International Yoga Day 2026: Yoga brings people together, says PM Modi
This years theme for the International Day of Yoga is Yoga for Healthy Ageing, highlighting its role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience and active ageing
West Asia war LIVE updates: U.S. and Iran to talk in Switzerland on key details
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On this music day, let us explore the art of political and protest music a point of intersection between art and activism, where dissent takes the most melodious form it has ever had
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
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International Yoga Day 2026: PM Modi to lead nation from Kolkata
Yoga Day celebrations are being organised across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from more than 210 Indian missions and posts
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A Tambaram to Chennai train singing group changes tracks but stays well on course
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Indian man jailed for over 5 years in U.K.-France people smuggling case
Jaskirat Singh was prosecuted by the U.K.'s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over his role in facilitating the illegal movement of non-British nationals between December 2024 and March 2026
Trump threatens to charge U.S. tolls in Strait of Hormuz if final Iran deal not reached in 60 days
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Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also left for Switzerland
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Regular yoga practice makes healthy ageing possible: AIIMS
With the worlds elderly population rapidly expanding, making healthy ageing a public health priority is more critical than ever, says the AIIMS Professor
LG Sinha orders reopening of Naranag tourist spot
Srinagar, Jun 20: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered the reopening of the Naranag tourist destination in Ganderbal district almost 14 months after it was closed following last year's Pahalgam terror attack. The popular tourist destination in the central Kashmir district also houses the Naranag Temple, an eighth-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After a thorough security review, the decision has been taken to open the Naranag Temple at Ganderbal for devotees and tourists, the LG said in a post on X. Several tourist spots were closed in April last year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadows in south Kashmir's Anantnag district left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. The tourist spots were closed as a precautionary measure. However, over the last few months, the LG ordered the gradual reopening of several tourist spots.
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PMJAY-SEHAT controversy :GMC Anantnag cardiologist suspended; doctor calls allegations fabricated
Health Minister says inquiry underway Srinagar, Jun 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday suspended Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, pending inquiry into allegations of procedural misrepresentation and financial impropriety under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. The doctor has termed the accusations as fabricated. Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said the inquiry is underway andwhoever isfound guilty will be punishedas perthe law. The Health and Medical Education Department order, issued under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, stated that pending inquiry into his conduct, the cardiologist has been placed under suspension with immediate effect and shall remain attached to the office of GMC Jammu. According to the departmental memorandum, cross-referencing online TMS claims against the physical Cath Lab Procedure Register revealed that Dr Maqbool actually performed Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) while claiming funds for a Dual Chamber Pacemaker. The State Health Agency (SHA) referred the data to theHead ofDepartment of Cardiology at SKIMS Soura for expert review. The expert panel reported that LBBAP is a highly specialised procedure with strict clinical boundaries, only indicated for patients with borderline or severe left ventricular dysfunction for specific narrow QRS ECG morphology. The clinical audit showed that 27 out of 55 patients (49 per cent) had normal LV function and wide QRS morphology, with no medical reason to perform LBBAP on these individuals. Consequently, SHA rejected these claims as fraudulent. The memorandum stated that Dr Maqbool logged false descriptions in the official TMS system, bypassed the government supply chain, and extorted money from patients legally entitled to freehealthcare, constitutinga gross abuse of official position and serious medical malpractice warranting disciplinary action, including termination. The Health Minister said the government has initiated an inquiry,and it would be premature to conclude before the process is completed.Let the inquiry be completed. We are waiting for the report, and whoever is found guilty will be punished as per the law, the minister said. Dr Syed Maqbool rejected the allegations, stating that what is being circulated in the media is totally different from the actual report and that people are treating a memorandum of allegations as a final verdict, which isnot correct.He said GMC Anantnag had already submitted a detailed response to the concerns raised, and the inquiry committee was currently examining the material. We have replied to every allegation with documentary evidence. The matter is under consideration, and we have full faith in the system. Justice will ultimately prevail, he said, urging the public not to prejudge the outcome. Health activist Dr Mohd Momin Khan cautioned against equating allegations with proof of wrongdoing, stating that due process exists to ensure fairness and no individual should be declared guilty until the truth is established through a proper inquiry. He described Dr Maqbool as one of the prominent cardiologists who had treated thousands of patients over the years. The allegations concerning the Cardiology Department at GMC Anantnag have generated widespread public attention, with patients and civil society groups seeking a transparent and impartial investigation.
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SANJY-Kheer Bhawani:Police strengthen security grid
Srinagar, Jun 20: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 and the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela-2026, J&K Police conducted a comprehensive Advance Security Tasking (AST) exercise along the GanderbalBaltal and Kheer Bhawani axis to review security arrangements and ensure a safe, secure, and hassle-free experience for devotees. The AST was carried out by senior officers and field personnel of Ganderbal Police in coordination with allied security agencies. The exercise included a detailed assessment of vulnerable points, deployment plans, traffic management measures, emergency response mechanisms, crowd management strategies, and overall preparedness along the important routes. During the exercise, officers inspected various strategic locations en route to Baltal and Kheer Bhawani Temple and reviewed security and logistical arrangements to further strengthen the multi-layered security grid for both major religious events. Necessary directions were issued to field officers to maintain the highest level of alertness, ensure effective coordination among all stakeholders, and facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims. J&K Police said it remains fully committed to providing a secure and peaceful environment for devotees and has put in place all necessary measures for the successful and incident-free conduct of SANJY-2026 and the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela-2026.
Srinagar, Jun 20: Authorities across Jammu and Kashmir have completed extensive preparations for the smooth and fair conduct of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduledto be held onSunday, June 21. Mock drills were conducted at examination centres across the Union Territoryas part of effortsto assess preparedness and strengthen security arrangements ahead of the crucial medical entrance test. A strong security grid has been established at all examination centres. Dog squads, police personnel and security forces have been deployed to ensure strict monitoring and preventanymalpractice. Senior officers from the police and civil administration inspected examination centres across J&K and reviewed arrangements related to security, transportation of examination materials and candidate management. The re-examination is being conducted nearly seven weeks after the original test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. The controversy triggered nationwide protests, political debate and legal challenges, eventually leading to the decision to hold a fresh examination under enhanced security measures. According to official figures, more than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear in the examination across the country. The test will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM in 551 cities across India and 14 cities abroad. Candidates belonging to the PwD and PwBD categories and eligible for compensatory time will be allowed to continue writing the examination until 6:20 PM. The National Testing Agency has directed candidates to report to their centres between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Officials have made it clear that entry gates will close at 1:30 PM and no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination centre after the deadline. The NTA said it has worked closely with district administrations, police departments and escort teams to ensure the secure handling and transportation of confidential examination materials. A total of 674 city coordinators have been assigned to oversee operations at the city level, while 6,669 observers have been deployed to independently monitor examination centres. Centre superintendents and invigilators have also been appointed at every venue. More than two lakh personnel, including police and district administration officials, have been mobilised across the country for the conduct of the examination. The Indian Air Force has also been engaged for the secure transportation of question papers as part of enhanced security arrangements. TheUnion Education Minister has chaired a series of high-level review meetings to assess preparedness. The government has also temporarily restricted access to Telegram, with authorities stating that the measureis aimed at curbingcheating networks. The NTA has introduced a multi-layered security framework, including sealed handling of confidential materials, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escorts, CCTV surveillance linked to central control rooms and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation and ensure a transparent examination process.
