaim and whether individuals measure success by ethical conduct or external recognition. These are contemporary questions prompted by his texts, not necessarily explicit institutional programmes found in them. His theory of aucitya can likewise offer a suggestive perspective on public life. Appropriateness, judgement and a sense of proportion are indispensable to responsible conduct. Words should correspond to circumstances, authority should be accompanied by restraint and public roles should carry obligations. Such applications extend the literary concept into modern ethical reflection; they should not be mistaken for a direct political theory of accountability. Kemendras writing also demonstrates how literature can entertain while criticising, and instruct while exposing folly. His works remain relevant in an age when public discourse is often shaped by spectacle, partisan assertion and the pursuit of immediate attention. The claim that literature should encourage reform is best understood as an interpretation of the moral force of his satire rather than as a simple summary of authorial intention in every work. His example can also prompt contemporary intellectuals to consider the social responsibilities associated with learning. The scholar who exposes ignorance, the writer who questions injustice and the citizen who resists hypocrisy may all contribute to public moral reflection. This is a modern civic application of Kemendras legacy, not a claim that he articulated the institutions or ideals of modern democracy. An enduring voice from Kashmir Kemendra deserves recognition as one of the most versatile literary figures of medieval Kashmir. His importance rests not merely on the number or variety of his surviving works, but on the distinctive relationship his corpus establishes between literary form, social observation and ethical reflection. He was a storyteller who adapted epic and narrative traditions, a theorist who examined literary appropriateness, a moral writer who questioned arrogance and a satirist who exposed the gap between social pretension and ethical conduct. His intellectual versatility reflects the depth and diversity of Kashmirs Sanskrit literary culture, although the surviving texts represent only part of the historical world in which he worked. Above all, Kemendras writings show that literature can perform a critical function. It can challenge complacency, expose deception and remind readers of values that social practice may neglect. His satire is rooted in the assumptioncommon to many moral and didactic traditionsthat no claim to status, learning or sanctity should place a person beyond scrutiny. For Kashmir, his legacy is a significant part of the regions intellectual history. For India, it represents an important chapter in the history of Sanskrit literature, literary theory and moral satire. For contemporary readers, it offers a durable lesson: a civilisations greatness lies not only in the wisdom it produces, but also in its willingness to examine its own follies. Kemendras voice continues to speak across the centuries because his works connect literary pleasure with ethical reflection. They do not provide a complete social history of medieval Kashmir, nor do they offer a modern programme of reform. They do, however, show how satire, narrative and literary theory can make questions of conduct, judgement and responsibility central to the experience of literature. (The author is a Senior Advocate and a public intellectual)
Tramboo seeks one-year power amnesty for consumers
Srinagar: PDP senior leader and spokesperson Iqbal Tramboo has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to announce a comprehensive power amnesty scheme for domestic and commercial consumers, seeking a minimum one-year relief period, waiver of accumulated penalties and surcharges, and a liberal instalment facility for clearing pending electricity dues. In a statement, Tramboo said the growing burden of electricity arrears was causing financial distress among households, traders and business establishments, and called for a consumer-friendly policy to help people regularise their dues without further hardship. He stressed that the proposed amnesty should cover both domestic and commercial consumers without discrimination, arguing that shopkeepers, traders and small business owners were equally affected by rising costs and mounting liabilities. Electricity is an essential service, not a luxury. People cannot be pushed against the wall in the name of revenue recovery, Tramboo said, urging the government to prioritise public relief amid mounting household expenses and business challenges. He said the proposed scheme should provide substantial relief on accumulated penalties and surcharges, sufficient time to clear outstanding principal dues, and an affordable instalment mechanism for consumers unable to pay their arrears in a single payment. The PDP spokesperson also called for an end to coercive recovery measures and disconnection threats, stating that these could not replace a practical and accessible relief policy. Tramboo urged the government to announce a clear, time-bound decision on the proposed amnesty and direct the concerned power authorities to establish a transparent mechanism for its implementation across Jammu and Kashmir. He said the relief package should extend to every eligible household, shopkeeper and commercial establishment, adding that the government needed to take immediate steps to address the financial burden of accumulated electricity dues.
