Work-life balance: a problem of perception?
What if the problem is not work itself? What if the challenge lies in how we manage ourselves and accept realities?
EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet in Alleged Multi-Lakh Bank Loan Fraud Case
Srinagar, July 5: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet in connection with a 60 lakh bank loan fraud case involving the alleged use of forged revenue records and fabricated title documents to secure loans from J&K Bank. The chargesheet has been filed before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in FIR No. 05/2019 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The accused have been identified as Sheikh Samiullah of Arampora Nawakadal, Abdul Ahad Bhat of Mufti Bagh Harwan, Ghulam Nabi Baqal of Saderabal Hazratbal, Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi of HMT Zainkote, and Sartaj Ahmad Hakeem of Nai Sadak Habba Kadal, all residents of Srinagar. According to the Crime Branch, the investigation was initiated following a complaint by J&K Bank alleging that the accused had secured a term loan of 30 lakh from the bank's Zainkote Branch and a cash credit facility of another 30 lakh from its Residency Road Branch in 2007 by mortgaging properties using forged revenue records and fake title documents. The borrowers allegedly defaulted on the loans, prompting the bank to verify the mortgaged documents through the revenue authorities. The verification confirmed that the revenue extracts and mortgage documents submitted to the bank were forged. The investigation further revealed that the accused, led by Sheikh Samiullah, allegedly acted in criminal conspiracy to deceive the bank and misappropriate the loan amount, the EOW said. The Economic Offences Wing has advised the public to remain vigilant against financial fraud and urged citizens to report such offences to the SSP, EOW Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K. Victims of economic fraud can also submit complaints via email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.
150 people from 50 countries become U.S. citizens at Mount Vernon on America's 250th birthday
There were 150 people from 50 globe-spanning countries sitting in front of the small stage as they prepared to be sworn in as U.S. citizens on the July Fourth holiday and America's 250th birthday
Tehran [Iran], July 5 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (local time) condemned Israel's actions in the region and criticised the United States for supporting them, alleging that the region has witnessed the targeted killing of intellectuals, scientists and other influential figures, IRNA reported. Speaking at the international conference Imam Khamenei; The Eternal Leader of Resistance in Tehran, he also questioned the effectiveness of international institutions, saying they had failed to prevent such actions despite claiming to uphold human rights, IRNA reported. Pezeshkian said that if Muslim nations acted collectively, conflicts and humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon and Palestine could not continue unchecked. He also warned that divisions among Islamic sects and ethnic groups create opportunities for external actors to exploit regional tensions, as reported by IRNA. Meanwhile, the Iranian President said the guidance of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues to inspire nations across the world, asserting that the message of unity, dignity, independence and resistance now resonates more strongly than ever, IRNA reported. He welcomed domestic and foreign participants attending commemorative ceremonies and expressed hope that the gathering would strengthen cohesion across the Muslim world and encourage greater cooperation against what he described as policies of violence, terrorism and domination pursued by global arrogance. Referring to the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian President described it as both a tragic and inspiring loss, saying the ideals and message of divinely guided leaders endure beyond their deaths and continue to motivate future generations in the pursuit of justice, righteousness and resistance, as reported by IRNA. Concluding his address, the Iranian President reaffirmed Iran's commitment to pursuing justice, strengthening Islamic solidarity and advancing regional peace through unity, stating that o external power could stop the progress of Muslim nations if they remained united around shared values and collective determination, asreported by IRNA. (ANI)
Another batch of pilgrims on way to Amarnath shrine
The batch, including 1,310 women and 22 children, left the Jammu base camp in two separate convoys at 3 a.m. and 3.40 a.m., the officials said.
Watch: White supremacist group marches through Washington on U.S. 250th Independence Day
Two killed as two-storey building collapses in Chandigarh industrial area
The administration had pressed heavy earth-moving machines into service after cordoning off the area
Pastor freed from prison in China weeks after Trump requested his release
A pastor of a prominent underground church detained in China in October has been released, according to rights advocates
North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer
The tests came after North Korea in late June commissioned its first 5,000-ton destroyer
JKRERA inspects various illegal colonies across Kashmir
Srinagar, Jul 4: The Jammu & Kashmir Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JK RERA) has issued a strong advisory to the general public, requesting citizens to refrain from investing in real estate projects that are not registered with the Authority. The advisory follows a series of stringent enforcement actions on the ground. Under the supervision of the Chairperson of JK RERA, Satish Chandra, a team of officers including Deputy Secretary JK RERA, Esha Chib, and Naib Tehsildar, Gias-u-din carried out extensive inspections of various illegal and unregistered colonies across multiple locations. The enforcement drive targeted unauthorized developments at 90 Feet Road, Nowgam, Zakoora, and Gulab Bagh in Srinagar, as well as several areas in Budgam district. To protect hard-earned money and avoid falling into legal or financial traps, JKRERA strongly advises prospective buyers to follow a strict verification process before making any financial commitments. Before investing or booking a property, citizens must first ensure that the real estate project is explicitly registered with the JKRERA. If a project lacks a valid RERA registration number, individuals should not invest in that project under any circumstances. Furthermore, buyers must ensure that the real estate agent facilitating the transaction is also registered with JK RERA. Under the Real Estate Act 2016, only a RERA-registered real estate agent is authorized to market, promote, or facilitate transactions for a RERA-registered real estate project. Dealing with unregistered individuals or entities leaves buyers exposed to significant risks. Investing in unregistered projects or dealing with unregistered agents strips buyers of their legal protections under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. Chairperson, JK RERA, Satish Chandra, reiterated the Authority's commitment to bringing transparency and accountability to the region's real estate sector. He warned developers and agents operating without valid registration to halt activities immediately or face strict legal and penal action. He further advised citizens to verify the registration status of both projects and agents by visiting the official JK RERA portal before finalizing any property deals.
ARTO Bpora conducts enforcement drive; 37 vehicles challaned
Bandipora, Jul 4: On the directions of the Transport Commissioner, J&K, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, and the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, a special enforcement drive was conducted by the ARTO Bandipora team across the district to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and the notified fare regulations. The drive primarily focused on checking overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers and curbing illegal parking, particularly on Hospital Road and at Kaloosa, where complaints had been received from the general public. During the enforcement drive, a total of 37 vehicles were challaned under various provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules, with an expected revenue realization of approximately 39,500. In addition, three auto-rickshaws were seized for serious violations. To safeguard the interests of commuters and ensure transparency in fare collection, the ARTO Bandipora team also displayed the notified fare lists inside e-autos so that passengers can easily verify the prescribed fares and report any instances of overcharging. The ARTO Bandipora reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe, lawful and passenger-friendly public transport services and appealed to all transport operators to strictly adhere to the notified fare structure and traffic regulations. The general public has also been urged to report any violations to the concerned authorities for prompt action.
17-Year-Old Sikkim Boy Drowns in Ambiok Stream
Kalimpong, July 5 : A 17-year-old boy from Sikkim drowned while swimming in the Ambiok Stream near Ambiok Bridge under Gorubathan Gram Panchayat-II on Saturday [] The post 17-Year-Old Sikkim Boy Drowns in Ambiok Stream appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Bhandup road subsidence: no injuries, traffic diverted
The municipal administration has appealed to citizens to exercise caution, step out only when necessary, and not believe in rumours
Eknath Shinde admitted to hospital, condition stable
Doctors attributed the ailment to a combination of viral fever and physical exhaustion from sustained activity
Search for two LeT terrorists enters second day in J&K's Shopian
The searches have been resumed to track down the two terrorists who were spotted by surveillance cameras on Friday (July 3, 2026) in an orchard in the Meemandar area, which comprises seven villages
Farmers exposure visit program concludes at Lal Mandi
Srinagar, Jul 4: The five-day Farmers Exposure Visit Programme, organized by Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir, concluded on Saturday at Lal Mandi, Srinagar, with Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, presiding over the valedictory function as the chief guest. The programme was designed to provide participating farmers with first-hand exposure to modern agricultural technologies, innovative farming practices and successful models of sustainable agriculture. Throughout the five-day programme, farmers interacted with subject experts, visited important agricultural institutions and gained practical insights into improved crop management, resource-efficient farming and value addition in agriculture. Addressing the participants, the Director Agriculture Kashmir emphasized that exposure visits are an important component of capacity building as they enable farmers to learn from successful experiences, adopt scientific interventions and replicate best practices in their own fields. He said that such initiatives help bridge the gap between research and field-level implementation, ultimately contributing to enhanced agricultural productivity, higher farm incomes and sustainable agricultural development across the Kashmir Valley. Shah appreciated the enthusiasm, dedication and active participation displayed by the farmers during the programme and urged them to act as ambassadors of modern agriculture by sharing the knowledge and experiences gained with fellow farmers in their respective villages. He stressed that the Agriculture Department remains committed to empowering the farming community through continuous skill development, farmer-centric training programmes, exposure visits, field demonstrations and technology dissemination under various developmental initiatives. On the occasion, the Director distributed certificates among the participating farmers in recognition of their successful completion of the programme. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Agriculture Department for providing them with a valuable learning platform and affirmed their commitment to adopting the improved technologies and practices demonstrated during the exposure visit.
JKAACL holds Punjabi Kavi Darbar to commemorate Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
Srinagar, Jul 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) organised a Punjabi Kavi Darbar dedicated to the Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji at the Conference Hall, Tagore Hall, Srinagar, with eminent scholars, litterateurs and poets paying rich tributes to the life, philosophy and teachings of the Sixth Sikh Guru. The programme was presided over by eminent Punjabi litterateur Ajit Singh Mastana, while Jagmohan Singh Raina graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Ideel Saleem, Additional Secretary JKAACL, Kashmir and Popinder Singh Paras, Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, JKAACL, were also present. Addressing the gathering, Ideel Saleem, appreciated the sublime teachings of Gurbani and underscored the timeless message of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He observed that the Guru's divine wisdom continues to illuminate the path of truth, courage, justice, compassion and selfless service, inspiring generations to uphold righteousness and harmony. In his address, Ajit Singh Mastana lauded the sustained efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in promoting Punjabi language and literature. He appreciated the high literary standard of the Kavi Darbar and remarked that such programmes provide a meaningful platform for poets and writers while preserving and strengthening the region's rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Speaking on the occasion, Jagmohan Singh Raina congratulated JKAACL for organising the event and urged the gathering to imbibe the teachings and ideals of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in their daily lives. He stated that the Guru's message of righteousness, courage, equality and humanity remains profoundly relevant in the contemporary world. Popinder Singh Paras, Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, highlighted the significance of commemorating the Prakash Utsav through literary and cultural activities. Reiterating the Academy's commitment to the promotion of Punjabi language and literature, he expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, scholars, poets and participants for making the event a success. Zorawar Singh presented a scholarly paper on the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, highlighting the Guru's historic visit to Kashmir and elaborating on the significance of the doctrine of Miri-Piri, which continues to inspire humanity with the ideals of spiritual strength, moral courage and social responsibility. The Kavi Darbar witnessed soulful poetic recitations by eminent Punjabi poets, including Didar Singh, Kewal Pal Singh, M.S. Jugnu, H.S. Pali, Rikhi Singh, Ichpal Singh, Kavinan Singh, H.S. Upashak, Salinder Singh Sodhi and Jasbir Kaur, who paid eloquent literary tributes to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji through their inspiring compositions. The event concluded on a note of literary fervour and spiritual inspiration, reaffirming JKAACL's steadfast commitment to preserving, promoting and enriching the diverse linguistic, literary and cultural heritage of Jammuand Kashmir.