Kashmir Saffron rides global turmoil, prices surge
Iran-Israel-US tensions, poor output push rates to Rs 350/gram Srinagar, Jun 20: The crimson fields of Pampore in south Kashmirs Pulwama district are once again drawing attention as prices of Kashmirs famed saffron witness a sharp surge, driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Saffron growers and traders say the two-month-long instability involving Iran, Israel and the United States has disrupted global saffron markets, pushing buyers towards Kashmiri saffron and triggering an unprecedented rise in prices. President of the J&K Saffron Growers Association, Abdul Majeed Wani,told Rising Kashmirthat the nearly two-month-long conflict in the Middle East hashad a direct bearing onsaffron prices. At present, one gram of Kashmiri saffron is being sold at nearly Rs 350, while last year the same quantity fetched only Rs 200 to Rs 220, Wani said. He said Iran, which dominates the global saffron market, significantly influences international pricing trends and any instability there immediately impacts saffron trade worldwide. The Iran-US-Israel tensions have definitely pushed prices upward, but another major reason is the decline in saffron production during 2025, he said. Official figures reveal that saffron production in Kashmir has witnessed a worrying decline over the years. While the Valley produced nearly 15 to 16 metric tonnes annually in the 1990s, production has drastically fallen in recent years due to erratic weather, declining rainfall, urbanisation and shrinking cultivation areas. Last years production was estimated at around 3.5 to 4 metric tonnes, leaving growers anxious about the future of the centuries-old crop. Wani said the situation this year remains uncertain due to poor rainfall during the first half of 2026. There is already a rainfall deficit of nearly 42 per cent during the first five months of this year. It is still too early to comment on the crop, but if we receive good rainfall during the early weeks of September, the produce can improve. We are hopeful, he said. Another grower from Pampore, Ghulam Qadir Rather,said the sudden rise in prices has brought a sense of optimism among farmers after years of financial distress. For the last several years, growers have been suffering losses because yields kept falling while expenses increased. This price rise has given us some hope, but the weather remains the biggest concern, Rather said.He said saffron cultivation in Kashmir is becoming increasingly difficult because of dry spells and changing climatic conditions. Earlier, rainfall and snowfall patterns were stable, but now seasons have become unpredictable. Saffron needs moisture at crucial stages, and prolonged dryness damages the crop badly, he added. Another farmer, Mohammad Shafi Darfrom Khrew, said many cultivators had abandoned saffron farming in recent years because returns were too low. Some people shifted to other occupations because saffron farming was no longer profitable. But this increase in prices may encourage farmers to return to their fields, Dar said. He, however, warned that unless irrigation facilities and scientific support systems are strengthened, Kashmirs saffron heritage could continue shrinking. We cannot depend only on rain anymore. If irrigation facilities are improved and growers receive proper support, saffron cultivation can revive again, he said. Experts believe Kashmiri saffron, globally known for its rich aroma, dark crimson colour and superior quality, continues to enjoy strong international demand despite falling production. However, farmers say climate change, rapid urbanisation in saffron-growing areas and declining groundwater levels remain major threats to the future of the Valleys prized spice industry.
LG urges people to champion Yoga Movement
Srinagar, Jun 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the eve of the 12th International Day of Yoga, which will be celebrated on Sunday. He called upon citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in Yoga events and champion the movement toward a healthier lifestyle. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: Heartiest greetings to all on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga. This year's International Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.' Yoga stands as an invaluable treasure of our ancient Indian heritage, which harmonizes mind and body, bridges the bond between humanity and nature, and guides us toward a more holistic realm of health and happiness. With rising stress and modern health challenges, Yoga offers a powerful ray of hope. Let's take a step toward wellness today by participating and committing to a healthier lifestyle, he added.
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Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue:LG calls for strengthening Indias soft power, cultural diplomacy
J&Ks heritage guiding light for Viksit Bharat; let us lead with confidence, compassion Srinagar, Jun 20: Our goal is to revive India's great inheritances of knowledge and spirituality, strengthen civilisational traditions, and shape a future-oriented education that connects youth to both the past and modern technology, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday. He said that good governance promotes culturaldialogue and together they shapethe moral, cultural, and human character of asociety, and formulateinclusive policies. Together, the scholars of Jammu Kashmir and Nalanda shaped one of the world's oldest living civilisations. This heritage is our guiding light. The SrinagarNalanda Dialogue is our opportunity to carry that light forward with wisdom, courage, and a new vision for Viksit Bharat, the LG said while delivering the keynote address at the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Culture, J&K, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), National School of Drama, and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University. The Lieutenant Governor called for strengthening India's soft power andpromotion ofcultural diplomacy, stating that centuries ago, India's knowledge unified the globe, and today India can be the bridge the world needs. The world is watching. Let us lead with confidence and compassion, he said. Sinha said that youth have inherited a rich legacy of languages, beliefs, artistic traditions, philosophical schools, and varied ways of life, and that this diversity is our greatest strength. From Bihar to Jammu Kashmir, from the temples of Tamil Nadu to the monasteries of Ladakh, from the ghats of Kashi to the valleys of Kashmir, each region preserves its distinct cultural identity and rhythm of life. Our shared aim should be to weave these diversities into a harmonious unity that enriches the nation's collective consciousness, he said. He observed that Indian civilisation has always been defined by its centres of knowledge, with Nalanda, Takshashila, and Vikramashila serving as hubs of global intellectual exchange, attracting travellers from China, Korea, Java, Persia, and West Asia. Nalanda is a living intellectual cosmos of its time. Likewise, Jammu Kashmir was the unique Sharda Peeth of learning, drawing people from afar for instruction across disciplines from mathematics to music, he said. The LG noted that the host city, Srinagar, was established by Emperor Ashoka, and the dialogue reminds us that the moment has come to renew this tradition as a modern, relevant intellectual project. Ancient towns are living learning centres and cities such as Nalanda, Srinagar, Jammu, Purmandal, Varanasi, Hampi, Sanchi, Madurai, Puri, and Thanjavur carry centuries of experience and knowledge. We must strengthen the role of these towns through infrastructure development, heritage conservation, and platforms like the SrinagarNalanda Dialogue for cultural exchange, the Lieutenant Governor added. The event was attended by Padma Shri Prof Shafi Shauq, Ministry of Tourism Director General Suman Billa, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddharth Singh, National School of Drama Director Chittaranjan Tripathy, Festival Chairperson D Aaliya, Festival Director Ganga Kumar, Vice Chancellors of Central University of Kashmir and University of Kashmir, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, senior officials, literary personalities, prominent citizens, and a large number of youth.
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How Unplanned Expansion is Eating into Our Land, Our Heritage, and Our Future
At the heart of urban sprawl lies a particular way of seeing land: not as a shared trust between generations, but as a commodity to be bought, sold, and exploited for maximum short-term gain DR SYED ZAFFAR On the outskirts of many of our towns and cities, the story is written not in policy documents but in concrete. Where there were once paddy fields, orchards, and wetlands, there now stand clusters of boxy structureshalf-finished commercial complexes, cramped colonies, and narrow lanes choked with parked vehicles. The sky, once open and generous, is increasingly framed by a tangle of rooftops and dangling wires. This slow, relentless spread of the city into the countryside has a name: urban sprawl. Urban sprawl is often mistaken for development. To the casual eye, more buildings, more shops, and more traffic appear as signs of progress. But when this growth is unplanned, unregulated, and insensitive to the environment or local needs, it becomes a form of quiet violence against land, livelihood, and community. It is development without directiona city that grows in all directions but never truly grows up. In our own context, we have watched this pattern unfold over the last few decades. Villages that once stood at a respectful distance from city centres are now swallowed by expanding municipal limits. Agricultural land is parcelled and sold, wetlands are filled and forgotten, and hill slopes are cut into terraces of concrete. The promise is always the same: better housing, better connectivity, better opportunities. The reality, too often, is overcrowded neighbourhoods with poor drainage, little greenery, inadequate public transport, and an infrastructure straining under pressure it was never designed to bear. Land as a commodity, not a trust At the heart of urban sprawl lies a particular way of seeing land: not as a shared trust between generations, but as a commodity to be bought, sold, and exploited for maximum short-term gain. When land becomes merely an investment, its other rolesas the basis of food security, as a buffer against floods, as a habitat for birds and wildlife, as a keeper of cultural memoryfade into the background. This mentality has reshaped the edges of our cities. Builders and brokers move faster than planners; layouts appear before infrastructure; permissions are regularised after the fact, if at all. The logic is simple: build first, ask questions later. In this race for quick profit, the long-term public interest is the first casualty. For a region like ours, where arable land is limited and ecological balance is fragile, this is especially dangerous. Every orchard turned into a gated colony, every wetland converted into a parking lot, narrows the space available for future generations to grow food, recharge groundwater, and breathe clean air. We are trading permanent assets for temporary comfortand too often, for someone elses profit. The invisible cost of concrete Urban sprawl carries costs that are rarely