Russia ready for talks on plans for final Ukraine deal, not truce: Putin
The goal of these discussions will be to address the issue of ensuring security for both Ukraine and Russia... within the framework of a final agreement, not after some kind of short pause in fighting, President Putin told a reporter from state TV
MLA Shaheen lays foundation for 1.96-cr road in Ramban
Ramban, Oct 22: Member Legislative Assembly BanihalGool Sajjad Shaheen on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a 1.96-crore road project connecting Lamber GujjarNar with National Highway-44. The project, being executed by the Public Works Department (R&B), aims to address a longstanding demand of residents of Lamber and adjoining villages, who have faced difficulties due to the lack of direct road connectivity with the highway. Upon completion, the road is expected to reduce travel distance, improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of people and essential commodities. Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said strengthening road infrastructure in remote and mountainous areas was essential to improving public convenience and access to basic services. He said efforts were underway to address infrastructure gaps through road, bridge and other development projects across the BanihalGool constituency. The MLA also referred to road projects sanctioned under PMGSY-IV, including RamsooSarbagni, MakerkoteDardahi and LivraGagarnag, with a combined estimated cost of 64.74 crore. Highlighting other development initiatives, he referred to the Model Higher Secondary School project at Banihal, the proposed development of 58 playgrounds and seven mini-stadiums, and plans for an indoor stadium to promote sports among local youth. He also underscored initiatives to improve bridge connectivity, education, power supply and healthcare facilities. Shaheen stressed the need for timely execution of sanctioned projects and coordination among departments to ensure that development benefits reach people in remote and far-flung areas. Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Mohammad Iqbal Ganai; Assistant Engineer Nasir Ahmad Wani; senior officials and prominent residents of Lamber and adjoining villages were present on the occasion.
Apostle of Light on Sheikh-ul-Aalam released at Chrar-e-Sharief
Chrar-e-Sharief , Oct 22: Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, on Thursday released Apostle of Light , an English-language biographical book on the life, teachings and spiritual legacy of Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Aalam Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), authored by noted writer Baba Ghulam Nabi Adfar. The book was unveiled at a literary and academic event organised by Kashmir Markaz-e-Adab-wa-Saqafat at the Sheikh-ul-Aalam Conference Hall of the J&K Waqf Board in Chrar-e-Sharief. The event was attended by eminent scholars, writers and academicians, including Prof. G. N. Khaki, Dr Satish Vimal and Ghulam Hassan Talib, along with other intellectuals and admirers of Kashmirs Rishi-Sufi heritage. Noted author Inayat Gul moderated the programme and delivered the welcome address. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Andrabi appreciated the authors efforts to document the life and message of Sheikh-ul-Aalam in English, saying such literary works could help introduce Kashmirs spiritual and cultural heritage to a wider international audience. We need to tell our story of spiritual excellence to the world. Kashmir has a rich legacy of Rishi-Sufi thought, spiritual wisdom, compassion and universal human values, she said, adding that preserving and communicating this heritage was a collective responsibility. Dr Andrabi said the teachings of Sheikh-ul-Aalam transcended geographical, social and sectarian boundaries and continued to hold relevance in contemporary society. She highlighted the saints emphasis on spirituality, humility, compassion, human dignity, harmony and devotion to the Creator, noting that these values offered important guidance, particularly for younger generations. She also stressed the importance of documenting Kashmirs spiritual and intellectual traditions in languages such as English to raise awareness beyond Jammu and Kashmir. Our saints and spiritual masters have given us a universal message of peace, tolerance, coexistence and service to humanity. Their contribution should not remain confined to our local memory; it must reach readers, scholars and seekers across the world, she said. Dr Andrabi congratulated Baba Ghulam Nabi Adfar on the publication and expressed hope that the book would encourage further research and literary work on the lives and contributions of Kashmirs prominent Rishi-Sufi figures.