ADDC Kulgam reviews implementation of Mission YUVA
Kulgam, Jul 4: A review meeting on the implementation of Mission YUVA was held on Saturday under the chairmanship of Altaf Ahmad Khan, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Kulgam, in his office chamber. The meeting was attended by the Lead District Manager (LDM), Career Counselling Officer (CCO), Employment Officer (EO), District Programme Manager (DPM), NRLM, Block Programme Managers (BPMs), NRLM, members of the Mission YUVA Team, and other concerned officers. During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under Mission YUVA was undertaken, with special emphasis on the progress achieved under Udyam Jagriti 5.0, registration of beneficiaries, counselling, mobilisation, credit linkage, and other programme components. The performance of all concerned departments and agencies was reviewed in detail, and the gaps affecting the achievement of targets were discussed. The Chair directed all concerned officers to focus on the KPIs where the district is lagging behind and to take immediate corrective measures for improving performance. He stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholder departments, timely updation of data on the Mission YUVA portal, regular field-level monitoring, and expeditious disposal of all pending tasks to ensure achievement of the prescribed targets within the stipulated timelines.
Venezuela earthquakes: Death toll rises to nearly 3,000
Rescue operations to search for survivors are still underway
ADDC Shopian reviews saturation of banking & financial services campaign at GP, ULB levels
Shopian, Jul 4: Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Shopian, Dr. Nasir Ahmed Lone on Saturday chaired a meeting at Mini Secretariat, Shopian to review and discuss the implementation of the saturation campaign of deepening financial inclusion by ensuring universal access to banking and financial services for the un-served and underserved population at Gram Panchayat (GP) and Urban Local Body (ULB) levels being conducted from June 15 to July 15, 2026. During the meeting, the ADDC stressed the importance of ensuring 100 percent coverage of eligible beneficiaries under different government welfare schemes and directed all departments to work in close coordination for effective implementation of the campaign. He also emphasized extensive awareness generation, extending financial and banking services in un- served and underserved areas. Officers were instructed to intensify field-level activities and submit regular progress reports for achieving the objectives of the saturation campaign within the stipulated timeframe. ACD, Muzaffar Ahmed; ALC, Dr. Nida Yousuf; LDM, Farooq Ahmed, BDOs, CSC, Manager, District Manager, NRLM, and other concerned attended the meeting.
SKUAST-Ks One Health Vision gains global recognition; student team wins award
Srinagar, July 4: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has achieved another major milestone in its journey towards advancing the globally important One Health approach, with its student team securing the prestigious One Health Day Student Event Award 2025 organized by the internationally acclaimed One Health Commission. The award was conferred on the universitys student network, SKUAOHUN (SKUAST-K One Health University Network), for successfully organizing a month-long hybrid outreach and awareness initiative titled One Health Program- 2025. The team competed against entries from 94 countries and was recognized for taking the One Health message beyond academic institutions and actively engaging communities through innovative educational and outreach activities. The achievement marks a significant international endorsement of SKUAST-Ks efforts to institutionalize One Health an integrated framework that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health and addresses emerging challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and climate-related health risks. SKUAST-K is among the first institutions in India to establish a dedicated School of One Health and has, over the past two years, developed a comprehensive ecosystem for interdisciplinary education, research and policy engagement in the sector. The university has forged collaborations with leading medical and veterinary institutions and has recently developed several innovative technologies and initiatives under the One Health framework. As part of its growing leadership in this area, SKUAST-K has also created vibrant student-led One Health platforms and community engagement programs to translate science into societal impact. The international award includes an International Certificate of Excellence, a cash prize of USD 1,000, and complimentary registration for two student representatives to attend the 9th World One Health Congress, to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in September 2026. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated the student team, faculty members, and the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry for the achievement. He described the recognition as validation of SKUAST-Ks vision to become a globally relevant transdisciplinary institution that addresses emerging societal and scientific challenges through innovation and collaboration. With our philosophy of SKUAST-K for Quality of Life, we remain committed to creating solutions that improve the health of people, animals and ecosystems alike, Prof. Ganai said.
West Asia War LIVE: Prayers to be offered for Iran's Khamenei on day two of funeral ceremonies
Sunday has been declared a public holiday for the entire country, and in the evening, Khamenei's body will leave the Grand Mosalla complex
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Railway ministry postpones formal launch of bullet train tunneling work amid Mumbai rains
Ministry officials said it has been raining in Mumbai for the past few days, and IMD has issued 'red' and 'orange' alerts for the next couple of days
What did SCOTUS rule on birthright citizenship? | Explained
Why and how did U.S. President Donald Trump seek to limit birthright citizenship and what did the Supreme Court rule? Has this always been a political issue in the U.S.? What is the link between birthright citizenship and slavery? How has the judgment affected MAGA supporters?
Kylian Mbapp scores again and France reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 1-0 win over Paraguay
France advanced to play Morocco on Thursday (July 9, 2026) in Foxborough, Massachusetts
Kimi Antonelli wins sprint race and takes pole at F1s British Grand Prix
Hamilton was back fighting for a win again after a breakthrough victory last month at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, his first since moving to Ferrari last year
Arias goal enough to send Colombia into pre-quarters
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey fizzed a shot just wide in the opening minute but that proved a false dawn for the African side
BJP will register a decisive victory in U.P., says party chief Nitin Nabin
Mr. Nabin, who reached Lucknow on a two-day visit, added that he was overwhelmed by the respect received in the land of Lord Shri Ram.
Odisha doctors call of strike after government assurances
Due to the doctors strike, the health service has been crippled across the State
Roadside vendors turned exporters: Meghalayas numbered farmers reap fruits of labour
A 433-member organic farmers producer company in Ri-Bhoi districts Jirang has become a model of successful farm collectivisation
Paraguay VS France FIFA World Cup LIVE Round of 16: France faces Paraguay in Philly heat
France brings Manu Kone into midfield in place of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni for World Cup last-16 clash against Paraguay
Fresh political support pours in on 15th day of CJP protest; student hospitalised
Activist Sonam Wangchuk continues seventh day of his hunger strike; political leaders say will raise the issue of irregularities in examinations during Parliaments upcoming Monsoon Session
Tourism relief: No full airfield closure at Sgr airport
Proposed NOTAM withdrawn, night runway closures continue till Oct CM thanks Centre, says closure created lot of difficulties Srinagar, Jul 04: The possible impact on the tourism sector in the Valley has been diverted as the proposal regarding the closure of Sheikh-ul-Aalam International Airport has been suspended, with the authorities stating that there will be no full airfield closure at Srinagar airport this year. The authorities had proposed that the runway at Srinagar airportshallremain unavailableonevery Monday and Tuesday from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. A complete closure of runway operations was also proposed from October 1 to October 16, 2026. However, after a series of meetings by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with the Union Ministers and the appeals from the different stakeholders of the tourism sector, the authorities have now decided to withdraw the proposal. In a post on X, Srinagar Airport informed the passengers that there will be no full airfield closure this year. Airport operations will continue on all days with operational/watch hours from 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs. Night closures for runway maintenance will continue until October 2026. The previously proposed NOTAM regarding full runway closure on Mondays and Tuesdays is being withdrawn. Airlines will continue to update their schedules in accordance with the prevailing operational timings. Passengers are requested to check their flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport and rely only on official channels for authentic updates. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu for suspending the proposed closure order of Srinagar Airport. Grateful to the Defence Minister @rajnathsingh Sb & Civil Aviation Minister @RamMNK for acceding to our request and suspending the airport closure order. This closure had created a lot of difficulties for regular travellers & forced tour groups/tourists to cancel planned visits, Omar Abdullah wrote in a post on X. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its prompt and positive response to the concerns regarding the proposed runway closure at Srinagar Airport. The Chief Minister had personally taken up the matter with the GoI to safeguard the interests of passengers, the tourism sector, trade, and the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The decision ensures uninterrupted air connectivity to the region, preventing disruption to travel, tourism, and economic activity.
LG suspends 8 officials over separatist content in school books
Appoints inquiry officer Srinagar, Jul 04: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the suspension of eight School Education Department officials and directed a high-level inquiry after two books supplied to government school libraries in Jammu & Kashmir were found to contain content that authorities described as inappropriate and linked to separatism. The action was taken through an order issued by the School Education Department on Saturday. The government said the books had been selected under the Samagra Shiksha library scheme and later withdrawn after concerns were raised over their content. According to the order, grants had been released for procurement of age-appropriate books for 1,832 government schools and 394 PM SHRI schools across J&K. The department stated that four expert committees had been constituted to select library books for different class groups. Out of 463 books submitted by 364 publishers, two were subsequently found to contain objectionable material and were withdrawn on July 3. The books identified are Personalities and Legends of J&K by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu, and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir by Dr Sushant Giri, published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi. Officials said 123 copies of the first book were supplied to schools in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of the second book were distributed in Jammu and Baramulla districts. The department observed that members of the concerned selection committee allegedly failed to exercise due diligence while recommending the books and termed the lapse a case of negligence and dereliction of duty. The suspended officials include library coordinators, academic officers, principals and lecturers associated with the selection process. They will remain attached with the Administrative Department during the suspension period. The government has appointed Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, as Inquiry Officer to investigate the matter. Rohit Sharma, JKAS, Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as Presenting Officer. The inquiry report has been sought within 30 days. A contractual computer assistant attached with Samagra Shiksha has also been disengaged with immediate effect. The order further directs that the authors and publishers of the two books be banned and blacklisted in J&K and that all printed material authored or published by them be withdrawn from the Union Territory.