reflected in sale deeds or property advertisements. These costs are paid slowly, in the currency of daily inconvenience and environmental degradation. There is a strain on basic services. When houses and shopping complexes mushroom on the outskirts without proper planning, water supply, sewage systems, solid waste management, and roads are perpetually playing catch-up. Tankers become a way of life; septic tanks overflow into open drains; garbage piles up in empty plots or along streams. Residents pay twiceonce for the property, and again in the form of poor quality of life. Sprawl deepens dependence on private vehicles. Low-density colonies scattered across the periphery make efficient public transport difficult to run. People are pushed towards cars and two-wheelers for even the smallest errands. The result is predictable: longer commutes, more traffic congestion, higher fuel consumption, and rising air pollution. What looks like quiet suburban living on a brochure turns into hours lost in traffic and an ever-present haze on the horizon. The environmental impact is severe. Wetlands that could have absorbed excess rainwater are filled, increasing the risk of flooding. Green cover is replaced by concrete and asphalt, intensifying the urban heat island effectcities becoming significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas. Streams are encroached upon or turned into open drains, depriving both people and ecosystems of clean flowing water. These are not abstract concerns. We have already seen how extreme weather events, from heavy rainfall to sudden heatwaves, expose the weaknesses of our built environment. Urban sprawl, by eroding natural buffers and overloading fragile infrastructure, turns these climate shocks into disasters. A community without a centre Beyond the physical and environmental impacts, urban sprawl quietly reshapes the social fabric. Traditional neighbourhoods in the core city, with their mixed-use streets, shared courtyards, and walkable markets, fostered a sense of belonging. People met each other not only in moments of crisis or ceremony, but in the everyday rhythm of lifeat the bakery, the mosque, the local shop, the school gate. The sprawling peripheries, by contrast, often produce fragmented communities. Residential colonies are cut off from workplaces and markets. Public spaces are limited to a few parks, if they exist at all, while vast areas are devoted to roads and parking. Social interaction shifts indoors, behind gates and guard rooms. The city becomes a series of pockets rather than a shared space. This fragmentation matters. A society where neighbours do not know each other is more vulnerable to crime, to misinformation, to apathy in the face of collective problems. When public life shrinks, so does the space for democratic engagement. The urban resident becomes primarily a consumer, less a citizen. Planning on paper, chaos on the ground Urban planners in our region are not unaware of these dangers. Master plans are drafted, maps are drawn, and zoning regulations are written. On paper, the future of our cities often looks orderly: clearly demarcated residential, commercial, and green zones; protected wetlands; provisions for public transport and open spaces. The problem lies in the gulf between plan and practice. Regulations are bent under pressure, violators are regularised instead of penalised, and political considerations override environmental concerns. In many cases, the master plan is treated as a suggestion rather than a binding framework. This gap between vision and enforcement is a symptom of a deeper malaise: a lack of political will to treat urban land as a public trust rather than a private jackpot. When encroachment is rewarded and violations go unpunished, sprawl becomes not an accident but an outcome. Rethinking what it means to grow If urban sprawl is not true development, what does genuine growth look like? It begins with a different set of questions. Instead of asking, How far can the city spread? we must ask, How well can the city live within its limits? One answer lies in densification with dignitymaking better use of land within existing urban boundaries by improving infrastructure, upgrading older neighbourhoods, and promoting mixed-use, walkable areas. A city that grows upwards in a planned, humane way can reduce pressure to grow endlessly outwards. Another answer is to strengthen smaller towns and rural centres, so that opportunities are not concentrated in a single, swollen urban core. When education, healthcare, and employment are more evenly distributed, the push towards speculative construction on the citys edges can be reduced. Crucially, ecological considerations must be non-negotiable. Wetlands, floodplains, forests, and agricultural belts cannot be treated as wasteland waiting to be built upon. They are infrastructure of another kindnatural systems that protect us from the very disasters our concrete invites. Citizens as custodians, not bystanders Confronting urban sprawl is not the task of planners and politicians alone. Residents, too, have a role to play in shaping the future of their cities. This begins with refusing to see land purely through the lens of personal gain. When we purchase property in clear violation of zoning rules, or look the other way as wetlands are filled for convenience, we become silent partners in a long-term robberystealing from our own childrens future. Legal awareness, public pressure, and civic engagement are essential tools. Neighbourhood associations can demand transparency in planning decisions, push for better public transport instead of endless road-widening, and protect local green spaces. Media and civil society can highlight the cumulative impact of seemingly small encroachments, rather than waking up only when a crisis strikes. Educating young people about the environmental and social costs of unplanned growth can also shift attitudes over time. If the next generation learns to value rivers more than ring roads, wetlands more than warehouses, then the political space for responsible planning will widen. Choosing a different horizon Urban sprawl often feels inevitable, as if the city were a creeping tide that nothing can hold back. But cities are not forces of nature; they are choices, made and unmade every day by policies, markets, and collective decisions. We stand at a moment when those choices carry unusual weight. Climate change is intensifying, water resources are under strain, and land conflicts are rising. Continuing on the path of unplanned expansion is not merely inefficient; it is reckless. The question before us is therefore not whether our cities will growthey already arebut how they will grow, and at whose expense. Will we allow the logic of quick profit to dictate the shape of our horizon, or will we insist that development be measured not only in square feet built but in lives improved, ecosystems preserved, and futures safeguarded? To resist urban sprawl is not to resist progress. It is to insist that progress be wise, just, and sustainable. It is to claim the right to a city that is more than a collection of concrete blocksa city that remembers its rivers and orchards, honours its communities, and leaves room for those who will inherit it after we are gone. In the end, the battle against sprawl is a battle over imagination. Can we imagine a future in which growth does not mean endless spread, in which the countryside is not treated as mere real estate, and in which the city is a living organism rather than a consuming machine? Our answer will shape the map our children grow up with, and the sky they will see when they look up from the streets they call home. (Author is PhD in Public Administration and a Columnist)
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A broad cloud band over the Bay of Bengal increased cloud cover across the city and its suburbs, keeping the temperature in check; Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 35.3 degrees Celsius and 36.7 degrees Celsius respectively; RMC forecasts light to moderate rain in parts of city today
The Tragedy of Modern Isolation in Kashmir
If we are to salvage what remains of our societal fabric, we must look beyond mere material success and superficial unions SYED NISSAR H GILANI One aging woman lives in a high-end luxury senior care home in New Delhi, battling a quiet, profound depression. Her former partner of fifty years lives out his remaining days in a palatial apartment in Pune, surrounded only by paid helpers. Miles away, a young, brilliant mother of two opens the morning newspaper, only to find her world instantly reduced to ash upon learning of her husband's sudden arrest and criminal betrayal. These are not fragmented scenes from a tragic work of fiction; they are the stark, contemporary realities fracturing our households. More than a century after early chroniclers observed a society bound by unyielding domestic devotion, we are forced to look into the mirror and ask a painful, haunting question: What has gone wrong with us? The Historical Baseline of Mutual Devotion More than a hundred years ago, early travellers to Kashmir looked at our society with immense admiration, capturing a social fabric that seemed remarkably resilient. Among them was Sir Francis Younghusband, who served as the British Resident in Kashmir. In his 1908 book Kashmir, he described the Kashmiri Musalman as an exceptionally hardworking, responsible head of the family, deeply devoted to his wife and children. In those days, marital disputes were rare, and divorce was virtually unheard of. Incidentally, my connection to this text is deeply personal; five years ago, I had the privilege of translating Younghusbands Kashmir into the Urdu languagea labor of love that subsequently won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Award from the Uttar Pradesh Cultural Academy. Immersing oneself in his observations reveals just how fiercely the majority of that society, bound by shared values and mutual respect, was dedicated to the sanctity of the home. A similar enduring stability characterized Kashmiri Pandit families; they, too, nurtured their households with profound care, and divorce within their community was an absolute rarity. For generations, ours was a culture where the family was the emotional, economic, and social anchor of existence. Over time, however, things have changed drastically. The collective dedication to the family unit has experienced a profound and unsettling decline. The Anatomy of Modern Separation When we observe young couples today, the modern triggers of marital breakdown are frequently discussed. The rapid transition from a community-centric society to a hyper-individualistic one has fundamentally altered how we navigate relationships. Among the youth, several contemporary factors are easily identifiable: The Clash of Egos and Hyper-Individualism: Modern education and global exposure have heightened individual self-esteem. However, when this pride is not balanced with humility, it creates a rigidity where neither partner is willing to bend, compromise, or utter the healing words, I am sorry. Economic Independence vs. Interdependence: Historically, marriage was a bond of absolute material and survival-based interdependence. Today, widespread education has rightfully granted women financial independence. While this is a monumental leap forward for womens empowerment, it means that financially sound individuals are no longer