Justice N. Ramesh will hear on Friday the bail plea made by J. Shyabu Khan of Boontoli village in Alwar district
Panchayat polls to be litmus test for Omar Govt: LoP Sharma
Srinagar, Oct 22: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Thursday accused the National Conference-led government of avoiding Panchayat and municipal elections out of fear of defeat, saying the grassroots polls would serve as the first major test of Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs popularity and the governments performance. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a BJP programme in Srinagar, Sharma alleged that the ruling party was reluctant to allow alternative political leadership to emerge at the grassroots because it feared losing public support. The Panchayat elections will be the first litmus test for the Omar Abdullah government. They have made promises on electricity, jobs and ration, but the people have been deceived, Sharma said. He accused the Abdullah family of arrogance and alleged that the delay in holding Panchayati Raj elections was aimed at preventing other political leaders from emerging at the local level. He claimed the National Conference feared a decisive electoral setback if the polls were held. Sharma said the government should face voters through Panchayat and municipal elections, arguing that the results would provide an opportunity for people to assess its performance. He also alleged that commitments concerning electricity supply, LPG cylinders, employment and ration had not been fulfilled. On the security situation, Sharma claimed that terrorism had declined significantly in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years and asserted that local Kashmiri youth had stopped joining militant organisations over the past two years. He credited the Union Home Ministry and security agencies for what he described as an improvement in the security environment, saying operations against foreign militants were continuing. The BJP leader also claimed that stone-pelting incidents and activities linked to overground worker networks had declined. Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shahs recent remarks, Sharma said Kashmir was gradually moving away from decades of militancy, while acknowledging that achieving complete normalcy would take more time. His remarks on recruitment, militant activity and the overall security situation were claims made during the interaction. Draws distinction between Kashmir detentions and Ladakh protests Responding to comparisons between people detained in Kashmir in militancy-related cases and those held in connection with protests in Ladakh, Sharma rejected what he described as an attempt to equate the two situations. He argued that individuals accused of serious militancy-related offences could not automatically be placed in the same category as people detained over peaceful protests. Sharma said the BJP would support justice for innocent people but maintained that those involved in violence against the country could not be described as innocent. Earlier, Sharma addressed a BJP programme organised to honour senior party leader Ashok Koul, who has been assigned a new organisational responsibility after serving in a key party position for around 14 years. Sharma praised Kouls contribution to strengthening the BJPs organisational network in Kashmir and described changes in party responsibilities as part of the partys routine organisational process. He said Kouls experience and guidance would continue to benefit the organisation in the future.
An ironclad resolve in the national interest
Home Minister Amit Shahs decision-making ability, commitment to national security, and role as one of the architects of modern Indias development will ensure that his name occupies a prominent place in the countrys political history
J&K lags in Model Village target
Srinagar, Oct 22: Only 28 of the 419 villages selected for development as model villages under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) in Jammu and Kashmir have so far been declared Adarsh Grams, leaving 391 villages yet to achieve the designated status. The figures, presented during a high-level review of social welfare schemes on Thursday, show that just 6.7 per cent of the selected villages have received the model village designation. The remaining 93.3 per cent are yet to be declared Adarsh Grams, according to the data placed before the meeting jointly chaired by Union Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Sudhansh Pant, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The programme aims to improve basic infrastructure and access to essential services in selected villages, with a focus on addressing development gaps. According to the Social Welfare Department, 419 villages in Jammu and Kashmir have been selected under the programme, but only 28 have so far attained Adarsh Gram status. The department reported that 81 development works had been completed during the current financial year, 202627. However, the official statement did not specify how many works remain incomplete or provide a district-wise breakdown of villages awaiting the designation. The meeting also reviewed financial requirements for completing subsequent phases of the programme, indicating that further funding would be needed for pending development activities. Under the Grants-in-Aid component of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), the department reported utilisation of Rs 496.59 lakh towards basic infrastructure, skill development and income-generating assets. The expenditure was presented as part of the broader review of social welfare and community development programmes. The figures highlight the gap between the number of villages selected for development and those formally declared Adarsh Grams. However, the government statement did not disclose when the 419 villages were selected, the original targets for achieving Adarsh Gram status or the reasons why the remaining villages have not yet received the designation. It also did not specify whether the pending villages had completed some development works but were awaiting assessment or still required substantial infrastructure improvements. During the meeting, Union Secretary Sudhansh Pant reviewed the implementation of welfare schemes and stressed the importance of ensuring that government interventions produced measurable improvements for beneficiaries. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said the administration was committed to extending welfare benefits to all eligible sections and addressing implementation bottlenecks. The review also discussed the need for better coordination among departments and timely availability of funds to complete pending projects. With 391 villages still awaiting Adarsh Gram status, the pace of implementation and completion of remaining development requirements remain key issues under the programme.