Traffic snarls worsen around Kochi metro extension, NHAI flyover worksites
Police say unscientific site management, potholes and inadequate supervision at the ongoing works have worsened traffic snarls on key arterial roads
26,000 devotees perform darshan at holy cave: Div Com
Registration holders to get priority, RFID cards mandatory Srinagar, Jul 04: Amid an overwhelming rush of devotees for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday said nearly 26,000 pilgrims have performed darshan at the holy cave shrine so far, while authorities intensified efforts to regulate the pilgrimage in accordance with the Supreme Court-mandated daily ceiling. Addressing a press conference here alongside Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi , the Div Com said the administration was witnessing a massive influx of yatris, including a significant number arriving without prior registration. The Supreme Court has fixed a ceiling on the number of pilgrims who can undertake the Yatra each day. Our entire mechanism is functioning within that framework to ensure safety, smooth movement and better management of the pilgrimage, he said. So far, 26000 pilgrims performed the darshan at the holy cave shrine and the pilgrimage is smoothly going from both tracks. Garg said online registration for thepilgrimage hadcommenced on April 15, and a majority of devotees had already registered in advance. He added that registered pilgrims were being issued RFID cards after completing mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities. We are noticing that many yatris are reaching Kashmir without registration. Only registered pilgrims are eligible for RFID cards, which are essential for undertaking the Yatra, he said. The Divisional Commissioner said the administration was giving priority to devotees who had completed advance registration, while the Tatkal quota remained limited and subject to availability. The Tatkal quota depends on how many registered pilgrims are unable to undertake the pilgrimage on their allotted dates. Unregistered yatris may have to waitfora few days before they can proceed, Garg said. He further clarified that pilgrims registered for specific dates, including those scheduled for darshan on July 15 or later, would have to wait for their designated turn instead of attempting to proceed earlier. Appropriate information is being disseminated among yatris at all levels. Our effort is that every devotee who wishes to have darshan of Baba Barfani should opt for online registration and patiently wait for their allotted date, he added. Authorities have intensified awareness campaigns and coordination measures across transit camps and registration centres to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage amid heavy turnout and heightened security arrangements.
J&K L-G administration suspends 8 officials over pro-separatist content in library books
An official spokesman said the book, Personalities and Legends of J&K, contained content related to separatism, which has the potential to create law and order situations
MHA designates 23 more terrorists under UAPA
17 Pakistani, 6 Indian nationals named; total now 80 Pursuing PM Modis zero tolerance against terror: Amit Shah New Delhi, Jul 04: Taking another significant step under the Modi government's 'Zero Tolerance Policy' against terrorism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has designated 23 more individuals as 'terrorists' under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including 17 Pakistani nationals and 6 Indian nationals, all of whom operate terrorist activities from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In a post on X, Amit Shah said: Pursuing PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terror: the MHA today declared 23 dreaded terror functionaries affiliated with banned organisations as terrorists under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The designated terrorists are involved in anti-India activities, carrying out terror attacks, inciting terror, trafficking arms, infiltrating through the border, facilitating terrorist organisations, raising funds and recruiting terrorists. Out of the 23 terrorists announced on Saturday, 17 are Pakistani nationals and 6 are Indian nationals. However, all of them at present operate terrorist activities from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre has added Jaish-e-Mohamed terrorists Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, Mohammad Mussadiq alias Doctor, Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan alias Abu Saad, Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Zarrar, Abdullah Jehadi, Ghulam Fareed, Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki and Waseem Noor Jat. Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists Firdous Ahmad Bhat, Haroon Rashid Ganai, Bilal Ahmad Mir, Abid Quyoom Lone, Nazir Ahmed Gujjar, Abdul Rauf alias Hafiz Adbul Rauf, Ashfaq Ahmad, Hafiz Khalid Waleed, Maulana Saifullah Khalid, Mohammad Yaqoob, Molana Yousaf Taibi, Owais Farooz, Qari Yaqub Sheikh, Rana Iftikhar, Mohammed Shaheed Faisal (also linked to Al Qaeda and ISIS) have also been added to the list. Formally designating these individuals as terrorists will help dismantle the terror ecosystem by curbing their financial networks, movements, recruitment capabilities, and terror-linked activities, while also sending a strong message of deterrence against anti-national and terrorist acts. Furthermore, it will enhance the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies to initiate coordinated legal, investigative, and preventive actions at both national and international levels. Following the amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) by the Central Government in 2019, a total of 57 individuals have so far been designated as 'terrorists' under Section 35 of the said Act and listed in its Fourth Schedule. The Central Government has now designated these 23 additional individuals as 'terrorists' as well, listing them in the Fourth Schedule. The Union Home Minister reiterated that the Modi government is committed to dismantling every terror module to ensure the safety of India and its people. List of terrorists and their activities 1. Masood Ilyas Kashmiri (also known as Mufti Masood Ilyas, Masood Ilyas, Abu Mohammad, or M. Masood Ilyas) is a Pakistani national affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He is a close confidant of Maulana Masood Azhar and the key coordinator for infiltration into Kashmir. He is actively involved in recruiting youth into terrorist groups via social media and raising funds for terrorism. He orchestrated the attack on a police checkpoint near the PDP office in Sunjwan, Jammu, in April 2022. 2. Mohammad Musaddiq (alias Doctor, Abdul Mannan, Sajjad, Hamza, Wahid Khan) is a Pakistani national affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He serves as the launching commander for the Lasiyakot sector, facilitating infiltration across the border via tunnels. He has been involved in sending consignments of arms and ammunition to India using drones. Additionally, he was involved in conducting reconnaissance of strategic locations such as the RJB complex in Ayodhya, the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, and the IOCL refinery in Panipat. 3. Mufti Mohammad Asghar Khan, alias Abu Saad or Saad Jimiki, is a Pakistani national affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He serves as the JeM 'Amir' (chief) and head of its military wing in PoK. He is one of the key conspirators behind the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Nagrota, Jammu. He runs camps in Muzaffarabad to provide jihadist and military training to terrorists. 4. Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Jarrar is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). He facilitated the infiltration of three Pakistani terrorists via the Samba-Kathua sector for the attack on the Nagrota Army camp. He participated in the Afghan war during 199596 and coordinates terrorist activities with the assistance of the ISI. He is a member of the JeM's governing council (Shura). 5. Abdullah Jihadi alias Shahnawaz alias Al-Hijama is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He is a co-conspirator of Mufti Asgar Khan and facilitates the infiltration of terrorists into the North Kashmir region. He has attempted to incite hatred and disaffection against the Government of India. He used to manage several launching camps located in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts. 6. Firdous Ahmad Bhat is an Indian national (currently based in Pakistan) associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. He serves as a 'launching commander' for the group, having crossed into Pakistan via the Wagah border in 2018 using valid travel documents. He facilitates safe passage for foreign terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC). Additionally, he is involved in supplying weapons to Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and radicalizing the youth of South Kashmir to recruit them into terrorist activities. 7. Ghulam Farid (alias Gulshan Kumar) is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed. He served in the Pakistan Army from 2001 to 2005. Subsequently, in September 2008, he entered India illegally via Bangladesh. He was arrested in Jammu in December 2008 and was later deported to Pakistan in July 2019. 8. Haroon Rashid Ganai alias Shunu is an Indian national (currently residing in Pakistan) and is affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. He traveled to Pakistan with valid documents in March 2018 and joined Lashkar-e-Taiba there. He incites youths from the Kashmir Valley to join terrorist ranks and supplies arms and ammunition to Over Ground Workers for carrying out terrorist activities. 9. Bilal Ahmed Mir, alias 'Ahmed Bhai', is an Indian national (currently residing in Muzaffarabad, PoK) and is affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF). Operating from across the border (Pakistan/PoK), he conspires to incite and instigate local Kashmiri youth to engage in jihad. Furthermore, he is directly involved in managing the illicit supply chain of arms, ammunition, and logistics into the Kashmir Valley. 10. Abid Qayoom Lone is an Indian national (currently residing in PoK) and is affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He traveled to Pakistan via the Attari check post in February 2020 and did not return. He is involved in planning attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir and raising funds for LeT. He smuggles narcotics on a large scale from Pakistan into India through an organized syndicate operating along the Line of Control (LoC), with the proceeds used to finance terrorist activities. 11. Nazir Ahmed Gujjar alias Abu Manazil is an Indian national (currently residing in Islamabad, Pakistan) and is affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He crossed the Line of Control into PoK in 2006. He recruited local youths to revive terrorist activities in the Doda and Kishtwar regions. He has been a key operator in sending consignments of arms and ammunition into Indian territory via drones across the Samba and R.S. Pura sectors. 12. Abdul Rauf (also known as Hafiz Abdul Rauf or Hafiz Abdur Rauf) is a Pakistani national associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), and Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF). He has been a senior leader of Lashkar since 1999 and operates under the direct command of the terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He works to mobilize funds and public support for Lashkar at an international level under the guise of charitable organizations such as the 'Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation' (FIF) and Al-Madina Welfare Trust. The United States has designated him a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' (SDGT). 13. Ashfaq Ahmed (alias Ishfaq Ahmed) is a Pakistani national associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He joined JeM in 2000 and is in charge of 'Shuaba Hadith' and the Al-Rehmat Trust (JeM's charity wing) in Bahawalpur. He received jihadi training in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He was identified as one of the subscribers of the Pakistani mobile numbers used during the January 2016 attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station. 14. Hafiz Khalid Waleed (alias Hafiz Khalid Naik/Khalid Waleed) is a Pakistani national associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). He is the son-in-law of LeT chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed and has been a member of the organization's Central Advisory Committee since 2003. He was the key mastermind behind the June 2016 Pampore attack, in which eight Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. He was designated as a global terrorist by the US Department of the Treasury in August 2012. 15. Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki (also known as Maulana Imdad, Imdad Bhai, or Maulana Imdadullah) is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He serves as the Amir (chief) of Jaish's prisoners' wing (Shoba-e-Aseeran) and heads the organization's legal affairs. He is a very close associate of Maulana Masood Azhar and his deputy, Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. He was involved in real-time coordination with the terrorists who attacked the Pathankot airbase in January 2016. 16. Maulana Saifullah Khalid (alias Waliul, Mohammad Salim, Wajid) is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML). He serves as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League and previously held the position of President of the Milli Muslim League (MML). He has headed several wings of Lashkar and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, such as the propaganda department and the control and reform wing. In April 2018, the United States designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). 