willing to endure domestic violence, emotional neglect, or severe incompatibility for the sake of mere social conformity. The Loss of the Joint Family Cushion: In the era Younghusband chronicled, marriages did not exist in isolation. The traditional joint family provided a built-in safety net. If a young couple stumbled, elders stepped in immediately to counsel, mediate, and absorb the tension. Todays nuclear setups force couples to face friction in absolute isolation, turning minor sparks into uncontrollable fires. The Ultimate Betrayal: When Separation is an Act of Courage While many modern divorces stem from compatibility issues or shifting values, there is another, far more sinister catalyst emerging in contemporary society: the total annihilation of trust through moral and criminal depravity. In such dark instances, separation is not a sign of a fragile society, but rather a necessary act of self-preservation and dignity. Consider the harrowing ordeal of a young engineering couple. They had married out of love, having been classmates during their university days in Chennai. The groom was from Kashmir and the bride from Bombay. Their cross-cultural union was solemnized beautifully in the presence of both families. For three years, they lived in blissful harmony, blessed with two children, both partners suitably employed and enjoying the fruits of a dedicated family life. The wife was the very epitome of loyalty and devotion. Then, one ordinary morning, her world turned to ash. While scanning the pages of a leading daily newspaper, she stumbled upon a shocking report: her husband had been arrested in a heinous rape case at his place of posting. Upon confirmation, the horrific reality set in. The betrayal deepened when it was revealed that the husband had not only confessed to the crime, but had subsequently married the victim, leaving her pregnant as well. Shattered, the young mother of two found herself living the psychological reality of a widow overnight. Yet, being highly intelligent and possessing a fierce sense of rectitude, she recognized that separation was inevitable. For her, divorce was not a failure to compromise, but a courageous refusal to compromise on basic human morality and self-respect. The Fragility of the Empty Nest: A Half-Century Unravelled Yet, the rot in our social fabric does not only strike at the roots of young love; it also fractures bonds that have weathered an entire lifetime. To believe that this marital malaise is confined merely to the impatience of youth is to ignore a deeper, quieter crisis that manifests in advanced age. Consider another deeply unsettling account of a couple whose separation recently shook those who knew them. Both had entered into a second marriage at the age of thirty. For fifty yearsa golden half-centurythey lived together in absolute harmony. They travelled the world and enjoyed a life of shared joys. Both held prestigious professional positions, eventually retiring with immense material comfort, owning beautiful, luxury-filled homes. Their children from their previous marriages grew up, settled abroad in foreign countries, and gradually became consumed by their own distant lives, leaving their aging parents with very limited contact. The couple was left face-to-face in an empty nest. Shockingly, after five decades of companionship, the bond dissolved. It was the wife who initiated the separation, and within a short period, they parted ways. The aftermath of this late-life divorce presents a heartbreaking portrait of modern isolation. The lady initially moved into her elderly mothers flat in her native village. However, within a year, her mother passed away, plunging her into profound loneliness and depression. Demonstrating immense resilience, she wisely chose to combat her depression by moving into a high-end luxury senior care home in New Delhia comfort she could easily afford due to her financial independence. Meanwhile, her divorced husband lives out his days in a palatial apartment in Pune, accompanied only by two or three paid helpers. The Illusion of Material Solace These tragic turns of events illustrate a uniquely modern paradox: the rise of material abundance alongside emotional and moral starvation. We have built palatial homes and secured financial fortunes, yet we are losing the spiritual, ethical, and familial glue that once kept us anchored. When children move thousands of miles away to pursue their own destinies, aging couples are left without the traditional generational cushionsthe shared joy of raising grandchildren or the bustling warmth of a full house. In the quiet of an empty nest, dormant individual eccentricities or the sheer psychological weight of aging can intensify, causing a half-century of history to evaporate. On the other end of the spectrum, the pressures of modern postings and a departure from moral values lead to catastrophic betrayals that completely uproot young, innocent families. Ultimately, these modern crises teach us a sobering lesson. While wealth can purchase a room in a luxury care home in Delhi, hire attendants in a quiet apartment in Pune, or provide financial independence to a shattered young mother, it cannot replace the genuine companionship, safety, and moral integrity that our ancestors possessed naturally. If we are to salvage what remains of our societal fabric, we must look beyond mere material success and superficial unions. We must revive the virtues of profound loyalty, patience, and ethical accountability. We need to foster a culture that values the sanctity of vows over passing impulses, ensuring that our householdswhether young or oldare built not on the shifting sands of modern vanities, but on the bedrock of unyielding trust and mutual respect. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. Feedback: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
The Vanishing Taxonomists: A Silent Threat to Biodiversity Conservation
The conservation of biodiversity begins with knowing what exists. Taxonomists are the custodians of that knowledge OSMAN JAVID Deep within the forests, alpine meadows, wetlands, and mountain landscapes of the Himalayas exists a world that remains largely unknown. Thousands of species of insects, plants, fungi, and other organisms are yet to be discovered, described, and documented. Yet, at a time when biodiversity is under unprecedented pressure from climate change, habitat degradation, and human activities, a less-discussed crisis is unfolding: the alarming decline of taxonomists. Taxonomy, often referred to as the science of naming, identifying, and classifying organisms, forms the foundation of biodiversity research. Before a species can be conserved, studied, or protected, it must first be recognised and scientifically described. Taxonomists are the individuals who perform this crucial task. However, their numbers are steadily declining, creating a significant gap in our understanding of the natural world. India is recognised as one of the world's megadiverse countries, harbouring an extraordinary variety of life across its ecosystems. Yet a substantial portion of its biodiversity remains unexplored. The Himalayan region, including the Kashmir Valley, is particularly rich in endemic and unique species. Every year, researchers continue to discover species new to science from these mountains, suggesting that countless more remain hidden. The shortage of trained taxonomists has become a major bottleneck in documenting this biological wealth. Many young researchers are increasingly drawn towards modern disciplines such as molecular biology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and genomics, often perceiving taxonomy as a traditional field with limited opportunities. Consequently, fewer students are choosing careers in taxonomy, and the expertise accumulated over decades is gradually diminishing. Field-based taxonomy is neither easy nor glamorous. It demands patience, perseverance, and extensive travel to remote locations. Taxonomists often spend weeks or even months conducting surveys in dense forests, rugged mountains, wetlands, and other difficult terrains. Harsh weather conditions, logistical challenges, and concerns regarding personal safety can discourage many aspiring researchers from pursuing such work. In regions like Kashmir, the challenges are even greater. The valley's rich biodiversity is spread across remote mountain ranges, high-altitude grasslands, and inaccessible forests. Many areas remain insufficiently surveyed due to difficult terrain and limited scientific expeditions. As a result, numerous species may still await discovery, while others could disappear before they are ever documented. The implications of this decline extend far beyond academic research. Without proper taxonomic expertise, biodiversity assessments become incomplete, conservation planning becomes less effective, and invasive species may go unnoticed. Policymakers and conservation agencies rely on accurate species identification to make informed decisions. A species that remains unknown cannot be protected. The urgency becomes even more pronounced in the face of climate change. Rapid environmental shifts are altering species distributions across the Himalayas. Scientists are already observing changes in flowering patterns, insect emergence, and habitat suitability. To understand these changes, baseline biodiversity data are essential, and such data can only be generated through systematic taxonomic research. Encouragingly, advances in molecular techniques and DNA-based identification tools have opened new possibilities for biodiversity exploration. However, these technologies cannot replace traditional taxonomy. Instead, they should complement the expertise of trained taxonomists who understand species morphology, ecology, and evolutionary relationships. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated effort. Universities and research institutions must strengthen taxonomic training programmes. Greater funding should be allocated for biodiversity surveys and species inventories. Young scientists should be encouraged through fellowships, career opportunities, and field-based research support. Equally important is raising public awareness about the crucial role taxonomists play in understanding and conserving nature. Kashmir, often celebrated for its scenic beauty, also possesses immense biological richness. Yet much of this natural heritage remains undocumented. If the decline in taxonomists continues, countless species may remain unknown, and valuable ecological knowledge may be lost forever. The conservation of biodiversity begins with knowing what exists. Taxonomists are the custodians of that knowledge. Their declining numbers represent not merely a scientific concern but a conservation crisis. Protecting biodiversity requires protecting the science that reveals it. The time has come to recognise taxonomy not as an outdated discipline, but as an indispensable pillar of biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management. ( The Author is a Taxonomist, Molecular Biologist, and Environmentalist)
Congress slams Tharoor for showing admiration for Modi; MP says statement given partisan twist
The row was sparked by Shashi Tharoor's reported remarks that in meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, PM Modi conveyed that in wartime, civilian sailors on commercial ships should not be targets. Pawan Khera says Tharoor can now hear what Modi doesnt even say.