Kupwara bank fraud case: Ex-Manager chargesheeted
Srinagar, Oct 22: The Special Crime Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against Abhisek Prajapat, the then Branch Manager of J&K Grameen Bank, Lalpora, Kupwara, in a case involving alleged cheating, criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of bank and customer funds. According to an official statement issued by the Crime Branch on Wednesday, the chargesheet was filed before the Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Sogam, Lolab, in Kupwara district. The case originated from a complaint lodged by the Regional Manager of J&K Grameen Bank, Regional Office Kupwara. The complaint was forwarded by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K, to Crime Headquarters for necessary action. Following preliminary verification by the Economic Offences Wing, Crime Branch Kashmir, FIR No. 09/2026 was registered at Police Station Special Crime Wing on May 13, 2026, and an investigation was initiated. During the investigation, officials alleged that Prajapat had transferred Rs 1.19 lakh from various customer accounts into his personal bank account under the pretext of loan documentation, file charges and other related expenses. The investigation also revealed the alleged diversion of Rs 25,850 from official bank expenditure accounts. An additional amount of Rs 24,100 was shown as unwarranted expenditure, resulting in a reported aggregate loss of Rs 49,950 to the bank. The Crime Branch statement further said that Prajapat was dismissed from the services of J&K Grameen Bank on February 13, 2025, following departmental proceedings. The chargesheet has been filed under Sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to criminal breach of trust and cheating, respectively, read with Section 193 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The case has been placed before the competent court for judicial determination. The Crime Branch has urged the public to remain vigilant against financial fraud and report such cases to the concerned authorities for necessary legal action.
Thousands gather in Paris after court lifts protest ban despite fears of new violence
The Paris prefecture previously said the ban was necessary, given the risk of street violence after groups of masked youth clashed with officers, looted shops and torched cars over the weekend
Govt schools to get free textbooks from November
Srinagar, Oct 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is likely to begin distributing government-supplied textbooks to educational zones across the Kashmir division from November, providing relief to students enrolled in government schools. An official from JKBOSE told the Rising Kashmir that the board has received a substantial number of textbook titles, while booksellers have already procured textbooks that have reached the board office Kashmir division. Students studying in private schools can purchase the required textbooks from booksellers in their respective districts, the official said. He said that the distribution of government-supplied textbooks would begin in November. The books will first be handed over to educational zones, which will subsequently ensure their distribution among government schools. We have already received a considerable number of textbook titles and are preparing to distribute them to educational zones. The books will then be supplied to government schools for distribution among students free of cost, the official said. The official clarified that students from Class 1 to Class 8 in government schools would receive textbooks free of cost and would not have to spend money to obtain them. However, students enrolled in Classes 9 to 12 will have to purchase their textbooks from the market. According to the official, the board has started supplying textbooks to booksellers all the district of the Kashmir valley to ensure their availability for students. The expected distribution from November is aimed at ensuring that government school students receive their prescribed textbooks, while students in private schools can obtain the required books through local booksellers.