17. Mohammad Yaqoob (alias Abu Sumama, Samama Ilyas, Waris Ali) is a Pakistani national affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He currently operates as an LeT operational commander based in Islamabad (Chatta Bakhtawar). He coordinates financial and logistical support for other LeT cadres active in the Kashmir Valley to carry out terrorist activities in India. A case has been registered against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the CI Kashmir Police Station in Srinagar. 18. Maulana Yusuf Taibi (alias Mohammad Yusuf) is a Pakistani national associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). He is a key leader within LeT/JuD, currently affiliated with the organization's control and reform (Dawat-o-Islah) wing. He previously headed the 'Jamia Al-Dirasat Al-Islamia Trust' (JADIAT), a Karachi-based entity linked to LeT/JuD. Currently, he is associated with the 'Al-Qadsia Islamic Center' in Lahore and delivers Friday religious sermons (Khutba) at the Sargodha Markaz in Punjab. 19. Owais Farooz (alias Owais Ahmed Mir / Owais Farooz Mir) is an Indian national associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He traveled to Pakistan via the Wagah border on a valid Indian passport in April 2018 and joined the terrorist ranks of the LeT. In January 2023, his brother, Farzan Feroz, was arrested by the Srinagar Police with 450 grams of heroin (valued at approximately 9.95 lakh) and an LeT letterhead. The NIA Court, Pulwama, has issued a proclamation order against him under Section 82 of the CrPC. 20. Qari Yaqub Sheikh (also known as Qari Mohammad Yaqub Sheikh, Yaqub Sheikh, Qari Sheikh Muhammad Yaqub, and Mohammad Yaqub) is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). He is a central leader of JuD and a member of its central 'Dawati team' (proselytization team). He contested the 2018 Pakistani general election as a candidate for the Milli Muslim League (MML). He has played a prominent role in missions to raise funds for Lashkar and JuD in Saudi Arabia. In August 2012, the United States designated him as a global terrorist. 21. Rana Iftikhar (also known as Rana Waleed Atif, Rana Iftikhar Haider, Rana Iftikhar Ahmed, or Haider Khan) is a Pakistani national associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). He is a close associate of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed and serves as the key manager of finances for the organization's Kashmir operations. He heads 'Shoba-e-Aseeran,' the wing responsible for the welfare of the families of terrorists who have been killed or are imprisoned in Indian jails. He was arrested in 1993 after being wounded during an encounter in the Mendhar sector of Jammu & Kashmir and remained incarcerated in an Indian prison until 2004. 22. Wasim Noor Jat alias Qari Wasim is a Pakistani national associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He is a JeM 'launching commander' responsible for operations in the Kotli area. During 202122, he was involved in activities related to dropping weapons and ammunition into Indian territory via drones. He was previously arrested by security forces in October 2008 and was incarcerated at Kot Bhalwal Central Jail, Jammu, from 2012 to 2015; following his release, he was deported to Pakistan. 23. Mohammad Shahid Faisal (alias Ustad, Muhandis, Zakir) holds Pakistani nationality (originally Indian, currently active in Rawalpindi) and is affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Al-Qaeda, and ISIS. He is the key mastermind and handler behind the 2012 Bengaluru LeT conspiracy case and the 2013 Nanded LeT case, which involved plots for the targeted killings of right-wing politicians and journalists. He fled to Pakistan in 2013 with the assistance of terrorist Farhatullah Ghori. Investigations reveal his involvement as an online handler in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case (2024), the Mangaluru cooker blast, and the Al-Hind ISIS module case. He recruits youth through anti-national and jihadist videos shared on social media and YouTube/Telegram channels (such as 'Sawat-al-Haq').
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Saving Kashmir from a Warmer World
The urgent choices that will decide whether the Valley adapts or suffers in silence The Kashmir Valley, long romanticised as paradise on earth, is quietly slipping into a climate crisis that few here have fully grasped. Global warming, once dismissed as a distant and abstract threat, is now carving its signature into the regions snowlines, rivers, farms, and cities. From shrinking glaciers in the higher reaches to erratic snowfall in Gulmarg and unprecedented heat in Srinagar, the signs are unmistakable. What was once a land defined by its temperate summers and heavy winters is being pushed towards extremes, and with it, the delicate balance of life in the Valley is under severe strain. For generations, Kashmirs climate has shaped its culture and economy. The rhythm of seasons decided the fate of apple orchards, saffron fields, and paddy lands. Today, that rhythm is broken. Farmers speak of early flowering and sudden frosts destroying their crops. Apple growers complain of rising temperatures that affect both yield and quality. Saffron, already under pressure from urbanisation and groundwater depletion, is further threatened as rainfall patterns shift and droughts become more frequent. Behind every climate chart and scientific report lies a human story of anxiety and loss. The water crisis brewing in the Valley is equally alarming. Glaciers feeding the Jhelum and its tributaries are receding, while snow in the Pir Panjal and Zabarwan ranges melts earlier than before. This means more water when it is not needed and less when it is critical. Sudden spring floods and reduced summer flows are becoming a new normal. For a region that depends on snow-fed rivers for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower, such instability is nothing short of a structural threat to its future. Yet perhaps the most worrying aspect of global warming in Kashmir is our collective complacency. Climate change rarely finds sustained space in our public debates. Development still means more cement, more cars, and more construction on fragile slopes and floodplains. Wetlands that once acted as natural buffers against floods are being filled and built upon in the name of progress. Dal and Wular, crucial not just for ecology but also for livelihoods, are shrinking and choking. In the race for short-term gains, we are quietly dismantling our own defences against a warming world. The way forward demands both political will and public participation. Kashmir cannot afford to treat climate change as someone elses problem or as an issue reserved for international conferences and academic seminars. It must be central to our planning, from urban design in Srinagar to agricultural policy in rural districts. Protecting wetlands, regulating construction in ecologically sensitive zones, investing in climate-resilient agriculture, and promoting clean energy are not luxuries; they are necessities. The Valley still has time to course-correct, but that window is narrowing. Global warming has already arrived in Kashmir; the question now is whether we will respond with urgency and wisdom, or continue to look away until the damage becomes irreversible. (The Author is a research scholar and teacher by profession)
Medical Libraries: Building the Knowledge Foundation for Better Healthcare
The future of healthcare depends not only on advanced medical technologies but also on the quality of knowledge that supports every clinical decision Healthcare is often associated with hospitals, doctors, nurses, advanced diagnostic technologies and life-saving medicines. These are undoubtedly the visible pillars of a robust healthcare system. However, there is another institution that quietly strengthens each of these pillars every single daythe medical library. While it may not receive the same attention as sophisticated medical equipment or modern hospital infrastructure, the medical library remains one of the most valuable assets of every teaching hospital and medical college. It is the centre where knowledge is preserved, updated, organised and transformed into better patient care. India has made remarkable progress in healthcare and medical education during the past decade. New medical colleges have been established, digital health initiatives are expanding, research output is increasing and access to medical education has improved significantly. As these developments continue, equal importance should be given to strengthening medical libraries, which serve as the intellectual backbone of healthcare institutions. The practice of medicine is evolving faster than ever before. Every day, researchers across the world publish new findings that improve diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention. Clinical guidelines are regularly revised, innovative therapies emerge, and medical technologies continue to advance. This rapid pace of change means that learning can never stop for healthcare professionals. A doctor, nurse, researcher or medical student must continually update their knowledge to provide the best possible care. Medical libraries make this continuous learning possible by providing access to authentic, evidence-based scientific information. The image of a library as merely a room filled with books no longer reflects reality. Today's medical libraries have undergone a remarkable transformation. They are digital knowledge centres that provide access to thousands of electronic journals, online textbooks, clinical databases, multimedia learning resources and research support services. Information that once took weeks to obtain is now available within seconds through carefully managed digital platforms. Similarly, the role of the medical librarian has evolved considerably. Modern medical librarians are highly skilled information professionals who assist clinicians in locating the latest evidence, guide researchers in conducting comprehensive literature reviews, train students in scientific information retrieval, support systematic reviews, promote publication ethics and facilitate responsible use of research databases. Their contribution directly strengthens medical education, research quality and evidence-based clinical practice. One of the greatest challenges of the digital age is not the lack of information but the abundance of it. Millions of medical articles, websites and online resources are available, yet not all are reliable. The spread of misinformation, particularly in health-related matters, has become a global concern. In such an environment, medical libraries perform an essential public service by ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to authentic, peer-reviewed and scientifically validated information. This role has become increasingly important as clinical decisions demand the highest standards of accuracy. The emergence of artificial intelligence marks another significant milestone in healthcare. AI-powered search engines, intelligent literature summarisation, predictive analytics and clinical decision-support systems are changing how medical professionals access and use information. Rather than replacing medical libraries, these technologies create new opportunities for them. Libraries are well-positioned to integrate AI into knowledge services while ensuring that ethical principles, scientific integrity and critical evaluation remain central to medical practice. Human expertise and technological innovation should work together to improve healthcare outcomes. Medical education is also undergoing a profound transformation. Today's students expect flexible learning environments supported by digital technologies. They learn through electronic resources, interactive platforms, simulation-based education and virtual classrooms. Medical libraries have responded by creating collaborative learning spaces that encourage discussion, innovation and interdisciplinary education. They have become active learning environments where students acquire not only medical knowledge but also the information literacy skills essential for lifelong professional development. Research has become one of the defining characteristics of quality healthcare institutions. Every meaningful research project begins with a thorough understanding of existing scientific literature. Medical libraries support researchers throughout this journey by helping identify relevant evidence, developing effective search strategies, managing references, promoting responsible publishing practices and improving research visibility. These contributions often remain behind the scenes, yet they significantly influence the quality and impact of scientific publications. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed encouraging progress in medical education and healthcare services. The continued strengthening of healthcare institutions presents an excellent opportunity to further enhance medical library services. By embracing advanced digital resources, expanding access to international medical databases and encouraging continuous professional development for library professionals, institutions can further strengthen the culture of evidence-based medicine and academic excellence. Medical libraries also contribute to national priorities beyond education and research. They promote scientific thinking, encourage ethical use of information and support innovation across healthcare disciplines. During public health emergencies, they become reliable sources of verified scientific evidence, helping healthcare professionals respond with confidence and accuracy. In an age where information travels instantly across digital platforms, trusted knowledge institutions have become more valuable than ever before. Looking ahead, the medical library of the future will be far more than a repository of information. It will function as an intelligent knowledge hub integrating artificial intelligence, digital technologies, research support, academic collaboration and lifelong learning. It will provide personalised information services, support interdisciplinary research and help institutions adapt to rapidly changing scientific developments. Such libraries will continue to preserve the enduring values of scholarship while embracing the opportunities created by technological innovation. Equally important is the recognition that investing in medical libraries is an investment in better healthcare itself. Every improvement in library infrastructure, digital access and professional expertise ultimately benefits patients by enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions based on the latest scientific evidence. The benefits extend beyond individual institutions, contributing to stronger research ecosystems, higher educational standards and improved public health outcomes. The future of healthcare depends not only on advanced medical technologies but also on the quality of knowledge that supports every clinical decision. A well-equipped hospital can achieve its full potential only when its healthcare professionals have timely access to reliable scientific information. Medical libraries ensure that knowledge remains accessible, organised and ready to serve the needs of clinicians, researchers, educators and students alike. As India continues its journey towards excellence in healthcare and medical education, medical libraries deserve recognition as strategic partners in this national endeavour. They are centres of knowledge, innovation and lifelong learning that quietly contribute to every successful diagnosis, every meaningful research discovery and every competent healthcare professional. Their impact may often remain unseen, but it is both profound and enduring. A progressive healthcare system is built not only through infrastructure and technology but also through knowledge. Medical libraries provide that knowledge every day with dedication, professionalism and purpose. By continuing to strengthen these institutions, we strengthen the very foundation upon which quality healthcare, medical education and scientific research stand. In the years ahead, medical libraries will continue to illuminate the path towards a healthier, more informed and more resilient society. (The Author is a Library Futurist from Kulgam. Email: waniishfaq0001@gmail.com )
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Engineering Our Future, Questioning Our Conscience
Why genetic breakthroughs must answer moral questions first In a world where science moves faster than public debate, genetic engineering has quietly shifted from science fiction to daily news. We now live in an age where a handful of researchers, armed with powerful tools like CRISPR, can alter the code of life itself. They can edit out a deadly mutation, tweak a crop to survive drought, or, in theory, sculpt the traits of future generations. The question is no longer whether we can do these things. It is whether we shouldand who gets to decide. For many, genetic engineering carries the hope of relief from suffering. Families haunted by hereditary diseases see in these technologies a rare promise: that their children might be born free of a burden they themselves have carried for decades. Doctors imagine a future where we do not just treat symptoms but correct faults at the source. These are not trivial dreams. They speak to a very human desireto heal, to protect, to give the next generation a better life than the last. Yet the same tools that can remove a disease can also be turned toward more troubling aims. Once we accept the idea of editing genes to avoid illness, how easily might the line shift toward editing for height, appearance, intelligence, or temperament? What begins as medicine can slowly slide into manufacturing, where children risk being seen less as gifts and more as products with specifications. History shows that whenever humans gain a powerful new tool, the temptation to push its boundaries is strongand not always wise. At the heart of this debate is a simple but unsettling question: what does it mean to be human? Our weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and imperfections have always been part of that answer. They shape our character, deepen our empathy, and remind us of our limits. If we try to iron out every perceived flaw, are we improving humanityor erasing something essential about it? Ethics asks us to pause at that threshold and consider not just what we gain, but what we might lose. There is also the matter of consent. Future generations will live with the genetic decisions we make today, yet they have no voice in the choices that could define their bodies and lives. Editing the genes of embryos or reproductive cells means making permanent alterations that ripple forward, possibly for centuries. Any error, prejudice, or short-term fashion baked into those decisions becomes part of the human story long after the original scientists and policymakers are gone. Acting with such farreaching power demands a humility that our political and commercial systems do not always display. Power and inequality deepen the ethical tension. Who will truly benefit from genetic engineering? If these technologies remain expensive and controlled by a few companies and wellfunded institutions, they may widen existing divides. The wealthy could shield their children from certain diseases while poorer families continue to face them. If enhancements ever become realwhether physical, cognitive, or cosmeticthose who can pay may pull even further ahead. In an already unequal world, genetic privilege could become the most lasting and dangerous inequality of all. This is not a hypothetical fear. Our history carries the painful memory of eugenicsprograms that sought to improve the human population by excluding, sterilising, or eliminating those deemed unfit. Today, the language has softened, but the risk remains. Whenever we speak casually about eliminating certain traits, or when societies pressure parents to avoid having children with disabilities, we edge towards a mindset that ranks some lives as more valuable than others. Ethical reflection is not an obstacle to progress here; it is a shield against repeating our darkest mistakes. Religious and cultural perspectives add another layer to the debate. For many faiths, life is considered sacred, and the natural order is not something to be corrected lightly. Even for those without religious belief, there is often an intuitive discomfort with the idea of playing godof assuming absolute authority over lifes design. But ethics need not be framed as a simple yes-or-no answer. It can, instead, help us draw careful distinctions: between healing and enhancement, between compassion and control, between respecting life and remaking it in our own narrow image. Regulation and public oversight are crucial in this landscape. Leaving genetic engineering entirely in the hands of private interests or isolated research labs is a recipe for mistrust and potential abuse. Decisions with consequences for the whole of humanity cannot be quietly made behind closed doors. We need laws that protect human dignity, prevent discrimination, and ban clearly dangerous practicessuch as designer babies built for vanity or profit. Just as importantly, we need global cooperation, because genes do not respect borders; what one country allows can affect everyone. But rules alone are not enough. Ethical conversations must move beyond technical committees and expert circles into public life. Ordinary citizens have a stake in how these technologies are used and should not be reduced to passive spectators. The language around genetic engineering is often complex and intimidating, but that is precisely why media, educators, and civil society must work to make it understandable. When people grasp what is actually at stake, they are better able to voice informed support, caution, or opposition. We should also resist both extremes: blind celebration of every new breakthrough and total rejection of genetic science. It would be cruel to close the door on therapies that could spare children immense suffering. Yet it would be equally dangerous to rush ahead as though every new capability automatically counts as progress. Ethics, at its best, asks us to balance hope with prudence. It does not say ever, but it often says ot yet, or ot in this way. In the end, the debate over ethics and genetic engineering is less about the lab and more about the kind of society we want to build. Do we value diversity in all its forms, including disability and difference? Do we believe that every life has equal worth, regardless of genetic makeup? Are we willing to accept limits on what we do with our power, even when the technology tempts us to go further? These are questions that no algorithm and no geneediting tool can answer for us. As we stand at this threshold, one thing is clear: our moral reasoning must keep pace with our scientific advances. If technology races ahead while ethics trails behind, we risk letting speed, profit, or fear set our course. Genetic engineering will shape the future in some formthat much seems inevitable. The real issue is whether we will shape it with wisdom, compassion, and humility, or allow it to shape us according to the narrow demands of the market and the ambitions of a few. Our genes may carry our past, but our choices today will decide what kind of future they write. ( The Author is a lecturer and freelancer)
From Bloom to PRISM: Rethinking Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
What should education help a child become when information is everywhere, answers are instant, and artificial intelligence can write, explain, translate, calculate, design and create? For many years, a good classroom was often judged by what students knew and how well they could reproduce it. A good student remembered the lesson, answered the teachers questions, completed the written work and performed well in the examination. A good teacher explained clearly, maintained order, completed the syllabus and prepared students for tests. Many of us grew up in such classrooms. Many of us also became teachers in them. These classrooms were not without value. They gave structure to learning. They built habits of attention, memory and hard work. They introduced generations of learners to literature, science, mathematics, history and the wider world. We should therefore be careful before dismissing the past simply because a new technology has arrived. Yet something has clearly changed. A child with access to artificial intelligence can now ask for a summary of a chapter, a translation of a poem, an explanation of a science idea, a draft speech, a set of mathematics questions or even a project plan. Within seconds, AI can produce an answer that might once have taken hours to prepare. This creates a difficult question for education: If machines can increasingly provide answers, what should human beings learn to do better? An emerging idea called PRISM, presented as a framework for AI-native education, offers one possible response. Its five pillars are: P Problem Finding. R Reasoning. I Innovation. S Solutioning. M Mastery. The idea is attractive because it shifts attention from merely knowing answers to finding meaningful problems, thinking carefully, creating possibilities, building useful solutions and learning through reflection. But attractive ideas should not be accepted merely because they sound new. Education has seen many frameworks arrive with bold claims. Some deepen practice; others simply rename what good teachers have always done. PRISM, therefore, deserves both interest and careful questioning. This article reflects on PRISM in relation to Blooms Taxonomy, NEP 2020, NCF-SE 2023, competency-based assessment, teacher agency and the everyday realities of Indian classrooms. We Need Not Throw Bloom Away Most teachers are familiar with Blooms Taxonomy. Even when they do not use its formal language every day, they understand its basic idea: learning should move beyond simple recall. The original taxonomy, developed in the 1950s, helped educators think about different levels of learning. The revised version later expressed these through familiar action words: Remember Understand Apply Analyse Evaluate Create Its contribution to education has been enormous. It helped teachers ask better questions. It reminded curriculum planners that learning is more than memorising facts. It encouraged assessment designers to move beyond recall. Consider a simple example from an English classroom. A teacher may ask: Who wrote the poem? This checks memory. The teacher may then ask: What is the poem about? This checks understanding. A further question may be: How does the poet create a feeling of loss? Now the learner must analyse. And finally: Write a short poem that expresses a similar feeling in the context of your own community. Here, the learner creates. This progression remains useful. AI does not make it meaningless. The problem lies elsewhere. In many classrooms, Blooms Taxonomy has sometimes been reduced to a ladder of verbs pasted into lesson plans. Teachers may write, analyse, evaluate and create in their learning outcomes while the actual classroom still depends on explanation, copying and recall. A higher-order verb on paper does not automatically create deeper learning. Therefore, the case for PRISM should not begin by declaring Bloom outdated. That would be too simple. A better question is: What does Bloom not fully address about learning in a world where humans increasingly think and work alongside intelligent machines? That is where the conversation becomes interesting. The Real Change: Answers Are Becoming Easier to Get For centuries, access to knowledge was limited. Books were scarce. Teachers were major sources of information. Libraries mattered because information was difficult to obtain. Today, the situation is different. A Class IX student can ask an AI tool to explain photosynthesis in simple language. A Class XII student can request a comparison of two poems. A teacher can generate ten questions on a chapter. A learner can translate a paragraph from English into Urdu or Hindi. A student can even ask AI to suggest ideas