Reconfiguring the Idea of History: Memory, Power, and Responsibility
An ethically responsible approach to history requires neither amnesia nor permanent entrapment in grievance DR ZULFI MAJID Introduction The question of how societies remember violent and unsettled pasts has long occupied historians, anthropologists, and political theorists. In contexts marked by deep social divisions or recurring conflict, the issue is not only what is remembered, but who remembers, in what manner, and to what ends. In such settings, the idea of history cannot be reduced to dates, treaties, or political milestones. History operates as a field of contestation in which states, political movements, and ordinary people struggle over meaning. As a result, history cannot be located solely in school textbooks or official commemorations. It also resides in more intimate spaces: in family stories, photographs, shared silences, and the everyday practices through which communities recollect and transmit experiences of loss, displacement, and endurance. To speak of history, therefore, is to speak simultaneously about knowledge, power, and ethics. This article explores three interrelated dimensions of the idea of history: history as power, history as responsibility, and history as identity. It then considers the competing impulses of forgetting and remembering and concludes by suggesting what it might mean to remember differently in ways that can sustain a more honest and dialogic future. History as Power Modern states and political actors have long recognised the utility of history as a tool of governance and persuasion. Through curricular design, public monuments, museums, and media narratives, they seek to produce particular versions of the past that legitimise present arrangements of power. Official histories frequently highlight themes of order, progress, and national unity, while minimising or erasing forms of everyday violence, exclusion, or structural inequality. This instrumentalisation of history is not confined to states. Opposition movements, civil society groups, and other actors also mobilise selective memories of injustice and resistance to consolidate support or to contest dominant narratives. Certain events are elevated as foundational, while others are forgotten or muted, depending on their usefulness in sustaining a particular claim. When history is treated only as an instrument of power, its critical function is undermined. The idea of history as open-ended inquiryallowing for doubt, revision, and the inclusion of marginal voicescomes under pressure. An ethically defensible conception of history must resist efforts to close the narrative or render it beyond question. Instead, it must remain receptive to competing testimonies and emerging evidence, especially from those whose experiences have been historically silenced or distorted. History as Responsibility The notion of responsibility introduces a moral dimension into historical work. It suggests that recounting the past is not merely a technical exercise in assembling facts, but an ethical obligation toward those who lived, suffered, and acted before us. In societies marked by conflict, discrimination, or systemic injustice, multiple layers of suffering coexist. There may be trauma associated with state repression, civil war, communal violence, displacement, or economic marginalisation. Different groups carry different wounds and memories, often emphasising their own experiences while overlooking the pain of others. A responsible historical practice must acknowledge this multiplicity of wounds rather than privileging a single narrative of victimhood. This does not mean erasing power imbalances or creating a false equivalence between all forms of violence. Rather, it insists that no group can claim a monopoly over suffering or over truth. Collective memory tends to highlight injuries inflicted by others while neglecting harms in which ones own side may have been implicated. A history grounded in responsibility requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable aspects of the past, including internal exclusions, prejudices, and failures. History, Youth, and Identity Formation For younger generations in many societies, history is not confined to the classroom or to archives. It is present in daily life: in public symbols, commemorative rituals, media representations, and in the absences left by those who are no longer there to speak. Under such conditions, historical consciousness is shaped as much by lived experience and inherited stories as by formal instruction. These experiences and narratives play a central role in identity formation. They provide a sense of continuity and belonging, especially through stories of endurance, struggle, or achievement. At the same time, when identity is anchored exclusively in narratives of injury, it can produce a narrowed horizon. To view oneself only as a victim may obscure forms of agency and possibility; to view ones community as entirely righteous can make it difficult to acknowledge complicity in harm. A more expansive approach to history would seek to recognise both vulnerability and agency, both suffering and creativity. Even under conditions of constraint or crisis, people continue to teach, study, write, cultivate land, build institutions, create art, and form relationships. These practices of living and hoping amid difficulty are also part of history and should not be overshadowed entirely by episodes of open conflict or dramatic political change. Forgetting, Remembering, and the Politics of Silence In societies fatigued by difficult pasts, calls to move on or let go of the past often emerge, sometimes promoted by official narratives of reconciliation, development, or national unity. The desire to turn away from painful memories is understandable; remembering can be heavy, destabilising, and politically risky. Yet a politics of enforced forgettingespecially when large segments of the population still await acknowledgement or justicecan amount to a second form of violence. Where unresolved questions surrounding past abuses, disappearances, discrimination, or dispossession remain central to peoples sense of identity, urging them simply to forget may be experienced as a demand for self-erasure. At the same time, there is a contrary danger: public life can become locked into an endless rehearsal of grievance, in which the past is invoked only to reinforce fixed identities and antagonisms, leaving little room to imagine shared or alternative futures. The challenge, then, is not to choose between remembering and forgetting as absolute options, but to develop ways of remembering that neither deny the weight of suffering nor condemn societies to perpetual paralysis. This calls for a shift from memory as accusation alone to memory as a basis for critical reflection, learning, and possible transformation. Remembering Differently: Towards Plural and Reflexive Histories What might it mean, in more general terms, to remember differently? First, it entails recognising that history is never a single, closed narrative. It is composed of overlapping and sometimes contradictory perspectives, shaped by location, class, gender, ethnicity, and political position. A plural approach to history would preserve and juxtapose these multiple voices rather than collapsing them into a single authorised account. Also, remembering differently involves broadening what counts as historical evidence. Official documents and policy statements must be read alongside oral testimonies, letters, diaries, literature, music, visual art, and everyday practices. Cultural traditions, languages, rituals, and social customs form part of a longer historical continuity that exceeds moments of crisis. To attend only to episodes of violence or high politics is to reduce a complex social world to its most dramatic chapters. Furthermore, such remembering requires vigilance against nostalgic reconstructions of an idealised pastwhether of national harmony, community unity, or moral puritythat gloss over internal hierarchies and exclusions. Romantic images of an unproblematic before can obscure patterns of discrimination or marginalisation that predated the current moment. A truly critical history must be prepared to interrogate not only the actions of external forces but also the dynamics within communities themselves. Finally, remembering differently calls for institutional and cultural spaces that can sustain this work: archives that protect fragile records; universities and research centres that support independent scholarship; museums and memorials that invite reflection rather than dictate a single message; and public forumsranging from literary circles to community dialogueswhere sensitive questions can be raised without immediate polarisation into rigid camps. Conclusion The idea of history cannot be separated from contemporary struggles over identity, legitimacy, and justice. When history is monopolised by states, movements, or particular groups as a tool of persuasion, it becomes a closed script that deepens resentment and mistrust. When it is treated instead as a shared, though contested, space of inquiry, it can contribute to the slower work of understanding and repair. An ethically responsible historical practice would combine courage and humility: the courage to document and speak uncomfortable truths, and the humility to acknowledge that no single narrative can exhaust the complexity of the past. Between the poles of enforced amnesia and obsessive dwelling on injury lies a more demanding pathone that insists on honest remembrance while refusing to allow history to function only as a burden. Such a reconfiguration of the idea of history does not, by itself, resolve political conflicts or material inequalities. It can, however, reshape the terrain on which these conflicts are understood and addressed. By transforming history from a weapon or a weight into a reflexive mirror, societies may gain greater capacity to imagine futures that neither deny past suffering nor remain forever imprisoned by it. (The Author is a lecturer and columnist)
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The Great Disconnect: Degrees, Jobs and Higher Education in J&K
The crisis of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir is not a crisis of resources. It is a crisis of vision DR. SM MURTUZA BUKHARI Few regions in India can claim the scale of public investment that has gone into higher education. We have sprawling university campuses, hundreds of acres of prime land, impressive administrative structures, qualified faculty, substantial public funding, and thousands of educated minds occupying positions of academic leadership. Yet despite these advantages, one uncomfortable question continues to haunt the sector: Why are our graduates struggling to find jobs while employers struggle to find skilled graduates? The answer lies in a disconnect that has become impossible to ignorethe disconnect between degrees and the marketplace. Take any major institution in the Union Territory. The campuses are impressive, the infrastructure is substantial, and the academic credentials are unquestionable. Yet the true measure of an educational institution is not the size of its campus or the height of its buildings. The true measure is the success of its students after graduation. A university can possess magnificent infrastructure, but if its graduates remain disconnected from employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries, something fundamental is broken. The modern economy is evolving at an extraordinary speed. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, renewable energy, tourism management, logistics, healthcare technology, digital services, and entrepreneurship are reshaping labour markets. Employers increasingly seek adaptability, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities rather than degrees alone. Unfortunately, many institutions continue to produce graduates for an economy that no longer exists. Curricula move slowly. Industry participation remains limited. Internship opportunities are inadequate. Placement ecosystems remain weak. Academic departments often function in isolation from market realities. The result is predictable: students obtain degrees but not direction. What makes this challenge particularly frustrating is that it cannot be attributed to a shortage of intellectual capital. Jammu and Kashmir has scholars, researchers, administrators, policymakers, and educational leaders in abundance. Committees are formed, meetings are held, and reports are written. Yet meaningful transformation remains elusive. The challenge is not the absence of ideas. It is the absence of execution. The recent opening of the higher education sector to private universities presents an opportunity to change course. If implemented wisely, the new policy framework can give higher education in Jammu and Kashmir the wings it desperately needs. Private colleges and universities should not be trapped in the same maze of procedural controls that have constrained innovation for years. Institutions should be empowered to design industry-relevant programmes, collaborate directly with employers, launch skill-oriented courses, and create local employment ecosystems. Regulation must ensure quality and transparency, but it should not become a barrier to growth. Universities and regulatory agencies must evolve from inspectors into mentors and facilitators. At the same time, the transformation of higher education cannot be left to private institutions alone. Government Degree Colleges remain the backbone of the educational system and must become central to any reform agenda. The first step is to replace compliance-driven evaluation with outcome-driven assessment. Colleges should not primarily be judged by the number of files maintained, forms submitted, or inspections conducted. They should be evaluated on graduate employability, industry partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, research output, student progression, and community impact. Second, the culture of fault-finding must give way to a culture of collaboration. Too often, educational oversight revolves around identifying deficiencies on paper rather than helping institutions solve problems. Universities and regulators should act as partners in institutional development rather than merely custodians of compliance. Third, administrative processes must become simpler and faster. Institutions should have the flexibility to introduce market-responsive programmes, establish industry collaborations, and respond to emerging economic opportunities without years of procedural delays. There is an important lesson to be learned from educational hubs such as Bengaluru and Pune. Many successful colleges in these cities operate from relatively modest urban campuses where land availability is limited, and infrastructure may not always conform to the idealised vision found in regulatory manuals. Yet these institutions consistently attract students, maintain strong industry partnerships, and produce employable graduates. Their success is not built on land banks or architectural grandeur. It is built on outcomes. Students and parents rarely choose institutions because of the size of a playground or the dimensions of a building. They choose institutions because they offer quality education, industry exposure, internships, placements, and career opportunities. This is where Jammu and Kashmir must undertake honest introspection. For too long, higher education has often been measured through visible symbolsnew buildings, larger campuses, administrative expansion, and regulatory compliance. While these elements have value, they are not ends in themselves. Higher education is not a construction project. It is a human development project. The real purpose of a college is not to maintain files. It is to transform lives. Jammu and Kashmir does not need more regulations. It does not need more committees. It does not need a larger compliance machinery. It needs a new philosophy of higher educationone that rewards innovation, values employability, encourages autonomy, promotes collaboration, and measures success through student outcomes. Our institutions already possess the land. They already possess the buildings. They already possess the budgets. They already possess the brains. What they need now is a vision that connects education with opportunity. If we can shift our focus from paperwork to performance, from control to collaboration, and from infrastructure to outcomes, Jammu and Kashmir can transform its colleges and universities into engines of innovation, employment, and economic growth. The future of higher education will not be determined by the walls we build. It will be determined by the wings we give our students. (The Author is a scholar and can be reached at: smmrtzbkhr@gmail.com )
Police Seize 11 Vehicles in Shopian Illegal Mining Crackdown
Shopian, June 20: Continuing its crackdown against illegal mining activities, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday seized 11 vehicles involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals in Shopian district. Acting on specific information about illegal mining near Turkwangam Nallah, a police team from Police Station Zainapora conducted an operation and intercepted vehicles engaged in the activity. During the operation, police seized seven JCB machines and four dumpers allegedly being used for illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid royalty documents. In this connection, an FIR (No. 84/2026) under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Zainapora and investigation has been initiated. Police reiterated its commitment to safeguarding natural resources and maintaining strict action against those involved in illegal mining activities. Authorities also appealed to the public to cooperate and report any such unlawful activities, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
BOPEE Holds Entrance Test for M.Sc. Technology Courses
Srinagar, June 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (J&K BOPEE) on Saturday conducted the Common Entrance Test (CET) for M.Sc. Technology Courses for the academic session 2026-27 at Jammu and Srinagar Centres. The test was conducted at the Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar and Government MAM College, Jammu with 312 candidates appearing in the examination. To ensure smooth conduct of the entrance test, adequate arrangements had been made in collaboration with the respective college administrations and law enforcement agencies, under the guidance of Professor Minu Mahajan, Chairperson, BOPEE. The examination proceeded smoothly with no untoward or unfair incident reported under the vigilant supervision of college staff. The Chairperson, along with the Members, Secretary, Controller of Examinations and officials of the BOPEE actively monitored the conduct of the CET at both the centres in Jammu and Srinagar. They thanked the staff members of the respective Colleges and the staff deployed under the overall supervision of Deputy Commissioners in the respective District Headquarters for smooth conduct of the said Entrance Test.
Chinar Bagh Awaits Revival Amid Years of Neglect
Srinagar, June 20: Nestled on the banks of the iconic Dal Lake, Chinar Bagh - once a bustling recreational spot for tourists and locals alike today presents a picture of neglect and decay. Broken bridges, defunct fountains, damaged seating areas, abandoned kiosks, and a non-functional restaurant have turned what was once a prized tourism asset into a shadow of its former self. Spread beneath centuries-old chinar trees, the park was developed as a leisure destination to attract visitors seeking a tranquil experience along the lake. For years, it served as a popular outing spot, particularly for families, houseboat guests, and foreign tourists. However, lack of maintenance over the years has left the facility in a dilapidated condition. A visit to the park reveals crumbling infrastructure, damaged sheds, rusted railings, and litter scattered across the premises. The once-attractive fountains have fallen silent, while several kiosks that catered to visitors remain abandoned. Prominent hotelier Tariq Ghani described the condition of the park as alarming and called for immediate intervention. Chinar Bagh is our lifeline. The kiosks and fountains are in poor condition and the entire park has been neglected. If local people and the government do not take care of it, then who will? Ghani asked. He said the park has immense tourism potential and urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally look into the matter. All facilities are lying defunct. Tourists visit the area but find little to enjoy inside the park. It deserves urgent restoration, he added. Chairman of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA), Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, termed the situation unfortunate. It is painful to see such an important tourism asset in a shambles. We have repeatedly raised the issue, but nothing concrete happened. Chinar Bagh used to be a favourite recreational spot for both tourists and locals, Pakhtoon said. He expressed hope that the authorities' recent assurances regarding restoration would soon translate into action. Local filmmaker Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan also questioned the absence of regular upkeep. A lot of money has been spent on developing this property, but maintenance appears to have been ignored. This park is an important public asset and must be preserved, he said. Tourism stakeholders believe that the revival of Chinar Bagh would not only enhance the beauty of the Dal Lake waterfront but also create another attractive destination for visitors, helping revive the areas tourism economy and restore the glory of one of Srinagars most cherished public spaces. The park was established by the Tourism Department in 2010 and was inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Officials of the Tourism Department said that 3 crore has been earmarked for the restoration and upgradation of the historic leisure park. The project is expected to bring about a significant transformation, with visible improvements likely to be completed within the next six months.
Review | Bora ChungsRed Swordis audacious and often baffling
Is that a flaw or the point, one wonders, as the author is known for her highly imaginative, genre-blending fiction
Govt Reaffirms Pension Benefits for ReT Teachers
Five Years Service to Count Towards Retirement Benefits Again Srinagar, June 20: In a move that is expected to provide relief to a large number of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers across Jammu and Kashmir, the School Education Department has reaffirmed that the five years of service rendered under the ReT scheme before regularisation continues to be valid for pensionary and retirement benefits. The clarification has come through an official communication issued by the department to the Principal Accountant General (A&E), J&K, after a reference was made regarding the treatment of pre-regularisation service of ReT teachers in pension cases. According to the department, the issue was examined in the light of a Cabinet decision taken in June 2014, which had approved recognition of the five-year period served by ReT teachers before their regularisation. The decision had specifically provided for counting this service, on a notional basis, for pension and retirement-related benefits wherever applicable. Officials said the Cabinet decision was subsequently implemented through a government order issued by the School Education Department. While certain provisions of the order relating to seniority were later set aside, the department has made it clear that the provisions concerning pensionary and retirement benefits were never disturbed and continue to remain operative. The department has also pointed out that the existing provisions leave little scope for ambiguity. It has sought information from the Accountant General's office on whether pension cases of similarly placed ReT teachers have already been settled by taking into account the five years of service rendered before regularisation. Sources in the department said the communication aims to ensure uniformity in the handling of pension cases and remove confusion that may have arisen in some instances. The department has further indicated that any pending cases may be processed in accordance with the Cabinet decision, which clearly recognizes the pre-regularisation service period for pension purposes. The latest clarification is being viewed as a significant development for thousands of teachers who began their careers under the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme and later entered regular government service. Many of them have been seeking recognition of their initial years of service while calculating retirement benefits. With the School Education Department reiterating the validity of the 2014 Cabinet decision, affected teachers are hopeful that long-pending pension cases will now be resolved without further delay, bringing greater certainty to their retirement entitlements across Jammu and Kashmir.