SKUAST-K offers 300 sheep, goats for annual auction
Ganderbal, Oct 22 : The Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goat, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shuhama, Ganderbal, is conducting annual auctions of different sheep and goat breeds to support registered breeders, strengthen livestock farms and improve the quality of livestock in the region. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Dr Parvaiz Ahmad Reshi, Senior Scientist and Head of the centre, said around 200 to 300 animals of different breeds had been made available for auction to meet the requirements of sheep and goat breeders. He said the centre houses 16 sheep and goat breeds and provides quality breeding animals to farmers through an open auction process, generally held in September or October every year. Farmers and breeders visit the centre according to their requirements, whether they need rams, ewes, bucks or other animals to strengthen their farms, Dr Reshi said, adding that the auction is publicised through television, radio, newspapers and social media to reach interested breeders. He said the initiative aims to promote sheep farming as a sustainable and profitable livelihood, particularly for unemployed and underemployed youth. Farmers can purchase a small number of animals and gradually establish or expand their livestock units. Dr Reshi said the centre provides animals from different breeds, including Corriedale, Merino, Pashmina-related goat varieties and other breeds, depending on farmers requirements and the availability of animals. Apart from supplying breeding stock, the centre also provides technical guidance and training in animal management, healthcare, breeding, feeding and reproductive management. Highlighting the centres role in supporting the farming community, Dr Reshi said nearly 20,000 farmers were associated with the institution, which serves as a resource centre for technical assistance, expert advice and capacity-building. He said the centre was making efforts to strengthen existing farms, promote scientific livestock-rearing practices and encourage young people to take up sheep and goat farming as a sustainable source of income and employment.
Kishtwar college hosts lecture on goal setting
Kishtwar, Oct 22: The District Administration Kishtwar, in collaboration with Government Degree College (GDC) Kishtwar, organised an inspirational guest lecture on Motivation Through Goal Setting at the college auditorium on Thursday to encourage students to set clear life goals and pursue their aspirations with determination. The programme was organised under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS). The lecture was delivered by Rizwan Uddin, Chief Learning Officer and Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I, Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. Addressing the students, Uddin emphasised the importance of setting clear and achievable goals, effective time management, discipline and consistent effort. He encouraged students to believe in their abilities, remain focused and approach challenges with confidence and a positive outlook. A clear goal today builds a stronger tomorrow, he said, underlining the role of goal setting in personal development and professional success. Sharing real-life examples to inspire the students, Uddin highlighted the achievement of Sanjeev Kumar, Section Supervisor at EPFO Office Jammu, who voluntarily settled 1,128 Provident Fund claims in a single daya task that would ordinarily require 10 persons working for two days. He also cited the example of Ayushi Puri, IIS, Deputy Director, Doordarshan, as a role model and encouraged girl students to pursue their ambitions with confidence, determination and faith in their capabilities. The session featured interactive discussions in which students raised questions and shared their views on personal development, career planning and future aspirations. A live one-to-one counselling session was also conducted to help students identify their goals, recognise their strengths and explore practical ways to achieve their objectives. Uddin appreciated and felicitated students who presented positive thoughts, creative perspectives and inspirational ideas, encouraging them to strengthen their self-confidence and pursue their ambitions with sincerity and perseverance. The students described the session as informative and motivating, stating that it helped them understand the importance of setting meaningful goals, preparing structured plans, managing time effectively and maintaining a positive outlook towards life. Among those present were Amit Kumar (JKAS), Assistant Labour Commissioner Kishtwar; Prof. Subhash, In-charge Principal, GDC Kishtwar; Prof. Esrarul Ayub; Prof. Prithvi Raj; Dr. Usman Sheikh; Sanjeev Kumar, Section Supervisor, EPFO Office Jammu; Shesh Kumar; and Ashok Chaudhary from EPFO Jammu. The In-charge Principal thanked Uddin for his guidance and interaction with the students, reiterating the colleges commitment to organising similar programmes to guide and empower young people. Uddin also appreciated the efforts of Amit Kumar and Prof. Esrarul Ayub, In-charge, NSS Unit, GDC Kishtwar, for coordinating the programme. The event aimed to foster self-confidence, positive thinking and clarity of purpose among students, enabling them to work towards meaningful personal and professional goals. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Usman Sheikh.