for a science project. The educational challenge is no longer only access to answers. The deeper challenge is knowing: Which question is worth asking? Which answer can be trusted? What evidence supports it? What has the AI missed? Whose voice is absent? Is the answer fair? Does it fit the local context? What should we do with this knowledge? These are deeply human questions. This is why PRISM begins not with remembering but with problem finding. P Problem Finding: Learning to Notice What Matters Schools are very good at giving students problems. Solve this equation. Answer these questions. Write this essay. Complete this experiment. But life rarely works like a textbook. In real life, the first challenge is often to discover what the actual problem is. Imagine a school where attendance falls sharply during Autumn. A traditional task may ask students to calculate the attendance percentage. That is useful. A PRISM-style task would go further: Why does attendance fall? Is weather/season the main reason? Is transport a problem? Are some children affected more than others? Does the school timetable matter? What evidence do we need before reaching a conclusion? Now the learner is not merely solving a problem chosen by someone else. The learner is learning to see the problem. This has a strong connection with NEP 2020, which calls for less dependence on rote learning and greater attention to critical thinking, inquiry, creativity, problem-solving and meaningful learning. It also connects with NCF-SE 2023, which places strong emphasis on competencies, active learning, discussion, inquiry and the use of knowledge in real situations. In an Indian classroom, problem finding need not begin with expensive technology. A child may notice that drinking water is wasted near the school tap. A group may observe that younger children struggle to read signboards. Students may notice plastic waste near a local stream. A Class XI learner may ask why girls participate less in certain sports. A child in Kashmir may wonder why traditional stories known to grandparents are disappearing from younger childrens lives. Each observation can become the beginning of learning. The teachers role changes from saying, Here is the problem; solve it, to asking, What do you notice? What concerns you? What would you like to understand better? That is a small change in language, but a major change in learning. R Reasoning: Thinking With AI, Not Surrendering Thinking to AI AI can produce confident answers. Confidence, however, is not proof of truth. This makes reasoning one of the most important educational needs of our time. Suppose a student asks AI: Why are floods increasing in my region? The AI may provide a polished answer involving climate change, urban growth, drainage, deforestation and changing rainfall patterns. Should the student simply copy it? No. The learner should ask: Which of these reasons apply to my region? What local evidence is available? Are there government records? What do residents say? Has the AI confused one region with another? Are there other explanations? This is where PRISM connects strongly with the aims of Indian education reform. NEP 2020 repeatedly moves the educational conversation towards critical thinking, inquiry, discussion and problem-solving. NCF-SE 2023 also encourages learners to engage with knowledge rather than merely receive it. A competency is not simply something a learner knows. It involves the ability to draw upon knowledge, skills, values and judgment in a meaningful situation. Reasoning is, therefore not an extra skill to be taught after the syllabus is complete. It should be present inside the teaching of language, mathematics, science, social science, art and vocational education. Consider a literature classroom. Instead of asking only: What is the central idea of the poem? A teacher might ask: The AI gives this interpretation of the poem. Do you agree? Which words or images in the poem support your view? The student now reads the text, examines an AI response, forms a judgment and supports it with evidence. The AI has not replaced thinking. It has become something to think with, about and sometimes against. I Innovation: Giving Learners Permission to Try Innovation is often misunderstood as invention on a grand scale. We imagine laboratories, robots, start-ups and major discoveries. But in education, innovation can begin with a simple question: Can we do this in a better way? A group of students notices that newly admitted children are unable to understand school instructions because the language of home differs from the language used in school. What might they do? They could create picture cards. They could record simple audio instructions in local languages. They could design a small multilingual welcome booklet. They could collect familiar words from parents and grandparents. They might use AI to help draft or organise contentbut then ask local speakers to check whether the language is natural and correct. This is innovation rooted in a real need. Such work connects closely with the spirit of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023: experiential learning, multilingualism, art integration, vocational exposure, creativity and meaningful links between school knowledge and life. Innovation also requires permission to fail. This is difficult in classrooms where every answer is marked right or wrong, and every mistake reduces a score. A learner who fears error will rarely experiment. Teachers, therefore, need to create spaces where a first attempt may be incomplete, a model may fail, and an idea may be revised. The message should be: Show me what you tried. Tell me what happened. What will you change next? That is not lowering standards. It is teaching learners how improvement actually happens. S Solutioning: Moving from Ideas to Useful Action The word solutioning may sound unfamiliar, and it deserves careful use. In simple terms, it means moving from an idea to a solution that can be built, tested, improved and used. Imagine that students identify food waste during the school lunch break. They discuss the problem and suggest several ideas. One group proposes awareness posters. Another suggests measuring daily waste. A third recommends smaller first servings with the option of taking more. A meaningful learning process would not end with colourful charts. Students might: observe waste for a week, collect simple data, speak with cooks and students, try one small change, measure what happens, reflect on the result, and improve the plan. This is where learning becomes action. The value of the idea lies not merely in its creativity but in whether it helps. This has direct relevance to project-based learning, vocational education, art education and community-linked learning. A school project should not always end with a file submitted to the teacher. It can end with a tested model, a public presentation, a community message, an improved process or a visible contribution. For Indian classrooms, however, we must remain practical. Not every school has advanced technology. Not every child has a device. Not every teacher has enough time or freedom. PRISM should therefore not become another expensive programme. A meaningful solution may be a hand-drawn map. It may be a low-cost water-saving device. It may be a local-language reading card. It may be a better seating arrangement. It may be a peer-support system. Good education begins with available resources, not imagined resources. M Mastery: Learning, Reflecting and Improving In many schools, learning ends when marks are given. The student submits work. The teacher checks it. The score is recorded. The class moves on. PRISMs idea of mastery asks us to think differently. Mastery is not perfection. It is the growing ability to learn, reflect, adapt and improve. A student writes an essay. The teacher gives feedback. The student revises it. A group presents a project. Peers ask questions. The group improves its explanation. A child reads aloud, listens to a recording of the reading, notices difficulty with pauses and tries again. A teacher completes a lesson and asks: Which children participated? Who remained silent? What did students misunderstand? What should I change tomorrow? This, too, is mastery. The idea has a close relationship with formative assessment, which is central to competency-based education. Assessment should not merely declare what a learner has achieved at the end. It should help the learner take the next step. This is also where reflection journals, portfolios, peer feedback, self-assessment, observation notes and simple rubrics become valuable. PRISM and Competency-Based Assessment If teaching changes but examinations remain unchanged, classroom change will remain limited. A teacher may encourage inquiry throughout the year, but if the final examination rewards only recall, students quickly understand what truly counts. Competency-based assessment asks learners to use what they know. Consider two questions. Question A: Define water conservation. Question B: Your school uses more water than it did last year. Study the given information, identify two possible causes, suggest one practical response and explain how you would know whether it worked. The first question checks recall. The second asks the learner to interpret, reason, propose and judge. A PRISM-informed assessment could go further by examining: Problem Finding: Did the learner identify the real issue? Reasoning: Did the learner use evidence and explain choices? Innovation: Did the learner consider useful possibilities? Solutioning: Could the idea be tried and tested? Mastery: Did the learner reflect and improve? This approach connects naturally with the move towards competency-based assessment in Indian education. Yet we must avoid turning PRISM into five more boxes on a checklist. Not everything valuable can be reduced to a score. Sometimes the teachers observationThe child changed her view after hearing stronger evidencetells us more about learning than a number out of ten. Teacher Agency: No Framework Can Replace the Teachers Judgment This may be the most important point. Education reform often arrives at the teachers desk as instruction: Use this framework. Complete this template. Upload this evidence. Follow this format. When this happens, even a good idea can become a burden. PRISM will have little value if teachers are asked merely to write P, R, I, S and M in lesson plans. Real change requires teacher agencythe professional space to understand learners, adapt teaching, choose examples, change pace, use local knowledge and make informed decisions. A teacher in a rural school in Ladakh may need a different example from a teacher in Delhi. A multilingual classroom in Kashmir may require a different path from an English-medium classroom in Bengaluru. A teacher with forty-five students cannot simply copy a model designed for a class of fifteen. The Indian classroom is not one classroom. There are many classrooms. Some are digitally rich. Some have one shared device. Some have unstable internet access. Some bring together several home languages. Some teachers handle multi-grade groups. Some schools have strong laboratories; others depend on locally made materials. Therefore, an AI-native framework must never become an AI-dependent framework. The strength of a teacher lies partly in knowing what will work here , with these learners , under these conditions . AI can assist. A framework can guide. But professional judgment must remain human. Does PRISM Replace Bloom? It Should Not The claim that education has simply moved from Bloom to PRISM is appealing, but intellectually, it is too neat. Bloom and PRISM appear to answer different questions. Bloom helps us ask: What kind of thinking is the learner doing? PRISM helps us ask: How might the learner move from noticing a meaningful problem to building, testing and improving a response? These are not the same question. A learner working within PRISM will still need to remember facts, understand ideas, apply knowledge, analyse evidence, evaluate choices and create new responses. In other words, Blooms cognitive processes remain present. PRISM may therefore be more useful as a companion to Bloom than as its replacement. This distinction matters because education has a habit of presenting each new framework as the death of the previous one. Good teaching rarely develops that way. It grows by adding, testing, adapting and sometimes returning to older wisdom with new understanding. Questions We Must Ask Before Celebrating PRISM A critical view is necessary. The infographic makes a bold claim about a movement from Bloom to PRISM and presents PRISM as a framework for the future. Before schools or systems adopt it widely, several questions deserve answers. What is its research base? Who developed and tested it? How does it differ from inquiry-based learning, design thinking, project-based learning and experiential learning? Can the five pillars be assessed fairly? Will it work in large classrooms? How will it serve children with limited access to technology? How will it address AI bias, false information and privacy? Could AI-native education create a new divide between children who have rich digital access and those who do not? These are not arguments against PRISM. They are the very kind of questions PRISM itself should welcome. A framework centred on reasoning must be open to reasoned examination. A Simple Classroom Picture Imagine a Class VIII classroom studying waste. The teacher does not begin with a definition on the board. She asks students to observe the school for two days. They notice discarded paper, food waste and plastic wrappers. They decide that food waste is the most urgent issue. That is Problem Finding. They collect information, speak with students and compare possible causes. That is Reasoning. They generate several ideas and choose one to test. That is Innovation. They try smaller first servings for one week and measure the change. That is Solutioning. They study the result, identify weaknesses and improve the plan. That is Mastery. The teacher