Ganderbal Ready for Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela: DC
Ganderbal, June 20: The district administration Ganderbal has completed all arrangements for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela scheduled to be held on June 22 at the revered shrine in Tulmulla, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, the Deputy Commissioner said that extensive preparations have been undertaken by various government departments in coordination with civil society members, stakeholders, and the temple's Dharma Trust to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Every year, the Mata Kheer Bhawani fair is celebrated on the occasion of Jyesth Ashtami in Tulmulla and other places across Kashmir. Preparations have been underway for several days, and all necessary arrangements have now been put in place, Kishore said. He said devotees from Jammu and other parts of the country have already started arriving, and the administration is fully prepared to receive them. We warmly welcome all devotees. Buses carrying pilgrims are on their way to Tulmulla, and our aim is to provide them with a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable experience, he added. The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the administration's focus on upcoming major religious events, including Muharram and the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. He said district authorities are working closely with stakeholders to ensure proper facilities and smooth management of all religious gatherings. Referring to Muharram preparations, Kishore said he conducted an inspection visit on Friday and reviewed arrangements with local stakeholders. We had held consultations with stakeholders a month ago and received their feedback. Today, we reviewed the progress of the works undertaken. Most stakeholders expressed satisfaction, while a few remaining issues will be addressed within the next two to three days to ensure smooth conduct of the 10th Muharram procession, he said. Meanwhile, health authorities have established comprehensive medical facilities for pilgrims attending the Kheer Bhawani Mela. A Block Medical Officer (BMO) said the Health Department has been providing round-the-clock healthcare services since June 17. Medical teams comprising physicians, cardiologists, and medical officers have been deployed at the shrine, along with free medicines, laboratory facilities, ECG services, and 24x7 ambulance support. We have set up a five-bed medical facility at the Central University of Kashmir campus, which will remain operational till June 23. High-end emergency medicines are available, and patients can be stabilized and referred to the District Hospital if required, the BMO said. The administration has urged devotees to participate in the annual mela and assured them of adequate security, healthcare, and other essential facilities during the event.
I Always Felt Welcomed Here: Pandit Family Returns to Handwara After Three Decades
Handwara, June 19: In a heartening story of return, hope and communal harmony, a Kashmiri Pandit family has come back to its ancestral home in Langate, Handwara after spending more than three decades away from the Valley. The family has opened a new restaurant, Taste and Treats, marking what many see as a big step towards rebuilding confidence among displaced Kashmiri Pandits. The restaurant was inaugurated in Langate amid a warm welcome from local residents. For Chandra Dhar, who leads the family venture, the occasion was far more than the opening of a business. It was a return to the place where she spent her childhood and formed lifelong bonds. Speaking on the occasion, Dhar said the love and support of local people encouraged her to take the decision. She recalled her close connection with Langate, Handwara and said she always felt emotionally attached to the town despite living away for many years. I grew up here and spent some of the happiest years of my life among these people. Returning to Handwara feels like getting those memories back, she said. Rejecting the perception that Kashmir is unsafe for Pandits, Dhar said she never experienced insecurity during her visits to the Valley. She credited members of the local Muslim community for standing by her family and treating her with affection and respect. I always felt welcomed here. People supported me whenever I visited and made me feel like I belonged, she said. She also revealed that personal circumstances influenced the family's decision to return. Dhar said her two sons have disabilities and doctors advised them against living in extreme heat conditions. The family therefore found comfort in returning to their hometown, where they felt supported by the local community. Her son, Aakash Dhar, described the restaurant as a symbol of resilience and togetherness. He said local residents extended every possible help in establishing the business and made the family feel at home from the very beginning. The newly opened restaurant will offer fast food, juices and shakes, with a focus on maintaining quality and service. The family's return comes at a time when discussions around the rehabilitation and return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits have gained fresh momentum. Earlier this month, several Kashmiri Pandit organisations adopted the Praagaash Resolution during a conclave in Srinagar, calling for justice, cultural preservation and a dignified return of the community to the Valley. Political voices have also renewed demands for strengthening rehabilitation efforts. Calls have been made for reviving the apex committee on Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation to facilitate dialogue and address concerns related to return and resettlement. For many residents of Langate, Handwara, the return of the Dhar family is more than a personal milestone. It is being viewed as a powerful message of coexistence, trust and the enduring bonds that continue to connect communities in Kashmir despite decades of separation.
T.N. government opts for direct recruitment to address shortage of fireman drivers
Earlier, the post, which is crucial for operation of fire fighting equipment, was filled up only promotion of personnel within the service
Several political activists from Shopian, Budgam join Apni Party
Srinagar, June 20: In a significant boost to the Apni Partys growing grassroots presence, several prominent political and social leaders, along with a large number of activists from the districts of Shopian and Budgam, joined the party on Saturday. The joining took place in the presence of the party president, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, and other senior party leaders, who extended a warm welcome to the new entrants. The leaders and activists formally joined the party during a special event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The gathering witnessed an atmosphere of optimism and commitment as the new members expressed their confidence in the partys vision, leadership, and people-centric agenda. Welcoming the new members, Bukhari said that the growing support for Apni Party from different areas across Jammu and Kashmir reflects the people's increasing trust in the partys realistic politics and its commitment to peace, development, dignity, and the progress of J&K and its people. He expressed confidence that the joining leaders and activists would further strengthen the party at the grassroots level in their respective areas and play an important role in expanding the partys outreach among the masses. Senior party leaders present on the occasion also congratulated the new members and reiterated that Apni Party remains committed to serving the people, safeguarding their interests, and working tirelessly for the prosperity and progress of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who joined from Shopian included Aqib Javaid Banday, Advocate Tanveer Ahmad Tak, Chairman Aquaf Committee Shadab Karewa Mohammad Iqbal, Hilal Ahmad Rather, Owais Ahmad, Junaid Ahmad Bhat, Ajaz Ahmad Kumar, Abrar Imtiyaz, and others. The new entrants from Sitaharan Budgam included Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh, Shabir Ahmad Sheikh, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, Asif Ahmad Sheikh and others.
Apni Party Pays Condolences to Aftab Baigh
Srinagar, June 20: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with other senior party leaders, extended condolences to party colleague Aftab Baigh, partys Provincial Secretary, on the demise of his brother. The deceased Mohammad Altaf Baigh passed away on Saturday . Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and the accompanying party leaders including Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Ex DDC members Ishfaq Mir, and Nazir Mir visited the bereaved family in Kralweth Kunzer today to offer their sympathies. During the visit, they met the family members and expressed their heartfelt condolences on this irreparable loss. The leaders also prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength and patience for the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Mian Altaf Welcomes Reopening of Naranag
Thanks LG Administration Srinagar, June 20: National Conference Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Saturday welcomed the Lieutenant Governor-led administrations decision to reopen the Naranag tourist destination in Kangan for visitors, describing it as a major boost for tourism and the local economy. In a statement, Mian Altaf said the announcement by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding reopening of the historic Naranag temple and tourist area is a positive and welcome step. He said Naranag has long remained a preferred destination for trekkers, campers and families seeking quieter tourist experiences and added that tourism in the area supports the livelihoods of many local residents. I thank LG Manoj Sinha and the administration for reopening Naranag. Naranag is not just a tourist place but a source of livelihood for hundreds of families, including ponywalas, shopkeepers, guides and homestay owners from Kangan and adjoining villages, he said. Mian Altaf expressed hope that the reopening would revive tourism activity in the region during the peak summer season and create new opportunities for local communities dependent on the sector.