New Gulmarg-Uri road planned to boost border tourism
Srinagar, Oct 22: The government is planning to develop a new road connecting the famous tourist destination of Gulmarg with the border area of Uri in north Kashmir, in a move aimed at improving connectivity and promoting tourism in the region. MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi told Rising Kashmir that the proposed road would pass through Boniyar, linking areas such as Banali and Trikanjan and opening up new possibilities for tourism development along the route. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will construct the new road connecting Gulmarg and Uri through the Boniyar area. The road will pass through areas like Banali and Trikanjan in Boniyar, the MLA said. He added that the BRO had prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR), and construction work was expected to begin next year. The proposed road is expected to improve access to remote areas of Uri and Boniyar while creating opportunities to develop lesser-known tourist attractions along the route. If implemented, the project could also provide visitors with an alternative approach to exploring the regions natural landscapes, religious sites and heritage locations. Highlighting the tourism potential of the Uri-Boniyar belt, Dr Shafi identified several places that could be developed and promoted as part of an integrated tourism circuit. These include Pando Temple, Chatti Padshahi Temple, Kaman Post, Baba Fareed shrine, Limber Waterfall and Rustam. The region, located close to the Line of Control (LoC), has a mix of natural attractions, religious sites and historical significance. Improved road connectivity, along with better visitor facilities and tourism promotion, could help bring more attention to these destinations. The MLA also said the government was planning to construct tourist huts along Hapath Khai Nallah in Boniyar to improve accommodation facilities for visitors. The proposed huts could provide tourists with additional options to stay in the area and explore its surrounding natural attractions, subject to the projects implementation. However, details regarding the proposed roads length, estimated cost, funding arrangements and construction timeline were not immediately available. The start of work will depend on the completion of the necessary formalities and the projects implementation schedule. The proposed road and tourism infrastructure projects, if taken forward, could form part of broader efforts to expand tourism beyond established destinations and tap the potential of border areas in north Kashmir.
HBCH&RC launches robotic surgery facility in Visakhapatnam, performs first procedure
After tulips, Kashmir turns to Chrysanthemums
Srinagar, Oct 22: Kashmirs autumn tourism is set to gain a fresh attraction with the Chrysanthemum Garden emerging as a major destination for visitors seeking colourful floral displays beyond the spring tulip season. Director Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, said the garden had been developed with expanded flowerbeds, nearly 3.5 lakh flowering plants and improved visitor facilities, with the blooms expected to last until early December, weather permitting. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Thursday, Masoom said the department aimed to establish the garden as an autumn attraction on the lines of the famous Tulip Garden, giving visitors another reason to explore Kashmir outside the spring season. She said the garden had undergone several improvements, including a beautifully designed plaza, a water feature, pergolas, selfie points and a network of pathways to make the visit more enjoyable. Our aim is to ensure that no season in Kashmir feels dull. Spring should belong to tulips, while autumn should become the season of chrysanthemums, Masoom said. The garden has been planned around chrysanthemums, with the existing Chinar trees complemented by newly planted maple and ginkgo trees. The combination is expected to enhance the landscape with a range of colours during autumn. Masoom said the project had required sustained efforts from the departments officers, gardeners and other staff, particularly in the face of challenging weather conditions during preparations. She said the coordinated efforts of the team had helped develop the garden into a dedicated floral destination, adding that the department continued to introduce improvements to meet visitors growing expectations. Unlike many seasonal flowers, chrysanthemums have a relatively long blooming period. According to Masoom, the flowers can remain in bloom for around six weeks, potentially extending until December 5 or 6, depending on weather conditions. The department expects the garden to draw visitors from within and outside Kashmir, adding a new dimension to the regions autumn tourism. Traditionally, autumn visitors have been drawn to Kashmir by the changing colours of Chinar leaves. The Chrysanthemum Garden is expected to complement that natural spectacle with an extended display of flowering plants. Masoom expressed hope that growing public interest would help establish the garden as a regular feature on Kashmirs tourism calendar and encourage more people to visit the Valley during the autumn months. The initiative also reflects the departments broader effort to develop seasonal attractions that can spread tourist activity across different times of the year, rather than concentrating it around the spring tulip season.