can still teach language, mathematics, environmental studies and communication through this work. Students can calculate quantities, write reports, conduct interviews, prepare graphs, make presentations and reflect on their learning. No expensive laboratory is required. The change lies mainly in the design of learning. The Future Is Not About Learning Less The line at the bottom of the PRISM infographic says: The future is not about learning more. Its about becoming more. It is a powerful line, but it needs care. Children still need knowledge. They need vocabulary to think. They need facts to reason. They need concepts to understand the world. They need stories, history, science, mathematics, art and language. A child cannot think critically about what they do not know. So the future is not about learning less. It is about refusing to stop at knowing. The deeper promise of PRISM lies here. A learner should be able to notice what others overlook, ask a better question, examine evidence, work with people and tools, create a possible response, test it, learn from failure and begin again. This vision has much in common with the direction of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. It supports the move towards competency, experience, inquiry, creativity, flexibility and meaningful assessment. It also speaks to the need for stronger teacher agency. Yet PRISM should enter Indian education with humility. It should not become another poster. It should not become another compulsory template. It should not suggest that AI is the centre of education. The centre of education remains the growth of the human person. Perhaps, then, the movement from Bloom to PRISM is not a journey from an old framework to a new one. Perhaps it is a reminder that education must keep asking what learning is for. Bloom helped generations of teachers move beyond recall. PRISM now invites us to consider another movement: from receiving problems to finding them, from accepting answers to reasoning about them, from repeating ideas to creating possibilities, from completing tasks to building useful responses, and from chasing marks to becoming lifelong learners. The final question is therefore not whether PRISM will replace Bloom. The more important question is: In an age when machines can produce more answers than any child can remember, can our schools help young people develop the wisdom to ask what matters, the courage to create, the judgment to choose well, and the humility to keep learning? That may be the real work of education in the age of AI. (The Author is Senior Academic Officer, English, SCERT Kashmir School Education Department, J&K)
Priest arrested for stealing gold jewellery and silver articles from house
OTA unveils publicity displays at Nanganallur MetroStation
28-year-old murdered during brawl over liquor
60% of ammonia gas cleared from seafood factory in Tiruvallur
The operation was undertaken by the district administrationand a team of experts; work to remove the remaining gas will resume today
DVAC conducts surprise checks across Tamil Nadu
AIKS welcomes HC notice to Govt in migrant ration PIL
Court seeks clarification on benefits for special category migrants Srinagar, July 4: The All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) on Saturday welcomed the proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on its Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning ration and sugar benefits for the Special Category of Kashmiri Migrants. The matter was heard on July 1 by a Division Bench comprising the Acting Chief Justice and Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani. The court issued notice to the respondents, while the Senior Additional Advocate General accepted notice on behalf of the Union Territory government. The High Court granted the government two weeks to file an affidavit clarifying whether ration and sugar supplies meant for the Special Category of Kashmiri Migrants had been discontinued despite Government Order No. 15-JK(FCS&CA) of 2026. The next hearing has been scheduled for July 21. AIKS said the court's direction was an important procedural development as it sought a specific response from the government on an issue affecting thousands of displaced migrant families. The organisation said the petition was filed to safeguard the rights and welfare of the migrant community and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing legal remedies to protect the entitlements of eligible beneficiaries. AIKS General Secretary Sunil Kaul welcomed the court's intervention and expressed confidence that the matter would receive fair consideration. He also appealed to members of the migrant community to remain calm and avoid speculation while the case is under judicial consideration. The organisation also acknowledged the efforts of its legal team led by Senior Advocate P.N. Goja and Advocate Abhinav Jamwal in presenting the matter before the High Court.
Over 46 kg of ganja, 100 kg of gutkha seized; 11 arrested in Avadi
Corporation begins desilting of lakes and canals in Chennai ahead of monsoon
CWC orders Principal's transfer over child safety lapses
Inquiry ordered after alleged harassment of Class 5 student Srinagar, July 4: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, has directed the transfer of a private school principal and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the institution's child protection mechanisms after finding serious lapses in handling a complaint involving alleged sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation of a student. The committee took suo motu cognisance of the case in June following information that a Class 5 student had allegedly been subjected to repeated harassment, threats and inappropriate conduct by a senior student within the school premises. After examining complaints, statements of parents, the school's response, counselling reports and a social investigation report, the CWC observed that the school initiated remedial measures only after the committee intervened. It noted deficiencies in the institution's safeguarding systems and held that the matter was not addressed in the manner expected from the head of an educational institution. The committee observed that instead of ensuring proper reporting, counselling and child protection measures, the school issued a transfer certificate to the affected child after his parents expressed concern over his emotional distress and the handling of the matter. Directing the management to transfer the principal, the CWC said he must undergo certified training on child rights, child protection laws, safeguarding standards and mandatory reporting obligations before being entrusted with charge of any educational institution. The committee also ordered the school to strengthen its child protection policy, introduce effective anti bullying measures, establish confidential complaint mechanisms and conduct an independent inquiry into any similar incidents that may have occurred in the institution. The victim child has been directed to receive continued counselling and be reintegrated into the school in a safe and supportive environment. The alleged child has also been ordered to undergo psychological counselling and rehabilitation. The school has been asked to submit a compliance report within 15 days, while the Chief Education Officer, Srinagar, has been directed to ensure periodic child safeguarding audits in recognised schools across the district.
ITBP chief treks 16 km to review Yatra security
Srinagar, July 4: Director General of the (ITBP), , undertook a 16-kilometre trek on Saturday to review security arrangements along the twin routes of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026, covering both the Baltal and Pahalgam axes. During the inspection, the DG interacted with ITBP personnel deployed along the pilgrimage route and reviewed the operational preparedness and security measures in place for the annual yatra. He commended the troops for their dedication, professionalism and round-the-clock vigilance in ensuring the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims. ITBP personnel, deployed from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes up to the Holy Cave Shrine, remain on high alert and maintain a robust security grid in coordination with other security forces to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims throughout the yatra. Commending the force for its vigilance and round-the-clock efforts, the DG reaffirmed the ITBP's commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and seamless pilgrimage for all devotees. The force continues to play a key role in security, disaster response and emergency assistance along the yatra routes in close coordination with other security agencies and the civil administration.
Baltal Transforms into Festival of Faith
Baltal, Pahalgam: The second day of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra witnessed Baltal transform into a vibrant hub of devotion, celebration and economic activity, as thousands of pilgrims continued their journey to the Holy Cave Shrine of Baba Barfani amid pleasant weather and elaborate arrangements. From the Baltal Base Camp to the Holy Cave, and along the traditional Pahalgam route beginning at Nunwan Base Camp, an unmistakable festive atmosphere has taken over. The chants of devotees, bustling camps, busy markets and smiling faces of people associated with the pilgrimage together paint a picture of faith blending seamlessly with livelihood. For thousands of local residents, the annual pilgrimage is much more than a religious eventit is their most important source of income. Pony owners, pithoo (porters), palki and dandi carriers, tent operators, shopkeepers, food vendors and volunteers running free community kitchens (langars) are all witnessing brisk activity as the number of pilgrims steadily increases. The administration has stated that more than 20,000 pilgrims have already paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji in the initial days of the pilgrimage, with the figure expected to rise further in the coming days. The growing influx of pilgrims has brought renewed optimism among locals whose livelihoods depend on the Yatra. Mohammad Afzal, a tent operator at Baltal, said he sets up his tents every year because the pilgrimage is the primary source of livelihood for his family. He expressed happiness over the increasing number of devotees and hoped the pilgrimage would continue peacefully with a larger turnout. Similarly, Noor Mohammad, a pithoo working along the Baltal route, said the Yatra provides employment to hundreds of local youth every year. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities created by the pilgrimage and wished for even more devotees to visit the Holy Cave this season. Not only Baltal, but the surroundings of the Holy Cave itself are witnessing remarkable activity. Tent accommodations, free langars and essential services are operating round the clock to ensure pilgrims receive food, shelter and assistance during their spiritual journey. The Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam and the entire traditional route leading to the Holy Cave are also witnessing a similar festive spirit, with pilgrims moving enthusiastically towards the sacred shrine amid favourable weather conditions.
FIR filed over woman's death at IVF centre
Investigation underway; records seized from centre: Officials Srinagar, July 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the death of a 35-year-old woman from Baramulla who died on July 1 during a medical procedure at Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre in Hyderpora. Health officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered and that police are investigating all aspects and circumstances that led to the woman's death. The deceased, a resident of Darwa village in Wagoora, Baramulla, had visited the IVF centre for treatment. Her death sparked massive protests by her family members, who accused the treating doctor of gross medical negligence and demanded an investigation into the incident. According to family sources, the woman was originally from Bandipora and was married in Wagoora. She had been admitted to Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre for a uterine procedure. Her husband and other family members alleged that her condition deteriorated soon after she was administered anaesthesia during the procedure. They further claimed in their statement that instead of informing them about her critical condition, the doctors shifted her to Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar. The woman's husband alleged that doctors at Shireen Bagh informed the family that she had died before being brought to the hospital. The incident has raised serious concerns over the functioning and regulation of private medical institutions performing specialised procedures. Following the woman's death, the IVF centre was locked, and its staff allegedly fled the premises. The family has demanded strict legal action against those found responsible and has held Dr. Sajad Wani, the owner of the centre, accountable for the woman's death. Officials investigating the case said the matter is under probe and that all relevant records and documents of the centre have already been seized as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, health officials revealed that the facility had been operating as an IVF centre without obtaining mandatory registration from the competent authorities. They said registration for IVF centres is granted by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, and the Hyderpora-based facility had been functioning without the required approval. Officials also confirmed that the centre remained locked after the incident and that its staff had left the premises. A preliminary inquiry has been initiated jointly by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Srinagar, to examine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death and ascertain whether any violations of medical protocols or regulatory norms had occurred.