Pawan Kalyan bats for online citizens forum to question abuse of law and order, if any
The subject is not under my jurisdiction, but I will speak on it with the civil society, he says, and observes that criminals should not be elected to power
Stress takes a toll on students ahead ofNEETre-exam
While many students are hoping that the re-exam will be held with no glitches, most point out that they have lost hope in a fair examination
Waqf Board to Rebuild Hazrat Jaanbaz Wali Shrine: Darakhshan
Baramulla, June 20: Chairperson of Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Saturday announced that the Waqf Board will take up the reconstruction of the sanctum and all left-out components of the restoration work at the revered Hazrat Syed Jaanbaz Wali (RA) Shrine in Khanpora, Baramulla. Dr Andrabi made the announcement during her visit to the shrine, where she conducted an on-the-spot inspection of the ongoing Heritage Restoration and Conservation Project being executed through the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K. According to a Waqf Board communique, the visit followed repeated representations from local residents and devotees who had raised concerns over the exclusion of certain important components from the restoration project and sought the Chairpersons intervention. After reviewing the site and taking note of public concerns, Dr Andrabi announced that the reconstruction of the shrine sanctum, along with other pending developmental and conservation works, would be initiated immediately by the J&K Waqf Board. She said the works would be carried out in a manner that preserves the sanctity, heritage value and religious significance of the shrine while also addressing public expectations. The announcement was welcomed by devotees and local residents, who appreciated the intervention and described it as an important step towards preserving the regions religious and spiritual heritage. Earlier, Dr Andrabi chaired a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioners Office in Baramulla to assess the progress of the restoration project. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, Executive Magistrate J&K Waqf Board Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, officials from the R&B Department and engineers associated with the project, among others.
Sakeen Assures Timely Redressal of Public Demands
Lays foundation for flood protection projects at Guddar Laisoo Kulgam, June 20: Minister for Education, Health and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on Saturday visited Gudder Laisoo area of Kulgam district and inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several important flood protection works aimed at safeguarding the local habitations and infrastructure. During the visit, the Minister laid the foundation stone for permanent restoration at Laisoo to be constructed at an estimated cost of 2.50 crore. She also laid the foundation stone for a flood protection bund at Gudder Laisoo costing 2.46 crore. On the occasion, the Minister also inaugurated a recently completed flood protection bund constructed at a cost of 22.55 lakh, which will help protect the area from erosion and flood-related damage. She was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, officers from R&B, Irrigation and Flood Control and other district officers. Later, the Minister chaired a public outreach programme at Guddar village, where she interacted with the local residents and listened to their grievances, issues and developmental demands. The people projected various concerns, particularly seeking repair and upgradation of roads in the area. Addressing the gathering, the Minister assured the public that their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments for timely redressal. Sakeena Itoo informed the people that additional protection bunds have already been approved and work on these projects will commence shortly. She said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is taking all necessary measures to improve public infrastructure and ensure better living conditions across Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister said that the government is working tirelessly for the welfare of the people and will continue to take all necessary measures to improve infrastructure and public services.
Peoples Trust Party's Core Commitment: NC
Srinagar, June, 20: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President, Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, said that the National Conference government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is making every possible effort to ensure public welfare, provide relief to the people and accelerate the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a meeting of the Block Committee Tral at the Party Headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha Complex, Showkat Mir said that Tral is being given equal importance in the development process. The government is committed to ensuring balanced progress in infrastructure, roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare, education, employment, and other public service sectors. Significant progress has been achieved in various sectors over the past one and a half years and several public welfare projects have been successfully implemented, he said. He said that every decision and initiative undertaken by the National Conference government is guided by the aspirations, sentiments and emotions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Living up to the trust and expectations of the people is our foremost responsibility, and the government is serving the public with that very spirit, he added. The Provincial President urged party workers and office-bearers to intensify their efforts to further strengthen the organization and maintain close contact with the people. The meeting was attended by Coordinator Tral Peerzada Meraj-ud-Din. On the occasion, several political activists from Tral, including Showkat Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Akbar Dar, and Bashir Ahmad Teli, joined the National Conference. The new entrants were warmly welcomed and felicitated with flower garlands.
Delays during DMK govt. is the reason industries moved to Andhra Pradesh, says Keerthana
The T.N. Minister says she will reveal all facts on the issue, with a timeline, in the Assembly
Govt Stresses Climate-Resilient Agriculture in J&K
Over 9 Lakh Farmers Benefitted Under PM-KISAN Srinagar, June 20: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Saturday attended the virtual event marking the release of the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). The installment was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who transferred the financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of the eligible farmers from across the country through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. In Jammu and Kashmir, an amount of approximately 4,209.82 crore has been successfully disbursed among 9.17 lakh beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN scheme since its inception, providing vital financial assistance to the farming community. The Union Territory-level function organised at SKUAST-Kashmir witnessed the participation of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganie, senior scientists, officers of the Agriculture Production Department, progressive farmers, scholars and other stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion, Javid Ahmad Dar said that PM-KISAN has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at providing assured financial support to the farmers and strengthening the rural economy. He said that the timely release of installments enables farmers to meet agricultural input costs, adopt improved farming practices and undertake allied agricultural activities more effectively. Highlighting the growing significance of agriculture in the face of climate change and emerging environmental challenges, the Minister emphasized that the sector remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy and a key source of livelihood for a large section of the population. He stressed the need to promote climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water management, crop diversification and the adoption of modern technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. The Minister observed that agriculture today is not only a means of livelihood but also a promising avenue for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation. He expressed satisfaction that educated youth, including graduates, postgraduates and Ph.D. scholars in agricultural sciences, are increasingly taking keen interest in agriculture and allied sectors and contributing through research, innovation and field-level interventions for the welfare of the farming community. He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Government is undertaking several farmer-centric initiatives aimed at strengthening the extension services, improving access to scientific knowledge and ensuring that farmers are equipped with the latest information and technologies to address emerging challenges. The Minister reiterated that under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana, eligible farmers receive 6,000 annually in three equal installments of 2,000 each. The amount is being directly credited to their bank accounts through the DBT system, ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in service delivery. On the occasion, two publications titled Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Farmer's Scheme Guide were also released. These publications are aimed at creating greater awareness among the farmers regarding sustainable agricultural practices, government welfare schemes and various support mechanisms available for enhancing farm productivity and income.
Neeraj, Parul win top honours at Indian Athletics Awards
India thrash Chile 6-0 to enter Women's Nations Cup final
Navneet Kaur (6th, 13th) and Deepika (14th, 18th) struck two goals apiece, while Neha (32nd) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (39th) also found the target as India notched their fourth successive win in the tournament
Heavy rain causes waterlogging in Visakhapatnam
Many low-lying areas are inundated, disrupting traffic and causing widespread inconvenience to the commuters
18k farmers receive first instalment of Annadata Sukhibhava
HC Bench raises issue while considering a petition registered after reports of alleged ill treatment of residents at a shelter home, Punarjani in Thenmala, surfaced
Power supply disruptions on June 22 due to KPTCLs maintenance work
IUML ends alliance with the DMK after six decades
Since the IUML has become part of the Ministry, it will cooperate with the TVK in Assembly byelections, Lok Sabha elections, and local body polls, he says
Aavin milk supply likely to be disrupted as distributors go on strike
Rain, thunderstorms lash parts of Hyderabad on June 20
Clark leads U.S. Open by four with major champs in the hunt
Clark posted the lowest 36-hole U.S. Open score ever at Shinnecock, his 133 one under the old mark by Phil Mickelson and Shigeki Maruyama from 2004
GVMC chief reviews road-widening, lake development works
Engineering students urged to use technology for social transformation
Speaking at the 25th convocation ceremony of Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College, PemmasaniChandra Sekhar encourages them to become job creators rather than job seekers; a total of 1,336 students graduate in the academic year 2025-26
England rocked early at 54-3 as a daunting 463 chase begins at The Oval
England is 54-3 against New Zealand in an unlikely fourth-innings chase of 463 at tea on day four of The Oval test
Modis 12 years in office just a start: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister lavishes praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says BJP and NDA will rule the country for many years to come; highlights Centres role in temple developments, military modernisation and farmers welfare
Government to open international showrooms for Lepakshi handicrafts, says Minister
Addressing a press conference, Savitha says primary objective is to ensure a dignified and financially secure life for handloom weavers and handicraft artisans
Trinamool bank accounts frozen after party rebels write to police
Former TMC treasurer Aroop Biswas, and 10 rebel MLAs aligned with Ritabrata Banerjee, have written to the bank and the police to disallow any transaction in the partys three accounts, which have about 440 crore funds
Assistant Engineer suspended, contractor blacklisted over poor road works in Bengaluru
EU lifts restrictive travel advisory for Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the removal of the advisory will boost tourism in the State
Books written by transgenders released at Pride Month celebrations in Madurai
CID questions Trinamool veteran Sobhandebin signature forgery case
He was the partys original choice as the Leader of Opposition beforea majority ofMLAs sided with Ritabrata Banerjee