No consistent improvement in Delhis winter air quality over four years: CREA
Delhi SIR: revised data show sharp increase in Form 6 disposal rate
Delhi High Court quashes FIR against SSC aspirant over protest
Dismissed police official arrested in fraud case
NITI Aayog team visits 150 mld desalination plant
Four arrested for abducting and robbing youth
MTC bus driver sentenced to four years in prison for causing two deaths in 2017 accident
Prasar Bharati is not a public service broadcaster
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MNM asks cadres to step up groundwork ahead of local body polls
A total of 227 relief centres ready in Chennai: GCC
High Court relief for police sub-inspector
Two Puzhal prison escapees held; 7 staff suspended
The two prisoners escaped from Puzhal Central Prison in separate instances within a span of 24 hours
Promising Indian sprinter Dondapati Jayaram dies in road accident
Jayaram along with Malay Barik, another athlete, was going to Kataka for Dussehra celebration by bike on Wednesday evening when the accident occurred
Collective urges recognised political parties to boycott CEOs meeting on SSR
Haryana: power strike disrupts industries, units report outages
Tied by geography, divided by politics
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IIT-Madras announces research projects on AI, seeks to study feasibility of small data centres
NH-48 traffic jam: Old RTR flyover closure leaves Delhi-Gurugram commuters stranded for hours
INLD leader asks Haryana CM to invoke Section 108 to halt parallel power licence
A death, an obituary, and putting grief on hold
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Dasara festivities: 18.29 lakh devotees visit Vijayawada Kanaka Durga temple
The temple has distributed 39.84 lakh laddus to devotees since the commencement of Dasara festivities and annaprasadam has been served to 8,37,385 people so far, says temple EO
SMCA hosts open quiz as part of Durga Puja celebrations
Autorickshaw drivers protest against Vettri Payanam scheme
IFPs priorities at the moment are built around preservation of our collections
The French Institute of Pondicherrys Director, Renaud Colson, reflects on the institutes research legacy and its priorities for the future on the occasion of its 70th anniversary
Visually impaired students of Andhra Loyola College trained in assistive technology
Canary in the coal mine: On the performance of Indias core industrial sectors
Core sector data indicate impending growth slowdowns
Minister inspects modern rice mill
Tunnelling through: On Chinas export control list, tunnel-boring machines
Domestic manufacturing and foreign partnerships must go hand-in-hand
Three arrested for cheating businessmen of crores of rupees by promising to arrange loans
The police found that the gang had allegedly cheated members of the public of more than 100 crore by promising to arrange loans
Guntur team reports phage therapy success against drug-resistant infections
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16 poll-related cases registered in A.P.
ED office attacked, City hit by petrol bomb spree
Shillong, Oct 22: A petrol bomb was hurled at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office at Langkyrding Mihngi in the early hours of Thursday, triggering fresh concern over a spate of such attacks in the city during Puja festivities. No injury or damage was reported. The attack on the ED office follows similar incidents reported from [] The post ED office attacked, City hit by petrol bomb spree first appeared on Highland Post .
Watch: Chennai: CJP Tamil Nadu and Left student outfits detained over SIR agitation
CJP Tamil Nadu and Left student and youth organisations stage a sit-in against SIR in Chennai, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation. Despite being denied police permission, protesters planned a 24-hour demonstration before being detained.
Akhilesh Yadav visits Azam Khan in jail; vows to bring about BJPs downfall
Corrupt officials and false cases are two key weapons of the BJP government and administration, Mr. Yadav said
Drunk teen behind wheel of SUV rams car, crashes into electricity pole
eMudhra to exit overseas web security certificate business as stock takes beating
The firm is reeling from eight web security certificates private keys being exposed, an incident that could leave out-of-date devices vulnerable to sites using forged security certificates.
Indian missions in Saudi Arabia working to facilitate early return of stranded pilgrims
Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have travelled from Saudi Arabia back to India on available flights, says MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
American detained in Russia arrives in U.S.: lawyer
Stephen Hubbards family and lawyers have said he was living in the Ukrainian city of Izium when he was taken captive by Russia in 2022. He was sentenced to almost seven years in prison, accused of acting as a mercenary for Kyiv
An Indian national is killed in an attack on Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia, as India monitors the escalating conflict in West Asia.