Beating heat : Polluted water bodies pose risk to children: Experts
Doctors warn of vacation drownings, infections Polluted water can cause Hepatitis A, typhoid: Dr Naik Srinagar, July 4: As Kashmir braces for the summer vacation period from July 6 to July 19, doctors and environmental experts have issued a strong warning against children bathing in rivers, lakes and streams across the Valley, saying polluted water bodies are posing serious health and safety risks during the peak summer season. With temperatures soaring in recent weeks, children across Srinagar and other districts have increasingly been seen swimming in the Jhelum, Dal Lake and local streams to escape the heat. Riverbanks and canals often turn into makeshift swimming spots during school holidays, drawing large groups of children every afternoon. However, health experts caution that the seasonal trend is increasingly leading to drowning incidents and water-borne infections. Renowned child specialist Dr Suhail Naik told Rising Kashmir drowning cases involving children witness a sharp rise during summer vacations when many youngsters venture into deep or unsafe waters without supervision. Every year, several drowning incidents are reported during the summer break. Children are naturally attracted to water, but many fail to understand the depth, current and hidden dangers in these rivers and lakes, he said. Dr. Naik said polluted water bodies are also exposing children to serious diseases and infections. Bathing in contaminated water can lead to illnesses such as Hepatitis A, typhoid, skin infections and colitis. Many children later require hospitalization because of infections contracted from unsafe water, he said. He urged parents to keep children away from polluted water channels, particularly the Jhelum and Dal Lake, which continue to face increasing environmental degradation and sewage contamination. Environmental expert Dr Tanveer Ahamd Khan said Kashmirs natural water sources are largely clean at their origin, but pollution intensifies as streams and rivers pass through populated areas. The contamination begins because of human activity, sewage discharge, waste dumping and environmental neglect. These pollutants severely affect the quality of water flowing through our lakes and rivers, he said. Dr. Khan warned that children remain particularly vulnerable to bacteria and pollutants present in contaminated water due to their relatively sensitive immune systems. Environmentalists say years of unchecked waste disposal, encroachments and shrinking ecological safeguards have significantly deteriorated the condition of Kashmirs water bodies despite repeated awareness campaigns. As the Valley enters the peak summer break season, doctors and environmental experts have appealed to parents to remain vigilant, warning that a moment of relief from the heat should not turn into a preventable tragedy.
Farooq greets people on Guru Hargobind Jis Prakash Purab
Srinagar, July, 04 : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday extended warm greetings to the people, especially the Sikh community, on the sacred occasion of the annual Prakash Purab of Shri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji Maharaj. In his message, Dr. Farooq Abdullah paid rich tributes to Guru Hargobind Singh Ji Maharaj, describing him as a beacon of courage, compassion, justice, and spiritual enlightenment. On this sacred Prakash Purab, I offer my humble tributes to Shri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji Maharaj, whose life and teachings continue to inspire humanity to uphold truth, righteousness, selfless service, and the courage to stand against oppression. May this auspicious occasion strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, and peace, and bring happiness, prosperity, and well-being to all, he said. Among others MP Rajya Sabha and the Party Treasurer Shami Oberoi, and Minority wing Convenor Sardar JS Azad have also extended warm greetings to people hoping the day augurs well for the increased prospects of peace and prosperity in J&K, Ladakh and the country.
Dialogue between Ind-Pak must for lasting peace: Hakeem Yaseen
Srinagar, July 4: President of the People's Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday said that calls being made by various sections of society for dialogue between India and Pakistan are a welcome development, asserting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always longed for peace, stability and a better future. In a statement issued here, Yaseen said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered the consequences of prolonged uncertainty and tensions for decades and, therefore, any sincere effort aimed at promoting peace deserves appreciation. The overwhelming majority of people in Jammu and Kashmir want peace. They want their children to grow up in a peaceful environment, free from fear and uncertainty. Dialogue has always been regarded as the most effective and civilized way of resolving differences, and it remains the way forward, he said. Yaseen observed that in recent times, several political leaders, intellectuals, retired officials and members of civil society have been advocating the need for renewed engagement between India and Pakistan through seminars, conferences and public discussions held in Kashmir. While welcoming such initiatives, he said these voices should not remain confined to the Valley alone. It is encouraging that people are speaking about peace and dialogue. However, those who genuinely believe that engagement between India and Pakistan is necessary should also raise these issues in New Delhi. The national capital is the country's principal policy-making platform, and such appeals are likely to have greater relevance and impact there, he said. He added that repeatedly raising the issue only in Kashmir could create unrealistic expectations among the people or lead to misunderstandings regarding where crucial policy decisions are made. Those who organize seminars and workshops in Kashmir should also organize similar programmes in New Delhi and present their views before policymakers, opinion makers and national institutions. That would strengthen the credibility of their efforts and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the cause of peace, Yaseen said. The PDF President said that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through mutual understanding, confidence-building measures and sustained diplomatic engagement. He stressed that promoting dialogue should not be viewed through a political lens but as a humanitarian necessity that serves the interests of millions of people living on both sides.
Sagar distributes 14.20 Lakh relief to Khanyar fire victims
Srinagar, 04 Jul: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar Saturday distributed financial relief among families affected by recent fire incidents in Syedpora and Nowhatta. A relief amount of 60,000 each was provided to 17 affected families in Syedpora, Nowhatta, and 7 affected families in Nowhatta, amounting to a total assistance of 14.20 lakh. The relief was disbursed from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of Hon'ble MLA Khanyar, Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar. Speaking on the occasion, Sagar reiterated his commitment to standing by the people during difficult times and assured the affected families of every possible support. He emphasized that public service and timely assistance to those in distress remain their foremost priority. The beneficiaries and local residents expressed their gratitude and appreciated the prompt intervention and relentless efforts of Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar in ensuring that the relief reached the deserving families without delay. MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar was also present on the occasion.
Streetlights on Container Road to be commissioned by July 15
Tarigami seeks crackdown on substandard pesticides
Srinagar, July 04: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, has urged the government to act against the sale of substandard pesticides in Kashmir and to tighten checking at Qazigund for all pesticides, fertilisers and hybrid plants entering the valley from outside. Tarigami said fruit drop was reported last month in Sugu, Sugu Handhama and Kachdoora villages of Shopian, where growers alleged apples fell prematurely from trees within days of spraying a fungicide containing Mancozeb. He added that complaints spread from the initial villages to adjoining areas, and the Enforcement Wing has since approached the District Court Shopian seeking sanction for prosecution against two dealers under the Insecticides Act, 1968. He said the Shopian incident is not an isolated one. He added that enforcement drives against spurious pesticide and fertiliser dealers have been carried out in the past across Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Budgam and Srinagar districts as well, and that a 2025 sampling exercise found the overwhelming majority of non-standard samples traced to Kashmir division rather than Jammu. He also cited the government's own enforcement data. He said 149 prosecutions have been registered over spurious pesticides and 110 over fertiliser samples across Jammu and Kashmir, with Rs 1.31 lakh recovered as fines, and added that the scale of these numbers points to a problem spread across the valley rather than confined to one district. Tarigami said the check post at Lower Munda, Qazigund, was set up to intercept unauthorized movement of agricultural inputs into the valley, and plant material brought from outside is required to undergo quarantine at Post Entry Quarantine facilities for up to two years before release. He added that this system needs to be enforced without gaps, particularly during peak spraying season, when demand pressure increases the risk of diversion and sale of unverified stock.
Police officers suspended for alleged drinking while on duty
Experts highlight early detection, lifestyle changes to reduce dementia risk
MLAs call on CM Omar, discuss constituency issues
Srinagar, July 04: Several Legislators called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Raabita here on Saturday and apprised him of various developmental and constituency-specific issues requiring the governments attention. Among those who met the Chief Minister were MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, and MLA Banihal, Sajad Shaheen. The legislators highlighted a range of issues concerning infrastructure development, public services and other matters related to their respective constituencies. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the legislators and discussed the issues raised by them in detail. He assured them that all genuine concerns projected during the meetings would be examined on priority and addressed in a time-bound manner. Reiterating his governments commitment to equitable development and responsive governance, the Chief Minister said that the concerns and aspirations of the people from every region of Jammu and Kashmir would continue to receive focused attention to ensure balanced and inclusive development.
Book Controversy: Academic jihad against country: LoP Sharma
Schools cannot be used for anti-national propaganda Seeks probe into approvals and action against officials Srinagar, July 4: Senior BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Education Department over the circulation of a controversial book in government school libraries, terming the episode an academic jihad against the country. He demanded the immediate dismissal of the Education Minister Sakeena Itoo from the cabinet. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma alleged that the book titled Personalities & Legends of J&K contains anti-national content and glorifies separatists, terrorists and stone-pelters while portraying India and its security forces negatively. Calling the publication academically dangerous, the BJP leader said educational institutions should not be used to poison young minds through what he described as ideological propaganda disguised as literature. This is not education; this is academic jihad against India. Such content cannot be allowed in schools where children are meant to learn patriotism, truth and history based on facts, Sharma said while demanding an immediate ban on the book. The LoP alleged that the publication had been approved by a committee constituted by the Education Department before being supplied to government school libraries across Jammu and Kashmir. He demanded a judicial or high-level probe into the entire approval and distribution process to identify those responsible. Sharma further sought strict action against the authors, publishers, distributors and officials allegedly involved in clearing the book for circulation. He also called for legal proceedings against all those found responsible during the investigation. Accusing the Education Department of committing a serious lapse, Sharma said accountability must extend to the ministerial level and demanded the removal of the Education Minister from the cabinet. Referring to decisions taken during the Lieutenant Governors administration, Sharma said nearly 25 books containing similar content had earlier been withdrawn or banned and urged the present government to take immediate corrective measures. Responding to questions from reporters, Sharma alleged that the publication refers to individuals accused or convicted in terror-related cases as martyrs while ignoring the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians killed in militancy-related violence. He urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration and investigating agencies to act swiftly, saying the issue concerns not only education but also national integrity and the future of coming generations.
ASMITA canoeing championship gets under way in Vizag
Good conduct earns freedom for 24 life convicts across Karnataka
Custodial death case: Sai Krishnas mother pleads police for his mortal remains
Family members of the victim depose before the magisterial inquiry; mother alleges slow investigation
Sacred groves key to biodiversity conservation, says study
Court rejects BJP councillor R. Sugathan's bail plea
Kharge urges fresh start for 24 life convicts released on good conduct
The Parandur airport project was not part of the review as it will be discussed at a separate meeting, sources say
Officials on alert with rise in dengue cases
Minister inaugurates restoredbuilding of District Museum in Vellore fort complex
Prior to the restored building, the district museum was cramped with visitors due to limited space. Some artefacts were kept in the open, outside the building
Mamata hits out at Trinamool rebels, dares them to join BJP
The former West Bengal Chief Minister, broke her weeks-long silence when her party had split with a majority of MLAs and MPs deciding to switch their loyalties after the defeat in the Assembly polls; accuses the rebels of betraying the party after winning on the party symbol
Woman dies after fall from 12th floor in Kondapur; police register case
HPCL, NGOs organise seed-ball drive to promote green cover
Nurses to intensify protest after hospital owners skip conciliation talks
Police should act impartially in caste killing crimes: NGO
TNPCB takes water samples from farm wells along Palar River in Tirupattur after complaints of froth
TNPCB officials said that the expert team will coordinate with the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board to ensure that residents get a permanent solution for froth formation in water bodies
